West Philippine Sea

  • Philippines, US hold 8th joint naval exercise in waters off Mindoro

    Philippines, US hold 8th joint naval exercise in waters off Mindoro

    Philippine and American naval forces have completed their eighth bilateral maritime training exercise in strategic waters stretching from Zambales to Occidental Mindoro. The location near Mindoro holds particular strategic importance, positioned close to major shipping…

  • Chinese warships monitored anew in Mindoro seawaters

    Chinese warships monitored anew in Mindoro seawaters

    Philippine government authorities are tracking three Chinese naval vessels operating in disputed waters near Mindoro island, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Sunday, July 13, 2025. PCG said its patrol vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua…

  • Lawmakers Propose Mandatory West Philippine Sea Education in Schools

    Lawmakers Propose Mandatory West Philippine Sea Education in Schools

    A group of Filipino lawmakers have filed legislation requiring all schools to teach students about the West Philippine Sea dispute, as tensions with China over the contested waters continue to escalate. House Bill 1625, filed…

  • Chinese Vessel Near Mindoro Waters Triggers Alarm

    Chinese Vessel Near Mindoro Waters Triggers Alarm

    A Chinese research vessel traversing seawaters near Mindoro island yesterday has prompted security concerns and a monitoring operation by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), as tensions continue in the disputed West Philippine Sea. The vessel,…

  • Cong. Panaligan: PH to Add New Guided Missile Frigate to Navy Fleet

    Cong. Panaligan: PH to Add New Guided Missile Frigate to Navy Fleet

    The Philippine Navy is set to strengthen its maritime capabilities with the addition of a new guided missile frigate currently undergoing sea trials in South Korean waters, according to Oriental Mindoro Congressman Arnan Panaligan, vice-chairman…

  • Chinese Ships Confronted Off Mindoro as PH Steps Up Patrols

    Chinese Ships Confronted Off Mindoro as PH Steps Up Patrols

    Government forces have confronted Chinese vessels operating off the coast of Mindoro island, as tensions escalate over Chinese Coast Guard’s presence in disputed waters of the West Philippine Sea. The confrontation occurred recently when Philippine…

  • Advocacy Campaign for West Philippine Sea Protection Launched in Mindoro

    Advocacy Campaign for West Philippine Sea Protection Launched in Mindoro

    The national government launched its seventh regional advocacy campaign for the West Philippine Sea on Tuesday in Occidental Mindoro province, as the country continues efforts to assert its maritime rights amid ongoing territorial disputes with…

Founder’S Profile

Romel “Direk” Ferriol Bernardo

Bernardo Creative Ventures, Inc., the company behind Direk Fuels, Oriental Mindoro’s homegrown gas station chain, and Direk Builders, which rents out heavy equipment, is expanding its portfolio by venturing into online media and content production.

The company’s entry into news media is not surprising, as its founder and CEO, Romel “Direk” Bernardo, was a television writer, producer, and director for over 15 years. From 2002 to 2007, he served as a researcher, writer, and producer for GMA-7’s top-rating show Imbestigador before becoming the executive producer for ABS-CBN’s award-winning documentary program, The Correspondents.

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