News

Five Japanese survive Pakistan suicide bomber and gunman attack, two bystanders killed

By Ariba Shahid KARACHI, Pakistan (Reuters) -Five Japanese nationals in Pakistan escaped when a suicide bomber detonated their device on Friday, and police shot dead a gunman accompanying the bomber, officials said, adding that two bystanders died from injuries sustained in the incident. No militant group has claimed responsibility for the rare attack on Japanese nationals in Karachi, with

Man gets custodial sentence for raping teen in sea

Gabriel Marinoaica attacked the 15-year-old, who could not swim, in the sea off Bournemouth in 2021.

Chinese 'swarm' forming in WPS

(UPDATE) CHINA'S maritime militia has been repositioning its ships in preparation for "swarming" maneuvers in the West Philippine Sea. Ray Powell, director of SeaLight, a maritime transparency project that monitors and reports activities in the South China Sea, said on Friday at least 20 large militia ships moved south. Powell said based on the automatic identification system (AIS), two groups of eight vessels headed to the Spratly Islands,...

Alleged murder victim 'knew about husband's affair'

Carol Morgan told her cousin about the affair in a phone call, a trial hears.

‘Here we go again’: Women fearful in wake of Sydney attack

The stabbing rampage at a busy Sydney shopping centre has left many - particularly women - uneasy.

Aid ready for OFWs affected by UAE floods

THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said that it is extending all necessary assistance to Filipinos affected by the recent floods in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The DFA said that the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai is working closely with local authorities and Filipino community organizations in the country to reach out to those affected. It added that the Department of Migrant Workers was in contact with the families of the three...

Two men seriously injured in stabbings

Ambulance crews are called twice in seven minutes to streets a short distance apart, the service says.

Foes Azerbaijan and Armenia agree 'historic' return of villages

By Nailia Bagirova BAKU (Reuters) -Armenia has agreed to return several villages to Azerbaijan in what both sides said on Friday was an important milestone as they edge towards a peace deal after fighting two wars since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spokesperson Aykhan Hajizada posted on X that Armenia would return four villages near the countries' shared border

'Predator' sexually assaulted woman walking home

Alazar Yohans attempted to kiss the victim in a bar before following her across town, police say.

‘Non-opposition’ Duterte: If Vice President Sara becomes president…

MANILA, Philippines — After lambasting President Marcos in several Hakbang ng Maisog prayer rallies, former president Rodrigo Duterte has declared that he does not oppose the Marcos administration. “I am not an opposition. I am also not against Marcos,” Duterte said in his speech at the founding anniversary of Brgy. Pandaitan, a former rebel infested barangay in Davao City. Duterte explained that he did not support Marcos during the last...

Jury weighs case against Arizona rancher in migrant killing

PHOENIX (AP) — A jury in southern Arizona was ordered to resume deliberation Friday in the trial of a rancher charged with fatally shooting an unarmed migrant on his property near the U.S.-Mexico border. Jurors received the case Thursday afternoon after a nearly one-month trial in a presidential election year that has drawn widespread interest in border security. George Alan Kelly, 75, is charged with second-degree murder in the January 30,...

Canadian tagged in Batangas drug haul

MANILA, Philippines — A manhunt is underway for a Canadian linked to 1.4 tons of shabu with an estimated street value of P9.68 billion seized at a police checkpoint in Alitagtag, Batangas on Monday. Joint police teams raided yesterday a house rented by the foreigner in Barangay Natipuan in Nasugbu, but the suspect was not around. The operation was based on a search warrant issued by a local court for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the...

Dela Rosa hits China’s ‘hyping up’ remark: Buti sana kung mabait sila

MANILA, Philippines— China has no right to dictate to Filipinos, especially those who questioned the influx of Chinese students in Cagayan province, Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said on Friday. According to the former police chief, it is only normal for Filipinos to cast doubt on China, considering its actions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). “Alam mo, dapat ang ayusin nila muna yung mga actions nila, para hindi magiging kaduda-duda on our...

Over 1,500 Chinese secured student visas in Cagayan in 2023 – BI

More than 1500 Chinese are granted student visas in Cagayan, a province in northern Philippines, in 2023. Full story: https://www.rappler.com/philippines/bureau-immigration-report-chinese-secured-student-visas-cagayan-2023/

Man convicted of golf course kidnap

Tianfu Guo, 35, of no fixed address, is due to be sentenced on 25 April.

Ukraine has created a new unit dedicated to demining the country

Marcos, VP Sara maintain cordial ties at PNPA event

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte showed friendly behavior toward each other on Friday, despite First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos' admission that her relationship with the country's second-highest leader has soured. At the graduation ceremony of the Philippine National Police Academy in Silang, Cavite, the two leaders were spotted exchanging smiles before Marcos bussed Duterte on the cheek. Marcos and...

2 children found dead hugging each other in Cavite fire

Two children tragically lost their lives after they were trapped inside their burning house in Silang, Cavite on Thursday. The victims, aged 3 and 4, were found hugging each other when their remains were recovered in Barangay Biluso, according to a report on “24 Oras” on Friday. An investigation showed the mother briefly left the siblings to gather wood but when she returned, their house was already engulfed in flames. The fire also gutted a...

The US attempts a new military deal with Niger in a last ditch effort to stay

DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — The United States is attempting to create a new military agreement with Niger that would allow it to remain in the country, weeks after the junta said its presence was no longer justified, two Western officials told The Associated Press Friday. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation, said Washington was actively working on options for a revised deal aimed at retaining its...

School shooting averted after teen arrested: police

Police say a story the teen wrote depicting a mass shooting was not fictional and was a violent threat.

Police secure area near Iranian consulate in Paris after incident

Police secure area near Iranian consulate in Paris after suicide bomber incident. It is reported the accused is the same man who had been suspected of attempted arson near the Iranian consulate in an incident last September.

Ex-police officer jailed for sharing scene images

While serving as a PC, Wood sent images from investigations to his family and friends via WhatsApp.

Teacher strikes called off after behaviour talks

The NASUWT will meet officials from Haven High Academy for talks about pupil behaviour.

Mother of murdered Anthony Walker made MBE

Gee Walker pays tribute to the people of Liverpool as she is made MBE at Buckingham Palace.

New prison policies following death of inmate

More guidelines to identify vulnerable Isle of Man prisoners have been introduced, inquest hears.

UNAP grants Human Rights Award to outstanding Pinoys

MANILA, Philippines — The United Nations Association of the Philippines (UNAP), a 76-year-old non-government organization, has granted the Human Rights Award to four Filipinos who contributed significantly to the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in their respective fields. The granting of the awards by UNAP national president Ramona Ines Bustamante Raneses and UNAP global chapter president Roderick Cruz was...

Ukraine 'could lose on battlefield by end of 2024', warns CIA Director

CIA Director William Burns admitted yesterday that without Western support Russian autocrat Vladimir Putin may be 'in a position where he could essentially dictate the terms of a political settlement'

First Lady on Imee: I am just the ‘out-law’

MANILA, Philippines — After admitting her relationship with Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte has soured, First Lady Liza Marcos also hinted at tension with her sister-in-law Sen. Imee Marcos. In an hour-long interview with broadcaster Anthony Taberna aired on YouTube early yesterday, the First Lady said the last time she talked to the senator was last Christmas. Asked why the senator seemed not to be defending her brother...

Teacher admits manslaughter of man found in garden

Fiona Beal goes on trial, accused of murdering her partner "in cold blood".

Man jailed for life for stabbing wife to death

Rajveer Mahey left his wife Kamaljeet with 28 knife wounds.

UN rights chief urges states to act on slavery reparations

By Emma Farge GENEVA (Reuters) - The United Nations human rights chief called for countries to take concrete steps on reparations for people of African descent at a U.N. meeting on Friday, adding his voice to calls for justice for slavery atrocities. Support is building among Africa and Caribbean nations for the creation of a tribunal to address reparations, which might include financial

Zubiri, NZ PM agree on need for free Indo-Pacific region to spur economy

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon have agreed that maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region would be key to improving the economies in Southeast Asia and its partners. In a statement, Zubiri said among the things discussed during his meeting with Luxon on Friday were the pursuit of deeper engagement between the two countries in terms of economy and security,...

Drone attack caused no damage or casualties in Isfahan, says Iran foreign minister

DUBAI (Reuters) - Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said drones that sources say Israel fired at the city of Isfahan on Friday caused no damage or casualties, in comments made to the envoys of Muslim countries in New York and cited by Iranian media. "The Zionist regime's media supporters, in a desperate effort, tried to make victory out of their defeat, while the downed mini-drones

PCG to send 6 ships to ‘Balikatan’ drills with US, allies

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will send six ships for the upcoming “Balikatan” (shoulder-to-shoulder) exercises with American and other troops in Philippine and international waters starting next week. Rear Adm. Armand Balilo, PCG spokesperson, announced Thursday that the agency will join “joint interoperability exercises” with the Philippine Navy, United States, Australia, and France from April 22 to May 10. READ: Another first: PCG to...

Murder arrest over woman's hotel death

Surrey and Sussex Police's major crime team are investigating the woman's death at a hotel in Bagshot.

Couple jailed after admitting child neglect

John Cowley and Brooke Carr told police they were "pure lazy", court hears.

People smugglers jailed for trying to sneak 9 migrants OUT of the UK

Tarik Slimani, 47, and Italian national Driss Hasska, 54, were spotted by officers meeting at a bus stop in Kent on the evening of August 4 last year.

Reaction to Israel's military response to Iran's attack on Israel

(Reuters) -Israel carried out an attack on Iranian territory on Friday, sources said, days after Iran struck Israel with a barrage of drones and missiles. Here are reactions to the Israeli military response, from official statements and postings on social media: UN SECRETARY-GENERAL ANTONIO GUTERRES: "It is high time to stop the dangerous cycle of retaliation in the Middle East. The

‘No reclamation allowed within Laguna de Bay’

MANILA, Philippines — Reclamation activities within Laguna de Bay have not been issued any permits or clearances, according to the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) yesterday after photos were taken showing the extent of ongoing reclamation in the lake. “We are actively engaged in legal actions contesting ownership claims in the area, particularly where reclamation and backfilling activities have been reported,” the LLDA said in a...

3 dead in South Cotabato road mishap

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Three people died in a road accident in Barangay Polonuling in Tupi, South Cotabato on Thursday. Police said Ralph Anthony Zabala and Hernando Carl Cortez, driver and passenger, respectively, of a pickup and Louzel Defiño, driver of a light truck, died at the scene when their vehicles collided along the General Santos-Koronadal Highway. Witnesses said the pickup was overtaking a trailer truck when it hit the light...

President Marcos to PNPA graduates: Nation first before self

MANILA, Philippines — Police officers should put the nation above self, President Marcos said yesterday. “Taumbayan bago ang sarili,” Marcos told new graduates of the Philippine National Police Academy in his address before Layag-Diwa Class of 2024 at the PNPA. He also told the graduates that being digital natives, they should do “smart policing” and take advantage of technology to combat crime and protect communities. “Most of you were born...

Two rescued after yacht runs aground off Sussex

Two people rescued are not thought to be injured following incident on Friday morning.

Ukraine downs Russian strategic bomber after airstrike kills eight, Kyiv says

By Tom Balmforth and Anastasiia Malenko KYIV/DNIPRO, Ukraine (Reuters) -Ukraine shot down a Russian strategic bomber 300 km (185 miles) from its border on Friday after the warplane took part in an airstrike that killed at least eight people, including two children, in the central Dnipropetrovsk region, Kyiv said. Missiles rained down on the city of Dnipro and the surrounding region in the early

Police looking at BBC's council leader abuse claims

The BBC heard accounts from women who had relationships with Jonathan Nunn between 1990 and 2013.

NGCP seeks resolution of cases hampering Tuy-Dasmariñas project

MANILA, Philippines — The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) is pushing for a “speedy court resolution” of cases delaying the completion of a transmission line project in Dasmariñas, Cavite. The country’s sole power transmission operator has filed expropriation cases against several defendants who claimed interest over the properties affecting 16 of the 135 towers under the Tuy-Dasmariñas 500 kilovolt (kV) transmission line project....

Detained ex-Karabakh leader on hunger strike: son, lawyer

A former top Russian banker detained in Azerbaijan after leading the Armenian separatist administration in Nagorno-Karabakh has gone on hunger strike, his son and lawyer said on Friday. "My father... has been on hunger strike since April 5 to demand the release of all Armenian prisoners," his son David Vardanyan told AFP, adding he was "very worried" about his health.

Further arrests after footballer's home burgled

Five people suspected of handling stolen goods are arrested following three high-value burglaries.

Bloody Sunday families criticise PPS Bloody Sunday perjury decision

Regarded as one of the darkest days of the Troubles, 13 people were killed when paratroopers opened fire on a crowd taking part in a civil rights march in Londonderry on January 30, 1972.

China to US: Respect our sea rights, sovereignty

MANILA, Philippines — The Chinese defense minister reportedly talked with his US counterpart early this week to relay Beijing’s appeal to Washington that it respect China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in the South China Sea, saying President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden have a shared commitment to improving bilateral relations. The Chinese embassy said the video conversation between Chinese defense minister Admiral Dong...

Camp John Hay to unleash full potenial – Go

Following SC decision MANILA, Philippines — The recent decision of the Supreme Court (SC) resolving the legal dispute between the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and its lessee CJH Development Corp. (CJHDevCo) is expected to enable the development of the John Hay Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Baguio City to its full potential, according to Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go. Go...