Two Suspected Communist Rebels Killed in Armed Clash with Philippine Army in Capiz

Two suspected members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) were killed during a firefight with the Philippine Army in Tapaz, Capiz on Saturday, September 20. The Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) reported that troops from the 82nd, 61st, and 12th Infantry Battalions were conducting operations in the remote Barangay Katipunan at approximately 7:45 a.m. when they engaged seven armed individuals believed to be part of the Komiteng Rehiyon–Panay (KR-P). Captain Jessie Jun Ebalan, spokesperson for the 3ID, stated that the encounter stemmed from a tip provided by concerned citizens about armed men in the area. The military troops immediately responded to verify the report, leading to a firefight that lasted several minutes. After the exchange, two bodies were recovered, but their identities remain under verification. The government forces also seized two M-16 assault rifles, an M653 rifle, a rifle grenade, explosives, ammunition, magazines, and personal effects from the site. No casualties were reported among the government troops. Major General Michael G. Samson, commander of the 3ID, praised the swift and effective action of the troops, highlighting the importance of the community’s support in the operation’s success. He said, \"This victory is not only a testament to the dedication and bravery of our soldiers, but also to the overwhelming support and vigilance of the people of Tapaz. The timely information provided by concerned citizens was instrumental in the success of this operation.\" Samson further urged remaining NPA members to cease armed activities and reintegrate into society, emphasizing government programs such as the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and other amnesty initiatives. This operation marks the second encounter between the military and the NPA in Tapaz within a week. Previously, on September 13, troops from the 61st Infantry Battalion engaged and reportedly killed an alleged NPA medic, Christine May Capaducio, in Barangay Lahug, according to military accounts.

Hong Kong International Airport to Halt All Passenger Flights Amid Super Typhoon Ragasa Threat

Hong Kong International Airport is set to suspend all passenger flights for 36 hours beginning at 6 p.m. on Tuesday until 6 a.m. on Thursday, as it braces for the impending arrival of Super Typhoon Ragasa, one of the strongest storms to threaten the region in recent years. According to sources familiar with the situation, this precautionary shutdown aims to safeguard passengers and airport operations against the typhoon's severe impact. A spokesperson for the Airport Authority Hong Kong confirmed that they are closely monitoring Ragasa's progress and have initiated contingency plans to mitigate potential disruptions. An official statement regarding the flight suspension is expected later on Monday. Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Observatory plans to issue its first precautionary signal around midday to alert residents and businesses. The Civil Aviation Department has not yet provided a comment on the anticipated flight suspension. The Philippines has also taken preventive actions, suspending work and classes across Metro Manila and several other regions due to Ragasa's expected approach towards northern Luzon, which is forecast to bring destructive winds and heavy rainfall. These coordinated efforts highlight the urgency and seriousness with which authorities in the region are responding to the threat posed by Super Typhoon Ragasa.

ICC Unveils Charges Against Former Philippine President Duterte Over Alleged Crimes Against Humanity

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has formally presented a detailed, though partially redacted, indictment against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s history and international justice efforts. Duterte had long projected the image of a tough leader unafraid to use lethal force in safeguarding the nation. Now, the ICC is questioning whether his rhetoric and policies amount to systematic crimes against humanity. According to the ICC’s summary of allegations, prosecutors contend that Duterte transformed law enforcement agencies into instruments of widespread killing. These accusations cover actions from his tenure as mayor of Davao City through his presidency, highlighting numerous documented incidents but emphasizing a broader, institutionalized scale of violence. The charges are categorized into three main areas: 1. A series of killings in Davao City from 2013 to 2016 linked to the infamous "Davao Death Squad." 2. Targeted eliminations of so-called "high-value targets" nationwide during the first two years of Duterte’s presidency. 3. A campaign involving murder and attempted murder during barangay "clearance operations" associated with the national drug war. Prosecutors argue these acts were not isolated or unauthorized actions by police forces but were integral to an official policy explicitly crafted, endorsed, and maintained by Duterte. The ICC portrayal depicts Duterte as the mastermind behind a coordinated "common plan" to eliminate suspected criminals through extrajudicial killings, utilizing a network of police, local officials, and hired assassins. The charges include allegations that Duterte personally supported hit squads, appointed loyal police officials, granted immunity to perpetrators, and publicly displayed "narco-list" charts to incite violence. A chilling aspect of the indictment is that those who resisted these orders allegedly faced threats or were killed themselves, indicating a climate of enforced compliance within the system. This high-profile legal development has significant political implications. Supporters of Duterte reject the ICC’s intervention as unwarranted foreign interference, while his detractors view it as overdue justice for thousands of marginalized victims who seldom received national attention. Recently, Duterte’s defense team managed to secure a delay in the hearings, asserting that the 80-year-old former leader is medically unfit to undergo trial. However, the ICC granted only a brief postponement, reaffirming its commitment to proceed. The case now presents the Philippines with a critical juncture: to embrace international accountability or to resist under assertions of sovereignty and national pride. For many families affected by the drug war’s violence, the outcome represents a quest for truth and justice beyond political rhetoric. For Duterte, it marks a confrontation with the legacy of a regime deeply entwined with fear and state-sanctioned violence. The ICC’s charges signify the opening of a consequential chapter wherein long-standing impunity may face international legal scrutiny and potential consequences.

Super Typhoon Nando Exits PAR but Continues to Intensify Southwest Monsoon; New Cyclone Opong Expected to Enter

MANILA, Philippines – Although Super Typhoon Nando (Ragasa) departed from the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) early Tuesday, September 23, it continues to exert significant influence on weather conditions across Northern Luzon by intensifying the southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat. Simultaneously, the country is preparing for the arrival of a newly formed tropical cyclone, expected to enter PAR later the same day. At 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Nando was located approximately 385 kilometers west-northwest of Calayan, Cagayan, moving toward China at a speed of 20 kilometers per hour. It is projected to make landfall on Chinese soil on the evening of September 24 or the early hours of September 25. Upon exiting the Philippine jurisdiction at 4:50 a.m., Nando’s maximum sustained winds had reduced to 185 km/h, with gusts reaching 230 km/h. Nando reached peak intensity with sustained winds of 215 km/h when it made landfall on Panuitan Island, Cagayan, on Monday, September 22. Despite its departure, PAGASA reports that Nando continues to enhance the southwest monsoon, resulting in heavy rains across several provinces. From noon September 23 to noon September 24, La Union, Pangasinan, Benguet, Zambales, and Bataan are expected to experience heavy to intense rainfall between 100 and 200 millimeters. Meanwhile, moderate to heavy showers (50-100 mm) are forecast for Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Tarlac, Pampanga, Cavite, Batangas, and Occidental Mindoro. From noon September 24 to noon September 25, moderate to heavy rains will likely persist in Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro. Metro Manila and neighboring regions will see scattered rain showers and thunderstorms. Although the typhoon is no longer within PAR boundaries, tropical cyclone wind signals remain active in parts of Northern Luzon. Signal No. 2, indicating gale-force winds of 62 to 88 km/h, remains in effect for western Babuyan Islands, northwestern Cagayan, northern Apayao, and Ilocos Norte. Signal No. 1, representing strong winds of 39 to 61 km/h, continues across Batanes, other Babuyan Islands, much of Cagayan, northern Isabela, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, and additional areas. The southwest monsoon combined with Nando’s trough also generates strong to gale-force gusts in Zambales, Bataan, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Camarines Norte, and Western Visayas on September 23, extending to more regions through the following days. Furthermore, PAGASA warns of minimal to moderate risks of storm surges reaching 1 to 2 meters in specific coastal and island areas including northwestern mainland Cagayan, Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Norte, and northern Ilocos Sur. Sea conditions remain hazardous with very rough to high waves up to 5.5 meters in the seaboards of Batanes, Ilocos Norte, and Babuyan Islands. Rough to moderate seas persist in several eastern and western coastal areas, advising small vessels to exercise caution. Nando was the 14th tropical cyclone of 2025 to affect the Philippines and the fourth this September. Attention now turns toward a new system, tentatively named Opong, which elevated from a low-pressure area to a tropical depression outside PAR early Tuesday morning. As of 10 a.m., Opong was situated 1,075 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas, moving west swiftly at 35 km/h with sustained winds of 55 km/h and gusts up to 70 km/h. PAGASA forecasts Opong’s entry into PAR by Tuesday afternoon or evening, moving generally west-northwest toward Eastern Visayas and Southern Luzon. The tropical cyclone is expected to cross Southern Luzon, including regions such as Bicol, Calabarzon, and Mimaropa between September 26 and 27, before exiting PAR by Saturday evening. While the track is still subject to change, PAGASA warns Opong may strengthen into a tropical storm by Wednesday, with the possibility of further intensification to severe tropical storm status. Preparations are underway, with Signal No. 1 potentially raised in Eastern Visayas as early as Wednesday, providing up to 36 hours of warning for strong winds. Furthermore, Signal No. 2 could be imposed over parts of Southern Luzon and Eastern Visayas, and Signal No. 3 may be declared if the system reaches severe tropical storm intensity. Rainfall precipitated by Opong is anticipated to begin on Thursday, with heavy to intense rainfall forecast for Northern Samar and Eastern Samar, and moderate to heavy rains expected in multiple nearby provinces through Friday. PAGASA also noted that from Thursday afternoon onward, moderate to rough seas may affect Eastern Visayas and northeastern Mindanao, warranting continued vigilance especially for coastal and maritime activities. Residents and local authorities are urged to remain alert and adhere to official updates as weather conditions evolve over the coming days.

Foreign Ministers from Six Nations Unite Over Indo-Pacific and European Security Concerns

Foreign ministers and senior officials from Japan, South Korea, Australia, Britain, France, and Germany convened on Tuesday in New York alongside the UN General Assembly to reaffirm their joint commitment to addressing shared security challenges in the Indo-Pacific and Europe. The meeting focused particularly on concerns involving China, Russia, and North Korea. In a joint statement issued after the gathering, the representatives emphasized their alignment on core principles such as free trade and adherence to the rule of law. The statement noted that "peace, security and resilience in the Indo-Pacific and Europe are becoming more intertwined." The coalition stressed its determination to enhance cooperation on cyber defense initiatives and to counter hybrid threats—complex challenges that combine military actions with other tactics. Observers view this meeting as a strategic effort to present a coordinated front, partly in response to the "America First" foreign policy stance of the U.S. administration under President Donald Trump. The group aims to strengthen multilateral partnerships to safeguard regional stability and promote international norms in the face of evolving geopolitical dynamics.

Seven Dead as Fishing Vessel Capsizes Amid Super Typhoon Nando in Cagayan

Seven crew members lost their lives when a fishing vessel capsized in Santa Ana, Cagayan, on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, as Super Typhoon Nando struck the area. According to Captain Noemie Cayabyab, spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), of the 13 crew aboard the ill-fated vessel, six were rescued safely while the remaining seven perished. Captain Cayabyab explained that the crew intended to take refuge at a designated anchorage due to the approaching typhoon. However, while securing their fishing nets, the boat was suddenly hit by powerful waves and fierce winds, which caused the vessel to tilt and ultimately sink. She stated, "Because of the approaching storm, the plan was to take shelter in our identified anchorage area. But as the crew was securing their fishnets, they were struck by strong waves and winds that caused the fishing bank to capsize." The victims were reportedly trapped inside the overturned boat. The local government unit has since handed over the bodies to their respective families. Captain Cayabyab also issued a reminder that all sea activities, especially those involving small vessels along the northeastern and northwestern coasts of Luzon, remain suspended due to the hazardous weather conditions brought by the typhoon.

WHO Refutes Alleged Link Between Paracetamol Use in Pregnancy and Autism

BRUSSELS – The World Health Organization (WHO) clarified on Wednesday that current scientific findings do not support any definitive connection between the use of paracetamol during pregnancy and the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This statement counters recent assertions made by US President Donald Trump. According to WHO, approximately 62 million individuals globally, or one in every 127 people, are affected by ASD, a complex group of neurodevelopmental conditions. While diagnostic methods and awareness have improved, the precise causes of autism remain uncertain and likely involve multiple factors. President Trump recently suggested that taking Tylenol, known internationally as paracetamol, during pregnancy may significantly increase the likelihood of a child developing autism. However, the WHO emphasized that extensive research conducted over the last ten years, incorporating large population studies, has found no consistent evidence linking prenatal paracetamol exposure to autism. Moreover, the organization reaffirmed that comprehensive scientific data conclusively disproves any association between childhood vaccinations and autism, citing numerous studies across various countries that have also debunked claims involving vaccine components such as thiomersal or aluminum. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus advised expectant mothers on the social media platform X to adhere strictly to medical guidance when considering medication use during pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester, and to exercise caution with all drugs. The WHO's message underscores the importance of relying on robust scientific evidence and maintaining public confidence in proven healthcare practices.

Severe Tropical Storm Opong Strands Nearly 6,000 Passengers and Cargo Personnel Across Philippine Ports

MANILA – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported on Thursday that 5,929 passengers, truck drivers, and cargo helpers remain stranded at various ports within areas threatened by Severe Tropical Storm Opong (international name Bualoi). As of 4 p.m., the PCG confirmed that 101 seaports suspended sea travel operations, impacting 2,340 rolling cargoes, 81 vessels, and 31 motorbancas. The affected regions include Eastern Visayas, Southern Tagalog, Northeastern Mindanao, Central Visayas, and the Bicol Region. In anticipation of the storm, 355 vessels and 226 motorbancas sought shelter from Opong, which the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecasted to intensify to typhoon strength before making landfall over Northern Samar early Friday morning. By 8 p.m., PAGASA reported that Opong was positioned approximately 150 kilometers east of Borongan City, Eastern Samar, with maximum sustained winds reaching 110 kilometers per hour and gusts up to 135 kilometers per hour. The storm is moving closer to Eastern Visayas. On Friday, Opong is expected to journey west-northwestward, passing near or over the Sibuyan Sea and traversing parts of the Bicol Region, southern Calabarzon, and northern Mimaropa. It will likely emerge over the West Philippine Sea by early Saturday morning. In response to the approaching storm, the PCG Eastern Visayas District escalated alert levels at all its stations and sub-stations as of Wednesday to ensure readiness against the threat posed by Opong in the region.

Two Taiwanese Nationals Detained for Attempted Human Trafficking of Filipinos to Cambodia

At Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Philippine authorities arrested two Taiwanese nationals accused of attempting to traffic six Filipinos to Cambodia for participation in a fraudulent operation. Maj. Shari Vanneza Deseo, spokesperson for the Philippine National Police-Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC), revealed that the victims, comprising two women and four men aged 26 to 29 from Metro Manila, were recruited through social media with a promise of a monthly salary of ₱50,000. Deseo highlighted that the victims were aware they would be engaged in scam activities, attributing their willingness to economic hardships. "Maybe it’s because of the hardships of life that they are willing to take on this kind of work," she stated. The WCPC suspects a Filipino facilitator based in Cambodia orchestrated the recruitment process. The two Taiwanese suspects are currently detained at the WCPC facility and face charges that include human trafficking and large-scale syndicated illegal recruitment. Conviction could result in life imprisonment and fines reaching ₱7 million. Authorities are also pursuing legal action against the alleged Filipino accomplice. "I spoke with one of the arrested suspects," Deseo added. "He said he has returned to the Philippines multiple times. They pick up or fetch our victims and bring them to Cambodia." The six rescued individuals have been turned over to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking. Five have been referred to the Department of Social Welfare and Development for further assistance. Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty, overseeing the council, noted in a televised interview that the victims are currently housed in a shelter where their needs are being addressed. He emphasized the necessity of enhancing referral mechanisms in the fight against human trafficking, underscoring that law enforcement efforts must be complemented by coordinated support systems.

UN Restores Arms Embargo and Sanctions on Iran Amid Nuclear Deal Collapse

The United Nations Security Council reinstated a decade-old arms embargo and additional sanctions on Iran on Saturday, following a resolution initiated by key European nations citing breaches of the 2015 nuclear agreement. Britain, France, and Germany led the effort, alleging that Iran violated the accord designed to prevent nuclear weapon development—a claim Iran continues to deny. Originally signed by Iran, Britain, Germany, France, the United States, Russia, and China, the nuclear deal has unraveled, heightening regional tensions in the Middle East, particularly after recent Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The renewed UN sanctions, activated at 8 p.m. EDT (0000 GMT), revive measures adopted in Security Council resolutions from 2006 to 2010. Attempts to postpone the reinstatement during the annual UN world leaders' summit were unsuccessful. In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of the three European countries emphasized, \"We urge Iran and all states to abide fully by these resolutions.\" Tehran has condemned the move, warning of severe repercussions. Nonetheless, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian underscored that Iran does not intend to withdraw from the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Concurrently, Iran recalled its ambassadors to Britain, France, and Germany for consultations. Russia strongly opposed the sanctions' reinstatement. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov declared the move \"unlawful\" and urged UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres not to recognize the sanctions, labeling it a \"major mistake.\" The UN Security Council promptly updated its website to reflect the sanctions' return. Despite the sanctions, European powers maintain that diplomacy remains viable. They had proposed delaying sanctions by up to six months if Iran restored inspection access, clarified concerns over enriched uranium, and engaged in dialogue with the U.S. Their statement reiterated, \"The reimposition of UN sanctions is not the end of diplomacy. We urge Iran to refrain from any escalatory action and to return to compliance with its legally binding safeguards obligations.\" U.S. officials echoed this sentiment. Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed that negotiations remain preferable, provided Iran commits to direct, good-faith talks without obstruction. He stressed the importance of immediate sanction enforcement to compel Iran toward responsible conduct beneficial to both its people and global security. Iran's economy, already weakened by harsh U.S. sanctions reinstated in 2018 after America's withdrawal from the deal, has suffered further. The Iranian rial plummeted to a record low of approximately 1,123,000 per U.S. dollar on Saturday, exacerbated by fears surrounding the renewed sanctions. Under the reinstated UN measures, Iran faces a renewed arms embargo and prohibitions on uranium enrichment, reprocessing, and any ballistic missile activities related to nuclear weapons capability. Additional restrictions include travel bans, asset freezes on numerous Iranian individuals and entities, and a comprehensive ban on supplying materials potentially usable in Iran's nuclear program. All UN member states are empowered to seize contraband covered by the sanctions. Furthermore, Iran is barred from involvement in uranium mining, production, or nuclear technology-related commercial activities outside its borders. These developments mark a significant escalation in the international community's stance toward Iran's nuclear ambitions and underscore the fragile state of diplomacy in the region.