Philippines

Pinoy seafarers rescued from Houthis arrive safely at Naia

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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.

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PH tobacco harm framework comprehensive, DOJ says

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The Department of Justice told the Eleventh Conference of the Parties (COP11) to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in Panama City that the Philippines has comprehensive laws addressing tobacco-related harm. DOJ Senior State Counsel Charadee Caso-Noble said these laws regulate conventional and novel tobacco products, restrict sales to minors, mandate health warnings, and control advertising and public smoking. She said the Inter-Agency Committee on Tobacco coordinates enforcement and that Philippine regulations align with WHO FCTC obligations, undergo periodic review, and include penalties for violations.

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Missing sabungeros search in Taal Lake reveals 57 more skeletons

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Authorities recovered 57 additional skeletal remains from Taal Lake in Batangas during an ongoing search for missing “sabungeros” linked to alleged cockfighting-related abductions. Police forensic teams transported the remains for examination and possible DNA testing to establish identities and potential connections to previously reported disappearances. Law enforcement agencies coordinated with local government units, disaster response teams, and national investigators to secure the recovery site, preserve evidence, and compare findings with existing missing persons records. Further search operations and forensic analyses continue as authorities work to determine whether the remains match any of the individuals reported missing in relation to e-sabong activities.

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Petition urges SC to mandate Veloso’s release

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The parents of detained former overseas Filipino worker Mary Jane Veloso filed a petition before the Philippine Supreme Court seeking her immediate release, arguing that her continued detention lacks any arrest warrant or confinement order from a court. The petition asks the high tribunal to issue a writ of habeas corpus and to direct government agencies to justify or end Veloso’s detention. The Supreme Court will process the case under its standard procedures, which may include requiring comments from respondents and conducting further hearings before issuing a decision.

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King Charles sends condolences to typhoon, earthquake victims in Philippines

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King Charles and Queen Camilla conveyed their condolences to the victims of recent natural disasters in the Philippines. In a statement released by the UK’s Embassy, they expressed deep concern and sadness over the loss of lives caused by a series of typhoons and earthquakes. The message aims to show solidarity and support for the affected communities as international aid continues to assist recovery efforts.

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