News

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...

'Malaking garapalan na ito': Mayor Guo should go through quo warranto, says solons

Ranking congressmen have expressed support for the Office of the Solicitor General's (OSG) plan to file a quo warranto case against controversial Mayor Alice Guo of Bamban, Tarlac. Manila 6th district Rep. Bienvenido "Benny" Abante Jr. and Lanao del Sur 1st district Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong are of the opinion that a quo warranto case must be pursued in order to set the record straight. READ MORE: https://mb.com.ph/2024/5/16/malaking-garapalan-na-ito-mayor-guo-should-go-through-quo-warranto-says-solons

Consumer groups accuse Temu of manipulating online shoppers

BRUSSELS, Belgium — European consumer groups on Thursday accused Chinese shopping app Temu of using “manipulative techniques” to force users to spend more and other violations of a landmark EU tech law. One of the fastest-growing apps, Temu entered the EU market only in April 2023 and said it has on average about 75 million monthly active users in the 27-country bloc. Europe’s BEUC umbrella consumer rights group filed a complaint with the...

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...

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...

More than 100 arrested in suspected gang operation

Police say they received reports "12 people had been queuing in the street" to buy drugs.

Schools dropping subjects because of teacher recruitment and retention – report

Schools dropping subjects because of teacher recruitment and retention – report - The Education Committee has called on the Government to invest in programmes to boost recruitment, training and retention in the teaching profession.

Justice Dept. makes arrests in North Korean identity theft scheme involving thousands of IT workers

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department announced Thursday multiple arrests in a series of complex stolen identity theft cases that officials say are part of a wide-ranging scheme that generates enormous proceeds for the North Korean government, including for its weapons program. The conspiracy involves thousands of North Korean information technology workers who prosecutors say are dispatched by the government to live abroad and who rely on...

Man convicted of killing 4 people at ex-girlfriend's home near Denver

DENVER (AP) — A man was convicted Thursday of killing four people at his ex-girlfriend's home in suburban Denver in 2022 a week after she was granted a court order to keep him away from her. Joseph Mario Castorena, 22, was convicted of four counts of first-degree murder after deliberation for killing three of Jessica Serrano's relatives as well as a man who rented an RV on the family's property in Aurora on Oct. 30, 2022, prosecutors said. He...

Theresa May: rich people in big houses should pay for their own care

The former prime minister said politicians needed to have 'a very difficult discussion' with the public about how old age and adult infirmity care is paid for.

Texas governor pardons Uber driver convicted of murdering Black Lives Matter protester

By Steve Gorman (Reuters) - An Uber driver convicted of murder and sentenced to 25 years in prison for fatally shooting a man taking part in a Black Lives Matter protest in 2020 was granted a full pardon on Thursday by Texas Governor Greg Abbott. The clemency proclamation for Daniel Perry, a U.S. Army sergeant, was issued shortly after the Texas Board of Pardons and Parole unanimously

As Cambodia launches $36.6bn building drive, China, Japan fight for spoils

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has unveiled a 174-project master plan that has attracted bids by rival powers.

Pope Francis Clarifies Blessing Same-Sex Unions — 'That Cannot Be Done' — But Says 'Everyone' Can Be Blessed (Exclusive)

In PEOPLE's exclusive look at his historic '60 Minutes' interview, Pope Francis clarifies his stance on blessing same-sex couples and unions

Canada sanctions four Israelis over West Bank violence

By Ismail Shakil OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canada on Thursday imposed its first-ever sanctions on what the foreign ministry called "extremist" Israeli settlers in the West Bank, and said Ottawa was weighing additional measures to deter settler violence against Palestinians. Canada's sanctions, which follow similar measures by allies including the United States and Britain, target four individuals

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...

Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi was jailed after he called out the Islamic Republic. Now he's facing the death penalty

Rapper Toomaj Salehi is facing the death penalty for using his music to draw attention to the actions of the Iranian government. Now artists and activists from around the world are trying to save him.

Minister: Gender identity 'shouldn't be taught in schools at any age'

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan lays out policy changes to do with relationships, sex and health education (RHSE) in a statement to the Commons.

Putin and Xi reaffirm Russia-China friendship in a Beijing state visit

Pupils taken out of school over concrete concerns

Some parents have safety concerns about Gatehouse Primary despite reassurances from the council.

Vatican to reveal new rules for the supernatural

The new guidelines are expected to tighten the criteria for what counts as a divine apparition.

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...

Senegalese prime minister criticises French military bases on territory

DAKAR (Reuters) - Senegal's prime minister Ousmane Sonko raised the possibility of closing French military bases in the West African country on Thursday in a wide-ranging speech that also touched on the euro-backed CFA franc currency, oil and gas deals and LGBTQ rights. Sonko, a firebrand politician who gained power when his hand-picked presidential candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye won a decisive

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...

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...

PH, Australia sign 2nd accord on understanding of legal frameworks

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine and Australian governments have signed a judicial partnership anew for a stronger relations between them and to forge a deeper understanding of their legal frameworks. During the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signing ceremony held at the Session Hall of the Supreme Court (SC) of the Philippines last May 15, Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo said the agreement has formalized a new phase in the decades-old...

Boeing 747 engine bursts into flames during takeoff

The plane took off from Makassar, Indonesia, bound for Medina in Saudi Arabia but had to turn back after flames were spotted leaping from the engine during takeoff.

Russia to expel UK defence attache in a tit-for-tat move

Moscow declares A. T. Coghill persona non grata in response to London expelling Russian defence attache.

Bomb survivor thought she was hit by lightning

On the 50th anniversary, BBC News NI speaks to those affected by 1974 bombs which killed 33 people.

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/

Meralco advisory on power interruptions in some parts of Metro Manila

MANILA, Philippines — Some parts of Quezon City, Caloocan City, and Malabon City will experience temporary power interruptions on May 18, the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) advised. READ: Meralco sets P92 hike for 200 kWh in May Below is the list of areas as well as the time when power will be temporarily cut down: Quezon City, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m Due to line reconductoring works along Masaya and Maginhawa Streets in Barangays UP Village and...

BBC South Today's first presenter dies

Martin Muncaster presented the regional programme, which used to be known as South at Six, between 1961 and 1964.

Taiwan grapples with divisive history as new president prepares for power

For some, inaugural president Chiang Kai-shek was a liberating hero, but for others he was a brutal dictator.

ABC host clashes with Peter Dutton over migration cuts and housing

Peter Dutton has repeatedly clashed with an ABC host in a fiery television interview over his plans to tackle the national housing crisis if he becomes Australia's next Prime Minister.

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.

Russia has discovered the world’s largest oil reserve in Antarctica

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...

'Disappointing' pace of change at 'bankrupt' council

Nottingham City Council has not "fully accepted the gravity of the situation", a report has found.

Bodies left decomposing in hospitals, reports find

Leeds General Infirmary among NHS hospitals criticised for storing bodies at unsuitable temperatures.

Macalintal lauds Comelec for putting order to candidate substitution

MANILA, Philippines — The ban on substitution of candidates after the last day of filing of certificates of candidacies (COC) puts an end to the “nefarious political strategy” of some politicians aiming to gain an advantage for their personal interests, an election lawyer said. In a statement on Thursday, Atty. Romulo Macalintal also lauded the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for its move to end the “unscrupulous practice of some political...

The rise and fall of Canada's 'Crypto King'

Canada police have charged Aiden Pleterski, 25, with fraud and laundering the proceeds of crime.

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....

Israel accuses South Africa of making false claims at ICJ genocide case

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel's foreign ministry said South Africa was 'presenting biased and false claims' that 'rely on unreliable Hamas sources' in response to a case brought to the U.N.'s top court accusing Israel of genocide on Thursday. "Israel acts in accordance with international law and its humanitarian obligations," a statement from the Israeli foreign ministry said. "While implementing

Newspaper review: Hunt's Labour warning and new Royal images

A range of stories on Friday's papers including warnings from Jeremy Hunt about Labour's policies.

Man dies after being hit with metal cutter by wife's ex-partner

A man in Bacolod City died after being struck by a metal cutter in the head by his wife's former lover. According to a report by Jun Veneracion in State of the Nation on Thursday, authorities are eyeing a love triangle as a possible motive behind the incident. The police said the suspect went to the victim's house where the two men figured into a heated argument. The suspect later surrendered to authorities and is facing a homicide charge.—Vince...

Marcos: We won’t allow ‘agents within the country’ to destabilize gov’t

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday said his administration would not let “agents within the country to destabilize our government.” Speaking with Army troops at Camp Edilberto Evangelista in Cagayan de Oro City, Marcos stressed the importance of loyalty to the country. “We will also not allow agents within the country to destabilize our government and create division within our nation,” he said. “So, I urge all of...

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 sowing chaos across the world. Xi greeted Putin on a red carpet outside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing,

Putin and Xi wrap up talks with tea ceremony in a Beijing park

Russian president Vladimir Putin and president of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping ended negotiations with tea ceremony in Beijing's Zhongnanhai park on Thursday.

Man who strangled partner during sex took own life

Luke Cannon's body was found the day after he strangled Georgia Brooke during sex, an inquest hears.

Slovakia’s PM expected to survive assassination try, deputy says

BANSKA BYSTRICA, Slovakia — Slovakia’s populist Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot multiple times and gravely wounded Wednesday, but his deputy prime minister said he believed Fico would survive. The prime minister had been greeting supporters at an event when the attempted assassination took place, shocking the small country and reverberating across Europe weeks before an election. “I guess in the end he will survive,” Tomas Taraba told the...

Long air raid alert lifted in Kharkiv after drone strikes, missile warning

(Reuters) - A protracted air raid alert in most of Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region was lifted early on Friday after officials reported Russian drone strikes and a missile warning in the city of Kharkiv. Regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov said at least five drones had struck Kharkiv, Ukraine's second largest city. Mayor Ihor Terekhov said the city's Osnovyanskyi district had been hit,