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Catalonia's Puigdemont says pro-independence party close to taking back control of region

By Joan Faus PERPIGNAN, France (Reuters) - Catalonia's former president Carles Puigdemont, who has been living in self-exile since a failed independence bid seven years ago, believes his party is "neck and neck" with Spain's ruling Socialists to win control of the region in an election in May. Puigdemont said that if it failed to do so, he may reconsider his party's critical support for the

SC exec pushes to evolve legal education beyond mere memorization

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Supreme Court Associate Justice Mario Lopez stressed the need for legal education to evolve beyond mere memorization of legal doctrines toward a deeper understanding of the laws’ intricacies and nuances. Lopez, chairman of the 2024 Bar Examination, said lawyers should be “knowledgeable on social realities.” Speaking during the 34th National Convention of the Association of Law Students of the Philippines (ALSP), Lopez...

SC names Navallo as SC chief comms. officer, appoints Ting as spokesperson

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday named its new chief communications officer and first female spokesperson. According to the high court in a statement, multi-platform journalist Atty. Michael “Mike” Navallo will serve as its chief communications officer. Meanwhile, SC Court Atty. Camille Ting will serve as its spokesperson, marking the first time a woman has been appointed to this position. READ: Supreme Court reports...

Remember when Ukraine successfully hit a critical Russian bridge three times?

Villanueva: Japan-PH RAA to go through ratification process

MANILA, Philippines — Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva said the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between Japan and the Philippines will be treated as a treaty needing the Senate’s ratification. Speaking at a Kapihan sa Senado, Villanueva said he received the information from the Executive branch. “It will become a treaty and has to go through the Senate and should be ratified for it to take effect. Again, naalala ko lang kasi ‘yung...

UN says it still faces obstacles in bid to fend off famine in Gaza

By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The United Nations is still struggling to prevent famine in the Gaza Strip and while there had been some improvement in coordination with Israel, aid deliveries in the enclave still faced difficulties, a senior U.N. aid official said on Tuesday. Andrea De Domenico, head of the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in the Occupied

PNP official denies any affiliation with name-dropping EDSA Busway violator

The police official whose name was mentioned by a female motorist after she was caught for using the EDSA Busway, denied he knew the woman and wants to file charges against her. According to a 24 Oras report on Tuesday, Police Major General Mario Reyes said that he was neither related nor acquainted with the woman who identified herself as a “Major Miguel”. “I want to make it clear that this person who introduced herself as Major Miguel of the...

Villanueva sees ‘gentleman’s agreement’ as a Chinese propaganda

MANILA, Philippines — Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva downplayed the so-called “gentleman’s agreement” entered into by former President Rodrigo Duterte with China, calling it a mere propaganda by the Asian giant. READ: China insists ‘gentleman’s agreement’ under Duterte administration “I really believe so — that this is just a plain, simple propaganda of the Chinese government. Look at the ambassador, ‘di ba? Kung anu-ano na naman ang...

DND: Calls to withdraw support from Marcos are ‘futile,’ prosecution likely

MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Tuesday called “futile” any attempts to make the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) turn against the Constitution and the current administration. Teodoro made the statement as Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez urged the AFP to withdraw their support for Marcos peacefully. “The AFP is standing steadfast in upholding the Constitution under the leadership of the Commander in...

Trinidad: 55 Chinese ships spotted in West Philippine Sea

MANILA, Philippines — A total of 55 Chinese ships were monitored within the vicinity of the maritime features in the West Philippine Sea. Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad, Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, on Tuesday said that of the 55 ships, 48 were suspected Chinese maritime militia vessels (CMMVs), six were under the China Coast Guard vessel (CCGVs), while one was from the People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLAN). These were monitored...

Cops nab murder suspect who evaded arrest for 8 years

After eight years of evading arrest, a construction worker was nabbed in Rizal for two counts of murder in 2016. According to a 24 Oras report by Emil Sumangil on Tuesday, the 40-year-old suspect was located after a neighbor reported his whereabouts to authorities. “Ayon sa information, siya’y nakatira malapit din sa mismong address niya talaga… nag-research ang tropa, nagikot-ikot doon, nakakuha ng asset… Natumbok natin,” said CIDG - DSOU chief...

Israeli tanks push back into northern Gaza, warplanes hit Rafah, say residents

By Nidal al-Mughrabi CAIRO (Reuters) -Israeli tanks pushed back into parts of the northern Gaza Strip on Tuesday which they had left weeks ago, while warplanes conducted air strikes on Rafah, the Palestinians' last refuge in the south of the territory, killing and wounding several people, medics and residents said. Residents reported an internet outage in the areas of Beit Hanoun and Jabalia in

Woman charged with murder after two-year-old dies

Shilyrand Charigwati appears in court after a two-year-old is taken to hospital and dies on Sunday.

MCWD ‘drama’: Gwen hits LWUA on ‘politics over water crisis’

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia has called out another national government agency. And this time, her criticisms were directed towards the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA). Garcia hit the government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) in the ongoing organizational crisis that hit the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD). READ MORE: MCWD ‘condemns’ LWUA, City Hall for ‘atrocious disruption’ LWUA-appointed...

Missing student found with face wrapped in tape

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — A female college student who was reported missing on Monday was found alive with her face wrapped in packing tape and her hands and feet tied. Police said the victim is a resident of Barangay Malagutay in this city. The victim was last seen when she went to a photocopy shop in nearby Barangay San Roque. Three unidentified men reportedly forced her into a car then sped toward an unknown direction. Passersby found the...

Australia offers French mall stabbing hero citizenship

Sydney, Australia — Australia’s prime minister on Tuesday suggested a visiting Frenchman who heroically fended off a knife-wielding Sydney mall attacker using only a bollard could be offered citizenship. Damien Guerot has been dubbed “bollard man” and a “hero” of Saturday’s attack that killed six people a wounded a dozen more. READ: Police probe killer’s targeting of women in Sydney mall attack Prime Minister Anthony Albanese singled Guerot out...

Mexican drug lord Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmán claims he can't get calls or visits in a US prison

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico’s once most powerful drug lord, Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán is claiming he cannot get phone calls or visits in the maximum security U.S. prison where he is serving a life sentence. Guzmán, who in the past was able to break out of Mexican prisons seemingly at will, wrote a letter to District Court Judge Brian M. Cogan in the Eastern District of New York in late March, complaining that he hadn’t been able to speak with his...

3 kids drown in Davao City

Three minors died of drowning in the town of Agdao, Davao City. An initial investigation showed the victims — aged 7,4, and 7 — were last seen playing along the shorelines of North San Juan in Barangay Centro on Saturday afternoon. However, their parents noticed they failed to come home, prompting them to report that the minor victims were missing. Their bodies were recovered from the sea after a four-hour search and rescue operations. “Hindi...

Train station rape not as first described - police

There is an "early indication" the circumstances are "not as first described", officers say.

CCTV released after swastikas scratched on cars

The footage shows a man targeting cars on three separate occasions.

IDF Chief of Staff Halevi thanks UK Defense Chief Radakin for interception efforts

IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi spoke with the Chief of the Defense Staff of the United Kingdom, Admiral Sir Antony David Radakin, on Monday, the IDF reported. Halevi thanked Radakin for the British Army's assistance in the joint defensive effort to intercept Iran's attack on Israel in the "Iron Shield" operation. He asked Radakin to convey his app...

Russia's meat grinder soldiers - 50,000 confirmed dead

In the second 12 months on the front line the body count was nearly 25% higher than in the first year.

Chinese nationals nabbed for illegal firearms, attempted bribery in Taguig

Two Chinese nationals were arrested in Taguig City for the alleged possession of high-caliber firearms and attempted bribery. In John Consulta’s 24 Oras report on Tuesday, a team of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) raided the suspect’s residence inside an exclusive subdivision after authorities received information he was concealing illegal firearms. Recovered from the townhouse were several high-powered firearms, ammunition,...

Alcover calls Baclayon, Cebu City Agriculture chief: A ‘liar’

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Cebu City Councilor Pastor “Jun” Alcover continues to stand firm on the removal of Joelito Baclayon from his post as the head of the City Agriculture Department, calling him a ‘liar.’ Last April 11, Baclayon was interviewed by the Cebu City News where he questioned Alcover’s sources of the concerns. READ MORE: City Agriculture head asked to resign over alleged negligence, ‘palpak’ service Cebu City declares state of...

Texas inmate Melissa Lucio's death sentence should be overturned, judge says

HOUSTON (AP) — A judge has recommended that the conviction and death sentence of Melissa Lucio, a Texas woman whose execution was delayed in 2022 amid growing doubts she fatally beat her 2-year-old daughter, should be overturned amid findings that evidence in her murder trial was suppressed. Senior State District Judge Arturo Nelson on Friday approved an agreement between prosecutors and Lucio’s attorneys that found the suppressed evidence,...

Beijing half marathon: Organizers to investigate Chinese runner’s controversial win

Beijing, China—Beijing half marathon organizers said they are investigating a widely shared video online that appeared to show three African runners deliberately allowing China’s He Jie to win. Video clips of Sunday’s race showed the Kenyans Robert Keter and Willy Mnangat, Dejene Hailu of Ethiopia and home runner He approaching the finish. The three African runners can be seen pointing to the finish line and apparently waving He out in front,...

Two arrested as police investigate man's death

Police were called to reports of a "serious ongoing incident" in Bradford on Tuesday afternoon.

Missing boy found after mother's appeal

A missing 15-year-old boy is found after an extensive search and a mum's emotional appeal.

MCWD leadership dispute: LWUA-appointed acting general manager resigns

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Lawyer John Dx Lapid, acting general manager of the Metro Cebu Water District (MCWD) and who was appointed by the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), has resigned from his post. Lapid said he no longer wanted to get involved in the ongoing dispute between current MCWD officials and LWUA because it had already taken its toll on his family. “Kapoy nako. Gikapoy na gyud ko. For me it’s not worth it nga away and...

Russia could outgun Ukraine 10 to 1 in a matter of weeks, US general says

Venezuela closes embassy in Ecuador to protest raid on Mexican embassy there

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro ordered the closure of his country’s embassy and consulates in Ecuador on Tuesday in solidarity with Mexico in its protest over a raid by Ecuadorian authorities on the Mexican embassy in Quito. Maduro and other presidents participating in a virtual meeting of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States expressed their support for Mexico's request to have the United Nations suspend...

Marcos orders DOE to address power situation

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday ordered the Department of Energy to address the energy situation in the country following the red alert declaration of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP). "In light of the recent Red and Yellow Alerts in the Luzon Grid, I have instructed the Department of Energy to closely monitor and coordinate with all stakeholders to address the situation," Marcos said in a post on on X (formerly...

'Iran is in for the long haul' with oil tanker hijacks, expert says, as U.S. considers more sanctions

China's need for Iranian oil rules out Strait of Hormuz closure, but sowing 'chaos' as a strategy and sanctions threats will lead Iran to hold hijacked tankers.

After P13-B shabu seizure, Marcos says no need to change anti-drug strategy

MANILA, Philippines — There is no need to change the government’s anti-drug strategy when law enforcement agencies are able to seize huge amounts of illegal drugs, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Tuesday. During a briefing after checking on the inventory of the crystal meth or shabu confiscated in Alitagtag town of Batangas province, Marcos made this assertion after being asked if the high yield would necessitate a change in the...

Plebiscite creating new BARMM towns bodes well for 2025 polls – BPP

MANILA, Philippines —The peaceful and orderly conduct of the plebiscite in 63 barangays that led to the creation of eight new towns composing the Special Geographic Area (SGA) within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) bodes well for the 2025 polls, according to the Bangsamoro People’s Party (BPP). According to Member of Parliament Amir Mawallil, the BPP is looking forward to the next elections and supports the creation...

Marcos orders government to set standard in conserving energy

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered all government offices on Tuesday to set the standard in conserving energy and minimizing power interruptions. Marcos issued the order in a Twitter post after the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) extended the red alert status in Luzon up to 11 p.m. on Tuesday and the yellow alert in the Visayas up to 9 p.m. “At this time, it is crucial that we all work together to...

Retired general's testimony links private contractor to Abu Ghraib abuses

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — An Army general who investigated the abuse of prisoners 20 years ago at Iraq's infamous Abu Ghraib prison testified Tuesday that a civilian contractor instructed prison guards to “soften up” detainees for interrogations. The retired general, Antonio Taguba, told jurors that the contractor, Steven Stefanowicz, even tried to intimidate the general as he investigated the Abu Ghraib abuses. “He would lean on the table staring...

UK to outlaw creation of sexually-explicit ‘deepfake’ images

London, United Kingdom — The UK government announced Tuesday that it will legislate to criminalize the creation of sexually-explicit “deepfake” images. Anyone found guilty of creating fake sexual images of people without their consent will face a criminal record, an unlimited fine and even jail if the image is widely shared, according to the government. READ: One Tech Tip: How to spot AI-generated deepfake images “It is another example of ways...

Navy says reservist Alvarez should explain ouster call vs Marcos

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Navy on Tuesday said Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez, who is also a Marine reservist, should explain his recent statement urging the military to overthrow President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. The Navy added that it had already directed the 9th Marine Brigade to conduct an investigation and ask Alvarez to explain his statements. The former House speaker is under the rank of colonel in the...

Dog walker's killer still at large two months on

The body of retired groundsman Brian Low, 65, was discovered in Aberfeldy on 17 February.

Russia has a new target and hopes to capture it soon

DOTr mulls raps vs. transport groups for traffic ‘obstructions’ during strike

MANILA, Philippines — Protesters who participated in the two-day transport strike may be held liable for committing traffic violations, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said on Tuesday. According to Bautista, the Department of Transportation observed that the protest was only successful in causing traffic congestion for travelers and motorists. READ: This is not a successful transport strike–DOTr “Kung anuman ang ginawa nilang kasalanan...

Man arrested on suspicion of murder released

Police release a 75-year-old with no further action and are given extra time to question another man.

DMW seeks to classify Strait of Hormuz as high-risk area for seafarers

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is seeking to classify the Strait of Hormuz in the waters off Iran and Oman as a “high-risk” area for seafaring activities. In a statement issued Tuesday, Migrant Workers Officer in Charge Hans Cacdac said this seeks to ensure the safety of Filipino seafarers and all maritime personnel aboard ships traversing the waterway. Cacdac then emphasized that the safety of Filipino seafarers...

Iranian weapons meant for rebel group are on route to Ukraine

Police cordon lifted at alleyway over alleged rape

Officers say they are still making inquiries over the incident.

DOJ chief wants probe to see if Alvarez may be prosecuted for sedition

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla ordered an investigation to determine if Davao del Norte 1st District Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez can be prosecuted for sedition, inciting to sedition, or even rebellion. “As a former lawmaker myself, I would like to remind Congressman Alvarez to act in accordance to the highest standards of ethics, morality, and nationalism, and avoid remarks unbecoming of a member of the House of...

CCPO to launch new police unit to help hasten investigations

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) will be launching a new support unit tasked with aiding general investigators at all 11 police stations in the city in conducting criminal investigations. This announcement was made by Police Lieutenant Colonel Janette Rafter, Deputy Director for Operations of the CCPO, who spoke to reporters on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. According to Rafter, this new police unit will consist of 14...

UN raises over $600 million to boost aid to Ethiopia

GENEVA (Reuters) -The United Nations on Tuesday received financial pledges for about two-thirds of the $1 billion it was seeking to raise to boost humanitarian aid to Ethiopia, which has been hit by conflict, drought and floods. A U.N.-hosted pledging event, organised along with the governments of Ethiopia and the United Kingdom and held at the United Nations in Geneva, is designed to increase

Rishi Sunak tells Israel PM Netanyahu 'calm heads' must prevail

The PM spoke to his counterpart this afternoon after reports the leaders had been unable to find a time to hold the call, with the UK government saying that Netanyahu 'has been very busy'.