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On October 10, 2025, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck offshore near Manay town in Davao Oriental, Philippines, at a shallow depth of 10 km. The quake caused damage to buildings, hospital evacuations, and two deaths. A tsunami warning was issued for six coastal provinces but later lifted after small waves were detected. The region is still recovering from a deadly 6.9 quake on September 30.
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Mass protests in Manila on September 21 highlight public outrage over corruption linked to ghost flood-control projects. Demonstrations, coinciding with the anniversary of martial law, demand accountability amid revelations of political misconduct and government investigations. Violence and conflicting narratives have marked the events, with authorities and protesters at odds.
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Super Typhoon Ragasa, with winds up to 215 km/h, is nearing the Philippines' Babuyan Islands, prompting evacuations and warnings of life-threatening storm surges. The storm is forecast to move westward, impacting China and Taiwan, with authorities activating flood control measures and evacuations today, Thu, 25 Sep 2025.
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A series of typhoons, including Bualoi, have caused widespread damage and fatalities in the Philippines, Vietnam, and Laos. Over 70 deaths have been reported, with thousands displaced and extensive property damage. The storms highlight increasing severity linked to climate change.
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A Filipino domestic helper has been hailed as a hero after emerging from a deadly Hong Kong tower fire with her employer's three-month-old baby and elderly mother.
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On September 23, 2025, the ICC publicly released a redacted charge sheet accusing former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte of crimes against humanity involving 76 murders linked to his anti-drug campaign from 2013 to 2018. Duterte, detained in The Hague since March, faces three counts covering killings during his mayoralty and presidency. A court hearing was postponed pending assessment of his fitness for trial.
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China announced the creation of a marine reserve at Scarborough Shoal, a disputed territory with the Philippines, citing ecological protection. The move has heightened regional tensions, with the Philippines protesting and the US supporting Manila amid recent confrontations between Chinese and Philippine vessels.
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Severe Tropical Storm Bualoi continues to impact the Philippines, causing evacuations, fatalities, and flooding. The storm is forecast to strengthen into a typhoon and head toward Vietnam. The Philippines also faces political fallout over flood control project corruption amid ongoing disaster response efforts.
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As of late September 2025, Super Typhoon Ragasa caused severe flooding and destruction across Taiwan, southern China, and the Philippines. At least 14 people died in Taiwan after a barrier lake burst in Hualien County, flooding Guangfu township. Millions were evacuated in southern China, with widespread damage reported in Guangdong and Hong Kong. The storm has weakened but remains a rain threat to Southeast Asia.
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Super Typhoon Ragasa struck southern China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, causing fatalities, injuries, and widespread damage. It weakened as it moved inland, with ongoing threats from new storms in the Pacific and Atlantic. Authorities continue recovery efforts amid evacuations and disruptions.
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Indonesia's seafood and spice exports to the US are under scrutiny after radioactive cesium-137 was detected in shipments of shrimp and cloves. Authorities have suspended some exports, traced contamination sources to scrap metal, and are implementing safety measures. The contamination levels are low but raise health and trade concerns.
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Typhoon Bualoi made landfall in northern Vietnam, causing at least 20 deaths, widespread flooding, and power outages. The storm brought heavy rain, high winds, and storm surges, with evacuations and flight cancellations. It follows a week of severe weather across Asia, linked to climate change.
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Typhoon Bualoi has caused at least 30 deaths across Southeast Asia, mainly in Vietnam, with heavy rains, flooding, and landslides. The storm has weakened but continues to impact the region, with authorities warning of ongoing risks. The event highlights the increasing severity of storms linked to climate change.
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On Tuesday night, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck off northern Cebu island near Bogo city, killing at least 72 people and injuring nearly 300. The quake caused widespread damage to buildings, roads, and infrastructure, triggering landslides and power outages. Rescue efforts have concluded with all victims accounted for, while thousands remain displaced amid ongoing aftershocks.
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A Houthi missile struck the Dutch-flagged cargo ship Minervagracht in the Gulf of Aden, causing significant damage and injuring two crew members. The attack, the most serious in the region since 2023, follows a pattern of Houthi assaults linked to the Israel-Gaza conflict and regional tensions. The crew was evacuated, and the ship is on fire and adrift.
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Kilauea volcano on Hawaii Island has experienced its 34th eruptive episode since December, with lava fountains reaching 330 feet. The eruption remains contained within the summit crater, posing no threat to homes or airports. Visitors can view the eruption in person or via livestreams. The eruption's future remains uncertain.
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China's coast guard resumed patrols at Scarborough Shoal amid protests over its new nature reserve. Beijing claims sovereignty, citing territorial and environmental reasons, while the Philippines condemns the move as unlawful. The dispute continues to escalate in the strategic region.
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Recent studies confirm a sharp rise in destructive wildfires and deadly heatwaves driven by climate change. Wildfire damages have tripled since 1980, and heat-related deaths are at record highs, highlighting urgent environmental and public health challenges worldwide. These trends are linked to extreme weather conditions worsened by global warming.
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Recent storms have caused severe flooding, landslides, and fatalities across Japan, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Japan faces landslides and power outages from Typhoon Nakri, while the Philippines and Vietnam are dealing with heavy rains, flooding, and casualties from Typhoon Bualoi and other storms. Recovery efforts are underway.
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Typhoon Matmo made landfall in southern China, prompting evacuations and severe weather alerts. Meanwhile, Hurricane Priscilla formed off Mexico’s Pacific coast, causing storm watches and heavy rainfall forecasts. Cyclone Shakhti also developed in the Arabian Sea, affecting coastal regions. These storms highlight ongoing severe weather events across Asia and the Americas.
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GCC nations from Saudi Arabia to Oman now offer various long-term visas, allowing foreigners to live, work, and invest without local sponsors. The UAE's Golden Visa led the trend, with other countries adopting their own versions, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain, each with specific investment and residency criteria.
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Princess Chulabhorn of Thailand has called for a permanent border wall with Cambodia amid rising tensions. She also proposed building bunkers for civilians, signaling a rare political stance from the royal family. The move follows recent armed clashes and regional instability, with the U.S. pushing for agreements at upcoming ASEAN summits.
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Bank of England officials warn of potential recession risks as inflation remains high and growth slows. Meanwhile, US policymakers expect further rate cuts to support the economy, citing trade tensions and inflation. Asian economies face different challenges, with deflationary pressures and subdued inflation. The global outlook remains uncertain.
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Since late September 2025, the Philippines has experienced a series of powerful earthquakes, including a magnitude 7.4 quake near Davao Oriental on October 10 and a 6.9 tremor in Central Visayas on September 30. These events caused at least 87 deaths, thousands of injuries, widespread structural damage, and triggered tsunami alerts. Authorities continue rescue and damage assessments amid ongoing aftershocks.
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The ICC is maintaining its investigation into Duterte's alleged crimes against humanity, despite a recent disqualification of Prosecutor Karim Khan over perceived bias linked to his prior representation of victims. The case involves charges related to Duterte's anti-drugs campaign, with ongoing legal proceedings and detention in The Hague.
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A series of powerful earthquakes struck off the coast of Davao Oriental, Philippines, on Friday, causing at least eight deaths, widespread damage, and triggering landslides and a brief tsunami scare. Thousands are affected, with ongoing aftershocks expected for weeks. Emergency response is underway amid regional devastation.
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Recent volcanic activity includes a new eruption at Kanlaon in the Philippines, ongoing signs of activity at Iran's Taftan, and multiple eruptions on Indonesia's Flores island. Authorities warn of potential hazards, urging vigilance and monitoring. No casualties reported so far.
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As of late October 2025, cyberattacks have surged globally, with the UK reporting a 50% rise in significant incidents and costly breaches like Jaguar Land Rover's. Singapore urges international cooperation to rebuild trust and enforce cyber norms amid rising state-sponsored attacks. Meanwhile, the US military accelerates AI and drone integration to enhance decision-making and operational readiness, adapting to environmental and cybersecurity challenges.
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A recent survey shows Filipinos increasingly blame government corruption for their struggles, with approval ratings for President Marcos dropping amid scandals over flood control projects. Youth protests and widespread public anger highlight the impact of corruption on infrastructure and governance, amid ongoing investigations and political rivalry.
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Tropical Storm Fengshen caused at least five deaths in the Philippines, including a family crushed by a falling tree. The storm, with winds up to 90 kph, is moving away from Luzon toward Vietnam, amid ongoing recovery from recent earthquakes and flooding. Survivors are now seeking legal action against climate change contributors.
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On October 12, 2025, a Chinese coast guard ship fired a water cannon and rammed the Philippine fisheries vessel BRP Datu Pagbuaya near Thitu Island in the disputed South China Sea. The Philippine crew was unharmed, but the vessel sustained minor damage. Both sides accuse each other of illegal incursions amid ongoing territorial disputes.
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ICC judges in The Hague have upheld jurisdiction over Duterte's case, allowing the investigation into alleged crimes committed during his presidency to proceed. Duterte's legal team challenged the court's authority, citing his country's withdrawal from the ICC, but the challenge was rejected. Duterte faces charges related to mass killings during his war on drugs.
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Recent stories highlight the plight of individuals affected by identity swaps and unpaid child support. A Korean activist exposes defaulters, while a Tokyo man wins compensation after being switched at birth. These cases reveal ongoing issues of family neglect, legal accountability, and social justice across Asia.
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The US and India renewed a 10-year defence framework during a meeting in Kuala Lumpur, emphasizing enhanced cooperation in maritime security, technology, space, and cyber domains. The agreement aims to strengthen regional stability amid China's military expansion, despite recent trade tensions between the US and India.
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Canada and the Philippines have signed a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement, their first with an Indo-Pacific nation, to facilitate joint military exercises amid regional tensions. The agreement aims to strengthen defense cooperation, especially in response to China's actions in the South China Sea. The pact takes effect after ratification.
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As of November 10, 2025, the Philippines faces severe impacts from Super Typhoon Fung-wong following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed over 200 people. Fung-wong made landfall Sunday with winds up to 185 kph, causing heavy rains, flooding, and forcing evacuations of over 1.3 million people. The storm disrupted rescue efforts and is expected to affect Taiwan next. The region braces for ongoing recovery amid repeated disasters.
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Typhoon Kalmaegi caused at least 188 deaths across the Philippines and Vietnam, with record rainfall and flooding. The storm's increasing strength is linked to rising sea temperatures due to climate change. Multiple countries face ongoing damage, with authorities evacuating thousands and assessing widespread destruction.
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Saudi Arabia welcomed 115.9 million tourists in 2024, surpassing its Vision 2030 goal six years early. The kingdom is expanding its tourism infrastructure, including giga-projects and new airports, to attract more visitors and diversify its economy. Meanwhile, the Philippines and Egypt are also boosting tourism with new initiatives and investments.
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Super Typhoon Fung-wong struck the northern Philippines on Sunday night with winds up to 185 km/h, following deadly Typhoon Kalmaegi. Over 1.4 million people were evacuated, with at least 18 deaths reported from flooding and landslides. The storm weakened as it moved toward Taiwan, causing further evacuations and heavy rains. The Philippines remains vulnerable amid increasing storm intensity linked to climate change.
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Fung-wong, downgraded from a super typhoon, is weakening as it approaches Taiwan, making landfall near Kaohsiung. It has caused injuries, evacuations, and flooding in the Philippines, with over 1.4 million displaced. Heavy rain and landslides continue in Taiwan, but the storm's strength is diminishing.
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Protests erupted across Manila over a corruption scandal involving flood control projects, with allegations of kickbacks, substandard infrastructure, and political cover-ups. Authorities have arrested multiple suspects, including former lawmakers and construction executives, amid calls for accountability. The scandal has intensified political tensions and public outrage, with ongoing investigations and protests.
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Cyclone Fina, a Category 3 storm with winds up to 205 km/h, has moved away from Darwin but caused power outages, property damage, and flooding. Authorities warn of ongoing risks as the storm tracks west, reviving memories of Cyclone Tracy. No injuries have been reported.
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As of late November 2025, the US, UK, Canada, and Japan face an early, severe flu season driven by the H3N2 subclade K variant, which has mutated beyond current vaccine strains. Hospital admissions and flu cases, especially among children and vulnerable groups, are rising. Concurrently, norovirus infections are doubling nationwide, with health officials urging hygiene and vaccination to mitigate risks.
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Recent Chinese research vessel activity near Micronesia highlights increased militarization in the northern Pacific. The U.S. conducts frequent drills, while the Philippines successfully delivers supplies to the contested Second Thomas Shoal despite Chinese presence. The situation underscores regional security concerns and shifting power dynamics.
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Philippine President Marcos faces renewed scrutiny amid allegations from his sister Imee of drug use and ongoing corruption investigations into flood-control projects. Marcos dismisses the claims, which are linked to a broader anti-corruption drive and public protests over infrastructure scandals.
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Alice Guo, former mayor of Bamban, Philippines, was sentenced to life in prison for running a Chinese-operated online scam and human trafficking operation. She was arrested in Indonesia in 2024 and extradited after fleeing the country. The case highlights ongoing efforts to combat transnational cybercrime and trafficking networks in Southeast Asia.
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A fire at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong has resulted in at least 55 deaths, with dozens more unaccounted for. The blaze spread rapidly through seven towers during renovations, with investigations focusing on safety violations and possible negligence related to construction materials and fire alarm failures.
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Flooding across Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia has caused over 1,200 deaths and left thousands missing. Extreme weather linked to climate change has intensified storms and floods, with scientists warning that such events will likely worsen in the coming years.
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Khaled Mohamed Ali El Hishri, a Libyan prison official, has been transferred to the ICC in The Hague to face charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to detention abuses in Libya from 2015 to 2020. His arrest in Germany followed a sealed warrant issued by the court. This marks the first Libyan suspect set for trial at the ICC, amid ongoing efforts to hold officials accountable for atrocities committed during Libya's civil conflict.
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Houthi rebels announced the release of 10 mariners, including Filipinos and Indians, after claiming Oman took custody of them. The ships targeted in recent attacks, which have sunk vessels and killed mariners, saw a temporary ceasefire during the Gaza conflict. The situation remains tense with ongoing maritime threats.