Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque applied for asylum in the Netherlands, submitting his application at the IND center in Ter Apel. The process includes identification, registration, and a waiting period for a decision, potentially taking six months or longer. An online petition opposing his asylum request gathered over 21,000 signatures, highlighting increasing resistance to his application.
A devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck near Mandalay, Myanmar, resulting in over 1,000 deaths. Rescue operations continue as teams work to recover bodies and aid the injured amidst widespread destruction.
The Philippine Embassy in Thailand cautioned against false reports of 10 Filipinos dead in Myanmar following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake. They confirmed no Filipino casualties and urge reliance on official updates.
India announced a $7.3 billion deal to procure 156 indigenous Prachand helicopters, highlighting its push for self-reliance in defense. The helicopters, produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, represent a major milestone in India’s domestic defense manufacturing capabilities, aimed at reducing import dependency and enhancing military readiness.
The deportation of a Venezuelan national from Canada has sparked controversy, with his Canadian partner asserting his innocence and lack of gang affiliation. The case raises questions about transparency in Canada’s immigration decisions and the balance between security and humanitarian obligations.
A petition led by Filipino-Dutch writer Joel Vega has gained over 21,000 signatures to block former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque’s asylum request in the Netherlands. The petition, accompanied by a formal letter to the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Services, argues against granting Roque asylum. As the case unfolds, Dutch authorities have yet to make a decision on the application, which follows an arrest warrant issued against Roque in the Philippines.
Timor-Leste’s aspirations to join ASEAN are under strain following its judiciary’s refusal to extradite Arnolfo Teves Jr., a Philippine lawmaker wanted for multiple murder charges. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has indicated that this decision could affect Timor-Leste’s chances of being accepted into the association. These developments add a layer of complexity to Timor-Leste’s diplomatic relations in Southeast Asia as it seeks membership in the regional organization.
Foreign embassies in Seoul advise avoiding protest hubs ahead of South Korea’s Constitutional Court ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment. With anticipated demonstrations in key areas, including Anguk and Gwanghwamun, embassies from Singapore, Australia, France, and Morocco stress the importance of safety and staying informed amid rising tensions.
Former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea has been discharged from a hospital in The Hague, Netherlands. After undergoing a heart procedure earlier this week, he now enters a six-week recovery period in the Netherlands. Senator Christopher “Bong” Go announced the news on social media, highlighting Medialdea’s ongoing recuperation process.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urges European Union leaders to increase weapon supplies and maintain pressure on Russia as officials from Kyiv and Moscow prepare for talks with the United States. The EU is actively seeking to impact the discussions, reflecting its commitment to supporting Ukraine amidst ongoing tensions with Russia. The upcoming negotiations are viewed as a critical opportunity for diplomacy in the face of escalating regional security concerns. The international community keeps a close watch on these developments as they unfold.