Health and Fitness

South Korea records the world’s first ‘robot suicide’

For many years, humans have dreamt of having robots that can perform tasks too tedious and repetitive. However, it seems machines can become overburdened as South Korea records the world’s first “robot suicide.” CNBC reported a Gumi City Council administrative officer found the mechanical employee unresponsive after it threw itself down a flight of stairs. READ: Signs you need a social media break Some witnesses said the robot worker was...

Indian Prime Minister Modi makes first visit to ally Russia since the start of its war on Ukraine

India’s prime minister begins a two-day visit to Russia on Monday, his first since Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine, a war that has complicated the relationship between the longtime allies and pushed Russia closer to India’s rival China. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit will include a meeting with President Vladimir Putin, whom he last saw in Russia in 2019, in the far eastern port of Vladivostok. The two leaders also met in person in...

US Typhon missile system's stay in PH may be extended —PH Army

A US mid-range missile system may extend its deployment in the Philippines beyond September, Philippine Army spokesperson Colonel Louie Dema-ala said on Monday. Dema-ala said the possible extension of deployment of the Typhon missile system in the country would depend on the evaluation of the Salaknib training, which is set to end in September. Salaknib is the annual joint military exercises between the US and the Philippines. “Yes, that is a...

Pretrial hearing sets stage for Alec Baldwin's arrival in court in fatal shooting of cinematographer

A New Mexico judge is setting the table for the involuntary manslaughter trial of actor Alec Baldwin in the fatal shooting of a cinematographer on the set of a Western movie. Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer will consider an array of requests from prosecutors and defense attorneys that could restrict what evidence, testimony and court arguments are heard by a jury. The pretrial hearing Monday in Santa Fe is expected to last much of the day. Baldwin's...

Woman is killed as manhunt is launched for 21 year-old man

Emergency services were called to a home along the Great Western Highway at Kingswood, western Sydney, at 1.40pm on Monday.

Japan's foreign, defense ministers pay courtesy call on Marcos

Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko and Defense Minister Kihara Minoru paid a courtesy call on President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Monday in Malacañang Palace. The President welcomed the Japanese ministers as he marked this as an ''important event that our two countries have been working very hard to achieve.'' ''I’m glad that having witnessed the commencement, the [beginning] of this agreement that it has now come to fruition and...

Russia says it foils Ukraine bid to hijack strategic bomber

(Reuters) -Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) blocked an attempt by Ukraine to organise the hijacking of a Russian Tu-22M3 strategic bomber and fly it to Ukraine, the FSB said on Monday. "Ukrainian intelligence intended to recruit a Russian military pilot for a monetary reward and the provision of Italian citizenship, to persuade him to fly and land a missile carrier in Ukraine," the FSB,

Hezbollah launches drone attack on Mount Hermon in Israeli-occupied Syrian Golan Heights

AMMAN (Reuters) - The Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group said on Sunday it launched a drone attack on Mount Hermon in the Israeli-occupied Syrian Golan Heights where Israel has a key surveillance centre. It said this was its first such bombing since it began trading fire with Israel on Oct. 8, a day after its Palestinian ally Hamas attacked southern Israel, sparking the Gaza war. Hezbollah

Alice Guo not seen in Tarlac farm for several weeks already —OSAA

Suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo has not been seen in her farm for several weeks already, according to the Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA), citing information from the embattled mayor's helper. Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Roberto Ancan said this in a report dated July 4 to Senator Risa Hontiveros with regard to their issuance of the subpoenas against Guo and her family members. According to the report, the subpoenas addressed to...

Fatal India gathering organiser 'surrenders' to police

Nearly 121 people died in a crush at a religious gathering in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.

Woman who wrote 'How to murder your husband' essay tried to get away with 'perfect' crime

Nancy Crampton Brophy wrote an essay titled "How to murder your husband" before going on to shoot and kill her own spouse - and never once mentioned him to friends

Even in death, dolphins still boost human understanding

MANILA, Philippines — As marine mammal strandings increase in the Philippines, scientists and veterinarians are turning dolphin deaths into opportunities for critical research and conservation efforts. At a recent workshop held at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, experts emphasized that while the death of a stranded dolphin is “disheartening,” it provides valuable data to understand cetacean diseases and the impact of human...

Ukraine is fielding a century old machine gun and its proving quite effective

French vote splits among left, center and far-right. With no majority, political paralysis threatens

PARIS (AP) — French voters divided their legislature among left, center and far right, with no single political faction getting even close to the majority needed for form a government. The risk of paralysis loomed Monday for the European Union's second-largest economy. President Emmanuel Macron gambled that his decision to call snap elections would give France a “moment of clarification," but the outcome showed the opposite, less than three...

Man sentenced to life for killing Hong Kong worker dies after being found hanged in cell

A 32-year-old man sentenced to life imprisonment for killing a Hong Kong convenience store worker over two cans of beer worth HK$31 (US$4) in 2019 has died after he was found hanged at a maximum-security jail. Former sailor Javed Iqbal Islam was discovered by a correctional officer inside his one-person cell at Stanley Prison at 8.44pm on Sunday. A source familiar with the case said on Monday the man was checked up on about 15 minutes earlier...

Geneva Lopez kin call for justice over her, Yitshak Cohen deaths

The bereaved family of beauty pageant contestant Geneva Lopez is calling for justice over her death and that of her Israeli boyfriend Yitshak Cohen, GMA Regional TV One North Central Luzon's Jasmin Gabriel Galban reported on “BaliTanghali” on Monday. Authorities over the weekend found the victims’ bodies in a quarry site in Barangay Sta. Lucia in Capas, Tarlac days after they were reported missing. Autopsy reports showed that the couple died of...

British, 18, 'accuses UK holidaymaker of raping her in Ayia Napa'

The 18-year-old woman went to Cypriot police and told them that she woke up in the bed of the man, who is reported to be 19 years old.

2 churches elevated to national shrine status

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Saturday has designated two parish churches as national shrines. These churches are the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of the Assumption in Maasin City and Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy in Novaliches, Quezon City. The decision was made on the first day of the […]

PH, Japan to ensure Indo-Pacific peace, stability with signing of RAA — officials

The Philippines and Japan ensured peace and sustainability in the Indo-Pacific region with the signing of their Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) on Monday, officials said. “This is another milestone in our shared endeavor to ensure a rules-based international order to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and particularly in our region,” Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said in his opening remarks during his meeting...

In Australia, energy crunch prompts a heated debate on going nuclear

Australia’s opposition leader has proposed building the country’s first nuclear plants, but many are unconvinced.

Philippines and Japan sign defence pact amid South China Sea tensions

By Mikhail Flores and Karen Lema MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippines and Japan boosted their defence ties by signing a reciprocal access agreement (RAA) on Monday, saying they were seeking stability in the region, amid rising tensions with China. Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa described the pact, which eases the entry of equipment and troops for combat training and disaster response, as

Will NATO disappoint Ukraine again in Washington?

When NATO leaders welcome Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to their summit in Washington this week, they will reaffirm that Kyiv will one day become a member and vow to keep arming its troops. But in Kyiv there is an acceptance that the Washington summit will not bring the country any closer towards NATO membership.

5 persons of interest in Geneva Lopez, boyfriend’s slay under custody

MANILA, Philippines — Five of the seven persons of interest in the abduction and killing of beauty pageant candidate Geneva Lopez and her Israeli boyfriend Yitshak Cohen are under police custody, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP). “Lima na po yung nasa custody natin, tatlo arrested for different cases, dalawa po ay surrendered and gave their testimonies and dalawa lang po yung at large,” PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil said in a...

Low Welsh voter turnout appalling, says Kinnock

The former Labour leader says the 56% Welsh turnout figure is "deeply concerning".

John Lee vows to push to get pair of giant pandas in Hong Kong by National Day on October 1

Hong Kong’s leader has promised to push to get a new pair of giant pandas transferred to the city by National Day on October 1, as he led a delegation to Sichuan to prepare for their arrival. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu made the pledge on Monday after he and his wife visited the Dujiangyan Base of the China Conservation and Research Centre to learn more about feeding and nursing the giant pandas, as well as transfer arrangements. “I’m...

French PM Attal: I will hand my resignation on Monday morning

PARIS (Reuters) - French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said on Sunday he will hand his resignation to President Emmanuel Macron on Monday morning, adding he will carry out his functions as long as required. Attal made the comments after France's left-wing New Popular Front coalition won the most seats in the second voting round of parliamentary elections, leading pollsters said on Sunday, putting

PH, Japan seal defense agreement

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday witnessed the signing of the landmark Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) which ramps up defense cooperation between the Philippines and Japan amid escalating tensions in the South China Sea. The agreement allows more Japanese forces to take part in annual military exercises involving the Philippines and the United States such as the "Balikatan" exercises. Marcos, joined by other key...

Missing Jay Slater hope as 'hunters and dogs' to flood Tenerife search area

British teenager Jay Slater has been missing for three weeks after he went missing during a walk from an Airbnb in the small village of Masca, some 11 hours away from his accommodation

DOF's Recto wants POGO ops stopped

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto on Monday said he is keen on recommending to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to stop operations of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), given the issues surrounding the industry. According to Recto, while he is not against POGOs per se, it is the illegal activities being conducted by several POGO companies such as those in Bamban, Tarlac and in Porac, Pampanga that influenced him in the decision....

Ukrainian air defence engaged in repelling Russian missile attack on Kyiv, officials

KYIV (Reuters) - Ukrainian air defences were engaged on Monday in repelling a rare daytime Russian missile attack on the capital Kyiv and other cities across the country, local authorities said. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported explosions in the city and urged residents to stay in shelters. He said on the Telegram messaging app that ambulances were heading to one of the districts in central

Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi unleashes

Muslim voters have 'long been ignored', says Deputy Greens leader Mehreen Faruqi, amid expectations a grassroots organisation will field candidates in Labor-held seats.

Two ex-policemen face murder charges for killing of beauty queen, boyfriend

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police is set to file murder charges against two former policemen who are the principal suspects in the killing of beauty queen Geneva Lopez and her boyfriend, Yitzak Cohen. Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos on Monday presented the two suspects -- Rommel Abuzo and Angelo Guiang. Abalos said Abuzo was dismissed in 2019 while Guiang was sacked in February 2020. A third suspect, identified as Jeffrey...

France's allies relieved by Le Pen loss but wonder what's next

By Matthias Williams and Kate Abnett LONDON/BRUSSELS (Reuters) -Many of France's allies breathed a sigh of relief after Marine Le Pen's far-right failed to win a snap election on Sunday but they noted that a messy coalition from a hung parliament could also pose headaches for Europe. Le Pen's National Rally (RN) had been favourite to top the polls, raising the risk of France's first far-right

Hungary's Orban arrives in China on Ukraine peace mission

BEIJING (Reuters) -Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban met Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday, days after holding talks on a potential Ukrainian peace deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin that angered some European Union leaders. Orban and Xi met at the Diaoyutai State Guest House in Beijing, according to Chinese state media. China, which has close ties to Russia, has been promoting

Palace declares Aug. 15, 2024 special non-working day in Bulacan

Malacañang has declared August 15, 2024 a special non-working day in the province of Bulacan. Proclamation No. 625, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin by authority of the President, stated that this marks the founding anniversary of the province. ''It is but fitting and proper that the people of the province of Bulacan be given full opportunity to participate in the occasion and enjoy the celebration,'' the Proclamation read. The...

Massive floods affect millions across South Asia

Swathes of India, Nepal, and Bangladesh have been inundated in recent days, killing scores of people.

P10M reward offered for info on Quiboloy —Abalos

A reward worth P10 million is being offered for any information that will lead to the arrest of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos said Monday. “Gusto ko pong i-anunsyo sa mga nanunuod at nakikinig na meron tayong mga kaibigang gustong tumulong sa paghahanap sa kanila at nag-ooffer ng reward ng P10 million for any information leading to the arrest of Pastor Quiboloy,” Abalos said in a press conference....

Davao region can be country’s ‘gateway to the stars,’ says scientist

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Davao region’s proximity to the equator and it being located in the eastern part of the country makes it an ideal location to launch rockets in the future, a Filipino astrophysicist said. Aside from its potential as an aerospace innovation hub, the region also has a potential for aerospace tourism, where tourists can come not only to enjoy the beaches but also to look at the stars, said Rogel Mari Sese, chair of the...

DHSUD chief admits challenge in completing 6M housing units until 2028

Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar on Monday admitted that it would be difficult to complete the target of six million housing units until 2028. During the pre-SONA briefing, Acuzar explained that while there is no problem with funds, the construction of these housing units has been challenging. ''Dati po ang usapan six million, ganito po 'yun eh, may katotohanan doon sa drawing pero sa...

Nancy Binay files ethics rap vs Alan Cayetano: Wounds ‘have reopened’

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Nancy Binay formally filed on Monday an ethics complaint against Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano for allegedly resorting to name-calling and behaving disorderly during the chamber’s proceedings. The complaint was filed days after the two senators exchanged barbs during the Senate panel on accounts’ hearing on the supposedly ballooning cost of the New Senate Building (NSB) in Taguig. During the July 3 hearing, panel head...

In Iloilo, delay hits repair work on ‘sinking’ flyover

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — The completion of the P295-million repair work on the controversial Ungka flyover in Iloilo may have to wait for some time. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has announced that the full reopening of the flyover, initially scheduled for August, has been reset to November this year. Sanny Boy Oropel, regional director of the DPWH in Western Visayas, reasoned that the rectification techniques, including...

Sister of North Korean leader Kim calls South Korea's live-fire drills 'suicidal hysteria'

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — The powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called South Korea’s recent front-line live-fire drills “suicidal hysteria” as she threatened unspecified military steps Monday if further provoked. The warning by Kim Yo Jong came after South Korea resumed firing exercises near its tense land and sea borders with North Korea in the past two weeks. The exercises were the first of their kind since South Korea...

Landslide triggered by torrential rain kills 11 people at illegal gold mine in Indonesia; 19 missing

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — A landslide triggered by torrential rains crashed onto an unauthorized gold mining operation on Indonesia’s Sulawesi island, killing at least 11 people, officials said Monday. Nineteen others were reported missing. About 35 villagers were digging for grains of gold on Sunday in a pit at the small traditional gold mine in remote Bone Bolango district in Gorontalo province when tons of mud plunged down the surrounding...

French voters deliver a win for the left, a blow for Le Pen and a hung parliament

By Juliette Jabkhiro, Layli Foroudi and Zhifan Liu PARIS (Reuters) -France faced potential political deadlock after elections on Sunday threw up a hung parliament, with a leftist alliance unexpectedly taking the top spot ahead of the far right but no group winning a majority. Voters delivered a major setback for Marine Le Pen's nationalist, eurosceptic National Rally (RN), which opinion polls

CBCP names 2 more national shrines

MANILA, Philippines — The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has designated two parish churches as national shrines, bringing to 31 the total number of national shrines in the country. READ: Quiapo Church now a national shrine for pilgrims These churches are the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of the Assumption, more known as the Maasin City Cathedral in Southern Leyte province, and the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy in...

Japan says keen to deepen security ties with Philippines, US, Australia

MANILA — Japan is keen to deepen security ties with the Philippines, the United States and Australia under trilateral and quadrilateral arrangements, its defense minister said on Monday. Defense Minister Minoru Kihara spoke in Manila during a joint press conference with his Philippine counterpart after Japan and the Philippines signed a reciprocal access agreement for their defense forces. READ: Philippines and […]

Trillanes ‘filing more cases’ vs Duterte, Go

MANILA, Philippines — Former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV is considering to file more complaints against former President Rodrigo Duterte and Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go over alleged irregularities committed during the previous administration. According to Trillanes, among these complaints include one related to the alleged anomaly in the frigate acquisition project of the Philippine Navy. READ: Trillanes hounds Duterte, Go with P6-B plunder rap The...

2 drug suspects slain, cop hurt in Tawi-Tawi shootout

CAMP SK PENDATUN, MAGUINDANAO DEL NORTE, Philippines — Two alleged drug personalities were killed while a police officer was injured during a law enforcement operation in Bongao town of Tawi-Tawi on Friday, police said. Police Brig. Gen. Prexy Tanggawohn, regional director of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao police, said the two suspects fired at approaching lawmen, sparking a shootout inside the Bongao public market in...

China anchors ‘monster ship’ in South China Sea, Philippine coast guard says

MANILA— The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Saturday that China’s largest coastguard vessel has anchored in Manila’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea, and is meant to intimidate its smaller Asian neighbor. The China coastguard’s 165-meter ‘monster ship’ entered Manila’s 200-nautical mile EEZ on July 2, spokesperson for the PCG Jay Tarriela […]

3 arrested for illegal fishing in Tañon Strait

Authorities nabbed three men for engaging in illegal fishing within the marine protected waters of Tañon Strait, the Philippine National Police - Maritime Group reported Monday. The three men were found operating an unmarked motor banca worth around P200,000 with a defaced engine number. Authorities also seized from the men various fishing paraphernalia worth around P200,000, a Garmin fish finder, and their catch of 'tuloy' fish, a kind of...