INQToday: Scarborough civilian convoy starts

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

‘Hope for best, prepared for worst’: Scarborough civilian convoy starts

The civilian convoy for the West Philippine Sea officially embarked on a voyage to Scarborough (Panatag) Shoal early Wednesday morning in a mission that may witness another attempt from China to disrupt the activity.

Over a hundred fisherfolk, along with Atin Ito coalition volunteers, journalists, and foreign observers all clad with life jackets started to depart from the port here at Barangay Matalvis at 7:26 a.m.

After DFA, DOJ also probing foreign envoys’ illegal acts

Diplomatic immunity is “never absolute,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said on Tuesday, as he ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to launch an in-depth probe of supposedly illegal and unlawful activities committed by foreign diplomats.

“Diplomatic immunity should never be used as a license to exploit our country’s peace and harmony for selfish motives, this privilege does not shield anyone from the consequences of the rule of law,” he added.

‘Dangerous’ heat index in 37 areas on Wednesday, May 15

Thirty-seven areas in the country including Metro Manila may have a dangerous heat index level on Wednesday, the state weather bureau said.

In its heat index forecast on Tuesday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City may have a heat index of 43 degrees Celsius, while the Pagasa Science Garden in Quezon City may have a 42 degrees Celsius heat index.