World

As countries tighten anti-gay laws, more and more LGBTQ+ migrants seek safety and asylum in Europe

RIETI, Italy (AP) — Ella Anthony knew it was time to leave her native Nigeria when she escaped an abusive, forced marriage only to face angry relatives who threatened to turn her in to police because she was gay. Since Nigeria criminalizes same-sex relationships, Anthony fled a possible prison term and headed with her partner to Libya in 2014 and then Italy, where they both won asylum. Their claim? That they had a well-founded fear of...

Hundreds arrested, roads barricaded in New Caledonia as riots continue

By Kirsty Needham and Camille Raynaud SYDNEY (Reuters) - Armed forces were protecting New Caledonia's two airports and port after a third night of violent riots that have killed four people, the Pacific Island's top French official said on Thursday morning, adding at least four alleged instigators were under house arrest. In three municipalities on the French-ruled island, gendarmes faced about

Marcos hopes for closer ties with 6 countries

MANILA, Philippines — The government is looking forward to forging deeper diplomatic relations with different countries in Asia, Europe and Central America as President Marcos received their envoys in Malacañang on Tuesday. The nonresident ambassadors from Belarus, Ghana, Turkmenistan, Malta, the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua presented their credentials to Marcos who said that “distance should not get in the way of our continuing relations.”...

Family of Lewiston shooter to testify before commission investigating tragedy

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — An independent commission investigating the mass shooting that left 18 people dead in Maine is preparing to hear from the shooter's family for the first time. An Army reservist with a history of mental health troubles committed the deadliest shooting in Maine history, opening fire with an assault rifle inside a bowling alley and a bar and grill in Lewiston in October. The commission has been meeting for months, hearing from...

UN sees number of young migrants crossing the dangerous Darien Gap up by a third

PANAMA CITY (Reuters) - The number of minors crossing the treacherous jungle between Colombia and Panama known as the Darien Gap is on pace to rise by 34% to reach 160,000 this year, the United Nations' Children Fund (UNICEF) said on Wednesday. The migration of mostly U.S.-bound kids through the Darien Gap represents "a prolonged crisis," UNICEF said in a statement, adding that current data

Schools across Devon are forced to shut after mystery illness spreads

Schools across Devon have been forced to shut after hundreds of people were struck down by a mystery illness which was sparked by contaminated water.

House approves divorce bill on 2nd reading

MANILA, Philippines — House Bill No. 9348, a proposal seeking to reinstate divorce in the country as a means of dissolving marriages, was approved by the House of Representatives on second reading on Wednesday. During the plenary session, the proposal was approved via viva voce or voice voting. The bill was approved two months after it was referred to the plenary by the House committee on population and family relations. Under HB No. 9349 or the...

Marcos dismayed over low ranking of PH universities in Asia list; says much work needs to be done

While more Philippine universities were included in the recent world rankings, President Marcos expressed disappointment over the non-ranking of any Philippine university in the top 100 Asia University Rankings. The results, he said, calls for a comprehensive strategy in order to turn the trend around. READ: https://mb.com.ph/2024/5/15/marcos-dismayed-over-low-ranking-of-ph-universities-in-asia-list-says-much-work-needs-to-be-done Subscribe to the Manila Bulletin Online channel! - https://www.youtube.com/TheManilaBulletin Visit our website at http://mb.com.phFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/manilabulletin Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/manila_bulletinInstagram: https://instagram.com/manilabulletinTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manilabulletin #ManilaBulletinOnline#ManilaBulletin#LatestNews

A Ukrainian naval drone has done hundreds of millions in damage to Russia

MMDA deputizes 10 Metro LGUs’ enforcers to issue tickets

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Wednesday said it has already deputized traffic enforcers under 10 local government units (LGUs) in the National Capital Region (NCR) to issue violation tickets under the single-ticketing system (STS). The enforcers were from Malabon, Mandaluyong, Valenzuela, San Juan, Navotas, Parañaque, Pasay, Pasig and Quezon cities, as well as the municipality of Pateros, the MMDA...

P30B OKd for rehab of damaged schools

MANILA, Philippines — The National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) Board approved on Wednesday the P30.56-billion fund for the repair and rehabilitation of school facilities outside Metro Manila that were damaged by recent calamities. In a statement, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said the amount comprised funding for the Infrastructure for Safer and Resilient Schools (ISRS) project, the bulk of which was sourced from a...

Pagcor told to tighten up on POGOs

MANILA, Philippines — The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) on Wednesday told the Philippine Amusement Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to step up its regulatory powers and monitoring of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). PAOCC Spokesperson Winston Casio said this after the agency shut down an illegal hospital in Pasay City, allegedly catering to POGO workers. “Really the bottom-line is the Philippine Amusement Gaming...

Venezuela's barred opposition candidate is now the fiery surrogate of her lesser-known replacement

SABANA DE MENDOZA, Venezuela (AP) — At an intersection packed in four directions, rallygoers scream and light up cellphones in the evening as Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado climbs onto a flatbed truck like a presidential candidate. She has been barred from the July 28 election. Still, she crisscrosses the country, shaking hands, taking selfies, blowing kisses and promising the defeat of President Nicolás Maduro — all as a...

Speaker Romualdez seeks Coast Guard modernization plan

Speaker Martin Romualdez called on the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to submit a comprehensive and strategic "modernization plan" ahead of the deliberations on the proposed 2025 national budget. In a statement, Romualdez said the plan should outline the necessary steps and resources required to enhance the Coast Guard’s capabilities, particularly for patrolling and safeguarding the Philippine territories in the West Philippine Sea. "Our national...

Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 812

As the war enters its 812th day, these are the main developments.

Worrisome presence

Better late than never. That best describes the decision of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to implement stricter rules on the issuance of tourist visas to Chinese nationals in the wake of reports that fraudulently-obtained passports and visas had resulted in their illicit entry and overstay. Its action is long overdue in light of the crimes of human trafficking, forcible abduction, robbery extortion, and homicide that had earlier been...

Council ordered to pay family it failed to house

An ombudsman found the council only acted when the family’s situation became desperate.

Phivolcs records two 'phreatic eruptions' in Taal Volcano

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported on Thursday, May 16, that it had monitored two "phreatic eruptions" or steam-driven eruptions, at Taal Volcano. READ MORE: https://mb.com.ph/2024/5/16/phivolcs-records-two-phreatic-eruptions-in-taal-volcano Subscribe to the Manila Bulletin Online channel! - https://www.youtube.com/TheManilaBulletin Visit our website at http://mb.com.phFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/manilabulletinTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/manila_bulletinInstagram: https://instagram.com/manilabulletinTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manilabulletin #ManilaBulletinOnline#ManilaBulletin#LatestNews

DBM’s Pangandaman approves creation of over 4,000 positions for 4Ps

MANILA, Philippines — Budget Secretary Amenah “Mina” F. Pangandaman has approved the creation of 4,265 positions across various Field Offices of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to support the implementation of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). “Supporting the 4Ps is crucial in inclusive development, empowering families, and breaking the cycle of poverty in the Philippines. With this move, we are also...

‘Salamat sa katapangan’: Civilian-led coalition heading to Panatag Shoal for resupply mission lauded

“Salamat sa katapangan.” Online Filipinos saluted the civilian convoy who sailed near Panatag Shoal (Scarborough Shoal) to deliver supplies to fishermen who ventured into the area despite the presence of Chinese militia vessels. The convoy is organized by the Atin Ito Coalition, which is composed of volunteers and some members of the following organizations: New […]

Improving education in PH is Marcos' top priority

Improving the quality of education in the country is a top priority, President Marcos said, stressing that it is the "most important service" the government must provide. READ MORE: https://mb.com.ph/2024/5/15/improving-education-in-ph-is-marcos-top-priority Subscribe to the Manila Bulletin Online channel! - https://www.youtube.com/TheManilaBulletin Visit our website at http://mb.com.phFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/manilabulletinTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/manila_bulletinInstagram: https://instagram.com/manilabulletinTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manilabulletin #ManilaBulletinOnline#ManilaBulletin#LatestNews

Albo responds after tenant revealed he is being evicted from PM's home

Anthony Albanese has responded to his Sydney tenant who begged the Prime Minister not to make him homeless after serving him with an eviction notice.

2 China Coast Guard ships try to block ‘Atin Ito’ convoy

WEST PHILIPPINE SEA, Philippines — Two China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels on Wednesday shadowed and tried to block the Filipino civilian-led convoy sailing toward Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), a resource-rich area in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) that was seized by China in 2012. At 6:15 p.m., a CCG ship, with body No. 4108, maneuvered to blocked FB Bing Bing, one of the four commercial fishing...

PH boat convoy won't proceed to Scarborough Shoal – organizers

MANILA, Philippines – A convoy of boats carrying Philippine civilians bearing fuel and food for Filipino fishermen has abandoned plans to sail closer to a China-held reef off the Southeast Asian country, organizers said Thursday. "Atin Ito will now proceed to conduct the final leg of supply distribution in the current area, as there are no more Filipino fishers in BdM after they were reportedly sent away by various Chinese vessels," the...

Russia wanted to capture a key settlement by May 9th but it failed

Court averts water cut in Cagayan de Oro

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines — A local court has temporarily eased the worries of some 40,000 households here whose taps could run dry due to an unresolved dispute between the water district and its bulk supplier. On Tuesday night, Mayor Rolando Uy announced that Regional Trial Court Branch 17 Judge Ana Candida Casiño issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against Cagayan de Oro Bulkwater Inc. (Cobi) and Rio Verde Water Consortium Inc....

Worry as release of Wuhan blogger remains unclear

Zhang Zhan's condition is unclear several days after her scheduled release from jail.

UC Irvine filled with anti-Israel protestors before face off with cops

Police arrested at least a dozen anti-Israel protestors at University of California, Irvine. They arrived in riot gear on Wednesday, clashing with protestors and clearing the encampment.

Senate starts review of Baguio charter

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The Senate on Tuesday began correcting flaws in the modern Baguio City Charter (Republic Act No. 11689), which had upset sectors here for technically downgrading the city’s status as an independent, highly urbanized local government and for granting another agency power in the titling of city properties. The upper chamber is reviewing House Bill No. 7406 that was recently passed by the Lower House to amend erroneous...

Abalos warns LGUs anew vs project fund ‘fixers’

MANILA, Philippines — Local government and barangay officials nationwide should beware of dealing with people who claim they can help facilitate the release of funding for their projects. “These incidents of poseurs claiming to be government agents pose serious threats to the integrity of government processes, and undermine the trust and confidence of the public in the administration of government funds,” Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos said in...

Three soldiers hit by car in Haifa, motive unclear - report

A car hit three soldiers who were standing on the sidewalk by the road on Moshe Dayan Street in Haifa, Israeli media reported on Thursday. According to the report, the reason and details of the incident are still unknown. However, the police have begun investigating all possibilities. The three soldiers were injured, and the car driver fled the sce...

Our Mexican connection

We have been taught that Philippine society has largely been defined by the influences of two colonial powers that ruled our islands. Referring to our occupation by Spain and the United States, we are said to have spent 300 years in the convent and almost 50 years in Hollywood. It turns out that there was a third foreign land that deeply influenced our way of life for 250 years. That country is Mexico. This was my takeaway from the exhibition...

Fire at waste site 'is 12th in recent years'

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service says it is "concerned" by the repeated incidents.

The moment gunman shoots Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico

Robert Fico, 59, was wheeled into hospital after the assassination attempt in Handlova, northeast of capital Bratislava, while speaking to people outside of the building.

Xi lauds China-Russia ties as Putin lands in Beijing

By Bernard Orr and Guy Faulconbridge BEIJING/MOSCOW (Reuters) -Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to work with counterpart Vladimir Putin to "rejuvenate" their countries as the pair started a day of talks in Beijing, saying China would "always be a good partner" of Russia, according to Chinese state media. Putin arrived earlier on Thursday for a two-day state visit that will include detailed

Meta restores Facebook posts by Malaysian media on PM Anwar's meeting with Hamas

By Danial Azhar KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Meta Platforms has restored Facebook posts by Malaysian media covering Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's meeting this week with a Hamas leader, saying they were removed in error. The removal had drawn complaints from Malaysia's government, a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause and which has warned that firm action could be taken against Meta and other

3 Hong Kong judges deny Jimmy Lai defence team’s request to recall key prosecution witness to the stand

Three judges hearing Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai Chee-ying’s national security trial have refused a defence application to recall a key prosecution witness to court for cross-examination, on the grounds that a contrary decision would undermine the interest of justice. West Kowloon Court heard on Thursday that Lai’s legal team had had “more than reasonable opportunities” to test former Apple Daily publisher Cheung Kim-hung’s knowledge of a...

Russia's Putin arrives in China for state visit in a show of unity between the authoritarian allies

China’s leader Xi Jinping welcomed Russia’s President Vladimir Putin on Thursday as he began a two-day state visit, in a show of unity between the authoritarian allies as Moscow presses forward with a new offensive in Ukraine. READ MORE: https://mb.com.ph/2024/5/16/russia-s-putin-arrives-in-china-for-state-visit-in-a-show-of-unity-between-the-authoritarian-allies

New ‘reclamation’ just rumors, says China; PCG sneers at denial

MANILA, Philippines — China has dismissed as “sheer rumor” the recent statements of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) that Beijing may again be building artificial islands in the country’s exclusive economic zone. The PCG over the weekend reported the discovery of piles of dead and crushed corals dumped on the sandbars around Escoda (Sabina) Shoal, taking them as fresh signs of land reclamation in the West Philippine Sea. The PCG has deployed a...

Iloilo under state of calamity due to El Niño

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — The provincial board of Iloilo on Tuesday placed the province under a state of calamity due to damage wrought by the El Niño phenomenon on agriculture, which topped P1 billion. The declaration, which was recommended by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), enables the provincial government, through the PDRRM Office (PDRRMO), to utilize P75.78 million in allocated funds for its El Niño...

Slovakia’s populist prime minister shot in assassination attempt

BANSKA BYSTRICA, Slovakia — Slovakia’s populist prime minister, Robert Fico, was shot multiple times and gravely wounded Wednesday while greeting supporters at an event in an attempted assassination that shocked the small country and reverberated across Europe weeks before an election. Doctors were still fighting for his life several hours after the pro-Russian leader, 59, was hit in the abdomen, Defense Minister Robert Kalina told reporters at...

NCRPO: Roads 'generally peaceful' amid unconsolidated jeepney crackdown

The road situation in Metro Manila remained generally peaceful amid the crackdown on colorum public utility vehicles (PUV), including jeepneys, on Thursday, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said. “Sa ngayon, wala pa kaming nare-receive na nahuli pero generally peaceful pa naman po itong first day ng implementation,” NCRPO spokesperson Police Lieutenant Colonel Eunice Salas told Dobol B TV in an interview. (So far, we have not...

Double standards

With rising tensions over the West Philippine Sea, people have been wary about infiltration by foreign nationals. We have seen the Senate hearings with Bamban Mayor Alice Guo who apparently secured an elected government post without much of a background to speak of. We have heard public concerns over the supposed influx of Chinese students in a university in Cagayan. News reports have shown arrests of Chinese nationals found with weapons in...

Police called in as protesters take building at University of California, Irvine

(Reuters) - Pro-Palestinian protesters occupied a building at the University of California, Irvine, on Wednesday, leading university officials to call in multiple police agencies, cancel classes and advise people on campus to shelter in place, a university spokesperson said. No arrests or injuries were reported as several law-enforcement agencies from Orange County including Irvine police

Donald Trump is supportive of AUKUS defence pact, former Australian PM says

By Lewis Jackson SYDNEY (Reuters) - Donald Trump gave the AUKUS defence pact a "warm reception", during a meeting with former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, the latter said, one of the few public signs about Trump's view of the deal. Morrison, who left office in 2022, met Trump on Tuesday at the former president's home in New York for talks that covered AUKUS, China's assertiveness in

Barangay ‘day care centers’ for elderly pushed

MANILA, Philippines — As more Filipinos become part of the silver generation, a party list lawmaker is proposing the setup of “senior citizen day care centers” in every barangay to help elderly Filipinos stay well and active through easy access to community recreation, education and health services. United Senior Citizens Rep. Milagros Aquino-Magsaysay filed House Bill No. 10362, or the draft Senior Citizens Day Care Center Act of 2024, to...

'Kulang sa energy': Hontiveros flags power agencies over 'continued failure' to solve problems

Senator Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday, May 15 called on the Department of Energy (DOE), the Energy Regulatory Commission, and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to demonstrate the foresight and competence needed to address the power supply shortage being felt around the country. READ: https://mb.com.ph/2024/5/15/kulang-sa-energy-hontiveros-flags-power-agencies-over-continued-failure-to-solve-problems Subscribe to the Manila Bulletin Online channel! - https://www.youtube.com/TheManilaBulletin Visit our website at http://mb.com.phFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/manilabulletin Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/manila_bulletinInstagram: https://instagram.com/manilabulletinTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manilabulletin #ManilaBulletinOnline#ManilaBulletin#LatestNews

Mother of stab victim meets boy saved by bleed kit

Daniel Baird was stabbed in Digbeth in 2017, prompting his mum to campaign for bleed kits in the UK.

PCSO Lotto Draw Results, May 15, 2024 | Grand Lotto 6/55, Mega Lotto 6/45, 4D, 3D, and 2D

Here are the winning lotto combinations of the lotto draw results for the 9 p.m. draw on Wednesday, May 15.

Slovak government to meet following assasination attempt on PM

PRAGUE (Reuters) - Slovakia will convene a state security council meeting and the government will also meet from 11:00 a.m. (0900 GMT) on Thursday, the government office said. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot in an assassination attempt when leaving a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, but a government minister said his life was no longer in danger. (Reporting by Jason Hovet)