National

Vice President Sara Duterte's ratings drop

MANILA, Philippines — While the approval rating of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for the second quarter of 2024 stabilized, Vice President Sara Duterte's ratings saw another significant drop, down by 20 percentage points compared to two years ago, the latest nationwide survey conducted by Publicus Asia showed. The non-commissioned Pahayag survey taken from June 15 to 19 showed Duterte's performance was negatively impacted by her father's legacy...

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,

'Tulong Pambaon' program helps students finish primary education

ONE of the most cherished Filipino values, the bayanihan spirit embodies communal unity, cooperation and civil efforts to address social issues. This spirit drives the corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs of companies such as the Investment and Capital Corporation of the Philippines (ICCP), the flagship company of the ICCP Group. A diversified conglomerate engaged in financial services, property development and exhibition facilities,...

‘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...

Mother-of-three allegedly killed in domestic violence attack

Sarah Miles was found unconscious with head injuries before dying at her Johnston Street home at Casino, in north NSW, at 2.30am on Saturday.

NHCP leads 22nd PH-ES Friendship Day celebration in Baler, Aurora

THE National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) leads the nation in celebrating the 22nd Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day and commemorating the 126th anniversary of the Start of the Siege in Baler, Aurora, today, July 1, at 8 a.m. in front of Baler Church and Baler Plaza. Guests of honor Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri and Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines Miguel Utray lead the wreath-laying ceremonies at the Baler Church in the...

Ivory Coast receives first life-saving malaria vaccines

ABIDJAN — Ivory Coast this week received its first vaccines against malaria, a disease that kills four people a day in the country, mostly small children, the government said Saturday. A total of 656,600 doses have been received, which will “initially vaccinate 250,000 children aged between 0 and 23 months” in 16 regions, the government said. Although the number of malaria-related deaths has fallen from 3,222 in 2017 to 1,316 in 2020 in Ivory...

Police investigate teenager's death in seaside town

Officers were made aware the 17-year-old had died in Margate just before 18:00 BST.

Spanish police END hunt for missing teenager Jay Slater

Apprentice bricklayer Jay, 19, was last seen almost two weeks ago and a huge search involving dogs, drones and a helicopter has failed to find any trace.

Zamboanga City mulls review of firecracker ordinance

Following an explosion at firecracker warehouse ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — The city government of Zamboanga is considering reviewing its amended ordinance that lifted a ban on pyrotechnics and firecrackers, following an explosion that ripped through a firecracker warehouse on Saturday. The explosion on Marquez Drive in Barangay Tetuan killed five people and wounded 38 others as well as destroyed several residential and commercial buildings....

8,000 Leyte residents get financial assistance from national government

MANILA, Philippines — A total of 8,000 beneficiaries in the Leyte received P5,000 each in financial assistance and rice packages from the national government. In a statement on Sunday, House Speaker Martin Romualdez said qualified Leyte residents received benefits from the Cash and Rice Distribution (CARD) Program and the Integrated Scholarship and Incentives for the Youth (ISIP for the Youth) Program. READ: Romualdez: P580 million in aid,...

Police motorcyclist taken to hospital after crash

The man's injuries are not believed to be serious, say Leicestershire Police.

NEDA to hold regional consultations for Trabaho Para sa Bayan -DOLE

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) will conduct regional consultations to fill in the gaps in the Trabaho Para sa Bayan plan, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said Sunday. “[I]to na yung na submit sa Pangulo, yung tatagos sa term niya. May karagdagan pang apat na taon para matugunan ang mandato ng batas na 10-year national employment masterplan,” DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said on Super Radyo dzBB. (The...

Searca director urges NVSU graduates to tackle agri challenges

SOUTHEAST Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (Searca) director Glenn Gregorio delivered the commencement speech at the 20th Commencement Exercises of Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) held at the Carlos M. Padilla Convention Center on Thursday, June 27, 2024. Speaking before graduates, faculty and guests, Gregorio emphasized the vital role that every graduate can play in addressing agricultural challenges...

Hunt for 'Al Capone' prison cell tax evader

Nigel Harker, from Hartlepool, who admitted to tax evasion, walks out of court before sentencing.

Duterte knows where Quiboloy is, but won’t tell

MANILA, Philippines — Former president Rodrigo Duterte said he knows where his friend Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy is hiding, but would not say where. “If the question is, ‘Where is pastor?’ I know where, but it’s a secret,” Duterte told reporters yesterday in Tacloban city. Duterte, administrator of KOJC properties, said Quiboloy, who has standing arrest warrants for sexual and child abuse and human trafficking cases,...

Kanlaon remains under alert Level 2

MANILA, Philippines — Despite the recent elevated gas emission, Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Occidental remains under alert Level 2, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. Phivolcs director Teresito Bacolcol yesterday said state seismologists could not yet increase the alert level as they were still monitoring the volcano’s activity. “Sometimes it is high, sometimes it is low,” Bacolcol said, referring to Kanlaon’s gas...

43 Negros Occidental barangays declared rebel-free

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Forty-three more barangays in Negros Occidental have been declared free from the presence of communists insurgents, according to Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson. Each rebel-free barangay is proposed to receive P10 million worth of infrastructure projects as part of the support to barangay development program (SBDP) of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Lacson said. The proposed budget for infrastructure...

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...

Boy, 16, in custody over attempted murder

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

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.

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...

Dela Rosa’s refusal to attend drug war probe ‘a cowardly act’ – Castro

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Ronald Dela Rosa’s decision to skip the House of Representatives probe into former President Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war is “a cowardly act” and “an attempt to evade accountability,” a lawmaker said on Sunday. ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro said this after Dela Rosa, the Philippine National Police (PNP) chief during the Duterte administration, said he would only face the allegations against him and the...

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...

Putin's safety at risk?

ATESH, the Ukrainian resistance movement, has just made an important discovery. That discovery could boost the confidence of Zelensky's forces and even lead to a symbolic victory. On Thursday, Ukrainian resistance fighters reported on their Telegram account that they had discovered the anti-aircraft system protecting the Russian president's second house. The house (one of many that Putin owns in Russia) is in Sochi, the Black Sea resort. The...

PNP chief orders cops: Stop moonlighting

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil yesterday directed PNP personnel to stop moonlighting as security escorts for private persons and instead focus on public safety. Marbil issued the directive to ensure that police personnel are ready to respond promptly to citizens’ complaints and emergencies. “Our duty is to ensure the safety of the people. Police must be available at all times to address the...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Unsolved murder of 'poor Michelle' affected expert

Prof Patricia Wiltshire says the case has stayed with her, 22 years on.

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,...

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...

Video shows US police officer fatally shooting 13-year-old on ground

Police in New York state, where the incident occurred, say the teenage boy was carrying a replica gun.

Man in critical condition after stabbing

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

Teves can be extradited by end of July, says DOJ

MANILA, Philippines — Former lawmaker turned murder suspect Arnolfo Teves Jr. could be brought back to the Philippines by July to finally face the multiple murder charges filed against him here, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said on Saturday. In a news forum in Quezon City, Mico Clavano, spokesperson for the DOJ, said they expected a favorable decision even if Teves’ camp appealed the Timor-Leste Court of Appeals’ decision granting the...

Ex-Pres Duterte: WPS is part of PH's exclusive economic zone

Former President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday said the disputed West Philippine Sea is part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. “As a Filipino, yung contested area — although it is contested between China and tayo — If you ask me, atin talaga ‘yan. As a Filipino, I would insist that that part of the West Philippine Sea is sa atin, part of the (exclusive) economic zone,” Duterte Duterte said during a press conference on the Sonshine Media...

Calamba cop chief relieved over rising crime rate

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna – The chief of the Calamba police in this province has been relieved from her post due to rising crime incidents in her jurisdiction. Lt. Col. Milany Martirez was ordered to report to the Police Security and Protection Group at Camp Crame in Quezon City. Martirez’s deputy chief was designated as office-in-charge of the Calamba police. Reports said a series of shooting incidents have been recorded in Calamba, including...

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...

Homeless man accused of stabbing stranger to death is amateur artist

Forrest Stevenson, 36, has been charged with murder after Andres Malmis Pancha, 45, was allegedly killed at Frankston pier at 6am on Saturday.

Basic education

HE said that he would have a Secretary of Education at the end of last week, but President Bongbong Marcos has admitted that selecting one is more difficult than he had earlier thought. He has asked for more time to make a choice. At the commencement of his administration, he did not have to wait at all since the vice president, Inday Sara Duterte, volunteered for the post and by express provision of the Constitution, no confirmation by the...

3 Chinese linked to Porac Pogo found hiding in Fontana villa

MABALACAT, PAMPANGA, Philippines — Clark Development Corp. (CDC) public safety department and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) have arrested three Chinese nationals as search continued for two others accused of human trafficking at Fontana Leisure Park, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) said on Saturday. PAOCC spokesperson Winston Casio told the Inquirer by phone that the Chinese nationals—two males and one female—were found...

Philippines, Australia swap intel vs terrorism, human smuggling

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) and Australia’s Department of Home Affairs (DHA) recently signed an agreement to exchange intelligence to boost border security capabilities against terrorism and human smuggling. The BI and DHA would cooperate in migration management and border control, streamlining procedures to encourage legitimate travel and implementing safeguards against illegal migration. “This agreement marks a pivotal...

Zambales fishers continue to suffer amid China’s 'no trespass' rule in SCS

Fishermen in Masinloc, Zambales continue to bear the brunt of the implementation of China’s policy that would allow the detainment of "foreign trespassers" in the South China Sea, a fishers group said Sunday. Joeffrey Elad, president of the Masinloc-based Tropical Fish Gatherer Association, said that while Filipino fishermen in the area are still able to undertake their livelihood, they could only do so in nearby waters and could not even go to...

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...

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...

Thousands protest transphobia for Pride March in French capital

PARIS — The Paris Pride March for LGBTQ rights saw an “exceptional” turnout in the French capital on Saturday, according to the Inter-LGBT group, as tens of thousands protested for the fight against transphobia, this year’s theme. Organisers claimed 110,000 people were present while police put the figure at 85,000. The mostly young crowd gathered from midday at the working-class district of Porte de la Villette, chanting slogans such as “vote...

Proper method of photographic identification

Dear PAO, A man was killed while attending our town's foundation day festivities. The police conducted an initial investigation. However, since the initial witnesses could not positively identify any suspect, the police entered into its blotter entry "unidentified suspects still at large." During the trial, the same witnesses now claimed to have identified with certainty the suspects after being shown, at the police station, the pictures of...

Suspected North Korean ties to Ukraine conflict alarm Pentagon

David Cameron warns Keir Starmer will 'weaken Britain's defences'

The Foreign Secretary said he was 'really shocked' that Sir Keir had yet to match the Conservatives ' promise to raise defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2030.