World

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

Russia unleashes ‘massive’ barrage targeting Ukraine energy infrastructure

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

Malta ex-PM charged in sweeping corruption probe

Former Maltese premier Joseph Muscat and current Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne are among dozens of people and companies charged in a hospital privatisation scandal rocking the Mediterranean island nation. Fearne -- previously tipped to be Malta's next European Commissioner -- and former finance minister Edward Scicluna, currently governor of Malta's Central Bank, were also charged with fraud, misappropriation and fraudulent gain.

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...

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.

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.

PM 'deeply concerned' about a full military incursion into Rafah

The Prime Minister says he is 'deeply concerned' about a full Israeli military incursion into Rafah. Rishi Sunak also clarifies that the United Kingdom 'does not directly provide or ship arms' to Israel.

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

'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

Cyclist knocked off bike in crash with van

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

Weir 'regrets division' over Covid school closures

Ex-education minister says Sinn Féin and SDLP ministers were influenced by Irish government policy.

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.

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...

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,...

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...

Appeal after man seriously injured in city centre

Police say investigations at 'an early stage' after a man suffered serious head injuries on Tuesday.

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.

Ask Duterte to ‘gentleman’s agreement’ probe? Best to get info from horse’s mouth, says Risa

For Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros, it would be best to hear from Rodrigo Duterte himself about the supposed "gentleman's agreement" allegedly brokered by the former president with China. The lawmaker, who has sought a Senate inquiry into the matter, was asked in a press conference if the former president should be invited as a resource person in the hearing. "Hindi ko naman masabing gusto ko silang makita, pero ang trabaho po ng...

Ukraine responds to Russia adding Zelensky to its wanted list

Mactan airport records higher passenger traffic for Q1 2024

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The country’s second busiest airport welcomed close to 3 million passengers for the first quarter this year. Passenger traffic at the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) reached 2,692,815 from January to March 2024. The figures translate to a 19 percent increase compared to the numbers recorded in the same period last 2023. READ MORE: What is a ‘silent airport’ and why is Mactan-Cebu IA doing it? Mactan Cebu airport...

'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...

Marcos to revive Uniteam for 2025 midterm polls: Let’s keep united

MANILA, Philippines – For the upcoming 2025 midterm elections, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is hoping to draw on the magic of the Uniteam — his election alliance that helped cinch him the presidency in 2022. During the alliance signing of Lakas-CMD and Marcos’ Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), the President reiterated his goal of ending hunger in the Philippines. Marcos said that the key to achieving such aspirations is to remain united....

Britain to expel Russian spy amid new fears over Kremlin espionage

James Cleverly told MPs that an 'undeclared' Russian military intelligence officer had been posing as Moscow 's defence attaché and had been told to leave the country.

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

Three taken to hospital after A34 bridge crash

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

UK will expel Russian defence attache over 'malign activity'

LONDON (Reuters) -Britain will expel Russia's defence attache, remove diplomatic status from some properties and limit the length of Russian diplomatic visas in response to what interior minister James Cleverly called Moscow's "malign activity". Addressing parliament on Wednesday, Cleverly said Britain was already "an extremely challenging operating environment for Russian intelligence services"

Westfield Stratford evacuated over 'bomb scare'

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

‘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 […]

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.

Russian spy expelled from Britain under crackdown as Vladimir Putin told to stop 'malign activity'

Home Secretary James Cleverly said Russia would respond with 'conspiracy theories and hysteria', and accusations of Russophobia but the UK would not be swayed

Murderer's release rejected days before death

Victor Farrant was given a whole-life sentence for the murder of Glenda Hoskins in 1996.

Investigation as van fire spreads to supermarket

A police cordon was put in place around a city centre Iceland store following the incident.

'Significant arrest' after chop shop inquiry raid

West Midlands Police carried out two raids on Wednesday, in relation to suspected "car cannibalism."

Construction begins on new schools after delays

The site which includes a primary and a secondary school, will welcome its first pupils in 2026.

Armed police seen in hospital after stabbing

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

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...

Four arrested for duping young Indian men into fighting for Russia in Ukraine

By Sakshi Dayal NEW DELHI (Reuters) -Indian police said four people linked to a network of human traffickers have been arrested on suspicion of luring young men to Russia with the promise of lucrative jobs or university places only to force them to fight in the war in Ukraine. About 35 Indian men were duped in this manner, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said in March. The four Indian

Police find body in Kirkwall harbour

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

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...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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.

Russia warns of 'enormous danger' if NATO sends troops to Ukraine

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia said on Wednesday that sending NATO troops into Ukraine would potentially be extremely dangerous, and Moscow was closely watching a Ukrainian petition that called for such an intervention. The petition, posted on the Ukrainian president's website, says Ukraine should ask the United States, Britain and other countries to send troops to help it repel Russia's invasion. "

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:...

Bombshell as Tory MP Natalie Elphicke defects to Labour

Tory MP Natalie Elphicke has defected to Labour, hitting out at the 'broken promises of Rishi Sunak 's tired and chaotic government'.

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

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...