Foreign Ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) sent their condolences to the people of Nepal and surrounding countries on Sunday (April 28), after an earthquake devastated the heavily crowded Kathmandu Valley, killing more than 2,200 people, and triggered a deadly avalanche on Mount Everest. Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Ahman, the ASEAN rotating chair said they were sadden by the loss of life. “We wish to convey our deepest condolences to the governments […]
Other News
ASEAN foreign ministers urge China to stop reclamation in disputed waters
The foreign ministers of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Sunday (April 26) urged China to stop reclamation in the disputed waters in theSouth China Sea and engage in discussion ahead of a regional summit. “It would be much appreciated if China can stop work and sit down with us and member states and discuss,” said Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman after the ministers of the regional bloc met in Kuala Lumpur. “The ASEAN […]
6.7 magnitude quake aftershock hits Nepal and India; death toll rises to more than 2,200
A STRONG earthquake aftershock hit India and Nepal on Sunday (April 26), shaking buildings in northern and eastern parts of India, and triggering an avalanche in the Himalayas. The United States Geological Survey said the tremor was 6.7 magnitude, less than the 7.9 quake that struck the region on Saturday (April 25) killing more than 2,200 people. People vacated offices and residential buildings and ran out in Lucknow city in northern Uttar Pradesh state. “It […]
Aquino leaves for Malaysia to attend 26th ASEAN Summit
PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III on Sunday noon left for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to attend 26th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit slated from April 26 – 28. In his departure speech at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2, the President said among the agendas during the summit is developing trade, improving relations among citizens of the ASEAN region, responding to the impact of climate change and promoting security in the region. “Ididiin po natin, […]
Filipina death row convict’s lawyer says execution could happen soon
THE lawyer of a Filipina woman on death row in Indonesia for drug trafficking says her execution could happen soon, as her family paid her a visit on Sunday (April 26). This was the second visit to Nusakambangan island, a maximum high security prison in Indonesia, by Mary Jane Veloso’s family since she was sent to the island on Friday (April 24). Veloso’s lawyer, Edre U Olalia, while waiting for the permit to cross by […]
Philippines appeals to ASEAN foreign ministers to thwart China’s reclamation activities
THE Philippines has called on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Sunday to “assert its leadership, centrality, and solidarity” in order to thwart China’s massive reclamation activities over the disputed West Philippine Sea (South China Sea). In his intervention during the 26th ASEAN Foreign Ministers meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario urged his fellow ministers to support the Philippines in opposing China’s unreasonable actions on its way towards controlling […]
ASEAN draft statement to steer clear of criticizing China’s actions in disputed waters
FOREIGN Ministers of the 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) held a one-day ministerial level meeting in Malaysia on Sunday (April 26). The preparation meeting at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre came ahead of the leaders summit on Monday (April 27) where heads of state of the regional bloc will meet to discuss a slew of regional and international issues. Territorial disputes in the South China Sea and establishment of an integrated […]
FBI investigating possible Islamic State terrorism plot in U.S. – CNN
THE U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating a possible Islamic State-inspired terrorism plot in the United States, CNN reported on Saturday (April 25), quoting law enforcement officials. A Federal law enforcement official who asked not to be named said there was a known threat to Los Angeles International Airport, but did not say whether this was a new threat or was associated with Islamic State. CNN said the investigation started after intercepted communication and other […]
Report says Philippines among top 100 happiest nations; Malacanang elated
MALACANANG is elated by a report ranking the Philippines among the top 100 happiest nations in the world, which could boost the country’s tourism campaign. The Philippines placed 90th among 158 nations ranked by the 2015 World Happiness Report. The report was unveiled in New York last Thursday. “Ikinararangal po natin na kaligayahan ang magiging karanasan ng mga dadalaw sa atin,” Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr said in a radio interview on […]
Nepal quake death toll rising; more than 1,800 confirmed dead
NEPAL’S Home Ministry said that the death toll due to the devastating 7.9 magnitude earthquake that hit Nepal on Saturday (April 25) had killed more than 1,800 people, a toll predicted to rise as rescuers used their hands to dig for survivors among the rubble. Nepal’s Home Ministry confirmed the death toll had reached 1,805 and that more than 4,700 people had been injured. Amateur video posted on a social media website showed large cracks […]
Countdown appears to start for execution of foreigners in Indonesia
FOREIGN embassy officials arrived on Nusakambangan island on Saturday (April 25), the maximum security prison where the execution of 10 drug convicts is expected to take place. Indonesia had asked foreign embassies to send representatives to the prison island, diplomats said on Friday (April 24), although an official 72-hour notice of execution has not yet been given. Embassy officials received text messages from the government to send representatives. It was not clear why they were […]
Australian drug smuggler art unveiled as execution looms
ONE of several convicted drug smugglers on death row in Indonesia has painted three self-portraits which his lawyer presented to the media on Saturday (April 25). Two Australian drug convicts were notified on Saturday (April 25), that they will be executed by firing squad in 72 hours at the Indonesian prison island of Nusakambangan. The Attorney General’s office said notices were delivered that Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, along with one Nigerian and four other […]
