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Marcos revokes policy granting CES rank to NDCP grads

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has revoked the policy granting career executive service (CES) rank to graduates of the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP), months after it was suspended to determine if its goals are in line with existing rules. The policy conferring CES eligibility and rank to graduates of the NDCP’s Master in National Security Administration (MNSA) program was scrapped through Executive Order (EO) 63,...

562 BuCor inmates freed in June

MANILA, Philippines — A total of 562 inmates from all the prisons and penal farms in the country were released in June, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) reported. In a statement, BuCor said 121 of those released were acquitted, 321 had served their maximum sentence, 98 were granted parole, 21 were granted probation and one was granted executive clemency. BuCor director Gen. Gregorio Catapang Jr. said the bureau has already released a total of...

Starmer appoints two figures from Blair and Brown era as ministers

Jacqui Smith and Douglas Alexander are given junior ministerial roles from the new prime minister.

Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso military leaders sign new pact, rebuff ECOWAS

Move is latest sign the countries are moving away from traditional regional and Western allies following spate of coups.

England through to semi-finals, and Rwanda plan 'dead'

Sunday's front pages lead on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's first cabinet and England's Euros success.

The far right is close to power in France. Will the rest of Europe follow?

Whatever the result of France's election, its impact will be seismic, says Europe editor Katya Adler.

Who could replace Rishi Sunak as party leader?

The Conservatives will need to choose a new leader when the former PM stands down.

Iran's Pezeshkian brings hopes of moderation after routing hardline rival

By Parisa Hafezi DUBAI (Reuters) - Iran's president-elect, low-profile moderate Masoud Pezeshkian, carries the hopes of millions of Iranians seeking less restrictions on social freedoms and a more pragmatic foreign policy. Pezeshkian, who defeated hardline Saeed Jalili in Friday's second-round presidential vote, is someone world powers are likely to welcome, hoping he might pursue peaceful ways

Sudanese political factions meet in Cairo with little prospect of peace

By Nafisa Eltahir CAIRO (Reuters) -Rival Sudanese political factions formally attended reconciliation talks in Cairo on Saturday, the first since a conflict in the country began almost 15 months ago, but admitted there was little prospect of quickly ending the war. During the conference the Democratic Bloc, which is aligned with the army, refused to hold joint sessions with Taqaddum faction,

PRC: 389 pass special licensure exams for teachers

MANILA, Philippines — The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) said 137 of 274 elementary educators and 252 of 478 high school teachers passed the Special Professional Licensure Exam for Professional Teachers held last month. In a July 5 advisory, the PRC named Jovelle Salamanca of the University of Santo Tomas as the topnotcher among elementary teachers-examinees for earning a 90.80 percent rating. She is followed by Jenefer Gregorio from...

UK seeks balanced position on Israel and Gaza, says new foreign minister Lammy

By Andreas Rinke BERLIN (Reuters) - Britain wants a balanced position on the war in the Middle East and will use diplomatic efforts to ensure a ceasefire is reached and hostages held by Palestinian militant group Hamas are released, its new foreign minister David Lammy told Reuters. Lammy is on a visit to Germany, his first international trip following the Labour Party's thumping victory in

Marcos congratulates new UK Prime Minister Starmer

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Saturday congratulated the newly-elected prime minister of the United Kingdom as he expressed hopes for strengthened ties between London and Manila. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Marcos sent his congratulations to Keir Starmer who was elected as the UK’s new prime minister on July 5. “On behalf of the Philippines, I extend my warmest congratulations to the Labour Party and...

Ban for teacher who sent sexual messages to 'child'

It is understood Sukhwinder Singh was instead communicating with an undercover police officer.

Cyclist seriously injured in Hastings crash

A local man, aged in his 70s, was airlifted to hospital after the collision on the A21 on Saturday.

Hamas accepts US proposal on talks over Israeli hostages, Hamas source says

By Samia Nakhoul, Muhammad Al Gebaly and Nidal al-Mughrabi DUBAI/CAIRO (Reuters) -Hamas has accepted a U.S. proposal to begin talks on releasing Israeli hostages, including soldiers and men, 16 days after the first phase of an agreement aimed at ending the Gaza war, a senior Hamas source told Reuters on Saturday. The militant Islamist group has dropped a demand that Israel first commit to a

China ‘monster’ ship drops anchor in West Philippine Sea

MANILA, Philippines — China’s largest coast guard ship dropped anchor in the vicinity of Escoda (Sabina) Shoal several hundred yards from a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel which sent out a radio challenge but was ignored, PCG Commodore and spokesman Jay Tarriela said yesterday. “It’s an intimidation on the part of the China Coast Guard,” Tarriela said at the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City. “We’re not going to pull out and we’re not going...

Negros Occidental reports rise in dengue cases

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — An increase in the number of dengue fever cases has been noted in 10 localities in Negros Occidental, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) reported yesterday. In its data, the PHO reported an increase of 7.55 percent in dengue cases or 712 cases from January to June 29, as compared to 662 cases during the same period in 2023. It also logged three dengue-related deaths in the first six months of 2024. Following this, the...

Why do police officers touch your trunk during a traffic stop? Here's what you should know

Toledo City police hunt 2 men who attacked ‘arrogant’ neighbor

CEBU CITY, Philippines – Policemen in Toledo City, Cebu are after two men who are believed to be responsible for punching and shooting a neighbor in Sitio Buswang in Brgy. Cambang-ug on Thursday, July 4. The incident happened at around 8 p.m. near a river in Sitio Buswang. In a report, Toledo police said that the suspects who were identified as Johnny Largo, 30, and a certain Jaybe, allegedly told Roy Abarquez Isidro “You are so very arrogant,”...

No Marcos order to revise history, says Angara

MANILA, Philippines — There was no order from President Marcos to revise history in the education curriculum, including the teaching of martial law in schools, according to incoming education secretary Sonny Angara. In a dwIZ radio interview yesterday, Angara said the President’s instruction to him was to make the teaching of history more fun and “conversational.” “The President did not single out any period in our history,” the senator said...

Carpio: Education can help Philippines win fight for West Philippine Sea

MANILA, Philippines — Educating Filipinos about the history of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) could help the Philippines win the fight against China’s claims on the entire South China Sea, according to retired Supreme Court justice Antonio Carpio. In a lecture hosted by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and the National Library of the Philippines last Friday, Carpio pointed out that the “total lack of knowledge of the Treaty...

Remains found in Tarlac confirmed to be of missing pageant bet, Israeli BF

MANILA, Philippines — The remains found in Capas, Tarlac were those of missing Mutya ng Pilipinas Pampanga 2024 candidate Geneva Lopez and her Israeli boyfriend Yitshak Cohen, Pampanga Governor Dennis Pineda said on Saturday. According to Pineda in a Facebook post, police were able to confirm their identities through their clothing and other items. “Malungkot ko po na ibinabalita sa inyo na natagpuan na ang mga bangkay ng kabalen natin na si...

Fears for missing man, 23, after the boat he was on capsized

A rescue operation was launched for a 23-year-old man who disappeared after the boat he was on sank in the Swansea Channel, south of Newcastle, in NSW, just before 8pm on Saturday.

Mum's agony and fear for baby born into horror during the Gaza war

The first child born at Save the Children's new maternity unit in Gaza is lucky to be alive with baby Lana's family forced to endure horrible conditions of deprivation under constant threat of bombing

Mother speaks of 'anger and relief' as her son's killer dies in prison

Craig Hepburn (right) died after he was stabbed 11 times while walking home from a pub with his friend Conor Paton, 19, in Marsden, West Yorkshire, on 6 July 2012.

What to expect at the Binibining Pilipinas 2024 grand coronation night

Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) will throw a grand coronation night to mark the 60th anniversary of the most enduring national pageant in the country on Sunday, July 6. The ceremonies will be held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum at the Araneta City in Quezon City, and more than 100 Bb. Pilipinas queens are expected to grace the occasion, for a grand reunion together on stage. And as in the three previous editions, an all-female hosting...

'Beautiful and caring' teen tragically killed in bus crash in small village

The family of teenager Jonathan Debnam, 14, have paid tribute to the youngster after he was tragically killed in a collision with a bus in the quaint village of Shortstown

Cops rescue teens from 'growling Bigfoot with glowing eyes' in forest

Natchitoches Parish Sheriff's Deputies said the recent high school graduates from Houma called in distress while deep within Kisatchie National Forest last week.

Explainer-France's political alliances and their election pledges

By Tassilo Hummel PARIS (Reuters) - France's political parties have scrambled to form political alliances after President Emmanuel Macron's surprise move to call a parliamentary election, reshaping the political landscape into three large blocs. From the far-right National Rally to the leftwing New Popular Front and Macron's centrist alliance called 'Together', here is an overview of the

Family pay tribute to 'caring' army cadet, 14, who was killed by bus

A heartbroken family have paid tribute to 'funny, kind and intelligent' teenager, Jonathan Debnam (pictured), 14, who was killed after being hit by a bus in Shortstown, Bedfordshire on Thursday.

HEADLINES: China ship taunts PH vessel in Escoda Shoal | July 7, 2024

Good day. Here are the stories for The Manila Times for Sunday, July 7, 2024. Today's episode is brought to you by Wilcon Depot, The Philippines' leading home improvement and construction supplies retailer—your Trusted Building Partner. READ: China ship taunts PH vessel in Escoda Shoal CHINA Coast Guard's (CCG) "monster" ship is inching closer to a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel that has been maintaining its presence in Escoda (Sabina)...

Ensure a peaceful 2025 BARMM elections, Marcos tells AFP

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. asked the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) personnel to guarantee a peaceful election for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The BARMM Parliament elections, which is the first in the region, will be held with the 2025 national and local elections. “We need to have peaceful elections in the upcoming voting season,” Marcos said on Friday. READ: BARMM polls: 16...

Starmer to meet Swinney in first official engagement as UK leader

Sir Keir Starmer will meet John Swinney today in his first official engagement since being appointed Prime Minister.

Marcos proud of Gilas despite loss to Brazil

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. congratulated Gilas Pilipinas on Saturday evening despite losing to Brazil in the semifinals of the Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Riga, Latvia. “It was a great fight, Gilas Pilipinas! You have made us Filipinos proud and made history! We will always stand behind you in support. Bida ang bayaning manlalaro! ”Marcos said in a social media post. READ: Gilas’ Olympic dream ends, bows...

Israeli strike kills 16 at Gaza school, military says it targeted gunmen

By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Ramadan Abed CAIRO/GAZA (Reuters) -At least 16 people were killed in an Israeli strike on a school sheltering displaced Palestinian families in central Gaza on Saturday, the Palestinian health ministry said, in an attack Israel said had targeted militants. The health ministry said the attack on the school in Al-Nuseirat killed at least 16 people and wounded more than 50.

Participate in the drug war probe, Kabataan tells Senator Bato

MANILA, Philippines — Kabataan Partylist challenged Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa to participate in the drug war probe, saying that he is accountable to the Filipino people. “Stare your victims in the eye during the hearing, Senator. We dare you. If you truly love your country, you would not turn a blind eye to the clamour of thousands of families victimized seeking justice,” said Kabataan Partylist Executive Vice President Renee Co in a...

Why Wes Streeting is set for war with the health service

The history of the NHS is littered with attempts by ministers to reform the institution for the benefit of patients. When Wes Streeting, the new Health Secretary, described the NHS as “broken”, and said it was now the policy of the Department of Health to treat it as such, he was laying down a marker for the scale of the challenge ahead of him. But...

Stolen car found on Facebook Marketplace

MANILA, Philippines — Police arrested four individuals allegedly involved in stealing a vehicle that was found listed for sale in an online Marketplace. In a report, the Southern Police District (SPD) said a black Toyota Alphard was reportedly stolen after the driver parked the vehicle and left it unattended in front of a convenience store in Barangay Tambo in Parañaque City on June 29. On Wednesday afternoon, police received a report from a...

She accused Assange of sexual assault, but is glad he’s now free

Anna Ardin accused Julian Assange of sexual assault - but is pleased he has been freed from jail.

Anti-tourism protestors rally against foreign visitors in Barcelona

Protesters carried signs reading 'Barcelona is not for sale,' and, 'Tourists go home,' before some used water guns on tourists eating outdoors at restaurants in hotspots

PNP begins distribution of performance-based bonus for 2022

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) said that it will begin the distribution of its performance-based bonus for fiscal year 2022 on Saturday. According to the PNP, the bonus will be given to around 214,320 police personnel. READ: PNP warns public: Con artists pose as cops to solicit money The PNP said that the bonus that the personnel will receive is equal to 52 percent of their monthly salary as of December 31, 2022....

Now SNP suffers £1m hammer blow in lost Westminster funding

The SNP's financial woes have been compounded by last week's humiliation at the ballot box with £1 million of crucial funding lost from the House of Commons.

DENR lauds Cotabato farmer for saving serpent eagle

COTABATO CITY, BARMM, Philippines — Environment officials lauded a farmer in Cotabato province for saving a juvenile Philippine serpent eagle (Spilornis holospilus) which was released back to the wild on Wednesday. Forester Abdulnagib T. Ringia, community environment and natural resources officer of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) based in Matalam town, said the acts of Jimmy Icdang should set an example to all on how...

Tribute to 'caring' man found seriously injured in road

Police refer the case to a watchdog due to concerns over their response after Patrick McCooey was injured.

Escudero defends probe on Senate building costs

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Francis Escudero defended the need for the Senate to investigate the ballooning costs of constructing the New Senate Building following the heated exchange between Senators Nancy Binay and Alan Peter Cayetano at the recent hearing. In a dwIZ interview yesterday, Escudero said the accounts committee hearing is being conducted because of the failure of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to...

Royal Navy crew return home after six months fighting Houthi rebels

HMS Diamond docked at Portsmouth on Saturday after helping to protect shipping lanes in the Gulf of Aden and shooting down the most enemy missiles in one day on record.

Junta-led Sahel states rule out return to West African economic bloc

By Boureima Balima NIAMEY (Reuters) -Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, three military-led West African states, signed a confederation treaty on Saturday, underscoring their determination to chart a joint course outside the regional political and economic bloc that has been urging them to return to democratic rule. The signing took place at the first summit of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and

6 Bantay Dagat members arrested in Bataan

MANILA, Philippines — A police officer and five members of the sea patrol force Bantay Dagat were arrested for allegedly threatening the Philippine National Police Maritime Group (PNP-MARIG) personnel in Bataan province on Friday. Brig. Gen. Jonathan Cabal, MARIG director, said their personnel were on seaborne patrol operations off Pilar town and Balanga City when the Bantay Dagat group approached them from another boat. One of the Bantay Dagat...

Sulu cops seize over P17 million in smuggled cigarettes

CAMP SK PENDATUN, Maguindanao del Norte, Philippines – Police authorities in Sulu confiscated over P17 million in smuggled cigarettes in two separate operations this week. Brig. Gen. Prexy Tanggawohn, director of Police Regional Office in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), said that on Friday, some P5.6 million worth of smuggled cigarettes were seized in Patikul town after a resident alerted the police about the contrabands being unloaded...

BI vows to deport suspected Chinese ‘spy’

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) vowed to deport a Chinese man previously found with firearms and suspected hacking equipment after finding out he has been overstaying in the Philippines. Personnel of the agency’s intelligence division arrested 32-year-old Liu Yuhang while at the Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) office in Camp Crame, Quezon City last July 4. Liu has become an...