INQToday: PCG sends ship, 2 aircraft to challenge ‘The Monster’

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

PCG sends ship, 2 aircraft to challenge ‘The Monster’

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) sent one of its patrol ships and two aircraft to monitor China’s biggest coast guard ship after it was spotted off the coast of Zambales province on Saturday.

Dubbed “The Monster,” China Coast Guard (CCG) Vessel 5901 was sighted 100 kilometers (54 nautical miles) from Capones Island through Canada’s Dark Vessel Detection system, Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, said in a statement he sent to reporters on Saturday night.

DOJ again warns Pogo workers still in country

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla reiterated on Sunday that workers of illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogo) who are still in the country will face severe penalties.

Citing a report from the Bureau of Immigration (BI), the Department of Justice (DOJ) said around 11,000 foreign Pogo workers are set to be deported for failing to leave the country last year.

Kanlaon Volcano emits more sulfur dioxide, logs 37 quakes

Kanlaon Volcano released more sulfur dioxide on Sunday, January 5, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported.

According to Phivolcs, its latest 24-hour monitoring showed that Kanlaon emitted 3,639 tonnes of sulfur dioxide, slightly higher than the 3,469 tonnes recorded on Saturday, January 4.