INQToday: China empowers self to detain SCS ‘trespassers’; Experts say it is illegal, illegitimate

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

China empowers self to detain South China Sea ‘trespassers’

China has approved a new policy authorizing its coast guard extensive powers to detain foreigners deemed “illegally crossing” its borders without trial, according to media reports.

An article published by the South China Morning Post on May 16 detailed the new rule, which is set to take effect next month on June 15.

PH to buy 5 Japan-made coast guard ships in P23.85-billion deal

The Philippines will acquire five additional patrol ships from Japan through a P23.85-billion deal signed Friday, amid growing tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

The loan is worth around P23.85 billion and was signed by Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya.

PH fishers spot pipe installation ‘in middle of’ Scarborough – NGO

Filipino fisherfolk saw a pipe installation “in the middle of” the Scarborough (Panatag) Shoal, according to a team leader of an NGO that initiated a civilian mission in the West Philippine Sea.

Mark Figueras, team leader of the “Atin Ito” convoy’s advance boat, said fishers could go 50 to 100 meters close to the low-tide elevation before this suspected construction off the sandbar which began last month.

PH Coast Guard detains vessel with 7 Chinese crew in Zambales town

A merchant vessel (MV) manned by seven Chinese crew members was detained on Thursday, May 17, by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in San Felipe town in this province.

Citing initial reports, CDR Euphraim Jayson Diciano, commander of the PCG sub-station in Zambales, said MV Hyperlink 988, which is registered in Freetown, Sierra Leone, was being held in the vicinity waters off Barangay Sindol after the local PCG sub-station conducted an inspection on board the vessel and found 21 deficiencies.

Apl.de.ap visits Cavite schools to highlight electric vehicle sector

Filipino-American rapper Apl.de.ap on Thursday graced both campuses of the Sisters of Mary Schools in Cavite to highlight the significance of education on electrification and electric vehicles and how it could benefit the country.

Apl.de.ap visited the SMS schools in Silang, Cavite upon an invitation from Fr. Al’s Children Foundation, Inc. (FACFI), and his newly-formed partnership with Asian Development Bank (ADB) on a project to equip young Filipino students with education on the electric vehicle (EV) sector.