General

Manila: More foreign missions in the Philippines have expressed concern over the recent actions of the China Coast Guard (CCG), which used water cannons on Filipino vessels near Zambales, just outside the territorial waters of Bajo de Masinloc. According to Philippines News Agency, Australian Ambassador HK Yu reiterated that the 2016 Arbitral Ruling is binding on all involved parties and emphasized the need for peaceful resolution of disputes in the South China Sea. She stated that Australia shares the Philippines’ concerns regarding the CCG’s actions against Philippine vessels near Scarborough Shoal and called for adherence to international law, specifically the

Cordillera: The Cordillera Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC) has reminded the public of the basic safety precautions that each household must take to ensure their safety, especially with the increasing risk of landslides in this mountainous region due to frequent rains. ‘Conduct hazard hunting in the house premises – wirings, roofs, house integrity,’ said Engr. Jose Ignacio Valera, officer-in-charge of the Office of Civil Defense and chair of the CDRRMC in a compendium policy. According to Philippines News Agency, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau has issued a list of hazard-prone and critical areas in the different municipalities and provinces

Manila: An earthquake, with a preliminary magnitude of 6.4, hit waters off south-eastern Philippines this morning, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said. According to Nam News Network, the quake occurred at 09:58 a.m. local time (0158 GMT), striking at a depth of 10 kilometers, approximately 359 kilometers north-east of Baganga town in Davao Oriental province. The institute reported that the tectonic quake will not cause damage, providing reassurance to the residents in the surrounding areas.

The Hague: Prosecutors have formally urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to reject former president Rodrigo Duterte’s request for interim release. In an official 15-page filing dated June 23, Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang addressed the ICC chamber, arguing against the release of Duterte to any country willing to accept him. According to Philippines News Agency, the prosecution emphasized the necessity of Duterte’s continued detention to ensure his appearance at trial. The prosecution’s position is also anchored in preventing Duterte from obstructing or endangering the investigation or court proceedings and in preventing any further crimes under the Court’s jurisdiction. The

Iloilo: The Department of Agriculture in Western Visayas (DA-6), through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), has opened a Kadiwa Display Center (KDC) to serve as a venue to showcase regional products. DA-6 AMAD officer-in-charge May Ann Grajo emphasized the center’s role in providing entrepreneurs with a platform to display their products, enhancing their potential for local and export markets. According to Philippines News Agency, Grajo highlighted that the Kadiwa Display Center is designed to demonstrate the competitiveness of local products in terms of price and quality. The initiative aims to support farmers in transitioning to agribusiness by assisting