MANILA, Philippines - Typhoon Leon, known locally as Kong-rey, made its presence felt as it passed close to the Philippines' northernmost province of Batanes. Initially, it roared through as a super typhoon, unleashing its fury with peak winds of 195 km/h. However, as the day progressed on Thursday, October 31, Leon's strength dwindled, prompting authorities to downgrade it to a typhoon.
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| Typhoon Leon (Kong-rey) is expected to make landfall in Taiwan on Thursday afternoon, October 31. Taiwan is located within the Philippine Area of Responsibility. |
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Leon's maximum sustained winds have dipped to 175 km/h, a notable decrease from its earlier ferocity. The typhoon's gustiness, too, has lessened to 215 km/h from its previous 240 km/h.
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As of the latest update, Leon was situated 155 kilometers north of Itbayat, Batanes, steadily moving northwest at an accelerated pace of 25 km/h. While Leon continues its trajectory, it remains on track to make landfall in Taiwan, positioned within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) later in the day on Thursday. However, forecasts indicate that the typhoon will undergo "significant weakening" upon encountering Taiwan's mountainous terrain.
Following its passage over Taiwan, Leon is anticipated to veer northeast over the Taiwan Strait towards the East China Sea, likely exiting the PAR by Thursday evening or early Friday morning, November 1. PAGASA has not ruled out the possibility of a second landfall over mainland China during this period, underscoring the need for continued monitoring and preparedness in the region.
As Typhoon Leon (Kong-rey) navigates its path through the Western Pacific, its evolving strength and projected movements serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of tropical cyclones. With potential impacts looming over Taiwan and mainland China, vigilance and readiness remain paramount in mitigating the risks posed by this dynamic weather system.
Stay tuned for further updates as Typhoon Leon's journey unfolds, and let us all remain vigilant and prepared in the face of nature's might.
PAGASA lifted Signal No. 4 at 11 am on Thursday. Earlier, at 8 am, Signal No. 5, the highest tropical cyclone wind signal, was lifted. Only Signal Nos. 1 to 3 remain in effect.
Signal No. 2 and the Impact of Typhoon Leon's Wind Flow
As Typhoon Leon (Kong-rey) continues its journey through the Western Pacific, its effects are being felt in various regions across the Philippines. Signal No. 2, indicating gale-force winds ranging from 62 to 88 km/h, poses a minor to moderate threat to life and property in specific areas. This signal serves as a warning of potentially hazardous weather conditions that require preparedness and caution.
Signal No. 2 in the Babuyan Islands:
The Babuyan Islands are under Signal No. 2, where residents are bracing for the impact of strong gale-force winds. These conditions present a significant risk to life and property, necessitating heightened vigilance and readiness in the affected areas.
Signal No. 1 in Mainland Cagayan, Isabela, and Surrounding Areas:
Mainland Cagayan, Isabela, and several other provinces, including Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, the northern part of Benguet, Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur, are under Signal No. 1. These regions are experiencing strong winds ranging from 39 to 61 km/h, posing a minimal to minor threat to life and property.
The wind flow circulating around Typhoon Leon continues to bring strong to gale-force gusts to the affected areas. This persistent weather pattern heightens the risk of damage and disruption, emphasizing the need for caution and preparedness in the face of adverse conditions.
Weather Forecast for Thursday, October 31
On Thursday, October 31, the impact of Typhoon Leon is expected to be felt across most of the Cordillera Administrative Region, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Aurora, Bataan, Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Northern Samar, and most of Western Visayas. Residents in these areas are urged to stay updated on weather advisories and take necessary precautions to ensure safety.
Weather Outlook for Friday, November , 2024
As Typhoon Leon progresses, the effects are forecasted to be particularly prominent in Batanes, Cagayan, and Isabela on Friday, November 1. These regions should remain vigilant and prepared for potential impacts as the typhoon's trajectory unfolds.
As communities across these regions navigate the challenges posed by Typhoon Leon, staying informed, remaining vigilant, and following official advisories are crucial steps in ensuring safety and resilience in the face of adverse weather conditions.
**Remember to stay informed through official weather advisories and take necessary precautions to ensure safety during inclement weather conditions.**
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Duterte in The Hague: Can He Be Released Before September Pre-Trial?
March 15. 2025 - The Hague, Netherlands – In a historic and somber moment, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte made his first appearance before the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday, March 14, via video link from the Scheveningen prison, where he is currently detained. The 79-year-old former leader, who once wielded immense power in the Philippines, appeared tame and frail as he faced the pre-trial chamber of the ICC. The court confirmed that the confirmation of charges hearing, akin to a pre-trial, will take place six months from now, on September 23.
Duterte’s appearance marked a significant milestone in the ICC’s investigation into his alleged crimes against humanity, stemming from his controversial war on drugs during his presidency. The campaign, which began in 2016, resulted in the deaths of thousands of Filipinos, with human rights groups accusing Duterte of orchestrating extrajudicial killings. The ICC’s pre-trial chamber is now tasked with determining whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed with a full trial.
A Virtual Appearance Amid Health Concerns
Duterte’s appearance was conducted virtually due to what the court described as his “long journey involving a considerable time difference.” Presiding Judge Iulia Motoc of Romania, who spoke in French, authorized Duterte to follow the hearing remotely from the nearby prison. An English interpreter was present to facilitate the proceedings.
Duterte’s longtime friend and legal counsel for the appearance, Salvador Medialdea, raised concerns about the former president’s health, describing him as suffering from “debilitating medical issues,” including being “hard of hearing” and “poor of sight.” Medialdea’s statements were likely aimed at laying the groundwork for a potential application for interim release pending trial.
However, Judge Motoc noted that the court had already taken Duterte’s health into account. She stated that the ICC’s medical staff had assessed Duterte upon his arrival at the detention center and found him to be “fully mentally aware and fit” to participate in the proceedings. The court’s decision to allow a virtual appearance was partly influenced by his health condition, but it made clear that health alone would not be a basis for his release.
Can Duterte Be Released Before September?
Under the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC, Duterte is eligible to apply for interim release pending trial. His legal team is expected to cite his age and health as primary reasons for his release. However, the court’s decision will hinge on several factors, including whether his release would:
Risk an escape: The ICC must ensure that Duterte does not flee and evade justice.
Obstruct or endanger the investigation: His release must not interfere with the ongoing proceedings or intimidate witnesses.
Risk recommitting the crimes: The court must assess whether Duterte poses a threat to public safety or could engage in similar actions if released.
To date, the ICC has not granted interim release to any suspect charged with crimes against humanity. However, it has allowed interim release for individuals charged with obstruction of justice, provided they meet strict conditions.
Joel Butuyan, an ICC-accredited counsel representing some of the victims in Duterte’s war on drugs, emphasized that health and age are not sufficient grounds for release. “If you look at the other prisoners, they’re all of the same age. If it’s over health reasons, he will be taken to the hospital, treated, and then returned. Age is never a factor,” Butuyan said.
Raul Pangalangan, a retired Filipino ICC judge, echoed this sentiment during a forum organized by the University of the Philippines College of Law. He noted that the detention facilities in The Hague are equipped with excellent medical services, making it unnecessary to transfer Duterte to an external hospital unless he faces a grave medical emergency.
The initial appearance was brief, lasting less than half an hour. Its primary purpose was to confirm Duterte’s identity and inform him of the charges against him. The judges also outlined the timeline for the confirmation of charges hearing, which will determine whether the case proceeds to trial.
During the hearing, Duterte was seen on video occasionally dozing off, a stark contrast to the fiery and defiant figure he once was as president. His subdued demeanor underscored the gravity of his situation and the toll that his legal battles have taken on him.
In the coming months, Duterte’s legal team is expected to file motions, including a potential application for interim release. The court will periodically review his detention conditions and may adjust its decisions based on changing circumstances.
Meanwhile, human rights advocates and victims’ families are closely watching the proceedings, hoping that the ICC will deliver justice for the thousands of lives lost during Duterte’s war on drugs. For many, the confirmation of charges hearing in September represents a critical step toward accountability.
As the world awaits the next chapter in this high-profile case, one thing is clear: Rodrigo Duterte’s journey through the ICC’s legal process will be closely scrutinized, not only by the Philippines but by the international community. Whether he will remain in detention or be granted interim release before September remains to be seen, but the stakes could not be higher.
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Medialdea Calls ICC ‘Desperate’ as Duterte Appears in Court: A Detailed Account of the Hearing
The Hague, Netherlands – In a dramatic and highly anticipated hearing at the International Criminal Court (ICC), former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte made his first appearance via video link from the Scheveningen prison on Friday, March 14. The hearing, which lasted less than half an hour, marked the beginning of a legal battle that could redefine accountability for crimes against humanity. Duterte, once known for his fiery rhetoric and unorthodox leadership style, appeared subdued and slouched in his chair, wearing a blue suit—a stark departure from his traditional barong and unrestrained demeanor.
The hearing was procedural, with Duterte only required to state his full name, birthday, and birthplace. However, it was his longtime friend and legal counsel, Salvador Medialdea, who took center stage, delivering a scathing critique of the ICC and accusing the court of overstepping its jurisdiction. Medialdea also took aim at Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., alleging a political conspiracy to undermine Duterte and his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte.
Medialdea did not hold back in his criticism of the ICC, calling it a “troubled legal institution” desperate for a “prized catch” to bolster its credibility. He also accused President Marcos Jr. of collaborating with the ICC to neutralize Duterte’s political legacy and choke the influence of his daughter, Sara Duterte, who remains a prominent figure in Philippine politics.
“Two troubled entities struck an unlikely alliance: an incumbent President who wishes to neutralize and choke the legacy of my client and his daughter on one hand, and a troubled legal institution…desperate for a prized catch and a legal show today on the other hand,” Medialdea declared during the hearing.
Medialdea reiterated his claim that the ICC has no jurisdiction over Duterte, arguing that the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute in 2019 should nullify the court’s authority to prosecute the former president. He also described Duterte’s arrest as illegal, though he did not provide further details to substantiate this claim.
The hearing on Friday was merely an initial appearance, a procedural step to confirm Duterte’s identity and inform him of the charges against him. The more substantive phase of the proceedings will occur on September 23, during the confirmation of charges hearing. At this stage, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan will formally present evidence supporting the charges of crimes against humanity against Duterte, specifically for his alleged role in the extrajudicial killings during his war on drugs.
Duterte will have the opportunity to object to the charges and challenge the evidence presented by the prosecution. His legal team is expected to argue vigorously against the ICC’s jurisdiction and the validity of the charges.
It remains unclear whether Medialdea will apply to become an ICC-accredited counsel or if Duterte will choose from the existing pool of sanctioned lawyers, which includes his former spokesperson, Harry Roque. Duterte is also entitled to a lawyer from the ICC’s Office of the Public Counsel for the Defence and an interpreter for any preferred language. During the hearing, the judges noted that Duterte had consented to the use of English.
Gilbert Andres, an ICC-accredited counsel who attended the hearing, expressed optimism that the trial could proceed more quickly than other ICC cases. He noted that the prosecution had narrowed its focus to crimes against humanity for murder, dropping charges of rape and torture that were initially considered.
“Baka mas mabilis ito kasi dun lang siya pumuntirya lang eh sa (This might move faster because they limited the charges to) crimes against humanity for murder,” Andres said.
This streamlined approach could potentially expedite the proceedings, though the complexity of the case and the high-profile nature of the defendant mean that the trial is likely to face numerous legal and procedural hurdles.
Duterte’s health has been a recurring concern throughout the proceedings. Medialdea highlighted the former president’s “debilitating medical issues,” including hearing and vision problems, during the hearing. However, the ICC judges emphasized that Duterte had been assessed by the court’s medical staff and deemed fit to participate in the proceedings.
The court’s decision to allow a virtual appearance was partly influenced by Duterte’s health, but it made clear that health alone would not be a basis for his release. Under the Rome Statute, Duterte is eligible to apply for interim release pending trial, but the court has historically been reluctant to grant such requests for suspects charged with crimes against humanity.
The ICC’s case against Duterte has far-reaching implications, not only for the former president but also for the Philippines and the international community. The hearing has reignited debates about the ICC’s jurisdiction, the role of international justice in addressing domestic crimes, and the political dynamics within the Philippines.
Medialdea’s accusations against President Marcos Jr. add another layer of complexity to the case, suggesting that the legal proceedings are intertwined with the country’s political landscape. Whether these claims hold any merit remains to be seen, but they underscore the high-stakes nature of the trial.
As the confirmation of charges hearing in September approaches, all eyes will be on the ICC and the legal strategies employed by both the prosecution and the defense. For Duterte, the hearing represents a critical juncture in his legal battle, with the potential to either clear his name or pave the way for a full trial.
For the victims of the war on drugs and their families, the proceedings offer a glimmer of hope for justice and accountability. The ICC’s decision to pursue the case despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute sends a powerful message about the importance of international justice in addressing grave human rights violations.
As the world watches, one thing is certain: the legal and political drama surrounding Rodrigo Duterte’s ICC case is far from over.
