INQToday: Zambales fishers defy China’s trespass rule; Big-time oil price hike effective June 25

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

Zambales fishers defy China’s trespass rule

Fishermen here still manage to make a living near Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal by cutting short their fishing trips after China implemented new rules that allowed its coast guard to detain for up to 60 days without trial any foreigner who “illegally” crosses its claimed borders in the South China Sea (SCS).

In an interview with the Inquirer on Sunday, Nido Moralde, 63, who arrived here on Friday with 11 other fishermen after a week near the shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), said the new rules made their situation harder at sea but it would not stop them from going to their traditional fishing ground.

Marcos on West Philippine Sea dispute: Our drumbeat is peace

In the wake of escalating maritime confrontations with China in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Sunday said the Philippines is “not in the business of instigating war” and will always aim to settle disputes peacefully.

“The Philippines is a responsible state. We will continue to exercise our freedoms and rights in support of our national interest, in accordance with international law,” he said in a speech before members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command (Wescom) in Puerto Princesa City.

Bamban Mayor Alice Guo removed as NPC member

The National People’s Coalition (NPC) has ordered the removal of suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, from the roster of its members amid allegations linking her with an illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo) hub in her town.

The National People’s Coalition (NPC) has ordered the removal of suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, from the roster of its members amid allegations linking her with an illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo) hub in her town.

Big-time oil price hike effective June 25

Motorists will have to pay more for fuel products this week as oil companies will implement another hefty upward adjustment.

In separate advisories on Monday, Seaoil, Cleanfuel, and Shell Pilipinas said they would jack up fuel prices starting Tuesday.