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...

Arrest after two pedestrians injured in crash

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

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 […]

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,...

Hungary's Orban unexpectedly visits China, backs Xi's peace plan

By Joe Cash and Anita Komuves BEIJING/BUDAPEST (Reuters) - Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban met Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday to discuss a potential Ukraine peace deal, paying the unexpected visit to Beijing days after his talks with Russia's Vladimir Putin angered some European Union leaders. Orban and Xi met at the Diaoyutai State Guest House in Beijing, Chinese state media

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...

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...

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...

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

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

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 […]

Duterte, Go to face more complaints, says Trillanes

MANILA, Philippines — More complaints will be filed against former President Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Christopher “Bong” Go. This is what former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV said that he planned to do. And he said this on Sunday, July 7, in an interview at the Kapihan sa QC. “We are preparing other complaints, so they should wait, and it seems like others will also file complaints against them,” Trillanes said in Filipino in the interview....

ACT urges teachers, parents to report issues ahead of school opening

The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) on Monday called on public school teachers, parents, as well as students to raise any concerns or challenges they face while preparing for the opening of School Year 2024-2025 on July 29. The teachers group made the call as it launched its “Bantay Balik-Eskwela” hotline to monitor the situation of schools nationwide which are now gearing up for another academic year. “Ang tinayo natin na hotline ay...

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.

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....

Russian official says U.S. left arms treaty to build weapons to menace China

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov charged on Monday that a decision by the United States to withdraw from a Soviet-era arms control treaty was made so that Washington could begin to build weapons to intimidate China. Then-president Donald Trump said in 2018 that the U.S. would withdraw from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty), which was signed

Putin to meet India's Modi for talks in Moscow on Monday

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold face-to-face talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Moscow on Monday, the Kremlin said. Modi is due to arrive in the Russian capital later in the day for a two-day state visit. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a news briefing that Putin and Modi would meet informally in the evening and have the opportunity to talk "with

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.

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,...

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.

Rwandan troops fought alongside M23 rebels in DR Congo: UN experts

Some 3,000-4,000 Rwandan soldiers fought alongside M23 rebels in east DR Congo, said a UN experts report seen by AFP Monday, which noted that Kigali had "de facto control" of the group's operations. But the report commissioned by the UN Security Council said the Rwandan army's "de facto control and direction over M23 operations" renders the country "liable for the actions of M23".

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.

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...

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...

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.

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 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...

Kremlin says Russia appreciates Hungary efforts to clarify positions on Russia-Ukraine conflict

MOSCOW (Reuters) - The Kremlin on Monday said that Russia appreciated the efforts of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to clarify the positions of Russia and Ukraine on resolving their conflict. Orban held talks on a potential Ukrainian peace deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, angering some European Union leaders who warned against appeasing Moscow. On Monday he met

West Africa's ECOWAS decries lack of progress with junta states

By Ope Adetayo ABUJA (Reuters) - The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) said it was disappointed with a lack of progress in reconciling with breakaway, junta-led Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger and will make "more vigorous" reconciliation efforts. ECOWAS commission president Oumar Touray said at the start of a summit in the Nigerian capital Abuja on Sunday the region risks

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.

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

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...

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...

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.

Israeli tanks storm Gaza City districts, residents report heavy fire

By Nidal al-Mughrabi CAIRO (Reuters) -Israeli forces bombarded Gaza City early on Monday and columns of tanks advanced into the heart of the city from different directions in what residents said was one of the heaviest attacks in the Palestinian territory since the start of the war. The Gaza Civil Emergency Service said it believed dozens of people were killed but emergency teams were unable to

High water consumption? Check for leaks in your water line – MCWD

CEBU CITY, Philippines — An official from the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) urged its consumers to check their meters every now and then to determine if there is a leak in their line. In a recent interview with Sugboanon channel, MCWD Public Information Officer Minerva Gerodias addressed the complaints of its consumers regarding high water bills and the lack of water supply in their areas. Gerodias explained that an increase in water...

Fourth of July block party shooting in Detroit leaves two dead

Two people are dead and more than a dozen others have been injured in a Detroit shooting at a Fourth of July weekend block party.

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...

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...

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

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...

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.

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...

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

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...

Mélenchon: It's an immense relief for an overwhelming majority

The party was formed last month, bringing together socialists, greens, communists and the hard-left into one camp - with the leader of the radical left, Jean-Luc Melenchon, vowing to implement several socialist policies.

New Defence Secretary John Healey visits Zelensky in Ukraine to pledge continued support

Zelensky added that he was 'happy with his first conversation with new PM Keir Starmer'.

Support for Letby surprising, says lead witness

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

Kenya starvation cult leader goes on trial on terrorism charges

The leader of a Kenyan doomsday cult went on trial on Monday on charges of terrorism over the deaths of more than 400 of his followers in a macabre case that shocked the world. He and his co-accused all pleaded not guilty to the charges of terrorism at a hearing in January.

Russian missiles hit a children's hospital in the Ukrainian capital and kill at least 10 elsewhere

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian missiles struck a children’s hospital in Kyiv and killed at least three people elsewhere in the Ukrainian capital Monday, authorities said, while another attack in the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih killed at least 10 people. It was the biggest bombardment of Kyiv in several months. The daylight attacks included Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, one of the most advanced Russian weapons, the Ukrainian air force said....