The Center for Strategic and International Studies’ Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative said Thursday, Feb. 7 a mix of fishing boats and naval and coast guard ships from China were spotted anchored and operating in the contested island of Pag-asa (Thitu) “since at least July 2018.”
In an official statement on Monday, Feb. 4, the Philippine health department said the Manila Bay must still be tested for chemical and physical quality and warned the public not to swim in it.
Philippine Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said Feb. 7 the department sees an “increasing trend” in measles cases in Luzon including the regions of Ilocos, Cagayan, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol as well as parts of Central and Eastern Visayas.
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray is headed back to her beloved Philippines Feb. 20 to take part in a homecoming celebration fit for a queen.
Two southern provinces in the Philippines have been rocked with explosions on Feb. 5 ahead of the second Bangsamoro plebiscite.
Miss Universe 2013 Gabriela Isler is back in the Philippines and is reportedly working with non-profit organization Cordaid to “bring back joy” to the Tagbanwa children.
Harry Roque announced Feb. 1 he’s withdrawing his senatorial bid due to a heart condition.
National police chief Oscar Albayalde announced Feb. 4 Kamah L. Pae and four other members of the Ajang Ajang group surrendered to police “over the weekend” but denied the allegations against them.
National Bureau of Investigation Deputy Director Ferdinand Lavin confirmed the arrest of Filipino-Chinese businessman Kenneth Dong on Feb. 4 for his alleged involvement in the ₱6.4 billion shabu shipment seized in a Valenzuela warehouse in May 2017.
The Department of National Defense on Monday, Feb. 4 joined the Department of Foreign Affairs in the call to protest China’s rescue center project in Fiery Cross Reef.
