Windows26: Weekend Roundup: China’s latest WPS aggression, grassfire in Chocolate Hills, and more

Hi, reader!

Here's what happened in the last seven days: China hits Filipino boats with water cannons again, grassfire in Chocolate Hills, "Queen of Tears" finale triumphs over "CLOY," and a guide to exploring Siargao's culinary delights.

This is Weekend Roundup, your weekly fix for everything you need to catch up.

FATAL WATER CANNONS

China hits PH boats anew

For the seventh time since August last year, China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels used water cannons in an attempt to block two Philippine civilian vessels in the vicinity of Scarborough Shoal, or Bajo de Masinloc, in the West Philippine Sea, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.

In a press briefing, PCG Commodore Jay Tarriela said that the recent water cannons by the Chinese vessels could kill and it "would be very fatal." He added that the "jet stream pressure" used in the water cannon attacks was so strong that it broke a steel railing and deformed the frame of a canopy on the BRP Bagacay.

But should the Philippines respond with water cannons as well? The PCG says no, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining professionalism in dealing with the CCG despite China's latest use of the device. Maritime security experts view the PCG's decision not to use the same cannons in retaliation as a prudent move.
These recent Chinese aggressions prompted the Philippines to demand that China "immediately" leave Bajo de Masinloc and its vicinity as it protested the dangerous water cannon assault. This marks the 151st diplomatic protest during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s term.

ON MY RADAR

Ten must-reads

El Niño damage to PH agri nears P6B
Drug firms reminded to disclose 'financial relationships' with doctors
'Sweaty' at Naia: Cooling system under repair
Grassfire hits Chocolate Hills in Bohol
'Queen of Tears' finale bests 'CLOY' for ratings in Korea network tvN history
Cedric Lee, Deniece Cornejo get 40 years for Vhong Navarro illegal detention
Bea Alonzo files separate cyberlibel cases vs Cristy Fermin, Ogie Diaz
3 aesthetic cafes in Bulacan for a mid-road trip coffee break
Siargao from morning to night: Where to eat on the island
Column of the Week: File new arbitration case vs China

INQFOCUS

Record PH heat

In this special report, Cristina Baclig details how April 2024 has emerged as a critical month for the Philippines, marked by an unprecedented heatwave coupled with a deteriorating power supply. This combination has resulted in power outages across various regions, leaving areas without electricity for several hours or even days.

INQFOCUS

Removing bike lanes?

It was only last year when the MMDA, or Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, proposed the conversion of the EDSA bike lane into a shared one, but now, the lane, which has been dedicated to cyclists since 2020, could disappear from the 23.8-kilometer highway if MMDA had its way. Read more about this INQFocus story by Kurt Dela Peña.

WATCH: The art of jeepney sign painting

For 30 years, Loloy Montederamos has been painting and selling jeepney sign boards at his stall along Commonwealth Avenue. Know more about how these vibrant hand-painted signs are made in this video.

Thanks for reading our Weekend Roundup, reader! See you again next Saturday. For suggestions and feedback, please reach out to me at newsletter@inquirer.net.

Regards,

Samuel Yap

Digital Content Distribution

May 4, 2024

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