INQToday: AFP says Arbitral Award not up for debate: China’s claim over WPS invalid

AFP says Arbitral Award not up for debate: China’s claim over WPS invalid

The Armed Forces of the Philippines says the 2016 Arbitral Award is no longer up for debate after China claimed ownership of Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea.

Hence, AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar said China’s renewed assertion that it owns Pagasa Island, which is located well within the West Philippine Sea, is merely based on what they believe in.

Marcos says PH is ‘increasing its capability’ to defend territory in WPS 

President Bongbong Marcos says the country is now more capable of defending itself and its “sovereign territory” in the West Philippine Sea.

The President asserted this amid the string of aggression by Chinese vessels against the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

Transport chief Bautista sues Manibela leader, journalist for cyber libel

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista filed before the Department of Justice a cyber libel complaint against a transport group leader and a broadcaster after being accused of involvement in corrupt activities in the agency.

4 suspects in criminology student’s hazing death in QCPD’s custody

The Quezon City Police District says four suspects in the alleged hazing that led to the death of a Philippine College of Criminology student are already under police custody.

A QCPD report Tuesday said the suspects were identified as Justine Artates, 20; Kyle Michael Cordeta, 21; Lexer Angelo Manarpies, 20; and Mark Leo Andales, 20 — all members of Tau Gamma Phi Fraternity-Philippine College of Criminology Chapter.

House takes down website again as new suspicious, unusual activities seen

House of Representatives Secretary General Reginald Velasco says the lower chamber’s website has been taken down again after new suspicious and unusual activities were seen.

In a statement on Tuesday, Velasco said that they voluntarily took down the website as a precautionary measure.

Comelec allows transfer of ‘incompetent’ PhilHealth execs amid poll ban

The Commission on Elections says it authorized the transfer of seven “incompetent” officials of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation despite a prevailing poll ban.

In a memorandum dated October 16, the poll body granted the request of Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, who also sits as chairman of PhilHealth’s board.

 Still no leads in search for missing beauty queen Catherine Camilon – police

Authorities say they have yet to establish a lead on  the disappearance of Catherine Camilon, a Miss Grand Philippines 2023 candidate who allegedly went missing last October 12.

Citing police reports, Solomon said Camilon was reported missing by her mother and sister days after she went missing while traveling from Tuy to Batangas City on October 12.