Entertainment

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....

Peace starts with Palestine’s UN membership

On May 10, all member states should vote to admit the State of Palestine as the 194th member of the United Nations.

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...

Policy changes backed by legislature needed to transform gov’t – Marcos

MANILA, Philippines— President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday said that policy changes are needed to transform the government. During the alliance signing of Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) and Marcos’ Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) in Makati City, Marcos said that the executive branch would not be able to change everything on its own. “Kailangan palitan natin talaga ang patakbo ng pamahalaan. Kailangan natin palitan...

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.

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...

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:...

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...

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...

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...

Armed police seen in hospital after stabbing

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

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...

Armed groups committing atrocities in Mali: HRW

Mali is plagued by armed groups, making swaths of territory ungovernable, and UN peacekeepers have been kicked out.

Chad opposition candidate's party condemns 'threats and violence'

Chadian Prime Minister and presidential candidate Succes Masra's party on Wednesday condemned violence and threats against him and his supporters, and alleged electoral fraud this week. The party and the political Justice and Equality Coalition which supports it also denounced "threats and serious violence" targeting their supporters as well as arbitrary arrests since Monday's vote.

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

By Anastasiia Malenko and Pavel Polityuk KYIV (Reuters) -Russian missiles and drones struck nearly a dozen Ukrainian energy infrastructure facilities on Wednesday, causing serious damage at three Soviet-era thermal power plants and blackouts in multiple regions, officials said. Ukraine's air force said it shot down 39 of 55 missiles and 20 of 21 attack drones used for the attack, which piles

Anguish as Kenya demolishes flood-prone homes, offers $75 in aid

NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya’s government has begun bulldozing homes built in flood-prone areas and promising evicted families the equivalent of $75 to relocate after a deadline passed to evacuate amid deadly rains. In the capital, Nairobi, a bulldozer ripped through iron-sheet walls as people watched in despair. Security forces with guns and batons stood guard and fired tear gas at some residents. The government last week told thousands of people...

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.

Catalan separatist leader campaigns over border in France to avoid arrest in Spain

ARGELES-SUR-MER, France (Reuters) - A Catalan separatist leader, running to regain the presidency of the restive Spanish region, is bussing supporters to his election rallies over the border in France because an arrest warrant prevents him from entering Spain. Carles Puigdemont faces arrest in Spain over the crimes of misuse of public funds and disobedience for his role in Catalonia's 2017

Investigation as van fire spreads to supermarket

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

Hontiveros urges release of Ayungin ‘new model’ pact evidence

MANILA, Philippines – The “evidence” allegedly proving that a Philippine army official reached an agreement with China regarding a “new model” on Ayungin Shoal should be made available to the government, Senator Risa Hontiveros said on Wednesday. “Kung meron talaga silang recording at kung meron talaga silang transcript, they should at the least make it available to the government — to the Executive, dahil seryosong claim na naman nila yan ng...

'Significant arrest' after chop shop inquiry raid

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

Fire breaks out on boat near Guernsey QEII Marina

An onshore lifeboat was launched to the vessel on fire off the coast of Guernsey.

Interloper joins ‘Made in China’ mock enemy ship sinking drills

LAOAG CITY, Philippines — A surprise guest joined Wednesday’s sinking exercise here where a “made in China” ship was made the target of naval missiles and airstrikes as part of Manila and Washington’s war games. However, the marine interloper appeared to have no sinister intention, according to Lt. Col. Omad Abdullah Al Assaf, the maritime strike lead planner for this year’s Balikatan. READ: US, PH begin striking ‘Made in China’ mock target ship...

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...

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...

Murderer's release rejected days before death

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

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

Putin sends assassins to eliminate Zelensky

The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) has announced the arrest of 2 agents accused of involvement in a Russian-coordinated plot to assassinate President Volodymyr Zelensky and other senior officials. The SBU has dismantled a network of Russian FSB agents who planned to assassinate the Ukrainian president, the agency said in a statement. The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) arrested two colonels of the State Protection Department for their alleged...

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.

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.

PNP on Trillanes’ claim: No plot to oust Marcos

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police said on Tuesday that it had not confirmed the existence of a plot to oust President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. after former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV claimed that retired and active high-ranking police officers were recruiting other lawmen to join them in removing the chief executive from office. “We have not monitored any active police officer that is involved in the alleged destabilization plot....

Russia dismisses British arson allegations as provocation

MOSCOW (Reuters) - British allegations of Russian involvement in an arson attack in Britain are absurd and part of an information war against Moscow, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday. Zakharova said Russia considered such allegations provocative and never carried out sabotage attacks against civilian targets. She was referring to a case in which Britain last

'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...

Police find body in Kirkwall harbour

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

More than 465,000 Russian soldiers already wounded or killed in Ukraine

More than 465,000 Russian soldiers have already been wounded or killed in Ukraine since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine. This was reported by British military intelligence in an update last Saturday. In April, Russian forces lost an average of 899 dead and wounded per day. The British intelligence services believe this number will rise again in the next two months as the Russians begin new offensive operations in eastern Ukraine. Since the...

Killer's sentence should include jail, court told

Valdo Calocane was given a hospital order after admitting manslaughter by diminished responsibility.

Russia unleashes ‘massive’ barrage targeting Ukraine energy infrastructure

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

Two men injured in crash which closed motorway

The crash closed the northbound carriageway of the M40 in Warwickshire for several hours.

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

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...

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...

Ukraine responds to Russia adding Zelensky to its wanted list

Kagame critic Rwigara unveils election bid

Diane Rwigara, a vehement critic of Rwanda's iron-fisted President Paul Kagame, announced Wednesday she planned to run against him in this year's elections. Join me as I run for President," Rwigara posted on X, formerly Twitter.

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,...

Attempted murder probe after man is injured

A man remains in a critical condition in hospital after suffering a head injury in Basildon.

UP Mindanao to offer medicine program in 2025

The University of the Philippines (UP) Mindanao announced on Tuesday that it would open its medical school in 2025. With this development, UP will be the first state university to offer a Doctor of Medicine program in Davao City. UP ranked in the 401–450 bracket in the life sciences and medicine area in the latest Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings by Subject. Aside from the medicine program, the university would also add programs in...

UK says to expel Russia defence attache for intel role

The UK government on Wednesday raised tensions with the Kremlin by announcing it would expel a Russian defence attache for being "an undeclared military intelligence officer". Measures included the expulsion of 23 undeclared Russian intelligence officers from the UK. har/rlp

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...