INQToday: Kristine intensifies into Severe Tropical storm

Kristine intensifies into severe Tropical storm, Signal No.3 raised in several areas of Luzon

Erstwhile Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami) has intensified into a severe tropical storm on Wednesday afternoon, which prompted the state weather bureau to raise Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) number 3 over twelve areas in Luzon.

In its 5:00 p.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Kristine’s eye was last located some 175 kilometers east of Echague, Isabela, moving northwest at 20 kilometers per hour (kph) and carrying maximum sustained winds of 95 kph near the center with gusts of up to 115 kph.

Isabela province under Signal No. 3 due to severe Tropical Storm ‘Kristine’

As a preemptive measure, 20 families (72 people) were evacuated from coastal Palanan town, Isabela, on Wednesday (Oct. 23), as strong winds and heavy rains caused rivers to swell due to Tropical Storm “Kristine” (international name: Trami).

The evacuees, who were from areas near the sea, were taken to evacuation centers where they received food packs and household supplies, according to Palanan’s assistant disaster risk reduction officer, John Bert Neri.

3 fatalities reported as storm pounds Bicolandia

Three fatalities due to Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami)  were reported in the Bicol region, according to the police.

The Police Regional Office (PRO) 5, however,  said that the reported deaths in Masbate and Catanduanes are still being validated.

Marcos to send rubber boats requested by Naga, Robredo amid floods

The rubber boats requested by Naga City local government unit (LGU) and former Vice President Leni Robredo for rescuing those stranded in flood waters will be sent as soon as authorities can safely get in the area, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said.

Quiboloy denies abuse allegations against him on Senate probe

Embattled Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) founder Pastor Apollo Quiboloy denied sexual abuse accusations hurled against him on Wednesday.

Quiboloy was granted a “right of reply” during the Senate committee on women’s hearing headed by Sen. Risa Hontiveros.

Reps. Duterte, Nograles respond to each’s dares, take new hair follicle tests

Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte has maintained that he has already submitted himself to a hair follicle drug test, in response to a dare from her sister, Vice President Sara Duterte, for all aspiring candidates in the 2025 elections.

Comelec to file misrepresentation raps vs Alice Guo on Oct 28

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is eyeing to formally file charges against dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo (real name: Guo Hua Ping) on Monday, October 28 for alleged material misrepresentation on her certificate of candidacy (COC) in the 2022 local elections.

According to Comelec Chairman George Garcia, they did not receive a motion for reconsideration from Guo when they first issued the resolution.