Chinese, Philippine vessels’ near miss collision | The wRap

Today on Rappler – the latest news in the Philippines and around the world:

• Chinese, Philippine vessels almost crash near Ayungin Shoal – PH Coast Guard

The Philippine Coast Guard reports a Chinese Coast Guard ship came dangerously close to a Philippine patrol vessel near the Ayungin Shoal. PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela says the encounter happened April 23.

• A ‘spirited debate’ over SIM registration’s new, possibly unconstitutional rules

Telcos question the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s proposal to use ‘scare tactics’ to push Filipinos to register their SIMs.

• Taiwan says Chinese combat drone circled island

Taiwan’s defense ministry says a new type of Chinese combat drone that can reportedly carry a heavy weapons payload has flown around the island in the latest uptick in military tensions.

• Vice Media to lay off more than 100 workers, axes Vice News Tonight

Wall Street Journal reports, Vice Media is expected to lay off more than 100 jobs, and shut down its flagship Vice News Tonight cable program as part of the company’s restructuring.

• Yulo withdraws from Cairo tourney, injures ankle before SEA Games

Carlos Yulo withdraws from the Cairo, Egypt leg of the 2023 Artistic Gymnastics Apparatus World Cup after reportedly suffering an ankle injury during training.

• Ed Sheeran plays guitar, sings ‘Thinking Out Loud’ at copyright trial

Ed Sheeran plays the chord progression to his hit song ‘Thinking Out Loud’ and sings a few of the words on the witness stand during a trial over whether he copied Marvin Gaye’s classic ‘Let’s Get it On.’

• Lea Salonga performs with other Broadway stars at White House state dinner

Lea Salonga performs at the White House in a state dinner hosted by United States President Joe Biden for the state visit of South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol. — Rappler.com