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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...

France shifts to the left, risks policy paralysis

By Richard Lough and Tassilo Hummel PARIS (Reuters) -France faced a hung parliament and difficult negotiations starting Monday to form a government, after a surprise left-wing surge blocked Marine Le Pen's quest to bring the far right to power. The leftist New Popular Front (NFP) emerged as the dominant force in the National Assembly after Sunday's election, but with no single group securing a

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...

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...

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,

Neighbour's 'entitled' parking act sparks outrage on their street

A resident has been accused of committing an 'entitled' parking act in Sydney's inner west.

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...

Thailand willing to support Philippine defense industries

MANILA, Philippines — Thailand has expressed willingness to support Philippine defense industries through enhanced partnerships and collaboration, the Department of National Defense (DND) said on Sunday. This was one of the points taken up as Defense Undersecretary Angelito de Leon welcomed Adm. Adoong Pan-Inam, commander in chief of the Royal Thai Navy, at the DND headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo last week, the DND said. The Thai admiral was in...

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...

Global race for uranium due to a revival of civil and military nuclear activity

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...

DAILY MAIL COMMENT: Macron mayhem a wake-up call for all

From having a healthy majority in the National Assembly, Mr Macron's snap election gamble has thrown it all away. His centrist Ensemble bloc is diminished, demoralised, outnumbered.

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 […]

SUV driver dies after hitting truck in Tondo

A driver of a sports utility vehicle (SUV) died after his vehicle hit a 16-wheeler truck on Mel Lopez Boulevard, Tondo, Manila on Monday morning, July 8. READ MORE: https://mb.com.ph/2024/7/8/suv-driver-dies-after-hitting-truck-in-tondo Subscribe to the Manila Bulletin Online channel! - https://www.youtube.com/TheManilaBulletin Visit our website at http://mb.com.ph Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manilabulletin Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/manila_bulletin Instagram: https://instagram.com/manilabulletin Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manilabulletin #ManilaBulletinOnline #ManilaBulletin #LatestNews

Philippines, Japan to discuss East China Sea, South China Sea in ‘2 plus 2’ talks

MANILA — The Philippines and Japan will discuss issues surrounding the East China Sea, South China Sea and Korean Peninsula during the ‘2 plus 2’ meeting between their foreign and defense ministers, Manila’s foreign affairs secretary said on Monday. READ: Manalo says Japan supports Manila’s position on South China Sea | Japan says keen to deepen security ties with Philippines, […]

Apayao Province Is Now a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

Here's what that means.

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...

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...

Notable People who died in 2024

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.

P25K reward up for arrest of Amorsolo painting thieves

BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines — Mayor Joedith Gallego of Silay City in Negros Occidental has dangled a P25,000 reward for any information that could lead to the identification and arrest of the persons who stole a valuable painting by national artist Fernando Amorsolo from a private museum in the city. Gallego, in an interview on Sunday, said he hoped that the amount would help authorities locate the persons involved in the theft...

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.

Father is allegedly stabbed to death as his son is charged with murder

Robert Hillemacher, 84, was allegedly stabbed to death at a house on Foote Street in Brighton, south-east Melbourne, at about 8.30pm on Friday.

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

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 but no group winning a majority. Voters delivered a major setback for Marine Le Pen's nationalist, eurosceptic National Rally (RN), which opinion polls had predicted would win

Is Ukraine heading for defeat?

Chinese scientists identify super moss able to 'survive' in Mars

BEIJING (Reuters) - Scientists have identified a super resilient desert moss species in China's western region of Xinjiang that could help sustain possible colonies on Mars, a study by the Chinese Academy of Sciences showed. When subjected to conditions that simulate the environment on Mars, the moss - Syntrichia Caninervis - was found to be able to withstand extreme dryness, ultra-low

Low Welsh voter turnout appalling, says Kinnock

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

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

Monster crocodile's wild act that had wildlife rangers on edge

Heart-stopping footage captured the moment a monster crocodile put Western Australian wildlife rangers on edge as they warned visitors to be prepared to run.

New test kit detects high-risk leptospirosis cases

MANILA, Philippines — Researchers at the University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) have developed a test kit which accurately predicts who among patients contracting leptospirosis are at risk of developing serious complications, allowing doctors to put them under strict monitoring to prevent kidney and lung problems. A product of the UPM’s National Institutes of Health-Institute of Human Genetics (NIH-IHG), the new molecular test measures and...

Pampanga couple slay: 2 ex-cops held on gun raps

MABALACAT CITY, PAMPANGA, Philippines — Two former policemen tagged as “persons of interest” in the abduction and murder of beauty pageant candidate Geneva Lopez and her Israeli boyfriend Yitshak Cohen were arrested on Saturday for illegal possession of firearms. A police report obtained by the Inquirer on Sunday identified one of the arrested as dismissed policeman Michael Angelo Guiang, who earlier executed a sworn statement that he was the...

Moment National Rally members react to shock French exit poll

Footage shows several members of the National Rally (RN) with champagne glasses in their hands as they watch the exit poll results being announced.

Exclusive-NATO will need 35-50 extra brigades under new defence plans, source says

By Sabine Siebold WASHINGTON (Reuters) - NATO will need between 35 and 50 extra brigades to fully realise its new plans to defend against an attack from Russia, a military source told Reuters. The source, speaking on condition of anonymity, declined to provide any more detail about the plans, which are secret. A brigade consists of between 3,000 and 7,000 troops, so generating 35 to 50 more such

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

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

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 […]

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.

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...

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.

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....

India's Modi headed to Russia for first visit since Ukraine offensive

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was due to arrive in Russia on Monday, as the Indian leader treaded a fine line between maintaining a longstanding relationship with Moscow and courting closer Western security ties. From Russia, Modi will travel to Vienna for the first visit to the Austrian capital by an Indian leader since Indira Gandhi in 1983. bur/bc

China's Xi calls on world powers to help Russia and Ukraine resume direct dialogue

BEIJING (AP) — Chinese President Xi Jinping called on world powers to help Russia and Ukraine resume direct dialogue and negotiations during a meeting Monday with Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, according to state broadcaster CCTV. Orbán made a surprise visit to China after similar trips last week to Russia and Ukraine to discuss prospects for a peaceful settlement in Ukraine. Orbán praised China’s “constructive and important initiatives”...

Massive floods affect millions across South Asia

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

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...

Woman stranded in Greece after quad bike crash

Courtney Boylan was seriously injured when she fell down a ravine and the bike landed on her.

CBCP designates two parish churches as national shrines

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has elevated the status of two parish churches to national shrines. In a statement, the CBCP said bishops approved the designation of the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of the Assumption in Maasin City and the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy in Quezon City as national shrines during their 128th plenary assembly in Cagayan de Oro City. At least 70 bishops attended the first-ever...

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.

Speaker pledges House support for food security

MANILA, Philippines — Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Sunday assured the House of Representatives’ support to help attain President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s aspiration of rice self-sufficiency for the Philippines, removing the country’s dependence on imports of the staple grain, by 2028. READ: Affordable ‘Rice-for-All’ available soon, says DA Romualdez vowed that the chamber would do everything it can to help in achieving Marcos’...

Israeli tanks storm Gaza City districts, residents report heavy fire

By Nidal al-Mughrabi CAIRO (Reuters) - Israeli forces pounded Gaza City early on Monday, sending columns of tanks into the heart of the city from different directions in what residents said was one of the heaviest attacks since Oct 7. The Gaza Civil Emergency Service said they believed dozens of people were killed in eastern Gaza areas but emergency teams were unable to reach them because of