Latest news with #Philippine
GMA Network
3 hours ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
PH raises alert level 3 in Israel and Iran, orders voluntary repatriation
A drone photo shows the damage over residential homes at the impact site following missile attack from Iran on Israel, in Tel Aviv, Israel, June 16, 2025. REUTERS/ Moshe Mizrahi The Philippine government on Friday raised crisis alert level 3 in Israel and Iran, urging Filipino workers there to avail of voluntary repatriation amid ongoing armed hostilities between the two Middle Eastern countries. Filipinos there should consider getting themselves and their dependents repatriated to avoid getting caught in the middle of ongoing clashes, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement. Crisis level 3 or voluntary repatriation phase is imposed by the Philippine government on countries with deteriorating security conditions. At least 30,000 workers, mostly caregivers, are in Israel, and more than 1,000 are in Iran. "All overseas Filipinos in Israel and Iran are enjoined to return to the Philippines," the DFA said. "Travel by Filipinos to both these countries is highly discouraged due to the ongoing crisis and the actual closure of their airspace and seaports." Those who wish to leave were advised by the DFA to contact the embassy to coordinate their repatriation. Security alert advisories, the DFA said, "will be subject to periodic review, taking into consideration the situation on the ground." Israel and Iran have traded missile strikes for a week, trapping civilians and foreign nationals on both sides of the conflict, triggering international alarm. ''The Department hopes that parties will cease hostilities soon," the DFA said. — VBL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
5 hours ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
AFP 'stands ready' for possible repatriation of Pinoys in Iran, Israel
A drone photo shows the damage over residential homes at the impact site in Tel Aviv following a missile attack from Iran on Israel on June 16, 2025. REUTERS/ Moshe Mizrahi The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) assured Friday it is prepared to assist in the possible repatriation of Filipinos in Iran and Israel amid the escalating conflict between the two countries. According to AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla, the Philippine military is closely monitoring the developments in the Middle East, particularly the Iran-Israel conflict. "At this time, our priority is to support the Philippine government's efforts to ensure the safety and possible repatriation of Filipinos in affected areas," said Padilla. "Should the need arise, the AFP stands ready to assist as directed. We will be guided by the decisions and policies of higher civilian authorities in all actions related to this evolving situation," she said. Israel bombed multiple targets in Iran last Friday, calling it a "preemptive strike" to stop the Islamic republic from developing a nuclear weapon. Iran, which maintains that its nuclear program is purely for civilian purposes, is a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty, while Israel is not. The exchange of missile attacks between the two countries have already dragged on for seven days. The DFA earlier said 26 Filipinos may be repatriated from Israel this weekend via border crossing into Jordan since flight operations are currently suspended. PH Air Force assets ready Meanwhile, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) also expressed readiness to deploy aircraft and personnel for repatriation efforts. "PAF anticipates and prepares for any eventuality that our assets may be utilized for evacuation," said PAF spokesperson Colonel Ma. Consuelo Castillo. "Normally, we use our C-130s for that purpose," she added. The Philippine government has said it is considering to raise alert levels for Israel and Iran. Israel is currently at Alert Level 2 or restriction, which is issued if there are real threats to the life, security, and property of Filipinos arising from internal disturbance, instability, or external threat. On the other hand, Iran is under Alert Level 1 or precautionary, which is issued when there are valid signs of internal disturbance, instability, and/or external threat to the host country. According to Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega, Alert Level 3 or voluntary has yet to be declared but the Philippine government is already active as if both countries are under this status. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
UPI
7 hours ago
- Politics
- UPI
China says it expelled a Philippine gov't ship from disputed waters
June 20 (UPI) -- China said its coast guard on Friday expelled a Philippine government ship from waters near a disputed shoal as maritime tensions between the two feuding neighbors intensify. China Coast Guard spokesperson Liu Dejun said in a statement that they "took necessary measures to expel the vessel, including verbal warnings, monitoring and intercepting maneuvers and water cannon deterrence." It accused the vessel of having "forcibly intruded into the territorial waters of China's Huangyan Island ... despite multiple warnings and dissuasions from the Chinese side." The Philippine ship was identified as government vessel No. 3306. "The spokesperson emphasized that the actions of the Philippine side seriously infringe upon China's sovereignty and violate both international and relevant Chinese laws," the statement said. "He added that repeated provocations and harassment by the Philippines cannot change the fact that Huangyan Island belongs to China. Huangyan Island is known internationally as the Scarborough Shoal and in the Philippines as Bajo de Masinloc. The disputed maritime territory is a triangular chain of reefs and rocks that falls within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, but China lays claim to it and much of the South China Sea through its Nine-Dash-Line maps, which have been rejected by several nations, including the United States. The Hague's Permanent Court of Arbitration also disregarded the maps in a 2016 decision. The Philippines has yet to comment on the incident, but it comes a day after its coast guard said it responded to the swarming of the Sabina Shoal by a Chinese maritime militia numbering more than 50 vessels. Two Philippine Coast Guard vessels and a fighter jet were deployed to address the militia, which was within the Philippines' EEZ, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela said in a statement. Clashes between the Philippines and China in disputed waters are not uncommon, with the United States frequently voicing support for its ally Manila in the confrontations. On Monday, the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative think tank issued a report stating the Scarborough Shoal has emerged as a new focal point in tensions between Manila and Beijing. It warned that increasing aerial and maritime interactions between the countries near the shoal threaten to trigger U.S. treaty obligations and "risk spiraling into a wider conflict." "At Scarborough, China is reacting to all navigation by Philippine government vessels within a much larger geographic area," the report states. "Without a clear point of compromise, it appears that any Philippine maritime asset operating between Scarborough Shoal and the eastern edge of the Nine-Dash-Line is likely to attract a Chinese escort -- and a heightened risk of accident -- for the foreseeable future."
NDTV
7 hours ago
- Health
- NDTV
Calamansi: Why You Must Add This Fruit To Your Diet
Calamansi, also known as calamondin or Philippine lime, is a small, round citrus fruit that looks like a tiny lime with an orange interior. It's a hybrid between a kumquat and a mandarin orange, native to Southeast Asia, and especially popular in Filipino cuisine. Despite its small size, calamansi packs a powerful nutritional punch. It's rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and various phytonutrients that offer numerous health benefits. Calamansi is incredibly healthy, it supports immune function, digestion, and skin health while being low in calories and high in flavour. In this article, we share a list of ways calamansi can boost your health. 10 Reasons why you must add calamansi to your diet 1. Rich source of vitamin C Calamansi is loaded with vitamin C, which boosts your immune system, helps your body fight off infections, and supports the production of collagen. Just a small amount daily can help meet your body's vitamin C needs and reduce the risk of colds and flu. 2. Boosts digestive health The acidity of calamansi stimulates digestive enzymes, aiding better digestion and helping relieve issues like constipation, bloating, and indigestion. It also supports liver detoxification and overall gut health. 3. Supports weight management Low in calories and high in antioxidants, calamansi can be a great addition to weight-loss diets. It helps curb cravings and can be used as a natural flavour enhancer without the calories of sugar or fat. 4. Improves skin clarity Thanks to its high vitamin C content and antioxidants, calamansi promotes skin repair and brightens the complexion. It also helps combat acne and skin aging when consumed or used topically in diluted form. 5. Regulates blood sugar levels Calamansi has compounds that help regulate insulin activity, making it a helpful fruit for managing blood sugar levels. It may assist in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes when part of a balanced diet. 6. Detoxifies the body Calamansi acts as a natural detoxifier. Drinking calamansi juice in the morning may help flush out toxins, cleanse the kidneys, and boost liver health, improving your body's natural detox process. 7. Fights inflammation The anti-inflammatory properties of calamansi make it useful for reducing joint pain, sore muscles, or other inflammatory conditions. Regular consumption may help prevent chronic diseases linked to inflammation. 8. Promotes oral health Its antibacterial properties can help reduce bad breath, prevent tooth decay, and soothe sore throats. Gargling with diluted calamansi juice is a traditional remedy for mouth and throat issues. 9. Enhances iron absorption Vitamin C in calamansi helps increase the absorption of non-heme iron from plant-based sources, which is particularly beneficial for vegetarians and people prone to iron deficiency or anaemia. 10. Supports heart health Calamansi contains potassium and antioxidants that help regulate blood pressure, lower bad cholesterol, and improve overall cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of heart disease. Whether used in juices, marinades, or teas, it's a refreshing and healing addition to your diet. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
Filipino Times
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Filipino Times
Cultural celebration honors overseas Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia
Overseas Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia were honored through a cultural gathering that celebrated their hard work and dedication while showcasing traditional dances, attire, and Filipino cuisine. The Filipino Liaison Association in Riyadh (FLAIR) organized the event in line with the 123rd Labor Day, bringing together workers and their families at the Sheraton Hotel. His Excellency Raymond R. Balatbat, Philippine Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Migrant Workers Office-Riyadh Officer-in-Charge Hon. Lucille T. Gayaman attended as guest speakers, sharing messages on workers' rights, cultural heritage, and community support. Participants wore colorful Tribal and Philippine National dresses while enjoying performances by FLAIR members featuring traditional dances and music. A spread of authentic Filipino dishes was also served, giving everyone a taste of home and bringing people closer together. The celebration strengthened the sense of unity among Filipino workers in the Kingdom and paid tribute to their contributions while keeping Filipino culture alive abroad.
