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Statue to Tony Blair honours "Tonibler" cult in Kosovo

By Fatos Bytyci FERIZAJ, Kosovo (Reuters) - As sculptor Agon Qosa put some of the finishing touches to a statue of Tony Blair, he thought about what the former British prime minister had done for Kosovo a quarter of a century ago. Qosa and other ethnic Albanians in Kosovo idolise Blair for his leadership role during a NATO bombing campaign in 1999 that halted Serb forces' advances and ultimately

2024-04-16T10:25:47Z

Incoming Singapore PM says incumbent Lee to serve as senior minister in next cabinet - media

(Reuters) - Singapore's prime minister-designate, Lawrence Wong, on Tuesday said the city-state's incumbent leader Lee Hsien Loong would serve as a senior minister in his cabinet after he takes power on May 15. Wong, the current finance minister, said he would announce a new cabinet line-up a few days before he is sworn in as Singapore's fourth prime minister, the Straits Times reported. But he

2024-04-16T09:51:27Z

Luzon and Visayas grids placed under yellow, red alert

MANILA, Philippines — National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) will place Luzon and Visayas grids under red and yellow alerts today, April 16, as several power plants are either offline or running at a reduced capacity. In a statement sent to reporters, NGCP said a red alert will be raised in the Luzon grid from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The yellow alert, on the other hand, will be up from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., 4 p.m. to 6 p.m....

2024-04-16T02:36:28Z

US military to step in if Filipino is killed in attack in West Philippine Sea​ — Marcos

President Marcos on Monday, April 15, made it clear that if any Filipino serviceman would be killed in an attack in the West Philippine Sea, the United States would step in to defend the Philippines. As gray zone operations—or activities that fall short of being called as war—continue in the waters still contested by China, Marcos finally said what would invoke the Philippines' Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) with the Philippines. READ MORE: https://mb.com.ph/2024/4/15/us-military-to-step-in-if-filipino-is-killed-in-attack-in-west-philippine-sea-marcos

2024-04-16T05:03:05Z

55 Chinese vessels monitored in WPS features —PH Navy

A total of 55 Chinese vessels were monitored in different features in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the Philippine Navy said on Tuesday. Philippine Navy spokesperson for the WPS Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad said the following Chinese vessels were spotted in the following areas: Bajo de Masinloc - two Chinese Coast Guard vessels, 24 Chinese maritime militia vessels Ayungin Shoal - one Chinese Coast Guard vessel, five Chinese fishing vessels...

2024-04-16T09:02:18Z

DMW to recommend Strait of Hormuz as 'high-risk area' to protect Pinoy seafarers

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Tuesday said it will recommend the Strait of Hormuz to be classified as a “high-risk area” for seafaring activities following Iran's seizure of an Israel-linked ship in the waterway over the weekend. Officer-in-charge Hans Leo Cacdac said the DMW will make the recommendation to the International Bargaining Forum (IBF), a global platform that brings together the International Transport Workers Federation...

2024-04-16T11:07:35Z

Easter church garden theft 'especially upsetting'

The thief was caught on CCTV taking 12 scaffolding boards from the community garden.

2024-04-16T08:19:37Z

Public school teachers, employees may wear alternative uniforms — DepEd

MANILA, Philippines — Amid high temperatures across the country, public school teachers are allowed to wear collared Department of Education (DepEd) polo shirts. This is according to DepEd on Monday. “Dulot ng mainit na panahon sa buong bansa, pinahihintulutan ang lahat ng DepEd teaching at non-teaching personnel [na magsuot ng alternate uniform],” DepEd said in an advisory. (Due to the high heat nationwide, all DepEd teaching and non-teaching...

2024-04-16T00:57:52Z

Police search for suspected robber 'carrying axe'

Officers say the suspect "acted aggressively to the staff" at a Post Office in Tilbury.

2024-04-16T09:19:14Z

Woman attacked by suspected XL bully dog

Police say the woman needed hospital treatment following the attack in Blackpool on Monday.

2024-04-16T08:04:16Z

Civil servant reveals 40,000 migrants have been left in limbo

Civil servant reveals the government have left 40,000+ migrants in limbo.

2024-04-16T10:32:12Z

Slater refused bail on domestic violence charges

Former Australia batter Michael Slater is refused bail and remanded in custody over domestic violence charges.

2024-04-16T09:15:53Z

DOTr: Traffic unaffected by strike, plans to ‘move forward’ with PUVMP

The Department of Transportation said the two-day transport strike held by PISTON and MANIBELA did not paralyze the flow of Philippine traffic. In a public briefing on Tuesday, Jonathan Gesmundo, executive assistant to Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, said the concerned government agencies are focusing on the next steps of the PUV Modernization Program (PUVMP). “Hindi kami nakatutok on how to respond. It’s more of moving forward kami,”...

2024-04-16T09:02:20Z

Moscow pledges fighter jets and air defenses to Iran amid conflict

A strategic alliance between the two hostile nations has experts fearing Iran is growing in capabilities as it barrels towards war and the crisis in the Middle East deepens.

2024-04-16T06:33:04Z

PBBM warns drug syndicates after PH's biggest illegal drug haul

PBBM warns drug syndicates after PH's biggest illegal drug haul; Biden meets Iraqi PM Amid escalating mideast tensions; Trump arrives at court for the start of jury selection

2024-04-16T09:32:40Z

Greece plans 2 marine protected areas as part of an $830 million environmental protection program

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Greece aims to create two large marine parks as part of a 780-million-euro ($830 million) program to protect biodiversity and marine ecosystems, with the plans to be formally announced at an international oceans conference starting in Athens Tuesday. But the plan has irked Greece's neighbor and regional rival, Turkey, while environmental organizations say the initiative doesn't go far enough, noting that the country also...

2024-04-16T10:39:46Z

Israeli forces vow response to Iran's attack despite calls for restraint

By James Mackenzie JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israelis awaited word on how Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would respond to Iran's first-ever direct attack as international pressure for restraint grew amid fears of an escalation of conflict in the Middle East. Netanyahu on Monday summoned his war cabinet for the second time in less than 24 hours to weigh a response to Iran's massive weekend missile

2024-04-16T09:32:09Z

Iran says any action against its interests will get a severe response

DUBAI (Reuters) - Iran will respond to any action against its interests, President Ebrahim Raisi said on Tuesday, according to the Iranian Student News Agency, a day after Israel warned it will respond to Tehran's weekend drone and missile attack. "We categorically declare that the smallest action against Iranian interests will certainly be met with a severe, widespread and painful response

2024-04-16T06:56:54Z

PH, US eyeing inclusion of Japan in ‘Balikatan’

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and the United States are considering the expansion of their annual “Balikatan” (shoulder-to-shoulder) military exercises to include Japan following the historic trilateral meeting of the leaders of the three countries in Washington last week, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Monday. Marcos welcomed the idea of having Japanese troops participate in the Balikatan war games, carried out under the Mutual...

2024-04-15T22:01:38Z

Panayam kay DFA Usec. Eduardo de Vega kaugnay sa lagay ng mga seafarears na sakay ng MSC Aries na sinalakay ng grupo ng Iran, gayundin ang contingency plan ng pamahaalan

Panayam kay DFA Usec. Eduardo de Vega kaugnay sa lagay ng mga seafarears na sakay ng MSC Aries na sinalakay ng grupo ng Iran, gayundin ang contingency plan ng pamahaalan

2024-04-16T06:10:35Z

Not my duty to apologize for martial law atrocities — PBBM

MANILA, Philippines — For President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., it is not his duty to apologize to the victims of martial law under his father. “I don’t think it’s a duty for a president to be involved, that is a personal matter for the Marcos family,” Marcos said during the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines forum held in Manila Hotel when asked if he’s going to issue an apology on behalf of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. When...

2024-04-15T22:42:41Z

MCWD ‘condemns’ LWUA, City Hall for ‘atrocious disruption’

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Amid the water crisis in Cebu City, the end for the dispute between the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) and the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) remains a blur. In a statement released by the MCWD on Tuesday, April 16, the water district “condemns” for the “brazen actions” taken by the LWUA, its interim board, the Cebu City Hall, and the LWUA-appointed officer-in-charge general manager, Lawyer John Dx...

2024-04-16T03:18:06Z

Rwanda battle ramps up as unelected Lords brace to defy MPs AGAIN

The House of Lords will again debate the Prime Minister's flagship Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill this afternoon.

2024-04-16T09:48:18Z

This is not a successful transport strike–DOTr

MANILA, Philippines — Government officials have downplayed the first of the two-day strike by two transport groups on Monday, saying that no part of the country, particularly Metro Manila, was paralyzed by their protest. But officials of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) also conceded that the government and the two most vocal critics of the public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP) have already reached a deadlock, two weeks...

2024-04-15T21:27:25Z

PBBM admin, inaalam na ang detalye sa umano'y 'secret agreement' ni ex-Pres. Durterte sa China

PBBM admin, inaalam na ang detalye sa umano'y 'secret agreement' ni ex-Pres. Durterte sa China; PBBM, tiniyak na hindi apektado ang bansa sa 'secret agreement'

2024-04-16T05:55:36Z

Muslim student loses school prayer ban challenge

Michaela School in London was challenged over a policy allegedly amounting to a prayer ban.

2024-04-16T10:04:21Z

Man charged with 2013 murder of widow, 86

Police say they have charged David Newton, 69, from Wisbech.

2024-04-16T08:19:17Z

House could vote on Ukraine aid this week, Speaker says

Kyiv has grown frustrated with hold-ups to new US support, as Russia makes steady gains in its invasion.

2024-04-16T10:53:44Z

MPs to vote on cigarettes ban TODAY as Rishi Sunak faces revolt

Dozens of the PM's own MPs are set to oppose the plans to ensure anyone currently aged 15 or younger will never be able to buy a cigarette legally.

2024-04-16T08:18:09Z

Magna Carta of Seafarers pushed amid maritime threats

MANILA, Philippines — Two House lawmakers called for the urgent enactment of the sidelined Magna Carta of Seafarers bill to give mariners greater protection from piracy and other threats at sea, following Iran’s seizure on Sunday of a Portuguese cargo ship with four Filipinos on board in a Middle Eastern waterway. Kabayan Rep. Ron Salo, chair of the House committee on overseas workers affairs, and OFW Rep. Marissa Magsino emphasized the...

2024-04-15T21:42:21Z

Armenia asks World Court to pursue ethnic cleansing case against Azerbaijan

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Armenia on Tuesday urged the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to hold Azerbaijan responsible for what it said was the ethnic cleansing of Armenians from the Nagorno-Karabakh region. "After threatening to do so for years, Azerbaijan has completed the ethnic cleansing of the region and is now systematically erasing all traces of ethnic Armenians' presence," Armenia's

2024-04-16T09:51:29Z

No jails will be built in Masungi Georeserve — BuCor

Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. on Tuesday assured that no prison will be constructed within the Masungi Georeserve in Baras, Rizal. Catapang, however, said a facility for a detachment of forest rangers would have to be built in the area to secure the agency’s jurisdiction. He said there are 20 to 30 hectares of “vacant spaces” within the area that may be used. “The bureau with proper coordination with the...

2024-04-16T10:14:40Z

Ex-ES Vic Rodriguez urges Marcos to undergo 'credible' drug test

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr's former executive secretary, Atty. Vic Rodriguez, on Tuesday urged him to undergo a "credible hair follicle drug test" in order to put an end to allegations that he is an illegal drug user. Rodriguez made the statement when asked about Marcos' remark in January that he would not dignify inquiries on his alleged illegal drug use. "That's not dignifying, it's heeding the call and the clamor of the Filipino...

2024-04-16T05:01:59Z

Stabbing victim found after police appeal

Police appealed for help to find Owen Sharp following an attack in St Paul's Street.

2024-04-16T10:04:22Z

Driver arrested three times over drink-drive limit

Police are urging people not to drink-drive after three arrests are made in one weekend.

2024-04-16T09:49:13Z

'Bollard Man' who saved kids during Sydney stabbing offered Australian citizenship

Aussie PM Anthony Albanese said French construction worker Damien Guerot, who showed 'extraordinary bravery' in confronting the Bondi Junction attacker with a bollard, is welcome to stay in the country 'as long as he likes'.

2024-04-16T09:06:42Z

Singapore FM warns of 'bleak' future for ASEAN, Indo-Pacific if SCS tensions rise

Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan on Tuesday warned of a “bleak” future for Southeast Asian nations and the Indo-Pacific region if the ongoing tensions in the South China Sea escalate into a full-blown conflict. Balakrishnan, currently in Manila for an official visit, said the spike in tensions in the contested waters would put the region’s economy at stake, threatening devastating inflationary impact, an increase in insurance...

2024-04-16T11:07:36Z

Kidnap accused was 'just a tourist from China'

Tianfu Guo, 35, has told a court he was sightseeing and not part of a plot to kidnap a businessman.

2024-04-16T05:49:09Z

Cameroon museum honors oldest sub-Saharan kingdom

FOUMBAN, CAMEROON — To enter the Museum of the Bamoun Kings in western Cameroon, you have to pass under the fangs of a gigantic two-headed snake—the highlight of an imposing coat of arms of one of the oldest kingdoms in sub-Saharan Africa. Thousands of Cameroonians gathered in the royal palace square in Foumban on Saturday to celebrate the opening of the Museum of the Bamoun Kings. Sultan King Mouhammad Nabil Mforifoum Mbombo Njoya welcomed...

2024-04-15T21:46:36Z

China ship stalks PH survey vessel

MANILA, Philippines — A Chinese coast guard vessel has been tailing an ongoing hydrographic survey of Philippine flagged vessels near Bajo de Masinloc (also called Panatag or Scarborough Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea. In a press conference on Monday, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela, said a China Coast Guard (CCG) ship, with tail No. 5303, has been “monitoring and tailing” the BRP Hydrographer Ventura of the...

2024-04-15T22:01:36Z

Tensions rise in Australia after a bishop and priest are wounded in a knife attack in a church

SYDNEY (AP) — A teenager has been accused of wounding a Christian bishop and priest during a church service in a second high-profile knife attack to rock Sydney in recent days, leaving communities on edge, leaders calling for calm and a besieged church urging against retaliation. The 16-year-old was overpowered by the shocked congregation at Christ the Good Shepherd Church after he allegedly stabbed Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel and Fr. Isaac Royel...

2024-04-16T06:55:03Z

Australia says Assyrian church stabbing was terrorist act

By Renju Jose and Lewis Jackson SYDNEY (Reuters) -Australian police on Tuesday said a knife attack on an Assyrian church bishop and some followers in Sydney was a terrorist act motivated by suspected religious extremism, as the country reeled from a second stabbing incident in three days. At least four people were wounded in the attack, including Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel of the Assyrian Christ

2024-04-16T07:46:58Z

Bishop to gov’t: Ensure safety of Pinoy crewmen on ship seized by Iran

A Catholic bishop urged the Philippine government to ensure the safety of Filipino seafarers who were among the crew of a container ship seized by Iranian forces in the Persian Gulf over the weekend. “We trust our government officials for necessary diplomatic assistance and assurance to exhaust all means to bring them safely home,” Bishop […]

2024-04-16T07:52:08Z

Afghan man in UK fears for family's deportation

He tells the BBC his family are considered enemies by the Taliban after helping British forces.

2024-04-16T08:34:20Z

IDF Chief of Staff Halevi thanks UK Defense Chief Radakin for interception efforts

IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi spoke with the Chief of the Defense Staff of the United Kingdom, Admiral Sir Antony David Radakin, on Monday, the IDF reported. Halevi thanked Radakin for the British Army's assistance in the joint defensive effort to intercept Iran's attack on Israel in the "Iron Shield" operation. He asked Radakin to convey his app...

2024-04-16T10:59:04Z

Philippines' Marcos says 'not one person died' as police make huge drug bust, in dig at predecessor

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Tuesday police seized the largest haul of methamphetamine in the country in years without anybody being killed, in a subtle criticism of his predecessor’s notoriously deadly crackdown on illegal drugs. Police seized nearly 1,630 kilograms (1.8 tons) of methamphetamine Monday from a van and arrested its driver at a checkpoint in Alitagtag town in Batangas province south of...

2024-04-16T06:18:37Z

Ukraine says it 'ran out of missiles' to stop Russian strike ruining power station

(Reuters) - A lack of air defense missiles prevented Ukraine from thwarting a Russian missile attack last week that destroyed the biggest power plant in the region around the capital Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said. Zelenskiy's comments, which follow repeated warnings from his government to its allies about scarce air defences, reflect the dire situation Ukraine finds itself in as Russia

2024-04-16T10:46:41Z

US envoy to UN urges Russia, China not to 'reward' North Korea's bad behaviour

By Hyunsu Yim PANMUNJOM, South Korea (Reuters) - The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations urged Russia and China on Tuesday to reverse course, and stop rewarding North Korea's bad behaviour and shielding it from sanctions evading activities over its weapons programs. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield made the remarks during a visit to the Demilitarized Zone, a heavily fortified border between

2024-04-16T07:16:16Z

Negros execs slam local Church try to veto NIR revival

BACOLOD CITY — Local government officials of Negros have defended plans to revive the Negros Island Region (NIR) amid the request of the Diocese of Dumaguete for President Marcos to veto it. Rep. Manuel Sagarbarria of Negros Oriental’s 2nd district said consultations about the NIR had been done for the past decade contrary to what the local church claims. “Are 10 years of consultations not enough time? This (NIR push) has been going on for the...

2024-04-16T02:57:31Z

Alvarez says Marcos support withdrawal call is not seditious

MANILA, Philippines — Davao del Norte 1st District Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez said his call for the country’s police and military to withdraw their support from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. cannot be deemed seditious. According to the former speaker of the House of Representatives, his appeal is not the same as advocating a coup-d’état style of withdrawing support from the current administration because “ it was done in a peaceful and orderly...

2024-04-16T01:57:26Z