Philippines says no negotiation with Islamic militant groups
The Philippine government will continue its policy of no negotiation with Islamic State (IS)–linked militant groups which are holed up in the southern city of Marawi, presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said at a press conference on June 27.
Hanoi (VNA) – The Philippinegovernment will continue its policy of no negotiation with Islamic State(IS)–linked militant groups which are holed up in the southern city of Marawi,presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said at a press conference on June 27.
The spokesperson said the government, militaryand political leaders refused to sanction the talks initiated by the Islamicmilitant groups on June 25 to negotiate for the release of 150 hostages inMarawi during the Eid-al-Fitr festival.
He stressed that the government will punish theextremists who have caused disorder in southern Philippines and forced 200,000civilians to flee.
Abella added that as many as 387 people werekilled in battles between the military and militant groups, including 290terrorists, 70 soldiers and 27 civilians.
Over 200,000 locals have been evacuated toIligan city and neighbouring localities in Lanao del Sur.
Meanwhile, the military is trying to clearMarawi city of the remaining militants and rescue residents who are being heldhostage. -VNA
Philippine authorities on May 24 said Islamic extremists had taken a Catholic priest and others hostages at a cathedral in the southern city of Marawi on the island of Mindanao in southern Philippines.
About 38 Indonesian citizens were alleged to involve in militant activities in Marawi city in Philippine southern island of Mindanao, according to Indonesian national police spokesperson Setyo Wasisto.
Philippine police said pro-Islamic State (IS) militants on June 21 attacked the town of Pigcawayan in North Cotabato province in the Philippines’ southern Mindanao Island, occupying a school and holding several students hostage.
The Philippine military’s spokesperson Restituto Padilla on June 21 said they had repulsed the attack of an Islamic militant group on a school in Pigcawayan town, North Cotabato province, in the southern Mindanao Island.
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 target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
Philippine soldiers in Marawi city (Photo: VNA) 
