World

Ukrainian air base under frequent fire as Russia aims at F-16 arrivals

By Dan Peleschuk STAROKOSTIANTYNIV, Ukraine (Reuters) -Explosions reverberated across the pre-dawn sky as Ukrainian air defences fended off a Russian attack on this small city in western Ukraine, home to an important air base and a frequent target of Moscow's strikes. Hours after the assault, the tidy streets of Starokostiantyniv had returned to a semblance of normality. But the June 27 attack

PNP: Cybercrime incidents down by 36% in 2024

MANILA, Philippines — Cybercrime incidents in the county dropped by 36.16 percent in the first half of 2024, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Wednesday PNP's Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) said that reports about online scams, and investment and financial fraud dropped to 8,177 (36.16%) from January to June this year, from 12,808 in the same period in 2023. Brig. Gen. Ronnie Francis Cariaga, acting director of the ACG, said that the group...

Ateneo farewell points Amos to La Salle; UP signs Gilas prospect

Mason Amos traveled over 9,000 kilometers to get to Riga, in Latvia, from Manila for his national team career. His college career took a shorter trip—just about 20 km—but that voyage looks headed to a destination farthest from the minds of basketball fans. Amos, the Ateneo big man who has become some sort of a regular in the Gilas Pilipinas pool, announced he was leaving the Blue Eagles, with multiple reports tagging him in a transfer to the...

Malaysia's Najib loses legal bid to serve sentence under house arrest

By Danial Azhar KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) -A Malaysian court dismissed jailed former Prime Minister Najib Razak's legal bid to obtain a document that he said would allow him to serve his remaining prison sentence under house arrest. In a judicial review application filed on April 1, Najib said an "addendum order" issued by the former king had accompanied a pardons board's decision in February to

Rohingya minority in firing line as rebels attack western Myanmar town

By Ruma Paul COX'S BAZAR, Bangladesh (Reuters) - It was soon after afternoon prayers at a mosque near western Myanmar's Maungdaw town last month that 45-year-old Abdur said he looked up and spotted a drone hovering above. It was armed. "Within seconds, there was an explosion, and I lost consciousness," said the bearded farmer, asking only to use his first name because of security concerns. He

Romualdez seeks 'strict regulation' of POGOs

MANILA, Philippines — Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez is for the "strict regulation" of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). In an interview with Teleradyo Serbisyo on Wednesday, Romualdez said that "'pag tinotal ban mo iyan, mag-u-underground iyan kasi mukhang malakas talaga ang demand (if you totally ban that, that will go underground because it seems the demand is really strong)." He said he was for "strict regulation" of POGOs...

US has 'undeniable complicity' in Gaza war killings, say former US officials

By Kanishka Singh and Humeyra Pamuk WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A dozen former U.S. government officials who quit over U.S. support for Israel's war in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday accused President Joe Biden's administration of "undeniable complicity" in the killing of Palestinians in the enclave. In a joint statement, the 12 former government officials said the administration was violating U.S. laws

Another 'Alice Guo' fingerprint being studied by NBI

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Wednesday said that it's looking at another "Alice Guo" fingerprint record from 2005. “Meron pang isang Alice Guo na kumuha ng clearance in 2005. Remember that yung [alien certificate of registration] niya na naka-file sa amin is 2006. Kumuha si Alice Guo 2021 ng clearance. Merong kumuha ng clearance 2005, Alice Guo din,” said NBI director Jaime Santiago in a press conference on Wednesday. (There is...

'I won £400,000 Lottery jackpot and my husband will finally let me buy a house'

Karen, who is now £400,000 better off, vows the People's Postcode Lottery win won't change her, but it will enable her to buy her dream home in the Devon countryside

Notable People who died in 2024

The scientific explanation for alien abduction

Believe it or not, alien abduction is not just something we see in sci-fi movies. Indeed, many people in real life have claimed to have been abducted by extraterrestrial beings. Many display all the signs of emotional distress associated with such a traumatic experience, and some even claim to have been abused by aliens. In this gallery, we delve into what science has to say about alien abduction and those who claim to have experienced it. Click through to learn more.

AFP chief: 50,000 challenges issued vs foreign ships in PH's EEZ | INQToday

WATCH: Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. says around 50,000 challenges have so far been issued against foreign vessels within the country's exclusive economic zone in 2024 alone.

China coast guard says Philippine ships’ presence at Sabina Shoal violated China’s sovereignty

BEIJING — The China Coast Guard said the Philippines on Monday dispatched three vessels to resupply a Philippine coast guard vessel (9701) “illegally” stranded on a reef in the South China Sea that Beijing claimed as part of its territory. In a statement on Tuesday, the China Coast Guard said it had followed and monitored the supply […]

In the UK election campaign’s final hours, Sunak battles to the end as Labour’s Starmer eyes victory

LONDON (AP) — Rishi Sunak has covered thousands of miles in the past few weeks, but he hasn’t outrun the expectation that his time as Britain’s prime minister is in its final hours. United Kingdom voters will cast ballots in a national election Thursday, passing judgment on Sunak’s 20 months in office, and on the four Conservative prime ministers before him. They are widely expected to do something they have not done since 2005: Elect a Labour...

Philippine diving town swaps trash for rice to clean up its beaches

MABINI, Philippines, July 3 (Reuters) - Green campaigners in a diving resort in the Philippines have come up with a novel way to clean up the town's shores, offering to swap a bag of rice for every sack of trash gathered by local residents. Mabini in Batangas province is known for its vibrant corals and marine biodiversity, but a rising tide of plastic pollution poses an increasing threat to marine animals such as sea turtles, said volunteer...

From red wall to King's Speech, UK elections have a vocabulary all their own. Here's what to know

LONDON (AP) — United Kingdom elections have a distinct vocabulary that draws on traditions of parliamentary democracy as well as modern political slogans and spin. As voters go to the polls Thursday to elect a new government, The Associated Press deciphers some key words and phrases: Battle bus Luxury coaches rented by the main political parties to whisk politicians and journalists around the country for campaign visits during the five-week...

PNP probes cop allegedly planting evidence in Iloilo anti-drug op

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is investigating the circumstances surrounding the viral video of an anti-illegal drugs operation in Iloilo province showing a policeman allegedly planting evidence. PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said the Western Visayas police conducted the operation in Barangay Poblacion in Duenas, Iloilo, resulting in the arrest of a male individual. READ: Court finds cop guilty of torturing...

Murder probe launched after wife of a former hockey star found dead

A man has been arrested after the woman - named locally as interior designer Joanne Samak, 42, - was discovered with injuries that 'were not survivable' at the £250,000 property in a picturesque spa town.

Country diary: A family ritual, a familiar route

Taking the long walk from secondary school, across the fields and home, is something of a rite of passage for our children post-GCSEs. Now, after 11 years of secondary school parenting, our youngest has left, although as school librarian, I’m staying on. She intended to do the walk after her last exam, but it’s been tough for her. So I walk home on her behalf. In the late afternoon heat, my satchel slung over my shoulder, I step over the road...

Teenager accused of strangling college administrator mother to death

A 19-year-old Indiana man now faces decades in prison and questions about his mental health after strangling his mother to death for extremely petty reasons.

Fontana to CDC: We don’t own raided villas

CLARK FREEPORT, Philippines — Fontana Development Corp. (FDC) has responded to Clark Development Corp.’s (CDC) threat to cancel its lease agreement following the June 27 raid of five villas inside the 200-hectare Fontana Hot Spring Leisure Parks here for alleged human trafficking. While CDC has not disclosed the content of the FDC’s reply, a source in the state-owned corporation told the Inquirer on Tuesday that the response contained...

Elderly Fil-Am dies after homeless man pushes her into commuter train in San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO — A homeless man allegedly pushed a 74-year-old woman into an arriving San Francisco Bay Area commuter train, killing her, police said Tuesday (local time) Authorities with Bay Area Rapid Transit, better known as BART, said in a statement that the woman hit her head on the train and fell onto the platform in downtown San Francisco. She died at a local hospital. The woman was pushed shortly after 11 p.m. Monday at the Powell Street...

Binay: New Senate building issue being used to fuel Makati-Taguig feud

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Nancy Binay on Tuesday said the new Senate building issue is being used to fuel the Makati-Taguig feud, adding that the same senator is conducting hearings again just like in 2015. During a press briefing, Binay did not name the senator allegedly using the Senate building issue, but she mentioned several times that the new chairperson of the Senate Committee on Accounts has not talked to her about issues involving...

Starmer's immigration plans are dubbed a 'con job', Cleverly claims

James Cleverly has branded Labour's immigration plans a 'con job' which will make the UK 'the destination of choice for illegal migrants in Europe'.

UAAP: Geo Chiu ‘hurt’ over Mason Amos’ sudden Ateneo departure

MANILA, Philippines—Count Geo Chiu among the guys who were affected by the news of Mason Amos’s sudden departure from the Ateneo Blue Eagles. During Strong Group Athletics’ training for the William Jones Cup, Chiu bared that he was quite hurt by the news of Amos leaving the Blue Eagles after just one season in the UAAP and “Just like what everyone feels right now, of course, it’s painful,” said Chiu, a former Ateneo big man, at Gatorade Hoops...

NP forms alliance with President’s party

MANILA, Philippines — The Nacionalista Party (NP) is set to forge an alliance with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) in the run-up to the 2025 midterm elections, with the President’s sister, Sen. Imee Marcos, expected to be part of its senatorial lineup. READ: Partido Federal inks unity pact with NPC This was according to Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, who said the oldest political party in the...

DOLE: P35 pay hike not meant to insult workers

MANILA, Philippines — The Metro Manila regional wage board considered all criteria under the law in approving the P35-minimum wage hike for workers, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma stressed on Tuesday. “The [wage] board and the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) do not intend to insult anybody; our mandate is to determine the proper amount of increase [that] may be granted [with regard to] the prevailing minimum wage,” he said in an...

Boy, 17, dies during school trip to the beach

The 17-year-old boy died in hospital after the incident at West Wittering beach, police say.

Women, children trapped at church in Sudan's capital endure hunger, bombardment

By Maggie Michael (Reuters) - Trapped in a Catholic mission sheltering dozens of women and children from the war raging on the streets of Khartoum, Father Jacob Thelekkadan punched new holes in his belt as the supplies of food dwindled and he grew thinner. Around 80 people are taking refuge inside the Dar Mariam mission, a Catholic church and school compound in Khartoum's al-Shajara district

PAOCC files raps vs Chinese citizens involved in raided Pampanga Pogo

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) on Tuesday filed criminal complaints against two Chinese citizens for their involvement in illegal activities in a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (Pogo) hub in Porac, Pampanga. Named in the complaint were Qin Ren Gou, 37 years old, and Jiang Shi Guang, 41 years old, both from Hebei province of China. They were arrested during a raid at the Pogo hub where Lucky...

5,000 soldiers sue over MoD payroll hack by Chinese hackers

Thousands of Armed Forces personnel are to launch legal action over their data being compromised by Chinese state hackers.

You won't believe these bizarre prison rules and regulations

Serving time can be a very different experience depending on where you are in the world and which prison you end up in. Of course, being incarcerated is by no means a pleasant experience. Some institutions can make it a little bit more bearable for inmates, while others can make the experience not only unpleasant but dangerous. In this gallery, we explore some of the most bizarre prison rules and regulations from around the world, both past and present. Click on and prepare to be surprised.

Missing players, reassigned roles hit Alas Pilipinas with reality check

Coming off the high of a historic achievement, Alas Pilipinas is beginning to feel some of the problems of maintaining a high-profile national pool. Luckily, the women’s program has a few reinforcements coming its way. National University (NU) ace and UAAP two-time MVP Bella Belen and multi awarded spiker Jema Galanza will bolster Alas Pilipinas when it takes on Vietnam on Thursday in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Challenger Cup at...

Angel Baby Doe breakthrough as mother is arrested

Shelby Stotts, 48, left, has been arrested for allegedly leaving the baby girl to die on the side of the road in November 2001.

DICT unit website hacked; exec downplays incident

MANILA, Philippines — The country’s very own cybersecurity watchdog became the recent victim of a system breach by an entity identifying itself as “ph1ns,” which also left a warning about another imminent cyberattack. Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Assistant Secretary Renato Paraiso, in a virtual briefing on Tuesday, confirmed that the website of the government agency’s Disaster Risk Reduction Management Division...

22 distressed Filipino seamen return home

MANILA, Philippines — Twenty-two Filipino crew members of the Houthi-attacked M/V Transworld Navigator returned to the Philippines on Tuesday evening, migrant authorities said Wednesday. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) welcomed home 10 of the distressed crew members at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 where they arrived from Hong Kong via Cathay Pacific flight...

Police launch manhunt for killers of UBJP member

COTABATO CITY, BARMM, Philippines — The Cotabato City Police Office (CCPO) has intensified its manhunt operation against gunmen who shot dead a former purok (sub-village) leader of Barangay Rosary Heights 8 or Notre Dame on Monday morning. Police Lieutenant Jonathan Marciano, the station commander for Police Station 2 of CCPO, identified the victim as Maria Alona Villar, 50, a resident of Barangay Notre Dame. The victim, according to reports, is...

PH-China meeting tackles concerns over Pogos

MANILA, Philippines — Following weeks of pointed exchanges in the diplomatic and military spheres, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian met on Monday in Malacañang to discuss “mutual concerns,” particularly transnational crimes. The meeting, which came days after the June 17 attack by China Coast Guard (CCG) personnel of Filipino troops en route to Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, was...

Boris Johnson appears to help Rishi Sunak stop 'Starmergeddon'

As Brits prepare to go to the polls in less than 48 hours, the Conservatives have pulled out their secret weapon in a last ditch bid to cling on to blue seats.

2 earthquakes hit Quezon island town

LUCENA CITY, QUEZON, Philippines – Two successive earthquakes of tectonic origin were recorded in the island town of Jomalig in Quezon province early Tuesday night, July 2. The Philippine Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said a magnitude of 4.2 earthquake was logged 55 kilometers northeast at 7:32 p.m. with a 10-km depth of focus. READ: 2 mild earthquakes sway Quezon town A slightly mild earthquake with a magnitude of 3.5 was also recorded...

Why Exactly is the Philippines the World's Top Rice Importer?

Is it because of corruption, incompetence, bad politicians, or laziness? According to IRRI, the answer is quite simple.

3 die of suffocation while allegedly hunting for gold in Misamis Oriental

Three people died due to suffocation while allegedly searching for gold down a hole they have dug in Balingasag, Misamis Oriental, on Monday, July 1, 2024. The fatalities included two men, 48 and 38 years old, and the 15-year-old son of one of the victims. Their companion, a minor, survived and is recuperating in the hospital. Investigation showed that the water pump engine the victims used may have exploded and the smoke it emitted suffocated...

Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 859

As the war enters its 859th day, these are the main developments.

Taiwan says China seizes fishing boat near Chinese coast

TAIPEI (Reuters) -Chinese officials boarded and then seized a Taiwanese fishing boat operating near China's coast close to a Taiwan-controlled island and took it to a Chinese port, the Taiwan coast guard said late on Tuesday in a further escalation of tensions. China views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory and has ramped up pressure on Taipei since President Lai Ching-te took

Water firms 'facing lawsuits' and 'prisons near capacity'

A Supreme Court ruling on sewage and the crisis of overcrowding in the UK's prisons lead the papers.

Barbers: No sinophobia, we’re only against Chinese doing illegal things

MANILA, Philippines — Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers again maintained that he and other House of Representatives lawmakers are not racist or sinophobes, noting that they are merely against Chinese individuals doing illegal things in the country. In a press briefing on Tuesday, Barbers was asked about netizens’ observations that he has been vocal when it comes to issues involving Chinese nationals—like the West Philippine Sea (WPS),...

Revealing the CIA's controversial history

Previously known as the Office of Strategic Services, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) played a crucial role in covert operations during and after World War II. Today, the CIA is infamous for its alleged disregard for federal and international laws, with rumors suggesting that it undertakes projects not even privy to the President of the United States. Indeed, the secretive organization has been involved in various shady activities, including overthrowing governments, orchestrating false flag operations, and introducing highly addictive drugs into the US. And as declassified covert CIA operations come to light, they make for riveting dissemination. Intrigued? Keep reading to discover more about these clandestine endeavors.

Is a Third World War coming? The accurate predictions of Our Lady of Fatima explained

Every year, millions of pilgrims roam to the Sanctuary of Fátima in Portugal. This is where it's said that in 1917 the Virgin Mary appeared to three shepherd children and revealed three secretes to them. Not only that, but Fátima is also the spot where a crowd witnessed the "Miracle of the Sun," attributed to the Virgin Mary, who then became known as Our Lady of Fátima. But how much do we know about these apparitions and miracles? Click through the gallery to find out.

Worker took boss to court over office return refusal, referred to AFP

Imran Karim Budhwani claimed he had been unfairly dismissed by IT multinational Infosys after he refused to return to the office after the Covid pandemic.

Five officers rushed to hospital after man dies during arrest

The officers were visiting a home on Windridge Way in Kyneton, Victoria, at 2.30pm on Tuesday as part of an investigation.