Natalina Pamean (right), the widow of Oktovianus Rayo, a school teacher who was shot on April 8 by suspected armed rebels in Beoga district, reacts after his coffin arrived in Timika in Indonesia’s Papua province, April 10, 2021.

Suspected Rebels Kill 3 Civilians in Indonesia’s Papua Region

Insurgent group TPNPB tells BenarNews it was behind last week’s slaying of two teachers.

Violence Mars Ramadan Start in Southern Philippines

Violence Mars Ramadan Start in Southern Philippines

An ambush and a deadly raid on IS-linked militants mark beginning of the Islamic holy month.

Malaysia Fears 4th Pandemic Wave amid Record Infections in Sarawak State

Malaysia Fears 4th Pandemic Wave amid Record Infections in Sarawak State

In neighboring Thailand, health experts fear new cases could shoot up 10-fold if strict precautions are not taken.

Philippines Hosts US for Scaled-Down Joint Military Drills

Philippines Hosts US for Scaled-Down Joint Military Drills

Meanwhile, the countries’ defense secretaries discuss maintaining the Visiting Forces Agreement.

Philippines: IS Sub-Leader Killed in Marawi

Philippines: IS Sub-Leader Killed in Marawi

The militant exploded an improvised bomb that injured seven police and a soldier, authorities said.

China Turning South China Sea Supply Ships into Mobile Surveillance Bases

China Turning South China Sea Supply Ships into Mobile Surveillance Bases

The ships have been upgraded with high-tech equipment, government procurement documents show.

Worsening Pandemic Dampens New Year’s, Ramadan Spirit in South, SE Asia

Worsening Pandemic Dampens New Year’s, Ramadan Spirit in South, SE Asia

Curbs on observance, celebrations amid vaccine delays and alarming rise in new COVID-19 cases in region.

Philippines Welcomes US Backing to Help Defend Manila in South China Sea

Philippines Welcomes US Backing to Help Defend Manila in South China Sea

But as dispute with Beijing over ships around Whitsun Reef continue, Manila says it is “keeping all our options open.”

Chinese Drones Fly near Taiwan-held Island in South China Sea

Chinese Drones Fly near Taiwan-held Island in South China Sea

Meanwhile, Malaysia conducts joint training with a U.S. carrier strike group.

China Trademarked Hundreds of South China Sea Landmarks

China Trademarked Hundreds of South China Sea Landmarks

The registrations were initiated seven years ago.

Philippines Summons Beijing’s Envoy over ‘Illegal Lingering’ by Chinese Ships in EEZ

Philippines Summons Beijing’s Envoy over ‘Illegal Lingering’ by Chinese Ships in EEZ

The foreign secretary reported nine ships at Whitsun Reef while a Sunday survey found 240 in Manila’s territory.

Bangladesh Faces Serious Shortage of ICU Beds amid Huge COVID-19 Spike

Bangladesh Faces Serious Shortage of ICU Beds amid Huge COVID-19 Spike

Government had removed temporary ICU facilities that were installed last May, health expert says.

Malaysian Opposition Bloc Names Anwar as its PM Choice for Next Polls

Malaysian Opposition Bloc Names Anwar as its PM Choice for Next Polls

The Pakatan Harapan coalition announced the decision after a two-day retreat outside Kuala Lumpur.

US Special Envoy: Restoring Democracy in Myanmar Will Ease Bangladesh’s Rohingya Burden

US Special Envoy: Restoring Democracy in Myanmar Will Ease Bangladesh’s Rohingya Burden

While in Dhaka, John Kerry calls Myanmar coup one of the planet’s “great moral challenges.”

Malaysia Defends Envoy’s Meeting with Myanmar Military Govt

Malaysia Defends Envoy’s Meeting with Myanmar Military Govt

Kuala Lumpur says it remains consistent in call for violence to end, political prisoners to be freed.

Malaysian Ex-PM Faces Bankruptcy over Allegations of $421M in Unpaid Taxes, Penalties

Malaysian Ex-PM Faces Bankruptcy over Allegations of $421M in Unpaid Taxes, Penalties

Najib Razak says bankruptcy notice served to him was politically motivated.

Experts: Terror Attacks by Women Show Indonesia Doesn’t Take Female Militancy Seriously

Experts: Terror Attacks by Women Show Indonesia Doesn’t Take Female Militancy Seriously

Government lacks counterterror policies focusing on women, observers say.

View more items >>

Thailand Marks New Year without Traditional Water Festival

Thailand Marks New Year without Traditional Water Festival

Deep South Peace Talks Could Resume in May

Deep South Peace Talks Could Resume in May

ARRESTED IN BANGLADESH

Chinese Overfishing in South Pacific Devastates Some Islands’ Livelihoods

Chinese Overfishing in South Pacific Devastates Some Islands’ Livelihoods

Troubled Waters:
The South China Sea

Editor's Pick

View Full Site