Vietnam Insider

At six months pregnant, Clara, 14, has never seen a doctor and knows little about the health of her unborn baby.

She lives in Baseco, a crowded district in the heart of Manila facing Manila Bay, home to more than 64,000 people. Houses here are built from scraps of concrete, wood, and rusted tin sheets, vulnerable to flooding and disease. Clara, who hopes to give birth to a baby boy, says her school never offered sex education.

“If I had learned more about reproductive health,” she says softly, “maybe I wouldn’t be pregnant at such a young age.”

Clara’s story is far from unique. It lies at the center of a national debate in the deeply Catholic Philippines, where religion shapes every aspect of life. The issue of whether schools should provide sex education has divided lawmakers, health experts, and church leaders — even as the number of girls aged 10 to 14 becoming pregnant continues to rise at an alarming rate.

The Philippines now has one of the highest rates of teenage pregnancy in Asia. According to the Commission on Population and Development, while pregnancies among 15–19-year-olds have slightly declined, cases among girls aged 14 and younger have surged by 38% in just four years — from about 2,400 in 2019 to over 3,300 in 2023.

Authorities have long called it a “national social emergency.” Yet more than a decade of legislative debate has produced little progress. The Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Bill, first introduced in 2010, remains stalled amid strong opposition from conservative religious groups. The latest version — which seeks to mandate Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and ease access to contraceptives — still faces an uncertain future.

Under current law, minors under 18 must have parental consent to purchase or use contraceptives — a restriction many experts describe as one of the biggest barriers.

“Whether we like it or not, the data clearly show that adolescents are sexually active,” said Senator Risa Hontiveros, the bill’s principal author. “This law is essential to help them protect themselves.”

But such views clash with the country’s moral foundations. In the Philippines, where 80% of the population is Catholic, sex outside marriage remains taboo, and abortion is illegal in all cases, including rape or incest.

The consequences of this cultural and political deadlock fall hardest on children.

“Most teenagers I meet have almost no understanding of reproductive health,” said Dr. Irene Marie Rubio of Manila’s Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital. “Some don’t even know that sex can lead to pregnancy.”

One of them is Jude, 15, who dropped out of school at eight months pregnant and moved in with her 21-year-old boyfriend.

“He was the first person to teach me about sex,” she said.

A USAID-funded study found that, on average, there is a seven-year age gap between young mothers and their partners in the Philippines — often reflecting power imbalances and lack of consent.

“Girls under 16 are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than adult women,” warned Dr. Junice Melgar, executive director of the NGO Likhaan. “Their bodies aren’t ready — and psychologically, neither are they. Stigma makes them afraid to seek help.”

While lawmakers argue, groups like Likhaan are stepping in. Volunteers visit poor communities to teach teenagers about sex and consent, train parents to talk to their children, and distribute condoms to young men.

For Clara, those efforts have come too late. She is due in three months, hoping to give birth at a hospital — with only her mother by her side. Her dream of returning to school still lingers but fades under the weight of motherhood.

“I just hope one day I can finish high school,” Clara said quietly. “And that my child will have a better chance than I did. That’s my only wish.”

Lào Cai, Vietnam – During what should be the peak of the golden rice season, Mù Cang Chải remains unusually quiet as many visitors canceled their tours earlier this week over fears of landslides and bad weather following Typhoon No.10.

On the morning of October 4, traffic on National Highway 32 through Khau Phạ Pass reopened after a landslide on October 1. Local authorities in Tủ Lệ Commune confirmed that motorbikes, cars, small trucks (under 2.5 tons), and 16-seat passenger vans can now travel through the area.

Visitors to Mù Cang Chải can once again take the route via National Highway 32 through Tủ Lệ and Khau Phạ Pass, instead of detouring through the Hà Nội–Lào Cai Expressway and Lai Châu’s Ô Quy Hồ Pass as in previous days.

“The road has reopened and the weather’s been sunny for several days,” said Lê Xuân Dương, Head of Mù Cang Chải’s Cultural Office. “However, tourist numbers remain low because people are still worried about the aftermath of the storm.”

According to local tour guides, only a few hundred tourists are in Mù Cang Chải this weekend. Even famous spots like Đồi Mâm Xôi (Round Tray Hill) and Đồi Móng Ngựa (Horseshoe Hill) — normally packed during harvest season — are nearly empty.

Thu Uyên, a local tourism operator, said all her weekend bookings, including accommodations and transport, were canceled.

“If not for the storm, we could have welcomed tens of thousands of tourists,” she said.

For those who did make the trip, the rare tranquility has been a blessing. Lê Nhàn, a visitor from Hanoi, decided to set off early on October 4 after hearing the road was open.

“I started at 4 a.m. and arrived around 11 a.m.,” she said. “I was planning to come two weeks ago but canceled due to rain. Now the weather is perfect, and it’s so peaceful — I practically have the fields all to myself!”

She described the drive between Văn Chấn and Mù Cang Chải as “devastating but passable,” with clear skies and sunshine greeting her on arrival.

Similarly, Ngọc Vũ, another visitor from Hanoi, traveled via the Nội Bài–Lào Cai Expressway and Lai Châu route on October 3.

“We were both brave and lucky to go at the last minute,” he said. “It’s surreal — golden fields, perfect weather, and almost no tourists. It’s the best photo trip I’ve ever had.”

By the evening of October 3, local transport operators had resumed selling tickets for limousine vans and buses to Mù Cang Chải. Trips depart from Hanoi at 5 a.m. and return from Mù Cang Chải at 1 p.m.

Still, Ngọc Vũ advised travelers to stay alert:

“If you can’t make it by Saturday, it’s better to postpone. Another storm could hit Sunday night, bringing rain and road damage. Safety comes first.”

Currently, the terraced fields are golden across areas such as Đồi Mâm Xôi, Đồi Móng Ngựa, Kim Nọi, and Lao Chải, though some villages like Háng Đăng Dê have already started harvesting.

“Locals are hurrying to harvest while the weather’s still good,” said Mùa A Giàng, a local guide. “If it rains again, the crops could be ruined.”

Harvesting will continue into next week, and in many tourist areas, the golden fields will remain through late October — giving visitors another chance to enjoy the breathtaking mùa vàng (golden season).

The haunting photo of a starving, abandoned Nigerian boy drinking water from a stranger’s hand once broke the hearts of millions around the world. Today, that same boy — now named Hope — is healthy, full of life, and dreaming of becoming an artist.

The photo that changed everything

In 2016, a Danish aid worker, Anja Ringgren Loven, was captured on camera kneeling beside a two-year-old boy, naked and skeletal, gently helping him drink water from a bottle. The image quickly went viral, symbolizing both human cruelty and compassion.

Later investigations revealed the child had been abandoned on the streets of Akwa Ibom State, southern Nigeria, after villagers accused him of being a “witch” who brought misfortune to his community. When rescued, the boy weighed barely 3 kilograms (about 6.6 pounds) and was near death.

“I thought he would die that day,” Anja recalled. “But then, a miracle happened.”

From despair to hope

Anja, 47, is the founder of Land of Hope, a charity that rescues children accused of witchcraft in Nigeria. After emergency treatment for severe malnutrition, the boy was taken to her shelter, where more than 80 other abandoned children live and study.

She named him Hope — a name that perfectly reflected the spirit of his second chance at life.

Today, Hope is 11 years old, strong, and thriving. Although he is hearing-impaired, he communicates fluently through writing and sign language. His teachers lovingly call him the “Little Picasso” thanks to his remarkable talent for painting and his passion for art.

In late August, Hope graduated from primary school as one of the top-performing students in his class.

“Hope is not only intelligent but also a gifted artist, a great dancer, and a kind soul with a wonderful sense of humor,” Anja shared proudly on social media.

Growing up with hope

Now living happily at the Land of Hope center, Hope spends his days painting, studying, and playing with friends.

“He’s strong, independent, and surrounded by love,” Anja said. “I’m incredibly proud of the person he’s becoming. He truly lives up to his name — Hope.”

Fighting superstition to save children

The Land of Hope foundation works to end superstition and child abuse rooted in the belief in witchcraft — a major cause of child abandonment, torture, and murder in Nigeria.

The organization runs educational campaigns in rural communities to raise awareness about poverty, fear, and lack of education, which often lead to dangerous superstitions.

“It’s impossible to understand how a two-year-old child could ever be seen as a threat,” Anja said.

From tragedy to inspiration

What began as a heartbreaking image of suffering has become a global symbol of resilience, compassion, and the power of hope.

Eight years after his rescue, the once frail, abandoned boy is now thriving — a living reminder that even the smallest act of kindness can change a life forever.

Authorities in Dong Nai Province, Vietnam, have confirmed that the three victims found dead at a local agricultural business were shot in the head, following forensic examinations that revealed fatal gunshot wounds.

Shocking murder at a family-owned business

According to sources from the Dong Nai Provincial Police, the victims — a husband, wife, and their young granddaughter — were discovered on the morning of October 3 at the Thien Hanh agricultural purchasing agency in Hamlet 6, Dak Nhau Commune.

The deceased were identified as:

• Mr. D.D.Th. (47) – the owner of the agency,

• Mrs. C.H.H. (48) – his wife, and

• Miss D.T.T. (11) – the couple’s granddaughter.

The scene was found in disarray, with clear signs of struggle and disturbance, according to police reports.

“All three victims died from gunshot wounds to the head,” the forensic report confirmed.

Security footage captures armed suspect

Video from the family’s home security cameras captured a masked man wearing a helmet and face covering, holding what appeared to be a long firearm, entering the victims’ yard around the estimated time of the attack.

Authorities are analyzing the footage and pursuing several investigative leads to identify and apprehend the suspect.

Senior police officials personally lead investigation

Recognizing the case’s grave and shocking nature, Major General Nguyen Duc Hai, Director of Dong Nai Police, immediately assigned two deputy directors — Colonel Le Manh Hung, Head of the Criminal Investigation Department, and Colonel Lam Van Long — to the scene to direct the investigation on site.

The case has also been reported to the Ministry of Public Security, with the Criminal Police Department and the Institute of Forensic Science deploying specialized teams to support local authorities in collecting evidence and tracking the killer.

Public urged to assist with information

Police have called on residents in the area to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals or information that could assist in identifying the suspect.

“This is an extremely serious case that has deeply disturbed the community,” a police spokesperson said. “We are deploying all available resources to bring the perpetrator to justice as soon as possible.”

Investigation ongoing

As of October 4, forensic teams continue to examine the scene while police units work around the clock, coordinating with national agencies to track down the armed suspect responsible for the triple homicide in Dong Nai.

Authorities in San Jose, California, announced on October 3 that seven suspects have been arrested in connection with a violent daylight robbery at Kim Hung Jewelry, a Vietnamese-owned store that shocked the local community last month.

According to a statement cited by the Associated Press, the robbery occurred around 2:00 p.m. on September 5, when multiple suspects—at least one of them armed—stormed into the jewelry shop.

SUV crashes into storefront, chaos caught on camera

Surveillance footage from Kim Hung Jewelry shows the store owner standing behind a display counter as the rear of an SUV smashes through the glass window and front entrance. Within seconds, about 16 masked robbers, mostly dressed in black, rushed inside the shattered storefront.

One assailant used a hammer to smash display cases just inches from the owner. Another suspect pushed an elderly man to the ground as he tried to intervene. In mere moments, the showcases and shelves were stripped bare.

As the group fled, one robber was seen pointing a handgun at a staff member while another searched the employee’s pockets. The crew then escaped in several vehicles before police arrived, authorities said.

“The suspects fled the scene before officers could respond,” San Jose police confirmed.

Vietnamese shop owner hospitalized after stroke

Chris Moore, a local housing association board member, wrote on social platform X (formerly Twitter) that the 88-year-old owner of Kim Hung Jewelry suffered a stroke during the incident and was rushed to the hospital. He also sustained multiple cuts from shattered glass.

In response to Moore’s post, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan condemned the crime as “horrific,” urging swift justice and stronger community protection.

Police arrest seven suspects, uncover drugs and weapons

As of October 3, San Jose police confirmed the arrest of seven suspects linked to the robbery:

• Angel Herrera (21)

• Toddisha Mayfield (31)

• Zakhari Blue-Gordon (23)

• Tom Donegan (19)

• Jacques Samuel (18)

• Cisco Lutu (18)

• Amari Green (21)

During search operations tied to the arrests, investigators reportedly found evidence from the Kim Hung Jewelry robbery, along with a firearm, loaded magazine, ammunition, and a large quantity of suspected cocaine, according to KRON-TV.

A shocking attack on a long-standing Vietnamese business

The brutal robbery has sparked outrage and fear among Vietnamese-American business owners across California, many of whom say they feel increasingly vulnerable to organized thefts.

Authorities have not ruled out the possibility that the Kim Hung Jewelry attack is connected to other similar robberies in the Bay Area.

Mayor Mahan called the incident “deeply disturbing,” adding that the city “will continue to pursue justice for victims and ensure safety for all residents and business owners.”

Thanks to livestream selling on social media, ethnic Xo Dang farmers in Tu Mo Rong commune (Quang Ngai Province, Vietnam) are earning stable incomes and transforming their livelihoods. The “online marketplace” model is becoming a powerful tool for economic growth in remote mountain regions.

From local markets to online streams

Every weekend, the traditional market in Tu Mo Rong buzzes with excitement. Among stalls filled with forest herbs, roots, bananas, and wild vegetables, a new scene stands out: ethnic villagers holding up smartphones and livestreaming their farm produce.

“In the past, I could only sell vegetables at the village market,” said Y Khuong, a Xo Dang woman from Ngoc Leng village, smiling as she adjusted her camera. “Now, with my phone and some guidance, I can show my products online and reach more customers. My income is much more stable.”

In Ty Tu village, Vi Van Chom was shy during his first livestream. But with hands-on training from local officials, he soon mastered how to take photos, film short videos, and introduce forest vegetables, bamboo shoots, and cassava to online buyers.

“At first it felt strange, but the results were unbelievable. Every time I go live, I get new orders,” Chom said proudly.

Community tech teams: “Digital guides” for ethnic farmers

Recognizing the potential of local specialties like forest ginseng, five-flavor berries, and wild bananas, Tu Mo Rong commune established a community digital technology team to bring e-commerce closer to ethnic households.

Officials don’t just teach digital skills — they join villagers at the markets, help set up livestream booths, demonstrate how to describe products clearly, and share posts across Facebook and Zalo groups to attract customers.

“At first, people were hesitant to appear on camera. We had to guide them step by step — how to hold the phone, how to talk, how to upload posts. But now they’re confident and eager to go live,” said Tran Thi Phuc, head of the commune’s Women’s Union.

Local leaders lead by example

Tu Mo Rong’s leaders are not just promoting digital tools — they’re using them. During the “Zero-VND Market” event on October 3, Commune Chairman Tran Quoc Huy and other officials joined villagers in a hands-on livestream training session combined with folk games to create a lively, community-driven atmosphere.

“We want our people to move beyond traditional markets and reach the wider online world,” said Chairman Tran Quoc Huy. “Digital livestreaming helps Tu Mo Rong’s produce find stable markets, improve incomes, and promote sustainable poverty reduction.”

A new chapter for Vietnam’s highland farmers

From traditional traders to confident digital sellers, the people of Tu Mo Rong are proving that technology can bridge the gap between mountain communities and global markets. Each livestream is not only a sales opportunity — it’s a story of empowerment, innovation, and cultural pride.

NINH BÌNH, Vietnam — A powerful tornado struck multiple communes in Ninh Bình Province before dawn on September 29, leaving at least nine people dead, 18 injured, and hundreds of homes damaged or destroyed.

In Phú Bình village, Nguyễn Minh Đức, 29, recalled being lifted from his bed by the violent winds. His grandparents were buried under collapsed walls but survived with broken bones. Others were less fortunate: two elderly residents were killed when their home caved in.

Entire neighborhoods were left in ruins. Roofs were torn away, concrete walls leveled, and water tanks, vehicles, and furniture scattered hundreds of meters. “It felt like a bomb went off,” said Hoàng Thị Hường, 58, who survived by sheltering in a corner as her roof was ripped off.

Authorities reported 11 homes collapsed, 126 unroofed, five schools and a health station damaged, along with temples and markets. Families are now clearing debris, some borrowing money to repair homes while others shelter with neighbors.

Meteorologists said the twister was fueled by unstable weather patterns as Typhoon Bualoi’s circulation collided with lingering remnants of another storm and a northern cold front. The same system triggered tornadoes in Hưng Yên, Hải Phòng, and Quảng Ninh, causing additional deaths and injuries.

“We just want a roof and a bed so my sick wife has somewhere proper to rest,” said 82-year-old Nguyễn Văn Thủ, whose house was destroyed.