Author: Jericho Zafra

MANILA, Philippines — China’s research vessel Ke Xue San Hao has been reportedly “surveying” inside the country’s exclusive economic zone, defense and maritime security expert Ray Powell said Tuesday. This came just days after another ramming incident in the disputed West Philippine Sea and exactly a month after the Philippine Coast Guard first reported the presence of the Chinese vessel that has been surveying the country’s shoals as early as July. As of 7:36 a.m., Powell said that the research vessel is situated just 85 nautical miles or about 158 kilometers west of Southern Palawan. Prior to the presence of…

MANILA, Philippines — Poland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Radosław Sikorski is set to visit the Philippines Tuesday, ahead of the 50th anniversary of the Philippines and the latter’s establishment of diplomatic relations, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Monday. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced that Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs Radosław Sikorski will make an official visit to the Philippines from September 3 to 5. This visit aligns with the 50th anniversary celebrations of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Diplomatic ties between Poland and the Philippines were first established on September 22, 1973. This will be the…

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration reported Tuesday that 15 undocumented foreign nationals from China and Malaysia have been arrested for trying to enter the country through speedboats in Tawi-Tawi. On Sept. 1, about 15 undocumented foreign nationals were arrested in Tawi-Tawi by law enforcement agencies. BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco reported that the group included eight Chinese and seven Malaysians who had entered the Philippines on two speedboats. The arrests were made by a joint team from the Maritime Industry Authority, Philippine Navy, and Philippine Army during a maritime patrol in the border areas. “Early morning today, we received…

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has urged Filipinos to protect and preserve the country’s maritime and archipelagic resources at the height of tensions in the disputed waters and diminishing coasts in the country. “Our country is fortunate and blessed with vast maritime and archipelagic resources that can be utilized for the benefit of our people. As stewards of this incredible gift, it is incumbent upon us to preserve and develop these resources to their fullest potential,” Marcos said in his video message for the Maritime and Archipelagic Awareness Month on Monday. His message came just days after another incident of…

MANILA, Philippines — Amid the heavy rainfall brought upon by the Typhoon Enteng in the country, President Marcos said Monday that the national government will try to release the bulletin “as early as possible” for tomorrow. “We will try to give the bulletin as early as possible for work and school tomorrow (Tuesday),” Marcos said on the sidelines of the 2024 National Peace Consciousness Month and the Commemoration of the 28th Anniversary of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front at Malacañan Palace. Marocs told local government units to monitor the tropical cyclone and advise early…

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines recorded a total of 3,785 cases of leptospirosis from January 1 to August 17 this year, a figure five times higher compared to the same period last year, the Department of Health (DOH) said Monday. The DOH reported that there were 3,605 cases of leptospirosis during the same period last year, indicating a significant increase in 2023. According to the DOH, the number of cases surged from 251 between July 7 and 20 to 1,184 from July 21 to August 3—a nearly fivefold increase. This spike occurred while the Philippines experienced habagat rains and Super…

MANILA, Philippines — As authorities near the completion of the cleanup of 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel oil from the sunken MTKR Terranova tanker, recovery efforts have been temporarily paused due to adverse weather conditions brought on by Typhoon Enteng. In its situation report on Monday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said that as of 8:00 p.m. Sunday, a total of 1,254,889.58 liters of industrial fuel oil has now been recovered. The breakdown of oil recovered since August 19 is as follows: – August 19: 2,350 liters – August 20: 36,100 liters – August 21: 42,026 liters – August…

MANILA, Philippines — At least 11 national roads are either closed or restricted to heavy vehicles only due to the flooding caused by Tropical Cyclone Enteng, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Monday. The DPWH — Bureau of Maintenance (DPWH-BOM) has identified the following roads in the following provinces that are closed to vehicular traffic: Rizal Province 1) Manila East Road, Barangay San Juan in Morong, Barangay Gamo and Tandang Kutyo sections in Tanay, and Barangay Takungan and Bagumbayan sections in Pililla; 2) JP Rizal St. in Baras; and 3) Sagbat Pililla Diversion Road in Barangay Maybancal, Morong.…

MANILA, Philippines — Three Malaysian nationals, who claimed to be members of Quiboloy’s KOJC were barred from entering the Philippines after discovering their alleged intent to participate in one of the rallies supporting the embattled fugitive-preacher. In a statement, Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco revealed that three passengers were sent back to Malaysia on August 28, although the report was only released to the press on Sunday. The trio, identified as Jessica Lynn Henry, Mimielianna Annie Anak Leesoi, and Andrijosebaul Anak Garra—all in their mid-20s—arrived at NAIA Terminal 1 on the night of August 27 on a Philippine Airlines flight from…

MANILA, Philippines — The number of stranded passengers due to the effects of Typhoon Enteng has risen to 2,413, the Philippine Coast Guard said Monday. In its situation report, the PCG said that from 12:00 p.m. to 4 a.m. this Monday 1638 passengers have been stranded so far in the ports of Southern Tagalog, Bicol, and Eastern Visayas. A total of 39 vessels, 610 rolling cargoes, and four motorbancas are also stranded, while 15 vessels and 28 motorbancas are taking shelters in these ports, the PCG said. Authorities said that a total of 1,638 passengers are currently stranded in the…