Daily News Highlights – January 31, 2016 Edition

A migrant boat bound for Europe sank off the coast of Turkey, leaving at least 37 people dead. The fatalities include children, whose bodies washed up on a beach near the town of Ayvacik. The harrowing scenes are reminiscent of the death of Syrian toddler Aylan Kurdi, who was also found dead on a Turkish beach last September.

Get more details about this latest migrant tragedy here.

Malacañang is mourning the death of former socioeconomic planning secretary Cayetano “Dondon” Paderanga Jr, who died on Friday, January 29. He was 67. In a statement, Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said that Paderanga’s “good cheer, humble disposition, and intellectual rigor earned him the respect of so many, whether at home or abroad.”

Read more about Cayetano Paderanga Jr’s legacy here.

A United States warship sailed within 12 nautical miles of an island claimed by China in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea). The Pentagon called it a “freedom of navigation operation … to challenge excessive maritime claims of parties that claim the Paracel Islands.” The Pentagon also said that no Chinese ships were in the vicinity at the time.

Here is the full story on the United States’ move.

Protesters marched through Paris and other French cities on Saturday, January 30, to express anger over a proposal to extend their country’s state of emergency. The state of emergency had been imposed after the Paris terror attacks last November. The protesters argue, however, that extending it would be tantamount to curbing human rights.

 Learn more about the grievances of French rights groups here.

Japan’s Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko wrapped up their historic 5-day visit to the Philippines on Saturday, January 30. They met with President Benigno Aquino III, youth volunteers, and Japanese living in the Philippines, among others. The imperial couple also offered flowers and prayers for those who died during World War II.

Check out the highlights of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko’s trip, plus other details that didn’t make it to the news.

The 51st International Eucharistic Congress (IEC) will conclude with a Mass on Sunday, January 31, at 4 pm. Organizers expect at least one million people to participate in the Mass, which will take place at the South Road Properties (SRP) in Cebu.

Read all of Rappler’s stories on IEC 2016 by clicking this link.

Seventh seed Angelique Kerber is the new Australian Open women’s champion. Kerber pulled off a huge upset against world number one Serena Williams, who had been aiming for her 22nd Grand Slam. Kerber is the first German Grand Slam champion since Steffi Graf at the 1999 French Open.

 Find out what Kerber said after her victory.

The San Miguel Beermen and the Alaska Aces will have a final showdown on Wednesday, February 3, for the 2016 PBA Philippine Cup crown. The Beermen forced a Game 7 after defeating the Aces, 100-89, in Game 6. It was a historic win for San Miguel, as it became the first team in PBA history to force a Game 7 in a best-of-7 series after trailing 0-3.

Here are more statistics on the two teams’ match-up.

Rappler gives you a sneak peek at 11 video games to watch out for this year. Much-awaited games include Far Cry Primal, The Division, Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, Dark Souls 3, and Mirror’s Edge: Catalyst.

Check out the complete list here.