News

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

By Gleb Garanich and Anastasiia Malenko KYIV (Reuters) - Russian missiles and drones struck nearly a dozen Ukrainian critical infrastructure facilities in a major airstrike early on Wednesday, causing serious damage at three Soviet-era thermal power plants, Kyiv officials said. The air force said it shot down 39 of 55 missiles and 20 out of 21 attack drones used in the attack, which piles more

Russia says it will target French troops if they are sent to Ukraine

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia warned France on Wednesday that if President Emmanuel Macron sent troops to Ukraine then they would be seen as legitimate targets by the Russian military. Macron caused controversy in February by saying he could not rule out the deployment of ground troops in Ukraine in the future. The French leader warned that if Russia wins in Ukraine then Europe's credibility will be

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...

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.

'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

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un mourns death of propaganda chief

Kim Ki Nam, one of the longest-serving North Korean officials has died. North Korea leader Kim Jong Un visited the bier of Kim to pay tribute 'with bitter grief over the loss of a veteran revolutionary who had remained loyal'.

Vatican to publish new document on Marian apparitions next week

ROME— The Vatican’s doctrine office will publish a new document next week on discerning Marian apparitions and other supernatural events. The Holy See Press Office announced on Tuesday that Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, the prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF), will unveil new norms for discernment regarding “apparitions and other […]

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...

Three taken to hospital after A34 bridge crash

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

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....

Cyclist knocked off bike in crash with van

Police appeal for information after a crash between a bicycle and a van in Guernsey.

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...

Tayabas City back to on-site school classes with limitation

LUCENA CITY – On-site classes at all levels in public and private schools in Tayabas City in Quezon have resumed on Wednesday, May 8, but with some limitations. “It is highly recommended that the conduct of highly essential activities shall be held indoors and in the early part of the day or later in the afternoon when the temperature is bearable and that all other safety precautions under ‘Extreme Caution Level Heat Index’ are followed,” Mayor...

Ex-Pres. Duterte slams revocation of permit to hold peace rally in Dumaguete

Former President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday cried foul over the revocation of their permit to hold a peace rally in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, saying Malacañang could be behind it, Balitanghali reported on Wednesday. “Nakakagalit, nadaanan ko ‘yung Freedom Park, ‘yun sana ang gusto namin. Nagpunta kami rito, nanghingi kami ng permit, binigyan kami,” said Duterte. “But nu’ng araw na dumating kami, binawi ‘yung permit at sinarhan ‘yung...

'Death of Zelensky was supposed to be gift for Putin's inauguration'

Vladimir Putin (71) took the oath of office as president of Russia on Tuesday. It marks the start of his fifth six-year term at the head of the Kremlin. In his speech, Putin emphasized that Russians as a "great and united people" would emerge stronger together from this "difficult period". "Together we overcome these obstacles (...), together we will overcome," the 71-year-old Russian politician said. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelensky, for...

PH-US troops 'assault' mock enemy ship in Ilocos Norte

Philippine and United States forces conducted a maritime strike exercise targeting a mock enemy ship on the west coast of Ilocos Norte on Wednesday as part of their Balikatan Exercises, the Philippine Navy said. In a statement, the Philippine Navy (PN) said its Fast Attack Interdiction Crafts (FAIC) initiated the first strike against the target, the decommissioned vessel BRP Lake Caliraya, using a non-line of sight missile. BRP Jose Rizal...

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...

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.

Westfield Stratford evacuated over 'bomb scare'

Westfield Stratford evacuated over 'bomb scare' - The item was found to be non-suspicious

US and Philippine forces sink a ship during largescale drills in the disputed South China Sea

LAOAG, Philippines (AP) — U.S. and Philippine forces, backed by an Australian air force surveillance aircraft, unleashed a barrage of high-precision rockets, artillery fire and airstrikes Wednesday and sank a mock enemy ship as part of largescale war drills in and near the disputed South China Sea that have antagonized Beijing. Military officials and diplomats from several countries watched the display of firepower from a hilltop along a sandy...

‘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 […]

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,...

How they celebrated VE Day, almost 80 years ago

Victory in Europe Day, or VE Day, marks the formal acceptance by the Allies of Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender of its armed forces on May 8, 1945. On that day almost 90 ago, grand celebrations took place in Britain, France, the United States, and other countries as nearly six years of war ended. The numbers of those who took part in the festivities are fast dwindling. Fortunately, a comprehensive photographic record exists of that momentous occasion, images that capture the overwhelming joy, delight, and relief on that extraordinary day. Click through the following gallery and relive VE Day, when the war in Europe ended.

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.

Trauma counselling for jurors in distressing cases

Jurors who hear distressing court cases are to receive counselling in a pilot scheme at 15 courts.

Police find body in Kirkwall harbour

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

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...

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:...

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.

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...

Chinese warships have been docked in Cambodia for 5 months, but government says it's not permanent

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Cambodia's Defense Ministry insisted Wednesday that the months-long presence of two Chinese warships in a strategically important naval base that is being newly expanded with funding from Beijing does not constitute a permanent deployment of the Chinese military in the country. Questions had arisen after the Center for Strategic and International Studies reported last month that two Chinese corvettes that docked at...

India arrests four for duping young men into fighting for Russia in Ukraine

Arrests come two months after investigators conducted raids across 13 locations in India and detained several people.

Japan, Sweden to join civilian WPS mission

Private individuals and embassy personnel from Japan and Sweden are expected to join the second civilian mission to the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on May 14 to 17, its organizer Atin Ito Coatition said Wednesday. “For now, we have some guests from the embassy joining the convoy and a handful of people joining the guests,” Atin Ito co-convenor and Akbayan president Rafaela David said in a press conference. “So far, we have two confirmed from...

Pakistan court orders jail for wife of former PM Imran Khan, lawyer says

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) -A court in Pakistan granted on Wednesday a request by the wife of former Prime Minister Imran Khan to shift to jail, her lawyer said, instead of house arrest ordered by the government because of security concerns. Bushra Bibi, detained at Khan's hilltop mansion in Islamabad since the couple's January conviction on charges of illegally selling state gifts, had challenged the

Notable People who died in 2024

Factbox-How Ukraine is keeping the lights on under Russian fire

By Olena Harmash KYIV (Reuters) - Russia launched a barrage of missiles and drones at Ukraine on Wednesday, hitting nearly a dozen energy infrastructure facilities across the country, in the latest in a string of attacks on the power sector over the past two months. Here is an overview of Ukraine's worsening energy situation since Russia's February 2022 full-scale invasion. DAMAGE Ukraine's

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

Israel says reopening key Gaza border point as it steps up Rafah attacks

Israeli forces also pound central Gaza as negotiations continue in Egypt for a ceasefire in the enclave.

Hong Kong court bans protest anthem, saying it can be used as a weapon

By Jessie Pang HONG KONG (Reuters) -Hong Kong's Court of Appeal on Wednesday granted an application by the government to ban a protest anthem called "Glory to Hong Kong", overturning a lower court judgment that had rejected such a ban because of its possible "chilling effects" on free speech. The ruling comes amid what critics say is an erosion in Hong Kong's rule of law and individual rights

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

Armed police seen in hospital after stabbing

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

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.

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...

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...

Russia launches a 'massive' missile and drone attack on Ukraine's energy facilities

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian forces unleashed a nighttime barrage of more than 50 cruise missiles and explosive drones at Ukraine’s power grid Wednesday, targeting a wide area in what President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called a “massive” attack. The bombardment blasted targets in seven Ukrainian regions, including the Kyiv area and parts of the south and west, damaging homes and the country's rail network, authorities said. Three people, including an...

Ukraine responds to Russia adding Zelensky to its wanted list

Balikbayan box with P56M shabu intercepted at Manila port

A balikbayan box from Thailand was intercepted at Manila International Container Port (MICP) after authorities found P56.3 million worth of shabu, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) said on Wednesday. According to the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Services (CIIS), the balikbayan box was misdeclared to contain household items, shoes, and motor parts. The CIIS was prompted to conduct an inspection after they received “derogatory information”...

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...

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.

Ailing Cuban migrants rescued after weeks at sea

CIUDAD VICTORIA, Mexico — Four emaciated and dehydrated migrants were rescued by Mexican fishermen more than a month after leaving Cuba on a flimsy raft with several others who died at sea, authorities said. Two of the survivors remained hospitalized Tuesday in Mexico’s northeastern state of Tamaulipas due to what immigration authorities called “severe dehydration.” According to testimonies given to Mexican officials and a Cuban diplomat, who...