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Yoga teachers threaten legal action as beachside classes are shutdown

Several yoga instructors in San Diego are pursuing legal action against the city over a ban on their free beachside classes because updated vendor laws include recreational activities like yoga,

Teodoro preps task force amid La Niña watch

MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has warned that the government will crack down hard on hoarders and price manipulators as the country braces for the coming La Niña weather phenomenon that could wreak havoc on agriculture and disrupt transportation and services. Teodoro, who also chairs the government’s Task Force El Niño, issued the warning after the fifth meeting of the presidential task force for the preparations...

Notable People who died in 2024

Luzon and Visayas grids on yellow alert on May 20

MANILA, Philippines — National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has placed Luzon and Visayas grids under yellow alert on Monday as more than 30 power plants are unavailable. According to NGCP, a yellow alert is issued “when the operating margin is insufficient to meet the transmission grid’s contingency requirement.” READ: Luzon, Visayas grids under yellow alert on April 30 — NGCP Based on its 8 a.m. advisory, the grid operator has...

Monks and Muslims vote to demand rights for India's Ladakh

Buddhist monks and Muslims in the Indian Himalayan territory of Ladakh turned out to vote Monday, demanding statehood and that their local culture be protected in the overwhelmingly Hindu nation. But residents have long demanded a legislature of their own, constitutional protection of the local culture, and measures to defend its fragile environment.

Philippines urges China to allow scrutiny of disputed South China Sea shoal

MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippines challenged China on Monday to open Scarborough Shoal to international scrutiny after it accused Beijing of destroying the shoal's marine environment. Maritime tension has been rising in the South China Sea between Manila and Beijing, as the Philippines has accused China of using water cannon and blocking manoeuvres through disputed shoals and reefs. Control of

PH, India navies to hold exercise in West PH Sea

The joint maritime exercise between the Philippine and Indian navies is set to be conducted in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the Philippine Navy said. Philippine Navy spokesperson Commander John Percie Alcos told GMA News Online that the two navies will hold a passing exercise in the WPS, which include warfare exercises. “A PASSEX will involve warfare exercises and seamanship serials to ensure seamless combined operations, improve mutual...

WikiLeaks' Julian Assange faces US extradition judgment day

By Michael Holden and Sam Tobin LONDON (Reuters) -Hundreds of protesters gathered at London's High Court on Monday to hear if WikiLeaks' founder Julian Assange would be extradited to the United States over the mass leak of secret U.S. documents - the culmination of 13 years of legal battles. Two judges are set to declare whether they are satisfied by U.S. assurances that Assange, 52, would not

Gov’t agencies discuss anti-flood measures

MANILA, Philippines — A party list lawmaker on Sunday called on the public to practice the basics of proper waste disposal in preventing floods, which are expected to be brought by the La Niña phenomenon. In a statement 1-Rider party list Rep. Roman Rodrigo Gutierrez highlighted the importance of proper garbage disposal, stressing it was among key solutions to prevent and mitigate flooding in most parts of the country. READ: Romualdez will meet...

Angat Dam breaches 180-meter minimum operating water level

MANILA, Philippines — The water level of Angat Dam, which supplies 97 percent of Metro Manila’s water needs, has reached its minimum operating level of 180 meters, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said on Monday. According to its latest bulletin, Pagasa said that Angat Dam’s water level decreased to 180.73 meters as of 8 a.m. READ: DILG instructs all LGUs to conserve water amid effects of...

Nearly half of Russia’s North Korean missiles failed official claims

Man dies after fire breaks out in flat

The fire service says it will investigate the cause of the fire.

Vatican releases new norms on alleged supernatural phenomena

VATICAN— A new document from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith published on Friday, May 17, has updated the norms for discerning alleged supernatural phenomena. The norms come into force on Sunday, May 19, the feast of Pentecost. The document is preceded by a detailed presentation by Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, Prefect of the […]

War and popularity keep Zelensky in power despite term expiring

Martial law and a desire for stability keeps the Ukrainian leader in power without new elections.

The unexpected death of the president of Iran

Hamas mourns Raisi, says he supported the group against Israel

By Nidal al-Mughrabi CAIRO (Reuters) - The Palestinian Islamist group Hamas mourned on Monday the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who it said had supported the Palestinian people during the current war with Israel. Raisi, a hardliner long seen as a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in a helicopter crash on Sunday in mountainous terrain near the

Who is Iran's first vice president, Mohammad Mokhber, appointed acting president after crash?

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran's first Vice President Mohammad Mokhber was appointed as acting president of the Islamic Republic on Monday after the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash in the country's northwest. Mokhber, 68, largely has been in the shadows compared to other politicians in Iran's Shiite theocracy. Raisi's death under the constitution thrust Mokhber into public view. He is expected to serve as...

Man charged with attempted murders after stabbing

Leon Telemacque, 31, of Clements Road, Birmingham, is due before Exeter Magistrates' Court later.

Protestors block New Caledonia roads as French police pour in

By Kirsty Needham SYDNEY (Reuters) - A thousand police arrived in New Caledonia from France and streets were relatively calm, the French High Commission said on Monday, but roads were blocked and the airport remained shut, stranding tourists on the Pacific island after a week of riots. The activist group organising the protests in the French-ruled territory, Field Action Co-ordination Cell (CCAT

Infected Blood Inquiry: Police should look into prosecutions, says Labour MP

Labour MP Dame Diana Johnson speaks to BBC Breakfast ahead of the final report of the public inquiry into the Infected Blood Scandal. Dame Diana, who has been campaigning on behalf of victims for almost two decades, says she hopes the police will be looking into whether prosecutions are possible.

Pope Francis proclaims 2025 Jubilee papal bull: ‘Hope does not disappoint’

VATICAN— The Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee was officially proclaimed on Thursday by Pope Francis, who presided over a formal reading of the Jubilee’s papal bull of indiction. The papal bull, titled “Spes Non Confudit,” meaning “Hope Does Not Disappoint,” declares that the Jubilee Year will officially begin with the opening of the Holy Door of […]

Ignorance as power?

According to Alice Leal Guo, the 37-year-old mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, she cannot remember anything from the early parts of her life—from the house where she was born to the last name of the teacher who homeschooled her every day for 17 years. At least, this was what she claimed during the Senate hearing about Guo’s alleged involvement in illegal Philippine offshore gaming operations in her town. Feigning ignorance is a manipulation tactic that...

DILG orders probe to revoke Mayor Guo’s authority over police

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos on Monday said he ordered a probe on Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo for possible revocation of her authority over the police. In a press conference, Abalos said the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) will conduct the investigation. “I instructed NAPOLCOM to initiate proceedings for the withdrawal of the mayor's deputization,” he said. “Ibig sabihin nito, pagkatapos namin ng imbestigasyon...

PH calls on other countries to ignore China's threat vs SCS 'trespassers'

The Philippines on Monday urged other countries to ignore the threat of China to arrest foreigners who will enter the South China Sea (SCS). “We call on all maritime states particularly our neighbors like Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia to ignore these illegal regulations and sail in these waters to the extent that international law allows,” National Task Force West Philippine Sea (NTF WPS) spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said in a press...

House probe of Duterte-China ‘gentleman’s agreement’ begins

MANILA, Philippines — Two House of Representatives panels have started its probe on the alleged gentleman’s agreement between former President Rodrigo Duterte and China, supposedly to maintain the status quo over Ayungin Shoal. The House committee on national defense and security and the committee on the West Philippine Sea started on Monday hearing the issue, in response to House Resolution (HR) No. 1684 and the privilege speech delivered by...

3 Indian warships in Manila on goodwill visit

MANILA, Philippines — Three Indian Navy ships on a regional deployment docked in the port of Manila on Sunday for a four-day goodwill visit. The ships—guided missile destroyer INS Delhi, fleet tanker INS Shakti and ASW corvette INS Kiltan—belong to the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet that also made prior stops in other Southeast Asian countries as part of the current deployment. “We are visiting friendly foreign countries to share our experiences...

China issues radio challenge vs chopper en route to Pagasa | INQToday

WATCH: Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri says the helicopter boarded by senators on its way to Pagasa Island received a radio challenge from China.

Marcos, VP Sara's trust and performance ratings declined — OCTA survey

Though majority of Filipinos continue to trust President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte, declines in their ratings were shown in the latest survey results of OCTA Research. The survey, conducted from March 24 to 27, 2024, indicated that most adult Filipinos continue to trust (69%, -6) and approve (65%, -6) the performance of Marcos in the first quarter of this year. The 69% trust rating of Marcos, however, was...

Milei Visit to Far-Right Rally Prompts Harsh Spanish Rebuke

Spain’s Socialist government demanded an apology from Argentine President Javier Milei, saying the libertarian leader’s comments at a far-right rally in Madrid had badly damaged relations.

Marcos: Nothing done in previous admins on Yolanda rehab

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Monday said nothing was done in the previous administrations when it comes to the rehabilitation measures for the victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda. Marcos said rehabilitations started just two years ago, noting that nothing was done by the previous Duterte and Aquino administrations. "Even up to now, it's up to the governors also… and even some of the officials hindi talaga pa tayo mag fully...

Pair jailed over violent bus stop robbery attempts

One teenage victim had to go to hospital with head and face injuries after being targeted.

Firefighter who died in blaze 43 years ago remembered

Roderick MacLeod, 25, died while battling a blaze at a guest house near Invergarry.

Assisted dying debate hits close to home for UK

The UK faced renewed pressure on Monday to reconsider its assisted dying laws, as surrounding jurisdictions move closer to granting terminally ill people the right to die. - Isle of Man, Jersey - The Isle of Man and Jersey are not part of the UK but could become the first jurisdictions in the British Isles to legalise assisted dying.

No Filipino hurt in latest Houthi attack

MANILA, Philippines — All 23 Filipino crewmen on-board an unspecified vessel attacked by Houthi rebels on Saturday are “safe and unharmed,” the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said in a statement on Sunday. READ: 11 Filipino survivors of Houthi attack on ship back in PH “Their vessel, which sustained slight damage was sailing close to the Yemeni port city of Hodeida when it was attacked. The vessel is continuing on its journey to its next...

Nine Egyptians to go on trial in Greece over deadly Pylos shipwreck

In mid-June 2023, more than 500 people died after the fishing boat they boarded capsized.

Slovakian prime minister had predicted an assassination attempt

A chilling video has emerged of Robert Fico making the prophecy of his own assassination attempt last month.

Senators warn of new maritime case vs China

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines may file another case against China if it implements its new policy of detaining for up to 60 days without trial foreigners, particularly Filipinos, crossing waters it claims are under its jurisdiction, two senators said on Sunday. “Should Beijing dare push through with this illegitimate regulation, the Philippines’ hand may be forced to sue them again in the Hague Tribunal,” Sen. Risa Hontiveros said in a...

PCG sends off maritime security groups in 6 regions

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday deployed maritime security groups in six “critical regions” as it intensifies its law enforcement operations. In a statement, the PCG said these teams are assigned to Central Luzon, Southern Tagalog, Central Visayas, Western Visayas, Northern Mindanao, and Southwestern Mindanao. More deployment will cover other regions within the year, according to the PCG. Maritime Security Law Enforcement Command...

Old guards to vie for top BARMM posts vs MILF execs in 2025

COTABATO CITY, BARMM, Philippines — With barely a year before the elections in May 2025, the political pot in the Bangsamoro region has started to roil, with traditional powerful clans forming its own alliance to vie for parliament seats against the newly formed party composed mostly of leaders of the former rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The Bangsamoro Grand Coalition (BGC), composed of several parties of ruling political...

Russia’s visually confirmed tank losses reach a new staggering number

DRC army says it stopped attempted coup involving US citizens

By Ange Kasongo and Sonia Rolley KINSHASA (Reuters) -The leader of an attempted coup on Sunday in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been killed and some 50 people including three American citizens arrested, a spokesman for the Central African country's army told Reuters. Gunfire rang out around 4 a.m. in the capital Kinshasa, a Reuters reporter said. Armed men attacked the presidency in

Chinese vessels near Pagasa during PH Navy barracks groundbreaking | INQToday

WATCH: A Philippine Coast Guard official says Chinese vessels were seen loitering near Pagasa Island during the groundbreaking ceremony of a Philippine Navy barracks and a Super Rural Health Unit.

NHS Blood and Transplant chief medical officer apologises to infected blood victims

NHS Blood and Transplant's chief medical officer Dr Gail Miflin apologises for the role the service played in the Infected Blood Scandal. Officials are preparing to release the final report of the Infected Blood Inquiry. Statisticians have estimated that around 27,000 people were infected with contaminated blood as a result of blood transfusions.

Scarborough Shoal civilian convoy safely returns to Subic, Zambales | INQToday

WATCH: The civilian convoy to Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea returns safely to Subic fishing port early Friday morning despite several encounters with Chinese vessels during the two-day trip.

Taiwan swears in new president as China pressure grows

TAIPEI, Taiwan — Taiwan’s president-elect Lai Ching-te will be sworn into office Monday, putting him at the helm of the self-ruled island as China ramps up military and political pressure on Taipei. China claims democratic Taiwan as part of its territory and has branded 64-year-old Lai a “dangerous separatist” who will bring “war and decline” to the island. READ: Taiwan new president inherits strong foreign policy, political gridlock Lai will...

Pet sanctuary overwhelmed by support after eviction notice

Celandine Wood Animal Rescue say they had been allowed to use land for free but it was now being sold.

Sandro Marcos okay to talk with Baste Duterte if the mayor wants to call up

Presidential son and Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Alexander Marcos will keep an open line for Davao City Mayor Sebastian \"Baste\" Duterte if the latter wants to discuss anything amid the growing rift between their families.

'Gentleman's agreement' allowed in int'l law but legality depends on content —DOJ

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday underscored the importance of knowing the actual content of the supposed "gentleman's agreement" between the Philippines and China regarding the Ayungin Shoal, as there is a possibility that it could be allowed under international law. In a hearing of the House Committee on National Defense and Security with the Special Committee on West Philippine Sea, DOJ senior state counsel Atty. Fretti Ganchoon...

After inking alliance with NPC, Marcos hopes to be allies with other political parties

President Marcos hopes to further expand his political party's alliance ahead of the upcoming elections. READ MORE: https://mb.com.ph/2024/5/19/after-inking-alliance-with-npc-marcos-hopes-to-be-allies-with-other-political-parties 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

Escudero sworn in as Senate president

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Francis Escudero was sworn in as Senate president on Monday, replacing Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri who said his failure to follow instructions from poweful blocs led to his ouster. Zubiri's ouster triggered a major reorganization as his "team" also resigned from their respective posts. Zubiri, who led the Senate since July 2022, confirmed the coup d'etat against him in a chance interview minutes before the start of the...