News

Iloilo City to improve forest cover to mitigate heat

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — The local government here has set a goal to double its forest cover from less than 15 percent to 30 percent in an attempt to reduce the city’s heat index. Neil Ravena, head of the city’s General Services Office (GSO), said they needed to increase the forest cover by planting more trees to mitigate rising temperatures. The city government, through the GSO, had launched extensive tree-growing initiatives focusing on...

PH says evidence of China's hand in Bajo de Masinloc destruction 'clear, convincing'

The National Security Council (NSC) on Tuesday said there is "clear and convincing" evidence of China's alleged hand in the environmental destruction of Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea. “The PCG (Philippine Coast Guard) has presented clear and convincing evidence that since 2016, it has observed Chinese fishermen transporting large quantities of giant clams, sea turtles, puffer fishes, stingrays, topshells, eels, and other marine...

Japan's new whaling mothership sets sail on first hunt

The chef fires up the grill and bastes a chunky whale steak, a Japanese delicacy that could soon appear on more plates nationwide as a new whaling mothership sets sail despite criticism from conservationists. But conservationists dispute this argument, saying whales live for a long time and reproduce slowly, so are not a sustainable food source.

A Ukrainian M-2 Bradley destroyed a Russian tank with a long-distance kill shot

Taiwan parliament erupts in arguments at start of Lai's presidency

Taiwanese lawmakers shouted each other down Tuesday in a rambunctious parliamentary session, indicating the troubles ahead for newly appointed President Lai Ching-te. After a brawl broke out in parliament on Friday between lawmakers over the matter, the session resumed Tuesday with DPP members unveiling a giant banner reading "No to power expansion".

Part of Pasig River impassable due to trash

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Tuesday said that a part of the Pasig River has become impassable due to trash. "Hindi passable ang Ilog Pasig sa mga bangka mula PUP (Polytechnic University of the Philippines) hanggang Escolta dahil sa mga nakaharang na basura," MMDA said on its Facebook page. (The Pasig River is not passable to boats from PUP to Escolta because of garbage.) The agency said it is now conducting clean-up...

Vigilance urged in BARMM after attack on Cotabato chapel

Presidential peace adviser Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. on Tuesday urged residents of Cotabato City and other areas in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to "remain vigilant" following Sunday's grenade attack on a chapel. "We urge everyone in Cotabato City and across the region to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the proper authorities," Galvez said in a statement. "Let us all work together to...

Comelec breaches 3 million target of new voter registrants

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections on Monday breached its three million target of new voter registrants, according to poll body chairman George Erwin Garcia. Garcia said that a total of 3,020,999 voters were registered as of Monday, including 1,462,493 for males and 1,558,506 for females. Most of the voter registrants came from Metro Manila at 440,857. READ: No extension of voters’ registration after Sept. 30, 2024 — Comelec While...

Famous people who received a Presidential Medal of Freedom

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award in the US. It's has been awarded by the US president, ever since President John F. Kennedy established it by Executive Order on February 22, 1963. The medal recognizes those who have made "an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors." In this gallery, we look at some of the famous personalities who have been presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Click through and get to know them.

‘May mga positive na naman’: Medical community urges masking as COVID-19 cases rise

Some online Filipinos, including those from the medical community, warned the public about the recent rise in COVID-19 cases. Physician Benjamin Co, an infectious disease expert who has been giving daily COVID-19 updates especially in the early days of the pandemic, has been posting about the recent increase in cases. On May 17, he reminded […]

Arnie Teves camp denies reports of looming deportation

The camp of former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. on Tuesday denied reports that the former lawmaker would soon be deported out of Timor-Leste. On Monday night, a report on State of the Nation with Jessica Soho, citing information from Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo, said Teves’ application for political asylum was denied denied and that he would be deported within two days. The Department of Foreign Affairs reportedly...

Manalo says no instruction from Marcos yet on alleged wiretapping

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo on Tuesday said there is no instruction yet from President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. regarding the probe into the alleged wiretapping of Chinese Embassy personnel of a conversation about the supposed “new model” deal on the Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. ''No, no, no... I have not received any instruction. If we find any evidence, obviously we will take whatever action considered...

France to deploy more troops to troubled Pacific territory of New Caledonia

Noumea’s international airport remains closed; Australia and New Zealand to use military planes to evacuate tourists.

Indian voters dissect Modi's politics while traversing the country by train

ABOARD THE THIRUKKURAL EXPRESS, India (AP) — The 1,800-mile (2,900-kilometer) journey south from New Delhi to Kanyakumari is one of the longest train rides in India, passing through cities, villages, scrub forests and deep ravines. The 22-car Thirukkural Express is a microcosm of India, carrying passengers from different castes and religions and with wide-ranging ambitions and grievances — from migrants crammed into sweltering no-frills cars to...

These are Ukraine's visually confirmed losses since Russia invaded

Manalo says detention of foreign nationals trespassing SCS inconsistent with UNCLOS

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said Tuesday that China's regulation empowering its coast guard to detain any foreign nationals trespassing the South China Sea is inconsistent with the United Nation Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS). In a chance interview in Taguig City, Manalo was asked for reaction on China's remarks that the Philippines had a malicious misinterpretation of China’s new regulations in the region. ''Why...

Haiti airport reopens after weeks of gang violence

A single commercial flight left the capital Port-au-Prince on Monday and later landed in Florida.

US says it was 'unable' to provide Iran assistance after helicopter crash

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States on Monday said it had been unable, due largely to logistical reasons, to accept an Iranian request for assistance following a helicopter crash over the weekend that killed President Ebrahim Raisi, as Washington offered its condolences. The rare request from Iran, which views the United States and Israel as its main adversaries, was disclosed by the State

Four east Jerusalem teens arrested for planning terror attack against transportation vehicles

The Israel Police thwarted attacks against transportation vehicles and security forces in east Jerusalem, resulting in the arrest of four 14-year-old teenagers, Ynet reported on Tuesday. The investigation revealed that the teenagers intended to carry out a terrorist attack using pipe bombs, having purchased materials for assembling pipe bombs. They...

Funeral procession for Iran's President: Thousands pack streets

The funeral procession for Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi got underway this morning less than 48 hours after his helicopter plunged into a mountainside in the country's northwest on Sunday evening. Thousands of mourners packed the streets of Tabriz.

This Scottish family allegedly killed over 1,000 people

According to Scottish legend, a man named Sawney Bean and his clan murdered over 1,000 people in 25 years. The inbred family, who lived in a cave, not only killed their victims to rob them, but also fed on them. The story is so gruesome that it inspired horror films such as 'The Hills Have Eyes' (1977). But how much do we know really about this piece of Scottish folklore? Click through the following gallery to find out.

Could Hitler have faked his own death and fled to South America?

This conspiracy theory, which many believe to be true, is based on the belief that Adolf Hitler was able to flee the city of Berlin in 1945 with the help of his wife, Eva Braun. Although not taken seriously by historians, this theory has only gained traction since the advent of the internet, a breeding ground for speculation and suspicion. In this gallery, you'll get to know the theory in detail. Click through and dive in.

Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 817

As the war enters its 817th day, these are the main developments.

Nursery owners where nine-month-old girl was killed face probe

Nine-month-old Genevieve was found dead at Tiny Toes nursery, in Cheadle, on the afternoon of May 9, 2022.

Greek trial of one of Med's worst migrant tragedies opens

The trial of nine accused smugglers opened in Greece on Tuesday, nearly a year after a migrant trawler with hundreds on board sank off the country's coast in one of Europe's deadliest shipwrecks. The sinking of the rusty and overloaded trawler Adriana on the night of June 13 to 14, 2023 off the coast of Greece, has left many unanswered questions as to whether the tragedy could have been averted.

Tragic reason teens leaped off bridge into South Carolina lake

Two high school students are believed to have leapt off a South Carolina bridge into a lake before drowning because they were apparently dared by friends in a group chat.

Ethics panel finishes hearing complaints vs Alvarez

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives’ committee on ethics and privileges has finished hearing the complaints against former speaker and now Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez, regarding his alleged seditious remarks uttered in a previous rally. During a press briefing on Monday afternoon, committee vice chairperson and Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Raul Angelo Bongalon said that the panel will meet again on Tuesday to vote on the...

DOH: Guard against dengue as rains come

MANILA, Philippines — Although dengue cases may have dipped during summer, the Department of Health (DOH) has urged the public to be ready when the rains come next month—a period usually associated with a surge in cases of the mosquito-borne disease. Based on data released on Sunday, the DOH said the number of dengue cases went down by 3 percent from 5,380 (from March 24 to April 6) to 5,211 (April 7 to April 20). The figures declined further by...

2 women hurt after grenade thrown into Cotabato City chapel explodes

Two women were injured after a grenade thrown into a chapel in Barangay Rosary Heights 3, Cotabato City exploded shortly before midday on Sunday, May 19, 2024. The women, 40 years old and 65 years old, were attending a fellowship at the chapel when the grenade went off. They were taken to the hospital for treatment. Police said only a part of the M26 fragmentation grenade exploded. “Nagkaroon lang siya ng low order of detonation. Hindi lahat...

Solomon Islands tells Australia it will review security

By Kirsty Needham SYDNEY (Reuters) -Australia's Defence Minister Richard Marles said on Tuesday Solomon Islands' newly elected Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele had told him the Pacific Island nation is undertaking a security review that will determine the future of policing cooperation. A security pact struck with China in 2022 by the previous pro-Beijing leader Manasseh Sogavare, who encouraged

Protests as Taiwan parliament pushes contentious reforms

TAIPEI (Reuters) - Lawmakers in Taiwan jostled, unfurled banners and shouted at each other on Tuesday in a dispute about efforts to widen parliament oversight pushed by the opposition, despite the anger of the ruling party, which says there has been no consultation. The squabble comes as Lai Ching-te took office on Monday as the new president, facing not only an angry China, which views him as a

China rebukes South Korea, Japan lawmakers visiting Taiwan

BEIJING (Reuters) - China on Tuesday scolded South Korean and Japanese lawmakers for visiting Taiwan despite its strong opposition, chiding both neighbours for attending Taiwan's "so-called inauguration ceremony of the leader". Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te, regarded by China as a "separatist", was officially sworn in on Monday after winning a January election. China, claiming Taiwan as part

McDonald's Australia worker called out over 'filthy' act

Many Australians were disgusted after a McDonald's employee was caught committing a food hygiene violation on camera - here's what happened when bosses found out

Libraries install panic buttons after surge in 'disruptive behaviour'

National charity Libraries Connected has said they would like staff to start wearing bodycams, hire security guards and install panic buttons to combat the rise in anti-social behaviour.

Price freeze up in 3 Negros localities

BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines — A price freeze on basic commodities is in place in three local governments in Negros Occidental that have declared states of calamity because of the damage caused by the El Niño phenomenon. The price freeze in Kabankalan City and the towns of San Enrique and Valladolid would last for 60 days from the time their respective local governments declared a state of calamity, said Department of Trade and...

2 people injured as Cessna flips after crash

(UPDATE) Two people aboard a Cessna 172 sustained injuries when their aircraft crashed into the waters of La Union, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) reported on Tuesday. Initial investigation revealed that shortly after RP-C6923 took off at 8:23 a.m. from San Fernando Airport Runway 19, the pilot-in-command radioed the San Fernando Tower to declare an emergency. The four-seater single-engine plane, operated by Leading Edge...

Alice and the ‘crime wonderland’

The Philippines, like the moon, finds itself perpetually in the gravitational pull of a larger China. Under President Marcos, the Philippines has tried to counter China’s influence by strengthening ties with the United States, Japan, Australia, and India. However, China’s response has been a seemingly relentless escalation of its presence in Philippine affairs. Newspapers overflow with tales of China’s growing footprint: The West Philippine Sea...

I am a love child, not a Chinese spy, says mayor

Alice Guo insists she is a Philippine citizens in the face of weeks of criticism.

Philippines, US sign accord to promote civil nuclear cooperation

The governments of the Philippines and the US on Tuesday signed an accord to further enhance the collaboration between the two countries on exploring nuclear power. At the sidelines of the Indo-Pacific Business Forum in Taguig City, Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla and US Agency for International Development-Philippines Mission Director Ryan Washburn signed a memorandum of understanding to promote the Philippines-US Civil Nuclear Cooperation....

Medialdea: Agreement on BRP Sierra Madre made during Aquino admin

Former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea on Tuesday claimed that an agreement that only food and water were allowed to be brought to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal was made in 2013, during the administration of late President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III. Medialdea, who served under the Duterte administration, revealed this during a hearing of the House Committee on National Defense and Security with the Special Committee on West...

State dept. spox. Matthew Miller expresses condolences over Raisi's death

US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller issued an official condolence over the death of Ebrahim Raisi, the former president of the Islamic Republic of Iran, on Monday. "The United States expresses its official condolences for the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian, and other members of their delegati...

Marcos: Gov't working on 'upgrading' PH's transportation system

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said that government agencies are working hard to "upgrade" the country's transportation system. "We have a wide range of programs and projects underway, all aimed at making our transport systems more efficient and our cities smarter,'' Marcos said at the Indo-Pacific Business Forum in Taguig City. ''While we have not yet reached the point of seamless smart transportation, we are not...

Terrorism police charge man after substances found

A man faces charges relating to explosives and regulated substances after a raid near Luton.

Doctors urged to report Covid cases even as PH in low-risk category

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Health (DoH) called on doctors to continue reporting coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases even after the country has been categorized as low-risk for the infection. The call comes amid increasing cases of Covid-19 in Singapore due to the prevalence of variants KP.1 and KP.2, which account for two-thirds of new infections in the city-state. KP.1 and KP.2 are part of the "FLiRT" variants, an informal...

Ignore ‘scare tactics’ by Chinese, fishers urged

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino fishermen should continue fishing in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and not be mindful of China’s “scare tactics,” the government said, amid reports of continued Chinese harassment there. “We do not want to give this too much attention because we know that these are all scare tactics, and the moment we raise this officially to the Chinese government, it… sort of [grants] acquiescence or recognition that they have...

The oldest current world leaders

The median age group of current world leaders is early sixties, but, of course, there are much older heads of state. Yes, there are a few national leaders in their thirties, but we also have quite a few ones born in the 1930s. Not only that, but some of these leaders have been in power for decades. In this gallery, we've compiled a list of the oldest world leaders by age. Click on to find out who they are.

Notable People who died in 2024

SNP support at lowest point in a decade, new bombshell poll finds

Support for the SNP has plunged to its lowest in a decade as it faces the threat of unprecedented losses in the general election.

‘Lone wolf’ or JI?: Jemaah Islamiyah confusion after Malaysia attack

Hardline group launched wave of devastating attacks in Indonesia in the 2000s before regional governments cracked down.

Hong Kong hits back at UK-based pressure group for ‘despicable’ manoeuvres against city officials

Hong Kong has hit back at a UK-based pressure group for its “despicable political manipulation to intimidate” city officials by calling for sanctions against the chief executive and five ministers over the newly enacted domestic national security law. In a statement issued on Monday night, the government slammed Hong Kong Watch as an “anti-China organisation”, accusing many of its members of being “destabilising forces in the front line” and...