Previously arrested for his involvement in the 1988 movements, now in exile in Thailand, Bo Ky founded the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. He will receive the 2026 Asian Nobel prize along with Singaporean diplomat Tommy Koh (who worked on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), and Bangladeshi social entrepreneur Runa Khan.
After decades of moving from place to place, the Tesalonika Ecumenical Christian Congregation in Banten province celebrated Good Friday in their own house of prayer. However, they still have to contend with the seals placed on the place of worship by local authorities who refuse to issue permits, partly due to hostility from local residents. Minority groups often face this kind of obstacle in Indonesia.
In the Philippines, more than six million people joined the Alay Lakad, the nighttime pilgrimage in Antipolo, while in Quezon province, a group of farmers interrelated the stories of the Passion with their own struggle to defend their lands. In Arunachal Pradesh, young people are celebrating the Easter Triduum by praying for religious harmony in India. The World Council of Churches in South Korea called for conversion and shared a prayer dedicated to the painful division between North and South.
The thousands of people employed on large ships, mostly Filipinos, Indians, and Indonesians, are unable to disembark or be repatriated, while those who were set to leave have suddenly been left without work. Psychological pressure and uncertainty are growing among crews. While the human cost is ignored, business remains the priority, this according to Scalabrinian missionary Father Paulo Prigol who spoke to AsiaNews.
The epicentre was about 129 km off the coast of Bitung at a depth of 33 km. The main quake was followed by at least 29 aftershocks, the strongest reaching a magnitude of 5.5. A 69-year-old woman died in Manado. The roof of a church collapsed. Church authorities are assessing its safety for Holy Week celebrations.
Despite a government crackdown, new licences have been issued in recent months to casinos with clear ties to online scam centres. Amnesty International reported an "industrialized" form of abuse within gambling establishments, where criminal groups engage in violence, forced labour, and human trafficking.
The sacred image is expected to arrive in Manila on 13 June. The goal is to strengthen the faith and give hope to the faithful across the country. This pilgrimage seeks to be "as open as possible" and welcome "people from all over”. A stop is planned at the 132nd Plenary Assembly of the Bishops’ Conference.
The return of more than 900,000 migrants has caused the flow of money from abroad to drop by more than 20 per cent, according to a report from the Cambodian central bank. This situation is squeezing households' financial means and creating new pressures on the domestic labour market. Meanwhile criticism of the government and tensions with Thailand along the border continue.
Out of 107 recorded cases, 43, or about 40 per cent, involve parliament. This is the highest figure in the last 11 years, when the survey began. For the report, it is "a mirror held up to our society." Meanwhile, the arrest of a journalist is fuelling fears about freedom of the press and information.
President Marcos Jr. signed Muslim Mindanao law, establishing the rules for long-delayed elections. Starting in 2031, local elections will align with nationwide voting. The Bangsamoro Transitional Authority (BTA) welcomed the process towards full democratic transition; for Chief Minister Macacua, “this election marks the full exercise of the people’s sovereign will.”
Twelve months after the earthquake which, according to official figures, claimed at least 5,000 lives, Caritas and CAFOD continue to support the affected communities. Many people are still displaced and living in even more precarious conditions due to poverty and civil war. Reconstruction remains slow and the needs are still enormous, warn organisations on the ground.
Malaysian political groups slam Philippine lawmaker Robert Padilla's claim to the Malaysian state in northern Borneo and warn of the risk of tensions within ASEAN. The statement on the oil- and gas-rich region comes as the Philippines is in the throes of an energy crisis. This has reignited a dispute that dates back to the 19th century.
The Philippines, which this year holds the rotating presidency of the organisation representing Southeast Asian countries, announced the cancellation of on-site events, except for the two summits of heads of state and government in May (Cebu) and November (Manila). The COVID-19 pandemic set a precedent. Some Philippine lawmakers are calling for some ASEAN funds to be allocated to anti-crisis measures.
Subscribe to the newsletter to receive verified news, analysis and insights from Asian countries every week.
Subscribeto the newsletter
