INQToday: LPA to enter PAR on Saturday; may become tropical cyclone

Chinese vessels at Ayungin seen in ‘invasion’ mode

A maritime security expert says Chinese ships staged a rare “invasion” of Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea in a “calculated show of force by Beijing.”

As many as 11 Chinese maritime militia vessels were observed in the Philippine-held shoal while dozens more clustered in the periphery on Monday, a day after the tension-filled supply run, said Ray Powell, SeaLight director at the Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation, citing satellite images by Planet Labs.

LPA to enter PAR on Saturday; may become tropical cyclone

The state weather bureau says the low-pressure area off Mindanao forecast to enter the Philippine area of responsibility may intensify into a tropical cyclone.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration, the LPA was last seen 1,595 kilometers east of Southeastern Mindanao. It is expected to enter the PAR on Saturday.

NewJeans, SB19 win big at Asia Artist Awards 2023

K-Pop group NewJeans and P-Pop powerhouse SB19 dominated the Asia Artist Awards 2023, which took place at the Philippine Arena on Thursday.