#ThewRap: Things you need to know, November 14, 2017

Hello Rappler readers,

We continue to bring you the latest news from the 31st ASEAN Summit in Manila, as well as the bilateral meetings of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on the sidelines of the summit.

Manila and Washington, in a joint statement, said Duterte and US President Donald Trump agree that the “dignity of human life” is essential.

Duterte, meanwhile, told Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev that two Russians charged with drug smuggling in the Philippines will get a “fair trial.” 

Below are the big stories you shouldn’t miss.

Duterte, Trump agree ‘dignity of human life essential’

The Philippines and the United States released a joint statement, saying presidents Rodrigo Duterte and Donald Trump agree that “human rights and the dignity of human life are essential.” But human rights wasn’t directly mentioned in the context of Duterte’s bloody drug war.

PH, U.S. call on North Korea to comply with UN resolutions

North Korea also came up when Duterte met with Trump. The Philippines and the US said North Korea should “immediately comply” with United Nations Security Council resolutions. 

Duterte vows ‘fair trial’ for Russians linked to drugs

In a bilateral meeting, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte told Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev that two Russians charged with drug smuggling in the country would get a “fair trial.” He was referring to the cases of Yuri Kirdyushkin and Anastasia Novopashina.

UN wants to strengthen ASEAN human rights body

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the UN wants to strengthen ASEAN’s human rights body. This comes as several Southeast Asian countries face human rights controversies, including the drug war in the Philippines.

Iran hunts for survivors as quake kills 400

The death toll from the powerful earthquake near the Iran-Iraq border rose to more than 400, with 6,700 others injured. Tuesday, November 14, is a national day of mourning in Iran for the victims.

Scientists warn of ‘giant leap backward’ at climate talks

Scientists said carbon dioxide emissions are set to rise this year after being flat since 2014. They warned at UN climate talks that “time is running out.” 

PDEA sets up office inside Bilibid

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency now has an office inside the New Bilibid Prison. PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino said they want to regularly check if illegal drugs are indeed proliferating inside the national penitentiary.