Around the Globe

More than 1,500 dead in Asia floods; experts urge forest protection

Catastrophic floods and landslides across parts of Asia have killed more than 1,500 people as of Thursday, with hundreds still missing and rescue operations ongoing in remote and isolated areas. Authorities in Indonesia’s North Sumatra and other affected regions prepared for renewed heavy rainfall after meteorologists issued fresh warnings. Governments deployed military, police, and volunteers to reach stranded residents, distribute aid, and restore access to cut-off communities. Disaster agencies opened information centers, expanded evacuation shelters, and monitored health risks in crowded camps, while environmental officials examined the role of land use and deforestation in slope instability and runoff.

Read more

Russia’s Putin in India to hold defence, trade talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi, India, for a two-day visit focused on defense and trade talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior Indian officials. The visit includes discussions on military cooperation, arms deals, energy trade, and India’s continued imports of Russian oil amid strong pressure from the United States. Delegations from both countries will review strategic, economic, and regional security issues, with expectations of joint statements and possible agreements to strengthen the longstanding India-Russia partnership.

Read more

Pinoy seafarers rescued from Houthis arrive safely at Naia

Nine Filipino seafarers held hostage by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, along with the remains of a fellow mariner, arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 in Manila at around 9:30 p.m. on Thursday. The Department of Migrant Workers and other Philippine government agencies received the seafarers, coordinated their release and repatriation, and facilitated medical, psychosocial, and immigration processing upon arrival. Authorities also arranged the dignified transfer of the deceased seafarer’s remains and began documenting the crew’s accounts of the hostage incident.

Read more

PCG keeps close watch on 2 Chinese vessels off Panatag

The Philippine Coast Guard shadowed two China Coast Guard vessels near Panatag Shoal in the West Philippine Sea during a routine maritime patrol on [date of incident]. PCG personnel monitored the movements and positions of the foreign ships within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and followed standard operating procedures throughout the operation. No collision, confrontation, or damage was reported during the encounter. The incident will form part of official PCG reports submitted to national security and maritime agencies for further assessment, as regular patrols continue in the West Philippine Sea.

Read more