Raj Patel

Raj Patel reports on Asian news with local expertise.
Japanese police officers armed with rifles patrol near a forest amid rising bear attacks, illustrating government measures to ensure public safety.

Government considers police rifle use amid bear attack surge

Raj Patel Image generated by AI

Japan's government has intensified measures against a surge in bear attacks, including consideration of police rifle use, following a record 12 fatalities since April. A ministerial meeting involving multiple agencies ordered emergency actions, while municipalities raise pay for hunters. Officials describe the situation as a serious threat to public safety.

Trial begins for Tetsuya Yamagami in Shinzo Abe shooting case

The lay judge trial of Tetsuya Yamagami, charged with murder in the fatal shooting of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, has started at the Nara District Court. Yamagami admitted to the charges at the first hearing. The proceedings will examine his family background tied to the Unification Church and its societal implications.

Bank of Japan holds policy rate at 0.5%

Raj Patel

The Bank of Japan decided on October 30 to keep its policy rate at 0.5%. Citing economic uncertainties from U.S. tariff hikes, it maintained a cautious stance. This was the first meeting since Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi took office.

Philippine Vice Governor Roselyn Espina-Paras and family facing media scrutiny outside Ombudsman office amid plunder complaint over DPWH project corruption in Biliran.

Espina family in Biliran faces plunder complaint over DPWH projects

Raj Patel Image generated by AI

Lord Allan Merced-Garcia filed a plunder complaint with the Ombudsman on October 30, 2025, against the Espina family of Biliran over alleged theft in Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) projects. Roving Premier, owned by Vice Governor Roselyn Espina-Paras and her husband, secured over P1 billion in contracts since 2020. This ties into the broader flood control corruption scandal exposed by President Marcos Jr. in July 2025.

Dilg orders infrastructure audits for quake resilience

To prepare communities for the threat of strong earthquakes, the Department of the Interior and Local Government has ordered local government units to conduct comprehensive infrastructure audits on public and private buildings in their jurisdictions. The directive emphasizes that assessing structural integrity is crucial to ensuring public safety and minimizing casualties and damage during major earthquakes. This includes government facilities such as hospitals, schools, offices, and emergency response centers, as well as privately owned structures.

Pesantren as oasis of wisdom amid modernism

Amid the bustle of modern education, pesantren stands calmly like an oasis in a barren desert. Its presence soothes through simplicity that shapes resilient and independent santri characters. This piece highlights pesantren's potential in halal industry development and Islamic education.

Prosecutors examine Bandung deputy mayor in corruption case

Raj Patel

On October 30, 2025, the Bandung City Prosecutor's Office raided several local government offices to gather evidence in an alleged corruption case involving abuse of authority. Deputy Mayor Erwin was questioned as a witness, with investigators stating they have strong evidence to elevate the status to prosecution. The Attorney General's Office denied any sting operation.

 

 

 

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