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China's alleged 'new model' deal over Ayungin Shoal invalid —Carpio

The alleged “new model” deal between China and the Philippines over Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea — an allegation made by the Chinese Embassy — was invalid, retired Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio said Wednesday. “No, it is not [valid],” Carpio said in a press conference of Atin Ito Coalition. He said the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Western Command (WESCOM) has no authority to finalize an agreement with other countries...

PM 'deeply concerned' about a full military incursion into Rafah

The Prime Minister says he is 'deeply concerned' about a full Israeli military incursion into Rafah. Rishi Sunak also clarifies that the United Kingdom 'does not directly provide or ship arms' to Israel.

Bomb squad called after 'suspicious items' found

The public is being advised to avoid the area while emergency services are at the scene.

Dozens still missing after Monday's South Africa building collapse. 7 confirmed dead

GEORGE, South Africa (AP) — Nearly 40 construction workers were still missing Wednesday in the rubble of a building that collapsed in South Africa on Monday as rescue teams continued to search for survivors for a third day in the wreckage of the unfinished five-story apartment complex. Seven workers have been confirmed dead, while authorities in the city of George on South Africa's south coast released new information on the injuries, saying 16...

Man murdered sister and covered body with tarpaulin

Kevin Shepherd pleads guilty to murdering Sharon Butler on the day his trial was due to start.

Bombshell moment Tory MP Natalie Elphicke defects to Labour

Rishi Sunak was hit with a bombshell today as another Tory defected to Labour. Dover MP Natalie Elphicke announced she was crossing the floor just moments before Mr Sunak faced a bruising PMQs session.

Fire breaks out on boat near Guernsey QEII Marina

An onshore lifeboat was launched to the vessel on fire off the coast of Guernsey.

UK to build first advanced nuclear fuel facility in Europe to reduce reliance on Russia

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said it was essential for the UK to build an uranium enrichment plant to 'prise Putin's blood-soaked hands off Europe's energy market'

Russia warns of 'enormous danger' if NATO sends troops to Ukraine

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia said on Wednesday that sending NATO troops into Ukraine would potentially be extremely dangerous, and Moscow was closely watching a Ukrainian petition that called for such an intervention. The petition, posted on the Ukrainian president's website, says Ukraine should ask the United States, Britain and other countries to send troops to help it repel Russia's invasion. "

Ask Duterte to ‘gentleman’s agreement’ probe? Best to get info from horse’s mouth, says Risa

For Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros, it would be best to hear from Rodrigo Duterte himself about the supposed "gentleman's agreement" allegedly brokered by the former president with China. The lawmaker, who has sought a Senate inquiry into the matter, was asked in a press conference if the former president should be invited as a resource person in the hearing. "Hindi ko naman masabing gusto ko silang makita, pero ang trabaho po ng...

Armed police seen in hospital after stabbing

A man in his 30s was rushed to Royal Berkshire Hospital with stab wounds.

Putin's latest plan to kill Zelensky failed

Malta ex-PM charged in sweeping corruption probe

Former Maltese premier Joseph Muscat and current Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne are among dozens of people and companies charged in a hospital privatisation scandal rocking the Mediterranean island nation. Fearne -- previously tipped to be Malta's next European Commissioner -- and former finance minister Edward Scicluna, currently governor of Malta's Central Bank, were also charged with fraud, misappropriation and fraudulent gain.

Russian spy expelled from Britain under crackdown as Vladimir Putin told to stop 'malign activity'

Home Secretary James Cleverly said Russia would respond with 'conspiracy theories and hysteria', and accusations of Russophobia but the UK would not be swayed

Dela Rosa warns Trillanes: Ex-PNP chief tagged in ‘ouster plot’ might beat you up

MANILA, Philippines — Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV has been warned after linking a former police chief in an alleged plot to oust President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. “Sabihan mo si Trillanes na yung former PNP chief na kinausap nya, baka mabugbog pa sya noong former PNP chief na yun. Galit na galit sa kanya,” Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said in an interview over ANC’s Headstart on Wednesday. (Tell Trillanes that the former PNP...

Abalos says Northern Samar barangays now free from communists

Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos on Wednesday said all barangays in Northern Samar are now free from guerilla fronts and communist groups. “These barangays are now CTG-influenced free, wala nang mga guerrilla fronts dito ayon sa Philippine Army (PA),” Abalos said in a press release, noting that the barangays no longer support communist groups. Abalos recently led the distribution of over P160,000 worth of livelihood and financial assistance...

Mactan airport records higher passenger traffic for Q1 2024

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The country’s second busiest airport welcomed close to 3 million passengers for the first quarter this year. Passenger traffic at the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) reached 2,692,815 from January to March 2024. The figures translate to a 19 percent increase compared to the numbers recorded in the same period last 2023. READ MORE: What is a ‘silent airport’ and why is Mactan-Cebu IA doing it? Mactan Cebu airport...

Hontiveros urges release of Ayungin ‘new model’ pact evidence

MANILA, Philippines – The “evidence” allegedly proving that a Philippine army official reached an agreement with China regarding a “new model” on Ayungin Shoal should be made available to the government, Senator Risa Hontiveros said on Wednesday. “Kung meron talaga silang recording at kung meron talaga silang transcript, they should at the least make it available to the government — to the Executive, dahil seryosong claim na naman nila yan ng...

Russian court says US soldier charged with theft causing 'significant' damage

MOSCOW (Reuters) - U.S. soldier Gordon Black, who has been detained the Russian city of Vladivostok until July 2, has been charged with theft causing significant damage, a Russian court said. The detention of Black, who the Pentagon said travelled to Russia without authorization, presents yet another diplomatic headache for the United States, which has warned U.S. citizens against all travel to

Marcos oversees PFP, Lakas-CMD alliance

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday oversaw the signing of an alliance between his political party, Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), and the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD). READ: PFP not aiming to dominate political arena, unity is still key – Marcos Lakas-CMD is the largest faction in the House of Representatives, with 100 members out of the 300-strong lower chamber. On the other hand, PFP boasts a...

‘We pray for everyone’s healing’: University of Southern Mindanao department clears plagiarism issue

A department of the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) said that a former faculty member and her advisee have already reached a “settlement” after the former’s apology letter earned criticism from the online community. The university’s Department of English Language and Literature on Monday shocked Filipinos when it posted a letter from Riceli Mendoza apologizing […]

'Magaling magtimpi': Marcos' restraint on West Philippine Sea issue impresses solon

Bukidnon 2nd district Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores can't help but be impressed by President Marcos' restraint when it comes to the West Philippine Sea (WPS) issue, where the country has typically been on the receiving end of China's aggressive actions. READ: https://mb.com.ph/2024/5/7/magaling-magtimpi-marcos-restraint-on-west-philippine-sea-issue-impresses-solon Subscribe to the Manila Bulletin Online channel! - https://www.youtube.com/TheManilaBulletin Visit our website at http://mb.com.ph Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manilabulletin Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/manila_bulletin Instagram: https://instagram.com/manilabulletin Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manilabulletin #ManilaBulletinOnline #ManilaBulletin #LatestNews

Three taken to hospital after A34 bridge crash

The crash happened at about 21:30 BST on Tuesday.

Catalan separatist leader campaigns over border in France to avoid arrest in Spain

ARGELES-SUR-MER, France (Reuters) - A Catalan separatist leader, running to regain the presidency of the restive Spanish region, is bussing supporters to his election rallies over the border in France because an arrest warrant prevents him from entering Spain. Carles Puigdemont faces arrest in Spain over the crimes of misuse of public funds and disobedience for his role in Catalonia's 2017

Russia unleashes ‘massive’ barrage targeting Ukraine energy infrastructure

Ukraine continues to call for more weapons as Russia seeks to batter industry and resistance.

Investigation as van fire spreads to supermarket

A police cordon was put in place around a city centre Iceland store following the incident.

6-month suspension up against Cebu City mayor, 7 others

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and seven other officials of Cebu City government are placed under preventive suspension for six months. In a 10-page resolution, the Office of the Ombudsman in Manila found sufficient grounds to put the mayor and the seven officials under suspension for grave misconduct, conduct unbecoming of public officer, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, grave abuse of authority, and violation of the Code...

Chinese Embassy dared to show 'new model' recording to PH gov't

The supposed audio recording proving the conversation between a Chinese diplomat and a Philippine military official on the supposed "new model" concerning the West Philippine Sea (WPS) should be made available to the Executive Department, Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros said on Wednesday. In a press conference, Hontiveros pointed out that China has been "waging" information warfare and the Philippines must pursue to "get at the...

Russia dismisses British arson allegations as provocation

MOSCOW (Reuters) - British allegations of Russian involvement in an arson attack in Britain are absurd and part of an information war against Moscow, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday. Zakharova said Russia considered such allegations provocative and never carried out sabotage attacks against civilian targets. She was referring to a case in which Britain last

Ukraine says thwarted Russian-led plot to kill Zelensky

KYIV — Ukraine said Tuesday it had unravelled a Russian plot to assassinate senior Ukrainian political and military figures, including President Volodymyr Zelensky. Two Ukrainian security officials were arrested for their links to the group, which had aimed to carry out high-profile killings ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s inauguration on Tuesday. “The terrorist attack, which was supposed to be a gift to Putin for his inauguration,...

Attempted murder probe after man is injured

A man remains in a critical condition in hospital after suffering a head injury in Basildon.

US paused bomb shipment to Israel over Rafah invasion concerns, official says

The US paused a shipment of bombs to Israel last week over concerns that Israel was approaching a decision on launching a full-scale assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah against the wishes of the US, a senior administration official said on Tuesday.

Abalos denies destabilization plot vs Marcos admin

MANILA, Philippines — “Walang (No) credible threat as of now.” Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. made the statement on Wednesday to dismiss reports of an alleged destabilization plot against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s administration. In a radio interview, Abalos said he was surprised to learn about the alleged destabilization move, adding that the President has the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) “solid” support. READ:...

Estonia summons Russian embassy chief over GPS jamming

HELSINKI (Reuters) - Estonia's foreign ministry has summoned the head of the Russian embassy in Tallinn to protest the jamming of GPS signals, the Baltic country's Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said on X on Wednesday. "Today we summoned Russian charge d'affaires over GPS jamming which is a violation of regulations of the International Telecommunication Union & has caused serious damage to

Chinese warship, 2 other vessels spotted off Batanes during ‘Balikatan’

LAOAG CITY, Philippines — A Chinese warship and two other vessels from Beijing were spotted off Batanes during the conduct of bilateral war games between Manila and Washington. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said that around 10:45 a.m. on May 1, the BRP Melchora Aquino spotted a People’s Liberation Army-Navy vessel of China and two other Chinese-flagged vessels in the vicinity of Itbayat, Batanes, where the Balikatan Exercise was being held....

Police find body in Kirkwall harbour

A lifeboat crew is called to assist at the scene following the discovery at the pier in Orkney.

Russia's biggest airstrike in weeks piles pressure on Ukraine power grid

By Anastasiia Malenko and Pavel Polityuk KYIV (Reuters) -Russian missiles and drones struck nearly a dozen Ukrainian energy infrastructure facilities on Wednesday, causing serious damage at three Soviet-era thermal power plants and blackouts in multiple regions, officials said. Ukraine's air force said it shot down 39 of 55 missiles and 20 of 21 attack drones used for the attack, which piles

Killer's sentence should include jail, court told

Valdo Calocane was given a hospital order after admitting manslaughter by diminished responsibility.

Four arrested for duping young Indian men into fighting for Russia in Ukraine

By Sakshi Dayal NEW DELHI (Reuters) -Indian police said four people linked to a network of human traffickers have been arrested on suspicion of luring young men to Russia with the promise of lucrative jobs or university places only to force them to fight in the war in Ukraine. About 35 Indian men were duped in this manner, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said in March. The four Indian

Admin allies observe Trillanes’ ouster claims now sound like evidence

MANILA, Philippines — The speculations raised by former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on a possible destabilization plot have started to appear as corroborating evidence if the actions of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s critics are considered, a lawmaker said on Wednesday. In a press briefing in Makati, 1-Rider party-list Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez said that while Zambales 1st District Rep. Jefferson Khonghun may have tagged Trillanes as a...

2 nabbed for posing as MMDA enforcers

Two individuals, including a former traffic enforcer of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), were nabbed for allegedly flagging down vehicles while posing as traffic constables last Saturday. In a statement on Wednesday, MMDA said Taguig City Police arrested Tomas Taguinod Jr. And Karl Vincent Moaña. Taguinod is a former MMDA enforcer who was found guilty for extortion and grave misconduct in 2021, which resulted to the...

Ukraine responds to Russia adding Zelensky to its wanted list

Ukraine tycoon Kolomoisky named suspect in decades-old murder attempt

KYIV (Reuters) - Ukrainian authorities suspect jailed tycoon Ihor Kolomoisky of being behind the attempted murder of a lawyer in a corporate dispute more than 20 years ago, the national police said on Wednesday. Kolomoisky, who backed President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in the 2019 election and faces charges of fraud and money laundering, has previously denied any wrongdoing in those cases. His lawyer

Woman wins appeal over cyclist death conviction

A woman whose actions led to the death of a pensioner cycling on a pavement wins a court appeal.

UP Mindanao to offer medicine program in 2025

The University of the Philippines (UP) Mindanao announced on Tuesday that it would open its medical school in 2025. With this development, UP will be the first state university to offer a Doctor of Medicine program in Davao City. UP ranked in the 401–450 bracket in the life sciences and medicine area in the latest Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings by Subject. Aside from the medicine program, the university would also add programs in...

Chad opposition candidate's party condemns 'threats and violence'

Chadian Prime Minister and presidential candidate Succes Masra's party on Wednesday condemned violence and threats against him and his supporters, and alleged electoral fraud this week. The party and the political Justice and Equality Coalition which supports it also denounced "threats and serious violence" targeting their supporters as well as arbitrary arrests since Monday's vote.

Two men injured in crash which closed motorway

The crash closed the northbound carriageway of the M40 in Warwickshire for several hours.

Britain to expel Russian spy amid new fears over Kremlin espionage

James Cleverly told MPs that an 'undeclared' Russian military intelligence officer had been posing as Moscow 's defence attaché and had been told to leave the country.

'Significant arrest' after chop shop inquiry raid

West Midlands Police carried out two raids on Wednesday, in relation to suspected "car cannibalism."

Police cordon on high street after sexual assault

Part of Exeter city centre has been cordoned off after reports of a sexual assault on Wednesday.