Abalos: Mayor's companions in Indonesia; China criticizes US on maritime dispute

Two companions of dismissed Bamban town mayor Alice Guo remain in Indonesia, according to Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., who received the information from Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Rommel Marbil.

China has criticized the US and other Philippine allies for interfering in maritime disputes between China and the Philippines following a collision involving Chinese coast guard ships and two Philippine Coast Guard vessels near Escoda Shoal off Palawan province earlier this week.

A hospital ship and a rescue vessel are among the latest Chinese vessels seen at Escoda (Sabina) Shoal, escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

Vice President Sara Duterte announced on Wednesday that she plans to write another book about 'a friend's betrayal,' defending her previous work from plagiarism accusations.

Senate President Francis 'Chiz' Escudero criticized the Philippine National Police (PNP) for failing to arrest Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Apollo Quiboloy, calling it a 'slap in the face.'

Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque was cited for contempt by the House of Representatives quad-committee for lying about his absence at a previous hearing.

Alice Guo, who won the mayoral election as an independent candidate in 2022 with 16,503 votes against her rival Joey Salting, remains under investigation following Senate probes into her alleged involvement with illegal activities of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogos) and questions about her nationality.