Solon Bares Sexual Abuse By PH Officials in Mid-East

Three Philippine embassy and labor officials in the Middle East have been accused of sexually abusing female overseas Filipino workers, reports GMA News Online. Akbayan Rep. Walden Bello identified two of the officials, but GMA News Online is witholding their names until they have issued their respective comments. Bello's committee investigated the reported "sex-for-flight" activities where overseas Pinays were allegedly offered repatriation by officials in exchange for sex.

OFW Dies Jumping From Burning Building in Kuwait

A Filipina overseas worker died after jumping from a burning apartment building in Kuwait, reports ABS-CBN News. Imelda Gabuna was trying to escape the fire that hit their apartment building in Farwaniya early morning on June 1 by jumping from the window on the second floor.

Japan to Issue Multiple-Entry Visas to Filipinos

Filipinos who wish to visit Japan may now apply for  multiple-entry tourist visas, a privilege the Japanese government extending to Philippine citizens for the first time as part of the relaxation of its visa policies toward Southeast Asians, reports Inquirer.net. The Japanese Embassy in Manila this week confirmed that the Japanese government is easing its visa policy for citizens of Southeast Asian countries to boost tourist visits to Japan.

Pinoy Launches Own Fragrance Line in Saudi

A Filipino events organizer has taken on another challenge by coming out with his own line of perfume in Saudi Arabia, reports ABS-CBN News. "I can shout to the whole world na I'm Filipino," said Rannie Basanta, who created his signature CEO Parfum, which has six fragrances to choose from namely, "Xecutive for Her," "Xecutive for Him," "Xplore for Her," "Xplore for Him," "Xtreme for Him" and "Xtreme for Her."

PH Still Among Least Peaceful Nations--Survey

The Philippines remains among the “least peaceful” in the world and the Asia Pacific, improving only slightly in its global ranking, according to a survey by a non-profit research group, reports  Interaksyon.com. The Global Peace Index 2013, released this week by the Institute for Economics and Peace, showed the Philippines placing 129th among 162 countries surveyed, a six-notch improvement over its ranking of 133 in 2012.

Israel Praises Filipino UN Peacekeepers

Israel through its embassy in Manila on June 13 thanked Filipino peacekeepers “for their courage” and determination to keep peace in the volatile Golan Heights, calling them "world class," reports Inquirer.net. The 341 Filipino members of the United Nations Disengagement Force are now the biggest contingent in the Golan Heights after Austria began pulling out its 377 troops amid intense fighting between Syrian troops and rebels.

U.S. Immigration Halts Pinay's Deportation

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) cancelled the deportation order for Karla Gaerlan, an undocumented immigrant from the Philippines, following hundreds of emails and phone calls from community members and a protest/press conference  on June 12, reports Inquirer.net. ICE had scheduled Karla’s deportation this Sunday – Father’s Day.Thad Schmierer, Karla’s husband, is a member of the U.S. Army.  Karla and Thad have a nine-month-old baby boy.

Fil-Am Rises to Company Commander in U.S. Army

Filipino-American Captain Susan Barroga Lindsey has been promoted to company commander of Intelligence & Sustainment for the US Army 25th Infantry Division based in Hawaii, reports Inquirer.net. Capt. Lindsey took on the position in a change of command Ceremony on June 6 at General’s Field, Honolulu, Hawaii.