Russia and Iraq Deepen Cooperation Across Multiple Sectors Amid Strategic Dialogue

During his recent visit to Baghdad, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu announced that Russia's interactions with Iraq are intensifying across several key areas. Speaking at Baghdad airport with Ali Nasser, deputy adviser to the Iraqi prime minister for national security, Shoigu detailed that discussions are progressing in business, economic, transportation, as well as military and military-technical cooperation. Shoigu remarked that although his trip was arranged on short notice, the schedule remains "very busy" and focused on productive dialogue. Reflecting on the longstanding ties between Russia and Iraq, Nasser underscored their "very long historical relations," which underpin the "intense and fruitful dialogue" now underway. This broadening collaboration signals a mutual interest in strengthening strategic partnerships and enhancing cooperation across numerous sectors, reflecting deepening bilateral ties.

Artifacts Recovered from HMHS Britannic Wreck in Greek Waters

The Greek Ministry of Culture announced on Monday the successful retrieval of artifacts from the wreck of the HMHS Britannic, the Titanic’s sister ship, which sank in 1916 off the coast of Greece. The deep-sea recovery operation in May involved divers working at depths exceeding 120 meters (394 feet) to bring up items from the wreck site. The Britannic, constructed alongside the RMS Titanic and RMS Olympic at the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast, was repurposed as a hospital ship during World War I under the British Admiralty. In November 1916, the vessel struck a German mine near the island of Kea and sank in under an hour. Of the 1,065 people on board, 30 lost their lives after two lifeboats were caught in the ship’s propellers. The salvage project was conducted by a skilled 11-person team of professional deep-sea divers employing closed-circuit diving systems. British amateur historian Simon Mills, founder of the Britannic Foundation, organized the research program, which was overseen by Greece’s Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities. According to the Culture Ministry, "conditions at the wreck site were exceptionally challenging due to strong currents, significant depth, and limited visibility," which prevented the retrieval of some targeted objects based on their position and preservation state. Objects successfully recovered include the ship’s observation post bell, a portside signal lamp, portable equipment from first and second class sections, ceramic tiles from the onboard Turkish bath, and a pair of binoculars. These artifacts have been taken to laboratories in Athens for conservation and are expected to be displayed permanently at a new underwater antiquities museum currently being developed in Piraeus. The Britannic was the third of three sister ships, with the RMS Olympic operational from 1911 to 1935, undergoing safety upgrades after the Titanic disaster in 1912.

Kanlaon Volcano Shows Increased Seismic Activity, Alert Level 2 Maintained

The Kanlaon Volcano recorded a notable surge in seismic activity on Tuesday, as detailed in the latest 24-hour monitoring report by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). Between midnight of September 15 and 16, the volcano experienced 176 volcanic earthquakes, more than doubling the previous count of 72 volcano-tectonic (VT) quakes observed in earlier days. PHIVOLCS also reported that sulfur dioxide emissions reached 1,071 tons on September 15, marking a decrease from the 2,338 tons registered the day before. The volcano emitted a plume rising between 600 meters and higher. The agency noted that Kanlaon's volcanic structure remains inflated, signaling ongoing subsurface pressure. Presently, Alert Level 2 remains in effect, indicating an increased possibility of volcanic activity. In response, the Office of Civil Defense has urged local government units to maintain heightened vigilance and preparedness for a potential eruption, emphasizing the recent escalation in seismic events. PHIVOLCS further warned that the rise in VT earthquakes could elevate the risk of steam-driven or phreatic eruptions, which are characterized by short-lived, weak to moderately explosive activity near the summit.

All FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup Matches to Be Held in Pasig City

The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) has confirmed that all matches of the upcoming FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup will be conducted entirely in Pasig City. Initially, Victorias City in Negros Occidental was slated to co-host the tournament, but recent evaluations led to a change in plans. "Following a thorough assessment of logistical and operational factors amid current circumstances, it was determined that Victorias City will no longer serve as a host for this edition of the tournament," the PFF stated. This decision aligns with the joint effort between FIFA and the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) to streamline the event and minimize logistical complexities, ensuring a more efficient tournament execution. Originally, matches were to be held at both the Victorias City Coliseum and the PhilSports Arena. However, all games will now take place at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City. The tournament is scheduled from November 21 to December 7 this year. The PFF reaffirmed its dedication to delivering a memorable inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup, emphasizing the enthusiasm and support of Filipino fans for the sport. "We are committed to providing a historic experience and showcasing the passion of Filipino sports fans," the federation said, inviting the public to celebrate the global event in Pasig City. Additionally, the official draw for the tournament will be held on September 15 at the BGC Arts Center.

Poland Secures Pool B Lead with Victory Over Romania in FIVB Men’s World Championship

World No. 1 Poland overcame a tightly contested first set before dominating Romania 34-32, 25-15, 25-19 at the FIVB Men’s World Championship hosted at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday. Polish captain Bartosz Kurek, returning to international play after missing the Volleyball Nations League, contributed 13 points. Wilfredo León led the team with 14 points, while Tomasz Fornal added 10 points to the effort. \"It\'s great to be back,\" Kurek remarked. \"My break this season wasn\'t planned, so I had to work hard to regain my form and join the team. This tournament is long, and our goal is to stay competitive until the end. We avoid setting strict expectations because they can be detrimental. Instead, we focus on treating every match as if it\'s the final, hoping that approach will bring us to the championship game.\" The victory propelled Poland to the top of Pool B, ahead of the Netherlands, who secured a four-set win against Qatar. On Romania\'s side, Adrian Aciobăniței led with 11 points while Mircea Peța contributed nine. Aciobăniței reflected on their effort, saying, \"It was a challenging match for us, but I\'m proud of our team and coaching staff. The first set was very close, and unfortunately, we missed the opportunity to win it. Moving forward, we need to improve our precision and patience in critical moments.\" Other noteworthy results included Portugal\'s upset of Cuba in Pool D, Bulgaria\'s surprise victory over Germany in Pool E, and an easy win for the USA against Colombia in their tournament opener. Additionally, Slovenia swept Chile, and Türkiye delivered a significant upset against host Japan, marking their first win over the Japanese team since 2016.

Three Individuals Arrested in Balamban During Anti-Illegal Gambling Sweep

Authorities in Balamban conducted a targeted operation against illegal gambling on September 4, 2025, resulting in the arrest of three individuals—a grandmother, a mother, and a father—caught facilitating unauthorized swertres number games. A 44-year-old widow was taken into custody at 5:40 p.m. in Lower Segra, Barangay Buanoy. Law enforcement officers recovered gambling materials and evidence of illegal wagers linked to her activities. Later that evening at 7:20 p.m., a 73-year-old grandmother was also apprehended in the same barangay. Officers seized various gambling paraphernalia from her possession, including Php 100 earned from illegal betting. She reportedly claimed that economic hardship compelled her to participate in the unlawful number game operation to support her family’s daily needs. In a separate incident at 4:20 p.m., authorities arrested a 56-year-old father in Barangay Sta. Cruz-Sto. Niño on similar charges of distributing illegal swertres numbers, leading to his detention and confiscation of related materials. All three detainees now face violations under Republic Act 9287, the Anti-Illegal Gambling Act, as the police continue their crackdown to curb unauthorized gambling in the region.

US and EU Condemn China’s Designation of Scarborough Reef as Nature Reserve

The United States and the European Union have sharply criticized China’s recent move to declare Scarborough Reef a "national nature reserve," condemning it as an attempt to impose sweeping maritime claims unilaterally in the disputed South China Sea region. In a statement released Friday in Washington, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described China’s designation as a destabilizing action intended to reinforce its control over Scarborough Reef, which the Philippines refers to as Bajo de Masinloc. Rubio stated, "Beijing claiming Scarborough Reef as a nature preserve is yet another coercive attempt to advance sweeping territorial and maritime claims at the expense of its neighbors. Such actions unlawfully restrict access to traditional fishing grounds long used by Filipino fishermen." Rubio also called on China to adhere to the 2016 ruling issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague. This tribunal concluded that China violated the Philippines’ sovereign rights by denying Filipino fishermen access to the reef, which lies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone as defined under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Despite the binding nature of the ruling, China has rejected the decision. Echoing Washington’s stance, the European Union urged China to comply with the 2016 arbitral award and refrained from unilateral measures that could change the existing conditions in disputed maritime areas. The EU emphasized, "The EU stands in support of Philippine maritime entitlements and sovereign rights under international law. Disputes should be resolved peacefully." Responding to China’s establishment of the so-called "Huangyan Island National Nature Reserve," the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) formally protested the move, labeling it illegitimate and unlawful. The DFA affirmed that Bajo de Masinloc is a longstanding integral part of the Philippines, over which the country exercises sovereignty and jurisdiction. The Filipino agency underscored its exclusive prerogative to designate environmental protection zones within its territory and called for China to revoke the State Council’s order, respect Philippine sovereignty, and adhere to international obligations under UNCLOS, the 2016 arbitral ruling, and the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. Situated roughly 120 nautical miles west of Luzon, Scarborough Reef has been a focal point in the South China Sea dispute since China assumed de facto control following a 2012 standoff with the Philippine Navy. The reef is not only vital to Filipino fishermen but also holds strategic significance for several countries, including China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei, all of which claim parts of the contested waters. Recent months have seen heightened tension owing to increased Chinese maritime activity in the area and intensified international efforts to counter Beijing’s consolidation attempts in the South China Sea.

NATO Strengthens Eastern Flank Following Drone Incursions Over Poland

NATO announced on September 12 the initiation of a mission to enhance defense capabilities along its eastern frontier, following Poland's interception of drones that breached its airspace—a first such incident involving a NATO member during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. At the United Nations, U.S. officials described the drone incursions as "alarming" and pledged to "defend every inch of NATO territory," reassuring alliance members after remarks by President Donald Trump suggested the incursion might have been accidental. In contrast, Poland firmly rejected this notion, labeling the drone activity a deliberate test by Russia of NATO's response mechanisms. Polish Foreign Minister indicated hope for a strong U.S. response demonstrating solidarity. The United States and Western allies jointly condemned the violation, accusing Moscow of breaching international law and the United Nations Charter. Russia responded by claiming its operations targeted Ukraine exclusively, with its UN ambassador asserting the drones' range made a Polish incursion impossible. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte characterized the drone violations as "reckless and unacceptable," announcing Operation Eastern Sentry aimed at reinforcing defenses stretching from the Baltic states to the Balkans. Supreme Allied Commander Europe, U.S. Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich, described the initiative as flexible and encompassing air and ground assets across the eastern flank. While the number of additional troops remains unspecified, several NATO members, including Denmark, France, the UK, and Germany, have committed military resources such as fighter jets and naval vessels. President Trump conveyed growing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin but stopped short of imposing new sanctions. Germany has extended air policing over Poland, and both Germany and France summoned Russian ambassadors to address the incident. The episode has intensified discussions on NATO's readiness against potential large-scale drone attacks, a tactic increasingly observed in the Ukraine conflict. Concurrently, Russian nuclear entity Rosatom reported that a Ukrainian drone attack on the Smolensk nuclear power station was thwarted without damage. European leaders contend the Polish drone incident evidences Russia's disinterest in peace negotiations, coming weeks after diplomatic engagements that included President Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska. European officials have sought to renew coordinated sanctions against Russia, a practice disrupted since President Trump's tenure began. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov criticized European nations for obstructing peace talks and downplayed NATO’s concerns, dismissing Russia as no threat while Russian and Belarusian forces commenced joint military exercises in the Baltic and Barents seas. In Kyiv, U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg and security advisers from key European nations engaged with Ukrainian leadership to discuss security assurances, with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy noting that many details have been formalized and the deployment of foreign troops would symbolize political commitment to Ukraine. This development marks a significant moment of friction within the NATO alliance and raises critical questions about collective defense amid escalating regional security challenges.

Taiwan and China Foreign Ministers Concurrently Visit Europe Amid Diplomatic Tensions

Taipei and Beijing find themselves in a rare diplomatic juxtaposition this week as their foreign ministers visit Europe at the same time, underscoring ongoing tensions between the two. China, which considers Taiwan a renegade province, actively opposes any formal diplomatic engagement with Taipei. However, Taiwan continues to assert its sovereignty and maintain international connections. Taiwanese Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung arrived in Prague on Thursday to attend the opening of an exhibition at the Czech National Museum, featuring treasures from Taiwan's acclaimed National Palace Museum. The exhibition includes the renowned Qing dynasty Jadeite Cabbage, a cultural centerpiece that has sparked controversy with Beijing. Joining Lin was Milos Vystrcil, the speaker of the Czech Senate, whose 2020 visit to Taiwan provoked strong reactions from China. Despite the Czech Republic’s official recognition of Beijing rather than Taipei, Kyiv has increasingly fostered ties with Taiwan, drawing parallels between European concerns over Russian aggression and Taiwan’s security challenges posed by China. Taiwan's Foreign Ministry stated that Minister Lin’s European visit aims to promote the "Taiwan Culture in Europe Year," a series of events intended to bridge European and Taiwanese values and enhance cultural exchanges with European partners. Details regarding additional stops on Lin’s itinerary were not disclosed. Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi commenced a diplomatic tour of Austria, Slovenia, and Poland on Friday. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson reaffirmed Beijing's firm opposition to any official interactions with Taiwan, dismissing Lin as "merely a local foreign affairs official within China." The cultural exhibition in Prague has intensified rhetorical clashes between China and Taiwan. Beijing’s Taiwan Affairs Office accused Taipei of attempting to leverage Chinese artifacts to pursue "cultural independence" and a strategy of "de-Sinification." Responding to these claims, Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council spokesperson Liang Wen-chieh attributed the vulnerability of Chinese antiques to China’s own historical failures, specifically pointing to the turmoil during the Cultural Revolution from 1966 to 1976, which saw widespread destruction instigated by the Chinese Communist Party. This simultaneous presence of Taiwan and China’s top diplomats in Europe serves as a stark reminder of the enduring geopolitical dispute and contrasting narratives surrounding Taiwan’s international status and cultural identity.

Philippines Files Formal Protest Against China’s Nature Reserve Plan in Scarborough Shoal

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced on Saturday that it has formally lodged a diplomatic protest against China’s decision to create a nature reserve at the contested Scarborough Shoal. This area lies within Philippine maritime territory but is subject to overlapping claims by Beijing. Foreign Affairs spokesperson Angelica Escalona confirmed the filing of the protest but did not disclose if the Chinese ambassador was summoned to receive the diplomatic note on Friday. According to Escalona, "The Department filed a protest yesterday, which is a strong, unequivocal and formal articulation of Philippine objections to the Chinese action." Manila has consistently regarded provocative activities, including Chinese construction operations in the shoal—referred to locally as Bajo de Masinloc or Panatag Shoal—as "red lines" that are unacceptable and non-negotiable. China announced its approval on September 10 to designate the Scarborough Shoal, known in China as Huangyan Island, as a national nature reserve. This move is perceived as part of Beijing’s broader strategy to strengthen its maritime claims over the disputed region. The United States, a longstanding ally of the Philippines, expressed support for Manila’s firm opposition. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described China’s plan as "another coercive attempt to advance sweeping territorial and maritime claims in the South China Sea," emphasizing how such actions "undermine regional stability." He also urged China to end restrictions on Filipino fishermen accessing traditional fishing grounds. Scarborough Shoal is a U-shaped reef rich in marine biodiversity, seized by China during a standoff in 2012. Following this, the Philippines filed a legal arbitration case, resulting in a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague. The court invalidated China’s extensive claims and affirmed the shoal as traditional fishing territory for Filipino, Vietnamese, and Chinese fishermen. Additionally, the tribunal found that China violated Filipino fishermen’s rights by blocking their access. The Philippine government reiterates its sovereignty over the shoal, citing the Constitution and stressing its integral status within the nation’s territory. The shoal is located approximately 124 nautical miles from the nearest Philippine landmass in Zambales, compared to 472 nautical miles from Hainan Island, China’s closest province. Tensions in the South China Sea persist as China asserts control over nearly the entire body of water, impacting key international shipping routes valued at more than $3 trillion annually. The Philippines has reinforced its claims by renaming parts of the contested waters as the West Philippine Sea, which includes territories west of the Philippine archipelago like the Luzon Sea and Kalayaan Island Group. China has refused to accept the arbitration ruling, further complicating efforts to resolve disputes peacefully. Requests for comment from the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines regarding the protest have not yet been addressed.