Over 300 people have been killed as Myanmar’s military forces continue their crackdown on anti-coup protests, according to Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP).

Based on AAPP’s data as of March 25, a total of 2,981 have been arrested, charged, or sentenced; while 320 individuals, including a 7-year-old child, were killed.

AAPP is a human rights organization based in Thailand, and Rangoon, Burma. The advocacy group also noted that 90% of the casualties were shot by Myanmar’s security forces.

“Night protests were held in a number towns, some of which were violently cracked down. People were shot to death, injured, and arrested,” according to the AAPP.

Due to the worsening situation in Myanmar, United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar Tom Andrews, on Thursday (March 25) called on UN member states to hold an emergency summit for an “immediate robust, international response in support of those under siege.”

#Myanmar: Conditions are deteriorating, but they will likely get much worse without an immediate robust, international response in support of those under siege – @RapporteurUn urges UN Member States to hold an emergency summit to head off deepening crisis: https://t.co/BdN3F4jtZr pic.twitter.com/hWdo5eAxzS

— UN Special Procedures (@UN_SPExperts) March 25, 2021

“Without a focused, diplomatic solution, including the hosting of an emergency summit that brings together Myanmar’s neighbors and those countries with great influence in the region, I fear the situation of human rights in Myanmar will further deteriorate as the junta increases the rate of murders, enforced disappearances and torture,” Andrews said. -AAC (with reports from Kath Dumaraos)

MANILA, Philippines — The Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) has set limited tourism activities in the National Capital Region (NCR) Plus Bubble.

Based on the IATF resolution, transportation to and from Metro Manila, Cavite, Rizal, Laguna, and Bulacan relating to tourism is prohibited. This is included in the non-essential activities set by the agency.

This gave several vacationers no choice but to cut short their trip and return home.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Spokesperson Goddes Hope Libiran, however, clarified individuals outside the NCR Plus Bubble who are returning home will be allowed to enter.

“Ang pag-uwi sa kani-kanilang mga tirahan ay considered as essential travel. Kung kinakailangan, magpakita lamang ng proof of residence, ID o any document showing that you are indeed a resident ng area na iyong pupuntahan para wala pong problema (Returning to their homes is considered as essential travel. If needed, just present a proof of residence, ID, or any document that you are indeed a resident of that area you’re planning to go to so there won’t be any problem),” she said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said hotels and airline companies already agreed to ease their rebooking and refund policies for their customers.

DOT Usec. Benito Bengzon said tourism activities in MGCQ areas are still allowed.

“Ang mga areas na under Modified GCQ eh pwede pa rin po ang (Areas under the Modified GCQ are still allowed to have) tourism activities for as long as the local executives agreed to reopen the destinations,” he said. – AAC (with reports from Asher Cadapan Jr.)

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced that the Katipunan Avenue bypass road will open by the end of 2021.

The Katipunan Avenue bypass road, according to the DPWH, is already 70% complete. Once opened, it will shorten travel time from Quezon City to Rizal province from more than one hour to 40 minutes.

DPWH Secretary Mark Villar said motorists from Rizal can traverse the new bypass road instead of plying through Commonwealth to ease traffic.

“This will benefit Quezon city, Marikina, Rizal it’s an alternative route and its a new alignment in Metro Manila,” he said.

Around 10,000 motorists are estimated to benefit from the bypass road once it is opened to the public. The DPWH also said motorists do not need to pay any toll fees the road becomes operational. AAC (with reports from Joan Nano)