South East Asia

A medical facility in Pasay with Chinese and Vietnamese doctors and nurses has been shut down. According to investigators, victims of modern-day slavery forced to work in online scams who fall ill or suffer torture are brought to these facilities, which are also used by fugitives seeking changes to their physical appearance to escape police.

King Ibrahim Iskandar spoke on Islamic New Year, urging Muslims to avoid online platforms filled with discussions and insults. He urged fellow Muslims to rely on authoritative sources regarding religious teachings and precepts.

By the end of the year, two priests and three nuns from Italy, India and Myanmar will set up a new outpost in the Diocese of Tanjung Selor, Indonesian Borneo, together with other congregations established elsewhere in the world inspired by PIME’s charism. For the Institute’s Superior General, Fr Brambillasca, this is “a project to renew in everyone the desire to leave for the mission.”

The head of the group, active from 2019 to 2023, was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Poachers are thought to have killed 26 animals, a very high number according to local animal rights activists. Some people believe that rhino horn has aphrodisiac properties.

The detailed schedule of the trip the pontiff will make from 2 to 13 September in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore has been released. The pope will deliver 16 speeches and homilies in the longest journey of his pontificate. In addition to four capitals, he will visit the mission in Vanimo. In Dili the Mass will be held on an esplanade in front of the ocean.

Repression continues after Hun Sen relinquished power to his son, with ten environmentalists convicted of lèse-majesté and one of two remaining independent unions targeted by the authorities. The lack of charisma of the young heir seems to have be fuelling corruption and abuse of power.

An OECD-FAO report expects ice output to rise worldwide by 11 per cent with robust growth in exports from Cambodia and Myanmar. After the peak triggered by drought fears, prices are still 14 per cent higher than 12 months ago.

Card Sebastian Francis made the announcement on Monday. Born in 1899, Sybil was a Catholic nurse who cared for the poor. During the Second World War, she supported the resistance with her husband, enduring severe torture and dying from septicaemia in 1948. For the prelate, “she has quietly inspired many of us with a life of faith and fearless deeds.”

In a sudden and surprise vote, the Ethics Committee voted to end the term of office of Hasyim Asy'ari accused of molesting an (Indonesian) woman operative in The Hague. A number of serious ethical issues were raised against him. In a controversial decision, he had authorised the outgoing president's son to run in the last election by forcing the age limit.

The 74-year-old founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ Church is wanted by the FBI and the Philippine police for fraud, human trafficking, and sexual exploitation. Former President Rodrigo Duterte benefited from the preacher’s support in the 2016 election campaign and now administers the Church’s properties. The investigation is hampered by complicated relations with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

In Manila, the Vatican Secretary for Relations with States spoke about Sino-Philippine tensions over sovereignty and maritime rights, recently highlighted by a direct clash at sea of the two countries’ navies. On the divorce law, the archbishop stressed that “the teaching of the Catholic Church with regard to marriage is very clear,” but “it is a matter for the bishops” to deal with.

In a joint statement, the Defender of Ancestral Lands Sabah (MOPOT) and the Sabah and Sarawak Indigenous People's Alliance (GOASS) call on the government to respect the "informed consent" of local communities. Joining the intergovernmental group raises questions about sovereignty and self-determination in Sabah and Sarawak. Peter John Jaban told AsiaNews that consultations are essential on “decisions that have an impact on our future”.