Up to 10,000 foreign nationals linked to the controversial Philippine offshore gaming operations (Pogos) remain in the country despite a ban on the sector last year, with calls from lawmakers mounting to track down those at large and quickly deport them.
Presidential Anti-Organised Crime Commission (PAOCC) chief Gilbert Cruz revealed the numbers – mostly Chinese nationals – in the past week to a committee at the House of Representatives overseeing hearings on Pogos and alleged links to human…
Chinese aircraft carriers’ Pacific presence sparks call for Manila to be wary
The crossing of a US-designated island chain in the Western Pacific by a Chinese carrier group marks an increase in Beijing’s “operational tempo” that the Philippines should pay heed to, observers say.
They warn, however, that a “delicate balance” should still be maintained to avoid any escalation amid calls for vigilance.
Regional governments such as Japan and Taiwan have advised increased caution, and a former official in the Joe Biden administration has suggested formalising the so-called…
‘Any time, any place’: Philippine army to be deployed to South China Sea islands
A senior Philippine military official has revealed a soon-to-be-deployed strategy that would involve an army contingent to support law enforcement units on occupied islands in the South China Sea.
Observers said the strategy would align with Manila’s policy shift from an internal to external defence posture aimed at protecting the country’s territorial waters. One expert, however, warned that it could lead to more aggressive moves by the Chinese navy and coastguard if Beijing were to view…
‘Important step’: fatal crashes prompt Malaysia to curb speeding lorries, buses
Malaysia will require owners of lorries and buses to install a device that prevents vehicles from going faster than 90km/h, after a spate of fatal road accidents, including a bus crash on Monday that killed 15 university students.
Malaysia’s roads are among some of the world’s most dangerous, with one person dying every two hours according to government statistics between March 2024 and March 2025.
Lorries and buses routinely flout the speed limit of 90km/h, and high-speed collisions are common…
Former Anwar aide acquitted of drug and firearms charges, claims persecution
A former aide who accused Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of sexual misconduct has claimed he is a victim of political persecution, after a court in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday acquitted him of drug and firearms charges.
Muhammed Yusoff Rawther, who made headlines in 2019 with allegations against the then-opposition leader, was charged last year with possession of over 300g of cannabis and two imitation firearms. The items were found in his car outside a police station in September…
BTS’ Jungkook faces break-in attempt hours after South Korean military discharge
A Chinese woman has been arrested for attempting to break into the home of South Korean pop supergroup BTS member Jeon Jung-kook, better known as Jungkook, hours after his discharge from the military.
The unnamed woman, in her thirties, is accused of trying to gain entry to Jungkook’s Seoul flat at around 11pm on Wednesday by repeatedly pressing the keypad door lock, according to Yonhap News Agency.
Police apprehended her at the scene on charges of attempted housebreaking after a resident…
Chinese vessel grounding: concern in Philippines over new grey-zone tactic
A recent case of a Chinese militia vessel running aground on a strategic island in the disputed South China Sea has raised concerns from the Philippine side of another wave of so-called grey-zone activities by Beijing, even as Manila’s officials acknowledge the incident could be down to inclement weather.
Observers point to the Philippines having adopted the same strategy to stake claim over the Second Thomas Shoal when it permanently grounded the war vessel BRP Sierra Madre in 1999.
The recent…
Restaurant chain in Thailand in hot soup over buffet shortage complaints
A restaurant chain in Thailand has apologised after food shortages at a buffet promotion left diners hungry and angry.
MK Restaurants was overwhelmed by the public response to the launch of a promotion offering unlimited premium dishes for just 299 baht (US$9.17), with customers reporting long wait times and unavailable menu items, according to The Bangkok Post.
In response to the growing backlash, the chain posted a statement on Facebook on Tuesday, acknowledging the issues it faced over the…
Fans of Malaysia’s Rafizi face police probes as internal party feud intensifies
A feud within Malaysia’s ruling party has intensified after supporters of former People’s Justice Party (PKR) deputy president Rafizi Ramli alleged they were targeted by the police over social media posts about last month’s party elections.
Rafizi, who served as deputy to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim within the party, lost his post in the May 23 internal election to Anwar’s daughter, Nurul Izzah. Her elevation fuelled accusations of growing nepotism in the party, which is helmed by her…
Malaysia’s new luxury tax a hard sell for Anwar as popularity wanes
Many Malaysians may find life’s little indulgences suddenly beyond their reach from next month, when fresh taxes bite on premium goods and services like salmon and silk – and even haircuts – after the cash-strapped government said it would raise revenue from so-called luxury spending.
Taxes of between 5 and 10 per cent will be imposed on “discretionary and non-essential goods” as well as financial and beauty services and private education from July 1, the Finance Ministry said in a statement…