Officials in the Philippines said on Monday that children would not be allowed to go back to schools until a coronavirus vaccine is available.&nbsp;

Last month, President Rodrigo Duterte insisted on the same measure, saying that he would not let children return to schools unless he is "sure that they are really safe".&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-new-anti-terrorism-law-targets-dissent-303618">Philippines: New anti-terrorism law targets dissent</a>

On Monday education secretary Leonor Briones said, "We will comply with the president's directive to postpone face-to-face classes until a vaccine is available", in a press briefing, reported AFP.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-duterte-threatens-martial-law-like-virus-crackdown-293127">Philippines' Duterte threatens martial law-like virus crackdown</a>

He added that classes will be resumed at the end of August and teachers will use distance learning methods through internet or TV broadcasts.&nbsp;

In the Philippines, millions live in extreme poverty, and therefore attending online classes, which requires a computer or smartphone, will be very challenging.&nbsp;

"The teacher and the school will have to adjust... depending on the availability of communication," the health secretary said.&nbsp;

There has not been much criticism in the Philippines for delaying face-to-face classes, as the country is daily witnessing a surge in coronavirus cases, despite being under one of the world's strictest lockdowns.&nbsp;

Also, in the Philippines, children are generally not allowed to go outside their homes until it is absolutely necessary.&nbsp;

Scientists across the world are hastening to find the vaccine of this deadly virus, however, many experts say that from the end of this year to one or two years would be required for developing.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Officials in the Philippines said on Monday that children would not be allowed to go back to schools until a coronavirus vaccine is available. Last month, President Rodrigo Duterte insisted on the same measure, saying that he would not let children return to schools unless he is "sure that they are really safe".

Officials in the Philippines said on Monday that children would not be allowed to go back to schools until a coronavirus vaccine is available. Last month, President Rodrigo Duterte insisted on the same measure, saying that he would not let children return to schools unless he is "sure that they are really safe". Also read | Philippines: New anti-terrorism law targets dissent On Monday education secretary Leonor Briones said, "We will comply with the president's directive to postpone face-to-face classes until a vaccine is available", in a press briefing, reported AFP. Also read | Philippines' Duterte threatens martial law-like virus crackdown He added that classes will be resumed at the end of August and teachers will use distance learning methods through internet or TV broadcasts. In the Philippines, millions live in extreme poverty, and therefore attending online classes, which requires a computer or smartphone, will be very challenging. "The teacher and the school will have to adjust... depending on the availability of communication," the health secretary said. There has not been much criticism in the Philippines for delaying face-to-face classes, as the country is daily witnessing a surge in coronavirus cases, despite being under one of the world's strictest lockdowns. Also, in the Philippines, children are generally not allowed to go outside their homes until it is absolutely necessary. Scientists across the world are hastening to find the vaccine of this deadly virus, however, many experts say that from the end of this year to one or two years would be required for developing.

Children will not go to schools till vaccine is available: Philippines

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte is likely to sign the bill that will give powers to his administration to stifle dissent.&nbsp;

According to the bill that was passed by the Senate in February, authorities will be given the freedom to detain suspects without a warrant for up to 24 days, arrest without warrant and detain people critical of the administration on the basis of social media posts.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/systematic-extrajudicial-killings-near-impunity-for-police-part-of-philippines-war-on-drugs-un-303258">'Systematic extrajudicial killings', 'near impunity’ for police part of Philippines’ war on drugs: UN</a>

This anti-terrorism law will give Duterte, who has long considered the idea of imposing martial law, the power to designate individuals or organisations as terrorists without the approval of courts.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-duterte-threatens-martial-law-like-virus-crackdown-293127">Philippines' Duterte threatens martial law-like virus crackdown</a>

A United Nations (UN) report said on Thursday that tens of thousands of people may have been killed in the country with the "near impunity" to the offenders in the crackdown launched against drugs since mid-2016.

"Despite credible allegations of widespread and systematic extrajudicial killings in the context of the campaign against illegal drugs, there has been near impunity for such violations," the UN human rights office said.

It called for "independent, impartial, credible investigations into all allegations of serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law" in the country.

This report will now be handed over this month to the UN Human Rights Council who have asked for a review on the crackdown last year.&nbsp;

The International Criminal Court has also launched a preliminary probe of the drug war in 2018.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte is likely to sign the bill that will give powers to his administration to stifle dissent. According to the bill that was passed by the Senate in February, authorities will be given the freedom to detain suspects without a warrant for up to 24 days, arrest without warrant and detain people critical of the administration on the basis of social media posts.

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte is likely to sign the bill that will give powers to his administration to stifle dissent. According to the bill that was passed by the Senate in February, authorities will be given the freedom to detain suspects without a warrant for up to 24 days, arrest without warrant and detain people critical of the administration on the basis of social media posts. Also read | 'Systematic extrajudicial killings', 'near impunity’ for police part of Philippines’ war on drugs: UN This anti-terrorism law will give Duterte, who has long considered the idea of imposing martial law, the power to designate individuals or organisations as terrorists without the approval of courts. Also read | Philippines' Duterte threatens martial law-like virus crackdown A United Nations (UN) report said on Thursday that tens of thousands of people may have been killed in the country with the "near impunity" to the offenders in the crackdown launched against drugs since mid-2016. "Despite credible allegations of widespread and systematic extrajudicial killings in the context of the campaign against illegal drugs, there has been near impunity for such violations," the UN human rights office said. It called for "independent, impartial, credible investigations into all allegations of serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law" in the country. This report will now be handed over this month to the UN Human Rights Council who have asked for a review on the crackdown last year. The International Criminal Court has also launched a preliminary probe of the drug war in 2018.

Philippines: New anti-terrorism law targets dissent

Traffic jams, honking, taxis, and ride-sharing were seen on the streets of Manila on Monday as the Philippines relaxed one of the world's longest lockdown from the capital city.

Commuter trains, special shuttle buses, and motorcycles ran on the road in metropolitan Manila, the Guardian reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-duterte-threatens-martial-law-like-virus-crackdown-293127">Philippines' Duterte threatens martial law-like virus crackdown</a>

However, the vehicles are allowed to operate only a fraction of their capacity.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/home-quarantine-no-option-for-thousands-in-philippines-288048">Home quarantine no option for thousands in Philippines</a>

Public transport also did not resume its full services and many commuters waited for hours to get their ride. There were long queues as the country's major mode of transportations are&nbsp;still not allowed to return on roads.&nbsp;

Haircutting shops and salons will reopen next week and be allowed to work with only a third of their capacity, but, schools will remain closed for another two weeks.&nbsp;

Under the new relaxations, most of the workers will be allowed to go to work, however, they will still be encouraged to work from home.&nbsp;

On May 28, President Rodrigo Duterte announced the reopening of non-essential services in Manila after nearly 80 days in a bid to restart the economy. &nbsp;

Manila is the epicentre of coronavirus in the country and is under lockdown since mid-March.

The Philippines has so far seen more than 18,000 COVID-19 infections and over 950 deaths.

Traffic jams, honking, taxis, and ride-sharing were seen on the streets of Manila on Monday as the Philippines relaxed one of the world's longest lockdown from the capital city.

Traffic jams, honking, taxis, and ride-sharing were seen on the streets of Manila on Monday as the Philippines relaxed one of the world's longest lockdown from the capital city. Commuter trains, special shuttle buses, and motorcycles ran on the road in metropolitan Manila, the Guardian reported. Also read | Philippines' Duterte threatens martial law-like virus crackdown However, the vehicles are allowed to operate only a fraction of their capacity. Also read | Home quarantine no option for thousands in Philippines Public transport also did not resume its full services and many commuters waited for hours to get their ride. There were long queues as the country's major mode of transportations are still not allowed to return on roads. Haircutting shops and salons will reopen next week and be allowed to work with only a third of their capacity, but, schools will remain closed for another two weeks. Under the new relaxations, most of the workers will be allowed to go to work, however, they will still be encouraged to work from home. On May 28, President Rodrigo Duterte announced the reopening of non-essential services in Manila after nearly 80 days in a bid to restart the economy. Manila is the epicentre of coronavirus in the country and is under lockdown since mid-March. The Philippines has so far seen more than 18,000 COVID-19 infections and over 950 deaths.

Traffic jams, long queues seen in Manila as one of world's longest lockdowns lifted

Donning blue protective suits, stoles and crosses, a group of Filipino Catholic priests have been roaming around Metro Manila's poorest communities in hopes of giving hope to the people amid a government-enforced lockdown.

Priests bring faith to Philippines amid lockdown

With coronavirus cases on the rise in the Philippines, many people, especially customer-facing workers, are arming themselves with masks and disinfectant sprays to combat the deadly virus.

What's in your bag? A peek into coronavirus preparations of Filipinos

Philippine President Rodrigo&nbsp;Duterte&nbsp;has threatened a martial law-like crackdown to stop people flouting a virus lockdown in the nation's capital.

Duterte&nbsp;spoke a day after authorities reported an upsurge of cars on Manila's roads, which have been nearly deserted since a sweeping lockdown was imposed a month ago on about half the country's 110 million people.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-patients-recovering-quickly-after-getting-remdesivir-an-experimental-drug-293051" hreflang="en">COVID-19 patients recovering quickly after getting remdesivir, an experimental drug</a>

"I'm just asking for a little discipline. If not, if you do not believe me, then the military and police will take over,"&nbsp;Duterte&nbsp;said in a televised speech late Thursday.

"The military and police will enforce social distancing at curfew... It's like martial law. You choose," he added.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hand-holding-in-coronavirus-pandemic-wealth-managers-grapple-with-new-reality-293048" hreflang="en">Hand-holding in coronavirus pandemic: Wealth managers grapple with new reality</a>

Duterte&nbsp;has repeatedly threatened to impose nationwide military rule over the Philippines, where the mere words evoke the worst rights abuses of the Ferdinand Marcos dictatorship.

The closest&nbsp;Duterte&nbsp;has come is the imposition of martial law over Mindanao, the nation's southern third, in response to Islamic State-inspired militants' siege of the city of Marawi.

As reported cases of the new coronavirus started to climb in March,&nbsp;Duterte&nbsp;ordered a&nbsp;quarantine of the main northern island of Luzon, which includes the capital's 12 million people.

Only essential workers and people buying food or medicine are officially allowed outside their homes, yet many others have flouted the rules.

In some places, impoverished day labourers have no choice but to go out looking for work, though police have also reported breaking up social events like amateur boxing matches.

Police said they have warned or arrested tens of thousands of people caught outside their homes without valid reasons.

The Philippines has detected some 5,660&nbsp;coronavirus cases, and recorded 362 deaths, but those figures are expected to climb as the nation ramps up testing.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has threatened a martial law-like crackdown to stop people flouting a virus lockdown in the nation's capital. Duterte spoke a day after authorities reported an upsurge of cars on Manila's roads, which have been nearly deserted since a sweeping lockdown was imposed a month ago on about half the country's 110 million people.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has threatened a martial law-like crackdown to stop people flouting a virus lockdown in the nation's capital. Duterte spoke a day after authorities reported an upsurge of cars on Manila's roads, which have been nearly deserted since a sweeping lockdown was imposed a month ago on about half the country's 110 million people. Also read: COVID-19 patients recovering quickly after getting remdesivir, an experimental drug "I'm just asking for a little discipline. If not, if you do not believe me, then the military and police will take over," Duterte said in a televised speech late Thursday. "The military and police will enforce social distancing at curfew... It's like martial law. You choose," he added. Also read: Hand-holding in coronavirus pandemic: Wealth managers grapple with new reality Duterte has repeatedly threatened to impose nationwide military rule over the Philippines, where the mere words evoke the worst rights abuses of the Ferdinand Marcos dictatorship. The closest Duterte has come is the imposition of martial law over Mindanao, the nation's southern third, in response to Islamic State-inspired militants' siege of the city of Marawi. As reported cases of the new coronavirus started to climb in March, Duterte ordered a quarantine of the main northern island of Luzon, which includes the capital's 12 million people. Only essential workers and people buying food or medicine are officially allowed outside their homes, yet many others have flouted the rules. In some places, impoverished day labourers have no choice but to go out looking for work, though police have also reported breaking up social events like amateur boxing matches. Police said they have warned or arrested tens of thousands of people caught outside their homes without valid reasons. The Philippines has detected some 5,660 coronavirus cases, and recorded 362 deaths, but those figures are expected to climb as the nation ramps up testing.

Philippines' Duterte threatens martial law-like virus crackdown

A Chinese troll army attacked a Thai couple for asking a question on the origin of the virus. But the plan backfired when Netizens from Hong Kong and the Philippines decided to take on China. WION's Palki Sharma brings you the story.

Gravitas: How China lost a 'troll-war' on Twitter

Shoot-at-sight orders have been issued against lockdown violators in the Philippines. Meanwhile, the Queen is expected to make a rare TV address on Sunday. WION's Palki Sharma gets you the big global developments for Friday.

Gravitas: Tracking the big developments for April 3 Wuhan Coronavirus

President of Philippines Rodrigo Duterte will be tested for the novel coronavirus despite not showing any symptoms, his spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a statement as two of his key government officials went into quarantine after they came into contact with an infected person.

In response, the Senate building and Philippine central bank were undergoing cleaning, and several officials announced they would isolate themselves as a precaution.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-duterte-to-declare-public-health-emergency-to-combat-coronavirus-284922">Philippines' Duterte to declare public health emergency to combat coronavirus</a>

Senators Sherwin Gatchalian and Nancy Binay said they were having themselves quarantined after meeting with a witness during a committee hearing on March 5, who was confirmed to be infected by the virus.

The precautions are being taken considering the spurt in the number of COVID-19 cases.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-infects-100000-plus-worldwide-21-cases-found-on-ship-off-san-francisco-284865">Coronavirus infects 100,000-plus worldwide, 21 cases found on ship off San Francisco</a>

Central bank Governor Benjamin Diokno, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez and Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade separately announced of going into quarantine as a precautionary measure after meeting with an infected person, according to South China Morning Post.

An inter-agency task force on emerging infectious diseases will meet on Thursday to discuss urgent measures amid the outbreak.

President of Philippines Rodrigo Duterte will be tested for the novel coronavirus despite not showing any symptoms, his spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a statement as two of his key government officials went into quarantine after they came into contact with an infected person.

President of Philippines Rodrigo Duterte will be tested for the novel coronavirus despite not showing any symptoms, his spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a statement as two of his key government officials went into quarantine after they came into contact with an infected person. In response, the Senate building and Philippine central bank were undergoing cleaning, and several officials announced they would isolate themselves as a precaution. Also read: Philippines' Duterte to declare public health emergency to combat coronavirus Senators Sherwin Gatchalian and Nancy Binay said they were having themselves quarantined after meeting with a witness during a committee hearing on March 5, who was confirmed to be infected by the virus. The precautions are being taken considering the spurt in the number of COVID-19 cases. Also see: Coronavirus infects 100,000-plus worldwide, 21 cases found on ship off San Francisco Central bank Governor Benjamin Diokno, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez and Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade separately announced of going into quarantine as a precautionary measure after meeting with an infected person, according to South China Morning Post. An inter-agency task force on emerging infectious diseases will meet on Thursday to discuss urgent measures amid the outbreak.

Philippines President Duterte to undergo Covid-19 testing

Philippine police has surrounded a shopping mall in an upscale district of Manila after a gunman opened fire and took several people inside hostage.

Philippines: One Injured, Dozens Held Hostage in Manila Mall Shooting

By Tom Smith

The president of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, decided to terminate a prominent and unpopular military agreement with the US in early February. The move came as a direct response to Washington’s invocation of the American Magnitsky Act, which gives the US government the power to impose visa and financial sanctions on human rights abusers around the world.

But Duterte is using it as a pretext to push the Philippines, which is battling an ongoing series of insurgencies, closer to China.

Duterte’s “drug war” has killed over 20,000 people (nobody knows the true extent). In January, the US triggered the Magnitsky Act over the violence. The US then denied a US visa and froze the assets of Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, a close ally of Duterte who is now the National Police Chief and figurehead of the war on drugs.

After a month of procrastinating, Duterte followed through on his threat to terminate the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), which allows US military personnel and equipment to move through the Philippines and is the basis of a deeply entrenched military alliance between the two countries. There are some 300 US-Philippines joint exercises each year and the Philippines remains a key strategic ally for the US.

So far so tit-for-tat. But Duterte, a proud America-basher, knows there will be plenty who support withdrawing from the VFA.

The VFA has been a symbol of American imperialism in the Philippines since its inception in 1998. It was one of the few issues that united liberals and nationalists, who argued that it was unconstitutional and point to incidents of US Marines using the VFA to try and avoid Filipino justice – most notoriously in the case of the 2014 murder of Filipino trans woman Jennifer Laude.

Liberals have argued forcefully that the country was in an unbalanced, if not abusive, relationship with the US. But it has taken an authoritarian president and a ruthless campaign of extrajudicial killings to enact any re-balance. If that doesn’t quell celebrations in the Philippines and elsewhere at the termination of the VFA, then thinking through the possible fallout and its implications for the country and wider region will.

Territorial disputes and terrorism

The US president, Donald Trump, shrugged off the Philippines’ decision. There are still other Philippine-US military agreements in place: the more comprehensive 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) is already being targetted for termination too, according to Duterte’s spokesman.

Besides this, the US still has a separate mutual defence pact with its former colony and assists internally as well as externally in security operations. The US has played a key role in counter-terror and counter-insurgency campaigns in the Philippines since 9/11.

Focusing on Islamist rather than communist groups, US training, intelligence and surveillance has been a constant presence for the past two decades, if not very successful. Violence proliferates from a variety of ever-evolving militant groups and US assistance if not insistence on offensive operations has a patchy record.

When the US helped the army end its five-month siege of Marawi city in 2017, not only did it fail to prevent the destruction of the city. It oversaw what Amnesty International alleged were violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.

What value the US is bringing to the battle with Islamist militancy certainly deserves scrutiny. But the prospect of less Western oversight and training for the Philippines in this complex and often exoticised conflict is also concerning.

Externally, the South China Sea dispute between China and a host of nations, including the Philippines, is critical to US interests in the region. The alliance with the Philippines has been a key part of US strategy in countering Chinese expansionism in the region.

The Philippines sought redress at the International Court of Arbitration over territorial claims against the Chinese and won. China was found to be in breach of international law in 2016, but Duterte has since tried to entirely ignore the dispute, which was launched by a predecessor, as he is keen to push back against US influence and inclined to build closer relations with China. He is unwilling to be a pawn in the tussle between Washington and Beijing and openly courted closer Russian and Chinese relations.

Can China fill the US void?

Senior US and Filipino military officials are unhappy with the VFA termination. While the US blames Duterte and insists the US is doing the right thing in terms of human rights, the move pits Duterte against his own military. They think he’s potentially taken away their support and that he’s cow-towing to Beijing.

The prospect of the Philippines surrendering territory to China and potentially involving its military in counter-terror operations should fill few with joy. Chinese counter-terror operations in its own Xinjiang province towards the Uighur are hardly a best-practice guide for a nation already swamped by human rights abuses.

Yet Duterte, who openly admits to the “militarisation of government” has politicised his military. The military is bonded to him through its role in the war on drugs and by numerous political appointments of military figures to government.

The Americans have more options, large bases in stable nations including Japan and South Korea and other allies across Southeast Asia. While Filipinos have already suffered under Duterte, with two years left of his tenure the Americans may take a leaf out of the Chinese playbook by playing the long game and waiting out Duterte in favour of a new administration willing to stand up to China.

(Tom Smith is Principal Lecturer in International Relations, University of Portsmouth)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/rodrigo-duterte-terminated-a-military-agreement-with-us-why-it-could-push-philippines-closer-to-china-131812">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

By Tom Smith The president of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, decided to terminate a prominent and unpopular military agreement with the US in early February. The move came as a direct response to Washington’s invocation of the American Magnitsky Act, which gives the US government the power to impose visa and financial sanctions on human rights abusers around the world.

By Tom Smith The president of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, decided to terminate a prominent and unpopular military agreement with the US in early February. The move came as a direct response to Washington’s invocation of the American Magnitsky Act, which gives the US government the power to impose visa and financial sanctions on human rights abusers around the world. But Duterte is using it as a pretext to push the Philippines, which is battling an ongoing series of insurgencies, closer to China. Duterte’s “drug war” has killed over 20,000 people (nobody knows the true extent). In January, the US triggered the Magnitsky Act over the violence. The US then denied a US visa and froze the assets of Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, a close ally of Duterte who is now the National Police Chief and figurehead of the war on drugs. After a month of procrastinating, Duterte followed through on his threat to terminate the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), which allows US military personnel and equipment to move through the Philippines and is the basis of a deeply entrenched military alliance between the two countries. There are some 300 US-Philippines joint exercises each year and the Philippines remains a key strategic ally for the US. So far so tit-for-tat. But Duterte, a proud America-basher, knows there will be plenty who support withdrawing from the VFA. The VFA has been a symbol of American imperialism in the Philippines since its inception in 1998. It was one of the few issues that united liberals and nationalists, who argued that it was unconstitutional and point to incidents of US Marines using the VFA to try and avoid Filipino justice – most notoriously in the case of the 2014 murder of Filipino trans woman Jennifer Laude. Liberals have argued forcefully that the country was in an unbalanced, if not abusive, relationship with the US. But it has taken an authoritarian president and a ruthless campaign of extrajudicial killings to enact any re-balance. If that doesn’t quell celebrations in the Philippines and elsewhere at the termination of the VFA, then thinking through the possible fallout and its implications for the country and wider region will. Territorial disputes and terrorism The US president, Donald Trump, shrugged off the Philippines’ decision. There are still other Philippine-US military agreements in place: the more comprehensive 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) is already being targetted for termination too, according to Duterte’s spokesman. Besides this, the US still has a separate mutual defence pact with its former colony and assists internally as well as externally in security operations. The US has played a key role in counter-terror and counter-insurgency campaigns in the Philippines since 9/11. Focusing on Islamist rather than communist groups, US training, intelligence and surveillance has been a constant presence for the past two decades, if not very successful. Violence proliferates from a variety of ever-evolving militant groups and US assistance if not insistence on offensive operations has a patchy record. When the US helped the army end its five-month siege of Marawi city in 2017, not only did it fail to prevent the destruction of the city. It oversaw what Amnesty International alleged were violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. What value the US is bringing to the battle with Islamist militancy certainly deserves scrutiny. But the prospect of less Western oversight and training for the Philippines in this complex and often exoticised conflict is also concerning. Externally, the South China Sea dispute between China and a host of nations, including the Philippines, is critical to US interests in the region. The alliance with the Philippines has been a key part of US strategy in countering Chinese expansionism in the region. The Philippines sought redress at the International Court of Arbitration over territorial claims against the Chinese and won. China was found to be in breach of international law in 2016, but Duterte has since tried to entirely ignore the dispute, which was launched by a predecessor, as he is keen to push back against US influence and inclined to build closer relations with China. He is unwilling to be a pawn in the tussle between Washington and Beijing and openly courted closer Russian and Chinese relations. Can China fill the US void? Senior US and Filipino military officials are unhappy with the VFA termination. While the US blames Duterte and insists the US is doing the right thing in terms of human rights, the move pits Duterte against his own military. They think he’s potentially taken away their support and that he’s cow-towing to Beijing. The prospect of the Philippines surrendering territory to China and potentially involving its military in counter-terror operations should fill few with joy. Chinese counter-terror operations in its own Xinjiang province towards the Uighur are hardly a best-practice guide for a nation already swamped by human rights abuses. Yet Duterte, who openly admits to the “militarisation of government” has politicised his military. The military is bonded to him through its role in the war on drugs and by numerous political appointments of military figures to government. The Americans have more options, large bases in stable nations including Japan and South Korea and other allies across Southeast Asia. While Filipinos have already suffered under Duterte, with two years left of his tenure the Americans may take a leaf out of the Chinese playbook by playing the long game and waiting out Duterte in favour of a new administration willing to stand up to China. (Tom Smith is Principal Lecturer in International Relations, University of Portsmouth) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Why a terminated agreement with the US could push the Philippines closer to China

In the Coronavirus Outbreak, Wuhan virus has been already spread across 25 countries of 4 different continents. 17,000 people have been affected and more than 300 have been killed. Watch Philippines presser on nCoV in this video.

Coronavirus Outbreak: Philippines presser on nCoV

A 44-year-old man in the Philippines has died of the coronavirus, health officials said on Sunday, making him the first known death outside China.

WION Exclusive: Philippines confirms 1st nCoV death outside China

The death toll from china's coronavirus epidemic touched 304 on Saturday even as the number of infected has crossed 14,300 nationwide Meanwhile, the Philippines becomes the first country outside China to report the first death due to the virus.

The death toll from china's coronavirus epidemic touched 304 on Saturday even as the number of infected has crossed 14,300 nationwide Meanwhile, the Philippines becomes the first country outside China to report the first death due to the virus. Watch: Coronavirus Outbreak: Fresh cases being detected in several countries, Spain confirms its first case × The Philippines has confirmed its first death from coronavirus. The World Health Organisation (WHO) says that this is the first nCoV fatality outside of china. The death toll from the virus in China itself has risen to 304 with nearly 14-thousand-300-hundred confirmed cases globally. The virus has spread to nearly 25 countries. The city of Huanggang in China's Hubei province has reported 726 confirmed novel coronavirus cases. Wuhan, the epicentre of the virus, is also in the same city. China continues to race against time to build two hospitals for coronavirus patients in Wuhan. One of the hospitals is scheduled to open on February 3 while the other is expected to be ready by February 5.

Coronavirus: China toll climbs to 304; Philippines becomes first country outside China to report first death

Philippine President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protests-rage-in-philippine-capital-as-president-rodrigo-duterte-defends-china-relationship-237830">Rodrigo Duterte</a> has threatened to end a pact key to annual war games with American troops if the US does not restore the travel visa of an official who oversaw his drug war.

It is the latest in a long line of Duterte's threats to shrink or sever ties with historical ally Washington, which have periodically followed criticism of his deadly narcotics crackdown.

Duterte spoke after Ronald Dela Rosa, the former national police chief who is now a senator, said the US had canceled his visa but did not tell him why.

Dela Rosa was the first enforcer of Duterte's internationally condemned campaign, in which police say they have killed just over 5,500 alleged dealers and users.&nbsp;

Human rights advocates say the true toll is four times higher and could amount to crimes against humanity.&nbsp;

The US State Department and the embassy in Manila have not responded to requests for comment about Dela Rosa's visa. &nbsp;

Duterte went on the attack in a speech late Thursday.&nbsp;

"Now, they won't let Bato go to America", he said, using Dela Rosa's nickname.&nbsp;

"If you do not make a correction there, one, I will terminate the bases Visiting Forces Agreement," Duterte added. "I'm giving... the American government one month from now."

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-wants-military-cooperation-pact-with-sri-lanka-to-tackle-red-tape-report-237424">Visiting Forces Agreement</a> (VFA) outlines the rules governing the conduct of US troops participating in joint military exercises in the Philippines.

The pact gave legal cover for the resumption of large-scale war games between the two allies after the US military closed its Philippine bases in the 1990s amid rising anti-US sentiment.

Duterte also threatened in 2016 to cancel the agreement but has generally attacked ties with the US, including an announced "separation" from its former colonial master.

Until now the president has not made good on those threats, some of which came after then US president Barack Obama was critical of Duterte's crackdown in 2016.

Relations between Washington and Manila under President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/saudi-arabia-policy-shift-a-rare-donald-trumps-foreign-policy-success-252387">Donald Trump</a>, who has voiced support for Duterte, are on a stronger footing.&nbsp;

However, recent criticism from US lawmakers has introduced new tensions.

The Philippines in December barred US senators <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-bans-two-us-senators-mulls-new-visa-rules-for-americans-270538">Richard Durbin</a> and Patrick Leahy, who were behind a measure to prevent officials involved in the incarceration of Senator Leila de Lima from entering the US.&nbsp;

De Lima, one of the highest-profile critics of Duterte's narcotics crackdown, has been held since February 2017 over a&nbsp;drug charge that she claims was fabricated to silence her.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has threatened to end a pact key to annual war games with American troops if the US does not restore the travel visa of an official who oversaw his drug war.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has threatened to end a pact key to annual war games with American troops if the US does not restore the travel visa of an official who oversaw his drug war. It is the latest in a long line of Duterte's threats to shrink or sever ties with historical ally Washington, which have periodically followed criticism of his deadly narcotics crackdown. Duterte spoke after Ronald Dela Rosa, the former national police chief who is now a senator, said the US had canceled his visa but did not tell him why. Dela Rosa was the first enforcer of Duterte's internationally condemned campaign, in which police say they have killed just over 5,500 alleged dealers and users. Human rights advocates say the true toll is four times higher and could amount to crimes against humanity. The US State Department and the embassy in Manila have not responded to requests for comment about Dela Rosa's visa. Duterte went on the attack in a speech late Thursday. "Now, they won't let Bato go to America", he said, using Dela Rosa's nickname. "If you do not make a correction there, one, I will terminate the bases Visiting Forces Agreement," Duterte added. "I'm giving... the American government one month from now." The Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) outlines the rules governing the conduct of US troops participating in joint military exercises in the Philippines. The pact gave legal cover for the resumption of large-scale war games between the two allies after the US military closed its Philippine bases in the 1990s amid rising anti-US sentiment. Duterte also threatened in 2016 to cancel the agreement but has generally attacked ties with the US, including an announced "separation" from its former colonial master. Until now the president has not made good on those threats, some of which came after then US president Barack Obama was critical of Duterte's crackdown in 2016. Relations between Washington and Manila under President Donald Trump, who has voiced support for Duterte, are on a stronger footing. However, recent criticism from US lawmakers has introduced new tensions. The Philippines in December barred US senators Richard Durbin and Patrick Leahy, who were behind a measure to prevent officials involved in the incarceration of Senator Leila de Lima from entering the US. De Lima, one of the highest-profile critics of Duterte's narcotics crackdown, has been held since February 2017 over a drug charge that she claims was fabricated to silence her.

Philippines President Duterte threatens to end US military pact

Earthquakes were still happening at the Taal volcano, which shot giant clouds of ash miles into the air on Jan. 12, and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/your-story-filipina-grandmother-makes-free-face-masks-for-ash-stricken-community-274927">levels of the gas were rising</a>, a sign of magma "recharging" and "resupplying" beneath it, a Philippine vulcanologist said.

<img alt="Communities affected near Taal volcano" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="87830147-34bd-4aa5-ac14-b6f31a92ee7c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-01-20T134701.495.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;Houses covered in ash following Taal Volcano's eruption are pictured in Tagaytay City, Philippines&nbsp;(Courtesy: Reuters) ]

"If it reaches the crater, it could cause a strong explosion," Renato Solidum, director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), told DZMM radio.

Authorities have thrown a 14-km (9-mile) exclusion zone around the volcano, with experts saying an eruption could bring a devastating rain of rocks and magma and unleash a tsunami in the lake around it.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/philippines-taal-volcano-spews-ash-near-manila-274107">Philippines: Taal volcano spews ash near Manila</a>

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Just so we all know. Please share and stay alert and safe. Thank you and credits to <a href="https://twitter.com/philredcross?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@philredcross</a> for this. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TaalEruption?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TaalEruption</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TaalVolcano?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TaalVolcano</a> <a href="https://t.co/K2BMRG4KgH">pic.twitter.com/K2BMRG4KgH</a>
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People from the farthest reaches of the world are doing whatever possible to aid the people affected by this natural calamity, as this Twitter post shows.

Several establishments reopened last week in the tourist resort of Tagaytay after the volcano, 70 km (45 miles) from the capital, Manila, had shown signs of calming, but authorities urged them to heed orders to close.

"We asked them to cease operations so no tourists or locals would be lured to that area," Epimaco Densing, an undersecretary of the interior ministry, told reporters.

<img alt="Local Philippine communities affected" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="995584db-4fb1-493a-86eb-19be2416356d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-01-20T134816.964.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;A family walks with bags of belongings as they flee from their town following Taal Volcano's eruption&nbsp;(Courtesy: Reuters) ]

Just 311 meters (1,020 feet) high, Taal is one of the world's smallest active volcanoes, but it can be deadly, having <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tens-of-thousands-face-uncertainty-as-philippine-volcano-spews-lava-274291">killed more than 1,300 people</a> in an eruption in 1911.

More than 100,000 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ash-covered-pineapples-a-woe-for-filipino-farmer-struggling-to-make-a-living-274449">people have abandoned homes</a> around the volcano and flocked to evacuation centres after it blanketed homes, schools, and farms with ash.

The education ministry said it was ready to send teachers to run classes for more than 1 million students in nearby towns after displaced people had to be accommodated in some schools.

No deaths have been reported and the volcano's impact has proved just a blip for the $330-billion national economy, despite cancelled flights and a day of work lost on Jan. 12 because of a heavy fall of ash in Manila.

Taal has erupted more than 30 times in the past five centuries, most recently in 1977. The Philippines lies on the "Ring of Fire", a belt of volcanoes girdling the Pacific Ocean that is also prone to earthquakes.

&nbsp;

Earthquakes were still happening at the Taal volcano, which shot giant clouds of ash miles into the air on Jan. 12, and levels of the gas were rising, a sign of magma "recharging" and "resupplying" beneath it, a Philippine vulcanologist said.

Earthquakes were still happening at the Taal volcano, which shot giant clouds of ash miles into the air on Jan. 12, and levels of the gas were rising, a sign of magma "recharging" and "resupplying" beneath it, a Philippine vulcanologist said. [ Houses covered in ash following Taal Volcano's eruption are pictured in Tagaytay City, Philippines (Courtesy: Reuters) ] "If it reaches the crater, it could cause a strong explosion," Renato Solidum, director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), told DZMM radio. Authorities have thrown a 14-km (9-mile) exclusion zone around the volcano, with experts saying an eruption could bring a devastating rain of rocks and magma and unleash a tsunami in the lake around it. Also Read: Philippines: Taal volcano spews ash near Manila Just so we all know. Please share and stay alert and safe. Thank you and credits to @philredcross for this. #TaalEruption #TaalVolcano pic.twitter.com/K2BMRG4KgH — Dr. Gia Sison (@giasison) January 12, 2020 × People from the farthest reaches of the world are doing whatever possible to aid the people affected by this natural calamity, as this Twitter post shows. Several establishments reopened last week in the tourist resort of Tagaytay after the volcano, 70 km (45 miles) from the capital, Manila, had shown signs of calming, but authorities urged them to heed orders to close. "We asked them to cease operations so no tourists or locals would be lured to that area," Epimaco Densing, an undersecretary of the interior ministry, told reporters. [ A family walks with bags of belongings as they flee from their town following Taal Volcano's eruption (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Just 311 meters (1,020 feet) high, Taal is one of the world's smallest active volcanoes, but it can be deadly, having killed more than 1,300 people in an eruption in 1911. More than 100,000 people have abandoned homes around the volcano and flocked to evacuation centres after it blanketed homes, schools, and farms with ash. The education ministry said it was ready to send teachers to run classes for more than 1 million students in nearby towns after displaced people had to be accommodated in some schools. No deaths have been reported and the volcano's impact has proved just a blip for the $330-billion national economy, despite cancelled flights and a day of work lost on Jan. 12 because of a heavy fall of ash in Manila. Taal has erupted more than 30 times in the past five centuries, most recently in 1977. The Philippines lies on the "Ring of Fire", a belt of volcanoes girdling the Pacific Ocean that is also prone to earthquakes.

Philippine volcano recharging, scientist says, as shops, hotels told to keep shut

Philippines' Taal hazard might escalate into a 'volcanic tsunami'

Some 22,000 people in the Philippines have fled their homes after a volcano erupted yesterday. The eruption temporarily shut down Manila's international airport and its schools. #Philippines #Taalvolcano

Philippines: Taal volcano spews ash near Manila

Thousands of residents living near a restive volcano south of Manila sought refuge at temporary shelters on Monday (January 13) after it spewed ash and blanketed several towns into a grey landscape.

Thousands of residents evacuate after restive volcano spews ash

Philippines braces for a hazardous volcanic eruption and its ash and lava spewed out of the Taal volcano, the second most active volcano of the region. This has forced the evacuation of at least 10000 people from the nearby region and is also vulnerable to quakes and Tsunamis. Watch report: #WION #WIONNews #Philippines #Volcano #Taal #TaalVolcano

Philippines braces for eruption: Taal volcano spews ash

An erupting volcano in the Philippine capital on Monday spewed lava and broad columns of ash, which grounded hundreds of flights amid an alert for a possible "explosive eruption".&nbsp;

Officials have also warned of a possible "<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-51086961">volcanic tsunami</a>", which can be caused by falling debris after an eruption, reported BBC.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-suspends-manila-airport-flights-as-volcano-spews-ash-273803">Philippines suspends Manila airport flights as volcano spews ash</a>

Homes and streets in the region surrounding the Taal volcano, which blasted on Sunday along with a series of earthquakes, were coated in fine grit and nearly 10,000 people had sought refuge in evacuation centres.

<img alt="Philippine volcano" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="48cd505b-d106-47d9-863c-e331e3f56cd1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1NN8S3.jpg" />

(A resident uses a shovel to clear mud and ash spewed by Taal volcano at a development in Tanauan town,&nbsp;Philippine | Photo Credit: AFP)&nbsp;

"You could not sleep anymore, because every time you closed your eyes the house would shake," restaurant owner Lia Monteverde said.&nbsp;

"All of us didn't sleep at all. We just prepared to leave."&nbsp;

<img alt="Philippine volcano" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8e864008-b669-4557-8eca-8783c2c4962d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/hL92U9n6.jpg" />

(Visuals of Taal volcano | Photo Credit: AFP)

Taal, which is in the south of Manila, is one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines. &nbsp;

Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes are common in the country because of its position in Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide deep below the Earth's surface.&nbsp;

As a precautionary step, schools, government offices around the area and Philippine Stock Exchange were closed on Monday.&nbsp;

Aviation officials said that they are making efforts to resume flights at Manila's main international airport, after they were shut down due to the threat of volcanic ash affecting planes. &nbsp;

The eruption started with an explosion of superheated steam and rock, but by early Monday "fountains" of lava had been detected on Taal, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

Second-highest level of alert was raised on Sunday, saying an "explosive eruption" could happen in "hours to days".

(with AFP inputs) 
&nbsp;

An erupting volcano in the Philippine capital on Monday spewed lava and broad columns of ash, which grounded hundreds of flights amid an alert for a possible "explosive eruption".

An erupting volcano in the Philippine capital on Monday spewed lava and broad columns of ash, which grounded hundreds of flights amid an alert for a possible "explosive eruption". Officials have also warned of a possible "volcanic tsunami", which can be caused by falling debris after an eruption, reported BBC. Also read: Philippines suspends Manila airport flights as volcano spews ash Homes and streets in the region surrounding the Taal volcano, which blasted on Sunday along with a series of earthquakes, were coated in fine grit and nearly 10,000 people had sought refuge in evacuation centres. (A resident uses a shovel to clear mud and ash spewed by Taal volcano at a development in Tanauan town, Philippine | Photo Credit: AFP) "You could not sleep anymore, because every time you closed your eyes the house would shake," restaurant owner Lia Monteverde said. "All of us didn't sleep at all. We just prepared to leave." (Visuals of Taal volcano | Photo Credit: AFP) Taal, which is in the south of Manila, is one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines. Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes are common in the country because of its position in Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide deep below the Earth's surface. As a precautionary step, schools, government offices around the area and Philippine Stock Exchange were closed on Monday. Aviation officials said that they are making efforts to resume flights at Manila's main international airport, after they were shut down due to the threat of volcanic ash affecting planes. The eruption started with an explosion of superheated steam and rock, but by early Monday "fountains" of lava had been detected on Taal, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said. Second-highest level of alert was raised on Sunday, saying an "explosive eruption" could happen in "hours to days". (with AFP inputs)

Philippines: Officials warn of tsunami as volcano spews ash, lava

The Philippine airport authority on Sunday suspended flights at Manila's international airport after a volcano in nearby Batangas province spewed a giant plume of ash.

The <a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/thousands-evacuate-as-philippine-volcano-rumbles-273778">Taal volcano</a> generated a 1-km (0.6 mile) high ash plume accompanied by rumbling sounds and tremors earlier in the day, indicating increased unrest that could lead to a hazardous eruption in weeks.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/thousands-evacuate-as-philippine-volcano-rumbles-273778">Thousands evacuate as Philippine volcano rumbles</a>

"Flight operations at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport have been temporarily suspended due to the volcanic ash from the eruption of Taal Volcano," the Manila International Airport Authority tweeted.

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Edit: Flight operations at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport have been temporarily suspended due to the volcanic ash from the eruption of Taal Volcano. Kindly coordinate with your respective air carriers for details on flight schedules.
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Passengers have been advised to coordinate with their respective airlines for details on flight schedules.

The Philippine airport authority on Sunday suspended flights at Manila's international airport after a volcano in nearby Batangas province spewed a giant plume of ash.

The Philippine airport authority on Sunday suspended flights at Manila's international airport after a volcano in nearby Batangas province spewed a giant plume of ash. The Taal volcano generated a 1-km (0.6 mile) high ash plume accompanied by rumbling sounds and tremors earlier in the day, indicating increased unrest that could lead to a hazardous eruption in weeks. Also read: Thousands evacuate as Philippine volcano rumbles "Flight operations at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport have been temporarily suspended due to the volcanic ash from the eruption of Taal Volcano," the Manila International Airport Authority tweeted. Edit: Flight operations at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport have been temporarily suspended due to the volcanic ash from the eruption of Taal Volcano. Kindly coordinate with your respective air carriers for details on flight schedules. — NAIA (@MIAAGovPH) January 12, 2020 × Passengers have been advised to coordinate with their respective airlines for details on flight schedules.

Philippines suspends Manila airport flights as volcano spews ash

Hundreds of thousands of Roman Catholics in the Philippines on Thursday (January 9) paraded a centuries-old black wooden statue of Jesus Christ believed to have healing powers and prayed for good health and economic success in the new year.

Philippines' Catholics parade "Black Nazarene" in annual festival

As tension is rising between the United States and Iran after the killing of Iranian's top military commander, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-criticises-russia-china-at-un-over-failure-to-condemn-baghdad-embassy-attack-272600">Qasem Soleimani</a>, the Philippines government is preparing to evacuate thousands of Filipinos working in the Middle East region.&nbsp;

About 2.3 million people from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-from-philippines-typhoon-hits-50-271165">Philippines</a>&nbsp;are working in the&nbsp;Middle&nbsp;East&nbsp;as domestic helpers, construction&nbsp;workers, engineers, and nurses.

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/take-it-or-leave-it-duterte-on-water-distribution-contract-272682">Rodrigo Duterte</a> has ordered the armed forces to prepare air and naval assets for the evacuation of Filipinos in Iraq, Iran, and nearby Arab countries, his spokesman Salvador Panelo said on Tuesday.

Saying he was deeply worried about the prospect of a "protracted-war", Duterte told reporters he sent a special envoy to Tehran and Baghdad to get assurances that Filipinos would be provided safe passage in case of evacuation.

"We have so many Filipinos working mainly in the&nbsp;Middle&nbsp;East. I am nervous. Iran seems to be hell-bent on retaliation, which I think will come," Duterte said in a speech on Monday.

There are close to 7,000 Filipinos working and living in Iraq and more than 1,000 in Iran, according to government data.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who heads a newly created committee to prepare the evacuation, said the government is readying aircraft to ferry Filipinos in Iraq and Iran who wish to come home or be&nbsp;evacuated to safer areas.

"We can send transportation to fetch them," Lorenza told reporters, adding that hiring a cruise ship was among the things the government was considering to safely&nbsp;evacuate&nbsp;those who would wish to be repatriated.

Iran is considering 13 scenarios to avenge Friday's killing of Qassem Soleimani by a US&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-will-never-have-a-nuclear-weapon-says-trump-as-tehran-mourns-suleimani-272585">drone attack</a> in Iraq, a senior Tehran official said on Tuesday as the general's body was brought to his hometown for burial.

Filipinos in the&nbsp;Middle&nbsp;East&nbsp;sent home $5.4 billion in remittances from January to October last year, accounting for a fifth of total remittances for that period, making the region a major source of foreign exchange inflows which help drive growth in the consumption-led Philippine economy.

In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-offer-to-host-apec-not-a-good-idea-malaysia-260620">Saifuddin Abdullah</a> advised Malaysians to defer nonessential travel to the region, "in particular areas where the security situation is critical", and for citizens in the region to register with their nearest foreign mission.

"The ministry advises all Malaysians residing, or currently traveling to the region to be more vigilant and take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety and security,” Saifuddin told at a press conference.

As tension is rising between the United States and Iran after the killing of Iranian's top military commander, Qasem Soleimani, the Philippines government is preparing to evacuate thousands of Filipinos working in the Middle East region.

As tension is rising between the United States and Iran after the killing of Iranian's top military commander, Qasem Soleimani, the Philippines government is preparing to evacuate thousands of Filipinos working in the Middle East region. About 2.3 million people from the Philippines are working in the Middle East as domestic helpers, construction workers, engineers, and nurses. President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the armed forces to prepare air and naval assets for the evacuation of Filipinos in Iraq, Iran, and nearby Arab countries, his spokesman Salvador Panelo said on Tuesday. Saying he was deeply worried about the prospect of a "protracted-war", Duterte told reporters he sent a special envoy to Tehran and Baghdad to get assurances that Filipinos would be provided safe passage in case of evacuation. "We have so many Filipinos working mainly in the Middle East. I am nervous. Iran seems to be hell-bent on retaliation, which I think will come," Duterte said in a speech on Monday. There are close to 7,000 Filipinos working and living in Iraq and more than 1,000 in Iran, according to government data. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who heads a newly created committee to prepare the evacuation, said the government is readying aircraft to ferry Filipinos in Iraq and Iran who wish to come home or be evacuated to safer areas. "We can send transportation to fetch them," Lorenza told reporters, adding that hiring a cruise ship was among the things the government was considering to safely evacuate those who would wish to be repatriated. Iran is considering 13 scenarios to avenge Friday's killing of Qassem Soleimani by a US drone attack in Iraq, a senior Tehran official said on Tuesday as the general's body was brought to his hometown for burial. Filipinos in the Middle East sent home $5.4 billion in remittances from January to October last year, accounting for a fifth of total remittances for that period, making the region a major source of foreign exchange inflows which help drive growth in the consumption-led Philippine economy. In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah advised Malaysians to defer nonessential travel to the region, "in particular areas where the security situation is critical", and for citizens in the region to register with their nearest foreign mission. "The ministry advises all Malaysians residing, or currently traveling to the region to be more vigilant and take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety and security,” Saifuddin told at a press conference.

Philippines prepares for 'evacuation' of citizens in Middle East

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-from-philippines-typhoon-hits-50-271165">Philippine</a> government will take over the capital's water distribution services if the two largest water firms refuse to accept the terms of new contracts that will be offered to them, the presidential spokesman said on Tuesday.

Maynilad Water Services Inc and Manila Water Co Inc serve a combined 16 million customers under 25-year concession deals signed in 1997, but President Rodrigo Duterte labelled the agreements "onerous and disadvantageous" for ratepayers.

The firebrand leader in December ordered criminal charges filed against the two companies, including their billionaire owners. Earlier that month, they had won arbitration cases in Singapore against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-bans-two-us-senators-mulls-new-visa-rules-for-americans-270538">government</a>.

"The chief executive is giving the water concessionaires the option of accepting the new contracts minus the onerous provisions without any guarantee of not being criminally prosecuted together with those who conspired to craft the very onerous contracts," Salvador Panelo, Duterte's spokesman, told a news conference.

Watch: Philippines -&nbsp;Protest against Duterte's war on drugs

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"Should Maynilad and Manila Water refuse to accept the new agreements, the president will order the cancellation of their present water contracts, order the nationalisation of water services in their respective areas of operation," Panelo said.

Manila Water and Maynilad did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The market cheered the news that the two firms would be allowed to continue to operate if they adhered to the government's conditions.

Manila Water, which fell as much as 73 per cent&nbsp;and lost as much as $556 million in market value last month, rallied nearly 15 per cent&nbsp;on Tuesday after the announcement, while parent firm Ayala Corp, which shed up to $875 million in market capitalisation, gained 1.5 per cent.

Maynilad owners Metro Pacific Investments Corp and DMCI Holdings Inc, rose 3.2 per cent and 3.9 per cent, respectively, on Tuesday. The two firms collectively lost as much as $1.45 billion in market value after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jail-me-hang-me-philippines-duterte-firm-he-wont-answer-to-international-court-of-criminal-269397">Duterte</a>'s criticism.

Last month, the state water regulator cancelled a 15-year extension of the water utilities' concession after pressure from Duterte. The existing concessions will expire in 2022.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/singapore-adds-bengaluru-to-its-global-innovation-alliance-255771">Singapore</a> last month ordered the Philippine government to pay Manila Water 7.4 billion pesos ($145.55 million) to recoup foregone revenues from rate increases that were rejected by regulators. Maynilad won a separate arbitration last year.

The companies had said they would forfeit any damage claims to avoid angering the president, who enjoys high public approval ratings.

The Philippine government will take over the capital's water distribution services if the two largest water firms refuse to accept the terms of new contracts that will be offered to them, the presidential spokesman said on Tuesday.

The Philippine government will take over the capital's water distribution services if the two largest water firms refuse to accept the terms of new contracts that will be offered to them, the presidential spokesman said on Tuesday. Maynilad Water Services Inc and Manila Water Co Inc serve a combined 16 million customers under 25-year concession deals signed in 1997, but President Rodrigo Duterte labelled the agreements "onerous and disadvantageous" for ratepayers. The firebrand leader in December ordered criminal charges filed against the two companies, including their billionaire owners. Earlier that month, they had won arbitration cases in Singapore against the government. "The chief executive is giving the water concessionaires the option of accepting the new contracts minus the onerous provisions without any guarantee of not being criminally prosecuted together with those who conspired to craft the very onerous contracts," Salvador Panelo, Duterte's spokesman, told a news conference. Watch: Philippines - Protest against Duterte's war on drugs × "Should Maynilad and Manila Water refuse to accept the new agreements, the president will order the cancellation of their present water contracts, order the nationalisation of water services in their respective areas of operation," Panelo said. Manila Water and Maynilad did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The market cheered the news that the two firms would be allowed to continue to operate if they adhered to the government's conditions. Manila Water, which fell as much as 73 per cent and lost as much as $556 million in market value last month, rallied nearly 15 per cent on Tuesday after the announcement, while parent firm Ayala Corp, which shed up to $875 million in market capitalisation, gained 1.5 per cent. Maynilad owners Metro Pacific Investments Corp and DMCI Holdings Inc, rose 3.2 per cent and 3.9 per cent, respectively, on Tuesday. The two firms collectively lost as much as $1.45 billion in market value after Duterte's criticism. Last month, the state water regulator cancelled a 15-year extension of the water utilities' concession after pressure from Duterte. The existing concessions will expire in 2022. The Permanent Court of Arbitration in Singapore last month ordered the Philippine government to pay Manila Water 7.4 billion pesos ($145.55 million) to recoup foregone revenues from rate increases that were rejected by regulators. Maynilad won a separate arbitration last year. The companies had said they would forfeit any damage claims to avoid angering the president, who enjoys high public approval ratings.

Take it or leave it: Duterte on water distribution contract

The number of people killed by a powerful storm that pummeled the central Philippines over Christmas has risen to 50, authorities said Tuesday, making it the nation's deadliest storm of 2019.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-16-killed-as-typhoon-phanfone-devastates-philippines-270250">Typhoon Phanfone</a>'s destructive winds and heavy rains brought down flimsy homes and destroyed commercial buildings mainly in the central island of Visayas, affecting more than two million people.

<img alt="Typhoon Phanfone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="48088ce9-b13d-4fcd-9484-bff0e6a34d27" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2816%29_2.jpg" />

At least 80,000 remain in emergency shelters and might have to stay until the New Year, given the scale of destruction.

"We're sad that some of our countrymen are still in evacuation centers, but we assure them they will continue to receive support until they get back on their feet," national disaster agency spokesman Mark Timbal told AFP.

Five people are still missing after the storm, which also left 143 injured.

The death toll up from 41 on Sunday&nbsp;included three sailors who died after their vessel capsized, a policeman electrocuted by a toppled post, and a man struck by a falling tree.

Typhoon Phanfone, locally called Ursula, was the 21st cyclone this year to hit the storm-prone Philippines.

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<img alt="Typhoon Phanfone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c228a962-762a-4097-98a6-e24a72138e23" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2815%29_6.jpg" />

Many of the storms wipe out harvests, homes, and infrastructure, keeping millions of people in perpetual poverty.

The number of people killed by a powerful storm that pummeled the central Philippines over Christmas has risen to 50, authorities said Tuesday, making it the nation's deadliest storm of 2019.

The number of people killed by a powerful storm that pummeled the central Philippines over Christmas has risen to 50, authorities said Tuesday, making it the nation's deadliest storm of 2019. Typhoon Phanfone's destructive winds and heavy rains brought down flimsy homes and destroyed commercial buildings mainly in the central island of Visayas, affecting more than two million people. At least 80,000 remain in emergency shelters and might have to stay until the New Year, given the scale of destruction. "We're sad that some of our countrymen are still in evacuation centers, but we assure them they will continue to receive support until they get back on their feet," national disaster agency spokesman Mark Timbal told AFP. Five people are still missing after the storm, which also left 143 injured. The death toll up from 41 on Sunday included three sailors who died after their vessel capsized, a policeman electrocuted by a toppled post, and a man struck by a falling tree. Typhoon Phanfone, locally called Ursula, was the 21st cyclone this year to hit the storm-prone Philippines. Many of the storms wipe out harvests, homes, and infrastructure, keeping millions of people in perpetual poverty.

Death toll from Philippines typhoon hits 50

The death toll from a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/typhoon-misery-for-philippines-on-christmas-day-270103">Christmas typhoon</a> that tore through the central Philippines rose to 28 on Friday, with 12 people missing, the disaster agency said, as authorities moved to restore power and residents tried to repair damaged homes.

Typhoon Phanfone hit late on Tuesday with winds of up to 120 kph&nbsp;and gusts of 150 kph, dumping sheets of uninterrupted rain on a string of islands, damaging hundreds of homes and causing flooding in eight areas.

It was the seventh typhoon to strike the Philippines this year and came as millions of people in the predominantly Catholic country were heading home to celebrate Christmas with families.

Some 43,000 people were in temporary shelters on Friday, among the 185,000 impacted by the typhoon, which destroyed 49 homes and partially damaged 2,000.

Also Watch:&nbsp;Typhoon Phanfone brings misery to Philippines on Christmas

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There was widespread travel disruption with 115 flights cancelled and thousands of people stranded by the suspension of ferries due to storm surges.

It was unclear how the deaths occurred, but officials said some were hit by trees, electrocuted or drowned.

"People did not expect that the storm would be that devastating," said disaster agency spokesman Mark Timbal.

Though less powerful than other typhoons this year, Phanphone made landfall in some of the country's poorest and least-developed islands.

Among them was the island of Samar, which bore the brunt of Typhoon Haiyan in 2013, the Philippines' most powerful and deadliest storm on record. It killed more than 6,300 people.

Residents, there were clearing debris, with wooden pillars and sheets of a corrugated iron roof that were once homes, scattered across the ground. Men pulled tried to recover fishing boats with tangled or damaged outriggers.

Samar resident Virgilo Catayas, whose sibling was among those killed by Haiyan, said he lost another to hypertension when <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-16-killed-as-typhoon-phanfone-devastates-philippines-270250">Phanphone</a> hit.

"We can't really do much if that's what happened, we'll have to accept it," he told broadcaster ABS-CBN. "The important thing is to stay strong," he said, sitting next to a casket.

Television showed minor damage to the airport at Kalibo, an alternative gateway to the holiday island of Boracay, while the disaster agency said 55 schools had suffered some damage.

The agriculture department estimated initial damages of $11.17 million&nbsp;mostly to fish farms.

Images on social media showed government workers clearing trees from roads, with a clear blue sky after the storm moved out over the South China Sea late on Wednesday.

The death toll from a Christmas typhoon that tore through the central Philippines rose to 28 on Friday, with 12 people missing, the disaster agency said, as authorities moved to restore power and residents tried to repair damaged homes.

The death toll from a Christmas typhoon that tore through the central Philippines rose to 28 on Friday, with 12 people missing, the disaster agency said, as authorities moved to restore power and residents tried to repair damaged homes. Typhoon Phanfone hit late on Tuesday with winds of up to 120 kph and gusts of 150 kph, dumping sheets of uninterrupted rain on a string of islands, damaging hundreds of homes and causing flooding in eight areas. It was the seventh typhoon to strike the Philippines this year and came as millions of people in the predominantly Catholic country were heading home to celebrate Christmas with families. Some 43,000 people were in temporary shelters on Friday, among the 185,000 impacted by the typhoon, which destroyed 49 homes and partially damaged 2,000. Also Watch: Typhoon Phanfone brings misery to Philippines on Christmas × There was widespread travel disruption with 115 flights cancelled and thousands of people stranded by the suspension of ferries due to storm surges. It was unclear how the deaths occurred, but officials said some were hit by trees, electrocuted or drowned. "People did not expect that the storm would be that devastating," said disaster agency spokesman Mark Timbal. Though less powerful than other typhoons this year, Phanphone made landfall in some of the country's poorest and least-developed islands. Among them was the island of Samar, which bore the brunt of Typhoon Haiyan in 2013, the Philippines' most powerful and deadliest storm on record. It killed more than 6,300 people. Residents, there were clearing debris, with wooden pillars and sheets of a corrugated iron roof that were once homes, scattered across the ground. Men pulled tried to recover fishing boats with tangled or damaged outriggers. Samar resident Virgilo Catayas, whose sibling was among those killed by Haiyan, said he lost another to hypertension when Phanphone hit. "We can't really do much if that's what happened, we'll have to accept it," he told broadcaster ABS-CBN. "The important thing is to stay strong," he said, sitting next to a casket. Television showed minor damage to the airport at Kalibo, an alternative gateway to the holiday island of Boracay, while the disaster agency said 55 schools had suffered some damage. The agriculture department estimated initial damages of $11.17 million mostly to fish farms. Images on social media showed government workers clearing trees from roads, with a clear blue sky after the storm moved out over the South China Sea late on Wednesday.

Death toll reaches 28 as Philippines recovers from Christmas typhoon

At least sixteen people were&nbsp;killed as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/typhoon-phanfone-ruining-christmas-for-thousands-of-filipinos-270027">Typhoon Phanfone devasted</a> the Philippines on Christmas Day.

The typhoon rated as category 2 brought strong gusts of winds and rains as it made landfall in the eastern province of the Philippines.

Most of the casualties occurred in central Philippines, disaster agency officials said.

Authorities said at least six people were&nbsp;missing with several thousand evacuated from the affected area.

Christmas celebrations had to be cut short as over 16,000 people were moved to shelters as the typhoon hit the country. In eastern Visayas region located in central Philippines over 4,000 people had to be moved out by authorities.

Several thousand passengers and ships in ports with ferry services still shut down around the country and domestic flights cancelled as the country the full force of Typhoon Phanfone.

In Cebu located on the north several houses were destroyed as the typhoon barrelled through the region. People were deprived of good meals on Christmas Day spending the night at evacuation centres while surviving on soup, tinned fish and instant noodles.&nbsp;

However, according to forecasters Typhoon Phanfone is expected to exit the country today.&nbsp;

Philippines which is located on the Pacific cyclone belt experiences typhoon and storms regularly throughout the year, however, the storms have destroyed large tracts in recent years with the devasting force.

At least sixteen people were killed as Typhoon Phanfone devasted the Philippines on Christmas Day. The typhoon rated as category 2 brought strong gusts of winds and rains as it made landfall in the eastern province of the Philippines.

At least sixteen people were killed as Typhoon Phanfone devasted the Philippines on Christmas Day. The typhoon rated as category 2 brought strong gusts of winds and rains as it made landfall in the eastern province of the Philippines. Most of the casualties occurred in central Philippines, disaster agency officials said. Authorities said at least six people were missing with several thousand evacuated from the affected area. Christmas celebrations had to be cut short as over 16,000 people were moved to shelters as the typhoon hit the country. In eastern Visayas region located in central Philippines over 4,000 people had to be moved out by authorities. Several thousand passengers and ships in ports with ferry services still shut down around the country and domestic flights cancelled as the country the full force of Typhoon Phanfone. In Cebu located on the north several houses were destroyed as the typhoon barrelled through the region. People were deprived of good meals on Christmas Day spending the night at evacuation centres while surviving on soup, tinned fish and instant noodles. However, according to forecasters Typhoon Phanfone is expected to exit the country today. Philippines which is located on the Pacific cyclone belt experiences typhoon and storms regularly throughout the year, however, the storms have destroyed large tracts in recent years with the devasting force.

At least 16 killed as Typhoon Phanfone devastates Philippines

Typhoon Phanfone pummelled the central Philippines on Christmas Day, bringing a wet and miserable holiday season to millions in the mainly Catholic nation, and forcing thousands to seek shelter at government facilities. #WION #Typhoon #TyphoonPhanfone #Phanfone #Philippines

Typhoon Phanfone brings misery to Philippines on Christmas

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/typhoon-phanfone-ruining-christmas-for-thousands-of-filipinos-270027">Typhoon Phanfone</a> pummelled the central Philippines on Christmas Day, bringing a wet and miserable holiday season to millions in the mainly Catholic nation.

Thousands were stranded at shuttered ports or evacuation centres at the height of the festive season on Wednesday, and residents cowered in rain-soaked homes as Phanfone leapt from one small island to another for the second day.&nbsp;

The typhoon toppled houses and trees and blacked-out cities in the Philippines' most storm-prone region, but no deaths were reported.

Though weaker, Phanfone was tracking a similar path as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-thousands-flee-as-typhoon-kammuri-expected-to-make-landfall-265636">Super Typhoon Haiyan</a>, the country's deadliest cyclone on record which left more than 7,300 people dead or missing in 2013.

More than 10,000 people spent the night in schools, gyms and government buildings hastily converted into evacuation centres as the typhoon made landfall Tuesday, civil defence officials said.

"It was frightening. The glass windows shattered and we took cover by the stairs," Ailyn Metran added after she and her four-year-old child spent the night at the local state weather service office where her husband worked.

A metal window frame flew off and fell onto a car parked outside the building, she said.

With just two hours' sleep, the family returned to their home in the central city of Tacloban early Wednesday to find their two dogs safe, but the floor was covered in mud and a felled tree rested atop a nearby house.

The weather office said the typhoon strengthened slightly overnight Tuesday and was gusting at 195 kilometres (121 miles) an hour, velocities that can knock down small trees and destroy houses made of light materials.

More islands are along its projected path are expected to be hit with destructive winds and intense rainfall before blowing out into the South China Sea early Thursday, it added.

More than 25,000 people trying to get home for the traditional Christmas Eve midnight dinner with their families remained stranded at ports on Christmas Day with ferry services still shut down, the coast guard said.

Scores of flights to the region also remained cancelled, though the populous capital Manila, on the northern edge has so far been spared.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eleven-dead-after-coconut-wine-poisoning-in-philippines-269754">Philippines</a> is the first major landmass facing the Pacific cyclone belt.

As such, the archipelago gets hit by an average of 20 storms and typhoons each year, killing scores of people and wiping out harvests, homes and other infrastructure and keeping millions perennially poor.

A July 2019 study by the Manila-based <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/asian-development-bank-approves-usd-1-billion-emergency-loan-for-pakistan-266593">Asian Development Bank</a> said the most frequent storms lop one per cent off the Philippine economic output, with the stronger ones cutting output by nearly three per cent.

Typhoon Phanfone pummelled the central Philippines on Christmas Day, bringing a wet and miserable holiday season to millions in the mainly Catholic nation. Thousands were stranded at shuttered ports or evacuation centres at the height of the festive season on Wednesday, and residents cowered in rain-soaked homes as Phanfone leapt from one small island to another for the second day.

Typhoon Phanfone pummelled the central Philippines on Christmas Day, bringing a wet and miserable holiday season to millions in the mainly Catholic nation. Thousands were stranded at shuttered ports or evacuation centres at the height of the festive season on Wednesday, and residents cowered in rain-soaked homes as Phanfone leapt from one small island to another for the second day. The typhoon toppled houses and trees and blacked-out cities in the Philippines' most storm-prone region, but no deaths were reported. Though weaker, Phanfone was tracking a similar path as Super Typhoon Haiyan, the country's deadliest cyclone on record which left more than 7,300 people dead or missing in 2013. More than 10,000 people spent the night in schools, gyms and government buildings hastily converted into evacuation centres as the typhoon made landfall Tuesday, civil defence officials said. "It was frightening. The glass windows shattered and we took cover by the stairs," Ailyn Metran added after she and her four-year-old child spent the night at the local state weather service office where her husband worked. A metal window frame flew off and fell onto a car parked outside the building, she said. With just two hours' sleep, the family returned to their home in the central city of Tacloban early Wednesday to find their two dogs safe, but the floor was covered in mud and a felled tree rested atop a nearby house. The weather office said the typhoon strengthened slightly overnight Tuesday and was gusting at 195 kilometres (121 miles) an hour, velocities that can knock down small trees and destroy houses made of light materials. More islands are along its projected path are expected to be hit with destructive winds and intense rainfall before blowing out into the South China Sea early Thursday, it added. More than 25,000 people trying to get home for the traditional Christmas Eve midnight dinner with their families remained stranded at ports on Christmas Day with ferry services still shut down, the coast guard said. Scores of flights to the region also remained cancelled, though the populous capital Manila, on the northern edge has so far been spared. The Philippines is the first major landmass facing the Pacific cyclone belt. As such, the archipelago gets hit by an average of 20 storms and typhoons each year, killing scores of people and wiping out harvests, homes and other infrastructure and keeping millions perennially poor. A July 2019 study by the Manila-based Asian Development Bank said the most frequent storms lop one per cent off the Philippine economic output, with the stronger ones cutting output by nearly three per cent.

Typhoon hits central Philippines on Christmas Day

Police in Nepal have detained 122 Chinese nationals in its biggest crackdown on crime by foreigners entering the country on a tourist visa, officials said on Tuesday.

The chief of police in the capital, Kathmandu, Uttam Subedi, said 122 Chinese men and women were rounded up in raids on Monday following information that they were engaged in suspicious activities.

The Chinese are suspected of carrying out<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyber-crime-becoming-industry-may-occur-very-often-rajnath-singh-35769"> cybercrime </a>and hacking into bank cash machines, Subedi said, adding that they were being held in different police stations and their passports and laptop computers had been seized.

"This is the first time that so many foreigners have been detained for suspected criminal activities," he said.

Chinese embassy officials were not immediately available for comment but another senior police officer, Hobindra Bogati, said the embassy knew of the raids and had supported the detention of the suspects.

Chinese people are regularly detained in Asian countries on suspicion of involvement in various illegal activities, often involving fraud back in China.

Last week, authorities in the Philippines arrested 342 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/underperforming-chinese-workers-made-to-drink-urine-eat-bugs-176165">Chinese workers</a> in a raid on an unlicensed gambling operation.

In September, police arrested five Chinese nationals on a charge of stealing money by hacking bank cash machines. Chinese citizens were also arrested with smuggled gold this year.

Nepal and China signed a treaty on mutual assistance in criminal matters during a visit to Nepal by President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/americas/donald-trump-xi-jinping-and-trade-a-high-stakes-game-of-chicken-216697">Xi Jinping</a> in October.

China has been increasing its investment in Nepal in recent years in areas such as roads, power plants, and hospitals.

More than 134,000 Chinese tourists visited Nepal between January and October this year, up 9.2 per cent from the same period in 2018, according to Nepal Tourism Board data.

Police in Nepal have detained 122 Chinese nationals in its biggest crackdown on crime by foreigners entering the country on a tourist visa, officials said on Tuesday.

Police in Nepal have detained 122 Chinese nationals in its biggest crackdown on crime by foreigners entering the country on a tourist visa, officials said on Tuesday. The chief of police in the capital, Kathmandu, Uttam Subedi, said 122 Chinese men and women were rounded up in raids on Monday following information that they were engaged in suspicious activities. The Chinese are suspected of carrying out cybercrime and hacking into bank cash machines, Subedi said, adding that they were being held in different police stations and their passports and laptop computers had been seized. "This is the first time that so many foreigners have been detained for suspected criminal activities," he said. Chinese embassy officials were not immediately available for comment but another senior police officer, Hobindra Bogati, said the embassy knew of the raids and had supported the detention of the suspects. Chinese people are regularly detained in Asian countries on suspicion of involvement in various illegal activities, often involving fraud back in China. Last week, authorities in the Philippines arrested 342 Chinese workers in a raid on an unlicensed gambling operation. In September, police arrested five Chinese nationals on a charge of stealing money by hacking bank cash machines. Chinese citizens were also arrested with smuggled gold this year. Nepal and China signed a treaty on mutual assistance in criminal matters during a visit to Nepal by President Xi Jinping in October. China has been increasing its investment in Nepal in recent years in areas such as roads, power plants, and hospitals. More than 134,000 Chinese tourists visited Nepal between January and October this year, up 9.2 per cent from the same period in 2018, according to Nepal Tourism Board data.

Nepal detains 122 Chinese nationals over suspected cyber crime, bank fraud

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