Philippines quake kills 55; Thai princess dies; South Korea ex-leader sentenced

A magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Mindanao, Philippines, on Monday, killing at least 55 people and injuring 1,120, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. The offshore tremor triggered search and rescue operations as authorities assess damage across the southern region. The council reported that rescue teams are working to locate survivors amid collapsed structures and landslides. The quake is one of the strongest to hit the area in recent years.

Magnitude 7.8 quake kills 55, injures 1,120 in southern Philippines

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council confirmed the death toll and injury count from the earthquake, which struck offshore near Mindanao on Monday. Rescue operations are ongoing, with teams searching for survivors in affected areas. The council did not provide an estimate of the number of people still missing.

Local authorities reported damage to buildings and infrastructure in coastal communities. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology issued a tsunami warning following the quake but later lifted it. The region remains on alert for aftershocks.

Thai Princess Bajrakitiyabha dies after more than three years in coma, palace officials say

Thai Princess Bajrakitiyabha has died after more than three years in a coma, palace officials confirmed. The 44-year-old royal had been hospitalized since a collapse in 2022. Officials did not disclose the cause of death.

The princess was the eldest daughter of Maha Vajiralongkorn. Her prolonged illness had kept her out of public view since her collapse. The palace announced a period of mourning but did not specify funeral arrangements.

Gunmen shoot dead journalist in Mexico's Veracruz state, a region with frequent attacks on media workers; authorities launch investigation

Gunmen shot dead a journalist in Mexico's Veracruz state, authorities said, opening an investigation into the killing. The state has seen frequent attacks on media workers, with several journalists killed in recent years. The victim's identity was not immediately released.

Local prosecutors said they are pursuing leads but provided no details on suspects or motives. Press freedom groups have repeatedly called for stronger protections for journalists in Mexico, which ranks among the deadliest countries for media workers. The killing adds to a toll of at least 15 journalists murdered in the country in 2024, according to advocacy organizations.

South Korea's ex-Yoon sentenced to 30 years in prison on drone charges, Yonhap reports

South Korea's Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to 30 years in prison on drone-related charges, Yonhap news agency reported. The Seoul Central District Court handed down the sentence after a trial that drew widespread attention. Yoon was convicted of violating national security laws involving unauthorized drone operations.

The court did not release a full verdict statement immediately. Yoon's legal team said they would appeal the ruling. The case stems from incidents during his presidency that prosecutors said compromised state secrets.

Ballot paper shortages at over 90 polling sites last week trigger massive protests across South Korea, one of the largest since the 2024 martial law crisis

Massive protests erupted across South Korea after ballot paper shortages at more than 90 polling sites during last week's election, organizers said. Demonstrators gathered in Seoul and other major cities, marking one of the largest protests since the 2024 martial law crisis. Police estimated crowds in the tens of thousands, while organizers claimed higher numbers.

The National Election Commission acknowledged the shortages and launched an internal review. Opposition parties accused the government of negligence and demanded a re-vote in affected districts. The protests remained largely peaceful, with no major clashes reported.

What to Watch

Rescue teams in the Philippines will continue searching for survivors in Mindanao as aftershocks pose ongoing risks. In South Korea, appeals in the Yoon case and potential government responses to the election protests are expected to dominate headlines. Authorities in Mexico are likely to face renewed pressure from press freedom groups following the Veracruz killing.