News

Ukraine PM warns of Third World War if Russia wins

Denys Shmyhal tells the BBC his country desperately needs the US to pass a long-stalled foreign aid bill.

Women’s bodies being turned into ‘battlegrounds’—UN

GENEVA, Switzerland — Women’s bodies have become political “battlegrounds,” putting at risk 30 years of progress on sexual and reproductive health for women and girls, the United Nations warned on Wednesday. Though maternal mortality rates and unwanted pregnancy rates have been steadily falling, progress is now slowing or even flatlining on key measures, said the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the UN’s sexual and reproductive health...

PH on China's 'bloc' allegation: 'Tension of region well known to all'

MANILA, Philippines: It is China's excessive maritime claims and aggressive behavior, including its militarization of the South China Sea (SCS), that raise tensions and undermine peace and stability in the region and not any "exclusive grouping." The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) stressed this in response to China's claim that the trilateral summit involving the Philippines, the United States, and Japan last April 11 "introduced bloc...

Sydney shopping mall reopens after stabbings. Police make first arrest in riot after church attack

SYDNEY (AP) — A Sydney shopping mall opened to the public on Thursday for the first time since a mass stabbing i n which six people died, while the Australian prime minister raised giving citizenship to an immigrant security guard who was wounded while confronting the knife-wielding attacker. The deadly rampage through Westfield Bondi Junction on Saturday was the earlier of two knife attacks by lone assailants over three days that have...

Catholic bishops back Senate probe on mining, quarrying

MANILA, Philippines — Caritas Philippines, the social action arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), is supporting Sen. Risa Hontiveros’ call for a Senate investigation on the environmental and social impact of mining and quarrying activities nationwide ahead of the observance of Earth Day on April 22. San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, vice president of Caritas Philippines, pointed to the critical need to address the...

Japan 'two-faced' for seeking closer ties while warning of China threat, Chinese state media says

BEIJING (Reuters) - An editorial in a Chinese state-controlled newspaper on Thursday admonished "two-faced" Japan for inaccurately portraying it as a regional security threat while chasing more stable bilateral ties, warning of Chinese measures if Tokyo acted recklessly. In his address to the U.S. Congress last week, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida called China's military actions "an

Philippines, US forces to train retaking island in joint drills

MANILA — Philippine and U.S. forces will simulate retaking enemy-occupied islands during joint military drills starting next week in areas facing Taiwan and the South China Sea as Manila shifts its focus to external defense. The annual “Balikatan” or “shoulder-to-shoulder” drills, which will run from April 22 to May 10, will involve 16,700 soldiers who will train […]

Trilateral pushback against China

Stripped of diplomatic verbiage and despite disclaimers to the contrary, there is no question the cooperation agreement entered into recently by the Philippines, the United States, and Japan is directed at China. While it is true that the leaders of the three countries discussed infrastructure and investment plans, e.g., the Luzon Economic Corridor and Open Radio Access Network programs in the Philippines, the principal objective of that...

Tsunami alert after devastating volcanic eruption rocks nation

Indonesian stratovolcano Mount Ruang, in North Sulawesi Province, has erupted spectaularly five times in 24 hours.

Comelec looks set to hit goal of 3M new voters

MANILA, Philippines — Less than three months after it started accepting applications, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said on Wednesday that more than 2 million people have registered to become voters—more than two-thirds of its targeted 3 million new voters for the 2025 midterm polls. In a Viber message to reporters, Comelec Chair George Erwin Garcia said that as of April 16, a total of 2,082,744 registration applications had been...

Solomons' PM contender vows to abolish China security pact

A leading contender to become the Solomon Islands' next prime minister has vowed to rip up a security pact with China, as the Pacific nation began counting votes Thursday in a pivotal general election. With vote counting already under way, Kenilorea's comments highlight the stakes for Solomon Islands and the South Pacific region.

Solon wants clarity in Bukidnon clash

MANILA, Philippines — Gabriela party list Rep. Arlene Brosas on Wednesday slammed the Armed Forces of the Philippines over the circumstances surrounding the death of a New People’s Army (NPA) leader in Bukidnon province, calling it an extrajudicial killing in violation of international humanitarian law. In a statement, Brosas pointed out that the body of Kaliska “Kal” Peralta, 33, bore signs of torture and abuse, which were concealed because...

Police arrest six, seek three others in Canada's largest gold heist

By KyawSoe Oo and Ismail Shakil BRAMPTON, Ontario (Reuters) - Canadian and U.S. authorities said on Wednesday six people have been arrested and three more are being sought in connection with what they called the largest gold heist in Canadian history -- a cargo of over C$22 million ($16 million) in gold and currency. The suspects, including two Air Canada employees, forged an airway bill to

Solon hits Alvarez’ anti-Marcos ‘free speech’ stand: It’s an excuse

MANILA, Philippines — Former Speaker and Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez’s “freedom of speech” defense in calling for the withdrawal of support from the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R.Marcos Jr. is just an excuse, according to Camiguin Rep. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo. Romualdo said this as he lauded Justice Secretary Jesus Remulla’s decision to look into Alvarez’ controversial remarks, which authorities are still...

EU to tighten Iran sanctions after Israel attack

The expanded penalties target companies involved in the production of drones and missiles.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh loses another close relative days after three sons killed by IDF

The nephew of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has reportedly been killed in an Israeli bombardment in Gaza just a week after the chief was told his three sons were killed in an Israeli air strike

Marcos calls for PH-wide energy-saving measures

MANILA, Philippines — Electricity supply problems continue to hound Luzon and the Visayas as more than 30 power plants remain shut or are running below capacity due to intense summer heat being made more unbearable by the El Niño dry spell. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has urged the public to adopt energy-saving measures to cut electricity consumption as power supply problems continued to hound Luzon and Visayas on Wednesday after more than 30...

Canada and NATO have a big problem and its Canada’s fault

AFP asking 3 agencies for info on Sino students in Cagayan

MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines will ask other government agencies to shed light on the reported influx of Chinese students in Cagayan province, after two lawmakers expressed apprehensions that they already pose a national security concern. The AFP spokesperson, Col. Francel Padilla, said the military would ask for more information from the Bureau of Immigration (BI), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the...

Meat plant throws away 1.8 tonnes of food

More than 1.8 tonnes of meat was thrown away earlier this month, a government minister confirms.

Another clarification from DepEd: No need to buy alternate uniform

MANILA, Philippines — Teachers and nonteaching staff do not need to buy collared shirts that they can wear as alternate uniforms for summer, the Department of Education (DepEd) said on Wednesday. Michael Poa, DepEd spokesperson and undersecretary, told reporters that the agency’s April 11 memorandum on optional “comfortable clothing” amid rising temperatures nationwide said that any collared shirt used in the agency’s previous activities could...

The Russian Orthodox Church declares ‘holy war’ against Ukraine and the West

Natalie Barr demands answers about the threats Australia faces

The Albanese government has been pressed by Sunrise host Natalie Barr for answers.

'Turd that can't be polished': SNP MP's blistering Commons rant about Rwanda bill

'I will vote against it at every opportunity because it is despicable.'

Most Americans think Trump really has committed crimes

X working with Pakistan govt to 'understand concerns' over ban

Social media platform X said Thursday it would work with Pakistan's government "to understand its concerns" after authorities insisted an ongoing two-month ban was based on security grounds. "We continue to work with the Pakistani Government to understand their concerns," X's Global Government Affairs team posted, in their first comments since the site was disrupted.

A sellout of our sovereign rights

There are undisputed facts that must be at the front and core of the ongoing debate over our conflict with China on the Ayungin Shoal. These incontrovertible facts should also be at the center of the ongoing word war between the Marcos and Duterte camps on the issue. Among these undisputed facts include the narrative that follows: Ayungin Shoal (also known as Second Thomas Shoal) is inside our 200 nautical miles exclusive economic zone (EEZ). In...

Police bust cyber gang accused of industrial-scale fraud around the world

Police bust cyber gang accused of industrial-scale fraud around the world - Law enforcement agencies, including the Metropolitan Police, have arrested 37 suspects across the UK and around the world

Senate comment sought on Quiboloy’s petition to block arrest order

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The Supreme Court has directed the Senate to comment on the petition for certiorari and temporary restraining order (TRO) being sought by televangelist Apollo Quiboloy in relation to the upper chamber’s inquiry on alleged cases of human trafficking, rape, sexual and child abuse against the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader. At a media forum in Baguio City on Wednesday, Supreme Court spokesperson Camille Ting said...

NGCP says Visayas grid to be on red alert until Wednesday night

MANILA, Philippines — The Visayas grid has been placed under red alert until Wednesday night, said the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP). In an advisory, the NGCP said that the red alert started at 5 a.m. and will extend until 9 p.m. The high alert status was caused by reduced output from Mindanao to Visayas (or the Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection Project) after two power plants — GNPK 2 and SMCPC U2 — tripped. “Manual load...

Calls grow to probe Chinese influx as nat’l security issue

MANILA, Philippines — Calls to look deeper into activities, transactions and settlements tied to the influx of Chinese nationals into the country are growing louder in the House of Representatives. Members of the Makabayan minority bloc on Wednesday sought an investigation into reports that Philippine military personnel were being recruited as online analysts by Chinese firms posing as Western companies with American military affiliations. In...

Swans in Grimsby protected from attacks by CCTV

The nesting birds are protecting seven eggs in Grimsby town centre, say wildlife volunteers.

US envoy to the UN vows support for families of Japanese who were abducted and taken to North Korea

TOKYO (AP) — America stands with Japan until all the Japanese abducted by North Korea decades ago return home to end their painful separation, United States ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield said Thursday in Tokyo. Japan says North Korea abducted at least 17 Japanese citizens, possibly many more, to train them as agents during the 1970s and 1980s. Twelve remain missing. They include teenage students and others living along...

NATO is working to make sure Trump won't be a problem for Ukraine

Scots warned over introduction of right-to-die laws

Nearly 45,000 Canadians have ended their lives under the country's right-to-die scheme, fuelling fears over the introduction of similar laws in Scotland.

3 Mindanao towns under state of calamity due to El Niño

KORONADAL CITY, SOCCSKSARGEN, Philippines — Three towns in Mindanao have been placed under a state of calamity due to the impact of the El Niño weather phenomenon in farming-dependent local economies there. The local governments of the towns of Paglat and Datu Piang in Maguindanao del Sur province, and Surallah town in South Cotabato province declared the state of calamity as the prolonged dry spell destroyed farms and disrupted irrigation...

DOH, nagpaalala sa publiko laban sa mga sakit na posibleng makuha ngayong mainit ang panahon

DOH, nagpaalala sa publiko laban sa mga sakit na posibleng makuha ngayong mainit ang panahon

Vote counting starts in Solomon Islands as China, US trade barbs

Vote counting was under way Thursday in the South Pacific's Solomon Islands, a contest keenly watched from afar as China's efforts to stamp its mark on the region are tested. Hand counting the paper votes is only the start of an arduous electoral process.

Ombudsman sacks BFAR chief over P2-B transmitter deal

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman has dismissed the head of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) after finding him guilty of grave misconduct in connection with the 2018 purchase of a monitoring system for fishing vessels that proved to be disadvantageous to the government. BFAR National Director Demosthenes Escoto was meted the penalty for his role in what state prosecutors described as an “anomalous scheme” in...

Ex-AFP chief urges Asean members to support PH fight vs China’s aggression

MANILA, Philippines — A former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief is urging other Southeast Asian countries to support the Philippines in its fight against China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Former AFP chief Emmanuel Bautista noted that while several of its western allies supported the Philippines, no other Southeast Asian nation has expressed similar sentiments so far. Bautista said that only 21 countries expressed...

PCSO Lotto Draw Results, April 17, 2024 | Grand Lotto 6/55, Mega Lotto 6/45, 4D, 3D, 2D

Here are the winning lotto combinations of the lotto draw results for the 9 p.m. draw on Wednesday, April 17.

MCWD water deficit now affects 50,000 households

CEBU CITY, Philippines – As the internal political strife surrounding the Metropolitan Cebu Water District or MCWD continues, the shortage of water faced by residents has also persisted. Currently, the water deficit in the MCWD has now reached 50,000 cubic meters per day. This equates to 50,000 households experiencing water supply issues, with each household facing a shortage of one cubic meter. READ MORE: Water crisis escalates in Cebu City:...

PH-US-Japan triad: An alliance of ‘equals’?

For the first time since the end of the Cold War, the Philippines is the focal point of a new security arrangement in the Indo-Pacific. This is an upgraded alliance whose benefits go beyond an “ironclad” commitment to defend each other in case of an attack. The first trilateral summit between United States President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and President Marcos at the White House on April 11 marked the end of the siloing...

Alvarez may be delisted as Marine reservist after Marcos ouster call

MANILA, Philippines — Davao del Norte 1st Dist. Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez may be delisted as a Marine reservist after urging the Armed Forces of the Philippines to withdraw its support for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., according to AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla. “In terms of the laws of the AFP, in our policy, we have the Articles of War that can handle it, and he can be separated from the service and delisted,”...

Sales Road sinkhole patched up; only light vehicles allowed

MANILA, Philippines — The sinkhole along Sales Road in Pasay City has been patched up by the Department of Public Works and Highways-South Manila District Engineering Office (DPWH-SMDEO), “Maintenance team of the DPWH-SMDEO conducted asphalt overlay to the newly paved road earlier today,” the DPWH said in a statement. Sales Road has been open to light vehicles since 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday. “Motorists are advised that only light vehicles are...

Lorry driver 'safe and well' after M56 blaze

One lane on the eastbound carriageway of the M56 remains closed following the fire near Frodsham, Cheshire.

Probe surge of Chinese nationals near Edca sites—Rep. Barbers

MANILA, Philippines — Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers is urging concerned government and law enforcement agencies to investigate the surge of Chinese nationals near Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca) sites and other major seaports and airports nationwide. Barbers, who chairs the House committee on dangerous drugs, said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) “should be held responsible and...

A Ukrainian ally is sending Kyiv F-16s for deep strikes into Russia's rear

Indonesian volcano eruption forces evacuations, airport closure

JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesia shut a provincial airport and evacuated hundreds of people from the vicinity of the Ruang volcano after it belched explosive plumes of lava, rocks and ash for days, officials said on Thursday, declaring the highest alert on the situation. Wednesday's dramatic eruption of the volcano on a remote island in the province of North Sulawesi threw a fiery-red column of lava

China's Wang meets Jokowi, Indonesian president-elect Prabowo

China's top diplomat met Indonesian President Joko Widodo and his successor Prabowo Subianto on Thursday as Beijing seeks to boost its regional influence. Wang also met Indonesian foreign minister Retno Marsudi earlier on Thursday before visiting Widodo, more popularly known as Jokowi, at the presidential palace and then Prabowo at the defence ministry.