Philippine Women’s Football Team Drawn in Group A for 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup

The Philippine Women’s National Football Team, known as the Filipinas, has been placed in Group A alongside Australia, South Korea, and Iran for the upcoming AFC Women’s Asian Cup scheduled for March 2026. The groupings were finalized during the tournament draw held this week. Australia leads Group A with a FIFA Women’s World Ranking of 15, followed by South Korea at 21. The Philippines is ranked 41st globally, while Iran holds the 68th spot. The 2026 Asian Cup features three groups in total. Group B will consist of North Korea, China, Bangladesh, and Uzbekistan, whereas Group C includes Japan, Vietnam, India, and Chinese Taipei. Tournament rules state that the top two teams from each group, along with the two highest-ranked third-place finishers, will progress to the knockout stages. Notably, the Asian Cup also functions as the qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. In the previous edition of the Asian Cup in 2022, the Filipinas made a historic run to the semifinals, securing their first-ever qualification to the FIFA Women’s World Cup. This achievement has set high expectations for the team as they prepare for the next continental championship.

Preemptive Evacuations in Surigao del Sur Amid Minor Tsunami Threat from Kamchatka Quake

In response to a magnitude 8.7 earthquake off the east coast of Kamchatka, Russia, preemptive evacuations were carried out along the coastal communities of Poblacion in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur, to mitigate the risk of a minor tsunami. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) issued a tsunami advisory, cautioning that waves under one meter in height could affect Pacific-facing coastal areas as early as Wednesday afternoon, July 30, with expected arrival times between 1:20 pm and 2:40 pm. Alex Arana, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer, confirmed that residents, especially those from Barangay Rosario, have been relocated to higher ground at the Provincial Sports Complex. These individuals will remain in safe zones until authorities declare the threat has passed. The coastline in Tandag City, spanning from Barangay Rosario to Barangay San Antonio, includes communities positioned at elevated locations, offering natural safety buffers. Meanwhile, local disaster councils across Surigao del Sur’s coastal towns continue to monitor the situation vigilantly and stand ready to respond to any developments. As a precautionary measure, classes in schools located near coastal zones were suspended early Wednesday morning to prevent any risk to students and staff. Governor Johnny T. Pimentel, chairing the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), issued directives urging all mayors throughout the province to strictly enforce safety protocols to protect residents along vulnerable shorelines. In his advisory, Pimentel underscored the priority of achieving zero casualties amid the seismic event and its potential aftermath. He instructed local government units to activate Emergency Preparedness Protocols (EPP), maintain round-the-clock Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs), and provide continuous updates to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office as well as the Office of Civil Defense Caraga for coordinated support. These proactive measures reflect the heightened state of readiness by Surigao del Sur officials to ensure the safety and well-being of their constituents in the face of natural hazards originating thousands of kilometers away.

Bacoor City Launches Initiative to Remove Hazardous Overhead Wires

Bacoor Mayor Strike Revilla has initiated a program to address the issue of tangled and hazardous overhead wires in the city. He recently signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Jairapel International Corporation to facilitate the organized, secure, and cost-free removal of these "spaghetti wires." The project seeks to improve public safety, beautify the urban environment, and ensure adherence to local regulations. Additionally, the city government emphasized that the effort will contribute to quicker emergency response times. Alongside Mayor Revilla, the MOA was signed by City Administrator Aimee Torrefrangca-Neri, Jairapel International Corporation President Rose Marie Radana, and Marketing and Sales Manager/Operating Manager Pamela Jane Radana.

Chinese Government Vessels Detected Near Philippine Waters, Raising Security Concerns

Two Chinese government vessels, a coast guard ship and a research vessel, were recently sighted near the coast of Luzon, escalating apprehensions about China\'s expanding presence in Philippine maritime zones. According to SeaLight, a maritime monitoring organization led by U.S. security analyst Ray Powell, the China Coast Guard ship CCG 5303 was tracked unusually close to the Philippine mainland on Saturday. This vessel, measuring 134 meters, is not a standard law enforcement ship but is built on a naval frigate hull and armed with a 76mm gun. Powell described it as a \"wolf in a white hull,\" highlighting China\'s tactic of integrating military-grade assets within its coast guard fleet. Powell characterized the ship\'s activity as \"intrusive patrolling,\" a method China reportedly employs regularly throughout the region to exert pressure and incrementally normalize its presence within areas internationally recognized as belonging to other coastal states, including the Philippines, under the 2016 Hague arbitral ruling. The reported patrol took place inside the Philippines\' 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ), where the country holds sovereign rights to natural resources. This move comes amid China\'s continuing disregard for international legal decisions, as it asserts expansive claims through its controversial \"nine-dash line,\" overlapping multiple Southeast Asian nations\' maritime entitlements. In a related development, Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan ordered an aerial reconnaissance following the return of another Chinese government vessel, the research ship Xiang Yang Hong 05. The vessel was detected approximately 37 nautical miles off Sta. Ana, Cagayan, and later spotted 14.92 nautical miles from Babuyan Island. Despite radio challenges from the Philippine Coast Guard, the vessel did not respond. Records indicate that the Xiang Yang Hong 05 entered the Philippine EEZ on June 7 after departing from Guangdong, China. It re-entered the zone on July 31 after completing nearly three weeks of marine scientific research near Guam. This ship, a converted cargo vessel, represents China's newer generation of research vessels. Authorities are closely monitoring its presence due to concerns about its dual-use capabilities, supporting both civilian marine research and potential military operations linked to the People\'s Liberation Army Navy. Historically, ships from the Xiang Yang Hong series have been associated with naval reconnaissance missions and missile testing since the Cold War. As of Sunday morning, the research vessel was tracked at a distance of 86 nautical miles from Calayan Island, remaining inside the Philippine EEZ.

Germany Reaffirms Israel's Role in Delivering Humanitarian Aid to Gaza

The German government reiterated on Saturday that Israel holds the responsibility to ensure the full delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, coordinating closely with the United Nations and various humanitarian organizations. In a written statement, government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius revealed that German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul had briefed the Federal Security Cabinet by phone following his recent visit to Israel and the occupied West Bank. Kornelius acknowledged some "initial, limited progress" in the humanitarian response for Gaza but emphasized that these efforts remain "clearly insufficient to alleviate the acute emergency." He stressed, "Israel’s obligation to provide comprehensive aid to Gaza continues, including with the support of the UN and other humanitarian organizations." The German government also voiced serious concerns regarding reports that significant portions of aid supplies have been confiscated by Hamas and other criminal groups within Gaza, impeding relief efforts. During his trip, Foreign Minister Wadephul held discussions with key figures including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. He also traveled to al-Taybeh near Ramallah, engaging with local humanitarian representatives to assess the situation firsthand.

Chinese Coast Guard Vessels Enter Japanese Waters Near Senkaku Islands

NAHA, OKINAWA PREF. – Two Chinese coast guard vessels entered Japanese territorial waters near the Senkaku Islands, located in Okinawa Prefecture, early Saturday morning. The Japan Coast Guard (JCG) responded by issuing warnings to the Chinese ships and ensuring the protection of a Japanese fishing boat they attempted to approach. According to the 11th Regional Headquarters of the JCG based in Naha, the vessels entered the waters near Uotsuri Island, part of the Senkaku chain, at approximately 12:50 a.m. This incident marks another example of Chinese maritime activity in the region, following a similar intrusion by Chinese coast guard ships near a different island in the Senkaku group on July 9. Those ships departed Japanese waters on July 11. The Senkaku Islands are administered by Japan but are claimed by China, which refers to them as Diaoyu Islands. The area remains a sensitive point of territorial dispute between the two countries. The JCG continues to monitor the situation closely to maintain Japan’s territorial integrity and safeguard maritime activities in the region.

Pope Leo XIV Draws Nearly One Million Youths in Jubilee Vigil at Rome

ROME, Italy — In a remarkable demonstration of faith and unity, close to one million young pilgrims from 146 countries convened in Rome’s eastern suburbs for the Jubilee of Youth, marking an important milestone in Pope Leo XIV’s early days as the leader of the Catholic Church. The event began with a dramatic helicopter arrival that ignited cheers and tears among the crowd, as the pope made his way through the sea of young faithful waving from his popemobile. Organizers estimated attendance around 800,000, with some projections nearing a million participants. During the day, attendees endured the heat, engaging in musical performances, prayer sessions, and fellowship. As the sun began to set, the atmosphere shifted to a more reflective tone when Pope Leo XIV, aged 69, appeared on stage carrying a large wooden cross. He addressed the crowd saying, \"Dear young people, after walking, praying and sharing these days of grace of the Jubilee dedicated to you, we now gather together in the light of the advancing evening to keep vigil together.\" The vigil, described by some as a Catholic \"Woodstock,\" featured nearly two dozen religious music and dance groups, enhancing the celebrations across the vast open area equivalent to about 70 football fields. Pilgrims like 18-year-old French attendee Julie Mortier expressed overwhelming joy, calling the opportunity to see the pope a once-in-a-lifetime experience. British student Andy Hewellyn shared similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of communal spirit despite being far from the stage. The week-long pilgrimage, which began earlier in the week, leads up to a closing mass on Sunday morning, to be presided over by the pope. Many attendees planned to camp overnight, ready to continue their spiritual journey. Amidst the celebrations, some moments of somber reflection occurred. The pope met with travelers accompanying an 18-year-old Egyptian pilgrim who recently passed away. The event also highlighted the Church’s recognition of the challenges youth face globally, including economic hardship, climate change, and conflict, as many pilgrims had traveled from crisis-impacted regions such as Syria, Ukraine, and Belize. Notably, confessions were offered throughout the week at historic locations like the Circus Maximus, staffed by thousands of priests facilitating spiritual reconciliation. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni sent a video message welcoming the pilgrims, praising the vibrant spirit of prayer and celebration. Security for the massive gathering was robust, with over 4,300 volunteers and more than 1,000 police officers ensuring the safety of the participants. The Jubilee of Youth not only underscored Pope Leo XIV’s connection to the younger generation but also reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s commitment to inspiring hope and community among global youth during challenging times.

Hamas Declares Armed Resistance Will Continue Until Palestinian Statehood Is Achieved

Aerial footage reveals extensive destruction in Jabalia, northern Gaza Strip, resulting from the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Despite recent efforts to reach a ceasefire, tensions persist. On Saturday, Hamas reaffirmed its commitment to armed resistance, emphasizing that it will not disarm unless an independent Palestinian state is realized. In an official statement, the group declared that its "armed resistance ... cannot be relinquished except through the full restoration of our national rights, foremost among them the establishment of an independent, fully sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital." Recent indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel aimed at achieving a 60-day ceasefire and securing the release of hostages concluded without agreement last week. The deadlock underscores continuing challenges in resolving the conflict and advancing peace in the region.

Kyiv Drone Strike Kills Toddler as Death Toll Rises to 28

Kyiv, Ukraine – A tragic outcome emerged from Thursday’s extensive Russian drone and missile assault on Kyiv, with authorities discovering the body of a two-year-old child beneath the debris on Friday, raising the confirmed fatalities to 28, including three children. More than 150 individuals were reported wounded in the attack. The toddler is the third minor victim of the offensive, which involved over 300 drones and eight missiles launched during the early hours of Thursday. The other two deceased children were aged six and seventeen, according to Andriy Yermak, the head of the Ukrainian presidential office. Emergency services disclosed that among the more than 150 injured, 16 were children—the highest number of young casualties Kyiv has experienced in a single strike since the escalation of Russia's full-scale invasion nearly three and a half years ago. City officials declared Friday a day of mourning as rescue efforts continued amidst the devastation. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko confirmed on the social media platform X, \"This morning, the body of a 2-year-old child was pulled from the rubble, bringing the total dead to 28, of which 3 are children. Over 150 people have been wounded.\" She further emphasized, \"The world possesses every instrument required to ensure Russia is brought to justice. What is lacking is not power — but will.\" Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump condemned Russia’s actions in strong terms while speaking from the Oval Office on Thursday, describing the conduct as \"disgusting.\" However, he expressed uncertainty about the efficacy of sanctions in deterring Russia’s aggression. Trump has set an ultimatum for Russian President Vladimir Putin, giving him until August 8 to reach a resolution or face increased economic repercussions. Rescue teams and city authorities remain engaged in response operations as the community mourns the loss. (Reporting by Anastasiia Malenko; editing by Philippa Fletcher)

Pacific Tsunami Warnings Lifted After Massive Earthquake Near Russia

An 8.8-magnitude earthquake off Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula triggered tsunami warnings throughout the Pacific region, prompting mass evacuations across several countries. However, authorities have now canceled or reduced alerts, allowing evacuated populations to return to their homes. The quake, one of the strongest recorded since 1900, struck on July 30, 2025, causing predicted tsunami surges up to four meters (12 feet) in parts of the Pacific rim. Governments from Japan to the United States and Ecuador advised coastal residents to move to higher ground as a precaution. Peru responded by shutting down 65 of its 121 Pacific ports, and flight operations were suspended on Maui island in Hawaii. Japan ordered nearly two million people to evacuate before later rescinding warnings. The Fukushima nuclear plant was temporarily evacuated as a safety measure. Tragically, one fatality was reported in Japan when a woman died after driving off a cliff while fleeing. Chile undertook what its Interior Ministry described as "perhaps the most massive evacuation ever carried out in our country," relocating 1.4 million people. Fortunately, the country experienced no damage and only small waves of approximately 60 centimeters (two feet) were recorded along its northern coastline. In Ecuador's Galapagos Islands, where waves up to three meters were expected, local authorities confirmed the tsunami danger had passed without incident. Residents like Santa Cruz native Isabel Grijalva expressed relief, noting that normal activities, such as dining and tourism, have resumed. The most severe impact occurred in Russia, where a tsunami devastated the port town of Severo-Kurilsk. Floodwaters swept through the fishing plant and coastal infrastructure, reaching about 400 meters inland near a World War II monument. Russian state media broadcast scenes of buildings and debris carried out to sea. Despite the quake's strength, damage and injuries remained limited. Shortly after the earthquake, Russia’s Klyuchevskoy volcano erupted, emitting lava and explosions, as reported by the Geophysical Survey. Geologists have warned of aftershocks potentially reaching magnitudes up to 7.5, with the US Geological Survey estimating a 59 percent chance of another significant tremor in the coming week. This earthquake stands as the strongest in the Kamchatka region since the 1952 event and ranks among the ten most powerful since 1900 worldwide. With tsunami threats now easing, affected Pacific nations are resuming normal operations while maintaining vigilance for aftershocks and further seismic activity.