Summary
Highlights
Large waves struck the coast of Tanza, Cavite, reaching house roofs, forcing residents to evacuate. Destructive waves also affected Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay, damaging houses. Landslides and floods hit Sarangani, with residents risking their lives to find food. Roads in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, collapsed due to heavy rains. Boracay and parts of Visayas, including Iloilo and Antique, experienced severe flooding. The NDRC reported 11 deaths, 7 injured, and 2 missing due to the monsoon, intensified by Typhoon Inday.
A massive fire under a bridge on Congressional Avenue, Quezon City, consumed nearly 50 houses. The bridge was closed to traffic due to asphalt damage, and the water supply was also affected. No fatalities or injuries were reported, but one BFP personnel needed oxygen. The affected residents are temporarily housed in evacuation centers while authorities determine permanent housing and investigate the fire's cause. Authorities are planning repair works for the bridge.
Despite weakening rains, Macabebe, Pampanga, remains submerged in floodwaters, exacerbated by water flowing from upstream areas and high tides. Residents in Barangay San Gabriel improvised bridges, and some were seen fishing due to overflowing fishponds. The local government of Masantol built a temporary dike to mitigate flooding. Classes in coastal barangays of Macabebe are suspended, with high tides expected to rise further.
The Philippines commemorated the 10th anniversary of the 2016 arbitral award that invalidated China's 9-dash line claim in the South China Sea. Hundreds of ships simultaneously sounded their horns, joined by the Philippine Navy, cargo vessels, and the US Navy. Parades and monument unveilings were held, emphasizing the Philippines' sovereignty. Allies reaffirmed support for the ruling and freedom of navigation. China continues to reject the ruling, advocating for bilateral negotiations.
Residents and officials in Batanes rejected claims by Chinese scholars that the province is a 'natural geographical extension' of Taiwan, and thus China. Batanes Governor June Aguto asserted that Batanes has always been part of the Philippines. Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro urged not to underestimate such statements as they could signal official intent. The Chinese Embassy remains silent on the issue.
Three siblings, aged 19, 15, and 12, died from electrocution in their Quezon City apartment. The 15-year-old was adjusting clothes on a metal drying rack when she was electrocuted, and her elder and younger siblings were also affected when they tried to help. Meralco's initial inspection revealed a grounded circuit breaker connected to the air conditioner. Authorities are investigating the apartment owner for negligence.
Senator Ping Lacson suggested expediting the impeachment trial by having witnesses on standby. Senator Chis Escudero expressed hope for the trial to conclude by November or December. Meanwhile, a new low-pressure area is being monitored outside the PAR, and the habagat continues to bring rains to large parts of the country. Localized thunderstorms are expected in Mindanao and parts of Metro Manila.
The NBI rescued a Chinese national from a condo unit in Parañaque, who was allegedly kidnapped and beaten by fellow Chinese nationals. The victim was intended to be an employee for a small-scale POGO hub, where employees were reportedly subjected to inhumane punishments if unable to meet quotas. Four suspects were arrested and will face charges of kidnapping and serious illegal detention with ransom.
Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro visited Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea on the 10th anniversary of the arbitral award. He highlighted the importance of protecting the Philippines' maritime territory and urged unity on the West Philippine Sea issue. Teodoro distributed food packs to residents and ordered the AFP Western Command to assist with mobility, especially during bad weather.
Prince Paul Leonard de Varas, a 6-year-old, showed a keen interest in weather patterns and tracking typhoons, impressing PAGASA. His dream is to be a firefighter and a reporter. In celebrity news, Marian Rivera returned to tennis training, Shina Halili showed off her pregnancy glow in her third trimester, and newlyweds Rere Madrid and Kai Soto had a gender reveal party announcing a baby boy.