INQtoday: China violated anti-collision rules in latest WPS incident – PCG

Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories:

China violated anti-collision rules in latest WPS incident – PCG

China violated international rules tom prevent maritime collisions during the Philippine Coast Guard’s nine-day patrol in Bajo de Masinloc, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Jay Tarriela said on Monday.

According to Tarriela, the PCG monitored four Chinese Coast Guard vessels and four Chinese Maritime Militia boats near the BRP Teresa Magbanua.

DOJ chief Remulla to NBI: Probe bomb threats on gov’t agencies

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct a thorough investigation on several bomb threats that hit various national government agencies and local government units on Monday.

“There should be no place for pranks or spreading fear among our people,” Remulla said in a statement.

Suspect behind MSU bombing killed in Lanao del Sur military ops – AFP

One of the suspects allegedly behind the Mindanao State University (MSU) bombing attack last December 3 was killed during a military operation in Lanao del Sur last month, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

In a statement on Monday, AFP confirmed the death of Kadapi Mimbesa, alias “Engineer,” following a clash between the Philippine Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade’s encounter and the Dawlah Islamiyah members in Lanao del Sur from January 25 to 26 this year.

Another 1987 Constitution framer rejects Charter change: Not now

Another framer of the 1987 Constitution, economist Dr. Bernardo Villegas, is turning down moves to amend its economic provisions.

Villegas said the was no need to amend the Constitution now as efforts to revise it only veer government leaders away from more pressing national concerns such as “demonizing poverty” that has been weighing down many Filipinos.

More lawmakers reject ex-Pres. Duterte’s secession call

Some members of the House of Representatives urged former President Rodrigo Duterte and ex-Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez on Sunday to abandon their push for an independent Mindanao, calling the move unconstitutional, reckless, illogical and divisive.

Echoing the President’s stand against a separate South, House Assistant Majority Leader and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Adiong said the South has long been an integral part of the nation, with its rich cultural heritage and diverse population contributing significantly to the country’s identity.