INQToday: China sending huge force in Scarborough ahead of civilian mission – expert

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

China sending huge force in Scarborough ahead of civilian mission – expert

China is sending a “huge force” in Scarborough (Panatag) Shoal ahead of the civilian convoy there, a West Philippine Sea monitor said on Monday.

Ray Powell, director of SeaLight, said that at least four China Coast Guard and 26 “large” Chinese maritime militia are expected to conduct a blockade on the Atin Ito convoy.

AFP: Suspected ‘reclamation’ by China in Escoda Shoal deterred

The suspected reclamation by China in Escoda (Sabina) Shoal has already been deterred, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Monday.

AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said this is due to the presence of the Philippine Coast Guard in the area since April 15.

Gasoline prices down by P2 per liter, diesel by 50¢ effective May 14

Good news greeted motorists this week as oil companies slashed gasoline prices for the third consecutive time effective Tuesday (May 14).

In separate advisories, the local oil firms announced a P2 per liter cut in gasoline prices. Diesel and kerosene prices were also slashed by 50 centavos and 85 centavos per liter, respectively.