Philippines says Iranian forces free 1 of 4 Filipino hostages
MANILA, May 10 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday said that one of the four Filipino sailors taken hostage by Iranian forces last month has been freed. The DFA said the Philippines welcomes the "good news," adding that the sailor is expected to arrive in Manila later Friday. "We appreciate Iran's gesture," the DFA said in a statement but did not elaborate. Th.....»»
Iranian Proxies Continue Attacks on US Troops in Syria as Blinken Initiates Critical Middle East Tour
Title: Two Attacks on US and Allied Troops in Syria Over the Weekend Subtitle: Iranian-Backed Militias Continue Series of Assaults on American Forces In a.....»»
Philippines says Iranian forces free 1 of 4 Filipino hostages
MANILA, May 10 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday said that one of the four Filipino sailors taken hostage by Iranian forces last month has been freed. The DFA said the Philippines welcomes the "good news," adding that the sailor is expected to arrive in Manila later Friday. "We appreciate Iran's gesture," the DFA said in a statement but did not elaborate. Th.....»»
10th ID bashes Canadian gov’t for travel advisory vs Mindanao
The 10th Infantry Agila Division (10ID) of the Philippine Army criticized the Canadian government for issuing a travel advisory against all parts of Mindanao, which includes their area of responsibility. Major Mark Anthony Tito, spokesperson for the 10th ID, emphasized that the regions under their jurisdiction are peaceful and free from terrorism and violent threats, contrary to the Canadian embassy's advisory. The division oversees 12 provinces, seven cities, and 72 municipalities in various parts of Mindanao. Tito expressed bewilderment at the basis of the travel advisory, asserting that the Canadian government lacks awareness of the actual situation on the ground. He highlighted the peaceful nature of the entire Davao Region throughout 2023, with no recorded incidents of terrorism or insurgency. Despite the exclusion of Davao City from the advisory, Tito noted that the region would still be impacted. The Canadian embassy's advisory warned its citizens to avoid visiting Mindanao due to ongoing terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, high levels of violence, and encounters between rebel forces and government security authorities. Specific provinces and regions were singled out for caution or non-essential travel, including Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen, and Eastern Mindanao. Contrary to the advisory, the 10th ID has been actively weakening and eliminating guerilla forces within its jurisdiction as part of the Philippine Army's efforts to establish an insurgency-free zone. In fact, on October 27, 2023, the Davao Region celebrated its first anniversary as an insurgency-free region in the Philippines. This dispute has led to other related stories, including the Chamber's intention to engage in discussions with the Canadian government regarding the travel advisory, as well as refutations from the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and celebrations of the Davao Region's insurgency-free status by the Regional Peace and Order Council. In summary, the 10th ID vehemently opposes the Canadian government's travel advisory, citing the peaceful and secure nature of the regions under their jurisdiction, and highlighting the significant strides made in eradicating insurgency in the Davao Region......»»
Gaza ceasefire talks at an impasse as humanitarian crisis deepens
Israel is reportedly staying away from the Cairo talks because Hamas refused to provide a list of hostages who are still alive. Hamas says this is impossible without a ceasefire as hostages are scattered across the war zone......»»
2 Iranian nationals nabbed for ‘budol-budol’ in Negros Oriental
2 Iranian nationals nabbed for ‘budol-budol’ in Negros Oriental.....»»
Iranian directors say they are ‘forbidden’ to join Berlin Film Festival premiere
'We are forbidden from joining you and watching a movie on the silver screen that is about love, about life, and also about freedom, a lost treasure in our country," the directors said in a statement after being barred by Iranian authorities.....»»
Military ends rescue search for Navy SEALs lost in maritime raid on ship with Iranian weapons
Military ends rescue search for Navy SEALs lost in maritime raid on ship with Iranian weapons.....»»
Pressure mounts on Israel not to attack Palestinians’ last refuge in Gaza
The Israeli military says it wants to flush out Islamist militants from hideouts in Rafah and free hostages being held there after the Hamas rampage in Israel on October 7, but has given no details of a plan to evacuate civilians.....»»
China presses Iran to rein in Houthi attacks in Red Sea, sources say
"Basically, China says: 'If our interests are harmed in any way, it will impact our business with Tehran. So tell the Houthis to show restraint'," says an anonymous Iranian official who is a Reuters source.....»»
VP Sara ready to face ICC charges only before a Filipino court
Vice President Sara Duterte expressed her readiness to confront any allegations against her but insisted that she would only do so in front of a Filipino judge and within the jurisdiction of a Filipino court. In a statement on her Facebook page, she emphasized her refusal to participate in any process that could tarnish the reputation and integrity of the Philippine judiciary system. Duterte adamantly opposed the involvement of foreign entities in the country's legal affairs, citing it as a dishonor to the sacrifices made by Filipino heroes for the nation's freedom. Duterte, who previously served as vice mayor and mayor of Davao City, vehemently denied any involvement in the Davao Death Squad during her terms in office. She expressed dismay over the sudden appearance of a witness against her in the International Criminal Court (ICC) after assuming the vice presidency. Duterte dismissed the accusations and questioned the motives behind the allegations, asserting her capability to accomplish tasks without resorting to unlawful means. In a related development, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. voiced his refusal to acknowledge the ICC's jurisdiction in the Philippines, considering it a threat to the country's sovereignty. He issued a directive for all government agencies to refrain from cooperating with the ICC, emphasizing the nation's non-recognition of the court's authority. Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV claimed that ICC investigators had gathered substantial evidence against former President Rodrigo Duterte regarding his administration's war on drugs. He anticipated an imminent issuance of an arrest warrant against the former president. Former President Rodrigo Duterte condemned the ICC's decision to initiate a preliminary investigation into the war on drugs, labeling it an insult to the Philippines and challenging the court's jurisdiction within the country. During his presidency, he initiated the withdrawal of the Philippines' membership from the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC. The ICC appeals chamber recently granted a request to resume the investigation into alleged crimes against humanity related to the Philippines' controversial drug campaign, spanning from November 2011 to March 2019. The developments surrounding the ICC's probe into the Philippines' internal affairs have sparked a contentious debate, with key political figures and rights groups expressing divergent views on the matter. The ongoing tensions between the Philippines and the ICC underscore the complex intersection of international law, national sovereignty, and human rights issues......»»
PUJ driver offers free rides, snacks to passengers on his birthday
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — A jeepney driver from Balud, San Fernando, offered free rides to his passengers on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, as he celebrated his 53rd birthday. Catalino Villasan said that he has been doing this since 2018. In addition to the free rides, he also gave free burgers to his first 60 passengers......»»
Netanyahu aide: Biden’s Gaza plan ‘not a good deal’ but Israel accepts it
Netanyahu's chief foreign policy advisor says the proposal is 'not a good deal but we dearly want the hostages released'.....»»
More than 100 killed while seeking aid in Gaza, overall death toll passes 30,000
The loss of civilian lives is the biggest in weeks. Hamas says the incident could jeopardize talks in Qatar aimed at securing a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages it is holding......»»
Fighting across Gaza as Israel drops leaflets seeking its hostages
The Gaza health ministry says Israeli strikes have killed 165 people and wounded 280 others in the past 24 hours, one of the biggest death tolls in a single day in 2024.....»»
Magbayad ka : Michael Cinco calls out Pinoy celebrities demanding free outfits
Dubai-based Filipino fashion designer Michael Cinco called out Filipino celebrities and influencers who ask fellow local designers for free outfits......»»
Philippines, EU resume free trade agreement talks
MANILA, March 19 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines and the European Union (EU) resumed negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) on Monday, the Philippines' Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced Tuesday. "Strengthening economic engagement with the EU remains a priority for the Philippines," said Philippine Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual, adding that the Philippines aims for an ambitious, b.....»»
Philippines says 4 Filipino sailors aboard ship seized by Iranian forces
MANILA, April 14 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines on Sunday said four Filipino sailors were among the crew of a container ship seized by Iranian forces in the Persian Gulf on Saturday. In a statement, the Philippines' Department of Migrant Workers confirmed the seizure of the vessel MSC Aries "with four Filipino seafarers on board," adding that it has contacted the families of the four sailors. The Philippine.....»»
PH OKs revised Asean free trade pacts with ANZ, Hong Kong
MANILA — The Philippines, a founding member of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), has agreed to amend two important free trade agreements to benefit investors, traders, and exporters. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced on Thursday that it signed the Second Protocol to Amend the Agreement Establishing the Asean-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade.....»»
Michael Cinco clarifies rant on Filipino celebrities vs local designers
Dubai-based Filipino fashion designer Michael Cinco clarified and continued his rant toward Filipino celebrities and influencers who ask fellow local designers for free outfits......»»
Netanyahu Claims Gaza Strike That Killed 7 Aid Workers Was Unintentional: Live Updates
Israeli strike on Iranian Embassy building in Damascus escalates undeclared war between Israel and Iran In a recent development that has rocked the region, Israel.....»»