INQToday: Tropical Depression Aghon keeps strength; Signal no. 1 up in 12 areas

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

Signal no. 1 up in 12 areas as TD Aghon keeps strength

Tropical Depression Aghon maintained its strength, prompting the state weather agency to raise Tropical Cyclone Signal No. 1 in 12 areas nationwide on Friday.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said in its latest advisory that Aghon was last located 240 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

‘World’s largest’ China coast guard ship ‘intruded’ in Scarborough – Navy

The “world’s largest” Chinese coast guard vessel conducted an “intrusive patrol” in Scarborough (Panatag) Shoal on Friday.

A West Philippine Sea monitor who first announced the development also said this ship was accompanied by another China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel.

Marcos to go on back-to-back Singapore and Brunei trips next week

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is headed to Brunei and Singapore for a back-to-back trip, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Friday.

“President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Aranetea-Marcos will be undergoing visits to Brunei Darussalam and Singapore from 28 May, 2024 to 31 May 2024,” DFA Spokesperson Maria Teresita Daza said during a press briefing in Malacañang.

Marcos’ talk with troops goes on amid destabilization plot rumor

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has been going around military camps to reiterate the fight against government destabilization, according to the Palace on Friday.

While traveling in Mindanao distributing aid to El Niño-struck communities on Thursday, May 23, Marcos met with soldiers of the 2nd Marine Brigade in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.