News

Two injured in light aircraft crash at country house

The light aircraft crash at Heveningham Hall, Halesworth, is the second in Suffolk this weekend.

Vice President Sara rejects tag as opposition leader

Duterte not running for senator DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte disagreed with claims that she is now the leader of the opposition against the Marcos administration. Her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, meanwhile said he would not run for a Senate seat in the May 2025 midterm elections, contrary to Sara’s June 25 announcement. “Based on my work, my character and my principles, I don’t act for the benefit of the...

Japan and Philippines trying to finish defense pact for signing in Manila as alarm grows over China

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Top defense and foreign affairs officials of Japan and the Philippines will meet in Manila next month to strengthen strategic ties and discuss regional concerns, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs said Friday at a time of escalating concerns over China’s actions in the disputed South China Sea. Details of the agenda of the July 8 meetings of Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko and Defense Minister Kihara...

Man arrested after three people suffer knife wounds

A 24-year-old man is arrested after a woman and two men suffer stab wounds in Desborough.

Suspected North Korean ties to Ukraine conflict alarm Pentagon

Marine trainee dies after passing out during swim training in Cavite

A male trainee of the Philippine Marine Corps died during swim training in Ternate, Cavite, according to a 24 Oras Weekend Sunday report. Based on police investigation, the victim passed out while undergoing swim training. The trainee was brought to the hospital but failed to regain consciousness. According to the victim's fellow trainees, no hazing or torture took place as the training only involved physical conditioning. Through an ocular...

A closer look at DepEd and the Secretary of Education

WITH the resignation of Vice President Sara Duterte from her Cabinet post as Secretary of Education, there have been a lot of names being floated around to succeed her in taking over one of the most important administrative agencies in government. Given the urgency to fill the position, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said that the appointment of the next education secretary would happen before the end of the week as of this writing. Given that,...

5 dead, 38 hurt in firecracker depot blast

(UPDATE) FIVE people, including a 4-year-old child, were killed in a massive explosion at a pyrotechnics warehouse in Mindanao, emergency services said Sunday. The Saturday afternoon blast at the Zamboanga City site tore a large hole in the ground, sent debris careening into nearby buildings and houses, and ignited a blaze, fire investigator Luigi Chan said. Four warehouse workers and the 4-year-old son of one of the staffers were killed, Chan...

Officer who accessed confidential files 'immature'

PC Oliver Platts admits to the breaches, saying it is “a case of misplaced enthusiasm”.

Rediscovering Catanduanes

I JUST returned from my home province of Catanduanes where I attended the June 26 installation of the Most Reverend Luisito Audal Occiano of Camarines Sur as the third Catholic bishop of the Diocese of Virac, following the retirement of the Most Reverend Manolo de los Santos after 30 years of devoted service to the Church and people of Catanduanes. Most Rev. Jose C. Sorra, the first bishop of Virac from 1974 to 1993, died in 2021, and his...

Zelenskyy appeals to West to relax targeting limits for Ukraine as glide bombs hammer front line

DONETSK REGION, Ukraine (AP) — Drone footage from Ukraine’s military released Sunday has shown what appears to be bodies in a civilian area in the embattled eastern town of Toretsk, which has come under heavy Russian bombardment in recent days. The attacks in the war-torn Donetsk region have prompted a scaled-up evacuation effort by Ukrainian rescue services. Local officials said that powerful Russian glide bombs have also been used in the town,...

UK Reform leader Farage positive after 'tough' few days

LONDON (Reuters) -Nigel Farage, leader of Britain's right-wing Reform UK party, said his party was doing better than expected after a "tough" few days, as he addressed supporters at a rally with days to go before the country votes on July 4. Farage, one of the country's most recognisable and divisive politicians, has been a thorn in the side for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservative party as

Morocco announces death of King Mohammed VI’s mother

RABAT — Princess Lalla Latifa, the mother of Morocco’s King Mohammed VI and the widow of his father King Hassan II, died on Saturday, a royal palace spokesman said. Morocco’s MAP news agency carried a statement which read: “The Official Spokesperson for the Royal Palace announces, with great sadness and deep sorrow, the passing of HRH Princess Lalla Latifa, may she rest in peace, on Saturday.” The king’s mother had no official responsibilities...

VP Sara to attend Palarong Pambansa 2024 opening event

CEBU CITY, Philippines – Vice President Sara Duterte has confirmed that she will be present during the upcoming opening ceremony of the Palarong Pambansa 2024 in Cebu City. She announced this to local media during an ambush interview in Cebu City on Saturday, June 29. Palarong Pambansa 2024 will take place from July 6 to 16, with the opening ceremony scheduled on July 9 at the Cebu City Sports Center. Aside from Palaro, she will also be...

Lawyers group backs Marcos WPS policy

THE foremost organization of Philippine lawyers, supported the stand of the Marcos government to assert the country's legal and sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea. In a statement issued over the weekend, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) cited the Treaty of Paris of 1898 and the Spanish-United States Treaty of Washington in 1900 as the basis for its argument. The IBP said Article III of the Treaty of Paris "clearly...

Police appeal after motorcyclist seriously injured

Police are appealing for witnesses after a motorcyclist was injured in a single-vehicle crash.

Family demands accountability for NY police killing of 13-year-old boy. Police said he aimed BB gun

On Wednesday, Nyah Mway finished middle school in the central New York city where his family moved about a decade ago as refugees from Myanmar, relatives said. By Friday night, the 13-year-old was fatally shot by police who’d tackled him to the ground after he allegedly pointed what turned out to be a BB gun at them during a foot chase. Struggling to comprehend his death, his anguished relatives and outraged members of their immigrant community...

OFWs urged to claim 294 balikbayan boxes

MANILA, Philippines — Overseas Filipino workers have been urged to claim 294 balikbayan boxes abandoned for almost 16 months in a Manila warehouse. The balikbayan boxes are stored at CFS warehouse at 2657 Old Panaderos street in Sta. Ana, Manila. Boxes reportedly consigned to Mediacom Express Cargo and Pinoy Network Cargo WLL arrived from Kuwait on Feb. 12, 2023, according to the Bureau of Customs. The BOC has facilitated the release of over 450...

Bulgaria's new patriarch enthroned in Sofia cathedral

SOFIA (Reuters) - Top Orthodox Christian clergy from across Europe and Bulgaria's senior government officials gathered in Sofia's main cathedral on Sunday for the enthronement of the new patriarch of the country's influential church. Patriarch Daniil, 52, was elected among three candidates on Sunday morning to succeed Neophyte who died in March. Representatives from Orthodox Churches in Greece,

Baguio Midland Courier to close down in July after 77 years

MANILA, Philippines — The Baguio Midland Courier will cease its operation starting July 22 after 77 years of publication, it announced on Sunday. “The decision to cease publication was a difficult one, and the management deeply regrets any impact this may have on [its] esteemed readers, newsboys, supporters, contributors, and advertisers,” the newspaper said. READ: PDI moving to a newer building: How do you say farewell to your old home? Founded...

‘Name ex-Cabinet official who lobbied for illegal POGOs’

MANILA, Philippines — Senators challenged the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) to name the former Cabinet official who allegedly facilitated the grant of gaming licenses to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) so as not to cast doubt on all other former members of the Cabinet. Senate President Francis Escudero said if PAGCOR fails to name this former Cabinet official, then his colleagues Senators Risa Hontiveros and Sherwin...

Cases filed in connection to Wattah Wattah Festival

Cases have been filed against two individuals involved in the recent Wattah Wattah Festival in San Juan City after they inconvenienced passersby by spraying water during the celebrations. Among those who filed a complaint was a delivery rider who filed cases of unjust vexation and slander against a resident of San Juan, after video footage showed two individuals spewing water on the rider which he said damaged his phone. The rider asked not to...

PNU launches students meal program

THE Philippine Normal University (PNU) launched the PNU Meal Assistance to Learners under Special Populations (PNU MeALS) held at the PNU HRD Amphitheater on June 18, 2024. The meal program aims to provide qualified students with a continuous and sustainable source of their food to foster a more holistic and sound schooling. PNU Office of the Vice President for Student Success and Stakeholders Services (OVP-SSSS) and the PNU Student Affairs and...

British teacher, 30, jailed abroad reveals 'inhumane' living standards

British teacher - Jamie Morton, 30, - who was behind bars in a Thai prison for five months has spoken out about the 'inhumane' conditions of his cramped cell with 180 convicts.

Guided bomb attack on Ukraine's Kharkiv kills one, injures eight, officials say

(Reuters) - Russian forces attacked the centre of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second- largest city, with a guided bomb, killing one person, injuring eight and setting ablaze buildings and vehicles, officials said. Mayor Ihor Terekhov, writing on the Telegram messaging app, said the bomb hit near the city centre, triggering a fire. He put the death toll at one, with an 8-month-old infant among the injured.

San Juan City Mayor takes stand vs rowdy revelers during Wattah Wattah Festival

San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora on Friday accompanied a Lalamove rider in filing a complaint against a reveler who allegedly drenched the rider, his mobile phone, and the documents he was carrying during the Wattah Wattah Festival last June 24. In his complaint, Eustaquio Rapal said he was performing his duties as a Lalamove rider when he encountered the rowdy reveler. Zamora assured the public that the city government would provide all...

Law waiving entrance exam fees signed

SEN. Bong Go said the new law waiving entrance exam fees in private higher educational institutions (HEIs) promotes educational equity. The senator on Sunday lauded the signing into law of Republic Act (RA) 12006 or the Free College Entrance Examinations Act. Go said RA 12006, sponsored by then chairman of the Senate Committee on Higher Education and now Senate President Francis Escudero, "opened up great opportunities" for HEIs to poor but...

Fire station open days planned across Surrey

The first hour is open to those with special educational needs.

Spanish police hunting for Jay Slater must re-examine Airbnb

A retired Scotland Yard officer who investigated several missing persons has urged Spanish police to accept an offer of help from their British counterparts.

Two more delegations added in Palaro

CEBU CITY — The Department of Education announced Friday that the National Academy for Sports and Philippine schools from overseas will be joining the Palarong Pambansa 2024, adding two new official delegations to the event. Adolf Aguilar, assistant superintendent for the Cebu City Division, said that with these additions, the total number of participating delegations will rise to 19. Originally, only the 17 regions of the country were...

North Korea says US, South Korea and Japan developing ‘Asian NATO’

The claim comes after Washington, Seoul and Tokyo began joint military exercises on Thursday.

Impromptu LGBTQ+ protest in Istanbul after governor bans Pride march

ISTANBUL (AP) — A group of LGBTQ+ protesters held an impromptu demonstration in Istanbul on Sunday after the governor’s office banned an annual Pride March. A statement by the Istanbul governor’s office said that it wouldn't allow “various illegal groups” to hold the unauthorized march and fenced off Istanbul’s central Taksim Square and Istiklal Avenue, where Pride marches usually take place. The annual Pride March has been banned in Istanbul...

Pakistan finance minister confident about new IMF programme

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Pakistan's finance minister said on Sunday he was "very confident" his country would secure a new funding programme from the International Monetary Fund after the cash-strapped country's annual fiscal budget passed into law. The budget comes ahead of more talks with the IMF for a loan of between $6 billion and $8 billion to avert a debt default by Pakistan, the

Two dead, one missing after Swiss landslide–police

GENEVA — Two people have died and a third is missing after torrential rains triggered a landslide in southeastern Switzerland, police said on Sunday. Violent storms lashed the Alpine country with rain this weekend, with hundreds of people evacuated in the west after the Rhone river and its tributaries broke their banks. “The bodies of two people were found by rescuers in connection with the landslide in the Fontana region,” police in the...

Banauan Cultural Group secures 5th spot in Aliwan Fiesta 2024

PASAY CITY, Philippines- The Banauan Cultural Group (BCG) of Brgy. Guadalupe, Cebu City achieved a 5th place finish in the Aliwan Fiesta 2024 held on Saturday, June 29. This year’s street dance champion was the Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo City, followed by Tultugan Festival of Maasin Iloilo on second place. Making the third place finish was the Meguyaya Festival of Upi, Maguindanao del Norte, while the Niyogyugan Festival from Quezon Province...

Cops banned from moonlighting

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday prohibited members of the police force from moonlighting for private individuals. The ban was contained in the latest directive of PNP chief Rommel Francisco Marbil. "Our duty is to ensure the safety of our citizens. Police must be available at all times to address the needs and concerns of the public," Marbil said. Banning moonlighting reinforces the PNP's "commitment to quick and efficient...

Man in critical condition after stabbing

Police say they are treating the attack as an isolated incident but are appealing for witnesses.

Boy, 16, in custody over attempted murder

Police say they are continuing to investigate the attack in Shoebury.

Myanmar central bank denies UN report on weapons transactions

(Reuters) - Myanmar's central bank denied a U.N. report that the country's military government can still access money and weapons for its war against anti-coup forces, saying financial institutions under the bank's supervision followed prescribed procedures. The Central Bank of Myanmar "expressed our strong objection to the U.N. Special Rapporteur’s report", it said in a statement published in a

Senate undecided on Bagong Pilipinas hymn in flag ceremony

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate leadership has yet to decide whether to include the Bagong Pilipinas hymn and pledge during the regular flag-raising ceremony, even as the House of Representatives intends to adopt it. Senate President Francis Escudero said he personally sees no problem in including the hymn and pledge, but the Senate secretariat is still in the process of studying the matter. “I have yet to receive their recommendation and/or...

Israeli tanks advance into areas in north and south Gaza

By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Kamel Hamdan CAIRO/GAZA (Reuters) -Israeli forces advanced further on Sunday into the Shejaia neighbourhood of northern Gaza and also pushed deeper into western and central Rafah in the south, killing at least six Palestinians and destroying several homes, residents said. Israeli tanks, which moved back into Shejaia four days ago, fired shells towards several houses,

PAOCC receives death threats amid illegal POGO probe

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) said Sunday some of its personnel have received death threats amid its investigation into the illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hubs. “Well opo, kami ay nakakatanggap ng ilang mga pagbabanta. Pero siguro po naman ay 'yun ay mga pananakot lamang,” PAOCC spokesperson Winston John Casio said in a Super Radyo dzBB interview. (Yes, we have been receiving some threats. But maybe...

World failed in attaining devt goals – UN

UNITED NATIONS — The United Nations warned that only 17 percent of its 169 targets to improve life for the world's more than 7 billion people are on track to be reached by the 2030 deadline. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres launched the annual report saying, "It shows the world is getting a failing grade." World leaders adopted the 17 wide-ranging development goals from ending global poverty to achieving gender equality in 2015 and set 169...

2 Pinoy fishermen hurt in Panatag boat explosion

MANILA, Philippines — Two Chinese vessels reportedly initially tried to block a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel about to rescue eight Filipino fishermen, two of whom suffered second-degree burns after their boat’s engine exploded near Panatag Shoal on Saturday. PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo said yesterday that based on an initial report submitted by the BRP Sindangan, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy 572 and China Coast...

One dead in shooting at Turkish wedding in France

Gunmen opened fire on guests at a venue in Thionville, north east France killing a man in his 30s.

Coalition-building as an exercise in political shape-shifting

LAST week, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that his political party, the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, has entered into an alliance with the National Unity Party as he seeks to expand the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas, a coalition he is building ahead of next year's midterm election. The NUP is the fourth party to join the Alyansa, and many more political groups are expected to sign up. The President's announcement came just days...

Marbil tells cops to stop moonlighting: Attend to public needs and concerns

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Rommel Marbil ordered police officers and police personnel to refrain from moonlighting. Marbil said he issued the directive to guarantee that all members of the police force are available to respond swiftly to citizens’ complaints and emergencies. “Our duty is to ensure the safety of our citizens. Police must be available at all times to address the needs and concerns of the...

Las Piñas votes to reset barangays boundaries

MANILA, Philippines — Residents of Las Piñas have voted to reset the boundaries of 20 barangays in the city, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced yesterday. Based on the certificates of canvass released yesterday, 41,493 residents approved an ordinance delineating the territorial boundaries of 20 barangays in the city. The Comelec recorded a voter turnout of 19.88 percent as 61,237 of 308,059 registered voters in Las Piñas...

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte urged support for Ukraine, EU and NATO in his farewell speech

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Long-serving Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte urged his country to support Ukraine and international cooperation in his final address to his compatriots Sunday, as an inward-looking new government is set to take over the Netherlands in two days. “It is crucial that our country is embedded in the European Union and NATO. Together we are stronger than alone. Especially now,” the 57-year-old Rutte said from his office...

Immigration not a big issue in Wales, say Reform

Nigel Farage's party says immigration has been discussed more on the doorstep in England than Wales.