Another night of bloodshed as war on drugs steps up a gear
At least 26 drug suspects were killed in police operations in Manila last night, just a day after 32 alleged dealers were gunned down in nearby Bulacan province. Speaking today …
Duterte brags of socialist credentials in war of words with communist chief
President Duterte has bragged of his socialist credentials, saying that Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Sison wasn’t the only person to have “principles in life”. Speaking today (Thursday, …
Clark airport big winner as new flight services are launched
Budget carrier Cebu Pacific has today (Wednesday, August 16) announced new domestic and international routes. Cebu Pacific said it will start flying between Kalibo, the nearest airport to Boracay Island, …
New ride-share app launched just days after Uber suspension
A new ride-sharing app has launched in Manila and Cebu City just days after the government suspended Uber for 30 days. Monday’s order by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory …
Duterte praises cops after 32 drug suspects shot and takes aim at rights groups
President Duterte has praised the provincial police force that gunned down 32 drug suspects on Monday, while also threatening to shoot human rights advocates. In a speech today (Wednesday, August …
Bohol’s new airport — complete with monorail — will be finished on time
Officials in Panglao have said that the New Bohol Airport — complete with a monorail — will be completed by March next year. Operations at the 7.8-billion peso facility are …
Lawmaker fears China planning to grab new territory in Philippine waters
A Philippine congressman has expressed alarm over “extraordinary activities” of Chinese ships near Pag-asa (also known as Thitu) Island in the South China Sea. Magdalo Representative Gary Alejano said the …
At least 26 killed in single night of drug raids in Bulacan province
At least 26 people have been killed in overnight drug-busting operations that began in Bulacan province yesterday (Monday August 14). Senior Superintendent Romeo Caramat, provincial police director, said that 64 …
Six of the best AirBnBs in Palawan: From ultra budget to ultra luxury
It seems that the natural hospitality of Filipino culture has found a perfect match with AirBnB, which is booming across these islands. Every day new properties are added, ranging from …
Cebu man discovers huge python in house after six puppies disappear
A Cebu man discovered a 20ft python in his house after after the mysterious disappearance of six puppies over the past few weeks. The discovery at a home in the …
PAL to offer first direct flights between Manila and Auckland
Philippine Airlines (PAL) has announced a new Manila Auckland direct flight coming later this year. From December 6, the overnight service will operate on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Outward flights depart Manila at 11.15pm and …
Twenty-five dead after competing Islamist militant groups clash on Mindanao
Twenty-five fighters are dead after clashes between rival Islamist militant groups in Mindanao. The Philippine Army provided artillery support for the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) as it battled Bangsamoro …
Taxi! Philippine government suspends Uber for one month
The Philippines has today (Monday, August 14) suspended Uber for a month, in a decision that followed a government crackdown on unregistered drivers. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board …
Pineapple News Agency? Government website uses fruit logo on story about labour office
The state-fun Philippine News Agency (PNA) has embarrassed itself again by using the logo of a pineapple company on an article about the country’s labour department. The misplaced logo was …
Philippine peso falls to 11-year low against the dollar amid Korean tensions
The Philippine peso has dropped to an 11-year low against the dollar — but it is not expected to go into free-fall. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas [central bank] Governor Nestor …
Escaped Marawi kidnap victims warn hostages will be used as suicide bombers
Islamic State-affiliated terrorists in Malawi City are planning to use their kidnap victims as suicide bombers, three escaped hostages have warned. Romar Marjalino, aged 39; his brother Roel, 37, and …
Luzon earthquake not connected to “The Big One”
A deep earthquake of 6.3 magnitude struck off Luzon island today (Friday, August 11), rocking capital Manila. Office workers in the capital left their buildings but no damage was apparent …
Abu Sayyaf kidnap victims escaped while abductors were praying
Three construction workers kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf in Sulu last month have escaped, a military official announced today (Friday, August 11). Joint Task Force Sulu commander Colonel Cirilito Sobejana identified …
China “displeased” as US Navy destroyer passes near artificial island
China said it was “displeased” after a US warship sailed close to one of its artificial islands in the South China Sea as part of a “freedom of navigation” operation. …
Alleged recruiter for Marawi terrorists arrested in Indonesia
Indonesian police today (Friday, August 11) arrested a suspected recruiter for Islamic State-affiliated militants who are continuing to hold out in Marawi. Nearly 700 people, including 120 soldiers, have been …
Poultry culled as Philippines records first case of deadly bird flu
The Philippines declared its first ever outbreak of the H5 strain of avian influenza in Pampanga today (Friday, August 11). An immediate cull was ordered for all chickens, ducks and …
Palawan highway expansion dubbed “environmental disaster”
A plan to expand Palawan’s national highway from two to six lanes has been dubbed an “environmental disaster”. In particular, protesters are concerned about a scenic stretch of the existing …
Are beached oarfish a warning of impending earthquake?
Two fish associated with impending earthquakes washed ashore in Southern Leyte yesterday (Wednesday, August 9). Two oarfish — which are known in Japan as ‘The Messenger from the Sea God’s …
Turkish foreign minister’s wife among victims of thieving Manila airport staff
Thieving staff at Manila airport have been caught out after they targeted the wife of the Turkish foreign minister who had been attending this week’s Asean meeting. Four baggage staff …
More than 20 years on from “mad cow disease”, British beef returns to Philippines
Succulent, grass-fed British beef will be back on the menu in the Philippines following a £34 million export deal. Market access for beef was withdrawn in 1996 due to concerns …
Defence chief: Defeating Marawi terrorists will take “a month or two”
Despite being surrounded in an ever-shrinking sector of Marawi city, the Philippines’ defence chief says it will still take “a month or two” to defeat the terrorists who have been …