Philippines

Churches damaged, roads split open: How 6.9 earthquake ravaged Philippines

A powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake shook central Philippines late Tuesday, claiming more than 60 lives and causing widespread damage across Cebu province. The quake, centred near Bogo, led to massive power cuts and collapsed structures, including a centuries-old church. At least 147 people were injured across the central islands, with authorities declaring a 'state of calamity' in parts of Cebu to speed up rescue and relief operations

Over 60 killed after 6.9 magnitude earthquake hits Philippines, search ops ongoing

Local media have reported that rescuers conducted search operations throughout the night to look for casualties after Tuesday night’s quake damaged buildings, roads and knocked out power in parts of the region

Typhoon Ragasa: How ‘King of Storms’ has unleashed its fury in Hong Kong, Taiwan & China

Described by forecasters as the most powerful storm on the planet this year, Super Typhoon Ragasa has caused massive destruction in Hong Kong, Taiwan, the Philippines and other regions as it made landfall in southern China. Known as the ‘King of Storms’, it is expected to result in billions of dollars in damage

Typhoon Ragasa: Hong Kong shuts schools, flights as world’s biggest typhoon of the year closes in

Ragasa had already toppled trees, torn the roofs off buildings and killed at least two people in a landslide while lashing the northern Philippines, where thousands sought shelter in schools and evacuation centres

Super Typhoon Ragasa forces mass evacuations in Philippines and Taiwan

Ragasa was heading west and forecast to remain in the South China Sea at least into Wednesday while passing south of Taiwan and Hong Kong before landfall on the Chinese mainland

Former Philippines president Duterte charged with crime against humanity by ICC

The 80-year-old leader is accused of being responsible for the murders of several people as he waged a war against drugs, which killed thousands of small-time drug dealers, users and others were killed without trial

Like Nepal, there is fury against ‘nepo babies’ in the Philippines. Here’s why

Outrage is growing in the Philippines against ‘nepo babies’, the children of wealthy politicians and contractors, who flaunt their lavish lifestyle on social media. Their anger stems from allegations of corruption against lawmakers and contractors linked to flood control projects. Here’s what is happening

US slams China’s ‘destabilising plans’ at Scarborough Shoal, reaffirms support for Manila

Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday said the US stood with Philippines and rejected what he described as China's "destabilising plans" involving Scarborough Reef.

Why is China creating a 'nature reserve' in the South China Sea?

China’s decision to establish a nature reserve at Scarborough Shoal has drawn strong condemnation from the Philippines, which sees the move as an attempt to tighten control over disputed waters. While Beijing claims it aims to protect coral reefs, Manila argues it’s a pretext for occupation, adding to tensions in the South China Sea

China-Philippines tension flares up afresh over atoll named after a British ship

Its position is strategic for Beijing, sitting in the middle of the South China Sea and near shipping lanes carrying more than $3 trillion of annual commerce. Activities there are closely watched by the United States and other major powers