Philippines

The Philippines is currently in the news due to a powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck southern Mindanao island, killing at least 61 people and leaving 40 missing. This tremor significantly raised the seabed by up to two meters, causing harm to marine life and exposing coral. Filipino domestic workers in Hong Kong have launched a fundraising campaign to support families affected by the earthquake, highlighting urgent needs for food, water, and medicine. Separately, concerns have been raised about student athlete safety following the drowning of two university basketball players during a team-building activity. In terms of international relations, the Philippines' confrontational stance on maritime disputes, particularly with China regarding the South China Sea, is noted as being out of step with the broader ASEAN trend. Additionally, former President Rodrigo Duterte is undergoing a health check to determine his fitness for trial at the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity.