Latest news with #Filipinos
Borneo Post
36 minutes ago
- Climate
- Borneo Post
Philippines shuts schools, scraps flights as Typhoon Co-May nears
Residents wade through a flooded street after heavy rains in Dagupan City, Pangasinan province, north of Manila on July 24, 2025. – AFP photo MANILA (July 24): The Philippines shut down schools and cancelled flights today as typhoon-driven rains pounded the northern island of Luzon, a situation President Ferdinand Marcos called 'the new normal'. Typhoon Co-May, upgraded from a tropical storm overnight, follows days of monsoon rains that have killed at least 19 people and left another 11 missing across the archipelago since July 18, according to the national disaster agency. With maximum sustained winds of 120 kilometres per hour, the typhoon was expected to make landfall on the west coast in either La Union or Ilocos Sur province by Friday morning, the country's weather service said. Marcos said today that climate change meant Filipinos needed to be thinking about how to adapt to a 'new normal'. 'This is not an extraordinary situation anymore… This will be our lives no matter what we do,' he told a televised cabinet briefing, adding the country should plan for the long-term in addressing natural disasters. 'This is the way it's going to be as far as we know for… many decades to come, so let's just prepare,' he said. 'We have to understand that the climate has changed, the rain patterns have changed,' he added, pointing to recent devastating flooding in the US state of Texas. Around 70 domestic and international flights in the Philippines were cancelled today due to the storms, the civil aviation authority said. The government later announced that classes across Luzon would remain suspended through Friday. Tens of thousands were evacuated across Manila earlier this week by floodwaters that swamped some neighbourhoods in waist-deep water and left residents of nearby provinces stranded and in need of rescue by boat. As of today, at least several thousand people in Manila remained unable to return to their homes. 'We cannot send them home yet because it is still raining and some typhoons are still expected to affect the country,' Ria Mei Pangilinan, a rescue coordinator in the capital, told AFP. 'There might be more (evacuees) if the rain does not stop.' Typhoon Co-May was about 105 kilometres off the country's west coast as of 8pm (1200 GMT). – AFP Philippines Typhoon Co-May
GMA Network
2 hours ago
- Business
- GMA Network
Lee says Korea a reliable partner of PH amid global instability
'This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Korean War. We will never forget that the Philippines was the first Asian nation to send combat troops in 1950—ultimately more than 7,000 strong,' Lee said. Korean Ambassador Lee Sang-Hwa said his country is a reliable partner of the Philippines, recalling the Philippines' role in Korea's history as the first country in Asia to send combat troops to the Korean War in 1950. At a luncheon he hosted for members of the Philippine media earlier this week, Lee said, 'Korea knows what solidarity means.' 'This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Korean War. We will never forget that the Philippines was the first Asian nation to send combat troops in 1950—ultimately more than 7,000 strong,' Lee said. 'Because our bond was forged in the crucible of war, it is natural that Korea stands as a reliable partner of the Philippines, particularly when we face deepening global instability, one that is fraught with fragmentation and uncertainty,' he added. 'As fellow maritime nations, we share an abiding interest in peace and stability, as well as upholding a rules-based order in the South China Sea and beyond,' Lee said. Oliver Victor B. Amoroso, Senior Vice President and Head of GMA Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy; and Reina Anne S. Dimapawi, Assistant Vice President and Deputy Head of Integrated News Operations, attended the luncheon. Lee thanked the Philippine government, the Filipino people, and the media 'for the trust you have shown in the resilience of Korea's democracy.' 'As you know, Korea has come through a period of domestic uncertainty following the declaration of martial law last December,' Lee said. 'With the inauguration of President Lee Jae-myung's new government, stability has been restored across the board. We believe this renewed confidence at home will translate into fresh momentum in our 76-year-old ties,' he added. Lee said that after the Philippines-Korea Free Trade Agreement came into force in December, Korea has topped the list of foreign investors based on PEZA-approved projects. 'We expect even more good news in the months ahead as businesses act on the new opportunities unlocked by the FTA and the Philippines' CREATE MORE Act,' Lee said. Lee said the two countries' defense cooperation also continued to grow with the Korean-built frigate—the BRP Miguel Malvar—getting commissioned in May. 'And with the 12 additional FA-50 fighter aircraft contracted in June, this active defense cooperation will help modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines,' Lee said. Lee said the Filipinos and Koreans also feel their connection through culture. 'Korean culture continues to bring our communities closer. I am glad that Filipinos enthusiastically streamed the latest Squid Game season and embraced the animated hit K-Pop Demon Hunters,' Lee said. 'Building on that excitement, the Korean Cultural Center is hosting 'Step Into the World of K-Pop Demon Hunters' from 18 July to 4 August,' he added. ' I encourage all of you to visit and try on the iconic gat (let me show you this), and create traditional maedeup knots and paint your own Magpie-and-Tiger folk art piece. It's a fun, hands-on way to experience Korea's creative spirit,' Lee said. –NB, GMA Integrated News
The Star
4 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Asian leaders call for calm over deadly Cambodia-Thailand border clashes
Smoke billowing from the roof of a convenience store attached to a petrol station in Sisaket province in Thailand after it was hit by a rocket strike from Cambodia. -- PHOTO: AFP SOUTH-EAST ASIA: Thailand launched air strikes on Cambodian military targets on July 24 as Cambodia fired rockets and artillery, killing at least 11 civilians, in a dramatic escalation of a long-running border row between the two neighbours. The developments have caused concern among countries in Asia, with leaders urging calm and swift de-escalation. Here are the reactions. Malaysia Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has sent messages to the prime ministers of Cambodia and Thailand, hoping to speak with them personally on July 24, reported the New Straits Times. Malaysia currently holds the chairmanship of Asean. 'The situation is worrying. They are key members of Asean and close neighbours to Malaysia… At the very least, we hope they will de-escalate tensions and return to the negotiating table,' he said. 'Efforts have been made, but I still firmly believe that peace is the only option.' Philippines The Department of Foreign Affairs remained hopeful that Cambodia and Thailand could resolve the issue in accordance with international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes. 'We urge both parties to extend due consideration and care to innocent civilians who may be affected by the ongoing conflict,' it said. 'The Philippines does not take any position on this dispute but underscores the importance of maintaining open lines of communication and ensuring the de-escalation of the situation.' Manila said it is continually monitoring the situation and remains ready to extend all possible assistance to Filipinos living in these two countries if necessary. To date, no Filipino nationals have been reported to be affected by the conflict, it added. China Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said China is deeply concerned over the current developments and hopes both sides can properly resolve issues through dialogue and consultations. 'Good neighbourliness and properly handling differences are in line with the fundamental and long-term interests of both sides,' he said. Guo said China would adopt a 'fair and impartial position' in the clashes. Beijing 'has and will continue to in its own way do its best to promote peace and dialogue, and play a constructive role in promoting the easing and cooling down of the situation', he added. Japan Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya said Japan has been working to encourage both Cambodia and Thailand to de-escalate the situation. 'A sound relationship between Cambodia and Thailand is extremely important for peace and stability in the region,' he said. 'Japan urges both Cambodia and Thailand to exercise maximum restraint and strongly hopes that the tension between the two countries will be eased peacefully through dialogue.' Unicef The United Nations Children's Fund's regional director for East Asia and the Pacific, Ms June Kunugi, called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and protect children. 'Children must be protected at all times and their safety and well-being must be prioritised while schools must remain safe spaces for learning,' she said. - Agencies/The Straits Times-Asia News Network
GMA Network
4 hours ago
- Business
- GMA Network
Consumer groups urge tech-driven steps vs. illegal online gambling
'You shut one site today, and another one replaces it tomorrow. We need smarter systems that proactively detect and stop these operations before they reach consumers. This is not just a gambling issue—it's a cybersecurity issue,' Sison said. Consumer advocacy groups on Thursday called on the government to adopt smarter and technology-driven measures to combat illegal online gambling instead of prohibiting its operations. In a news release, Bantay Konsyumer, Kalsada, Kuryente, and Konsyumer at Mamamayan warned that an outright ban may only force legitimate gaming platforms to operate underground. 'Public concerns about the dangers of gambling are valid,' Atty. Karry Sison, BK3 Convenor, said. 'But banning online gambling outright won't solve the problem. Many of these sites operate offshore and beyond the reach of our laws, continuing to spread harmful software and steal user data,'' Sison added. The group emphasized the need for stronger digital regulation that is supported by advanced governance tools, instead of blanket prohibitions, which may later lead to more harmful and untraceable underground gambling activities. 'You shut one site today, and another one replaces it tomorrow. We need smarter systems that proactively detect and stop these operations before they reach consumers. This is not just a gambling issue—it's a cybersecurity issue,' Sison said. Both BK3 and KM expressed concern over unregulated gambling sites ''becoming gateways to fraud, exploitation, and other forms of criminal activity due to the lack of oversight.'' For his part, KM Convenor Danilo Lorenzo 'Ren' De Los Santos pointed to the potential of digital financial tools, particularly e-wallets, in tracking and disrupting suspicious behavior linked to online gambling. 'E-wallets are used by millions of Filipinos every day. With the proper regulatory framework, these tools can identify red flags like frequent betting, underage users, or unusual account activity,' De Los Santos said. 'Technology can empower our regulators to respond faster and more effectively,'' he added. Several lawmakers have included in their priority bills for the 20th Congress the legislation for the total ban of online gambling in the country, while some are only pushing for restricting access to it. As for the Executive, Malacañang said that President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. will study the calls to ban online gambling. –NB, GMA Integrated News
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Watch: Foreigner cleans Himachal Waterfall—locals watch, internet reacts
A short video from a waterfall in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra district is drawing attention online– this time, not for any viral dance or flashy travel vlog, but for something far simpler. In the clip, a foreign tourist, wrapped in just a towel, is seen quietly picking up plastic waste left behind by others. The calm, wordless gesture has sparked a larger conversation– one that touches on our collective responsibility, how we treat natural spaces, and the behaviour of Indian tourists when visiting scenic spots. Tourist takes initiative, leaves the internet divided In the now-viral video, the tourist is seen calmly collecting wrappers and plastic from the ground. While his actions were quiet, his words during the video were firm. 'Maybe if I have a free day, I will sit and tell people, 'Pick this up'. I have no problem telling people,' he says, as he continues gathering litter near the waterfall. Watch the video here: The clip was shared on the social media platform X by user Nikhil Saini. In his caption, Saini wrote, 'Shameful, a foreign tourist is more concerned about nature's beauty while local tourists keep shamelessly littering such stunning places. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Great news for Filipinos! Read More Undo No govt or administration is to be blamed– it's the people who need to change if we ever want a clean country.' Reactions pour in: 'It's not the government, it's us' Saini's post quickly went viral, and the comments reflect both anger and introspection. One user wrote, 'I have said it many times. We need a generational shift in mindset. Teach your children that it is bad. I have seen people telling their kids to throw trash out of the car. Civic sense is zero amongst us.' Another added, 'Hence proved again, it's not the Government's fault, but Indians are the problem of littering in India.' A third said, 'Absolutely shameful. Until people change their mindset, no amount of rules or governance can keep our country clean.' The general mood online was clear– the issue lies not in the lack of rules, but in the casual approach of many tourists towards basic cleanliness. The bigger problem: Cleanliness at tourist hotspots Incidents like these aren't new. From mountains to beaches, several popular destinations across India face the same issue: careless littering, lack of awareness, and a missing sense of responsibility among visitors. Despite awareness campaigns, dustbins, and fines, the sight of plastic wrappers, bottles, and food waste remains common in many public spaces. While local authorities often carry out regular clean-up drives, such efforts fall short when the problem originates at the level of public behaviour. Clean spaces need conscious travellers The video from Kangra brings the focus back to the role of individuals in keeping public spaces clean. As the tourist demonstrated, it doesn't take a huge campaign or government order to act responsibly– just basic awareness and intent. His quiet gesture has become a talking point, not because it was extraordinary, but because it pointed to something so ordinary that should already be expected from all: not leaving behind a mess in nature. The video continues to circulate online, prompting many to reflect– not just on the foreigner's actions, but on their own.
