Philippines

Today's news: Muslim prisoners in Siberian jails went on hunger strike against religious discrimination. In Seoul over 1,000 military personnel carried out a series of defence drills, simulating an attack by North Korea. The Philippines will open four new medical departments in universities in as many provinces of the country.

Today's news: China won't join US in curbing Houthi attacks in the Red Sea; In Japan, the world's largest nuclear power plant is about to be switched on again; Ousted from the Russian presidential election is journalist Ekaterina Duntsova, the only one to condemn the invasion of Ukraine;The Philippine army attacks the New People's Army rebel base.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida finalised the details of a military cooperation agreement in the South China Sea. Talks began last month. Meanwhile, China still claims much of the economic zones that belong to the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries.

In parishes across the country but also in the diaspora of migrants in every corner of the world, the tradition of Simbang Gabi, the dawn celebrations on the days of the Christmas novena, is renewed. Bishops' Conference president Msgr. David: "They help us to truly welcome Christ into our lives."

The request formulated by a delegation of international experts who visited places of detention, including rehabilitation centres for drug addicts. The current legislation, which dates back to 2009, was judged inadequate.

According to data from the meteorological service, the intensification of the atmospheric phenomenon could affect 65 provinces out of 82 and last throughout the first half of 2024. Agricultural production but also water supply will be at risk. Marcos orders measures to mitigate the impact of the rainfall shortage.

At COP28, a compromise agreement was reached that calls for "transitioning away from fossil fuels". Meanwhile, ASEAN and Japan will hold a summit in Tokyo later this week to discuss ways to speed up the environmental transition in Southeast Asia.

The Diocese of Kalookan has allocated cemetery space for the burial of people killed in the former president’s controversial campaign that left 27,000 dead. Some families cannot afford cemetery fees. This place should be a reminder that such a tragedy “should never be allowed to happen ever again,” said Fr Villanueva. “A shrine is not only for heroes,” Bishop David noted.

The south of the country is still shaken by the jihadist attack on the mass on 3 December, which also distances the prospects of the return of displaced Muslims from Marawi. Interfaith groups are responding to the violence with initiatives of dialogue and confrontation. Hundreds of people of all faiths have joined the initiative. Conversion of hearts and safe spaces against those who feed terror.

The PIME missionary reflects upon yesterday's attack. In the Philippines since 1977, he is the founder of the Silsilah Movement. In Marawi, people continue to suffer the consequences of “what happened six years ago with the siege of the city by the Maute, a group associated with the Islamic State”. Following the latest incident, “It is hard to say now what the possible consequences will be, including for the peace process”.

Today's news: Red Crescent volunteers also among victims of new Israeli bombings in northern and southern Gaza; Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party have won three of the four state elections, a prelude to the 2024 general election; 11 people are confirmed dead and 12 missing following the eruption of the Marapi volcano in Indonesia

At least four people were killed and dozens injured in a very serious attack against Christians at the university in the Muslim-majority city in Mindanao, which was the scene of five months of war in 2017 after a local Islamist group took control and proclaimed Islamic State. Philippine bishops' president Msgr David: 'Killed while professing their faith. But the Church will go on working for peace'.