Japan, Philippines First Naval Drill in South China Sea
Two Japanese warships arrived in the Philippines on Saturday to take part in the first naval drill between the two countries in the disputed South China Sea. The May 12 maritime safety exercise in the South China Sea near a disputed shoal claimed by China, which will practice the code for unplanned encounters at sea, known as CUES, is part of an agreement signed by Japan and the Philippines in January aimed at tightening security cooperation. State-run Philippines News Agency reported the Philippine Navy and the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force will hold exercises off the waters of Subic Bay, Zambales and Corregidor Island on May 12. It quoted Navy public affairs office chief Cmdr.
2 Dead, 139 Missing After Ferry Accident
Two people were killed and at least 139 others missing after a passenger ferry bound for Bacolod City caught fire early yesterday morning near Corregidor island, according to a report on PHILIPPINE HEADLINE NEWS ONLINE. It was not clear if the more than 100 people still unaccounted for were rescued by fishing boats. They were either trapped inside the ill-fated SuperFerry 14 or disappeared after jumping into the sea, the news agency reported. Twice, the fire appeared to be out, only to rekindle. Shortly after dawn, more than five hours after the blaze broke out, two loud explosions came from inside the back section of the passenger ship, followed by billowing black smoke and walls of flame.
