Philippines: The death toll from a powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of Cebu Island has risen to at least 69, with nearly 150 others reported injured, officials confirmed Wednesday. The earthquake hit at 9:59 p.m. local time on Tuesday, near the northern tip of Cebu Island, close to the city of Bogo, … Read more
The Philippines has resumed sending workers to Kuwait, implementing new protections. The new batch of workers will join around 270,000 OFWs currently living and working in Kuwait. The Philippines and Kuwait have agreed to establish a joint committee to address labor issues. The Philippines has resumed sending workers to Kuwait, implementing new protections to secure … Read more
The Bangsamoro region is a predominantly Muslim area in the Philippines. In a 2019 referendum, Bangsamoro residents voted for greater autonomy. Marcos Jr. affirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing all signed peace agreements. On Monday, authorities in the Philippines’ southern Muslim region welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s commitment to implementing signed peace agreements, as one … Read more
Wang argues that the US should not undermine China’s sovereignty or condone the Philippines’ actions. Sullivan, visiting China, expressed anticipation for productive conversations with Wang. China has been accused of escalating regional tensions by Washington’s allies, Japan, and the Philippines. On Wednesday, China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, warned visiting US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan … Read more
The foreign ministry advises Filipino seafarers to exercise caution and refuse sailing due to the risks. The attack on the Sounion caused a fire and cut engine power. The Sounion is the ninth ship with Filipino crew members attacked by the Houthi rebels. On Friday, the Philippines urged its mariners to “avoid” the Red Sea … Read more
The Philippines has agreed to temporarily host a US visa-processing center for Afghan nationals. In 2022, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken requested the Philippines to allow up to 1,000 Afghan. The refugees will be subject to full security vetting by Philippine authorities. The Philippines agreed to temporarily host a US visa-processing center for Afghan … Read more
The government aims to attract 230 billion pesos ($4 billion) in investments. The NCMF has established the Halal Division under its Bureau of Muslim Economic Affairs. The aim is to increase collaboration with Arab countries to accelerate the Philippines’ halal drive. The Philippines is pursuing collaboration with Arab countries to empower Filipino entrepreneurs and expand … Read more
The Philippines has assured China of the presence of a US intermediate-range missile system. The deployment of the US missile system could escalate regional tensions and spark an arms race. Tensions have increased between China and the Philippines over disputed territories. On Friday, the Philippines assured China that the presence of a US intermediate-range missile … Read more
The Philippines is exploring clean and sustainable power options to address power outages. Marcos hopes to partner with ENEC to explore the potential use of nuclear energy. The Philippines expects nuclear energy to meet its growing power demand. On Monday, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met with Mohammed Al-Hammadi, the head of Emirates Nuclear Energy … Read more
The Philippines and Vietnam will launch their first joint Coast Guard exercise in Manila Bay on August 9. The exercise is part of a commitment to enhance maritime cooperation between the two Southeast Asian nations. The exercise is part of a larger effort to de-escalate the South China Sea dispute, which China claims. The Philippines … Read more
The deal was reached after meetings between Philippine and Chinese diplomats and exchanges of diplomatic notes. The Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila confirmed the deal to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. The South China Sea is considered a potential flashpoint and a delicate fault line in the US-China regional rivalry. The Philippine … Read more
Italian carrier strike group, Cavour, will sail through the South China Sea to the Philippines. The Italian aircraft carrier is participating in Exercise Pitch Black. The strike group will travel to the US Pacific territory of Guam and Japan after the exercises conclude on August 2. On Thursday, a senior Italian navy official announced that … Read more
Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, also lead in microplastic consumption. Major regions, like Jakarta and Bali, have implemented bans on single-use plastics. The study expands on earlier research on the presence of plastic particles in fish, crabs, and chicken eggs. A recent study by Cornell University shows that Indonesians top global … Read more
Luzon, the largest and most populous island of the Philippines, is home to the greatest concentration of unique mammal species on Earth. A 15-year study concluded that there were 56 species of mammals in Luzon, with 52 of them being endemic. Most mammals are small, less than 200 grams, making most discoveries previously unknown. Although … Read more
The decision comes amid reports of China’s reclamation activities, which Beijing denies. The Philippine Coast Guard has deployed a ship to Sabina Shoal, accusing China of constructing an artificial island. China’s foreign ministry dismisses Manila’s latest accusation as “groundless and pure rumor.” On Monday, the Philippines announced that it would enhance surveillance of reefs, shoals, … Read more
The Philippines is open to expanding partnerships with Saudi Arabia in renewable energy and the halal industry. Renewable energy is a key focus in the country’s climate agenda, contributing about 30% to the energy mix. The government aims to increase renewable energy to 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040. The Philippines declares its openness … Read more
Marcos stated that the Philippines is defending its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea. This is the 20th protest against Beijing’s conduct in the South China Sea this year. Marcos stated that the Philippines will continue to respond to South China Sea incidents through diplomatic means. On Monday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that … Read more
Over 2 million international travelers have visited the Philippines since the start of the year. The Department of Tourism reported a 120 percent recovery rate from the same period in 2019 before COVID-19. The tourism sector is leveraging Arabic-speaking talent to assist in facilitating tours for Middle Eastern travelers. The Philippine tourism sector is transitioning … Read more
Pantabangan town, a 300-year-old town, has resurfaced due to severe temperatures in the Philippines. The town was submerged in the 1970s, but only emerged from water on rare occasions during dry and hot weather. The re-emergence of the ruins has attracted tourists to the town. Severe temperatures in the Philippines have caused the ruins of … Read more
Filipino and US forces have begun their annual joint military drills. The drills are part of a larger effort to counter maritime, air, land, and cyber-attacks in the disputed South China Sea. The exercises focus on the development of interoperability and are not directed at a specific country. On Monday, Filipino and US forces commenced … Read more
The Philippines summoned the Chinese envoy over an incident in the South China Sea. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. criticized China’s ongoing interference. Geopolitical analyst Don McLain Gil emphasized the need for the Philippines. On Monday, the Philippines summoned the Chinese envoy over a recent incident in the South China Sea and challenged Beijing … Read more
Manila’s envoy in Saudi Arabia plans a Ramadan event in Riyadh. Filipino Muslims make up about 10% of the Philippines’ 120 million people. The event also aims to assist overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Saudi Arabia. Manila’s envoy in the Saudi capital informed Arab News on Sunday that the Philippines will host a Ramadan event … Read more
The mission is organized by the Department of Trade and Industry. The primary objective was to expand the geographical reach of Philippine brands. Lion Heart Farms expressed optimism about the mission’s outcome. The Philippines conducted its first business-matching mission to Saudi Arabia since the COVID-19 pandemic, promoting its export products in the Kingdom this week. … Read more
New Year Celebrations in the Philippines reported two fatalities and 231 injuries reported. An 11-month-old baby burns face and eye from illegal piccolo. Initial 116 firework-related injuries, predominantly males. On Monday, the Department of Health recorded two fatalities and 231 injuries during New Year celebrations in the Philippines. One death resulted from firecracker usage, while … Read more
The budget aims to address poverty, enhance border security, and promote economic growth. Marcos assures responsible financial management and a substantial increase in the budget. The education sector is expected to receive a significant portion of the national budget. Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos has officially approved the upcoming year’s budget, amounting to a record 5.768 … Read more
The Philippines seeks to resolve resource issues in the South China Sea. President Marcos acknowledges escalating tensions with a “more assertive China.” Manila stresses its right to utilize resources in the West Philippine Sea. To meet its energy demands, the Philippines is seeking to settle “exploration issues” in the South China Sea, according to President … Read more
The Philippines and China traded accusations on Sunday over dangerous collision in the disputed waters of the South China Sea. This marks the latest in a series of maritime confrontations between the two nations, escalating tensions in the region. This occurred during a routine resupply mission to the Second Thomas Shoal. The Philippines and China … Read more
A magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck the southern Philippines. The earthquake was one of numerous powerful aftershocks felt. The UAE embassy asked citizens to be cautious. As aftershocks from the strong earthquake that rocked the Philippines late Saturday continued to tremble the southern area, the UAE embassy in Manila issued a warning to its people. A … Read more
