OFW Jimmy Pacheco hostaged by Hamas comes home to the Philippines

Today on Rappler – the latest news in the Philippines and around the world:

Jimmy Pacheco, OFW held hostage by Hamas, comes home to family

Jimmy Pacheco, a Filipino caregiver in Israel who was captured and held hostage by Hamas, arrives home to his family in the Philippines.

Philippines wants to start new energy exploration projects in South China Sea

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr says the Philippines is working to resolve ‘exploration issues’ in the South China Sea, so it could start new energy exploration projects in the resource-rich waterway to meet the nation’s energy needs.

Artist sued for causing pollution over burning effigy, wins big for free speech

A Quezon City prosecutor dismisses complaints filed against the artist of an effigy burned during a protest rally over the second State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Security tight as landmark Hong Kong security trial for Jimmy Lai opens

A landmark national security trial for leading China critic Jimmy Lai opens in Hong Kong on Monday, December 18, amid tight security.

Anne Curtis to star in ‘It’s Okay to Not Be Okay’ PH remake

Filipino actress and host Anne Curtis will make her teleserye comeback through the Philippine adaptation of the hit K-drama ‘It’s Okay to Not Be Okay.’

‘A treasure in the Philippine movie industry’: Celebrities pay tribute to late actor Ronaldo Valdez

Veteran film and television actor Ronaldo Valdez dies on Sunday, December 17. He was 76 years old. Valdez’ son, singer-comedian Janno Gibbs confirms his father’s passing in a post on his Instagram, requesting for prayers and respect for their family’s privacy.