Philippines most dangerous in Asia for envi defenders | The wRap

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

• A decade later, Philippines still most dangerous country in Asia for envi defenders

A report from non-government organization Global Witness lists the Philippines as the most dangerous country in Asia for land and environmental defenders.

• Hontiveros seeks Senate probe into ‘contradicting policies’ on rice regulation

Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros seeks a Senate probe into what she calls the ‘uncoordinated and contradicting policies on rice regulation’ of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s government.

• North Korea’s Kim meets Putin as missiles launched from Pyongyang

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un meets Russian President Vladimir Putin for talks that Washington suspect will involve defense cooperation.

• Apple unveils iPhone 15 Pro with titanium case, mobile gaming

Apple unveils the new iPhone 15 and 15 Pro phones and the Apple Watch Series 9.

• Drag queen son of ex-Sexbomb Girls member Izzy reacts to mother’s disapproval

Andrei Trazona writes an open letter to his mother, Sexbomb Girls’ Izzy Trazona-Aragon telling her how much he had to lie just to protect her from public backlash.

• Miss Universe removes age limit for contestants 

The Miss Universe Organization announces its removal of the age restrictions across all Miss Universe and its associated pageants starting in 2024.

• Taylor Swift racks up trophies at MTV’s Video Music Awards

Pop superstar Taylor Swift dominates MTV’s annual Video Music Awards, adding nine trophies to her collection. — Rappler.com