UN Group Adds 12 Missing Japanese to North Korea Abduction List

TOKYO – The United Nations Human Rights Council's working group on enforced disappearances has included 12 additional missing Japanese individuals, previously unacknowledged as abduction victims, in its list calling on North Korea to clarify their circumstances. These additions, confirmed by sources close to the Investigation Commission on Missing Japanese Probably Related to North Korea, aim to pressure Pyongyang into confirming the safety of those listed and safeguarding their human rights. Kazuhiro Araki, chair of the investigation commission, expressed hope that this development would prompt the Japanese government to share more information with the United Nations and intensify efforts to resolve the issue. "I hope the Japanese government will take this opportunity to provide information to the United Nations and change the situation," Araki stated. The expanded list now comprises approximately 40 individuals, including those officially recognized by the government like Megumi Yokota, abducted at age 13 in Niigata Prefecture, alongside others suspected of being kidnapped by North Korea but not officially designated as abductees. In February, the working group forwarded this comprehensive list to North Korea, requesting the regime to confirm the wellbeing of the individuals and to guarantee respect for their human rights. Among the newly added names are Takashi Osawa, who vanished in 1974 at age 27 from Sado Island in Niigata, and Minako Nakamura, last seen in 1998 at age 18 in Nagaoka, Niigata.

President Marcos Reaffirms Commitment to Climate Action During CCC Week 2025

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has reaffirmed his administration\'s strong commitment to climate action. In a news release by the Climate Change Commission (CCC) on Wednesday, President Marcos emphasized that the annual observance reflects the country\'s shared aspiration to build \"a climate-resilient and environmentally sound nation.\" \"As Chairperson of the Climate Change Commission, I reaffirm our determination to confront the challenges of climate change with decisive action, especially now as we continue to recover from the impact of recent calamities,\" the President said in a video message, marking the observance of Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week (CCC Week) 2025. He underscored that the week-long event serves as an essential platform for policymakers, scientists, private institutions, and communities to align national priorities with global climate commitments and the broader sustainable development agenda. President Marcos highlighted the vital role of all sectors in strengthening the country\'s resilience through responsible resource use and the integration of climate intelligence in planning and decision-making. He cited ongoing government initiatives\u2014including the National Adaptation Plan, the Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Plan, and expanded programs in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and climate finance\u2014as key pillars in building a more secure and inclusive future for all Filipinos. With this year\'s CCC Week theme: Makabagong Kilusan Para sa Klima at Kinabukasan (Innovative Movement for Climate and the Future), President Marcos urged Filipinos to actively support national efforts to enhance climate resilience. He called on citizens to view climate action not only as a responsibility but also as a path toward long-term prosperity. \"As we realize our vision of a Bagong Pilipinas, let us uphold climate governance, protecting the beauty and bounty of our land while ensuring the welfare of generations to come,\" he said. Climate Change Commission Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje thanked the President for his steadfast leadership and direction in strengthening the country\'s climate agenda. \"We thank President Marcos for his continued guidance and commitment. Under his administration, we will continue to advance policies and actions that safeguard our people and secure our future,\" Borje said. Under the Marcos administration, the CCC was able to complete key transformative climate policy frameworks and submissions to the UNFCCC, including the Philippines\' first National Adaptation Plan, the Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Plan, updated Greenhouse Gas Inventories, and the Philippines\' Biennial Transparency Report. President Marcos concluded with a message of solidarity and hope, encouraging all participants to pursue meaningful engagement throughout the week\'s activities. 💙

Gen-Z Movement Protests Mexico City's Security Crisis Amid Revolution Day Parade

On Thursday, approximately 100 protesters affiliated with the self-identified Gen-Z movement marched through Mexico City to voice their demands for justice and government accountability amid the nation’s escalating security challenges. The demonstration coincided with the capital’s annual Revolution Day military parade. Starting at El Angel de la Independencia, the group proceeded toward El Zocalo, the main city square where government officials were conducting the commemorative event for the Mexican Revolution’s anniversary. Authorities prevented the demonstrators from entering the square during the official proceedings. This march followed a significantly larger anti-violence protest the previous Saturday, which drew thousands to El Zocalo to denounce widespread criminal activity, primarily linked to drug cartels. Unlike the earlier gathering, Thursday’s protest remained peaceful, with no reported confrontations between police and civilians. However, local reports highlighted the detention of several masked individuals suspected of carrying weapons. The Sheinbaum administration has updated arrest figures related to Saturday’s protest, stating 29 individuals face charges including attempted murder, resisting arrest, battery, and robbery. Victims emerging from the confrontations have reported injuries such as bruises and fractures. Despite public allegations of police excessive force during the weekend protest, no law enforcement officers have been charged or detained to date.

King Felipe VI Calls for Dialogue Amid Political Divisions, Citing Spain’s Democratic Transition

King Felipe VI on Friday reflected on Spain’s historic shift to democracy following the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975, presenting it as an example for addressing current political divisions. Speaking at the 50th anniversary event of the monarchy’s restoration, the king emphasized the importance of dialogue, mutual respect, and compromise in overcoming conflict. "In times when disagreement is expressed with tension and anger, looking back at that period can help us," he stated. "Not to idealize it, but to remember its approach: dialogue over shouting, respect over disdain, and the pursuit of agreement over the imposition of one’s will." Franco’s death on November 20, 1975, ended 36 years of authoritarian rule that began after the Spanish Civil War of 1936-1939. Two days later, King Juan Carlos, Felipe’s father, ascended the throne, inheriting Franco’s absolute powers. However, Juan Carlos quickly moved to dismantle the dictatorship, advocating for a parliamentary democracy within a constitutional monarchy. This transition led to democratic elections in 1977 and a 1978 referendum approving a new constitution that guaranteed free elections and civil liberties. Juan Carlos later abdicated in 2014 amid controversies affecting his reputation and has since lived in voluntary exile in the United Arab Emirates, abstaining from Friday’s commemorative event. During the ceremony, King Felipe honored his mother, former Queen Sofía, with the Order of the Golden Fleece, one of Spain’s highest distinctions. He acknowledged her steadfast support for Juan Carlos during Spain’s democratic transformation, praising her role in promoting democratic openness and freedoms. The king’s remarks underscore the enduring legacy of Spain’s peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy and suggest a blueprint for managing contemporary political challenges through dialogue and respect.

Fr. Samuel Agcaracar Appointed Bishop of San Jose Diocese in Nueva Ecija

Pope Leo XIV has officially appointed Fr. Samuel Agcaracar of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) as the new bishop of the Diocese of San Jose in Nueva Ecija, concluding nearly eight months of vacancy in the northern diocese.\n\nThe 55-year-old cleric succeeds Bishop Roberto Mallari, who was recently installed as bishop of the Diocese of Tarlac earlier this year.\n\nCurrently, Bishop-elect Agcaracar serves as the rector of the Divine Word Seminary in Tagaytay City and holds the position of provincial admonitor for the SVD Philippine Central Province.\n\nOriginally from Claveria, Cagayan, Agcaracar was raised in a farming family and began his ministry as a teacher and volunteer catechist at St. Joseph Parish. He subsequently joined the Society of the Divine Word seminary, undertaking philosophical studies at Christ the King Seminary in Quezon City and theological formation at the Divine Word School of Theology in Tagaytay.\n\nOrdained in 2007, his early assignments included directing the high school department of Divine Word College of Calapan in Oriental Mindoro. He later contributed as an educator at the Divine Word Seminary and the Divine Word Institute of Mission Studies, both in Tagaytay.\n\nAgcaracar furthered his academic pursuits by earning a doctorate in missiology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He is also the founder and current leader of the SVD Laudato Si’ Farm in Tagaytay, reflecting his commitment to ecological stewardship in line with Church teachings.\n\nThe Diocese of San Jose, one of two dioceses in Nueva Ecija alongside Cabanatuan, covers the northern areas of the province. The date for Agcaracar’s formal episcopal ordination and installation as the fifth bishop of San Jose will be disclosed at a later time.

Cebu City Police Undergo Sudden Drug Testing as Part of PNP Cleansing Drive

As part of the Philippine National Police’s internal cleansing program, police officers in Cebu City underwent a sudden drug testing operation on Monday, November 24, 2025. According to Police Lieutenant Colonel Joe Losbaños, the information officer of the Cebu City Police Office, around 1,300 personnel were ordered to participate in the drug screening. However, due to the large number of officers, not all were tested on the first day. The testing campaign will be continued over the next several days to ensure comprehensive coverage. Lieutenant Colonel Losbaños emphasized the importance of this annual initiative, stating that it aims to guarantee that no police officers are involved in illegal drug use. "Any personnel who test positive for illegal drugs will face removal from service, following due process which includes confirmation of the drug test results at the headquarters," he explained. This step is part of the broader measures to maintain the integrity and discipline within the police force. The Philippine National Police remains committed to upholding its internal standards and ensuring law enforcement officers are free from illicit substance use.

Santo Niño de Tondo Parish in Manila Elevated to Minor Basilica Status by Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo XIV has formally declared the Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish of Santo Niño de Tondo in Manila as a Minor Basilica. The Papal Decree was issued on November 9, coinciding with the feast celebrating the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome. On Monday, the decree was presented at the Archdiocese of Manila to Rev. Fr. Carmelo Arada, Jr., chancellor of the Archdiocese. Rev. Msgr. Geronimo F. Reyes, JCD, Rector and Parish Priest, accepted the decree on behalf of the parish’s clergy, religious members, and congregation. "The receipt of this decree has filled us with profound joy and gratitude," Msgr. Reyes stated. "This significant occasion marks the official acknowledgment of the Holy Father’s decision and advances our journey toward receiving the Minor Basilica title." The parish expressed appreciation for the papal blessing and indicated that the date for the solemn declaration ceremony will be announced in the near future. Established in 1572, the Santo Niño de Tondo parish is recognized as the first parish church in Luzon. It also houses one of the nation’s oldest images of the Santo Niño, ranking next to the Santo Niño de Cebu in historical significance. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) emphasized that the title of Minor Basilica is conferred upon churches that possess outstanding architectural beauty, significant historical value, and a prominent role in the faith and religious life of the community.

Tropical Storm Verbena Intensifies as It Moves Away from the Philippines

Tropical Storm Verbena continued to gain strength this Wednesday, with meteorological authorities predicting its possible elevation to a Severe Tropical Storm status later in the day, despite its movement away from the Philippine mainland. According to the 5 a.m. update from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the storm’s center was located approximately 130 kilometers west of Coron, Palawan. Verbena is currently generating maximum sustained winds of 85 kilometers per hour near its core, with gusts reaching up to 105 kph, advancing west-northwest at a speed of 25 kph. Although the storm is tracking away from the country, strong winds continue to affect parts of Palawan. Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 remains active over the Calamian Islands and the northernmost areas of mainland Palawan, including the municipalities of El Nido and Taytay, where gale-force winds are expected. Additionally, Signal No. 1 is in place for Occidental Mindoro and various areas of Palawan, such as Dumaran, Roxas, San Vicente, Puerto Princesa City, as well as the Cuyo and Kalayaan Islands. PAGASA has cautioned that the combined effects of Tropical Storm Verbena and the northeast monsoon, locally known as "amihan," will continue to produce gusty winds over a broad area of Luzon and other provinces including Aklan, Antique, Capiz, and Negros Occidental. A gale warning also remains active for the northern Luzon seaboards and the western coasts of southern Luzon. Forecasts indicate that Verbena will pass to the north of the Kalayaan Islands on Wednesday and is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Thursday.

Typhoon Verbena Causes Damage to Pangan-an Island in Lapu-Lapu City

Pangan-an Island in Lapu-Lapu City suffered significant damage following the impact of Typhoon Verbena on November 24, 2025. According to Island Captain Junrey Casiao, four villages—Bon-bon, Song-on, Looc Tunga, and Tabay—experienced various levels of destruction during the storm. Casiao reported that over 22 houses were partially damaged, while nine fishing boats were found sunk along the shoreline. Early evacuation measures were implemented around 1:40 a.m., with residents relocated to the Daycare Center near the Sports Complex in Sitio Bonbon. A total of eight families, comprising 28 individuals, were evacuated from homes near the coast due to the high waves and strong tides generated by the typhoon. The Lapu-Lapu City Government, through its City Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO), has initiated a verification process to determine the full extent of damage and the number of affected families. Upon completion, humanitarian assistance including food aid and non-food items will be distributed. Last week, the CDRRMO also dispatched 719 relief boxes to Pangan-an Island, and an additional distribution schedule is forthcoming. Mayor Cindi King-Chan urged all barangays to maintain community-driven initiatives alongside response teams to effectively manage post-disaster operations. Furthermore, the mayor called on barangays in Olango Island and other islet communities to document the number of fishing boats damaged, to ensure proper support from the city government. "The city, together with national agencies, will work hand in hand to restore the livelihoods of our fishermen. We will not abandon you; we stand by your side at all times," Mayor King-Chan affirmed.

Two Fatalities Confirmed in Tokyo Hit-and-Run Involving Stolen Vehicle

TOKYO — Authorities confirmed that two people lost their lives following a hit-and-run accident involving a stolen car in Tokyo's Adachi Ward on Monday afternoon. The first victim, Gladys Grace Rotaquio Testado, a 28-year-old company employee from the Philippines, was struck while crossing the street around 12:30 p.m. and later succumbed to her injuries at a hospital, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department reported on Tuesday. The vehicle then continued onto the sidewalk, colliding with four additional pedestrians and triggering a chain reaction involving a truck. Apart from Testado, 81-year-old Kenji Sugimoto also died as a result of the crash, while nine others ranging in age from their teens to seventies sustained various injuries. Investigators referenced witness testimonies and video recordings indicating that the car did not reduce speed before hitting Testado. Furthermore, the scene revealed no evident brake markings. Police have apprehended a 37-year-old male suspect on charges related to vehicle theft. They are currently assessing his mental state to determine criminal responsibility and are considering filing additional charges, including hit-and-run and reckless driving resulting in fatalities and injuries. This incident has prompted authorities to intensify efforts to prevent similar tragedies and enforce stricter traffic regulations.