A Philippine radio anchor is fatally shot while on Facebook livestream watched by followers ☞ ABC News
“The gunman gained entry into the home-based radio station of provincial news broadcaster Juan Jumalon by pretending to be a listener. He then shot him twice during a live morning broadcast in Calamba town in Misamis Occidental province, police said.
The attacker snatched the victim’s gold necklace before fleeing with a companion…”
Philippines – Almost 200 students in Bohol ‘possessed’ by evil spirits ☞ Inquirer News – Philippines
“After receiving the call from the provincial health office, Anthony Damalerio, head of the provincial disaster risk reduction and management office head, dispatched emergency responders from Trinidad, San Miguel, and Alicia to the school and brought 195 students to the President Carlos P. Garcia Memorial Hospital in Talibon town.
However, only two were admitted.”
Philippines, Australia conduct joint air assault drills near South China Sea ☞ The Straits Times – Singapore
“The exercise involved coordinated air, land and sea actions to simulate realistic combat scenarios, enhancing the forces’ preparedness and operational readiness.”
Filipinos Nailed to Crosses Despite Church Objection ☞ VOA
“The real-life crucifixions in the farming village of San Pedro Cutud in Pampanga province north of Manila resumed after a three-year pause due to the coronavirus pandemic.”
Philippine police seize large stash of drugs in tea bags ☞ AP News
“BAGUIO, Philippines (AP) — Philippine police seized more than 500 kilograms (more than half a ton) of suspected methamphetamine concealed in tea bags Wednesday and arrested a suspected Chinese drug dealer in a northern mountain resort city, police officials said.”
Philippine President Marcos defends US military presence as China warns of ‘abyss of geopolitical strife’ ☞ South China Morning Post
“Marcos said the four new sites would be announced soon and they include areas in the northern Philippines. That location has infuriated Chinese officials because it would provide US forces a staging ground close to southern China and Taiwan.”
Philippine governor, 5 others killed in brazen attack ☞ The Hindu
“At least six men armed with assault rifles and wearing military-style camouflage and bullet-proof vests alighted from three SUVs and opened fire on Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo, hitting him and at least five other people in front of his home in Pamplona town. The province has a history of violent political rivalries.”
Australia, Philippines discuss joint South China Sea patrols to counter China’s ‘aggressive activities’ ☞ ABC News – Australia
“In a statement, the PCG said it saw a Chinese coast guard vessel and dozens of what it suspected were boats manned by Chinese militia around the Second Thomas and Sabina Shoals, both of which are inside the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.”
Philippines files protest to China over use of laser, ‘aggressive activities’ by vessels ☞ Malay Mail – Malaysia
“The Philippine coast guard said on Monday a Chinese coast guard ship directed a ‘military-grade laser’ at one of Manila’s vessels supporting a resupply mission to troops in the disputed waterway on February 6, temporarily blinding its crew on the bridge.” – “There was no immediate comment from the Chinese embassy in Manila, but China’s foreign ministry said on Monday that its coast guard had conducted actions according to the law. “We urge the Philippines to avoid such actions, and the actions of China’s staff are professional and restrained,’ China’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Wang Wenbin, told a regular briefing.”
Analysts: Deal on Philippine bases gives US firmer foothold in Asia ☞ Radio Free Asia
“Washington to use Philippine sites to stage military response to a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan”