PAGASA Issues Signal No. 1 as Tropical Cyclone Opong Approaches Eastern Visayas

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) elevated the tropical cyclone alert to Signal No. 1 over Samar Island on Wednesday, September 24, as Tropical Cyclone Opong (internationally known as Bualoi) intensified while moving towards eastern Visayas and southern Luzon. In its 11 a.m. weather update, PAGASA forecasted moderate to heavy rainfall on Wednesday across Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro. Similar weather conditions are expected on Thursday in various parts of Visayas and Luzon, with particularly heavy to torrential rains anticipated in Sorsogon and Northern Samar. Additionally, the habagat winds are predicted to bring strong to gale-force gusts on Wednesday to multiple regions including the Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Batanes, Cagayan (including the Babuyan Islands), Isabela, and extending through parts of Luzon, Western Visayas, and Mindanao. PAGASA warned that Opong could attain typhoon strength before making landfall in Bicol by Friday afternoon. The cyclone may slightly weaken upon reaching land but is expected to sustain typhoon or severe tropical storm classification and has the potential to re-intensify over the West Philippine Sea. "It must be emphasized that heavy rainfall, severe winds, and storm surge may still affect areas beyond the landfall point and outside the forecast confidence cone," the bureau stated, advising communities to remain vigilant. At the time of the report, Opong was located approximately 815 kilometers east of northeastern Mindanao, generating maximum sustained winds of 85 kilometers per hour near its center, with gusts reaching up to 105 kilometers per hour. Authorities continue to monitor the storm closely and urge the public to stay updated on weather advisories and take necessary precautions.

Typhoon Nando and Tropical Cyclone Opong Cause Widespread Flooding and Damage Across Multiple Philippine Provinces

In the aftermath of Typhoon Nando, residents in Maguindanao del Norte have resorted to using an improvised zipline to cross a swollen river after a vital bridge was severely damaged. The community expressed hope that repair efforts for the damaged structure will commence soon. The Bangsamoro Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that 24 towns in Maguindanao del Sur are experiencing flooding due to the recent tropical cyclones. Among these areas, Mangudadatu town has been submerged since the previous week. Despite Typhoon Nando moving out of the Philippine Area of Responsibility, intermittent rainfall continued on Tuesday in Olongapo City. A tornado also struck Barangay East Bajak-Bajak, where flying debris was observed. The tornado reportedly lasted approximately one minute. In Meycauayan, Bulacan, another tornado inflicted damage on nine houses, and scattered rooftop debris covered sections of local roads. The municipal government initiated clearing operations; however, power restoration in the affected zones remains pending. During Nando's peak on Monday, a landslide occurred along Sapyo Road in Dingalan, Aurora, causing motorists to evacuate for safety. The road was closed for over 24 hours as crews completed clearing efforts. Tuba, Benguet also experienced a landslide necessitating a separate clearing operation. As Tropical Cyclone Opong approached the Philippine coastline, heavy downpours were recorded in Camarines Norte, resulting in zero visibility and localized flooding on roads. In response, the last scheduled roll-on/roll-off ferry trips between Albay and Catanduanes were moved earlier on Wednesday afternoon, and subsequent nighttime sailings were cancelled to maintain public safety. These consecutive weather disturbances continue to challenge residents and local authorities, highlighting the ongoing need for disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure improvements.

Typhoon Opong Intensifies; Signal No. 4 Raised in Eastern Visayas and Bicol

Typhoon Opong, internationally known as Bualoi, intensified on the evening of Thursday, September 25, leading the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) to raise Signal No. 4 over five provinces in Eastern Visayas and the Bicol Region. Previously classified as a severe tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts reaching 135 kph, Opong strengthened to 120 kph sustained winds near its center, with gusts accelerating up to 165 kph by 11 p.m. The system was moving west-northwest at 25 kph at the time. PAGASA tracked the typhoon's center over the coastal waters off Dolores, Eastern Samar, and expects the first landfall to occur between midnight and early Friday, September 26, either in Northern Samar or northern Eastern Samar. A second landfall may follow Friday morning over Sorsogon or Masbate before the typhoon progresses through Bicol, southern Calabarzon, and northern Mimaropa. By early Saturday, September 27, Opong is anticipated to move over the West Philippine Sea where it could re-intensify before exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility. **Cyclone Warning Signals:** Signal No. 4, the second-highest storm warning, is currently enforced over Northern Samar, northern and central Eastern Samar, Samar, Sorsogon, and the eastern part of Masbate including Ticao Island. Signal No. 3 covers the remainder of Masbate (including Burias Island), Albay, western Camarines Sur, southern Quezon, Marinduque, Romblon, central and southern Oriental Mindoro, other parts of Eastern Samar and Samar, northern Leyte, and Biliran. Signal No. 2 is in place for Catanduanes, remaining areas of Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte, central and eastern Quezon, Laguna, Rizal, Cavite, Batangas, Oriental Mindoro (excluding central and southern parts), Occidental Mindoro (including Lubang Islands), Calamian Islands, Metro Manila, southern Bataan, eastern Southern Leyte, northern and central Leyte, northern Cebu (including Camotes and Bantayan Islands), northern Negros Occidental, Capiz, Aklan, northwestern Antique (including Caluya Islands), Dinagat Islands, Siargao Islands, and Bucas Grande Islands. Signal No. 1 has been issued for central and southern Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Ifugao, southwestern Mountain Province, Benguet, southern Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Zambales, remaining Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, remaining Quezon, Cuyo Islands, northern mainland Palawan, remaining Southern Leyte, eastern and central Bohol, central Cebu, northern Negros Oriental, northern and central Negros Occidental, central Iloilo, central Antique, and the rest of Surigao del Norte. **Rainfall Forecast:** PAGASA warns that Opong is likely to drop moderate to torrential rain over parts of Luzon and Visayas for the next 48 hours. From Thursday evening through Friday evening, areas such as Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Sorsogon, Masbate, Oriental Mindoro, and Romblon may experience intense to torrential rainfall exceeding 200 millimeters. Heavy to intense rains between 100 to 200 millimeters are expected over Occidental Mindoro, Quezon, Batangas, Camarines Norte, Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Albay, Marinduque, Aklan, Capiz, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, Southern Leyte, and Dinagat Islands. Moderate to heavy rains ranging from 50 to 100 millimeters could affect Aurora, Laguna, Cavite, Metro Manila, Bataan, Rizal, Camiguin, and Surigao del Norte. From Friday evening to Saturday evening, heavy rainfall is projected to continue in Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Batangas, and Cavite, while Laguna, Marinduque, and Romblon may see moderate to heavy showers. The southwest monsoon (habagat), amplified by Opong, is also expected to bring heavy to intense rains to Antique, Iloilo, Guimaras, and Negros Occidental from Thursday evening through Friday evening, with moderate to heavy rains affecting Palawan, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor. This pattern is likely to persist into Saturday for select areas. **Storm Surge Advisory:** A dangerous storm surge exceeding three meters is forecast within the next 36 hours, threatening low-lying coastal zones across numerous provinces including Zambales, Bataan, Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro (including Lubang Islands), Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan, the Bicol Region, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Cebu, Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Dinagat Islands, and Siargao Island. Authorities caution mariners using small boats and motorbancas to exercise extreme caution or avoid sailing while hazardous conditions persist.

Delegates Walk Out as Netanyahu Condemns Recent Palestinian State Recognitions at UNGA

During the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) yesterday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sparked controversy as numerous delegates exited the hall in protest while he delivered his address. Netanyahu condemned countries that recently recognized the State of Palestine, asserting, \"The message sent to Palestinians this week is clear: murdering Jews pays off.\" Western nations including France, Britain, Portugal, Australia, and Canada have recently extended recognition to Palestine in support of the two-state solution, joining over 150 UN member states, except Israel and its allies such as the United States. Netanyahu faced boos from some delegates and walked out by many. In his remarks, Netanyahu accused the Palestinians of rejecting the two-state solution, stating, \"They never have. They don\'t want a state next to Israel; they want a Palestinian state instead of Israel.\" He further claimed that longstanding Palestinian rejection of a Jewish state underlies the century-long conflict. Netanyahu emphasized that his opposition to a Palestinian state reflects not just his government\'s stance but that of the Israeli people and state. Conversely, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, addressing the assembly via video link, recalled that the Palestinian Authority recognized Israel\'s right to exist as early as 1988 and reaffirmed this in 1993. He described the ongoing situation in Gaza as \"a war of genocide, destruction, starvation, and displacement\" carried out by Israeli occupation forces, citing over 220,000 Palestinian casualties, many of whom are women and children. Abbas condemned the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, clarifying that these acts \"do not represent the Palestinian people, nor their just struggle for freedom and independence.\" He also expressed gratitude to nations recognizing Palestinian statehood and to global supporters of Palestinian rights, while rejecting any confusion between solidarity with Palestine and antisemitism. Earlier this month, the UNGA endorsed a draft resolution backing the New York Declaration on peacefully resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict and implementing the two-state solution. The declaration, presented at a recent UN conference, outlines steps toward achieving a peaceful settlement between Israel and Palestine.

Italy Upsets Poland to Reach FIVB Men's World Championship Final Against Bulgaria

Defending champions Italy pulled off a remarkable upset by defeating world No. 1 Poland in straight sets, 25-21, 25-22, 25-23, on Saturday at the FIVB Men's World Championship semifinals held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. This victory sends Italy into the final against Bulgaria, who secured their spot by beating Czechia 25-20, 23-25, 25-21, 25-22 in the other semifinal matchup. Opposite hitter Yuri Romano led Italy with 15 points, delivering 12 attacks, two blocks, and an ace. Outside hitter Alessandro Michieletto contributed 12 points, while middle blocker Roberto Russo added six points through attacks and blocks. Italy, currently ranked No. 2 globally, aims to claim their fifth World Championship title, having previously won in 1990, 1994, and 1998. Italy coach Ferdinando De Giorgi praised his team's performance, stating, \"I think that my team deserved this result. They played with good intensity. I am proud of my team, not because it\'s unbelievable, but because they played very, very good.\" For Poland, Cuban-born opposite Wilfredo Leon registered 14 points, including 12 attacks and two blocks. Kewin Sasak added nine points, while last edition\'s Best Outside Hitter Kamil Semeniuk contributed seven points. Jakub Kochanowski and Norbert Huber also chipped in six points each. Reflecting on the loss, Semeniuk said, \"For sure, the situation now is not easy, because we lost the possibility to win the gold medal at a World Championship, but we still have a chance to win a medal. So, it is important for us to go back, try to rest our minds and play our best volleyball tomorrow to grab the medal. A medal is a medal and it\'s always nice to win something.\" He also commended Italy, adding, \"Obviously, Italy played a great game tonight. So, congratulations to them for playing amazingly! We had some chances, but we didn\'t use them.\" The final between Italy and Bulgaria is scheduled for Sunday at 6:30 p.m., following the bronze medal match between Czechia and Poland at 2:30 p.m.

Rescue Efforts Underway as Typhoon Bualoi Strands Fishermen off Quảng Trị Coast

Eleven fishermen originating from Ho Chi Minh City found themselves in dire circumstances early Sunday near the coast of Cửa Việt in Quảng Trị province when Typhoon Bualoi battered the area. Two vessels were affected—one capsized and sank while the other was rendered inoperable by the severe weather. Authorities confirmed that eight crew members were rescued, but three remain missing as rescue operations persist. At approximately 6 a.m., a fisherman's relative alerted officials that both boats had become stranded about 1.5 kilometers from the Cửa Việt channel entrance. One crewman from the sunken vessel managed to swim safely to shore, while the remaining seven aboard the disabled boat were trapped along the breakwater. Responding promptly, the Quảng Trị Border Guard dispatched vessel CN-09 and twelve personnel to the scene. Although initial rescue efforts were impeded by heavy rain and turbulent waves, by 8:30 a.m., a small fishing boat from a nearby village reached the stranded crew, successfully bringing all seven individuals to safety. The three fishermen from the sunken ship were last spotted on deck before the vessel submerged. It is believed they jumped into the sea attempting to swim ashore, but their whereabouts remain unknown. The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reported that at 7 a.m. on Sunday, the eye of Typhoon Bualoi was located over the sea between Quảng Trị and Đà Nẵng, approximately 170 kilometers east of Huế. The storm carried sustained winds of 118 to 133 km/h, corresponding to a Category 12 typhoon, with gusts reaching level 15 strength, moving west-northwest at roughly 30 km/h. Landfall was anticipated along the Quảng Trị - Nghệ An coastline by that afternoon. Coastal areas stretching from Thanh Hóa to Quảng Ngãi—including islands such as Cồn Cỏ and Lý Sơn—were forecasted to experience progressively severe winds ranging from levels six through nine, intensifying to levels ten through thirteen near the storm's center. Waves were predicted to reach five to seven meters, creating highly hazardous maritime conditions.

Philippines and Ukraine Pledge to Deepen Strategic Partnership Amid Global Security Challenges

The Philippines and Ukraine have reaffirmed their determination to strengthen bilateral ties amidst mounting security challenges posed by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea. A recent high-level forum titled \"Strengthening Strategic Ties: Enhancing Cooperation between the Philippines and Ukraine\" convened diplomats, military officials, and security experts from both countries to discuss avenues for reinforcing their alliance. The event, jointly organized by the Ukrainian Embassy in Manila and the Stratbase Institute, emphasized the importance of defending national sovereignty through resilience, innovation, and partnerships with like-minded democratic nations. Ukrainian Ambassador to the Philippines Yuliia Fediv highlighted the shared values and mutual commitments between their geographically distant countries. She stated, \"Ukraine and the Philippines, though geographically distant, are connected by a number of shared values and parallel experiences. Both of our nations are committed to defending sovereignty, territorial integrity, and upholding a rule-based international order.\" Stratbase Institute President Prof. Victor Andres \"Dindo\" Manhit drew attention to the parallel challenges faced by both nations. \"Ukraine is courageously defending its territory against outright armed aggression, while the Philippines asserts its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea in the face of coercion and incursions. Deeper cooperation between the Philippines and Ukraine is both urgent and strategic,\" he remarked. Adding to the discussion, Dr. Hanna Shelest, director of the Security Studies Program at the Foreign Policy Council \"Ukrainian Prism,\" noted the parallels between Europe’s Black Sea region and Asia’s contested maritime zones. She praised the Philippine delegation for their candid acknowledgment of these security concerns, saying, \"The Philippines delegation was the only one who stood and openly said, if you don’t understand why it is important for all of us… you’re just not understanding the security challenges that we are facing.\" Ukrainian Member of Parliament Tamila Tasheva also underscored the similarities in threats faced by the two countries, especially regarding maritime security. \"Both of our countries face stronger neighbors which test the limits of international law in maritime spaces. Both of us understand that maritime security is not only about fleets and ports, but about protecting our people, trade, and principles that keep our global order stable,\" she said. This forum followed another joint event held on September 18 with the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) entitled \"Navigating Asymmetric Threats: Cross-Regional Strategies for Europe and the Indo-Pacific,\" further reaffirming Stratbase’s ongoing commitment to fortifying Philippine resilience through enhanced alliances, technological advancement, and collaborative security efforts.

Tyrrell Hatton Secures Ryder Cup Victory for Europe with Crucial Half-Point

At Bethpage Black on Sunday, England's Tyrrell Hatton secured a vital half-point against American Collin Morikawa, clinching the Ryder Cup for Europe. Hatton's contribution pushed Europe to the 14½ points needed for an outright win, following Shane Lowry’s earlier halving of his match against Russell Henley that ensured Europe would retain the trophy. The United States made a remarkable surge on the final day, but it ultimately fell short of overcoming Europe’s lead. Notably, the last scheduled match was declared a tie prior to play, as Europe’s Viktor Hovland withdrew due to injury, granting a half-point each to Europe and the U.S. against Harris English. This victory continues Europe's dominance in the Ryder Cup, underscoring the team’s resilience and strategic play at the challenging Bethpage Black course.

TRNC President Highlights Security Concerns Amid Stalled Cyprus Talks

The President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Ersin Tatar, voiced concerns Saturday regarding the militarization of southern Cyprus during a press briefing at Turkish House (Turkevi) in New York, where he is attending the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. Addressing reporters, Tatar stated that recent informal discussions with the Greek Cypriot side failed to produce any progress toward negotiation. "No common ground was found this week with the Greek Cypriot side," he remarked. Tatar criticized the Greek Cypriots for their continued arms buildup despite claiming to pursue peace and stability. He revealed that the TRNC had informed United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres about southern Cyprus’ heightened military activity, which has intensified after agreements with Israel. "This excessive militarization exacerbates tensions and increases the risk of conflict on the island," he added. Highlighting the historical challenges faced by Turkish Cypriots, Tatar recalled the restrictions imposed since 1963 and reiterated the TRNC’s commitment to advocating for the recognition of two sovereign states with equal rights on Cyprus. He stressed that in recent years, Turkish Cypriots have shifted their negotiating stance from seeking a federal solution to focusing on distinct sovereignty, a change he said has strengthened the TRNC’s position. When questioned about possible timelines following the recent UN-facilitated talks, Tatar emphasized that without the Greek Cypriot side’s acceptance of sovereign equality, no official negotiations can proceed. "An agreement on fundamental issues remains elusive because southern Cyprus does not acknowledge the TRNC's demand for sovereign equality," he stated. With full backing from Türkiye and bolstered by Ankara’s expanding influence globally, the TRNC now stands stronger on the island than ever before, according to Tatar. Despite lacking international recognition, the TRNC maintains active trade relations with multiple countries and attracts significant tourism and international students. He asserted, "Our institutional framework is robust, and southern Cyprus has no authority over the north." The longstanding Cyprus conflict stems from ethnic divisions formed in the 1960s, leading to Turkish Cypriots retreating into enclaves for safety. Türkiye’s military intervention in 1974, following a Greek Cypriot coup aimed at annexing the island, resulted in the establishment of the TRNC in 1983. Numerous UN-driven peace initiatives have attempted to resolve the issue, including a failed 2017 negotiation in Switzerland backed by Türkiye, Greece, and the UK. The Greek Cypriot Administration’s entry into the European Union in 2004 further complicated the dispute, coinciding with its unilateral rejection of a UN reunification plan that year. Tatar’s remarks underscore persistent challenges facing the Cyprus peace process amid increasing security concerns and entrenched political positions.

6.9-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Cebu, Causing Fatalities and Infrastructure Damage

A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6.9 shook the northern region of Cebu at 9:59 p.m. on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. The epicenter was pinpointed near Bogo City, causing significant impact on the surrounding areas. Initial reports confirm multiple fatalities and injuries as authorities continue to evaluate the full extent of the damage. Infrastructure suffered notable effects, including visible cracks on the road adjacent to Cebu Provincial Hospital in Bogo City. Emergency response teams and local officials are currently conducting assessments and providing assistance to affected residents. Updates continue to emerge as the situation develops. Officials urge the public to remain vigilant and adhere to safety protocols while rescue and relief efforts are underway. Further information will be released as it becomes available.