Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories:
PH vessels rammed, harassed by China anew in West Philippine Sea – Malaya
The Philippines on Monday said that one of its coast guard vessels was rammed and another subjected to “aggressive maneuvers” by Chinese coast guard ships in Escoda (Sabina) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.
National Security Council Jonathan Malaya spokesperson confirmed that Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ships BRP Cape Engaño and BRP Bacagay had the encounter with China Coast Guard (CCG) on Monday morning en route to deliver supplies to Lawak and Patag islands.
Taal volcano releases volcanic smog; Alert Level 1 remains, says PhiVolcs
Parts of Batangas and Cavite provinces announced class suspensions or a shift to modular learning on Monday due to volcanic smog from Taal.
According to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council of Talisay town in Batangas, there is an “increased presence of volcanic smog (vog) in the area.”
Tropical Storm Dindo exits PAR
Tropical Storm Dindo is now out of the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR), the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.
The state weather service said on its Facebook page that Dindo left PAR at 9 a.m., Monday, August 19.
Oil price hike effective Tuesday, Aug 20
Motorists will see increases in the prices of petroleum products beginning Tuesday.
After a few rounds of rollbacks, oil companies said Monday that they will impose higher prices for fuel products this week, with an upward adjustment of around P1 a liter.