Filipina worker abducted from Semporna says well-treated during captivity

KOTA KINABALU, June 8 — The Filipina hotel worker abducted during a militant raid on a resort on Semporna in early April said that she and Chinese tourist Gao Huayun were well-treated by the kidnappers during their two-month captivity in the Philippines, The Star Online reported today. More here: Filipina worker abducted from Semporna says well-treated during captivity

Ghanaian faces deportation for insulting immigration officers

A citizen of Ghana residing temporarily in the Philippines is facing deportation after getting angry at an immigration officer who was verifying his travel documents at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 on Friday. More here: Ghanaian faces deportation for insulting immigration officers

After Sayyaf ordeal, freed Filipina resort worker returns to the Philippines - The Mindanao Examiner

COTABATO CITY (Mindanao Examiner / June 7, 2014) – A kidnapped Filipina resort worker freed by the Abu Sayyaf along with a Chinese tourist has returned to her hometown in the southern Philippines after being detained and interrogated by Malaysian authorities on suspicion she was involved in the crime. More here: After Sayyaf ordeal, freed Filipina resort worker returns to the Philippines - The Mindanao Examiner

Message of Secretary Balisacan on the 1st EU-Philippines Business Dialogue, June 4, 2014

Secretary of Socioeconomic Planning Arsenio Balisacan: "I am certain that the [European Union]-Philippines Business Network is a good step in this direction and I am hoping that it will only be the start of greater cooperation efforts between Filipino and EU entrepreneurs towards a shared vision of economic development and inclusive growth." More here: Message of Secretary Balisacan on the 1st EU-Philippines Business Dialogue, June 4, 2014

LTFRB’s travel conditions threaten Makati’s free bus ride

Manila, Philippines --- The row between the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and Makati city government over the latter’s free shuttle service for Makati employees is heating up. Last May 16, the LTFRB granted the city government a special permit to run shuttle buses along EDSA with a condition that Makati employees availing themselves of the free ride should buy a ... More here: LTFRB’s travel conditions threaten Makati’s free bus ride

Top Asian News at 9:00 a.m. GMT

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — An American tourist has been detained in North Korea for allegedly committing an unspecified crime, the country's official news agency reported Friday. The Korean Central News Agency said that authorities were investigating the American for allegedly committing acts inconsistent with the purpose of a tourist visit. It did not give details More here: Top Asian News at 9:00 a.m. GMT

Editorial: Save Philippine beaches from climate risk

Local tourist destinations, especially the beaches found all over the archipelago, are at risk from climate change, President Benigno S. Aquino III said before the United Nations World Tourism Organization-ASEAN International Conference on Tourism and Climate Change held in Manila recently. We have the best beaches and dive spots in the world, but these are vulnerable to climate change, whether ... More here: Editorial: Save Philippine beaches from climate risk