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Chinese 'swarm' forming in WPS

(UPDATE) CHINA'S maritime militia has been repositioning its ships in preparation for "swarming" maneuvers in the West Philippine Sea. Ray Powell, director of SeaLight, a maritime transparency project that monitors and reports activities in the South China Sea, said on Friday at least 20 large militia ships moved south. Powell said based on the automatic identification system (AIS), two groups of eight vessels headed to the Spratly Islands,...

Ukraine downs Russian strategic bomber after airstrike kills eight, Kyiv says

By Tom Balmforth and Anastasiia Malenko KYIV/DNIPRO, Ukraine (Reuters) -Ukraine shot down a Russian strategic bomber 300 km (185 miles) from its border on Friday after the warplane took part in an airstrike that killed at least eight people, including two children, in the central Dnipropetrovsk region, Kyiv said. Missiles rained down on the city of Dnipro and the surrounding region in the early

Police want to trace man who helped rape victim

The man in the CCTV footage is believed to be the individual who helped the woman get to safety.

PCG to send 6 ships to ‘Balikatan’ drills with US, allies

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will send six ships for the upcoming “Balikatan” (shoulder-to-shoulder) exercises with American and other troops in Philippine and international waters starting next week. Rear Adm. Armand Balilo, PCG spokesperson, announced Thursday that the agency will join “joint interoperability exercises” with the Philippine Navy, United States, Australia, and France from April 22 to May 10. READ: Another first: PCG to...

Three California police officers charged in 2021 death of man in custody

(Reuters) -California prosecutors announced involuntary manslaughter charges against three police officers for the 2021 death of a man in their custody, reversing the outcome of a previous investigation that had cleared the officers. The officers in Alameda, California, pinned Mario Gonzalez, 26, to the ground for about five minutes before he became unresponsive during an arrest on April 19, 2021

Pagcor names new president, COO

MANILA, Philippines — State-run Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) has welcomed its first woman president and chief operating officer (PCOO). Lawyer Wilma Eisma recently took her oath before executive secretary Lucas Bersamin and officially assumed the role of PAGCOR’s PCOO. This came three months after Juanito Sanosa Jr. resigned as PAGCOR PCOO in January. PAGCOR chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco said Eisma would be a great asset to...

Couple jailed after admitting child neglect

John Cowley and Brooke Carr told police they were "pure lazy", court hears.

Dela Rosa hits China’s ‘hyping up’ remark: Buti sana kung mabait sila

MANILA, Philippines— China has no right to dictate to Filipinos, especially those who questioned the influx of Chinese students in Cagayan province, Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said on Friday. According to the former police chief, it is only normal for Filipinos to cast doubt on China, considering its actions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). “Alam mo, dapat ang ayusin nila muna yung mga actions nila, para hindi magiging kaduda-duda on our...

Ukraine has created a new unit dedicated to demining the country

Police arrest man in Paris Iran consulate incident, threatened to blow himself up

French police arrested a man who had threatened to blow himself up at Iran's consulate in Paris, police said on Friday. A police source had told Reuters the man was seen at about 11 am entering the consulate, carrying what appeared to be a grenade and explosive vest. The man exited the consulate and was being searched by special police forces and w...

'Predator' sexually assaulted woman walking home

Alazar Yohans attempted to kiss the victim in a bar before following her across town, police say.

First Lady on Imee: I am just the ‘out-law’

MANILA, Philippines — After admitting her relationship with Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte has soured, First Lady Liza Marcos also hinted at tension with her sister-in-law Sen. Imee Marcos. In an hour-long interview with broadcaster Anthony Taberna aired on YouTube early yesterday, the First Lady said the last time she talked to the senator was last Christmas. Asked why the senator seemed not to be defending her brother...

The US attempts a new military deal with Niger in a last ditch effort to stay

DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — The United States is attempting to create a new military agreement with Niger that would allow it to remain in the country, weeks after the junta said its presence was no longer justified, two Western officials told The Associated Press Friday. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation, said Washington was actively working on options for a revised deal aimed at retaining its...

Gangsters jailed over dancefloor shooting in Hackney

Gangsters jailed over dancefloor shooting in Hackney - The dead gunman was a ‘core member’ of the 67 gang from Brixton Hill

The Opium Wars that devastated China

The Opium Wars of the mid-19th century were fought between the Western powers and the Qing dynasty, which ruled China from 1644 to 1912. Two wars took place, both fought essentially over the illegal trade of opium and the expansion of territory claimed by the British in the region. In the eyes of many scholars, the conflict marked the end of China's isolation and the beginning of modern Chinese history. But the price paid was heavy. So, what exactly were the Opium Wars? Click through for an explanation and timeline of events.

Woman loses cellphone to 'punas-tissue' in Batangas City

A woman in Batangas City lost her cellphone to a fellow jeepney passenger who told her she had dirt on her shoulder. According to Raffy Tima's report on "State of the Nation," the victim realized that she already lost her phone when music on her earbuds played at full volume She said she checked her phone in her bag but saw it was no longer there. "Ayun, nakababa na," she was told by the passenger beside her. The suspect had gone down the jeep...

2 children found dead hugging each other in Cavite fire

Two children tragically lost their lives after they were trapped inside their burning house in Silang, Cavite on Thursday. The victims, aged 3 and 4, were found hugging each other when their remains were recovered in Barangay Biluso, according to a report on “24 Oras” on Friday. An investigation showed the mother briefly left the siblings to gather wood but when she returned, their house was already engulfed in flames. The fire also gutted a...

Ukraine: CIA warns it could lose war this year without fresh aid

The CIA chief warned Thursday that Ukraine could lose the war to Russia by the end of this year unless the United States sends more military aid. The grim warning by Bill Burns came as the US House of Representatives is scheduled to vote Saturday on a $61 billion aid package for Ukraine that has been held up for months by Republican lawmakers allied with Donald Trump as he seeks reelection. READ MORE: Russian missile barrage on Ukraine city...

Zubiri, NZ PM agree on need for free Indo-Pacific region to spur economy

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon have agreed that maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region would be key to improving the economies in Southeast Asia and its partners. In a statement, Zubiri said among the things discussed during his meeting with Luxon on Friday were the pursuit of deeper engagement between the two countries in terms of economy and security,...

Alleged murder victim 'knew about husband's affair'

Carol Morgan told her cousin about the affair in a phone call, a trial hears.

Only 400 Chinese students in Cagayan – BI

MANILA, Philippines — There are only 400 Chinese students in Cagayan province, contrary to reports that 4,600 had enrolled in a local private school, possibly to serve as spies for the Chinese military. The Bureau of Immigration (BI) made the clarification in response to calls from some lawmakers for an investigation on the “influx” into Cagayan of thousands of Chinese to study in St. Paul University in Tuguegarao City. Cagayan Gov. Manuel...

People smugglers jailed for trying to sneak 9 migrants OUT of the UK

Tarik Slimani, 47, and Italian national Driss Hasska, 54, were spotted by officers meeting at a bus stop in Kent on the evening of August 4 last year.

Death threats reported days before mother stabbed

The IOPC says officers received reports of threats against Kulsuma Akter before she was killed.

NATO secretary-general says some allies have air defense systems they could give to Ukraine

BRUSSELS (AP) — NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Friday pressed member countries to give more Patriot missile systems to Ukraine as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy repeated Kyiv's almost daily appeals for more Western air defense equipment. “NATO has mapped out existing capabilities across the alliance and there are systems that can be made available to Ukraine,” Stoltenberg told reporters after an online meeting of defense ministers...

‘Non-opposition’ Duterte: If Vice President Sara becomes president…

MANILA, Philippines — After lambasting President Marcos in several Hakbang ng Maisog prayer rallies, former president Rodrigo Duterte has declared that he does not oppose the Marcos administration. “I am not an opposition. I am also not against Marcos,” Duterte said in his speech at the founding anniversary of Brgy. Pandaitan, a former rebel infested barangay in Davao City. Duterte explained that he did not support Marcos during the last...

When words, actions speak loud: Duterte’s honeymoon with China

MANILA, Philippines—“I would say ‘this is ours and do what you want with me’.” This was the declaration of Rodrigo Duterte in 2016, less than a month before he was elected as president of the Philippines. At that time, he said that should China disregard the decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), which was still pending then, he would ride a jet ski to the West Philippine Sea (WPS) to assert what is “ours”. It came on as a strong...

Teacher admits manslaughter of man found in garden

Fiona Beal goes on trial, accused of murdering her partner "in cold blood".

Armenia and Azerbaijan agree on ‘historic’ return of villages

Azerbaijan had demanded the return of the four villages as a condition for a peace deal after decades of conflict.

Canadian tagged in Batangas drug haul

MANILA, Philippines — A manhunt is underway for a Canadian linked to 1.4 tons of shabu with an estimated street value of P9.68 billion seized at a police checkpoint in Alitagtag, Batangas on Monday. Joint police teams raided yesterday a house rented by the foreigner in Barangay Natipuan in Nasugbu, but the suspect was not around. The operation was based on a search warrant issued by a local court for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the...

French police detain intruder at Iranian consulate in Paris

French authorities Friday detained a man suspected of entering the Iranian consulate in Paris and falsely claiming to be armed with an explosive vest, police and prosecutors said. No explosives or arms were found on the man or the premises after he surrendered to police following the incident.

President Marcos to PNPA graduates: Nation first before self

MANILA, Philippines — Police officers should put the nation above self, President Marcos said yesterday. “Taumbayan bago ang sarili,” Marcos told new graduates of the Philippine National Police Academy in his address before Layag-Diwa Class of 2024 at the PNPA. He also told the graduates that being digital natives, they should do “smart policing” and take advantage of technology to combat crime and protect communities. “Most of you were born...

Liza Marcos on avoiding VP Sara: 'I'm not a hypocrite'

First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos said she had been avoiding Vice President Sara Duterte to show her resentment after the latter's father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, called President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. "bangag" or high on drugs. According to Ivan Mayrina's report on "24 Oras," the First Lady said she took offense when she saw the Vice President laughing over the former President's remark at a rally in Davao City in late January....

NGCP seeks resolution of cases hampering Tuy-Dasmariñas project

MANILA, Philippines — The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) is pushing for a “speedy court resolution” of cases delaying the completion of a transmission line project in Dasmariñas, Cavite. The country’s sole power transmission operator has filed expropriation cases against several defendants who claimed interest over the properties affecting 16 of the 135 towers under the Tuy-Dasmariñas 500 kilovolt (kV) transmission line project....

‘Here we go again’: Women fearful in wake of Sydney attack

The stabbing rampage at a busy Sydney shopping centre has left many - particularly women - uneasy.

Teacher strikes called off after behaviour talks

The NASUWT will meet officials from Haven High Academy for talks about pupil behaviour.

Camp John Hay to unleash full potenial – Go

Following SC decision MANILA, Philippines — The recent decision of the Supreme Court (SC) resolving the legal dispute between the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and its lessee CJH Development Corp. (CJHDevCo) is expected to enable the development of the John Hay Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Baguio City to its full potential, according to Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go. Go...

Ex-police officer jailed for sharing scene images

While serving as a PC, Wood sent images from investigations to his family and friends via WhatsApp.

Two men seriously injured in stabbings

Ambulance crews are called twice in seven minutes to streets a short distance apart, the service says.

Murder arrest after woman found dead

A 60-year-old man remains in police custody, Nottinghamshire Police said.

Woman in her 70s dies in Londonderry crash

The collision involving two cars occurred on the Limavady Road on Thursday afternoon.

‘No reclamation allowed within Laguna de Bay’

MANILA, Philippines — Reclamation activities within Laguna de Bay have not been issued any permits or clearances, according to the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) yesterday after photos were taken showing the extent of ongoing reclamation in the lake. “We are actively engaged in legal actions contesting ownership claims in the area, particularly where reclamation and backfilling activities have been reported,” the LLDA said in a...

Nato pledges more advanced air defences to Ukraine

Kyiv has long been pressing for hi-tech Patriot systems to defend against deadly Russian attacks.

China to US: Respect our sea rights, sovereignty

MANILA, Philippines — The Chinese defense minister reportedly talked with his US counterpart early this week to relay Beijing’s appeal to Washington that it respect China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in the South China Sea, saying President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden have a shared commitment to improving bilateral relations. The Chinese embassy said the video conversation between Chinese defense minister Admiral Dong...

Columbine school shooters glorified by young followers: Inside the scary online obsession

Twenty-five years after the Columbine shooting, young people who weren't born when it happened are glorifying the killers on social media platforms.

Man jailed for 10 years for rape of two girls

A south Scotland man has been jailed for 10 years after being convicted of raping two young girls.

New prison policies following death of inmate

More guidelines to identify vulnerable Isle of Man prisoners have been introduced, inquest hears.

Rumbling sounds not from Mt. Pinatubo, Zambales townsfolk told

SAN MARCELINO, Zambales — The local government here reassured residents on Friday, April 19, that the deep rumbling sounds they have been hearing the past two days were not from Mt. Pinatubo. The San Marcelino Public Information Office (PIO) clarified that the noises were not related to any blasting or mining activities in the town. It said the municipal disaster risk reduction and management office had reached out to the authorities from Capas...

UNAP grants Human Rights Award to outstanding Pinoys

MANILA, Philippines — The United Nations Association of the Philippines (UNAP), a 76-year-old non-government organization, has granted the Human Rights Award to four Filipinos who contributed significantly to the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in their respective fields. The granting of the awards by UNAP national president Ramona Ines Bustamante Raneses and UNAP global chapter president Roderick Cruz was...

Detained ex-Karabakh leader on hunger strike: son, lawyer

A former top Russian banker detained in Azerbaijan after leading the Armenian separatist administration in Nagorno-Karabakh has gone on hunger strike, his son and lawyer said on Friday. "My father... has been on hunger strike since April 5 to demand the release of all Armenian prisoners," his son David Vardanyan told AFP, adding he was "very worried" about his health.

Bloody Sunday families criticise PPS Bloody Sunday perjury decision

Regarded as one of the darkest days of the Troubles, 13 people were killed when paratroopers opened fire on a crowd taking part in a civil rights march in Londonderry on January 30, 1972.