Category: Asia

Philippines

₱476K Worth of Suspected Shabu Seized in Dumangas—But Police May Have Just Uncovered a Bigger Drug Network

DUMANGAS, ILOILO — A police buy-bust operation in Barangay Rosario, Dumangas, Iloilo led to the arrest of a 31-year-old man identified by authorities only as alias “Janjan,” after officers allegedly recovered around 70 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated standard drug price of ₱476,000. The operation was conducted at about 7:45 p.m. on August 19, 2026, according to the initial report by Panay News. Police said the suspect was classified as a high-value individual (HVI) in the illegal dru

August 22, 2026

Philippines

Southeast Asia Took Center Stage in Manila—But What Happened Next Had Everyone Talking

MANILA, Philippines — Southeast Asia came alive in Manila as the SULONG SEAPop Music and Culture Caravan brought together artists, performers, creatives and audiences from across the region in a vibrant celebration of music, culture and shared identity. Held on July 18 at SM City Manila, the event formed part of the Philippines’ activities as ASEAN Chair in 2026, giving the public a chance to experience the region’s diverse traditions through live performances, cultural showcases, workshops and

August 22, 2026

Philippines

Batangas Fishermen Were Missing for Nearly 20 Hours—But One Missing Piece of Equipment Made Their Ordeal Far More Dangerous

BATANGAS, Philippines — What began as an ordinary fishing trip turned into an almost 20-hour ordeal at sea after fishermen in Batangas lost the ability to navigate home when their motorized banca suffered engine trouble in Balayan Bay. The fishermen were eventually found alive and in good condition late Thursday night, August 20, near Barangay Anak Dagat in Lemery, according to reports citing the Philippine Coast Guard. Their rescue brought relief to their families—but the circumstances surrou

August 22, 2026

Philippines

PLDT, Smart to Block 100+ Sites Showing School Shootings — But the Bigger Threat May Be Somewhere Else

MANILA, Philippines — More than 100 websites carrying footage of school shootings and other extreme acts of violence are set to be blocked across PLDT and Smart networks, as Philippine authorities and telecommunications companies intensify efforts to stop the spread and glorification of violent content online. PLDT Inc. and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications Inc. announced the move following a string of deadly school shootings that have renewed concerns over the influence of violent o

August 22, 2026

Philippines

PUP Students Started the School Year With a 3,000-Strong Protest—But the ₱12-Billion Funding Gap Explains Why They’re Fighting

MANILA, Philippines — Thousands of Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) students marked the opening of the academic year not only by returning to classrooms, but by taking their demands straight to the streets. An estimated 3,000 students joined PUP’s annual “First Day Fight 2026” protest in Manila on Saturday, August 22, calling for greater government funding for public education, stronger student welfare programs, and opposing a proposal that would strengthen PUP’s status as the co

August 22, 2026

Business

Imran Khan’s Hospital Transfer Sparks Contempt Case in Pakistan—But the Government Says Security Comes First

Pakistan’s political crisis surrounding jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan has taken another dramatic turn after his party filed a contempt petition against the government, accusing authorities of failing to comply with a Supreme Court order concerning his medical treatment. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) filed the petition on Saturday, August 22, after Khan was taken to a government hospital for a brief medical examination and then returned to prison—rather than being transferred to Shifa

August 22, 2026

Business

IndiGo Sets Its Sights on Manila and Cebu—But What Happens Next Could Change Philippines–India Travel

The Philippines–India air corridor could be headed for a major shake-up as Indian low-cost carrier IndiGo moves to enter the Philippine market, potentially giving travelers more direct options between the two countries. According to a notice dated August 14 from the Philippine Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), InterGlobe Aviation Ltd., the parent company of IndiGo, has applied for a foreign air carrier’s permit to operate in the Philippines. The application covers potential services to Manila and

August 22, 2026

Philippines

Lanao del Sur Vice Mayor Arrested in Iligan Over Murder, Frustrated Murder Cases—But the Case Gets More Complicated

MARANTAO, Lanao del Sur — A sitting vice mayor of Marantao, Lanao del Sur, has been arrested in Iligan City after police tracked him down in connection with separate cases of murder and frustrated murder, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP). Vice Mayor Ali Eskandar Unte Alonto III, also known as “Bimmy Alonto,” 36, was taken into police custody during an operation conducted by intelligence personnel and Lanao del Sur police at an inn in Barangay San Miguel, Iligan City, on Friday,

August 22, 2026

Philippines

Cainta Is Catching Roadside Garbage Dumpers on CCTV—But What Happens After They’re Identified Is the Bigger Warning

CAINTA, Rizal — Roadside garbage dumping in Cainta is becoming much harder to get away with as the local government deploys CCTV surveillance, intensified patrols and community-service penalties against people caught leaving trash along major roads. Mayor Keith Nieto said authorities have stepped up enforcement particularly along the Karangalan service road, where repeated dumping has continued despite warnings and regular garbage collection in the area. According to a Daily Tribune report pub

August 22, 2026

Business

Bitcoin Surges Past $77,000 as U.S. Treasury Makes a Surprise Move—But Markets Are Watching What Happens Next

NEW YORK — Bitcoin staged a powerful rebound Friday, climbing more than 6% and pushing above $77,000 as investors responded to a surprise move by the U.S. Treasury to increase its purchases of longer-dated government bonds. The cryptocurrency rose to around $77,188, according to AFP reporting carried by Philstar, putting Bitcoin more than 20% higher for the week and at its strongest level since May. The rally came alongside a broader recovery in global equities after a turbulent week dominated

August 22, 2026