Philippines Roundup: Earthquake, floods, mass deportation
Typhoon causes floods
Typhoon Yinxing, the 13th major storm to hit the Philippines this year, caused floods, landslides, and damage to infrastructure in the northern region, particularly Cagayan province, where it made landfall. According to Mid-day, no immediate casualties have been reported. Over 40,000 residents were evacuated as winds reached 150 km/h with gusts up to 205 km/h. The typhoon has since moved towards the South China Sea, expected to weaken before reaching Vietnam.
Tesla launches new product
Tesla has officially launched in the Philippines, opening its first store and Supercharger at the Uptown Bonifacio shopping mall in Taguig City. The launch event showcased the Model 3 and Model Y, whose sales have now commenced. Philippine customers can configure and order their vehicles online, with competitive prices set for the models: Model 3 starts at PHP2,199,000 and Model Y at PHP2,369,000. A reservation fee of PHP15,000 is required, with deliveries expected to begin in early 2025 from Giga Shanghai, Drive Tesla reports. This marks Tesla's second major international expansion in 2023, following its entry into Chile.
South China Sea dispute
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed two new laws to strengthen the country’s claims in the disputed South China Sea: the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act. These laws aim to align domestic regulations with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, enhancing governance and supporting national security. The Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act designates routes for foreign vessels, while the Maritime Zones Act encompasses territories also claimed by China. In response, China summoned the Filipino ambassador, condemning the laws for infringing on its territorial sovereignty and accusing the Philippines of illegally claiming Chinese territories. The Sun reports that the laws were signed amid military exercises by the Philippine Armed Forces in the region.
Deportation
An immigration lawyer has stated that mass deportation of Filipino Americans is unlikely. The expert emphasised that such actions are not expected, providing reassurance amidst concerns in the community. The statement was made public on November 9, 2024, ABS-CBN News reports.
Earthquake
A 6.5-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Sultan Kudarat province in the southern Philippines on Thursday morning, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported. The institute said the quake hit at 10:13 a.m. local time, with a depth of 651 kilometres, about 91 kilometres southwest of the coastal town of Kalamansig. The tremor was also felt in Tagum City, Davao del Norte province, The Sun reports. The institute noted that the tectonic earthquake is expected to cause aftershocks but will not result in damage.
