Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories:
China’s latest WPS aggression may be due paranoia over Escoda reinforcement – PCG
China Coast Guard’s (CCG) latest aggression in the West Philippine Sea may be due to Beijing’s suspicions that the Philippines will put up reinforcements in Escoda (Sabina) Shoal.
Commodore Jay Tarriela, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, said this as BRP Teresa Magbanua has been deployed in Escoda Shoal for 126 days.
More Chinese militia ships spotted around Ayungin Shoal – PH Navy
There is a surge of Chinese maritime militia (CMM) ships in the vicinity of Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, according to Philippine Navy data shared to reporters on Tuesday.
The navy said a total of 41 CMM vessels were spotted in. the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal from Aug. 13 to 19.
BI: Alice Guo flew out of PH illegally based on intel
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has received information suggesting that Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo “left the country illegally,” and not passing through the Philippine immigration authorities.
Citing the intelligence information, BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said Guo, whose real name is said to be Guo Huaping, “illegally traveled to Malaysia as early as July.”