World

DR Congo soldiers sentenced to death for fleeing battle

By Yassin Kombi BENI, Democratic Republic of Congo (Reuters) - Twenty-five soldiers have been sentenced to death by a military tribunal in the Democratic Republic of Congo for fleeing battles against M23 rebels and theft, their lawyer and an army spokesman said on Thursday. Congo's army has been fighting the Rwanda-backed M23 insurgency for more than two years, as well as facing other militia

Man, 34, appears in court charged with murder of girl, 17, in shooting

Tanesha Melbourne-Blake (pictured) was socialising with friends when she was gunned down from a Vauxhall Meriva people carrier in Tottenham, north London.

Ex-cop among 7 persons of interest in missing beauty pageant bet, Israeli BF case

A former police officer is among the seven persons of interest in the disappearance of a beauty pageant contestant and her Israeli boyfriend in Central Luzon, the Philippine National Police's (PNP) Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said on Thursday. Interviewed on Super Radyo dzBB, CIDG chief Police Major General Leo Francisco said authorities have yet to communicate with all of the persons of interest. "Pito ang POIs natin...

P2.6-M smuggled cigarettes seized in Maguindanao del Norte town

COTABATO CITY — Police in Maguindanao del Norte announced the arrest on Tuesday of two men in possession of some P2.6 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in Barangay Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat town. Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Roy Subsuban, police chief of Datu Odin Sinsuat, said the arrest came two days after they seized P14.8 million worth of imported cigarettes in Parang town of the province. Subsuban said they immediately put up a chokepoint...

Find out who Vladimir Putin really is

As the world reacts in horror and disbelief to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the man who ordered the military attack, President Vladimir Putin, is being widely condemned for what's been described as a dangerous and unprovoked act of aggression. But who is this man from Leningrad who grew up to become one of the most powerful men in recent history? Click through and find out more about Vladimir Putin's life and career.

Man guilty of Holly Willoughby kidnap and murder plot

The defendant admitted his chat room messages were "dark" but said he had no plan to carry them out.

Zamboanga City gov’t suspends firecracker distributor permit after blast

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Mayor John Dalipe suspended the business permit of Jonathan “Jojie” Chua, operator of the Next Step Fireworks Shoppe, whose stockpile of fireworks exploded on Saturday, killing five people and hurting 38 others. Chua had secured a sole proprietorship in selling, dealing, and distributing all types of pyrotechnics in this city. He also owned the old firecracker shop at Veterans Street here that caught fire and left two people...

Marcos hopes improved Tacloban airport ready by 2026

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Thursday expressed hope that an improved Tacloban Airport could be ready in the next two years. Marcos made the remark during the distribution of the presidential assistance to farmers and fisherfolk in Palo, Leyte. ''Isa na nga po rito ang ating patuloy na pagsasaayos sa Tacloban Airport na nagkakahalaga ng higit dalawa at kalahating bilyong piso. Noong dinaanan namin, noong nag-landing kami sa ---...

Malaysia rescues hundreds of tortoises from ‘Ninja Turtle Gang’

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysian authorities have rescued hundreds of smuggled tortoises meant for sale in Southeast Asia, disrupting an international crime ring called the “Ninja Turtle Gang”, a wildlife official said Thursday. Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim, wildlife and national parks department director-general, said 400 tortoises worth 3.8 million ringgit ($805,084) bound for the lucrative exotic pet trade were seized during an operation by the police and...

Jay Slater could be alive 'drinking rainwater', says PI

Army reservist and private investigator Juan García, 53, claimed missing teenager Jay Slater could be alive and keeping hydrated and fed by 'drinking rainwater and eating plants'.

Firms weigh removing Taiwan staff from China after death penalty threat

BEIJING (Reuters) - Some foreign companies are considering moving Taiwanese employees out of China after Beijing said it could impose the death penalty on "diehard" Taiwan independence separatists, said four people familiar with the matter. The new guidelines have caused some Taiwanese expatriates and foreign multinationals operating in China to scramble to assess their legal risks and exposure,

Putin offers Kim Jong-un a poisoned gift

Two weeks ago, the Russian president visited North Korea. And he did not visit Kim Jong-un empty-handed. Vladimir Putin handed his North Korean counterpart a luxurious limousine: according to Reuters news agency, it was an Aurus Senat by Sollers, a "Russian Rolls Royce." The price of an entry-level Sollers model is around 500,000 euros. Imagine the two state leaders at the wheel of an imposing limousine, both with twinkling eyes. It was a...

Florida woman arrested after allegedly leaving grandchild in hot car while she grocery shopped

A Florida grandmother was charged with neglect of a child causing great bodily harm after allegedly leaving her 2-year-old grandchild in a hot car while she went into Publix.

Philippines president orders de-escalation in South China Sea, military chief says

By Mikhail Flores and Karen Lema MANILA (Reuters) -Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has ordered his armed forces to defuse tensions in the South China Sea, his military chief said on Thursday, after a flare-up with China over missions to resupply Filipino troops on a contested shoal. Marcos' instructions came after Manila and Beijing agreed on the need to restore trust and confidence to

Man targeted in Qatar Grindr 'sting' lodges appeal

Manuel Guerrero Aviña says he was convicted of drug offences "because I am gay".

Angara says pay hike for public school teachers possible

MANILA, Philippines — Incoming Department of Education (DepEd) chief Sonny Angara expressed confidence that the salaries of public school teachers will increase in the next few years. But he also admitted that the process will not be easy, noting that not only about a million public school educators are asking for a pay raise but also millions of other employees in government. “I’m confident in the next few years, hindi ko lang alam kung this...

Man who flew €8.4m of cocaine to Ireland jailed for 11 years

A man who flew €8.4m worth of cocaine from France into Ireland has been jailed for 11 years.

Road rage driver who rammed car trying to overtake him is spared jail

A road rage driver has dodged jail after ramming a car on a dual carriageway in North Wales. Paul Woodward was before Caernarfon Crown Court charged with dangerous driving.

Man guilty of manslaughter after fatal pub attack

Steven Chappell is found guilty of manslaughter but cleared of the murder of Daniel Bradley, 32.

Michelle Troconis, convicted for helping her boyfriend murder his wife, claims to be a ‘scapegoat’

Undercover police swoop and arrest British Tinder rape suspect hanging upside down

Scottish Tinder rape suspect James Clacher, 55, was hanging upside down on ropes when he was jumped on by two plain-clothes officers posing as tourists on a Costa del Sol beach.

Marcos wants faster e-visa transaction for Indians

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered a study on how the government can establish faster e-visa transactions for Indians. The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on Thursday said Marcos made the directive during the 6th meeting with the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Tourism Sector Group in Malacañang on Wednesday. The president noted in the meeting that faster e-visa processing for Indians would help boost...

Canada names first woman to lead military

OTTAWA — Canada’s prime minister announced Wednesday the appointment of Lieutenant-General Jennie Carignan as the first woman to lead the G7 and NATO member nation’s military. A highly decorated soldier and mother of four children, two of whom serve in the Canadian Armed Forces, Carignan will be promoted to the rank of general and take over from retiring General Wayne Eyre as chief of the Defense Staff at a ceremony on July 18. “I am confident...

Woman admits murdering her parents

Virginia McCullough pleads guilty to killing her mum and dad, whose bodies were found at her home.

Paedophile teacher Rebecca Joynes weeps as she's jailed for over six years for sex with pupils

Rebecca Joynes was found guilty of having sex with two under-age boys she met while working as a teacher. She fell pregnant by one and had his baby, taken from her at birth

6 arrested in separate anti-gambling ops in Angeles City

Authorities nabbed six individuals in separate anti-gambling operations in Angeles City, Pampanga, the Angeles City Police Office reported Thursday. Two of the suspects were arrested in Barangay Sto. Rosario, Angeles City on early Thursday morning. The police also seized two P1 coins used as toss coins and the bet money amounting to P1,072 in different denominations. In another operation on Wednesday evening, the police arrested four suspects in...

Man suspected of pushing Fil-Am into BART train charged with murder

SAN FRANCISCO – The man who allegedly pushed an elderly Filipino American woman into the BART train on Monday, killing her, has been charged with murder. Trevor Belmont, 49, also known as Hoak Taing, has been charged with one count of murder, according to San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. Daly City resident Corazon Dandan, 74, was standing on the platform at the Powell Street station when she was allegedly pushed into the path of a...

AFP to ‘harden’ facilities vs. possible missile threats

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday said it would harden its facilities against possible missile attacks, even as it was still verifying information about such threats from China as reported by Senator Imee Marcos. In a press briefing after a command conference with President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., AFP chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. said the military would harden its facilities to be protected from such attacks....

China 'monster ship' kept watch over PCG vessel in Escoda Shoal - monitor | INQToday

WATCH: West Philippine Sea monitor Ray Powell says the China Coast Guard's biggest vessel "kept watch" over the Philippine Coast Guard's BRP Teresa Magbanua in Escoda Shoal.

NSC: No ‘imminent attack from China despite Sen. Marcos’ warning

MANILA, Philippines — The National Security Council (NSC) assures on Wednesday that the Philippines does not face an “imminent attack” from China. The NSC made the assurance after Senator Imee Marcos’ warning that 25 areas in the country could be possible targets of a Chinese hypersonic missile attack. Marcos warned on Monday that Beijing might use its hypersonic missiles in areas including the Ilocos region, Subic, and Batanes due to Manila’s...

Lord Sugar thanks police after burglar’s daughters ordered to compensate victims

Lord Sugar thanks police after burglar’s daughters ordered to compensate victims - David Buisson stole mostly cash and jewellery from homes and businesses, including the business magnate’s Essex home, between 2015 and 2017.

AFP demands P60-M damage from China over June 17 'illegal' acts at Ayungin Shoal

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is demanding P60 million in damage from the Chinese government in connection with the June 17 confrontation near the Ayungin Shoal involving Filipino soldiers and Chinese Coast Guard personnel. READ: https://mb.com.ph/2024/7/4/afp-demands-p60-m-damage-from-china-over-june-17-illegal-acts-at-ayungin-shoal 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

BI nabs Chinese, American fugitives in Metro Manila

The Bureau of Immigration on Thursday said it arrested two fugitive foreigners in separate operations in southern Metro Manila. According to a statement by the BI on Thursday, 32-year old Deng Hongfu, who is wanted for economic crimes in China, was arrested in Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City. Hongfu has a warrant from Chibi City in China after he allegedly ran an illegal business by selling stocks without proper permits since 2018. He has been...

Chocoholic arrested after stealing 250 blocks of the sweet treat

The alleged thief is accused of loading his trolley with 241 Whittaker's chocolate blocks worth $1349.60 from a supermarket in South Auckland, New Zealand this week.

Education reform group urges DepEd to focus on marginalized learners

MANILA, Philippines — A network of civil society organizations has called on newly appointed Education Secretary Sen. Sonny Angara to prioritize the marginalized and out-of-school learners to ensure all Filipinos have fair access to education. In a statement on Wednesday, the Civil Society Network for Education Reforms, or E-Net Philippines, said that this can be done by strengthening distance learning initiatives and building community learning...

Cops probe new theory in mystery death of dad found with bite marks in Magaluf

Father-of-four Michael Grant was on holiday with his family when he was found collapsed in the early hours of Monday morning close to the popular Punta Ballena strip

House in final stages of preparations for Sona, says Velasco

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives is in the final stages of its preparations for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (Sona), House Secretary General Reginald Velasco said on Wednesday. In a statement, Velasco said the House is ready to host the Sona, with the Batasang Pambansa renovations nearly complete. “We are ready to adjust to accommodate our partners from the Office of the President (OP) and...

A few Ukrainian brigades just got some help from an interesting source

World champion high jumper Jacques Freitag found dead in suspected murder

Cebu City Council: 2 councilors reject posts; majority seats filled

CEBU CITY, Philippines – Two minority councilors declined their newly nominated committee posts, while majority members filled their respective seats during the reorganizational session of the Cebu City Council. City Councilors Mary Ann Delos Santos and Jose Lorenzo Abellanosa rejected their committee nominations on July 3. The session saw members to various committees, with some positions remaining unchanged and new chairpersons appointed...

Appeal for footage after two Winkleigh burglaries

Cash was taken from one home and vehicles targeted at both properties in Winkleigh, police say.

Marcos told AFP to de-escalate tensions in WPS, says AFP chief

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to deescalate tensions with China in the West Philippine Sea, AFP chief of staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. said on Thursday. At a news briefing following a conference with the commander-in-chief, Brawner indicated that the rules of engagement were laid out clearly. "The guidance also of our President to our troops is not to escalate the situation on...

Galvez bats for the creation of ‘Department of Peace’

MANILA, Philippines — A ‘Department of Peace’ should be created to carry on the gains made after the forging of peace deals with rebel groups, according to Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. Galvez, chief of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), said this proposed department will replace the agency he currently heads. “We saw the best practices of other countries. They really have...

France to deploy more police to prevent trouble after Sunday election

By Dominique Vidalon PARIS (Reuters) -Some 30,000 police will be deployed across France late on Sunday following the high-stakes runoff of a parliamentary election to ensure there is no trouble, a minister said, as three candidates said they had been victims of attacks on the campaign trail. Sunday's second round will determine whether Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally (RN) secures a

Bishop hits ‘harassment’ of Palawan islanders over resort dispute

A Catholic bishop has deplored the ‘harassment’ of island villagers in southern Palawan, who risk losing their land to a proposed high-end resort. Bishop Socrates Mesiona of Puerto Princesa, in a statement, expressed concern for the people of Mariahangin, an island settlement in Bugsuk village in Balabac town. Masked men reportedly fired shots over the […]

China's largest coast guard ship seen off Escoda Shoal, days after Manila-Beijing talks

MANILA, Philippines — Just days after a dialogue between Manila and China, several Chinese ships were monitored off Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal with the world's largest coast guard ship--China Coast Guard 5901--sighted off Escoda (Sabina) Shoal. On Thursday, CCG and Chinese maritime militia vessels were deployed in 2-line "blockade" formation near Ayungin. A total of 23 China vessels were spotted off Panganiban (Mischief) Reef on Wednesday. On...

Ukraine’s army retreats from positions as Russia gets closer to seizing strategically important town

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine’s army has retreated from a neighborhood in the outskirts of Chasiv Yar, a strategically important town in the eastern Donetsk region that has been reduced to rubble under a monthslong Russian assault, a military spokesperson said Thursday. Chasiv Yar is a short distance west of Bakhmut, which was captured by Russia last year after a bitter 10-month battle. For months, Russian forces have focused on capturing Chasiv...

Attempted murder charge after man seriously hurt

A 29-year-old man was arrested in connection with a disturbance on Tuesday morning.

Brutal gang initiations from around the world

Gang culture is famed for its brutality and violence. Their involvement in crimes such as drug trafficking and extortion often leads to shootouts with police or all-out street wars with rival gangs. In movies and TV shows, there's usually an initiation process for members—a sort of ceremony or ritual whereby they commit themselves to the organization and prove that commitment with a symbolic act. In 'The Sopranos' for example, new mob members draw blood from their hands and swear a pledge to their new "family," but this is pretty mild compared to many real-world initiation ceremonies. When it comes to notorious gangs like the Yakuza, the Bloods, and the Sinaloa Cartel, new recruits are subjected to horrific torture, or asked to commit terrible crimes to prove themselves. From brutal beatings to cannibalism, you won't believe what people go through to join these criminal enterprises. Click through the gallery and find out what it takes to become a member of the world's most notorious gangs.

LOOK: Marcos leads a command conference with AFP officials

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday met with officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in a mid-year command conference at the AFP Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. Marcos, who serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the AFP, reviewed the progress of the military campaigns and programs. He also provided further directives for the rest of the year. According to the AFP, in a statement, ground...