Why did a Russian ambassador issue a veiled nuclear threat against a NATO nation?

Slovak PM fights for his life after assassination attempt

BANSKA BYSTRICA, Slovakia — Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico fought for his life in hospital Wednesday after being shot multiple times in what the government called a “political assault”. Surgeons spent hours battling to save the 59-year-old populist leader after the attack, which has been condemned around the world. Deputy Prime Minister Tomas Taraba told the BBC he believed the leader’s hospital procedure had gone well. “I guess in the end he...

Navotas’ most wanted fugitive falls

MANILA, Philippines — A man considered to be Navotas’ most wanted fugitive was arrested by police in Sta. Maria, Bulacan on Wednesday night. Michael Argonillo, 43, who works as a water refiller in Bulacan, is the subject of an arrest warrant for frustrated murder issued by Judge Rhoda Magdalene Mapile-Osinada of Malabon City Regional Trial Court Branch 170 on May 2, police said. The judge set bail at P200,000 for Argonillo.

Singapore wakes up to first new leader in 20 years

By Xinghui Kok SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Singapore's first prime minister in 20 years held an initial cabinet meeting on Thursday after taking office with a pledge to sustain what he called the miracle of the wealthy city state amid an uncertain global environment. After being sworn in on Wednesday night, attending a party and receiving congratulations from world leaders, Lawrence Wong posted on

46 Chinese ships in vicinity, as civilian convoy tries to reach Panatag Shoal

The Philippine Coast Guard monitors at least 46 Chinese vessels in the ‘vicinity area’ of Panatag Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc on Thursday, May 16. This, as the civilian mission of coalition Atin Ito sails closer to the shoal. Full story: https://www.rappler.com/philippines/chinese-ship-vicinity-civilian-convoy-tries-reach-scarborough-panatag-shoal-may-16-2024/

‘Atin Ito’ convoy breaches China’s blockade at Bajo de Masinloc

MANILA, Philippines — An advance team sent a day before the civilian convoy for the West Philippine Sea embarked on a voyage to Scarborough (Panatag) Shoal has reached the area and breached China’s blockade, according to Atin Ito (This is Ours) Coalition. In a Facebook post on Thursday, the coalition said the 10-member advance team comprised of members from Akbayan Party, Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Samahan sa Kanayunan and the Philippine Rural...

France deploys troops, bans TikTok to quell New Caledonia unrest

NOUMEA, France — France deployed troops to New Caledonia’s ports and international airport, banned TikTok and imposed a state of emergency Thursday after three nights of clashes that have left four dead and hundreds wounded. Pro-independence, largely Indigenous protests against a French plan to impose new voting rules on its Pacific archipelago have spiraled into the deadliest violence since the 1980s, with a police officer among several killed...

Prolific and 'aggressive' beggar jailed

Earl Allen, 52, from Peterborough, is jailed for four weeks after admitting breaching a court order.

Diplomats in PH who speak vs gov’t should be expelled, solon says

MANILA, Philippines — Members of the Chinese Embassy to the Philippines who only speak against the Philippine government should be expelled, said Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr., who believes diplomats should be mediators between countries. In a press briefing on Thursday, Abante said that diplomats often say good things about their host countries, but this has not been the way for those in the Chinese Embassy. “To be honest in my...

Int’l People’s Tribunal to conduct hearing on alleged war crimes of Marcos, Duterte admins

An international court will conduct hearings on the crimes against international humanitarian law (IHL) allegedly committed by the administrations of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former president Rodrigo Duterte from May 17 to May 18, 2024. The International People’s Tribunal (IPT) on Thursday said several war crimes such as indiscriminate bombardment, massacres, fake surrenders, extrajudicial killings, and red-tagging will be filed...

NBP probe may be whitewashed – group

MANILA, Philippines — Rights group Karapatan has warned of a possible whitewash in the investigation of strip searches on female visitors of inmates at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City. Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay said a cover-up of the case is possible after the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) relieved low-ranking corrections officers instead of their supervisors who gave the orders on the routine strip searches...

Russia expels UK defence attache in retaliatory move

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia said on Thursday it was expelling the British defence attache and promised further, unspecified retaliation after Britain threw out his Russian counterpart last week. Russia's Foreign Ministry said it had summoned a British embassy representative to inform them of the move. On May 8, Britain announced it was ordering out the Russian defence attache, describing him as an

Xi hails Russia ties as ‘conducive to peace’ in Putin talks

BEIJING — Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Thursday hailed ties with Russia as “conducive to peace” and pledged to strengthen cooperation as he hosted Vladimir Putin in Beijing. It is Putin’s first trip abroad since his March re-election and the second in just over six months to China, an economic lifeline for Russia after the West hit it with unprecedented sanctions over its military offensive in Ukraine. Putin, who is seeking greater support from...

Powerball numbers revealed

Half of the Australia's adult population were expected to buy a ticket for Thursday night's $100million jackpot in the hope of snaring a lifechanging windfall. Here are the winning numnbers.

House panel to continue probe of Alvarez's 'disorderly behavior'

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives Committee on Ethics and Privileges will continue its hearings over the alleged "disorderly behavior" of Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez, which a local official filed against him. The panel, however, dismissed the complaint of habitual absences against the Davao lawmaker as he reasoned out that he was in his district serving his constituents. Committee chairman and Coop-NATCCO Partylist...

Get out of Pag-asa, Zubiri tells China

(UPDATE) PAG-ASA ISLAND, Palawan – Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri on May 16 told the Chinese if they have a "listening post" here to leave immediately since the area belongs to the Philippines. Zubiri, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, and Sen. JV Ejercito flew here on a private plane Thursday to launch the construction of a three-story barracks for the Philippine Navy (PN) personnel and a health unit. They were joined by Defense...

Tagum mayor wants Alvarez expelled from House of Representatives

MANILA, Philippines — Tagum Mayor Rey Uy believes Davao del Norte 1st District Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez should be expelled from the House of Representatives over his anti-government remarks. In an ambush interview on Thursday, on the sidelines of the House committee on ethics and privileges hearing, Uy said Alvarez’s call for the police and military to withdraw their support from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration was “too much” and...

Chinese vessels seen near Pagasa during PH Navy barracks groundbreaking

PAGASA ISLAND, West Philippine Sea — Twenty two Chinese vessels were seen loitering three to four nautical miles from Pagasa Island during the groundbreaking ceremony of a Philippine Navy barracks and a Super Rural Health Unit here, a Philippine Coast Guard official said Thursday. “There are 22 Chinese militia vessels [including] Chinese Coast Guard ships,” Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gavan said when he was briefing Senate President...

Defense chief wants to assure safety of civilians in Pagasa Island

PAGASA ISLAND, West Philippine Sea — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Thursday vouched for the safety of civilians in Pagasa Island in view of China’s presence in the waters surrounding the area. “Sa tingin ko safe sila (I think they are safe) because no right-thinking nation will attack civilians,” said Teodoro in an ambush interview when he was prodded about the situation of Pagasa Islands’ residents. “Kailangan po natin ng civilian...

Chad junta leader Deby declared winner of May 6 presidential election

N'DJAMENA (Reuters) - Chad's constitutional council on Thursday declared interim President Mahamat Idriss Deby winner of the central African nation's disputed May 6 presidential election with 61% of the vote, after earlier rejecting appeals to cancel or partially cancel the election. (Reporting by Mahamat Ramadane; Writing by Bate Felix; Editing by Alex Richardson)

Hearing for double killer to take place in public

The parole hearing for Colin Pitchfork, who murdered two girls in the 1980s, is in July.

Zubiri expresses disgust over China’s radio challenge

PAGASA ISLAND, West Philippine Sea — “Ito po ay teritoryo ng Republika ng Pilipinas! Kaya kung pwede, lumayas na kayo.” (This is Philippine territory! So please, leave.) Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri exclaimed these words on Thursday after the helicopter he boarded en route to Pagasa Island received a radio challenge from China. “Hindi natin alam baka meron po silang sensitive listening device galing dyan sa mga barko nila. Pero kanina...

Putin and Xi pledge a new era and condemn the United States

By Bernard Orr, Guy Faulconbridge and Andrew Osborn BEIJING/MOSCOW (Reuters) - China's Xi Jinping and Russia's Vladimir Putin on Thursday pledged a "new era" of partnership between the two most powerful rivals of the United States which they cast as an aggressive Cold War hegemon that was sowing chaos across the world. Xi greeted Putin on a red carpet outside the Great Hall of the People in

Solicitor General launches probe into Bamban Mayor Alice Guo

The Office of the Solicitor General launches a probe to investigate Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo. She is currently in hot water due to her alleged involvement in two illegal POGOs in her province and her shady background. Full story: https://www.rappler.com/philippines/solicitor-general-guevarra-probe-bamban-tarlac-mayor-alice-guo/

Marcos Jr. won’t allow destabilizers during his watch

MANILA, Philippines — With rumors of an ouster plot swirling, President Marcos yesterday vowed not to allow any move to destabilize the government as he called on the military to remain loyal to the country. Speaking during his visit to Camp Evangelista in Cagayan de Oro City, Marcos emphasized that the government’s focus is on developing the countryside and fighting insurgency. “We will also not allow agents within the country to destabilize...

Man who hailed mass killer guilty of terror offences

Edward Griffiths sent videos of the Christchurch shootings and said he would "love" to do the same.

Day 1 of colorum PUJ crackdown generally peaceful

MANILA, Philippines — The jeepney protest against the public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP) was peaceful and quiet, the National Capital Region Police Office said, despite unconsolidated transport groups vowing to continue to ply their routes. NCRPO spokesperson Lt. Col. Eunice Salas said there were no reported significant incidents and the situation was normal, even as the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board...

Marcos: No 'stricter' visa rules for Chinese tourists, just stricter implementation

President Marcos clarified that there are no stricter visa rules for Chinese tourists entering the country but the government will strictly enforce the existing rules to ensure that there would be no fraudulent applications. READ MORE: https://mb.com.ph/2024/5/16/marcos-no-stricter-visa-rules-for-chinese-tourists-just-stricter-implementation

Man caught selling submachine gun

MANILA, Philippines — A suspected gunrunner was arrested for allegedly selling a submachine gun in Quezon City on Wednesday night. Alvin Castillo, 35, was apprehended by police in a sting in Barangay Greater Fairview at around 8:10 p.m., Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan said. Maranan said Castillo met with undercover officers of the QCPD’s criminal investigation and detection unit in front of a school for...

Three-way battle looms for Laguindingan airport

MANILA, Philippines — The Aboitiz Group will possibly face two challengers to its P12.75-billion bid to rehabilitate and upgrade the Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental. Laguindingan Airport is an international gateway in Northern Mindanao that serves the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and Marawi, as well as the provinces of Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Norte and Bukidnon. Transportation Undersecretary Roberto Lim confirmed to The STAR...

Arab League calls for UN peacekeepers in occupied Palestinian territory

Arab leaders accuse Israel of obstructing Gaza ceasefire efforts and demand an end to its war on Palestinian territory.

CHR alarmed over disappearance of Bukidnon labor leader

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expressed alarm yesterday over the disappearance of a labor leader in Bukidnon last month. Suspected military agents reportedly arrested William Lariosa, a member of the Kilusang Mayo Uno in Southern Mindanao, in Barangay Butong in Quezon town on April 10. “The commission is committed to conduct an independent investigation on the case and both regional offices (in Davao and Northern...

Angat Dam nears minimum operating level

MANILA, Philippines — The water level in Angat Dam is only around two meters above its minimum operating level. As of 8 a.m. yesterday, the water level in the dam was at 181.85 meters compared to its previous level of 182.15 meters. The dam’s minimum operating level is 180 meters. Patrick Dizon, Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System water and sewerage management manager, said the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) did not grant MWSS’...

Scarborough convoy concludes mission, now heading back to Subic port

MANILA, Philippine — Volunteers of the civilian-led convoy that reached about 50 nautical miles from Scarborough (Panatag) Shoal have concluded their mission and will now return to Subic port, according to Atin Ito (This is Ours) Coalition. In a Facebook post on Thursday, the coalition said they had already concluded the mission after accomplishing their three earlier objectives of its voyage’s first phase. “Mission Accomplished! Volunteers for...

Union calls for investigation after 25 prison staff poisoned with drug spice

Union calls for investigation after 25 prison staff poisoned with drug spice - Incident happened at men’s high security prison HMP Swaleside in Kent.

Marcos says no plan or reason to abolish NTF-Elcac

MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday said there is no plan to abolish the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac). Marcos said there was no reason to. READ: NTF-Elcac won’t be abolished by Marcos, says security council exec “Bakit lagi niyong tinatanong sa akin yan? Wala namang dahilan kung bakit natin tatanggalin ‘yan. Ang sinasabi, dahil mayroon raw red-tagging na ginagawa,” said Marcos...

Two new Pag-asa Island structures aim to improve conditions for Pinoys in WPS

Two new structures to be built on Pag-asa Island in Palawan are expected to improve the security and welfare of Filipinos in the West Philippine Sea. In a report by Mav Gonzales for 24 Oras on Thursday, senior Filipino officials attended the groundbreaking of the new Philippine Navy barracks and a Super Rural Health Unit (RHU). On the flight to Pag-asa, the aircraft filled with senators, the defense secretary and the mayor of the Kalayaan Group...

Boy was sleep deprived before attack, jury told

A jury has heard a schoolboy was "stressed to his eyeballs" before attacking pupils with hammers.

PNP releases P7.62 million mid-year bonuses

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has released P7.62 billion in mid-year bonuses to its personnel. PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil announced on Wednesday night that the cash benefits, allocated under the 2024 General Appropriations Act, have been credited to the individual payroll accounts of 228,893 officers and personnel. Marbil said the bonuses, equivalent to one month’s basic pay, were granted to police...

Russians capture 110 square miles

According to AFP news agency estimates, Russian forces have captured 110 square miles in their offensive in Ukraine's north-eastern Kharkiv region and in the southern region. This represents the biggest gain for Russia in a year and a half of sustained warfare. According to analysis of data from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russian forces have taken about 300 square miles of Ukrainian territory since the beginning of 2024. By...

Man jailed for bomb threat to doctor's surgery

Christopher Scarr's threat led to about 60 people being evacuated from their homes in April last year.

Man jailed for second controlling behaviour offence

Marc Masterton subjected his former girlfriend to two years of "horrific" abuse, a court hears.

Marcos says Bamban Mayor Guo must be investigated: ‘Nobody knows her’

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday questioned how Bamban Mayor Alice Guo was elected, saying she must be investigated. Marcos said that she was not known among local leaders. “Kilala ko lahat ng mga taga-Tarlac na politiko. Walang may kilala sa kanya,” the president said in an ambush interview in Cagayan de Oro. (I know all of the politicians from Tarlac. Nobody knows her.) “Kaya nagtataka kami kung saan nanggaling...

Marcos vows to fend off efforts to destabilize govt

(UPDATE) PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on May 16 vowed to fend off any attempts to destabilize the government amid talk of an ouster plot involving active police and retired military officials against his administration. "We will ... not allow agents within the country to destabilize our government and create division within our nation," Marcos said during his "Talk to Troops" at Camp Edilberto Evangelista in Cagayan de Oro City on Thursday....

Murder trial set for September for Minnesota trooper who shot motorist during freeway stop

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Minnesota state trooper who's charged with murder for fatally shooting a motorist as he tried to pull away from a traffic stop is set to go on trial in September. Trooper Ryan Londregan, 27, pleaded not guilty Wednesday in the death of Ricky Cobb II. It was the first hearing in the case for a new prosecution team from a Washington, D.C., law firm that Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty hired to take over after the...

Australian national linked to Mexican drug cartel nabbed in Cebu

An Australian national allegedly linked to the Mexican drug cartel was apprehended by authorities in San Remigio town in Cebu. According to John Consulta’s “24 Oras” report Thursday, the Bureau of Immigration-Fugitive Search Unit (BI-FSU) said the high-profile fugitive was also under the “red notice” list of the international police. “Nag-umpisa sa pakikipag-ugnayan natin sa US DEA o Drug Enforcement Agency it at Indonesian police kaugnay sa...

Marcos says MVP allowed restoration of water supply in CDO

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday said that Manuel V. Pangilinan has allowed the restoration of normal water supply in Cagayan de Oro. According to the chief executive, he spoke with the business tycoon regarding plans of Cagayan de Oro Bulkwater Inc. (Cobi) to stop its service to the Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD) over failure to settle a debt amounting to P470 million. “Nakipag-usap tayo kay Mr. Manny...

INQToday: Chinese ships block convoy’s mother boat from reaching Scarborough

Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories: Chinese ships block convoy’s mother boat from reaching Scarborough The mother boat of a civilian convoy aiming to bring supplies to Filipino fishermen could not reach Scarborough Shoal due to shadowing by China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels. “It is not advisable to proceed because it is already risky,” Ariel Bustillos, the captain of Fbca Bing Bing, told INQUIRER.net here in the West Philippine Sea....

Duo charged over girl's death at nightclub

Taylor Rowsell and James Greaves have been bailed and are due to appear in court next month.

Protest held at council hit by leader abuse claims

Hannah Martin says Jonathan Nunn, the former leader, should resign from being a councillor.