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Fubara fires pre-suspension executive council

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara is set to send his list of commissioner-nominees to the House of Assembly, it was learnt yesterday.

He is likely to appoint the Secretary to the State Government and Chief of Staff in the next few days, it was further gathered.

Sources said because of the need to pave way for this step, he yesterday fired his pre-suspension executive council.

He announced the decision during a valedictory session, which coincided with the 65th Independence anniversary party at the Government House, Port Harcourt.

A statement signed by his spokesman Nelson Chukwudi said Fubara relieved all the commissioners and other public office holders affected by the Supreme Court judgment of their appointments during the event.

The statement reads: ‘The governor has relieved all Commissioners and other public officers affected by the recent Supreme Court judgment of their appointments with immediate effect’.

The governor called on all stakeholders to work with President Bola Tinubu in building a peaceful, secured and prosperous country.

The governor also thanked members of his Executive Council for their services and contributions to the development of the state in the last two years.

‘He (Fubara) called on all Nigerians to work together with Mr President to build a peaceful, secure and prosperous country and a brighter future for all,’ the statement said.

The governor also reiterated his commitment to serve the state with renewed vigor and thanked all citizens for their support, and wished all Nigerians a happy Independence anniversary.

In its February 28 judgment, the apex court among others declared the three-man factional House of Assembly led by Victor Oko-Jumbo as an unlawful assembly.

The court, while recognising the 27-member House of Assembly led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule as the only authentic legislative arm of government, nullified all legislative decisions made in favour of Fubara during the crisis, including the passage of budgets; screenings and confirmations of commissioners and other public office holders.

It was gathered that over 19 of Fubara’s commissioners, whose appointments were screened and confirmed by Oko-Jumbo-led House, were affected by the Supreme Court’s judgment.

The judgment rendered the appointment of Iboroma Dagogo, SAN, who was screened and confirmed as the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice invalid.

Other commissioners affected by the judgment are: Charles O. Beke, Collins Onunwo, Solomon Eke, Peter Medee, Elloka Tasie-Amadi, Basoene Joshua Benibo, Tambari Sydney Gbara and Ovy Orluideye Chinendum Chukwuma.

Others are: Illamu Arugu, Rowland Obed Whyte, Samuel Anya, Samuel Eyiba, Austin Emeka Nnadozie, Israel Ngbuelu, Evans Bipi, Otamiri Ngubo, Benibo Alabraba and Emmanuel Frank-Fubara, suffered a similar fate.

It was learnt last night that the governor could consider the inclusion of some of them in the list of fresh nominees he was preparing to send to the House of Assembly.

PENGASSAN fears collapse of deal with Dangote Refinery

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has suspended its strike.

The strike was called to protest the sacking of 800 members of the union by the Dangote Refinery and Petroleum. It commenced on Sunday.

The suspension of the strike was announced after two days of negotiation between the parties, brokered by the Federal Government and a conciliator.

Minister of Labour and Employment Muhammad Dingyadi presided over the meeting on the first day before National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu took over, and the meeting was moved to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

The decision compelled Dangote Refinery to reabsorb the sacked workers because it is their right to belong to a union of their choice.

However, the recalled staff members would not be reintegrated into Dangote Refinery but posted to other companies in the Dangote group.

A communique issued at the end of the meeting reads: ‘Sequel to the notice to stop gas supply to Dangote Petroleum Refinery and withdrawal of services by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), the National Security Adviser, the Minister of Labour and Employment, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, DG DSS, DG NIA, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) represented by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Chief Executives of NMDPRA and NUPRC, representatives of NNPCL held conciliation meetings with management of Dangote Group and the President and Secretary General TUC and leadership of PENGASSAN on Monday 29th and Tuesday 30th September, 2025

‘Whereas the leadership of PENGASSAN said that the directives given to stop the supply of gas to Dangote Petroleum and withdrawal of services was in response to the termination of appointment of over Eight Hundred members of PENGASSAN by the management of the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Limited, the management of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical on the other hand, explained the reason for disengagement of the workers was as a result of the ongoing reorganisation in the company.

‘After a lengthy discussion, the matter was resolved as follows: The Honourable Minister of Labour informed the meeting that unionisation is a right of workers in accordance with the laws of Nigeria and that this right should be respected.

‘After examining the procedure used in the disengagement of workers, the meeting agreed that the management of Dangote Group shall immediately start the process of taking the disengaged staff to other companies within the Dangote Group, with no loss of pay.

‘No worker will be victimised arising from their role in the impasse between Dangote and PENGASSAN.

‘PENGASSAN agreed to start the process of calling off the strike. Both parties agreed to this understanding in good faith.’

PENGASSAN President Festus Osifo told reporters that the union was dissatisfied with the terms of the agreement.

He said: ‘We are not happy with the terms of the agreement because it did not capture our main demand of recalling the 800 sacked Nigerians.

But out of respect for government institutions, for the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Chief Reconciliator of the Federation, and the ministers who worked tirelessly into the early hours of the morning to mediate, we decided to suspend the action.

‘However, let me be clear: if Dangote fails to keep its part, we will resume immediately, without any warning.’

The union leader said he doubted the sincerity of the refinery management to follow through on the agreement.

Osifo added: ‘We know that Dangote does not play by the rules or respect agreements. We believe and suspect that some of the promises extracted during the negotiations will not be honoured. But because we respect due process and institutions of government, we will give them the benefit of the doubt.’

The conciliation brokered by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, was attended by high-ranking government officials, security chiefs, labour leaders, and industry regulators.

Among them were the NSA; the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Badudu; the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka C. Onyejeocha; the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi; the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed; the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, representing the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas); as well as the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

Also present were the Chief Executives of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), alongside representatives of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the leadership of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the President and Secretary-General of PENGASSAN.

MMA2 joins global community to mark world cleanup day

In celebration of this year’s World Cleanup Day, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), managers of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), mobilised staff to the Hajj Park wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Friday.

World Cleanup Day, held annually on September 20, mobilizes over 200 governments, citizens, and organizations around the world to tackle the waste problem and create global awareness in their local areas. This year’s theme tagged ‘Tackling fast-growing challenges: textile and fashion waste,’ is focused on dealing with the large volume of textile and fashion waste, which contributes to pollution.

The BASL team, led by Head of Safety, Nafisat Adeniran, engaged in a cleanup exercise, donated trash bins to the park to promote proper waste disposal and environmental hygiene. Adeniran said the initiative highlights the company’s commitment to sustainability and safety beyond the airport’s premises. ‘Our mission extends beyond managing a world-class terminal; we are dedicated to fostering a cleaner and safer environment for the entire community,’ she said. ‘This is a small step, but it reinforces our belief that a collective effort can create a significant positive impact,’ she said.

Also speaking on the initiative, BASL’s Acting Chief Operating Officer stated that the event is a key part of the company’s corporate social responsibility. ‘We believe in giving back to the community,’ he said. ‘The donation of these bins is a symbol of our commitment to not just a clean airport, but a clean city. We are proud to contribute to the global effort of making our planet a healthier place,’ he noted. He added that the event aligns with the company’s broader vision.

He said: ‘At BASL, we are continuously looking for ways to set the standard, whether it’s in aviation services or environmental responsibility. Our participation in World Cleanup Day is a testament to our ongoing commitment to a sustainable future.

BASL’s Head of Corporate Communications, Ajoke Yinka-Olawuyi, said, At BASL, we view sustainability as an interconnected responsibility. Waste management plays a critical role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including CO2, which is a key focus area for airports globally. By supporting World Cleanup Day, we are not only promoting environmental hygiene but also contributing to broader climate action goals. Every initiative, whether in reducing waste or lowering emissions, reinforces our commitment to building a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future for aviation and the communities we serve.

’Difficult patients’ common, but not a distinct diagnosis of ill health, expert says

ALTHOUGH managing difficult or frustrating patients requires experience, clinicians can enhance their professional lives and job satisfaction while also improving patient outcomes by identifying common causes of challenging behaviour and implementing effective strategies.

Dr Folajimi Senjobi, a family medicine specialist at University College Hospital, Ibadan, made this assertion during the Oyo State Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) September continuing medical education series titled ‘Management of Difficult and Angry Patients.’

According to Senjobi, 15 to 20 percent of patients receiving medical care are thought to be difficult but the term ‘difficult patient’ refers more to the doctor’s response than to specific criteria of difficulty and does not denote a distinct diagnostic category.

He stated that the traits of difficult patients’ behaviours typically include drug-seeking, violent, litigious, seductive, angry, non-paying, manipulative, needy, argumentative, and persistently complaining.

‘For example, there are entitled demanders who are inexhaustibly needy. Instead of expressing gratitude or using flattery, they resort to intimidation, devaluation, and guilt toward the doctor managing their care. Then, there are dependent clingers who are excessively reliant on the doctor, desperate for reassurance, and who repeatedly return with a new array of symptoms.

‘Also, we encounter manipulative health rejectors who repeatedly return to your clinic, claiming that your treatment has failed. Whenever one symptom is alleviated, it is quickly replaced by another.

‘A considerable number of patients labelled as difficult may actually meet the DSM criteria for mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and/or borderline personality disorder. Others include patients who have become dependent on prescription drugs, those with substance abuse issues, and patients who frequently doctor shop.’

Dr. Senjobi, however, listed factors that influence difficult patient encounters with doctors, including physicians’ poor communication skills, low job satisfaction, time pressure during consultations, and physicians’ personal biases.

Other factors include changes in healthcare financing policies, past incidents of medical errors or mistrust, patients’ personality types, unmet patient expectations, language and literacy barriers, medical uncertainty, as well as physical, mental, and emotional abuse.

According to Dr Senjobi, the treatment for a difficult or frustrating patient should be based on a careful and thorough assessment of their physical condition.

He warned that strategies such as ignoring the problem, accusing the patient of being difficult, attempting to solve the issue solely with psychopharmacology, or telling the patient that nothing is wrong will be counterproductive in managing difficult patients.

Senjobi therefore recommended adopting the patient-centred clinical method of care to explore patient problems and to guide the best approach for defining and deciding on the management plan for both the disease and the illness experience, in collaboration with the patient.

Chairman of the Association of Medical Doctors of Oyo State, Dr Muyiwa Ajanaku, said, ‘This presentation is timely and relevant because it equips us with practical strategies to handle challenging patient interactions with professionalism, empathy, and patience. It also reminds us that while medical knowledge is indispensable, communication skills and emotional intelligence are equally critical tools in clinical practice.’

Dr Akin Sodipo, the chairman of the lecture, emphasized that doctors’ documentation of medical cases must be thorough due to increasing litigation and demands on medical practitioners in this era.

In his remarks, Dr Happy Adedapo, the NMA chairman, urged health practitioners to master the skill of handling difficult or frustrating patients to improve healthcare delivery.

Cebu needs help; quake death toll exceeds 60

Cebu officials appealed for help on Wednesday, as food, water, and medical supplies were running dangerously low following a magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck the northern part of the province.

Hundreds of Cebuanos responded to the call and showed up at the Capitol complex in uptown Cebu City, carrying donations and signing up to help, while the national government and several local governments have also started sending aid.

The province has been placed under a state of calamity, with officials saying they do not know the extent of the damage because many areas, particularly remote villages, have yet to be accessed.

At least 65 were confirmed dead, including three Philippine Coast Guard personnel and a Bureau of Fire Protection officer who perished in San Remigio after they were buried inside a gym that collapsed during a basketball league.

Almost 300 people were reported injured and dozens were feared missing, with these figures expected to rise as rescue operations continue, the Cebu Provincial Information Office said.

The tremor, which struck at 9:59 p.m. on Tuesday, was 17 kilometers northeast of Bogo City-the epicenter of what is now one of the deadliest natural disasters to hit the province in recent memory. It tore through northern Cebu, turning homes to rubble, toppling buildings, and plunging much of the Visayas into darkness, and was felt as far as Camarines Sur in Luzon and Davao del Sur in Mindanao.

Structural damage was reported in hospitals, gyms, and public buildings, prompting safety inspections and mass evacuations. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered a full government response and ordered the heads of front-line agencies to immediately go to Cebu to assess the damage and identify the needs of affected communities.

‘Our Cabinet secretaries are already in the affected areas to provide assistance and assess the damage caused by the earthquake and its aftershocks,’ Marcos said in a statement on Wednesday. ‘Dire’ situation

The entire province of Cebu was placed under a state of calamity on Wednesday morning.

‘This declaration is not just a formality. It is a lifeline for thousands. We need to mobilize all available resources immediately,’ Vice Gov. Glenn Soco said.

Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro, who was leading disaster response efforts from the ground in Bogo City, described the situation as dire.

‘Many homes and establishments have been destroyed here, especially in Bogo City,’ she said. ‘What we need from the private sector is your help. Things like cooked meals or prepared food for the victims . The most urgent needs right now are food and clean drinking water. Many communities are running out,’ she said.

‘This is a tragedy of unprecedented scale in recent memory,’ Baricuatro said. ‘But we will rise again-together.’

‘Still counting’

Rescuers on Wednesday continued digging through collapsed buildings in Bogo, Medellin and San Remegio, with emergency responders saying they were overwhelmed.

‘We are still counting the dead,’ said Raymond Frasco of San Remegio’s disaster response office.

‘Some areas remain unreachable. We fear more bodies are under the rubble,’ he added.

Some barangays have been rendered inaccessible due to damaged roads and collapsed bridges.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has warned the public to expect aftershocks in the coming days, urging continued caution and adherence to safety protocols.

It has so far recorded at least seven aftershocks with magnitudes ranging from 4.1 to 5.1, all centered near Bogo City.

Widespread blackouts

The quake disrupted power and communications across Cebu, Leyte, Samar, Biliran, Bohol, and Iloilo, triggering widespread blackouts.

According to the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP), 27 transmission lines and substations were damaged, knocking out 1,444 megawatts from the Visayas grid. The Daanbantayan substation near the quake’s epicenter sustained significant structural damage.

The earthquake caused a landslide in Leyte town, cracked bridges in Biliran and Samar, and even forced the evacuation of hospital patients and BPO workers as aftershocks continued into the early hours of Wednesday.

Volunteers needed

Aside from relief goods, Baricuatro said they needed medical personnel to assist in overcrowded health stations and emergency operations.

‘We are calling on medical volunteers-doctors, nurses, anyone who can help-to assist in treating the injured,’ Baricuatro said.

In a Facebook post, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said the Department of Health (DOH) had already deployed medical teams on Tuesday night.

‘Doctors, nurses, and staff of the DOH Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) and the DOH Cebu South Medical Center (CSMC) have reported back on their safety and are now deploying medical teams to nearby areas, especially in Bogo City itself,’ DOH spokesperson Dr. Albert Domingo said in a separate statement.

The Bohol provincial government also committed to sending a 16-member medical and rescue team, two ambulances, and a rescue vehicle, while South Cotabato said it was sending relief goods, hygiene kits, and a medical team from General Santos City.

Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado also announced on Wednesday that Bohol was donating P5 million in financial assistance. Bohol sustained minimal damage from the earthquake.

‘Bayanihan’ in action

Baricuatro also appealed for manpower in packing, transporting, and distributing relief goods, especially in far-flung barangays that remain difficult to access.

Hundreds of Cebuanos have gathered at the Capitol, among them over 100 medical students from various schools, as well as ordinary citizens without medical backgrounds, offering to help however they can.

Several volunteers have already been deployed to the north to assist with both medical response and logistics.

‘This is what bayanihan means,’ said Capitol staffer Mark Gallarde. ‘People are not waiting to be asked-they are showing up, ready to work.’

‘Adopt-a-parish’

Newly appointed Cebu Archbishop Alberto ‘Abet’ Uy also launched the archdiocese’s ‘Adopt-a-Parish’ initiative on Wednesday, just a day after his installation.

‘As your Archbishop of Cebu, I am appealing to everyone to help however they can for the good of our earthquake survivors,’ Uy said in the local dialect.

The initiative calls on parishes that were spared by the quake to ‘adopt’ and support affected parishes, especially those in isolated northern towns.

‘The Church can help in three ways-through prayer, listening, and financial support,’ Uy said. He also ordered all northern parishes to refrain from holding Masses until buildings have been inspected by engineers.

Cyclones, habagat leave P2.51-B agricultural damage

Agricultural damage due to the southwest monsoon, or habagat, and tropical cyclones Mirasol, Nando, and Opong has increased to P2.51 billion as of Wednesday, the Department of Agriculture (DA) reported.

The latest tally is 28.67 percent higher than the P1.95 billion recorded by the DA on Monday.

In its latest advisory, the DA stated that adverse weather conditions affected the livelihoods of 85,671 farmers in the following regions: Cordillera, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, and Soccsksargen.

Losses were recorded in rice, corn, high-value crops, cassava, livestock and poultry, agricultural infrastructures, irrigation facilities, and machinery and equipment. Rice incurred the most substantial losses, accounting for 60.15 percent or P1.51 billion, of the total. High-value crops and corn followed at P705.12 million and P278.14 million, respectively. – Jordeene Lagare

Alert: Police begin enforcement of tinted glass permit today

The Kaduna and Edo Police Commands have announced that their operatives will begin the enforcement of vehicle tinted glass permit regulations on Thursday.

In Kaduna, the spokesperson for the police command, DSP Mansir Hassan, Hassan said: ‘The command wishes to notify the public, particularly motorists, of the commencement of the enforcement of Vehicle Tinted Glass Permit Regulations, in line with extant laws and directives.

‘This enforcement exercise will take effect from Thursday.’

According to him, all vehicle owners and drivers whose vehicles are fitted with either factory-fitted or non-factory-fitted tinted glasses are advised to ensure compliance by registering and obtaining the requisite permit to avoid inconvenience with law enforcement officers.

He said the registration process included an online registration, urging the public to visit https://possap.gov.ng.

He said for the physical verification, they should proceed to the Kaduna command headquarters with the following documents; vehicle particulars, proof of ownership and tinted glass specifications

He urged the public to cooperate fully with the directive as the exercise was aimed at enhancing public safety and security across the state.

‘Non-compliance will attract necessary sanctions as provided by law,’Hassan warned.

The spokesperson said Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, has assured all law-abiding citizens of the command’s commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment while soliciting continuous support and cooperation from all the stakeholders.

In Edo, the police also said they will begin strict enforcement of tinted glass permits across the state from Thursday in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police.

Mr Monday Agbonika, the Commissioner of Police in the Edo disclosed this via a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Yamu.

Agbonika said the move was part of measures to enhance public safety and curb crimes perpetrated with unregistered or unauthorised vehicles.

‘From Thursday, our officers will stop and impound vehicles with factory-fitted and non-factory fitted tinted glasses without a valid permit issued by the Nigeria Police Force,’ the commissioner said.

The police chief stressed that motorists must obtain the required permits through the official online portal.

He gave the address as (https://www.possap.gov.ng) or by visiting the State Intelligence Department (SID) office at the command headquarters in Benin.

Reiterating the ban on SPY number plates, the commissioner warned that vehicles without registered number plates, those with covered plates, or with fake/unapproved numbers would be seized and their owners prosecuted.

‘This measure is to improve safety and security across Edo State, as unregistered and unauthorised vehicles are often used by criminals to perpetrate evil,’ he said.

He, however, urged the motoring public to comply with the directive and avoid unnecessary embarrassment.

Agbonika assured that the enforcement would be conducted in the interest of the public.

‘We appeal for maximum cooperation from members of the public. This exercise is for the overall safety of everyone,’ he added.

He also advised citizens to report suspicious activities and professional misconduct by officers.

Cebu quake death toll climbs to 72; aftershocks continue

At least 72 people were reported dead in Cebu after a deadly 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck the province, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Thursday, October 2.

The earthquake struck on Monday night, causing extensive damage to local infrastructure and leaving many casualties. The entire province of Cebu has been placed under a state of calamity, with several localities also declaring the same. The NDRRMC said that 53 cities and municipalities have declared a state of calamity.

Data from the NDRRMC showed that 72 people have died, while 294 were injured.

A total of 170,959 people have been affected, with 20,000 displaced.

The NDRRMC recorded at least two incidents of landslides and two collapsed structures. There was also a reported structural fire.

Almost 600 houses have been damaged, as well as 87 other infrastructure.

The province continues to be shaken by aftershocks. Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) director Teresito Bacolcol told GMA that they have recorded around 2,329 aftershocks as of 4:00 a.m.

The magnitudes of the aftershocks have reached as high as magnitude 5.

Phivolcs warned the public of possible landslides and falling objects when they go out.

‘In case of another strongly felt earthquake, it is recommended that people protect themselves by doing the ‘drop, cover, and hold.’ In homes and offices, heavy furniture and appliances should be strapped to the walls, and hanging objects securely fastened to avoid causing injuries,’ the agency said in a statement.

Ukraine can share counter-disinfo lessons with PH amid Russian threat in Asia – ambassador

Ukraine is offering to share 11 years’ worth of knowledge on fighting disinformation with the Philippines as both countries face what Kyiv’s ambassador sees as an active Russian disinformation threat in the region.

Ukraine Ambassador Yuliia Fediv said Kyiv wants to work with Manila on cybersecurity and counter-disinformation initiatives, citing Ukraine’s decade-long battle against Russian propaganda since the 2014 annexation of Crimea.

‘It’s not only the war on the battleground – it’s an information war,’ Fediv told Philstar.com in an interview on September 29. ‘Russia actually succeeded during many years to manipulate the internal political situation in Ukraine. Thanks to active media outlets and big anti-disinformation campaigns, we developed different tools which can be used by society to check the facts.’

Call for PH-Ukraine partnership

Fediv said Ukraine is finalizing a memorandum of understanding with the Philippine government covering cybersecurity, including programs to counter disnformation.

‘Ukraine can be a reliable partner for the Philippines to exchange knowledge and the tools we already developed during the last 11 years,’ she said. ‘It is important to make the truth available, because in the post-truth society it’s easy to manipulate people’s minds.’

Moscow’s disinformation campaigns, Fediv said, are not confined to Ukraine. This is why Kyiv has been expanding its diplomatic presence in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Ukraine opened its embassy in Manila in December 2024.

‘We felt that Russia was and is pretty present here, thanks to great mis- and disinformation campaigns putting a question mark over Ukraine’s independence and history,’ Fediv said. ‘That’s why it’s important to share the experience we have and also to tell people’s stories – that is the main tool against disinformation.’

The ambassador said both countries need to cooperate and exchange information to be “on the same page.”

Ukraine on the South China Sea

The Philippines has faced waves of disinformation around both domestic politics and its assertion of sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea – the part of the South China Sea that falls under its 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone. Several disinformation and malinformation campaigns have sought to undermine the 2016 arbitral ruling that rejected Beijing’s sweeping claims over nearly the entire sea.

On the South China Sea issue, Fediv said Ukraine is committed to Article 2 of the UN Charter, which calls for preserving territorial integrity and sovereignty and solving disputes peacefully.

She cited Ukraine’s recent hosting of the fifth International Crimea Platform summit held during the UN General Assembly, where more than 50 countries signed the New York Declaration affirming rules-based international order and peaceful dispute resolution.

The ambassador said Ukraine is “the most interested party in preserving peace and rule-based order” among UN Charter signatories amid its ongoing war with Russia.

Booby-trap device neutralized in Shusha village [PHOTOS]

The Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA) has reported the discovery and neutralization of an explosive booby-trap device during a house clearance operation in the village of Kichik Galadara, Shusha region, Azernews reports.

According to the agency, two F-1 hand grenades were found on the roof of the house, set in combat condition with a tripwire connected to a pillar and the entrance door. The device was successfully neutralized by ANAMA specialists, ensuring the safety of the area.

Authorities note that booby-trap mines and improvised explosive devices continue to be regularly encountered during ongoing mine clearance operations in the liberated territories.

ANAMA has once again urged citizens to avoid entering areas and facilities whose safety is not confirmed and to refrain from touching unfamiliar objects.