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Former Senator Rene Saguisag dies

MANILA, Philippines — Human rights lawyer and former senator Rene Saguisag has died, his family confirmed on Wednesday. In a statement posted on his son Rebo Saguisag’s Facebook page, the former lawmaker’s death is being mourned by his loved ones, recalling the “impact of his legacy.” “We are grateful that, in his final months, he was able to spend time with relatives, friends and countless supporters. He passed away knowing that he was much...

Tuguegarao Mayor speaks up on issue of alleged influx of Chinese students in Cagayan

Tuguegarao Mayor speaks up on issue of alleged influx of Chinese students in Cagayan

Fears UK could face Cava shortage due to drought in Catalonia

Consumer experts now fear the drought that has gripped Catalonia in the last four years will hit supplies in the UK and cause prices to be hiked.

‘I want to make up for mistakes’: The Russian POWs fighting for Ukraine

Ex-Russian troops have been recruited to fight for anti-Kremlin militias that say they are aiding Ukraine’s war effort.

AFP spots 124 China vessels around WPS ahead of ‘Balikatan’

MANILA, Philippines — A total of 124 Chinese vessels, including three warships, appeared in various parts of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) in what a Philippine Navy official called an “out of the normal” deployment ahead of the annual “Balikatan” exercises which began on Monday. According to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the three warships of the People’s Liberation Army Navy were seen on Monday in the vicinity of Pag-asa Island, about...

Former Labour minister and Lord Frank Field dies aged 81

Frank Field, a former Labour minister has died aged 81, "He will be mourned by admirers across politics but above all he will be greatly missed by those lucky enough to have enjoyed his laughter and friendship."

Shipyards Convention sparks maritime innovation

THE Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) and Shipyards Association of the Philippines (ShAP) held the 3rd National Shipyards Convention on April 16 to 17 in Cebu City to share insights, best practices and technological advancements in shipbuilding/ship repair (SBSR) and maritime operations. Transportation Undersecretary for Maritime Elmer Francisco Sarmiento emphasized the transformative impact of Marina's Maritime Industry Development Plan...

UN rights chief 'horrified' by mass grave reports at Gaza hospitals

By Emma Farge GENEVA (Reuters) -U.N. rights chief Volker Turk said on Tuesday he was "horrified" by the destruction of the Nasser and Al Shifa medical facilities in Gaza and reports of mass graves containing hundreds of bodies there, according to a spokesperson. Palestinian authorities reported finding hundreds of bodies in mass graves at Nasser hospital in Khan Younis this week after it was

Shop worker 'not the same' after knifepoint robbery

Being threatened with the weapon by Ian Gant "changed who I am" she tells a court.

House assures poultry sector to review agri-related laws

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives has vowed to review laws relating to agriculture, after a representative from the poultry industry complained that enforcement of provisions that could have been helpful to farmers and growers have been weak. In a press briefing on Tuesday, Elias Jose Inciong of the United Broiler Raisers’ Association (UBRA) asked House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo...

Couple gunned down in Cavite

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines – A man and his partner were killed in a gun attack along Molino 3 Road in Bacoor, Cavite yesterday. Rey Gonzales, 54, who had a barbecue business, and his partner Elvie Cariño, 46, a business owner, died at the scene. The two were in a tricycle on their way to Zapote market when they were shot. Police are eyeing robbery as the motive for the killing because the money of the victims amounting to P40,000 was...

Bishop urges gov’t to expedite jail decongestion amid extreme heat

MANILA, Philippines — The Catholic Church’s prison ministry arm on Tuesday called on the government to expedite the decongestion of jails amid the increasing heat index across the country. According to Commission on Prison Pastoral Care (ECPPC) chairman bishop Oscar Jaime Florencio, relevant agencies should prioritize decongesting jails due to the overcrowding in correctional facilities. READ: Overcrowding in Bilibid stands at 358 percent, says...

China to send three astronauts to Tiangong space station, part of its ambitious program

JIUQUAN SATELLITE LAUNCH CENTER, China (AP) — China's space agency is making final preparations to send a new crew to its space station on Thursday as part of its ambitious program that aims to put people on the moon by 2030. The three-member crew of the Shenzhou-18 spacecraft will relieve the current team who have been manning China’s Tiangong space station since last October. China built its own space station after being excluded from the...

State of calamity in Guimaras, Negros Or. towns due to El Nino damage

MANILA, Philippines — A state of calamity has been declared in San Lorenzo, Guimaras and Mabinay, Negros Oriental, due to the adverse effects of the El Niño phenomenon. In an advisory from the Department of Energy (DOE), it also said that a price freeze for household liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene will be in effect in the two municipalities. “Thus, a price freeze for household Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in cylinders (11 kg and...

Australian counter terrorism force arrests seven teenagers after Sydney bishop stabbing

By Lewis Jackson SYDNEY (Reuters) - An Australian counter terrorism team arrested seven teenagers on Wednesday linked to a boy charged with a religiously-motivated terror attack on a Sydney bishop and questioned another five people. Police said a team of more than 400 police and security personnel were involved in the operation, which arrested associates of a 16-year-old boy charged with a

Pictured: Rishi Sunak's Rwanda deportation bill by numbers

Nearly 80,000 migrants have arrived across the English Channel since Boris Johnson unveiled the scheme in April 2022.

Body of Canadian dad missing after he dies in Cuba

His family is demanding answers from Canadian officials after they were sent back the wrong body.

America's best public high school is revealed

US News and World Report, the global authority in education rankings, has announced the nation's top 100 schools from nearly 18,000 eligible institutions.

How £75 billion defence spending pledge will fire up Britain's forces

The Army, the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force will share the desperately needed cash, meaning the services no longer have to cut capabilities.

Mega Millions winning numbers for April 23 drawing: Jackpot climbs to $202 million

The Mega Millions jackpot climbed to $202 million after the April 23 drawing. Did anyone win Tuesday's jackpot?

INQToday: Marcos says VP Sara to stay as education chief

Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories: Marcos says VP Sara to stay as education chief President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said that Vice President Sara Duterte will stay as the Secretary of Education despite calls for her resignation. Lawmakers from the House of Representatives have cast doubt on Duterte’s capacity to oversee the country’s education system. Bongbong: Liza’s beef with Sara ‘won’t affect our working relationship’...

Sunak Commits UK to Spending 2.5% of GDP on Military by 2030

Rishi Sunak pledged to increase defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by end of the decade, as the prime minister seeks to ease concerns at home and abroad about the level of investment in the British armed forces.

Ukraine wants to destroy the Crimean Bridge but how could they do it?

Pagasa forecasts heat indices in 30 areas to reach ‘danger’ level

MANILA, Philippines — The heat index in 30 areas, including the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) in Pasay City and Science Garden in Quezon City, were forecast to reach the “danger” level on Wednesday, the state weather bureau warned. Based on the prediction of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) as of 5 p.m. on Tuesday, these areas are: Central Bicol State University of Agriculture...

Five migrants have been killed after attempting to cross the Channel

Five migrants have been killed after attempting to cross the Channel from France. The tragedy, which included teh death of a child, happened hours after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Rwanda bill passed through Parliament.

Baltimore says ship in bridge wreck was 'unseaworthy'

The city lawsuit says the vessel had "an inconsistent power supply" before it slammed into the span last month.

Senators mourn passing of Saguisag

MANILA, Philippines: Senators, led by Senate President Juan Miguel, joined the nation in mourning the passing of former senator Rene Saguisag. Zubiri said Saguisag possessed an "unwavering commitment to justice and fairness for every Filipino," which was evident in his initiatives such as the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG). He said that although Saguisag's tenure in the Senate was brief, he significantly impacted Filipinos' lives. He...

Quiboloy’s gun permit revocation may be approved this week —PNP

The decision on the recommendation to revoke the gun permits of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy will be issued this week, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Wednesday. “I don't want to preempt po yung magiging decision ng PNP, but ang Chief PNP po natin ay pag-aaralan po ito. May mga legal officers po ang PNP,” said PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum. (I don't want...

New MCWD acting general manager appointed by LWUA

CEBU CITY, Philippines — A new officer-in-charge general manager (OIC GM) in the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) has been appointed. On Monday, April 22, the interim board of the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), has chosen Joselito Thomas Baena, a lawyer, to be the MCWD’s OIC GM, replacing lawyer John Dx Lapid who recently resigned from his appointment. READ MORE: MCWD leadership dispute: LWUA-appointed acting general manager...

Spain sets up fund for victims of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy

MADRID (Reuters) -Spain is to set up a fund, to be financed largely by the Catholic Church, to compensate an estimated 440,000 victims of decades of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy, staff or teachers, the justice minister announced on Tuesday. A report in October by Spain's human rights ombudsman produced the estimate from a survey of 8,000 people. It recommended the creation of a state fund,

Ukraine’s agriculture minister suspected of corrupt land grab

Mykola Solsky promises ‘maximum openness’ in probe into illegal acquisition of state-owned land.

Go chides DSWD execs for alleged ‘selective’ cash aid payout

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Tuesday fumed at officials of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for allegedly being “selective” in the implementation of one of its cash aid programs and using it for politics. At the receiving end of his ire were DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian and his office’s Regional Director Marie Angela Gopalan. “Totoo ba na bawal banggitin ang aking pangalan pero sa ibang politiko...

PH-US officials seek more coordination amid South China Sea row

MANILA, Philippines — “Strengthening coordination on challenges in the South China Sea” was discussed by United States (US) and Philippine officials when they convened in a 3+3 meeting on Wednesday. In a media note, the US Department of State said the meeting was attended by senior officials of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Defense, National Security Council, as well as their counterparts in the US. READ: Biden...

Four men not guilty over Frome coach crash

They were accused following the crash in 2022 of using of a vehicle in a condition likely to cause injury.

Share of electricity from gas and coal hits hour-long record low of 2.4%

Share of electricity from gas and coal hits hour-long record low of 2.4% - The new low for fossil fuels’ contribution to British grid lasted for an hour at lunchtime on April 15, Carbon Brief analysis shows.

DoLE, DMW laud FAME on its 50th anniversary

THE Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) recognized the contributions and initiatives of the Filipino Association for Mariners' Employment Inc. (FAME) as the latter celebrated its 50th anniversary on Thursday, April 18. Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma lauded FAME for its consistency in employing Filipino seafarers. "For years, Filipino seafarers have been vital in driving global trade, travel...

Wild camper loses tent after dusk walk

Mountain rescuers said the teenager was "embarrassed" but it was a "learning experience".

Saudi Arabia launches desperate bid to drum up cash for mega city

Two mirror-encased skyscrapers extending 106 miles across the Saudi desert known as 'The Line' are supposed to have a population of one million by 2030 but are on track for just 300,000

DMW: Contract verification, documentary processing for Canada OFWs

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has issued an advisory mandating all Filipino migrant workers bound for Canada to undergo contract verification and documentary processing. DMW’s Advisory No. 9 defines a Filipino migrant worker as someone who is to be engaged, is engaged, or has been engaged in remunerated activity in a country of which he or she is not an immigrant, citizen, or permanent resident or is not awaiting...

What the papers say – April 24

What the papers say – April 24 - A range of stories features on the front page of the nation’s newspapers.

1930s cinema to be given new lease of life

A community church is planning to restore the Art Deco Curzon cinema building to its former glory.

Prison deaths had 'massive impact' on staff

Isle of Man authorities say 10 prison officers left the service after the deaths of three inmates.

Russia to step up strikes on Western weapons in Ukraine

MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russia will intensify strikes on Ukrainian storage bases that house Western-supplied weapons, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Tuesday, as the United States prepares to approve and deliver a long-delayed batch of new military aid. In remarks to defence officials, Shoigu said Russia had "dispelled the myth of the superiority of Western weapons" and its forces had gained the

Pro-Palestinian encampments spring up on more US college campuses

By Jonathan Allen and Kanishka Singh NEW YORK (Reuters) - Pro-Palestinian students have set up tent encampments at more campuses across the U.S. to protest Israel's incursion into Gaza, after mass arrests at similar demonstrations at a handful of mostly East Coast colleges in recent days. The expanding protests include plans by a coalition of Jewish groups opposing Israel's actions to close the

Marcos urged to help Bukidnon indigenous groups to reclaim ancestral lands

Amnesty International on Wednesday urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to direct the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to help the Manobo-Pulangiyon of Bukidnon to reclaim their ancestral lands. Amnesty International Philippines Director Butch Olano said the community was composed of around 1,490 families. “We call on President Marcos to personally instruct the AFP and other agencies of government to install the Monobo-Pulangiyon community...

Chinese sellers go to TikTok school to reach buyers abroad

Donning hijabs and floor-length abaya gowns over shorts and tank tops, Chinese students at an e-commerce school perform into a smartphone camera as they learn how to sell the clothes to overseas TikTok users. It is the final day of a two-week course on selling products abroad via the short video app -- which despite being blocked in China is a platform more and more Chinese vendors are turning to.

Sunak says latest Channel deaths prove Rwanda flights MUST start soon

The Prime Minister spoke after the latest tragedy struck the morning after his plan to start the flights to Kigali finally became law.

Ukrainian officials thank the US for its latest military aid to help stop Russia's onslaught

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian officials on Wednesday expressed thanks for a fresh batch of U.S. military aid that threw Kyiv’s armed forces a lifeline in their more than two-year war with Russia, even though the vital new supplies aren’t expected to have an immediate impact on the battlefield. Ukrainian troops have faced acute shortages of shells and air defense systems as political quarrels in Washington held up the aid for months, allowing...

Tennessee lawmakers pass bill allowing teachers to carry guns in schools

Tennessee lawmakers on Tuesday passed a bill that would allow the state's teachers to carry concealed handguns at school, as protesters yelled their opposition from the gallery. The bill was approved in a 68-28 vote in the Republican-dominated Tennessee House. The state's Senate passed the bill earlier this month. Tennessee has seen heated debate o...

Turner Prize shortlist includes art showcasing Scottish Sikh community

Glasgow-born Jasleen Kaur is one of four artists nominated for this year's prestigious art award.