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Trans woman, ex-soldier held for kidnappings

MANILA, Philippines — A transgender woman and a former Army trooper were arrested on Thursday in connection with separate kidnappings. The transgender woman, whose real name is Hector Magallanes, was arrested in Taguig, the police Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) reported yesterday. AKG director Brig. Gen. Cosme Abrenica said Magallanes has a warrant of arrest issued by a court in Carmona, Cavite for kidnapping for ransom. No bail was recommended....

2024-05-18T16:40:25Z

DILG recommends preventive suspension of Bamban Mayor Alice Guo

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) is recommending that Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo be preventively suspended after its task force uncovered “troubling findings of serious illegal acts which may have severe legal implications.” The DILG task force has been investigating Guo’s connection to a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (Pogo) in the province. In its recommendation, the national government...

2024-05-18T13:17:07Z

Over one million Filipinos to get P3-B aid

MANILA, Philippines — Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, alongside President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., launched the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) on Saturday, an initiative that will distribute P3 billion in cash aid to more than one million beneficiaries in a single day. The AKAP Program, spearheaded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) under Secretary Rex Gatchalian, aims to provide immediate...

2024-05-18T07:18:07Z

Exclusive-Japan's military needs more women. But it's still failing on harassment

By Sakura Murakami and Tim Kelly TOKYO (Reuters) - As Japan embarks on a major military build-up, it's struggling to fill its ranks with the women that its forces need and its policymakers have pledged to recruit. Following a wave of sexual harassment cases, the number of women applying to join the Self-Defence Forces (SDF) decreased by 12% in the year ending March 2023, after several years of

2024-05-19T00:58:22Z

Marcos still doubtful over existence of ‘new model’ agreement

MANILA, Philippines —President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is still doubtful on whether “new model” agreement with China exists having seen no proof of it. Marcos was asked about the recorded conversation between Chinese diplomats and the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command wherein the supposed new model was reached when it comes to the disputed West Philippine Sea. READ: DOJ chief orders probe into alleged wiretapping of Chinese diplomats...

2024-05-18T15:49:34Z

Lone bettor wins P54-M Grand Lotto 6/55 jackpot

A lone bettor bagged the jackpot worth P54 million in the Grand Lotto 6/55 draw on Saturday evening, according to the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. The lucky bettor will receive P54,082,689.80 for the combination 08-16-25-44-06-34. The Lotto 6/42 draw, which had a P5.94-million prize, did not yield any winners. — VBL, GMA Integrated News This article Lone bettor wins P54-M Grand Lotto 6/55 jackpot was originally published in GMA News...

2024-05-18T16:07:18Z

Crash between tractor and car closes part of A38

Part of the A38 is closed at Chudleigh Knighton after a crash between a car and a tractor.

2024-05-18T18:36:20Z

Marcos: NPC, PFP alliance not for ‘narrow electoral objective alone’

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Saturday said that the new alliance between the Partido Federal Pilipinas (PFP) and Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) is not merely for the upcoming elections. Marcos officially oversaw the formal signing of the two party’s alliance in Makati City. “We are not joining forces for some narrow electoral objective alone. Of course, we, approaching political cycle is an important element and...

2024-05-18T13:04:06Z

Huge search for two teenage boys in river

Emergency services are at scene in Ovingham after reports two teenagers had got into difficulty.

2024-05-18T18:51:22Z

PH, Malaysia mark 60 years of diplomatic relations

THE Philippines and Malaysia are marking 60 years of diplomatic relations, committing to enhanced cooperation in the years to come. The establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations began in 1959 when the Philippine delegation was established in Kuala Lumpur and was formally instituted as a consulate on May 18, 1964. Since then, the Philippines and Malaysia have maintained a steadfast commitment to mutual respect and cooperation....

2024-05-18T16:10:46Z

President Marcos blasts ‘blatant attempts at destabilization’

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos yesterday cited the need to stand up to what he described as “blatant attempts of destabilization” and efforts to remain in a “disappearing past” as rumors of a supposed plot to oust his administration persist. During the graduation of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Bagong Sinag” class of 2024, Marcos said his “Bagong Pilipinas” governance campaign is about actively building a great nation one day...

2024-05-18T16:40:39Z

US, Iran hold indirect talks on avoiding regional escalation, Axios reports

(Reuters) -Two top Biden administration officials held indirect talks with Iranian counterparts this week in an effort to avoid escalating regional attacks, Axios reported on Friday. The talks, involving President Joe Biden's Middle East adviser Brett McGurk and acting U.S. envoy to Iran Abram Paley, marked the first round of discussions between the U.S. and Iran since January, according to Axios

2024-05-18T20:47:51Z

‘Pastor’ found guilty of animal cruelty

MANILA, Philippines — A man who dragged his pet dog behind his motorcycle in Masbate City has been convicted of animal cruelty. Sylvano Capicenio, also known as Pastor Bing, was found guilty of violating Republic Act 8485 or the Animal Welfare Act, Municipal Trial Court in Cities Judge Lea Estrada said in a ruling dated March 1, which the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) released yesterday. Capicenio was ordered to pay a fine of P10,000...

2024-05-18T16:40:23Z

DOH: Measles-rubella cases in PH now decreasing

MANILA, Philippines — The country’s measles-rubella (MR) cases are now on a decline, the Department of Health (DOH) reported on Saturday. In a statement, DOH said it had recorded 2,552 MR cases as of May 11 since the start of the year but did not monitor an increase in these cases during its most recent six-week monitoring period. “The nationwide MR epidemic curve is now showing signs of decrease. Only five deaths have been reported. Children...

2024-05-18T11:03:46Z

Cebu FC squares off with PHL Air Force in PFL on Sunday

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Cebu Football Club (CFC) Gentle Giants will host the Philippine Air Force (PAF) FC in their sixth scheduled match in the Philippines Football League (PFL) on Sunday, May 19, at the Dynamic Herb-Borromeo Sports Complex, here. The Gentle Giants are eyeing back-to-back victories, following their 3-1 win against Taguig FC last May 12, at the same venue. They are currently ranked No. 4 in the 15-team standings with 12...

2024-05-18T14:02:16Z

Israel pushes further into parts of north Gaza; new cracks in Netanyahu coalition

By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Dan Williams CAIRO/JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Israeli troops and tanks pushed on Saturday into parts of a congested northern Gaza Strip district that they had previously skirted in the more than seven-month-old war, killing and wounding dozens of Palestinians, medics and residents said. Israel's forces also took over some ground in Rafah, a southern city by the Egyptian border

2024-05-18T19:47:43Z

Bus bursts into flames on busy street

Video footage shows firefighters battling huge flames and thick smoke in the middle of a busy street.

2024-05-18T14:20:38Z

NEDA bats for creation of water resources agency

MANILA, Philippines — The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) underscored the need to establish a Department of Water Resources and a Water Regulatory Commission (WRC) for the country to achieve water security. In a policy note, the NEDA cited the need to have a unified framework for water governance and regulation, as well as improved infrastructure planning and management of water through the creation of the Department of Water...

2024-05-18T16:40:31Z

Rishi Sunak approves £10bn compensation for blood scandal victims

The Prime Minister is expected to address MPs at the close of an official inquiry into what has been condemned as the biggest treatment disaster in NHS history.

2024-05-19T00:10:38Z

Creation of Manila Bay council gets House nod

(UPDATE) THE House of Representatives has passed a bill seeking to create an agency that would supervise the conservation of waters and fishery resources in the Manila Bay area. House Bill 10158, which passed on Wednesday's plenary session, will establish the Manila Bay Aquatic Resources Management Council (MBARMC), which will act as the sole authority to manage, control and supervise the Manila Bay. HB 10158 passed on third reading with 185...

2024-05-18T16:10:47Z

SC affirms conviction of man for ‘sextortion’

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court (SC) has affirmed the conviction of a man who demanded money from his ex-girlfriend in exchange for deleting her nude photos he posted on Facebook. In a decision promulgated in August 2023 and released yesterday, the SC’s Second Division convicted Axel Tria of robbery with violence against or intimidation of persons. He was also sentenced to six to 14 years in prison. Court records show that Tria...

2024-05-18T16:40:26Z

Marcos says to wait for conclusion on Bamban mayor’s probe

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, on Saturday said there is no conclusion yet in the curious case of Bamban Mayor Alice Guo, as the investigation is still in its preliminary stages. During an ambush media interview in Makati, Marcos was asked for an update the government’s probe on Guo, who was suspected of not being a Filipino citizen. READ: Marcos says Bamban Mayor Guo must be investigated: ‘Nobody knows her’ “We just...

2024-05-18T15:04:28Z

Ahly stay on track for 12th title after holding Esperance

Al Ahly of Egypt stayed on course for a record-extending 12th CAF Champions League title by holding hosts Esperance of Tunisia to a 0-0 draw on Saturday in the first leg of the final. They meet again next Saturday in Cairo, where Ahly have won five and drawn six of 11 Champions League matches against Esperance.

2024-05-18T21:23:36Z

Driver dies after four-vehicle motorway crash

A man dies after a crash between two lorries and two cars on a motorway, police say.

2024-05-18T13:50:38Z

Thousands of Brixham residents told they can safely drink tap water again

Credit: Torbay Council Thousands of people can now safely drink their tap water again after days of being told to boil it first following a parasite outbreak, the region's water supplier has announced. About 16,000 households and businesses in the Brixham area of Devon, supplied by South West Water (SWW), had been told not to use their tap water for drinking without boiling and cooling it first. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said on Friday that 46 cases of cryptosporidium, a disease which can cause unpleasant symptoms such as diarrhoea and vomiting, had been confirmed in the town and that more cases were anticipated.

2024-05-18T21:09:34Z

South West Water firm blamed for diarrhoea outbreak has been fined 18 times in 10 years

The MP for the Brixham area of south Devon hit by a diarrhoea outbreak has branded South West Water’s response “disastrous” as the Mirror reveals the firm has been fined 18 times in the last decade

2024-05-18T20:18:20Z

Venezuela’s Maduro Decrees 9% Tax on Companies for Pension Fund

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro issued a decree setting a 9% tax on private companies for the creation of a state-run pension fund.

2024-05-18T22:53:43Z

Georgian president vetoes 'foreign agents' bill, TASS reports

TBILISI (Reuters) - Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili has announced that she has vetoed a draft law on foreign agents, Russia's state-run TASS news agency reported on Saturday. Zourabichvili had said previously that she would veto the bill, which has sparked street protests, but her decision can be overridden by another vote in parliament, controlled by Georgia's ruling party and its allies

2024-05-18T22:08:07Z

Taoiseach leads tributes following death of ‘trailblazer’ Tony O’Reilly

Taoiseach leads tributes following death of ‘trailblazer’ Tony O’Reilly - The media magnate and former rugby star died on Saturday aged 88.

2024-05-18T21:42:34Z

Scheffler out of jail

MANILA, Philippines — Top-ranked Scottie Scheffler shook off a morning arrest Friday to fire a five-under par 66 and keep himself in the hunt at the darkness-halted PGA Championship, trailing leader Xander Schauffele by three strokes. Schauffele matched the low round in major history with a 62 Thursday and shot 68 Friday to stand on 12-under 130 for 36 holes, and a one-stroke edge over two-time major winner Collin Morikawa, who shot 65....

2024-05-18T16:40:33Z

Marcos: Photos with Guo prove nothing

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., on Saturday, said that resurfacing photos of himself with Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo “proves nothing” as lots of similar photos were taken during his campaign. “You know many how many pictures I take during a campaign? Siguro isang libo isang araw. Lahat naman ng humihingi ng selfie hindi ko hinihindian,” Marcos said during an ambush interview. (Do you know how many pictures of me are taken during a campaign?...

2024-05-18T16:07:18Z

Ukraine says Russian shelling targets civilians in Kharkiv region

By Max Hunder KHARKIV, Ukraine (Reuters) -Ukraine said Russian shelling targeted civilians in two cities in the northeastern region of Kharkiv on Saturday while President Volodymyr Zelenskiy reported successes by troops fighting a renewed Russian assault there. Ukrainian prosecutors said they were investigating as a potential war crime a Russian air strike on a residential area of the regional

2024-05-18T21:38:02Z

Residents want probe of mine blast before Surigao mudslide

SAN FRANCISCO, AGUSAN DEL SUR – Residents of Siana village in Mainit town, Surigao del Norte have asked the government to investigate the possible role of the mine blast inside the mining tenement of Greenstone Resources Corp. (GRC) in the collapse of its tailings storage facility. The breach brought about a mudslide in the community at around 5 p.m. on May 11 and sent families evacuating to safety. As of May 13, the Department of Social Welfare...

2024-05-18T12:18:59Z

1, 246 in Lapu-Lapu City receive P3,000 cash aid

LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu – A total of 1,246 beneficiaries in Lapu-Lapu City received financial assistance worth P3,000 each during the nationwide launch of the “Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program” (AKAP) on Saturday, May 18. AKAP is a national government program that aims to distribute cash aid to Filipinos who are in need, especially those who come from poor families. In Cebu, cash aid distribution was held at the Hoops Dome in Barangay Gun-ob,...

2024-05-18T10:46:42Z

Amnesty rules on criminal acts clarified

MANILA, Philippines — Rebels who committed crimes beyond Nov. 22, 2023 are not covered by the amnesty being given by the national government, National Amnesty Commission (NAC) commissioner Nasser Marohomsalic said yesterday. Marohomsalic also said that the rebels who committed cases such as rape, arson, ransom, kidnap-for-ransom and drug-related cases are also not qualified to avail themselves of the amnesty program of the Marcos administration....

2024-05-18T16:40:38Z

Northern Ireland secretary Chris Heaton-Harris not running in election

Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris has announced he will not stand at the next general election. Heaton-Harris has served in the role since September 2022.

2024-05-18T23:25:29Z

House OKs Condominium Act

MANILA, Philippines — With tower dwelling becoming popular among Filipinos, the House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a bill that will provide for the redevelopment of condominium units in the Philippines. With 188 votes without objection, the chamber approved House Bill 10173 or The Condominium Act. The measure is in substitution of HB 7618 filed by San Jose del Monte City Rep. Florida Robes. HB 10173 establishes the...

2024-05-18T16:40:38Z

Marcos: China’s new detention policy in SCS ‘unacceptable’

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Saturday said that it was “unacceptable” for China to detain perceived trespassers in the South China Sea (SCS) and vowed to protect Filipinos. READ: China Coast Guard: We can detain trespassers China has emboldened its Coast Guard to detain trespassers in the waters it has claimed as its own in the SCS, which overlap with the West Philippine Sea. READ: PH Coast Guard detains vessel with 7...

2024-05-18T14:13:08Z

Austrian leader set to back Rishi Sunak's Rwanda plan

No 10 hopes that on a visit to Vienna the Prime Minister will be hailed by Chancellor Karl Nehammer as a trailblazer for Europe over the policy of deporting people to the Rwanda.

2024-05-18T23:40:34Z

6 NPA rebels surrender in Samar, Leyte

MANILA, Philippines — Six members of the New People’s Army (NPA), including a pregnant woman, have surrendered in Samar and Leyte Island. Troops from the 78th and 46th Infantry Battalions (IB) facilitated the surrender of Gretchen Patricio, a resident of Giporlos, Eastern Samar, and her husband Arnel Encinas of Calbiga, Samar. The two are members of a unit of the NPA’s Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee. They turned over two M16 rifles and...

2024-05-18T16:40:24Z

Tunisia says 23 people missing in Mediterranean sea

The national guard says it has informed the navy and search and rescue operations are under way.

2024-05-18T21:21:56Z

Man dies and another is seriously injured in crash

A pedestrian and a motorcycle were involved in the collision on Saturday afternoon, police say.

2024-05-18T19:51:41Z

Canadian oil city lifts wildfire evacuation orders

Residents forced to flee wildfires threatening a Canadian oil-producing hub were allowed to return home Saturday after evacuation orders were lifted. "We are so pleased to be able to welcome people home and have them return home safely," Fort McMurray Mayor Sandy Bowman said, thanking the more than 6,000 residents who had been ordered to leave for their "patience, resolve and strength."

2024-05-18T21:02:15Z

Newspaper review: Archbishop's plea to Starmer and stalking hotline calls soar

A range of stories on Sunday's papers including Labour's plans for NHS staff to work weekends.

2024-05-18T22:22:41Z

Davey: The Tories and SNP are both out of excuses and out of time

Both the Tories and SNP are 'out of time' and should be out of power at Westminster and Holyrood, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey declared. With a general election due to be held sometime this year, he urged his party's supporters to make it a 'once in a generation' ballot, by electing a 'whole new generation of Liberal Democrat MPs'. His plea came as he insisted his party could take the UK's 'broken' health service and fix it with care.

2024-05-18T18:09:07Z

Asylum seekers 'afraid' after street murder - charity

People seeking refuge feared repercussions after Ahmed Alid murdered a pensioner, a charity says.

2024-05-18T14:05:49Z

Russia's new war strategy with Kharkiv as cunning ruse

General Michel Yakovleff, former NATO Deputy Chief of Staff, was a guest of French news channel LCI. He gave his analysis of the Russian advance in recent days and the strategy employed by Putin's army. "The Russian soldiers are destabilizing the front. It's a two-pronged attack, I don't think they intend to take Kharkiv, but to get as close to it as possible," says Michel Yakovleff. And he adds: "They are going to 'torture the child,' it is an...

2024-05-18T14:08:47Z

Singer Libianca on the pressure to take sides in Cameroon war

The star of viral hit People talks to the BBC about getting death threats for waving a Cameroonian flag.

2024-05-19T01:08:01Z

Israel war cabinet minister vows to quit if there is no post-war plan for Gaza

Recent weeks have seen an increasingly public rift over how Gaza should be governed after the war.

2024-05-18T22:07:05Z

Ex-cop, 2 others caught selling stolen motorcycles

MANILA, Philippines — Three people, including a former police officer, were arrested for allegedly selling stolen motorcycles in Manila on Friday. Former corporal Mark Joseph Patayan, Jhon Ace Ortiz and Jorje Timothy Guinto were apprehended in a sting at the corner of Domingo Santiago and G. Tuazon streets in Sampaloc at around 4:55 a.m., National Capital Region Police Office director Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said. The operation was...

2024-05-18T16:40:24Z