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Thai activist charged with royal insult dies in pre-trial detention

(Corrects spelling of "pre-trial" in headline) BANGKOK (Reuters) -A Thai political activist died in custody on Tuesday, the department of corrections said, and a legal aid group said she had been on a partial hunger strike during her pre-trial detention on charges including insulting the country's monarchy. Netiporn "Bung" Sanesangkhom, 28, was part of a small anti-monarchy group called "

2024-05-15T00:17:24Z

Ex-Marine charged with 'spying for Hong Kong' fought Somali pirates

Matthew Trickett, 37, is accused of carrying out surveillance and hostile reconnaissance on pro-democracy activists in the UK for the Hong Kong intelligence service.

2024-05-14T19:39:02Z

HEADLINES: PH ships to prevent Escoda 'reclamation' | May 15, 2024

Good day. Here are the top stories of The Manila Times for Wednesday, May 15, 2024. Today's podcast is brought to you by Wilcon Depot, the Philippines' leading home improvement and construction supplies retailer -- your trusted building partner. READ: PH ships to prevent Escoda 'reclamation' THE Philippine Navy and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will deploy ships around Escoda (Sabina) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) to deter Chinese...

2024-05-14T17:00:43Z

Marcos bullish on investment plans of Hyundai, Cerberus in Subic Freeport

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said he envisions a new era of ship-building in the country following the announcement of the partnership between South Korean conglomerate HD Hyundai and American investment firm Cerberus to invest in the Subic Freeport Zone. READ: US firm: More funds coming to Subic this year “With this initiative of Cerberus and HD Hyundai, we will have a fresh start and a strong foundation in...

2024-05-14T10:52:19Z

Ship that hit Maryland bridge had lost power several times, investigators say

By David Shepardson and Lisa Baertlein WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The cargo ship Dali lost electrical power several times before it crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in March, killing six people and paralyzing a major transportation artery for the U.S, Northeast, federal investigators said on Tuesday. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said in a preliminary report that about 10

2024-05-14T23:27:12Z

CBCP calls on dioceses to observe 'Day of Conscience'

Dioceses are encouraged to join the observance of "International Day of Conscience" on June 16, according to Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) President Pablo Virgilio David. David, in a circular issued on Monday, said Pope Francis has officially recognized the day, which stemmed from the decision of Portuguese diplomat Aristides de Sousa Mendes to help Jews and persecuted individuals in Nazi-occupied France. Driven by his...

2024-05-14T19:01:51Z

BOC seizes P791 million worth of illicit cigarettes from Singapore

MANILA, Philippines — Authorities intercepted a shipment containing smuggled cigarettes worth P791 million from Singapore at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) over the weekend, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) reported on Tuesday. According to BOC, the shipment consigned to Burias Jang Consumer Goods Trading was initially declared tobacco products. READ: BOC seizes P27.6M allegedly smuggled cigarettes in Davao Gulf However, the agency’s...

2024-05-14T11:03:11Z

Factbox-Singapore's new leader Lawrence Wong

By Xinghui Kok SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Lawrence Wong, 51, will take over as prime minister of Singapore on Wednesday, becoming the fourth leader of the Asian financial hub since its independence in 1965. Wong succeeds Lee Hsien Loong, the son of the founding father of modern Singapore Lee Kuan Yew, after two decades at the helm. BACKGROUND Wong was born on 18 December 1972 to a family he

2024-05-15T00:17:25Z

Ukraine pulls back in two areas of Kharkiv region, warns of buildup near Sumy region

By Vitalii Hnidyi, Ivan Lyubysh-Kirdey and Yuliia Dysa NEAR VOVCHANSK, Ukraine (Reuters) -Ukraine's military said on Tuesday its forces pulled back to new positions in two areas of the northeastern Kharkiv region where Moscow is pressing an offensive, and warned of a Russian force buildup to the north near its Sumy region. A cross-border attack on a new flank in Sumy region would likely stretch

2024-05-15T00:17:28Z

Child, 3, in car driven at 150mph to escape police

The child was seen sitting on the knee of a passenger as an Audi A3 sped away, police say.

2024-05-14T21:05:51Z

Blinken says Russia must pay for destruction Putin caused Ukraine

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says Russia must pay for the destruction Putin has caused in Ukraine.

2024-05-14T18:01:00Z

UP adopts new motto

MANILA, Philippines — The president of the University of the Philippines (UP) presented the school’s new motto on Tuesday. In a Facebook post, UP President Angelo Jimenez shared a picture of the university’s logo which read “Honor, Excellence, Service.” READ: There is hope for the country Previously, the school’s motto was “Honor and Excellence.” “Our new motto. Honor and Excellence in the Service of the Nation! UP serves. It’s our reason for...

2024-05-14T20:49:34Z

Project S.O.S. seen to enhance services for seniors in Mandaue

MANDAUE CITY, Cebu – Mandaue City is implementing a One-Stop-Shop project to further enhance its services for senior citizens. Called “Project S.O.S” or “Solving Mandaue City’s Ageing Problem Tomorrow, Today,” this will focus on making sustainable services more accessible to the city’s elderly residents. “Targeted na atoang mga programa because we want to give more dignified [services] to senior citizens,” Atty. August Lizer Malate said. READ:...

2024-05-14T13:06:21Z

Wong will be sworn in as Singapore's prime minister, as Lee Hsien Loong bows out after 20 years

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Singapore’s deputy leader Lawrence Wong is set to be sworn in Wednesday as the nation’s fourth prime minister in a carefully planned political succession designed to ensure continuity and stability in the Asian financial hub. A U.S.-trained economist, Wong, 51, succeeds Lee Hsien Loong, 72, who stepped down after two decades at the helm. Lee’s resignation marked the end of a family dynasty led by his father Lee Kuan...

2024-05-15T01:11:15Z

US teacher shortage is leading uncertified educators into classrooms

The US teacher shortage has reached boiling point, with principals so desperate to fill vacancies that they're recruiting uncertified educators to classrooms.

2024-05-14T16:39:04Z

Plans to change workplace rights would cripple businesses, MP warns

Writing in this newspaper, Kemi Badenoch says 'we should all be worried' about Sir Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner meeting union chiefs to discuss the proposals.

2024-05-14T22:22:40Z

SC asks DOTr, LTFRB to comment on TRO plea for PUV modernization

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court (SC), which has yet to issue a restraining order on the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), has instead ordered respondents– Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to comment on the supplemental petition filed by transport group Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (PISTON) as...

2024-05-14T12:03:11Z

Florida bus crash kills eight, leaves eight in critical condition

By Rich McKay and Brendan O'Brien (Reuters) -A bus carrying farm laborers in northern Florida collided with a pickup truck on Tuesday and overturned, killing at least eight people and critically injuring eight others, authorities said. The workers were headed to pick melons at Cannon Farms in Dunnellon, a small farming community about an hour's drive south of Gainesville, when the bus overturned

2024-05-14T17:21:37Z

Students occupy London university building over Gaza

The students are demanding the university cuts any financial ties with Israel over the Gaza war.

2024-05-14T21:21:14Z

Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 811

As the war enters its 811th day, these are the main developments.

2024-05-15T01:02:34Z

Indonesian POGO worker escapes from captors

MANILA, Philippines — An Indonesian man, who was allegedly kidnapped in Makati, has been rescued in Silang, Cavite. The victim, a 28-year-old worker in a Philippine offshore gaming operator firm, escaped from his captors and was found in front of a church in Barangay Malabag, police said. The victim told police that unidentified men handcuffed and blindfolded him on May 4. He said the suspects took his cell phone and wallet and brought him to a...

2024-05-14T16:39:44Z

Putin backs China's Ukraine peace plan, says Beijing understands the conflict

(Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin, in an interview published early on Wednesday, said he backed China's plan for a peaceful settlement of the Ukraine crisis, saying Beijing had a full understanding of what lay behind the crisis. Putin, speaking to China's Xinhua news agency ahead of his visit to Beijing this week, said Russia remained open to dialogue and talks to solve the more than

2024-05-15T01:27:37Z

Probe sought into alleged wiretapping of Chinese embassy on AFP exec

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Francis Tolentino wants a probe on the alleged wiretapping of the Chinese Embassy in Manila on an Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Command official. Tolentino, chairperson of the Senate panel on maritime and admiralty zones, filed his Senate Resolution No. 1023 on Monday. In his measure, Tolentino emphasized that it is unlawful for any person, not being authorized by all parties to any private...

2024-05-14T12:11:53Z

INQToday: Trillanes files libel, cyberlibel raps against Duterte supporters

Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories: China now ‘desperate,’ intervening in PH politics, says solon China has become desperate in its goal of influencing the country and has resorted to interfering in local politics by spreading misinformation, 1-Rider party-list Rep. Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez said on Tuesday. During a press briefing at the Batasang Pambansa complex, Gutierrez and other lawmakers were asked about the recent Department of...

2024-05-14T10:48:02Z

Lightning kills 2 soldiers

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Two soldiers died when lightning struck during an operation against communist rebels at the border of Pasil and Lubuagan towns in Kalinga on Sunday. Cpl. Andrew Monterubio and Pfc. Inmongog Aronchay were with a group of soldiers when a thunderstorm occurred, the Army’s 5th Infantry Division (ID) reported yesterday. Four other soldiers were injured. In a statement, the 5th ID led by Maj. Gen. Audrey Pasia condoled with...

2024-05-14T16:39:46Z

Navy ship to monitor ‘Atin Ito’ regatta

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Navy is deploying a ship to monitor some 100 Filipino fishing boats and other civilian vessels en route to Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal as part of the “peace and solidarity regatta” organized by the Atin Ito Coalition. The military did not reveal details of the deployment, like which ship is involved or where it intends to take position. The Navy also revealed it had deployed another vessel to Escoda (Sabina)...

2024-05-14T16:39:31Z

Defying West, Russia's Putin due to meet Xi Jinping in Beijing

By Greg Torode and Guy Faulconbridge HONG KONG/MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin's Beijing visit on Thursday is likely to be light on hard deals but will mark the start of his new presidential term with a show of support from his most powerful political partner, Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. Putin's two-day mission - the first visit of his new term - is expected to highlight

2024-05-14T23:07:17Z

Monuments Men: The group of soldiers who recovered five million works of art stolen during WWII

The widespread looting of European art by the Third Reich before and during the Second World War was one of the most shameful chapters of art history. The Nazis systematically stole thousands of paintings from individuals, and confiscated many thousands more from museums and other cultural institutions. Beside artworks, gold, silver, currency, jewelry, books, and religious treasures were also plundered. Most of these looted items were recovered and restituted after the war. But many thousands of pieces of art were never retrieved by their rightful owners. Click through and read the shameful story of Nazi plunder.

2023-11-30T14:07:10Z

PH civilian mission sets sail for Scarborough Shoal in WPS

Around 100 boats departed from Zambales early Wednesday morning for a civilian mission to Scarborough Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Atin Ito Coalition, organizer of the civilian mission, said they will install symbolic markers or buoys within the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ). “The primary objectives of the mission are to conduct a ‘peace and solidarity regatta’ within our EEZ, during which symbolic...

2024-05-15T01:02:44Z

YouTube to block Hong Kong protest anthem videos after court order

By Jeffrey Dastin and James Pomfret MOUNTAIN VIEW/HONG KONG (Reuters) -Alphabet's YouTube on Tuesday said it would comply with a court decision and block access inside Hong Kong to 32 video links deemed prohibited content, in what critics say is a blow to freedoms in the financial hub amid a security clampdown. The action follows a government application granted by Hong Kong's Court of Appeal

2024-05-15T01:27:35Z

Philippines, Australia hold joint drills in Isabela

MANILA, Philippines — At least 150 Philippine and Australian soldiers are taking part in a joint training as part of the first leg of this year’s Kasangga exercise in Gamu, Isabela. Philippine Army spokesman Col. Louie Dema-Ala said the bilateral training, which started on Monday, would run until June 21. A total of 100 Filipino soldiers participating in the joint drills are members of the 86th Infantry Battalion of the 5th Infantry Division...

2024-05-14T16:39:49Z

Mandaue City College gets new COPC from CHED

MANDAUE CITY, Cebu – The Mandaue City College (MCC) was granted a Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC) by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). However, its COPC will only cover five degree program like Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Math, English, and Filipino; Bachelor of Elementary Education; and Information Technology. COPC is a recognition that is given to specific degree programs offered by local universities and...

2024-05-14T13:51:33Z

US woman pleads guilty in plot to attack power grid

Sarah Clendaniel was accused of conspiring with a neo-Nazi to blow up Baltimore electricity sites.

2024-05-14T22:51:11Z

Pentagon leaker Jack Teixeira faces US military justice hearing

US Air Force prosecutors on Tuesday began presenting evidence to a military hearing officer who will decide whether to recommend a trial by court-martial for Jack Teixeira, a member of the Massachusetts Air National Guard accused of leaking a massive trove of classified military documents. Teixeira, 22, appeared in uniform at Hanscom Air Force Base...

2024-05-14T16:28:43Z

166 Chinese from Bamban POGO deported

Some 166 Chinese citizens who allegedly who worked illegally at a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub in Bamban, Tarlac were deported on Tuesday. According to a report by Jun Veneracion in “24 Oras”, the deported foreigners were workers of the Zun Yuan Technology Incorporated which was raided by authorities two months ago. The arrested POGO workers were handcuffed with plastic wires on their way to the Ninoy Aquino International...

2024-05-14T16:06:24Z

Volunteers evacuate dogs in Ukraine after new Russian offensive

RUSSKIYE TISHKI, Ukraine — Olena Gubenko refused to leave her home throughout the war but she evacuated as Moscow’s troops closed in during a new offensive in Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv region. With her came a non-negotiable pack of over a hundred dogs that she rescued over the years. “I’ll be with them, wherever they are… they’re my life,” she said, pushing her frightened canines into cages that volunteers loaded in vans. Many residents...

2024-05-14T08:26:23Z

'China, keep hands off our vessels, people'

SEN. Risa Hontiveros slammed China on Tuesday for propagating "lies" that the Atin Ito civilian humanitarian mission to the West Philippine Sea (WPS) was organized by the Philippine and United States governments. "China, keep your hands off our vessels and people," the senator said in a statement amid reports that China sent vessels to Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) to block the civilian convoy. "This group of ordinary and private citizens...

2024-05-14T16:30:35Z

QC’s Amoranto swimming pool close until June 26

MANILA, Philippines — The local government of Quezon City said on Tuesday that the Olympic-size swimming pool of the Amoranto Sports Complex has been closed temporarily. According to the official Facebook page of Quezon City, it will be closed until June 26. READ: Belmonte: Decades-old Amoranto Sport Complex to undergo makeover READ: A great place for new athletes The temporary closure was also done to maintain its facilities. Meanwhile, the...

2024-05-14T15:18:43Z

Acting Mayor Garcia gets support of some Cebu City Councilors

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Some members of the Cebu City Council showed up at the flag raiding ceremony at Plaza Sugbu on Monday to show their support for acting mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia. Monday, May 13, was Garcia’s first day at City Hall as the acting mayor, a position that he will occupy for six months. He received his appointment papers late on Friday afternoon, May 11. Those present were Councilors Joel Garganera, Edgardo “Jaypee” Labella...

2024-05-14T10:51:14Z

Iloilo mayor pushes quick utilization of P190M to improve airport

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) were pushed on Tuesday to finally utilize the P190-million fund granted by the Philippine government for the construction, rehabilitation, and improvement of the Iloilo International Airport. Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas made the call during the Senate’s hearing on the state of international and domestic airports in the...

2024-05-14T07:02:30Z

Number of foreign students staying to work in Britain could fall

The Home Office's Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) said James Cleverly's changes could see the pool of foreign students going into work fall from 70,000 to 26,000.

2024-05-15T00:54:43Z

The illicit trade with China fuelling Mozambique's insurgency

Illegal shipments of rosewood continue and some of the profit ends up with jihadists, research says.

2024-05-14T23:21:18Z

Bam Aquino new KANP chairman

FORMER senator Bam Aquino has taken over as chairman of the Katipunan ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino (KANP), a political party founded in 2020 as a platform for youth empowerment in the national government. Human rights lawyer Chel Diokno, a member of the party, announced Aquino's new role in a statement. "With great pride, we announce the appointment of former senator Bam Aquino as the party's chairman," Diokno said. "This action is important along...

2024-05-14T16:30:35Z

Plan to ban sex education for children under nine

New guidance for schools in England is expected to be set out on Thursday.

2024-05-15T00:06:13Z

Seed-dropping drones seek to halt Kosovo's deforestation

By Fatos Bytyci BUTOVC, Kosovo (Reuters) - A hovering drone drops linden and pine seeds wrapped in soil onto a barren hillside outside Kosovo's capital Pristina, part of an effort to reforest thousands of hectares lost to illegal logging and wildfires. Environmentalists say deforestation, also driven by demand for popular wood-fired stoves, is endangering wild animals such as brown bears, lynx,

2024-05-14T21:27:28Z

DTCC hauls four gold medals in Albay

CEBU CITY, Philippines —The Dancesport Team Cebu City (DTCC) claimed four gold medals in the recently concluded 2nd Magayon Open Dancesport Competition and Philippine Dancesport Federation, Inc. (PDSFI) Ranking Point System in Legazpi City, Albay. DTCC was headed by Lark Jabonero and Justhel Kate Monteron, who won two gold medals in the Latin special event 1C and teacher-student Latin categories. Shardie and Marjorie Abellana joined them on the...

2024-05-14T12:51:18Z

4 suspects arrested in annulment scam

Four targets were arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation - Cybercrime Division for allegedly offering to process late birth registration and annulment without a court appearance. According to a "24 Oras" report by John Consulta on Tuesday, the suspects fell in two separate operations in Quezon City and Pasay City following complaints lodged by the Supreme Court about alleged lawyers and judges involved in said schemes. “Yung mga nahuli...

2024-05-14T16:06:46Z

American sought after ‘So I raped you’ Facebook message detained in France on 2021 warrant

LYON, France (AP) — An American accused of sexually assaulting a Pennsylvania college student in 2013 and later sending her a Facebook message that said, “So I raped you,” has been detained in France after a three-year search. A prosecutor in Metz, France, confirmed Tuesday that Ian Thomas Cleary, 31, of Saratoga, California, had been taken into custody last month and will be held pending extradition proceedings. Cleary had been the subject of...

2024-05-14T17:56:09Z

Man murdered by chemical attack gang - prosecutors

Prosecutors say a drugs gang targeted four houses in so-called "taxing" raids.

2024-05-14T15:35:06Z

P7.01 million shabu, P3.1 million kush seized

MANILA, Philippines — Anti-narcotics agents confiscated 1.03 kilos of shabu with an estimated street value of P7.01 million in Dumaguete City yesterday. The illegal drugs were recovered from an alias Aldwyn, who was arrested in Barangay Candau-ay, Central Visayas police director Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin said. Police said the suspect, who was not identified, can sell up to 100 grams of shabu per day in Dumaguete and Amlan town. In Antipolo,...

2024-05-14T16:39:45Z