"Is Netanyahu real or AI?" So how do you prove what's real is real when the line between reality and fabrication has blurred so much in the fog of the Middle East war? According to the London-based Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD), a network of X accounts posting AI content about the Middle East war has amassed more than one billion views since the conflict began. In another viral example, an X account posted an AI video appearing to show Dubai's Burj Khalifa skyscraper collapsing in a cloud of dust. Social media is rife with fabricated satellite imagery, heatmaps and other pseudo forensic visuals used to cast doubt on genuine evidence from the war, researchers say.

ADVERTISEMENT SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENTPolice said guides allegedly added baking soda to food, causing severe gastrointestinal distress with symptoms mimicking altitude sickness or food poisoning. When trekkers fell ill, the suspects pressured them to accept emergency helicopter evacuations, then submitted fraudulent medical and flight documents to claim insurance payouts, which were shared among guides, helicopter companies, trekking agencies, and hospitals involved. One company allegedly fabricated 171 of 1,248 rescue claims, fraudulently obtaining over US$10 million. Another allegedly faked 75 cases for about US$8 million, while a third submitted 71 false claims worth over US$1 million. Nepal's tourism industry has been plagued by similar scandals in recent years, with some international insurers ceasing coverage for trekkers in the country.

TXT’s Soobin reports taxi overcharging attempt in CebuMANILA, Philippines — K-pop group TXT member Soobin almost fell victim to overcharging by a taxi driver in Cebu. Soobin and a companion are seen checking taxi fares to their destination and found that the estimated fare was only around P300. A taxi driver told them the fare was P500. “It’s because the gas is very expensive,” the taxi driver was heard telling them. Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Vigor Mendoza II on Thursday said they are now looking for the taxi driver who attempted to overcharge TXT’s Soobin.

Logistics, healthcare lead 7% online hiring growth in FebruaryOverseas Filipino Workers applicants gather infront of a manning agency located along Agoncillo in Paco on March 19, 2026, hoping to secure overseas jobs. MANILA, Philippines — Online recruitment activity in the Philippines rose 7% year on year in February, signaling a stronger start to hiring as companies activated new budgets and resumed recruitment after the year-end slowdown. Data from the Foundit Insights Tracker showed hiring momentum accelerating from a 4% increase in January, with recruitment activity over the past three months rising 10%. Among the 13 sectors tracked, logistics, courier, freight, transportation and shipping posted the largest annual gain at 12%. The Foundit Insights Tracker is a monthly measure of online job posting activity cited in a report by Staffing Industry Analysts.

Women's Asian Cup finalists accuse governing body over equal moneyJapan's players celebrate winning the final of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 football tournament between Australia and Japan at the Stadium Australia in Sydney on March 21, 2026. SYDNEY, Australia — Women’s Asian Cup finalists Japan and Australia renewed calls Thursday for equal prize money with the men's tournament in a direct challenge to the Asian Football Confederation and accused the governing body of "ignoring" previous requests. The prize fund for last month's Women's Asian Cup was widely reported to be $1.8 million, the same as in 2022, compared to the $14.8 million on offer at the men's equivalent. "Equal prize money would be transformational for all players and football communities across Asia. "Equal prize money would help to raise standards at all levels of the game across our region.

Iran allows passage for Philippines-bound ships through HormuzMANILA, Philippines — Iran has assured the Philippines that its vessels and seafarers will be allowed safe and unhindered passage through the Strait of Hormuz — a breakthrough that Manila hopes will ease its deepening energy crisis triggered by the month-long blockade of the waterway. Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro secured the commitment in a phone call Thursday, April 2, with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. Tehran pledged to allow Philippine-flagged vessels, energy shipments, and all Filipino seafarers to transit the strait without obstruction. "These assurances from Iran will greatly facilitate the steady delivery of critical oil and fertilizer supplies to the Philippines," the DFA said. On March 26, Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi announced that ships from China, Russia, India, Iraq, and Pakistan would be allowed through the strait.

In the earliest Mario arcade games, the character was only 16-pixel tall, a far cry from the rich visuals of the new film, a sequel to 2023 smash hit "The Super Mario Bros. But the near-infinite possibilities granted by modern technology come with their own challenges, Miyamoto told AFP in Kyoto, where the video game giant is based. The new film takes place in the universe of "Super Mario Galaxy," a 2007 platform game made for the Wii console. But "it's Chris and his team who make the film," Miyamoto said. RELATED: 'Super Mario Galaxy' trailer teases Rosalina, Bowser Jr.

China warns Philippines vs renaming of South China Sea reefsMANILA, Philippines — China expressed sharp disapproval of the Philippines' decision to assign local names to more than 100 maritime features in the Kalayaan Island Group, claiming the move is illegal and warning it would take steps to defend its claims. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing "firmly opposes" any action it believes undermines China's sovereignty, rights and interests in the South China Sea. She also accused the Philippines of illegally delineating the Kalayaan Island Group and assigning names to features that China considers part of its claimed "Nansha Qundao." Expanding disputeThe Kalayaan Island Group is part of the Spratly Islands, a resource-rich and contested area in the South China Sea. Marcos' move came after the two countries said they were willing to reopen negotiations on joint oil exploration in the South China Sea.

Marcos vows aid for abused Camarines Sur girlA Grade 6 student holds up a message calling attention to the alleged sexual assault she is experiencing at Tinambac, Camarines Sur. She said the rape victim got pregnant from the first rape, was abducted by the councilman and sent to Montalban. She also alleged that the councilman has another son that raped a girl in 2018. How will we read if our councilman (cuts) our well water and so we have no water?” she said. Marcos told the student to get in touch with his administration if there is anything she needs.

ADVERTISEMENT SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENTHe delivered his 19-minute speech against a backdrop of high global oil prices and his own low approval ratings. Western allies, however, have resisted joining a war that he and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu started without consulting them. The risk, analysts say, is that Iran would essentially be left with significant leverage over the strait, the passageway for a fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas shipments. And Trump’s earlier calls for the overthrow of Iran’s theocratic rulers have gone unfulfilled. Trump’s overall approval rating has fallen to 36%, the lowest since his return to the White House, a Reuters/Ipsos poll completed on Monday found.

As China’s only common law jurisdiction and the world’s only bilingual one, Hong Kong offers a unique, reputable advantage. By transforming “institutional differences” into “institutional advantages,” the GBA creates a unique, collaborative model that is difficult to replicate. She highlighted key recent milestones include the joint hosting of the National Games and the “Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles” scheme. Additionally, the sea‑air intermodal cargo‑transhipment mode between Dongguan and the Airport Authority Hong Kong has streamlined global exports. Collaborative legislation, he emphasized, is the most stable way to build an integrated GBA market and resolve these challenges.

Wembanyama sizzles anew as Spurs slay Warriors for 10th straight winVictor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs goes up for a shot against the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center on April 01, 2026 in San Francisco, California. LOS ANGELES, United States — Victor Wembanyama — with his second consecutive 41-point game — on Wednesday (Thursday Manila time) powered the relentless San Antonio Spurs to a 10th straight win after brushing aside the Golden State Warriors, 127-113. Two days after the French star scored the fastest double-double in NBA history, Wembanyama also grabbed 18 rebounds in a wire-to-wire victory. The Spurs have emerged as genuine NBA title contenders in the second half of the season, winning 26 of their past 28 games. The two Western giants are the favorites to win this year's NBA championship, with the playoffs beginning in mid-April.

Malixi struggles, trails leaders by eight at AugustaRianne Malixi of The Philippines plays her tee shot on the 12th hole during the first round of the Augusta National Women's Amateur at the Champions Retreat Golf Course on April 01, 2026 in Evans, Georgia. Coming into the tournament brimming with confidence, Malixi appeared poised to mount an early charge. American standout Asterisk Talley, whom Malixi bested in both the US Girls’ Junior and US Women’s Amateur in 2024, also made a strong statement, eagling the 18th for a share of third at 66. Malixi’s position leaves her with significant ground to make up in Thursday’s second round, also set at Champions Retreat. With only the top 30 and ties advancing to the final round at the iconic Augusta National Golf Club, the Duke University freshman will need to produce a low round to keep her campaign alive.

Taduran trainer predicts seventh-round stoppage winMANILA, Philippines — The camp of International Boxing Federation minimumweight champion Pedro Taduran does not see his upcoming title defense going the distance. So, we are preparing for those things,” added Penalosa of the Mexican challenger, who sports a record of 16-1, with five knockouts. The pressure-fighting Taduran (19-4-1, 13 KOs) should be a significant favorite heading into the bout, and he wants to pull off a rousing debut on US soil. Taduran and his team recently arrived in California from Las Vegas, where he put the finishing touches on his training at the Knucklehead Boxing Gym owned by influential boxing figure Sean Gibbons. Taduran declared himself ready for war.

US-Philippines Cope Thunder sets return to Basa Air BaseU.S. Air Force Capt. MANILA, Philippines — The United States and Philippine air forces will begin Cope Thunder 26 on April 6, with primary flight operations over Basa Air Base in Pampanga, according to the Pacific Air Forces. What came beforeIn 2024, the first Cope Thunder held in the Philippines after the exercise’s return ran from April 8 to 19, also with primary flight operations over Basa Air Base. Under Marcos, Cope Thunder did not just return, it also expanded. In 2025, one iteration of the exercise ran from April 7 to 18 across Basa Air Base, Clark Air Base and Colonel Ernesto Ravina Air Base, taking a broader training footprint in Northern Luzon.