INQToday: Villar opposes Quiboloy arrest; Surge in Chinese ships observed during resupply missions

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

PH observes surge in Chinese ships during Ayugin resupply missions

There is a dramatic increase of Chinese ships when it’s time for the rotation and resupply mission (Rore) for the BRP Sierra Madre in the West Philippine Sea, an Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) official said on Thursday.

“Our observation is when it’s time for Rore, they usually surge their numbers and presence in Ayungin Shoal,” said AFP Western Command chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos in a phone interview with reporters.

Boat water cannoned by China to be used anew in next Ayungin mission

The biggest resupply boat which was recently water cannoned by two China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels will be used again for the next mission in Ayungin Shoal, an Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) official said on Thursday.

The Unaizah Mae 4 was deployed for the first time on Tuesday to test if it could come close to the BRP Sierra Madre, according to AFP Western Command chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos.

Villar opposes arrest of Quiboloy: ‘You don’t do that to a friend’

Senator Cynthia Villar has signed a document seeking to reverse a Senate panel’s request to arrest Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) pastor Apollo Quiboloy.

“Pumirma na ako kahapon (I signed yesterday.),” Villar said in a phone patch interview with Senate reporters on Thursday.

I’m not plotting a coup vs Zubiri – Sen. Cynthia Villar

Senator Cynthia Villar on Thursday said that she is not plotting a coup d’etat against Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri.

An alleged attempt to unseat Zubiri was confirmed on Monday by Senator Imee Marcos.

NFA chief: ‘No irregularities in the disposition of rice stocks’

No irregularities were committed in disposing of the government’s rice stocks, suspended National Food Authority (NFA) chief Roderico Bioco maintained.

During a hearing of the House committee on agriculture and food on Thursday, Bioco said existing NFA rules and regulations were followed in the sale of the rice buffer stocks. He also explained that the sale was only made to ensure the rice was properly disposed of before it became unsuitable for human consumption.

2 PH transgenders in Bangkok brawl face deportation, fine

Instead of facing charges for assault and battery, the two Filipino transwomen involved in a brawl in Bangkok may just be deported and obliged to pay a fine, said Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de  Vega on Thursday.

De Vega, however, emphasized that the decision on the matter has yet to be finalized.