Good morning.

Today’s issue starts with Mindanao’s earthquake and the uncomfortable gap between real damage and insured protection. Then we follow the aftershocks: credit card debt, market jitters, power recovery, AI scams, and strange science. It is a briefing on risk, resilience, and the systems Filipinos most rely on when things break.

Stay Sharp.

Big picture, AM Best says Philippine insurers may face only limited financial pressure from the 7.8-magnitude Mindanao earthquake, even if total economic damage is significant. The reason: many homes, businesses, and infrastructure assets in the country remain uninsured.

The catch, insured losses are expected to be only a small fraction of total damage. Local non-life insurers will absorb the first layer of claims through direct policies and the Philippine Catastrophe Insurance Facility, while global reinsurers may also take part of the hit.

Why it matters, the quake exposes a deeper disaster-risk problem. When protection is thin, households, businesses, and government may shoulder more of the bill. AM Best also warns that a similar event in Manila could pose a much bigger risk.

Filipinos are taking on unsecured debt at a faster pace than income growth, with credit card and salary loans reaching record levels. Regulators warn the trend could make households more vulnerable to economic shocks, although banks say stronger lending standards and repayment systems are helping keep risks manageable.

Philippine Stocks Slip on Middle East Tensions

Philippine shares ended lower as renewed clashes between the US and Iran weakened investor confidence and sparked risk-off trading. The PSEi slipped 0.07% while mining, oil, and holding firms led losses. Rising geopolitical tensions and concerns over oil supply disruptions kept markets cautious despite foreign buying.

Globe Deploys Satellite Messaging After Quake

Globe activated Starlink’s direct-to-cell technology in parts of Mindanao after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake disrupted telecom services. More than 700,000 Globe and TM subscribers in South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani can access free SMS and messaging services for up to 30 days using existing LTE phones and SIMs.

Mindanao Power Restoration Nears Completion

The Department of Energy expects power services in Mindanao to normalize within a week following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake. Affected households have dropped from about 840,000 to 130 as repairs continue. Officials said power capacity is gradually recovering and hope to lift the region’s yellow alert status soon.

Former PSC chief William Ramirez urged Ateneo’s coaching staff to resign following the drowning deaths of two Blue Eagles players during a team-building activity in Aurora. (Read more)

Pope Leo Meets Bad Bunny

Pope Leo XIV held a brief private meeting with Bad Bunny and his family in Madrid, bringing together two global figures touring Spain this week. (Read More)

Pageant Kings Face Backlash Over Remarks

Brandon Espiritu and Jether Palomo drew criticism online after comments about “halfies” and representing the Philippines sparked debate among pageant fans. (Read more)

Apple has renamed its virtual assistant to Siri AI, adding new artificial intelligence features. The upgraded assistant can search device content, complete tasks, and answer questions using web and personal data. (Read more)

AI-powered voice cloning scams are becoming more common, with criminals copying voices from short recordings. Experts advise verifying urgent calls through other contacts and using family code words for protection. (Read more)

Researchers developed a photonic chip containing an ultrafast laser once limited to large laboratory setups. The tiny device could lower costs and expand applications in sensing, diagnostics, and precision measurement.(Read more)

MIT researchers developed an ultrasound wristband that tracks muscle and tendon movements. Using AI, it helps robotic hands mimic human gestures and could improve training for household and medical tasks. (Read more)

NASA Names Crew for Artemis Moon Mission

NASA has selected three American astronauts and one Italian astronaut for the Artemis mission, which will test SpaceX and Blue Origin spacecraft docking in Earth orbit next year mission tests

First Patient Receives Experimental “Cell Rejuvenation” Therapy

A US biotech trial has begun testing a gene therapy that aims to reverse age-related vision loss by reprogramming retinal cells. The early-stage study focuses on safety, but scientists warn of high risks.

Studies Link Smartphones to Declining Birth Rates

Two studies suggest smartphones may have contributed to falling birth rates by reducing in-person interactions and sexual activity. Researchers say technology is not the sole cause but may play a significant role.

Engineered Hookworms Could Become Living Drug Factories

Scientists have genetically modified hookworms to produce therapeutic proteins inside the human gut. Early tests show promise, but experts say human applications are still far from reality and need more research.

🫨 The Mindanao’s 7.8 earthquake death toll rose to 45, with over 600 injured and thousands displaced as rescue efforts continue. (Read more)

👶 Central Visayas recorded 2,683 monitored child labor cases as of May 2026, with authorities pushing stronger protection and livelihood programs. (Read more)

🏛️ Senate leadership dispute escalated as Gatchalian rejected Cayetano’s power-sharing proposal, insisting the June 3 leadership changes are final. (Read more)

🎓 CHED reported over 2.6 million students benefited from free higher education programs, alongside expanded scholarships and digital learning reforms. (Read more)

🌊 The Philippines demanded China remove a floating research platform in Bajo de Masinloc, citing sovereignty violations and international law. (Read more)

A petition in Japan is gaining support against Donald Trump’s use of anime characters in political posts. Critics say it misuses creators’ work and ignores the original values of the characters.

Taliban Forces Fire on Women’s Rights Protest in Herat

At least two people were killed when Taliban security forces opened fire on a rare street protest in Herat, Afghanistan. Demonstrators were opposing arrests linked to strict hijab enforcement.

Moroccan Wall: World’s Longest Minefield Spans Western Sahara

The Moroccan Wall is a 2,700-kilometer militarized barrier filled with millions of landmines, dividing Western Sahara. It remains a long-standing conflict zone with ongoing risks to nearby communities.

📝 Finn and Jake return in Adventure Time Side Quests trailer drops on Hulu. (Watch here)

📝 Martial arts robot kicks child during demo at park. (Watch here)

📝 Man saves coins for 3 years, donates crayons to Aklan pupils. (Read more)

📝 Woman mixes pet dog’s ashes into eyeliner tattoo ink. (Read more)