Countries with the biggest population declines

The United Nations predicts that the global population will reach 9.7 billion by 2050, and further increase to 10.4 billion by 2100. This growth is driven partly by declining death rates and an increase in average life expectancy. However, some regions, particularly in Europe, are facing population declines due to lower birth rates and a trend towards smaller families. It's projected that by 2050 the populations of 61 countries or areas will decrease by at least 1%, largely due to low fertility and also high emigration rates. Curious? Check out this gallery to find out if your country is in the 'top' 20 when it comes to decreasing populations.

Letby receives a further whole-life order for baby murder bid

Child serial killer nurse Lucy Letby has been sentenced to another whole-life order for the attempted murder of a baby girl. Earlier this week, Letby, 34, was found guilty at Manchester Crown Court of the attack on the newborn infant during a night shift at the Countess of Chester Hospital's neonatal unit in February 2016.

NAC chief to rebels: Apply for amnesty

MANILA, Philippines — Saying that the government amnesty program is a “benevolent act,” National Amnesty Commission (NAC) chairperson Leah Tanodra-Armamento urged all qualified former rebels to avail themselves of the program. “I would like to call on all members of the groups that have been proclaimed by the President who are qualified to apply for amnesty, to avail of this benevolent act of the President because it may not come again. So,...

Jailed Russian dissident moved to prison hospital

Vladimir Kara-Murza's wife has frequently expressed worries about his health.

Muslims to celebrate Islamic New Year on July 7

THE National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) said that the Amun Jadid, or Islamic New Year, will be observed on Sunday, July 7. Al-Hijra marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year and falls on the first day of the month of Muharram in the Islamic lunar calendar. Since the lunar cycle determines the Islamic New Year, its date varies yearly and does not always align with the Gregorian calendar. Al-Hijra commemorates the Hijra, which...

PNP: No info on possible SONA threats

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) said Friday that they had not detected any security threats for the State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. President Marcos Jr. is set to deliver his 3rd SONA on July 22. According to PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, the PNP is still making refinements on traffic management plans to minimize inconvenience to the public. "As for the SONA, we haven't received any threats,...

Famous people who were executed

Capital punishment, also known as the death penalty, can be defined as the state-sanctioned practice of executing a person as punishment for an actual or supposed crime. Although the death penalty is now illegal in most countries, this was not always the case. Indeed, there are many historical cases, some more recent than others, of prominent figures being executed. Intrigued? Check out this gallery to find out which famous figures from history received the ultimate sentence.

Who was Lord Mountbatten and why was he assassinated?

Lord Mountbatten was a close relative of the British royal family, an officer in the British Royal Navy, and later in life the British Viceroy of India and its first Governor-General. He was the father of Patricia Knatchbull and Lady Pamela Hicks, as well as a mentor to Prince Phillip and then-Prince Charles. On August 27, 1979, Lord Mountbatten was killed by an IRA (Irish Republican Army) bomb, which accelerated growing tensions between England and Northern Ireland. If you're curious about the life of this British noble and are keen to discover why he was targeted by the IRA, click through the gallery to find out.

MARINA to shipping firms: Avoid sailing through conflict zones

MANILA, Philippines — To prevent more Filipino seafarers from being endangered, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) will appeal to shipping firms to prevent their ships from sailing in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The agency would “appeal to the international community in urging shipping lines to avoid passing through conflict zones such as the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, following several attacks by Houthi rebels,” MARINA said in a...

Marcos OKs Jolo airport development

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos ordered yesterday the immediate implementation of the P100-million Jolo airport development project to further spur economic activities in Sulu province. The President issued the directive during the distribution of assistance to farmers and fisherfolk affected by El Niño in Patikul town. “Along with our distribution of aid is the good news about our push for the Jolo airport development project,” the...

Vatican foreign minister warns vs. allowing 'conflicts' escalate to war

The visiting Vatican foreign minister in the Philippines on Friday warned against allowing "ongoing conflicts" to escalate and open the floodgates of a full-scale global war. Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States of the Holy See, delivered the message during his address at the DFA's Foreign Service Institute (FSI) as part of his five-day official visit to Manila. Gallagher shared the positions of Pope Francis and the...

China blames PH after demand for P60 M damages from Ayungin incident

MANILA, Philippines — “The Philippine side should face the consequences of its own action.” These were the words of Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning after she was asked whether or not China would pay P60 million to the Philippines following the June 17 incident at Ayungin Shoal, where Chinese personnel wounded a Filipino sailor and damaged the Philippines’ naval equipment. Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen....

Calabarzon yields P9.8B illegal drugs; 6,269 captured in 6 months

LUCENA CITY — About P9.8 billion worth of illegal drugs were seized by policemen in Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) region in the first six months of 2024. During the 4,866 anti-illegal drug operations conducted from Jan. 1 to July 2, at least 6,269 suspects were arrested and charged for violating the country’s anti-drug law, the Police Regional Office 4A (PRO-4A) Public Information Office (PIO) said in a report on Thursday,...

Husband admits strangling wife to death with bootlace

Michael McDaid, 60, pleaded guilty to killing wife Rachel at her Nottingham home. He strangled Rachel, 53, with his boot lace and she was discovered by their son.

K-12 adjustments considered to boost SHS grads employability – Marcos

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday said several changes in the K-12 curriculum of the Department of Education (DepEd) are being considered to improve the employability of senior high school (SHS) graduates. According to Marcos, the K-12 curriculum failed to increase the employability of SHS graduates when it was the ultimate goal for its implementation. “Ginawa natin ‘yung K-12 dahil hinahanap ang years of training sa...

Impact of junior doctor strike revealed as medics await call from Labour

Impact of junior doctor strike revealed as medics await call from Labour - Sir Keir Starmer said discussions would start on the first day of a Labour Government.

PCG rescues injured Chinese seafarer off Antique

MANILA, Philippines —The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) rescued a Chinese seafarer who lost his left thumb off Caluya, Antique. PCG rescued the Chinese national is an engineer of Hongkong-flagged bulk carrier MV BBG Qinzhou. The incident occurred while the ship was about 20.69 nautical miles west of Semirara Port at around 9:00 a.m. on Thursday. “The 35-year-old second engineer said he was accidentally cut by a fan blade or metal, resulting in...

PNP warns against 'warrant of arrest' scams

The Philippine National Police warned against the recent proliferation of text scams that threaten recipients with lawsuits and arrests. According to a 24 Oras report by Emil Sumangil on Friday, the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group called the new ploy a “warrant of arrest” scam. The texts often claim that recipients have existing cases for which they will be arrested. Some texts feature officer names, PNP offices, and the words “warrant” and...

9 foreigners found dead in different parts of Pampanga

MANILA, Philippines — The bodies of nine foreigners were recently discovered in different parts of Pampanga, the provincial police said on Friday. “Yung siyam na natagpuan po dito, ang anim po dito ay Chinese, one Vietnamese, one Malaysian, and one Japanese,” Pampanga Police Office Director Col. Jay Dimaandal said over radio dwPM. (Six of the victims were Chinese, one Vietnamese, one Malaysian and one Japanese.) Three of the dead Chinese...

Philippine public diplomacy and China's conduct in the South China Sea

First word TRADITIONALISTS distinguish between a foreign policy based on values and a foreign policy based on interests. They describe as vital those interests that would directly affect national security and thus merit the use of force. National strategic interests are vital because if we fail to protect them, our very survival would be at stake. If there is one area where Manila is outsmarting Beijing in the contest for support and...

History's most famous examples of parricide

Parricide is a form of murder that refers to the killing of a parent, whether it be the mother, father, or both. A study conducted in 2019 revealed that parricide is the least common type of murder. The rarity of these incidents could explain why they receive such extensive media coverage and are incredibly chilling. Typically, this unusual crime is committed by white males with no prior criminal record. Female perpetrators of parricide are exceptionally rare, but there are a few instances documented on this disturbing list. To explore more about these terrifying crimes where parents were tragically murdered by their own offspring, simply click through the gallery.

Five men arrested after woman's body discovered at bungalow

Five men between the ages of 35 and 48 have been arrested after a woman's body was found in a bungalow in Thurncourt, Leicestershire.

Meet Britain's first MP born in the 21st century who's just 22

Fresh-faced Sam Carling clinched a narrow victory over veteran Conservative MP Shailesh Vara last night, claiming the North West Cambridgeshire for Labour by just 39 votes.

Boy is killed when he is hit by a bus as police make appeal

Emergency services attended the A600 High Road in Shortstown, near Bedford, but the teenager was pronounced dead at the scene.

Marcos, DSWD lead ayuda payout to El Niño-hit farmers, fishers in Sulu

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Friday led the distribution of ayuda or financial assistance to qualified farmers and fisherfolks affected by the El Niño phenomenon in Sulu. Each beneficiary was given P10,000. Marcos also gave P10 million in financial aid to the Provincial Government of Sulu. “Ikinalulugod ko na makasama kayo ngayong araw mula sa mga magsasaka na hindi alintana ang matinding sikat ng...

Chinese nabbed for kidnap of compatriot

Over casino debt MANILA, Philippines — A Chinese man was nabbed after detaining a fellow Chinese who could not pay his debt incurred in a Manila casino. Song Peng Ren, 35, also known as Luo Jie, was allegedly behind a group that kidnapped another Chinese man named Jun Cheng. A Chinese witness who knew the victim sought help from the Manila Police District and reported that Jun was “detained and forcibly taken” from a casino operated by Song at...

Beijing on missiles: China not a threat to any country

MANILA, Philippines — China is neither confirming nor denying a claim by Sen. Imee Marcos that it has hypersonic missiles aimed at 25 targets in the Philippines. But while it claims that its position is defensive and not a threat to any country, China warns it is ready to act when threatened. “I’m not sure what the Philippine side’s source was, but I can tell you that China is committed to peaceful development and a national defense policy that...

Preparations underway for 2024 POPCEN-CBMS census

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The public is once again urged to cooperate with enumerators who would collect demographic data for census information. Representatives from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA 7) aired this reminder on Wednesday, July 4 in the in the Kapihan sa PIA with Chief Statistical Specialist of the PSA7 Statistical Operations and Coordination Division, Leopoldo Alfanta Jr. and the PSA Cebu Senior Statistical Specialist...

Trillanes files graft case against Duterte, Go

(UPDATE) FORMER senator Antonio Trillanes IV filed graft and plunder cases against former president Rodrigo Duterte and Sen. Bong Go on Friday before the Department of Justice (DoJ). In his complaint, Trillanes cited an investigative journalism series by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) entitled "Build, Build, Build Hits Chokepoint," which was first published on Sept. 6, 2018. He said the "landmine of disturbing...

Body found in search for missing 85-year-old man

Missing George Fewtrell from Cheshire walked 27 miles and was last seen in North Wales.

Octogenarian, son-in-law killed in Maguindanao gun attack

COTABATO CITY, Philippines – Gunmen shot dead an 80-year-old woman and her son-in-law in a daytime attack on Thursday in Barangay Poblacion, Ampatuan town in Maguindanao del Sur. Brig. Gen. Prexy Tanggawohn, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region police director, cited an Ampatuan police report yesterday that identified the victims as farmer Kael Nandang and his mother-in-law, Kalmo Butatek, 80. Tanggawohn said Nandang and Butatek were in their front yard...

Romualdez wants probe into illegal Pogos, unmasking of masterminds

MANILA, Philippines — House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has directed concerned committees to thoroughly investigate rogue Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos), the criminal activities surrounding it and to identify those behind it. Romualdez on Friday said that his directive was in response to alarming reports of illegitimate Pogos being involved in crimes like human trafficking, money laundering, prostitution,...

Jersey Chief Minister sits in the BBC hot seat

Lyndon Farnham talks to the BBC about public sector redundancies and the new hospital at Overdale.

These areas hold possible Chinese spy bases in Cuba

P4P asks Marcos to probe ERC ‘passivity’ amid power rate hikes

METRO MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. should look into the “passivity” of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) in stopping power price hikes and its delays in conducting regulatory rate reset for distribution utilities and investigations of power supply agreements (PSAs). The People for Power Coalition (P4P) made the recommendation in a complaint letter sent to the president. In a statement issued on Friday, P4P said...

Cebu City ‘not ready for pedestrianization,’ says council’s transport head

CEBU CITY, Philippines – The newly installed chairman of the Committee on Transportation has reservations about the proposed pedestrianization of downtown Cebu. Cebu City Councilor James Cuenco, the chairman of the Transportation, Communication, and Other Utilities Committee, stated that while the city is not currently ready for pedestrianization, he pointed out that for now, it will be particularly challenging due to the climate in Cebu. “I...

Army rescues NPA ‘child warrior’ in Eastern Samar

BORONGAN CITY, Philippines – The Army’s 42nd Infantry Battalion (IB) rescued a 16-year-old “child warrior” who was abandoned by his comrades at Can-avid town in Eastern Samar. Capt. Doonie Rey Diola, civil-military operations officer of the 42nd IB, said the minor, recruited by his relatives to join the New People’s Army (NPA), was endorsed to the Department of Social Welfare and Development for rehabilitation. “This clearly shows that the...

Amos apologizes for sudden exit

MANILA, Philippines — Mason Amos apparently did not inform the Ateneo Blue Eagles of his departure from their nest. In the aftermath of that decision that shook the Katipunan-based crew and the entire collegiate scene, Amos issued an apology for his actions that could have been “handled better.” “It’s been a tough week with a decision I made due to my reasons. However, my actions were unacceptable and not called for,” posted the 19-year-old...

Marcos to issue EO on ‘nomad visa’, says PSAC-Tourism

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the drafting of an executive order (EO) for the immediate implementation of “nomad visas” without tax incentives. The Private Sector Advisory Council for Tourism (PSAC-Tourism) disclosed this information on Friday, following its recommendation for the issuance of the EO “which can be added once a related bill is passed.” “[President Marcos] supports this interim solution and has...

Three Black Sea countries launch new minesweeping force

Hundreds protest against fuel price hikes in Ecuador

Quito, Ecuador — Hundreds of workers, teachers and students protested in Ecuador’s capital on Thursday against fuel price rises ordered by President Daniel Noboa in a bid to save government money spent on subsidies. Chanting “Out, Noboa, out!” and holding signs reading “Gasoline goes up, everything goes up,” the demonstrators marched to the presidential headquarters in Quito, which was guarded by police and military personnel. In June, Ecuador’s...

Thief caught taking phone in Cebu City mall, says sorry to victim

CEBU CITY, Philippines — A man, who was caught grabbing a phone inside a woman’s bag at an arcade inside a shopping mall in Cebu City, reportedly apologized to the victim who caught him in the act before giving it back. The failed theft attempt happened inside a shopping mall in Brgy. Mabolo, Cebu City on Thursday afternoon, July 4, 2025. The incident was captured on video by one of the victims, who then posted it online to raise awareness. READ...

Meralco to send Pinoy nuclear engineers to US, China

MANILA, Philippines — Manuel V. Pangilinan’s Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) is sending the pilot batch of scholars under its Filipino Scholars and Interns On Nuclear Engineering (Fission) program to the US and China. The five Fission scholars will participate in a two-year program at partner institutions abroad, with two heading to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the US and three going to Harbin Engineering University in China....

4-year-old boy found dead in river laid to rest in Talisay

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The boy who met his untimely demise after falling into a river in Brgy. Inayawan, Cebu City on Sunday, June 30, has been laid to rest less than a week after his passing. He was only four years old. The boy’s funeral was held at the Cansojong Public Cemetery in Talisay City, Cebu on Friday, July 5. READ MORE: Cebu Daily Newscast: Cebu City accident: Boy’s ‘basketball date’ with pa ends in tragedy Cebu City accident: Boy’s...

Brave female wartime agents

The Special Operations Executive (SOE) was established in July 1940 during the early days of the Second World War. A secret British organization the purpose of which was to conduct espionage, sabotage, and reconnaissance in occupied Europe, the SOE numbered among its recruits dozens of women, many of whom were dropped into Nazi-occupied France to conduct dangerous covert operations. To be captured by German forces meant certain death. Yet rather than being deterred by the threat of torture and interrogation, these agents demonstrated courage and bravery beyond what was expected in the field. Indeed, all are remembered for their gallantry and determination against a terrifying and merciless enemy. Click through and commemorate the fearless exploits of the women who served with the wartime SOE.

Countermeasures against Chinese 'aggression' in WPS

Last of two parts THIS article presents the second half of proposed countermeasures against Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). The Philippines has exhausted the utility of filing diplomatic protests against China, which have proven largely ineffective in deterring further incursions. The previously discussed countermeasures form part of the "porcupine" strategy, a military and geopolitical approach typically employed by smaller...

Woman is found murdered inside flashy Phoenix hotel room

The victim was found injured inside the $350-a-night Renaissance hotel in the early hours of Friday.

AFP warns of China influencing education, business, LGUs, media

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has warned of China's "united front works" aimed at influencing Philippine sectors such as those in education, business, local governments, and the media. According to Joseph Morong's report on "24 Oras," AFP chief of staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. said the aim was to degrade the value system and divide the Filipinos. “One way of fighting really without firing a single shot is to infiltrate into the various...

Protesters should not inconvenience public during SONA – PNP chief

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil urged activists not to inconvenience the public when they hold their rallies during the third State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Marcos, saying city roads are not for anyone’s exclusive use. Marbil vowed police officers will exercise maximum tolerance in dealing with anti-government demonstrators expected to jam the stretch of Commonwealth...

Two people bailed in funeral home inquiry

A 54-year-old woman and a 46-year old man were arrested on suspicion of various fraud offences.