Filipino government forces have rescued all hostages held by the pro-Islamic States (IS) militants that took over southern Marawi city for five months, Colonel Romeo Brawner told a press conference on October 22.
The Philippines' military forces patrol in Marawi. (Photo: EPA/VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Filipinogovernment forces have rescued all hostages held by the pro-Islamic States (IS)militants that took over southern Marawi city for five months, Colonel RomeoBrawner told a press conference on October 22.
“We believe there are no moreremaining hostages,” he said, adding that the number of hostages released was20.
According to Brawner, firefights werestill going on inside the main battle area in Marawi on October 22, butIS-linked Maute militants were occupying only one building there.
He noted that the conflict has so farclaimed the lives of nearly 100 civilians, 165 soldiers and policemen anddisplaced thousands of people since it broke out on May 23.
During the battle, 919 terroristswere killed with a total of 864 firearms recovered from them.
President Rodrigo Duterte declared onOctober 20 that he will not lift the martial law in Mindanao even after thegovernment forces recaptured Marawi. It is needed to crush all terrorist groupsin the region, he said.
The martial law was imposed on theentire Mindanao few hours after the Maute and Abu Sayyaf militants took overMarawi on May 23.-VNA
Philippine and US soldiers on October 2 launched a joint anti-terrorism exercise codenamed KAMANDAG at multiple locations on the Philippine main island of Luzon.
The Philippine army announced on October 15 that its military operation to retake the southern city of Marawi from Maute militants loyal to the Islamic State (IS) will end soon.
The two last leaders of a pro-Islamic State (IS) militant group in the southern Philippines, including a top Asian terror suspect, have been killed, according to Philippine security sources.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on October 17 announced that the government’s armed forces have liberated southern Marawi city after the 148-day clashes against Islamic militants.
Indonesian authorities have tightened security in some areas bordering the Philippines and at the Philippine diplomatic mission in Jakarta following Manila's declaration that its southern city of Marawi has been liberated from pro-Islamic State militants.
This follows Telegram’s serious failure to address the content that has been repeatedly reported to them, despite various efforts of negotiation and cooperation made by MCMC, it said.
Efforts to empower women must transcend dialogue and translate into concrete commitments, including corporate pledges and government partnerships, according to the spouse of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
The forum featured two in-depth discussion sessions, engaging representatives from governments, think tanks, and businesses from both ASEAN and China, on how to forge closer ties for a common future.
The new FIFA Hub in Jakarta will not only support football development in Indonesia but also serve as a coordination centre for 21 football associations across Southeast and East Asia.
Minister Counselor Nguyen Hoang Nguyen reaffirmed Vietnam’s principled and consistent stance on the Palestine issue, calling for an immediate and lasting ceasefire across the entire Gaza Strip.
PM Anwar Ibrahim affirmed the determination of Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair for 2025, to utilise all viable regional mechanisms of the bloc and work with partners to de-escalate violence and restore a peace process led by Myanmar.
Talking to the Vietnam News Agency on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Vietnam’s Revolutionary Press Day (June 21, 1925–2025), Nikulina, who is also a veteran journalist of Russia’s Sputnik News, emphasised the vital role of mainstream journalism in defending the truth and maintaining public trust.
The Ministry of Commerce reported that imports also rose 18% to 29.9 billion USD during the same period, resulting in a trade surplus of 1.1 billion USD. In May alone, Thailand posted a 4.6 billion USD trade surplus with the US and a 4.1 billion USD trade deficit with China.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The Philippines' military forces patrol in Marawi. (Photo: EPA/VNA)
