These are the top stories making the front pages of major newspapers from across Southeast Asia today.
Get up to speed with what’s happening in the fastest growing region in the world.
Gov’t drug war a ‘massive failure’ – Robredo
The Duterte administration’s war on illegal drugs is a failure, with the government barely making a dent on the country’s narcotics problem despite a relentless campaign over the past three years, Vice President Leni Robredo said on Monday.
Citing data from government agencies, Robredo said the authorities had seized only less than 1 percent of the total estimated consumption of “shabu,” or crystal meth, throughout the campaign.
Likewise, only less than 1 percent of drug money had been frozen by the government, out of the trillions of pesos that allegedly stemmed and circulated from the narcotics trade. – Philippine Daily Inquirer
Oil hits US$70 as Iran, Trump trade threats
Oil prices jumped by about 1 per cent on Monday, pushing Brent above US$70 a barrel, as rhetoric from the United States, Iran and Iraq fanned tensions in the Middle East after a US air strike killed a top Iranian military commander.
Brent crude futures soared to a high of US$70.74 a barrel and was at US$69.36 by 1502 GMT, up 76 cents from Friday’s settlement. – The New Straits Times
PM launches Việt Nam's 2020 ASEAN Chairmanship
Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc chaired a ceremony in Ha Noi on Monday to launch Vietnam’s 2020 ASEAN Chairmanship.
Speaking at the event, PM Phúc said throughout its 25 years of ASEAN membership, Vietnam has always made responsible contributions to ASEAN co-operation. – Viet Nam News
Building owners charged over deadly collapse in Kep province
Kampot Provincial Court yesterday charged the owners of an under-construction building which collapsed in Kep province on Friday, killing 36 people, including children, and injuring 23 others.
Kampot court spokesman Mann Boret yesterday said Ak Sarun, and his wife, Chhiv Sothy were charged but allowed to go home after being placed under court supervision. He said he did not know what they were charged with. – Khmer Times
Myanmar labour group to propose increase in minimum wage
Labour organisations will propose an increase in the country’s minimum wage when the National Committee for Minimum Wage holds meeting later in the year.
The Confederation of Trade Unions of Myanmar (CTUM) has conducted a survey on the cost of living and the cost of health of a worker in Yangon, Bago, Mandalay, Magwe and Sagaing regions and Shan and Kayin states. – Myanmar Times