Philippine security forces have recently arrested three militants, including a alleged main financier and logistic supporter of the pro-Islamic State (IS) group that is currently withholding Marawi city in southern Philippines, the army said on July 5.
Hanoi (VNA) – Philippinesecurity forces have recently arrested three militants, including a allegedmain financier and logistic supporter of the pro-Islamic State (IS) militant group that iscurrently withholding Marawi city in southern Philippines, the army said onJuly 5.
Spokesperson of the Philippine army GilbertGapay said the security forces also seized ammunition and materials to make bombs during a raid in avillage in Marawi.
One of the three arrested was a woman of theMaute clan, whose men-folk lead Marawi attack, he noted, adding that she playedan important role in providing financial and logistic support for the militantgroup.
Two of seven Maute brothers, Omar and Abdullah, werethe main planners of the assault on Marawi, according the army.
Recently, the Southeast Asian region has been onalert after pro-IS gunmen attacked
Since the fight occurred inMarawi city in Mindanao island on May 23, nearly 400 people died while over200,000 have fled their home.
The militant group’s seizure of Marawi city has raised concern that they aretrying to build a stronghold in Mindanao island, threatening the regionalsecurity.-VNA
Up to 2,000 Philippine people are still stuck inside Marawi city of Mindanao, southern the Philippines, as fierce fighting between the Philippine security forces and Islamic militants continues.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on June 11 that Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, leader of the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS), ordered the siege in Marawi city on Mindanao island.
The Philippine military on June 15 arrested Mohammad Noaim Maute, a senior member of the Islamic State-backed militant group Maute it is fighting in Marawi city, the southern island of Mindanao.
Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on July 3 that Philippine security authorities need more time to consider whether or not to lift the martial law on Mindanao island.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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 (Photo: AFP/VNA) 
