The Department of Foreign Affairs said the woman died on Sunday “alongside her Israeli husband and elderly parents-in-law” when the home was hit. Israeli rescue services reported recovering four bodies from the rubble following the strike, which was attributed to an Iranian missile attack.

Local media identified the Filipino victim by her given name, Lucille-Jean, stating that she and her family were pulled from the collapsed residence after hours of rescue operations.

The Philippine embassy in Tel Aviv has notified the victim’s relatives and is coordinating assistance, including efforts to repatriate her remains despite ongoing travel disruptions in the region.

The death marks the second confirmed Filipino fatality since hostilities escalated following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February. Mary Ann Velasquez De Vera, a 32-year-old caregiver, was killed on March 1 while attempting to bring her elderly ward to a bomb shelter.

The conflict has placed an estimated two million Filipinos living and working across the Middle East at risk, many of whom are employed as domestic workers or in maritime roles. The Philippines relies heavily on remittances sent home by overseas workers, making the situation a growing concern for authorities in Manila.

Thousands of Filipino seafarers remain stranded amid heightened risks in the Strait of Hormuz, where shipping activity has been severely disrupted. Philippine officials said Iran had pledged to allow safe passage for Filipino vessels and crew, though no clear timeline has been provided.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump reiterated warnings that the United States could target Iranian infrastructure if tensions continue to escalate, as diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire remain unresolved.

The United States Geological Survey said the offshore quake was followed by aftershocks reaching magnitudes of up to 5. Indonesia’s meteorology agency reported small tsunami waves of 0.3 meters in West Halmahera and 0.2 meters in Bitung.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially issued a regional tsunami alert but lifted it about two hours later, stating that the threat had passed based on available data.Local broadcaster Metro TV reported that one person died after being struck by falling rubble in Manado, in North Sulawesi province.

Indonesian officials confirmed the casualty, saying the victim was buried under debris from a collapsed building. One additional person suffered a leg injury.Residents described scenes of panic as the quake struck, with people fleeing their homes. A Manado resident said the shaking lasted for a prolonged period, causing items to fall from shelves and cutting power in some areas, though no major structural damage was visible in her neighborhood.

Authorities reported damage to several buildings in North Sulawesi, though the full extent remained unclear. Regional officials in areas including Ternate and Tidore urged residents to prepare for possible evacuations in the immediate aftermath.

Tsunami warning agencies had cautioned that hazardous waves were possible along coastlines within 1,000 km of the epicenter, including parts of Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia.

Subsequent assessments by authorities in both countries indicated no significant threat to their territories.Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 280 million people, lies along the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic plate interactions frequently trigger earthquakes and volcanic activity.

In recent history, the country has experienced some of the world’s deadliest seismic disasters, including the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami that killed more than 230,000 people across multiple countries, and a 2018 quake and tsunami in Sulawesi that claimed over 4,300 lives.

Marcos told reporters he had consulted counterparts across the 10-member bloc on whether to postpone the gathering, but leaders agreed that coordination was more critical given the external shocks affecting fuel supply chains, food prices and migrant workers.

“The consensus that we came to is that it is precisely now that we must coordinate our efforts,” Marcos said.

The streamlined agenda will concentrate on immediate economic pressures facing Southeast Asia, including volatility in energy markets and rising food costs, which governments in the region are monitoring closely as geopolitical tensions persist.

ASEAN economies are particularly sensitive to fluctuations in global fuel prices due to their reliance on imports, while supply chain disruptions have added strain to domestic inflation dynamics in several member states.

Marcos said discussions would also address the welfare of migrant workers, a key issue for ASEAN countries that rely heavily on overseas employment. Regional governments have been assessing the impact of instability in the Middle East, a major destination for Southeast Asian labour.

The Philippine government has already flagged concerns about overseas workers in affected areas, reflecting broader anxieties across ASEAN about potential displacement and income disruptions.

The decision to proceed with the summit underscores ASEAN’s preference for continuity in regional dialogue despite global uncertainty. Marcos indicated that postponement was considered but ultimately rejected in favour of maintaining diplomatic engagement.

The summit is expected to retain core leadership interactions while scaling back ceremonial and extended policy sessions, reflecting what Marcos described as a need for efficiency under current conditions.

Emphasizing peace, cooperation, and regional stability, Chinese officials reaffirmed the country’s commitment to resolving differences through diplomatic channels rather than confrontation.

According to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the appeal was made after reports of a minor clash between Chinese and Philippine vessels near Sandy Cay, a small coral reef within the Spratly Islands.

The area, long contested by multiple nations, remains a sensitive zone for maritime navigation and resource exploration. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian urged all parties to avoid actions that could heighten tensions, saying that China remains focused on “safeguarding peace, promoting dialogue, and ensuring the safety of all maritime routes in the region.”

A Call for Dialogue and Stability

Lin Jian reiterated China’s stance that maintaining regional stability and mutual respect should be the guiding principle for managing maritime disputes. He called on the Philippines to work with Beijing toward peaceful and constructive dialogue, noting that both nations share a long history of cultural, economic, and social ties.

“China hopes that the Philippines will stop actions that complicate the situation and instead return to the path of cooperation and consultation,” Lin said during the press briefing.

He emphasized that China’s efforts in the South China Sea are primarily aimed at safeguarding its territorial sovereignty and ensuring safe navigation, not at provoking conflict.

The spokesperson also highlighted that the Chinese Coast Guard and relevant authorities have acted with restraint and professionalism, focusing on preventing escalation and ensuring the safety of all personnel at sea.

This statement aligns with China’s consistent position that disputes should be managed under the framework of regional peace and international law, especially through mechanisms such as the Code of Conduct for the South China Sea, currently being negotiated between China and ASEAN member states.

Focus on Peaceful Development

In recent years, Beijing has repeatedly underlined its commitment to peaceful development and regional cooperation. China has been actively working with neighboring countries on initiatives that promote trade, connectivity, environmental protection, and joint maritime research.

Despite differing territorial claims, China continues to stress that disputes should not overshadow broader cooperation or economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region.

Analysts believe that China’s latest statement reflects a measured and diplomatic approach to the ongoing tensions. Rather than escalating rhetoric, Beijing is choosing to highlight the importance of mutual understanding and dialogue.

The South China Sea, one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes, carries enormous strategic and economic importance — making stability in the region vital not just for claimant states but for the global economy.

Strengthening Regional Trust

The incident near Sandy Cay comes at a time when both China and the Philippines are seeking ways to rebuild trust and cooperation. The two nations have engaged in regular diplomatic consultations and previously cooperated on joint initiatives in areas such as fisheries management, coast guard communication, and environmental protection.

China’s call for dialogue reinforces its view that regional issues should be resolved among regional partners, without external interference.

Observers note that China’s foreign policy underlines non-confrontation and mutual benefit, particularly with neighboring ASEAN countries. Beijing’s consistent message has been that peaceful negotiation, rather than confrontation, is the most effective way to manage complex maritime issues.

A Positive Outlook for Peace

While maritime tensions continue to test regional relations, the tone of China’s latest response offers hope for constructive diplomacy and peaceful coexistence. By urging restraint and cooperation, China is signaling that it remains open to dialogue and practical solutions that uphold peace, security, and shared prosperity.

The latest developments serve as a reminder that diplomacy remains the most effective path forward. With careful negotiation and continued engagement, both China and the Philippines can contribute to a more stable, cooperative, and prosperous Asia-Pacific region, setting a positive example for peaceful conflict resolution in the modern world.

“I condemn in the strongest possible terms the senseless and most heinous acts perpetrated by foreign terrorists,” said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. “Extremists who wield violence against the innocent will always be regarded as enemies to our society.”

The blast in Marawi, a city besieged by pro-Islamic State militants for five months in 2017, followed the killing of 11 combatants in a military operation on Friday in Maguindanao del Sur some 200 km (125 miles) away.

Urging calm, Marcos posted on the social media platform X that he had instructed the national police and armed forces “to ensure the protection and safety of civilians and the security of affected and vulnerable communities”.

“Rest assured we will bring the perpetrators of this ruthless act to justice.”

Army Major General Gabriel Viray III called the attack at the Mindanao State University “a terror act”, speaking to reporters as explosive disposal experts were deployed.

“Right now we are on heightened alert and our troops remain vigilant as we are determining the motive and identifying the perpetrators to really ascertain who was behind it,” Viray said.

Military officials surveyed the gymnasium, which appeared intact except for burn marks in the centre where the explosion occurred, according to images shared by the government of Lanao del Sur on its Facebook account. White plastic chairs were strewn about.

Videos posted by DZBB radio on X showed rescuers carrying injured people out of the gym on plastic chairs.

“Terroristic attacks on educational institutions must also be condemned because these are places that promote the culture of peace,” Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr said in a statement.

The Philippine military killed 11 militants on Saturday, including members of the Dawlah Islamiyah-Philippines group, in an operation that recovered 10 high-powered firearms and three explosive devices.

“We are looking at the bomb signature to determine if the group was indeed behind it,” Viray said.

The coast guard said in a statement it had directed its districts to intensify pre-departure inspection at ports.

Mindanao State University is “deeply saddened and appalled by the act of violence that occurred during a religious gathering,” it said in a statement on Facebook. “We unequivocally condemn in the strongest possible terms this senseless and horrific act.”

The university said it was said it was suspending classes until further notice.

The protest took place during a four-day pause in attacks, as Israel agreed to halt its daily bombardment in exchange for the release of hostages held by the Gaza-based militant group Hamas. However, Filipino protesters argued that a temporary ceasefire was insufficient, expressing concerns that Israel would continue its campaign of bombardment that has resulted in the deaths of at least 14,800 people and the injury of tens of thousands more in the besieged Palestinian enclave over the past 45 days.

“For more than a month now, Israel has waged a brutal war against the Palestinian people living in Gaza. We have seen in real-time the non-stop bombings and air strikes, including that of hospitals and refugee camps, the denial of humanitarian aid and basic services like electricity, water, internet communications, fuel, and even food,” said Renato Reyes, President of BAYAN, a major activist network in the Philippines.

Reyes added, “The genocide is sure to intensify as Israel’s ground invasion steps up, threatening to engulf not only neighboring countries in the Middle East but the entire world.”

The rally drew participants from various sectors, including Catholic priests advocating for a free Palestine. Rory Del Rosario from the Union Theological Seminary stated, “We want a free Palestine like we want a free Philippines.” Wesley Cabansag, also from the seminary, highlighted their belief that Jesus would stand up for the oppressed, saying, “And I know if Jesus Christ were here, he would also take the side of the Palestinian children, the Palestinians.”

Drieza A. Lininding, chairman of the Moro Consensus Group, a co-organizer of the rally, emphasized that the march aimed not only to end Israeli violence, occupation, and apartheid but also to restore respect for international law. Lininding stated that Israel’s consistent and open violations of international law set a dangerous precedent for similar violations to occur worldwide.

Bing Parcon from the Women’s Global Network for Reproductive Rights expressed solidarity with the people of Gaza, stating, “We believe that what is happening now in Gaza can also happen to anyone if people do not unite. And also, of course, we are against the occupation. Free Gaza and the Palestinian people. It’s their land, and it’s their right to be in their land.”

The protest in Manila showcased a unified call for a ceasefire in Gaza, an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestine, and the restoration of international law. Demonstrators from diverse backgrounds and organizations voiced their support for the Palestinian cause, highlighting the importance of solidarity and justice in addressing the ongoing conflict.

Two people missing in a landslide after Friday’s quake, which struck deep off Mindanao island, were confirmed dead, the Office of Civil Defense said.

The latest deaths were from Sarangani province. Others were killed in South Cotabato and Davao Occidental province, while 13 people were injured from the tremor, which sent scores of people into panic and damaged more than 50 houses and other buildings.

Electricity has been restored and most roads were now passable, the agency said.

Earthquakes are frequent in the Philippines, lying in the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, which the U.S. Geological Survey describes as the “most seismically and volcanically active zone in the world”.

The GCC comprises Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the UAE. In recent years, these nations have been increasingly engaging with ASEAN, a political and economic union of ten Southeast Asian states, including the Philippines.

The first joint summit between the two blocs is scheduled to take place next week in the Saudi capital, Riyadh.

Ambassador Al-Qahtani stated, “The upcoming meeting of the GCC and ASEAN countries, scheduled for October 20, 2023, in Riyadh, with the participation of the leaders of the states, is expected to emphasize the importance of enhancing political and strategic relations.”

He further highlighted that the summit aims to encourage trade and economic cooperation, promote joint investments, and foster mutual growth and development for both Saudi Arabia and the Philippines. The ambassador expressed confidence that the meeting would strengthen political, economic, and strategic ties between the two nations.

Leading the Philippine delegation to the summit will be President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who will be accompanied by key members of his Cabinet.

Ambassador Al-Qahtani revealed that several agreements are set to be signed on the sidelines of the summit, which will significantly enhance the existing bilateral cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the Philippines.

He applauded the continuous development of Saudi-Philippine relations across various sectors, describing them as a model of successful political, cultural, and economic cooperation that promotes the exchange of expertise and knowledge, thereby enhancing regional and international peace and stability.

Trade between the two nations has been flourishing, with the Philippines emerging as an important export destination for the Kingdom. The country’s position as a trade partner for Saudi Arabia has been growing at an annual rate of 12.9 percent.

Furthermore, Saudi Arabia plays a crucial role in attracting Filipino labor, occupying a leading position within the Gulf Cooperation Council. The Kingdom is home to over one million Filipino workers, whose remittances contributed a significant amount of $1 billion to the Philippine economy in 2022.

Ambassador Al-Qahtani emphasized that this economic contribution plays a vital role in the Philippines’ economic development and aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes fostering economic growth and collaboration on a global scale.

As the ASEAN-GCC summit approaches, both Saudi Arabia and the Philippines anticipate building upon their strong bilateral relations, exploring new avenues of collaboration, and further strengthening their ties for mutual benefit and prosperity.

Manila is seeking to attract more visitors from the Middle East and Muslim-majority countries to meet its tourism goals this year. The Philippines heavily relies on tourism, which contributed nearly 13 percent of the country’s GDP in 2019, amounting to approximately $50 billion.

However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the share of tourism in the economy fell to about 5 percent in 2020 and 2021 when global travel came to a halt.

To revive the tourism sector, Manila is positioning itself as a Muslim-friendly destination. The participation of Miss Universes from Bahrain and Pakistan is part of the latest effort to support the promotion of halal tourism in the Philippines.

Tourism Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar stated that the Department of Tourism is leveraging the presence of the Miss Universes to assist in promoting Muslim-friendly and halal tourism in the country.

Abubakar expressed optimism that the visit of the Miss Universes to the Philippines would significantly contribute to the country’s tourism industry.

The hope is that their presence will influence the global Muslim community to consider visiting the archipelago nation, which boasts white sand beaches, renowned diving spots, vibrant entertainment, diverse cultural heritage, and distinctive wildlife.

With the Muslim travel market projected to reach a value of $225 billion by 2028, the Philippines government announced in 2022 that attracting foreign visitors from the Middle East and Muslim-majority nations was among its priority goals.

Official data indicates that the Philippines is on track to achieve its target of welcoming 4.8 million foreign arrivals this year, as it has already received over 4 million visitors.

Earlier this year, the Philippines received the Emerging Muslim-friendly Destination of the Year award at the Halal in Travel Global Summit, recognizing its efforts to attract global Muslim travelers. The country’s commitment to promoting halal and wellness tourism continues through a collaboration between the Department of Tourism, The Farm resort, and Xpedition Middle East magazine.

Miss Universe Bahrain, Lujane Yacoub, and Miss Universe Pakistan, Erica Robin, arrived in Manila on Friday as part of their training for Miss Universe 2023, scheduled to be held in El Salvador in November. During their stay in the Philippines, they will showcase the country’s beauty to the global Muslim community.

Yacoub expressed admiration for the Philippines’ diverse attractions and welcoming nature, encouraging visitors from Bahrain to experience the country’s stunning beaches, diving spots, rich culture, and warm hospitality.

Robin considered it a privilege to contribute to promoting the Philippines and expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to showcase the country’s brighter side to the world. Both Miss Universes expressed enthusiasm for their visit and their eagerness to explore and learn more about the Philippines.

The collaboration between the Miss Universes, the Department of Tourism, The Farm resort, and Xpedition Middle East magazine highlights the ongoing efforts to attract Muslim travelers and promote halal and wellness tourism in the Philippines.

By leveraging the presence and influence of the Miss Universes, the country aims to rejuvenate its tourism sector and position itself as an attractive destination for Muslim travelers worldwide.

She was speaking after a meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Manila where the two leaders discussed a range of issues from security and trade to climate change.

“We are ready to strengthen the cooperation with the Philippines on maritime security in the region by sharing information, conducting threat assessment and building the capacity of your coast guard,” she said in a joint press conference with Marcos.

The Philippines is a fulcrum of the geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China, with its maritime territory encompassing part of the South China Sea, a strategic and resource-rich waterway over which China also claims sovereignty.

Von der Leyen on Monday reaffirmed the EU’s support for a 2016 international arbitration ruling that invalidated Beijing’s expansive claims, saying the ruling is legally binding and provides the basis for resolving disputes peacefully.

But China, whose “aggressive” actions in the South China Sea have been the subject of hundreds of diplomatic protests filed by the Philippines, does not recognise the landmark ruling.

“An Indo-Pacific free of the threats of coercion is key to all our stability, to our peace and to the prosperity of our people,” said Von der Leyen, whose Manila visit was the first by a European Commission president in nearly six decades.

The leaders also discussed relaunching negotiations for a free trade agreement, which have been stalled since 2017. The talks were originally launched in 2015 with the aim of concluding a deal that covers tariffs, non-tariff barriers to trade, and intellectual property among others.

Von der Leyen also said the European Union will support the Philippines’ fight against climate change, which is a priority for Marcos as he pushes to increase renewables in the country’s power mix to 35% by 2030.