CHR lauds House’s approval of universal social pension bill

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives’ approval of the proposed universal social pension for all Filipino senior citizens is “a step towards enhancing their quality of life and a reflection of the nation’s responsibility to protect their welfare,” according to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR). The CHR made the statement on Monday as it welcomed the lower chamber’s approval of House Bill (HB) No. 10423 on the third and final...

Owl and pigeon shot with air gun and dumped in bin

A man is charged with animal cruelty offences after the birds were found in a wheelie bin.

5 persons of interest in Geneva Lopez, Yitshak Cohen slay in police custody — Abalos

Five persons of interest in the killing of beauty pageant contestant Geneva Lopez and her Israeli boyfriend Yitshak Cohen are in police custody, Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos said on Monday. In a press conference, Abalos said two of the POIs are former police officers who were dismissed from the service in 2019 and 2020. “May naaresto ang ating kapulisan na tatlong tao na nasa custody nila…Yung tatlong taong binabanggit...

Young Ukrainian family recalls horror of air strike on children's hospital

By Max Hunder KYIV (Reuters) - Moments after a Russian missile smashed into a Kyiv hospital where her infant son was being treated, Svitlana Kravchenko rushed to cover the two-month-old with a cloth to keep his airway clear. "We heard the explosion, then we were showered with debris," recalled the 33-year-old after emerging from the hospital's bomb shelter, her voice quivering with fear and

Ex special constable raped girl months after leaving jail

Stephen Godridge groomed the 14-year-old on Snapchat and then assaulted her in a park.

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...

Men jailed for alleyway ambush robbery

The robbers closed off any escape before beating their victim and stealing his phone, a court hears.

4 Indian nationals arrested for kidnapping 4 Indian students

MANILA, Philippines — Four Indian nationals have been arrested for allegedly robbing and illegally detaining their fellow countrymen last week. According to the Southern Police District (SPD), the suspects are identified through their aliases Ramanathan, 22; Devesh, 22; Sanjay, 22; and Venkata, 21. They reportedly have two other cohorts – alias Lmahen and Shivarishi – who are still at large. Authorities said the four suspects were arrested for...

Inquest opens into death of paramedic at house

Circumstances surrounding the death of Daniel Duffield and student nurse Lauren Evans are being probed.

China claims Philippine warships damaged reef at atoll in South China Sea

BEIJING (Reuters) - China said on Monday "illegal" beaching of Philippine warships at the Nansha islands in the South China Sea had "gravely damaged" the coral reef ecosystem in the area, as both countries tussle over disputed territory at atolls in the vast waterway. China's Ministry of Natural Resources, in a comprehensive report, said Philippine warships have been "illegally beached" around

Man is stabbed to death in car park - before a 27-year-old is arrested

Police said the man, believed to be in his 30s, was found with a stab wound to his chest at a car park in Albury on Monday night.

PH, Japan call out China for 'dangerous acts' amid RAA signing

The The Foreign and Defense ministers of the Philippines and Japan on Monday called out China's "dangerous and escalatory actions" in the South China Sea as both countries signed a key defense accord allowing the deployment of Japanese forces for joint drills in the country. The Reciprocal Access Agreement with Manila will be Japan's third defense accord after those with the United Kingdom and Australia. It is akin to the Philippines' Visiting...

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...

Rt. Col. Ariel Querubin launches senate bid with strong backing from Military and Police forces

Celebrated as the most decorated soldier in Philippine history, Retired Colonel Ariel Querubin has officially launched his bid for a Senate seat in the upcoming 2025 elections. His declaration, made during the event “A Gathering of Warriors: A Call for Unity and Heroism,” held at the historic Club Filipino this morning, has garnered widespread support

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...

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.

Man bailed as probe into fatal fire continues

The 30-year-old had been detained by police on suspicion of murder.

Police say veteran who vanished in Arkansas was killed

Shannon Collins, 52, vanished in March 2021 after returning to his home in Pottsville, Arkansas, from a trip out of state. Police say he was killed as a result of foul play.

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

Arrest after two pedestrians injured in crash

The driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and without due care.

Stranded aid trucks in Egypt deepen Gaza's humanitarian crisis

By AbdelHadi Ramahi, Amr Alfiky and Alexander Cornwell AL-ARISH, Egypt (Reuters) - Hundreds of trucks loaded with food and water have been stranded on a scorching Egyptian road, some for nearly two months, awaiting permission to deliver the much needed humanitarian supplies to war-torn Gaza. About 50 kilometres from the Gaza border, trucks carrying flour, water and other aid line a dusty road in

1 dead after car slams into parked truck in Tondo

One person was killed after a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) rammed into and went under a parked trailer truck in Tondo, Manila, according to Manny Vargas' report on Super Radyo dzBB on Monday. Based on an initial investigation, the 14-wheeler truck was parked along the inner lane of Mel Lopez Boulevard when the MPV crashed into its back portion. The car sustained heavy damage due to the impact. Police on the scene said they have yet to confirm the...

Man charged with assaulting police following crash

A man is his 20s is also arrested on suspicion of drink driving and careless driving.

Man held after woman sexually assaulted in street

A 23-year-old man is held on suspicion of sexual offences after a woman was attacked in Hyde, Tameside.

New Law Waives Entrance Exam Fees for Private Colleges in the Philippines

The Free College Entrance Examinations Act, now in effect in the Philippines, mandates waiving entrance exam fees in private colleges and universities for eligible students. Republic Act (RA) 12006 exempts qualified graduates and graduating students from paying fees for entrance exams to private higher education institutions (HEIs). The Act aligns with the state policy to […] The post New Law Waives Entrance Exam Fees for Private Colleges in the...

Woman sustains serious hip injury after assault

Police said the altercation, involving two others, followed a dispute about their children.

Philippines, Japan strengthen ties as key defense agreement signed

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and Japan fortified their commitment to further boost the two countries’ ties and partnership by “maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law.” Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko and Defense Minister Kihara Minoru paid President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. a courtesy call in the Malacañan Palace on Monday followed by the signing of a key defense...

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...

Armenian foreign minister to travel to Washington for NATO summit

TBILISI (Reuters) - Armenia's foreign minister will travel to Washington on July 9-10 during the NATO summit, his ministry said on Monday, as the country, once a top Russian ally, seeks to build closer ties with the West. "Minister (Ararat) Mirzoyan will take part in an event with NATO partners on the sidelines of the NATO summit, as well as in other events dedicated to the 75th anniversary of

For Palestinian prisoner, return to Gaza brings anguish and shattered dreams

By Ramadan Abed DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza (Reuters) - During more than two decades in an Israeli prison, Palestinian Youssef Mikdad dreamed about one day returning to a prosperous Gaza Strip where he could make up for lost time with his children. But when Mikdad finally tasted freedom and set foot in Gaza last week, he found his house destroyed and his homeland reduced to rubble, dust and twisted

Doctors dig through rubble of bombed Kyiv children's hospital with bare hands

The attack is the biggest bombardment of the Ukrainian capital for several months, officials said.

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

More people are leaving Metro Manila. Here’s why

MANILA, Philippines—When COVID-19 landed in the Philippines, nationwide lockdowns prompted many people in the National Capital Region (NCR) to return to their provinces or places of origin outside the capital. Years into the new normal, even with restrictions lifted, people continued to leave the NCR for other regions. For decades before the COVID-19 pandemic, Filipinos from impoverished rural regions migrated to densely populated cities,...

Support for Letby surprising, says lead witness

The lead prosecution witness says supporters of Letby reported him for his role in the trial.

China's 'monster ship' staying near PCG vessel in West Philippine Sea | INQToday

WATCH: A West Philippine Sea monitor says China Coast Guard's "monster ship" has remained near the Philippine Coast Guard's vessel in Escoda Shoal for about five days now.

Parents in court over alleged murder of daughter, 14

Simon Vickers and Sarah Hall are remanded in custody after their 14-year-old daughter was stabbed.

Two people found dead in town centre property

Two people in their 90s have been found dead at a property in Sandwich town centre, police say.

£290million down the drain? Home Secretary blasts Rwanda scheme 'con'

The new Home Secretary said she planned to audit the programme to send Channel boat arrivals to east Africa, which was axed by Sir Keir Starmer in one of his first decisions after entering No10.

Deadly landslide hits illegal gold mine in Indonesia

Rescue team deployed to remote region on Sulawesi island to search for the missing.

Japan warns against use of force to change status quo in Indo-Pacific

MANILA — Japan reiterates the importance of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and opposes “unilateral attempts to change status quo by force and coercion,” its foreign minister said on Monday. Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa made the remarks in a joint press conference following a ‘2 plus 2’ meeting between foreign and defense ministers from Japan […]

Russian missile attack kills 29, hits children's hospital, Ukraine says

By Olena Harmash and Max Hunder KYIV (Reuters) -Russia rained missiles down on cities across Ukraine in broad daylight on Monday morning, killing at least 29 civilians and badly damaging Kyiv's main children's hospital in the deadliest air strike in months, officials said. Hundreds of people rushed to clear debris at the hospital, where windows had been smashed and panels ripped off. Parents

At least 20 dead in Russian attack on Ukraine cities

At least seven people were killed in the capital Kyiv and 10 in the city of Kryvyi Rih.

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.

Philippine Air Force gearing up for Australia air drills

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Air Force (PAF) began sending its assets for the multilateral air drills in Australia this week. PAF Spokesperson Col. Maria Consuelo Castillo said their C-130 and C-295 cargo planes arrived in Darwin City on Sunday. Castillo said the aircraft carries essential equipment for the “Pitch Back” drills. Six FA-50s — half of the fighter jets under the PAF’s arsenal — are also expected to arrive in the following...

Farmer dead in Quezon shooting over ‘love triangle’

LUCENA CITY — A 24-year-old farmer died in a shooting incident on Sunday, July 7, that was described by police as a “crime of passion” in Lucban town in Quezon province. The Quezon police reported on Monday that an alias “Jimboy” was buying cigarettes at a store in Barangay Kulapi at 3:20 p.m. when a certain “Mark,” 29, a construction worker, suddenly appeared and shot him twice in the head using a handgun. The assailant fled after the shooting....

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

Woman jailed for bathing naked in fountain near Dalaguete church

CEBU CITY, Philippines – A woman was arrested for bathing naked in a fountain situated right outside the parish church of Dalaguete town, southern Cebu on Monday, July 8. Police in Dalaguete confirmed the arrest of a woman and her German partner for causing public alarm, scandal, and disobedience to authorities on Monday dawn. Authorities there responded to complaints from concerned citizens about a woman taking a bath in the fountain right in...

Japan and Philippines sign defense pact allowing their forces to train in each other’s territory

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Japan and the Philippines signed a key defense pact Monday allowing the deployment of Japanese forces for joint military exercises, including live-fire drills, to the Southeast Asian nation that came under brutal Japanese occupation in World War II but is now building an alliance with Tokyo as they face an increasingly assertive China. The Reciprocal Access Agreement, similarly allows Filipino forces to enter Japan for...

Abalos bares P10M bounty for Quiboloy's arrest

MANILA, Philippines — Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos on Monday announced a P10 million bounty for the arrest of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy who is facing a string of criminal cases in Davao City and Pasig City. Abalos said the money was raised by private individuals who wanted to help authorities capture Quiboloy. A reward of P1 million was also offered for the arrest of each of Quiboloy's five accomplices — Jackielyn Roy, Cresente Canada,...

Hungary PM Orban in Beijing on ‘Peace mission 3.0’

BEIJING — Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Monday, state media reported, in a visit the European leader has branded as a “Peace mission 3.0” after recent trips to Moscow and Kyiv. The unannounced visit comes a day before NATO is due to hold a summit to mark its 75th anniversary, with setbacks in Ukraine set to dominate discussions, and follows Orban’s surprise trips to Russia and Ukraine in the...