Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories:
1 Filipino seaman freed, 3 remain captive in ship seized by Iran, says DFA
One Filipino crew member of the container ship MSC Aries seized by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz has been released and is set to arrive in the Philippines on Friday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed.
“We appreciate Iran’s gesture and the intercession of India in this matter. The DFA is working with the Department of Migrant Workers for the release and repatriation of the three other Filipinos on the ship,” said DFA in a tweet.
DFA to tighten rules for Chinese seeking tourist visa
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it would tighten the rules for the issuance of tourist visas to Chinese nationals as a measure against “unsavory people” and syndicates who target new arrivals for exploitation in illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators, or Pogos.
At a news briefing on Thursday, Foreign Undersecretary Jesus Domingo said new tourist visa requirements would be implemented starting this week.
AFP chief: China audio clip likely ‘deepfake’
The chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines has said that Beijing may be using “deepfake” audio recording to fabricate proof of an alleged “new model” arrangement between a Chinese diplomat and the head of the AFP Western Command (Wescom) on managing the tension at Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal.
In a statement late Wednesday, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the AFP would “not dignify” claims by the Chinese Embassy in Manila that Wescom chief Vice Adm. Alberto Carlos accepted the purported arrangement, which included disallowing delivery of construction materials to the BRP Sierra Madre, the military’s crumbling outpost at Ayungin.