INQToday: Leon now a super typhoon

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

Leon now a super typhoon

Tropical cyclone Leon (international name: Kong-Rey) has developed into a super typhoon, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

The state weather bureau confirmed the development in a social media post on Wednesday.

Number of fatalities due to Kristine and Leon rises to 145

The number of reported deaths due to the combined effects of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami) and Typhoon Leon (international name: Kong-rey) has climbed to 145, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said on Wednesday.

At the same time, the NDRRMC disclosed that only 14 of these deaths have been validated, adding that 115 were injured and 37 were missing.

Manila North Cemetery ready for Undas 2024

The Manila North Cemetery is ready for the large crowds expected to pay respects to their departed loved ones for the observation of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, Manila City Mayor Honey Lacuna said on Wednesday.

Lacuna, who inspected the cemetery and met with officials early in the morning, said the atmosphere there was pleasant. She also shared updates on preparations for Undas 2024.

Senate urged to send Duterte ‘confession’ to ICC

Makabayan bloc lawmakers on Tuesday urged the Senate to submit to the International Criminal Court (ICC) its records on former President Rodrigo Duterte’s admission of urging policemen to “encourage” suspects to fight back as a pretext to kill them during the previous administration’s brutal war on drugs.

House Assistant Minority Leader Arlene Brosas also asked the Marcos administration to stop blocking the ICC probe following Duterte’s “brazen and unapologetic” admission during Monday’s Senate blue ribbon subcommittee inquiry, taking full responsibility for the extrajudicial killings (EJKs) in the drug war.