German couple kidnapped in Tawi Tawi also victims of Somali pirates
The report of two Germans kidnapped in Tawi Tawi, one already murdered by Abu Sayyaf, has turned up their history of living dangerously. Jurgen Kantner and his wife Sabine Merz …
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Tourists from Australia and Finland robbed in Malate
The first victim, 29-year-old Quang Minh Tran, a Vietnamese-Australian, told authorities that he was talking on his cell phone when a riding-in-tandem couple aboard a black motorcycle grabbed his backpack. …
Australia is latest nation to issue Philippine travel warning
SYDNEY, Australia – The Australian government has followed the lead of the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada by issuing a travel warning for the Philippines, citing terrorism, crime and …
VIDEO: Snake appears from overhead compartment during flight
Footage has emerged from a flight in Mexico showing a large snake escaping from an overhead compartment mid flight. The flight was heading from Torreon to Mexico City. The Associated …
Kidnapped German woman killed by Abu Sayyaf terrorists
TAWI TAWI, Philippines – Abu Sayyaf bandits claim to have killed one of the two German hostages they kidnapped in Tawi Tawi. The terrorist organisation told The Inquirer: “Unfortunately, the other …
Vietnam arrests blogging doctor in crackdown on dissent
Vietnamese police have arrested a blogger for posting anti-state comments in the communist country’s latest crackdown on dissent. Ho Van Hai was arrested in southern Ho Chi Minh City on …
Philippines steps up security after US warns of kidnap threat
CEBU, Philippines – (Reuters) – Philippine police have stepped up security on the holiday island of Cebu, the president’s spokesman said on Friday, after the U.S. embassy warned its citizens …
The five most gut-wrenching foods you can try in Asia
For the intrepid fly-by-the-seat-of-their-pants traveller there can be nothing more rewarding than showing your respect to Asian culture by sampling the local cuisine, something that is easy and enjoyable to …
Americans warned of kidnapping risk in southern Cebu
The warning states that people should avoid unnecessary travel to these areas, review personal security plans, remain aware of their surroundings and monitor local news stations for updates. Furthermore, the Embassy …
True stories: The tragic tale of Joan and Cory Ryther
Back in May of 2013 a young pregnant wife was walking to her evening shift at a McDonald’s restaurant in Logan in Australia. The young expectant mother, originally from Baroy …
Indonesia resumes coal shipments to Philippines despite piracy fears
Indonesia will resume some shipments of coal to the Philippines, a government official said on Sunday, after a months-long halt due to concerns about piracy. Indonesia earlier this year slapped …
Anger at reduced sentence for pervert who attacked girl after cliff fall
The family of an American backpacker who was sexually assaulted after she fell 150ft down a cliff in Thailand have hit out at her attacker’s five-year jail sentence. Hannah Gavios, …
Security guard dead after accidentally shooting herself in toilet
MANILA, Philippines – A female security guard accidentally killed herself when her gun went off while she was using the toilet of the bank she was guarding. Jenny Banera, aged 39, of …
New tricks: People smugglers use fake passport stamps to dupe officials
IMMIGRATION officers have uncovered a new passport scam employed by human traffickers. It is believed criminal gangs have faked or stolen official stamps in order to get their victims through airport …
More Republicans expect Clinton, rather than Trump, to win US election
More Republicans think Hillary Clinton, rather than Donald Trump, will win the presidency, as their party’s candidate faces allegations of sexual misconduct and his suggestion he may not honour the outcome …
Indonesian terror chief to stay locked up in Guantanamo Bay
A SOUTH-EAST Asian terror chief blamed for a series of high-profile attacks will stay at Guantanamo Bay after US officials rejected a bid for his release. A US government body tasked …
Court postpones hearing on Peter Scully child abuse charges
Two Ausssie police officers are in the Philippines to monitor court proceedings of Peter Scully, who faces charges for abusing children. Australia has shown interest in justice being served for the victims …
“I may not live that long”: Australian, 70, gets 15 years for child abuse
An elderly Australian man has been jailed for 15 years for sexually abusing Indonesian girls on the island of Bali after luring them to his house with promises of gifts. Robert …
Filipino sailors released by Somali pirates after four years in captivity
NAIROBI, Kenya – (Reuters) – 26 Asian sailors freed after more than four years of captivity in a fishing village in Somalia arrived in the Kenyan capital Nairobi on Sunday, …
Hundreds of Vietnamese drug addicts break out of rehab
Vietnamese police are hunting for hundreds of drug addicts who escaped from a compulsory rehabilitation center, using sticks and fire extinguishers to break out. The communist government decrees up to two …
American to face court after insulting co-worker on Facebook
The Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office has indicted an American after he allegedly posted derogatory statements about his co-worker. Prosecutors found enough evidence to charge Andre Philippe LaFlamme in violation of Republic …
“Cult leaders” arrested on human trafficking charges
The Bureau of Immigration has arrested an American and his wife on human trafficking charges involving 38 children in the village of Bool, Tagbilaran City, Bohol. Arrested were Matthew and …
Police warning after Abu Sayyaf members spotted in Cebu
Police have released a report that several members of the Abu Sayyaf group were seen within the city limits of Cebu. City police say that at least six members of the …
Opinion: Fishing rights? What about sovereignty?
Rodrigo Duterte’s state visit to China this week is already bearing fruit. With promises of billions of dollars in infrastructure investment and even some non-specific promises about Filipino fishermen regaining …
Anti-nuclear New Zealand approves first visit by US warship in decades
The US destroyer Sampson is due to dock in New Zealand, the first visit by a US warship since the Pacific nation passed anti-nuclear legislation 30 years ago. The Arleigh Burke-class …
6.9-magnitude earthquake strikes off Papua New Guinea
A 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck off Papua New Guinea on Monday, but no Pacific-wide tsunami warning was issued with little damage expected due to the remote location. The tremor was estimated …