INQToday: PCG to give ‘perimeter security’ vs ‘unauthorized vessels’ in Balikatan site

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

PCG to give ‘perimeter security’ vs ‘unauthorized vessels’ in Balikatan site

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will provide “perimeter security” to military troops participating in this year’s “Balikatan” (shoulder-to-shoulder) exercises within the Philippine and international waters, in case “unauthorized vessels” approach the area, according to its spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo.

Although PCG will deploy six vessels — four multi-role response vessels and two larger patrol vessels — during the war games between the Philippines and the United States (US), Balilo said they will act on “limited capacity” during the multilateral maritime exercise.

Groups opposing Balikatan with US: It brings PH-China conflict

Several progressive groups have insisted that the Balikatan military exercises between the Philippines and the United States (US) only put the Asian country in harm’s way, as it could trigger higher tensions over the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Karapatan, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), Gabriela party list, and Bayan Muna party-list released separate statements on Monday condemning President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration for allowing the exercises. All of them said that the war drill only placed the Philippines in China’s crosshairs.

Hontiveros presses PNP to get Quiboloy’s guns: ‘Why so slow?’

The Philippine National Police (PNP) could now confiscate the firearms of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy based on the cases lodged against him, Senator Risa Hontiveros said on Monday.

Quiboloy faces two arrest orders from the Davao and Pasig courts for sexual abuse and human trafficking charges.

Poe, Binay question proposed Edsa exclusive lane for motorcycles

Two senators on Monday questioned proposals to put up an exclusive motorcycle lane along Edsa, pointing out that fact-based study and accurate data are needed to solve perennial traffic in Metro Manila and not “mere experiments.”

For her part, Senator Grace Poe said the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) proposal is “understandable,” but she admitted that she is “curious” how the agency would create a dedicated lane in Edsa considering the limited road space in the area.

Fire hits Naia Terminal 3 parking lot; at least 19 cars torched

Several vehicles were destroyed by a fire that broke out at the parking lot of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal 3 Monday afternoon, according to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

No injuries were reported while flight operations were not affected.