News

Laguna solon calls for probe into local police leadership

MANILA, Philippines — San Pedro City (Laguna) 1st Dist. Rep. Ann Matibag has called for a “comprehensive Congressional inquiry” into the local police leadership in every city and municipality, particularly the San Pedro City Police Force. In a statement on Wednesday, Matibag said that she fears the “anomalous assignments and unjust actions coming from a directive given to the police force in her city.” Matibag mentioned a series of “troubling...

Awra Briguela pens open letter almost 1 year after involvement in Poblacion brawl: 'I want to say sorry'

Awra Briguela took to social media to share an open letter she wrote almost a year after being involved in an altercation in Poblacion, Makati City. Awra posted the lengthy message on Instagram dedicated to the "people I've disappointed, to the people who were involved, to the ones who believed in me, and especially to my family." She started her letter by apologizing to her family, especially her parents. "Patawad kung mas pinili kong takbuhan...

UK to expel Russian attache over Moscow’s ‘dangerous activities’

British government terms Maxim Elovik an ‘undeclared military intelligence officer’ as Russia promises to respond.

Iranian Filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison and Flogging, Lawyer Says

Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof has been sentenced to eight years in prison, according to his lawyer. In a post on X, the filmmaker’s lawyer Babak Paknia wrote that Iran’s Islamic Revolution Court sentenced Rasoulof to eight years of imprisonment, flogging, a fine and confiscation of property. The judgment was confirmed in a Court of Appeal […]

Subway project equipment movement to affect 7 NCR roads on May 10-12

MANILA, Philippines — Traffic in several Metro Manila roads from May 10 to 12 will be affected by the transportation of the Metro Manila Subway Project’s (MMSP) tunnel boring machine (TBM) the vicinity of the Camp Aguinaldo Station. The Department of Transportation, in a social media post on Wednesday, said the following roads would be affected from May 10 to May 11, 2024 (10 p.m. to 4 a.m.) and May 11 to May 12, 2024 (10 p.m. to 4 a.m.): Port/...

Woman in critical condition after being hit by car

A man is arrested after a woman in her 40s suffers serious injuries in the collision.

Ex-president Duterte being fed wrong info on Cha-cha, says solon

MANILA, Philippines — House of Representatives Deputy Speaker and Quezon Rep. David Suarez believes former president Rodrigo Duterte is being served with wrong information on many issues and and still insists that Charter change is about extending the term limits of officials. Suarez, in a press briefing in Makati on Wednesday, said this after being asked about Duterte’s latest tirades, where he said that the 1987 Constitution would only be...

Cops tagged in PNP exec’s slay positive for gunpowder

MANILA, Philippines — The two police officers tagged in the killing of a police official in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte early this month have tested positive for gunpowder, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported yesterday. M/Sgts. Aladdin Ramalan and Shariff Balading had traces of gunpowder on their hands, PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said, citing paraffin test results. Capt. Roland Moralde, an administrative officer of the...

Malawians who abandoned Israeli farms deported

They went to Israel as part of a deal to provide agricultural workers after the 2023 Hamas attacks.

Ukraine responds to Russia adding Zelensky to its wanted list

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...

Today's headlines: China's claims, massive gathering in BSP, Bianca Bustamante | The wRap | May 9, 2024

Here are today's headlines – the latest news in the Philippines and around the the world: - China ups ante, says it has audio recording of ‘new deal’ arrangement with PH Wescom chief - Marcos’ Partido Federal, Lakas-CMD forge alliance for 2025 elections - Finally, Supreme Court defines red-tagging as a threat - Hundreds flock to Bangko Sentral to claim ‘hidden wealth’ - Steadily improving, Bianca Bustamante earns maiden podium finish in 2024 F1 Academy https://www.rappler.com/video/daily-wrap/may-8-2024/

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...

Quiboloy camp surrenders 5 guns

MANILA, Philippines — The camp of fugitive Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Apollo Quiboloy has surrendered five of the 19 firearms registered under his name. Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos said Quiboloy’s representatives turned over four handguns and a long firearm. “Iba-ibang kalibre ito... Sana itong gesture na ito na pakikiisa sa batas ay tuloy-tuloy na,” Abalos said in an interview at Camp Crame. Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen....

Thai pro-democracy leader jailed over royal defamation

BANGKOK — A court in Thailand on Wednesday sentenced a prominent pro-democracy activist to three years in jail for royal defamation. Critics say the government has used the strict lese-majeste laws to silence dissent, prosecuting scores under the tough legislation that protects King Maha Vajiralongkorn and his family. Panupong Jadnok, 27, was among the leaders of 2020’s youth-led demonstrations, which saw tens of thousands take to the streets to...

Wife of detained foreigner nabbed for alleged extortion

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Anti-Organized and Transnational Crime Division arrested the wife of a detained Cameroon national after allegedly extorting money from a relative of another detainee in exchange for the latter's release. According to a "24 Oras" report by John Consulta on Wednesday, the suspect was caught after receiving a bag with P1 million marked money in an entrapment operation in Parañaque. Based on the report, the...

7 BuCor officers axed over NBP strip searches

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) yesterday relieved seven officers who are under investigation for conducting strip cavity searches on female visitors of inmates at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa. The Department of Justice (DOJ), which supervises the BuCor, has ordered an investigation into the allegations of “abusive” strip searches by prison guards. Acting NBP Superintendent Ruben Formoso signed the order for...

Pennsylvania man who pointed gun at pastor during sermon now charged with cousin's murder

Bernard Junior Polite is charged with his cousin's murder after pointing at gun at a pastor during a church service in North Braddock, Pennsylvania.

Accused Canadian serial killer trial opens in Winnipeg

Jeremy Skibicki is accused of sexually assaulting and murdering four indigenous women in Winnipeg in 2022.

China embassy’s ‘barking’ violates wiretapping law if claims true — Teodoro

LAOAG CITY, Philippines — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Wednesday said he does not want to dignify China’s “barking” about the purported “new model” on Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal situation. However, if the Chinese embassy’s claim of holding audio evidence of the “new model” is true, Teodoro said its officials violated the country’s wiretapping law. The Republic Act 4200 prohibits recording any private conversation without the...

Go calls on govt to solve drug problem

SEN. Bong Go urged the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to continue the fight against illegal drugs to ensure a safer future for Filipinos."Whatever the approach or attack of the administration now, I support it as long as the important thing is to solve the problem of illegal drugs completely," said Go, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, during a committee hearing on Tuesday.The Senate...

Russia unleashes ‘massive’ barrage targeting Ukraine energy infrastructure

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

PFP, Lakas-CMD alliance is ‘the most powerful political force’ – Romualdez

MANILA, Philippines — Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) President and House Speaker Martin Romualdez called their political party’s new alliance with the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) “the most powerful political force” in the country. PFP — led by Romualdez’s cousin, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.— consists of a sizable number of local leaders in its party. Lakad-CMD, on the other hand, comprises one-third of the members of the House...

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:...

Migrant charity defies Italy over surveillance plane restrictions

ROME (Reuters) - A German rescue charity on Wednesday launched a fresh aerial surveillance mission from Italy to track down migrant boats in difficulty in the central Mediterranean, defying restrictions by Italian authorities. The Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) this week said it was banning small planes used by migrant charities from airports on the islands of Sicily, Pantelleria and

Russia ramps up attacks on Ukraine’s power plants

BBC Verify has been tracking Russia's attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

Russia slams British claims it was involved in London 'arson attack'

Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the accusation that her country was involved was part of an information war against Moscow amdi Putin's on-going war in Ukraine.

Philippines in position to seek 2nd arbitration, says think tank

HONOLULU, Hawaii —The Philippines has the advantage of seeking a second arbitration opposing China’s claims in the South China Sea, according to the Hawaii-based foreign policy think tank Pacific Forum. It should also rally its fellow claimant Vietnam to file a United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) violation case against Beijing, “I think that the Philippines is in a position where it should reintroduce something through...

Hong Kong court bans protest song ‘Glory to Hong Kong’

HONG KONG — Hong Kong’s appeal court on Wednesday banned “Glory to Hong Kong,” a protest song that emerged during the city’s massive democracy demonstrations in 2019. Penned anonymously, its lyrics include the slogan “Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times”, and the song has been all but illegal to sing or play it since authorities crushed the protests and Beijing imposed a national security law quelling dissent in 2020. Wednesday’s...

DepEd to shorten next school year by 15 days

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) will cut the prescribed minimum of 180 school days for the coming school year 2024-2025 by 15 days to ensure that students and teachers are not in classrooms during extreme summer heat by April and May 2025. DepEd Assistant Secretary Francis Bringas said the agency plans to start SY 2024-2025 on July 29 and end it on March 31, 2025, with 165 school days or 15 days short of the 180 to 220...

Pinoys back ‘dual approach’ in West Philippine Sea

MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos continue to support a dual approach of diplomacy and military action in asserting the country’s territorial rights in the West Philippine Sea, according to a survey conducted by the OCTA Research group. The survey, conducted from March 11 to 14 and released yesterday, showed seven in 10 respondents want the Marcos administration to prioritize both diplomacy and military action in addressing issues related to...

Interloper joins ‘Made in China’ mock enemy ship sinking drills

LAOAG CITY, Philippines — A surprise guest joined Wednesday’s sinking exercise here where a “made in China” ship was made the target of naval missiles and airstrikes as part of Manila and Washington’s war games. However, the marine interloper appeared to have no sinister intention, according to Lt. Col. Omad Abdullah Al Assaf, the maritime strike lead planner for this year’s Balikatan. READ: US, PH begin striking ‘Made in China’ mock target ship...

Man wanted for 72 child abuse, sex raps falls

MANILA, Philippines — The third most wanted fugitive in Quezon City, who is facing at least 72 child abuse and sex-related offenses, was arrested by police on Tuesday. Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan said Delfin Dolatre was arrested in Barangay Del Monte at around 2:30 p.m. Dolatre was collared based on a warrant of arrest for violating Republic Act 7610, the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse,...

Expel Chinese embassy execs over phone wiretap – Gibo

MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. called on the Department of Foreign Affairs yesterday to investigate how unnamed people in the Chinese embassy in Manila allegedly recorded a supposed phone conversation between a Chinese diplomat and a top Armed Forces official discussing a so-called new model agreement on rotation and resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea last January. He said if proven true,...

Marcos touts release of COVID-19 frontliners’ emergency allowance

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos highlighted the distribution of the bulk of the pandemic emergency allowance to frontliners in his message for Health Workers’ Day, assuring members of the sector that the government values their service to the nation. “Consistent with our promise, the administration has distributed P59.8 billion or 78.92 percent of the COVID health emergency allowance for our hero frontliners,” Marcos said in a Facebook...

Supreme Court: Red-tagging threatens one’s right to life, security

MANILA CITY, Philippines — The practice of red-baiting or red-tagging is connected to the use of threats and intimidation, putting the labeled individual at risk of enforced disappearance or extrajudicial killing, the Supreme Court said Wednesday. In this situation, the Supreme Court said in a 39-page decision that a writ of amparo becomes necessary. A writ of amparo is a remedy available to any person whose right to life, liberty, and security...

Marcos’ Partido Federal, Lakas-CMD forge alliance for 2025 elections

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s Partido Federal ng Pilipinas and Speaker Martin Romualdez’ Lakas-CMD political parties sign an agreement on Wednesday, May 8, formalizing an alliance for the 2025 midterm elections. Full story: https://www.rappler.com/philippines/marcos-partido-federal-pilipinas-lakas-cmd-forge-alliance-2025-midterms/

'I'm a drug dealer, not a murderer' - defendant

Israar Shah tells a jury he had nothing to do with a shooting outside a house party.

No winners of Grand Lotto 6/55, Megalotto 6/45 on Wednesday, May 8, 2024

There were no winners of either of the big lotto draws held on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. No one hit the right combinations for the Grand Lotto 6/55 or the Megalotto 6/45, drawn by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). The winning numbers for the Grand Lotto 6/55 were 01-39-28-20-07-27. The jackpot is at P39,164,426.00. The winning numbers for Megalotto 6/45 were 04-39-14-20-28-41. The prize is now at P25,542,939.80. There were,...

Man on bike with machete spotted by police drone

A PCSO saw the man and was able to monitor him before officers arrived, police say.

Jaja Santiago says Japanese citizenship bid still ‘in process’

MANILA, Philippines — Jaja Santiago said her Japanese citizenship remains in process and she relished her fruitful experience training as part of Japan’s national women’s volleyball pool. The 6-foot-5 middle blocker, who started her Japanese naturalization bid last year, said her citizenship is still ongoing while receiving help from Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Tats Suzara. “Actually, walang nakakaalam kung nasaan na...

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...

Bato: I’m no destabilizer, not persecuting Marcos Jr.

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate probe on the leak of purported documents from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) is not part of destabilization efforts against President Marcos, Sen. Ronald dela Rosa said yesterday. And despite being a party-mate of former president Rodrigo Duterte, Dela Rosa maintained that he is not in favor of calls to oust Marcos from office. In an interview with “Storycon” on One News, Dela Rosa described...

Mandaluyong City adjusts LGU office hours

MANILA, Philippines — The city government of Mandaluyong announced on Wednesday that it will implement a modified work schedule in all its offices. In an order released by the Mandaluyong City Public Information Office (PIO), and signed by Mandaluyong City Mayor Benjamin Abalos, the local government unit offices will have a 7:00 am to 4:00 pm work schedule starting May 14. “All departments and offices of the City Government of Mandaluyong shall,...

Seven villagers die in DR Congo attack blamed on rebels

M23 rebels have bombed a village in DR Congo's South Kivu province killing seven people and wounding six more, local officials said Wednesday. "A bomb launched by the rebels from Masisi territory fell on Kisongati village in Kalehe territory", on Tuesday said Archimed Karhebwa, the local deputy administrator.

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...

Kenya inks deal to end doctors' strike

Kenya's government has signed a deal with striking doctors, the health ministry announced Wednesday, after almost two months of industrial action that left thousands of patients struggling to find medical care. The eight weeks of industrial action threw Kenya's public hospitals into crisis, running with a skeleton crew as patients scrambled to find treatment in the absence of doctors.

National Museum, Cebu archdiocese to discuss terms of return of Boljoon church panels

The National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) is set to discuss with Cebu church officials the conditions that would be included in an agreement on the return of the panels of Boljoon church. "The Board of Trustees of the National Museum of the Philippines, in its regular meeting held today in Manila, approved a set of recommendations with the objective of returning the Panels to the pulpit of Boljoon church subject to certain terms which are...

Filipinos want military action to resolve sea row

(UPDATE) SEVEN out of 10 Filipinos favor military action and diplomacy in resolving the West Philippine Sea (WPS) issue, an OCTA Research survey said. Results of the first quarter Tugon ng Masa survey conducted from March 11–14, 2024 showed that 73 percent of respondents wanted the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to expand naval patrols and troop presence in the disputed waters. Seventy-two percent said they wanted the dispute...

China says Philippines' denial of deal in alleged phone call 'misled the international community'

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian dismissed a report that China would soon release audio of a call with a Philippine military official that Beijing claims is evidence of a secret deal between the two sides over the disputed islands in the South China Sea. The Philippines’ denial of the deal only “misled the international community, undermined its own credibility and jeopardized peace and stability in the South China Sea,” Lin said, without detailing the conversation of the alleged call. 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