(Eagle News) — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has announced it would conduct a test run of the “uniform light trucks ban” starting Wednesday, March 15. In a statement, the MMDA said the simulation–which will last until June 15– was recommended and approved by the Metro Manila Council in a recent meeting. Under the uniform light trucks ban, trucks that have a gross capacity weight of 4,500 kilograms and below will not be allowed to ply Edsa and Shaw […]
Other News
President Duterte asks local officials’ help to fight terrorism, drugs in Mindanao
QUEZON City, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte has asked the cooperation of local officials in Mindanao in his war against terrorism and drugs, saying he might be forced to declare martial law there if they do not help the government. “I am asking you because I don’t want the trouble in Mindanao to spin out of control because then as president, I will be forced, I will be compelled to exercise extraordinary powers,” the President said. […]
Storm destroys Malta’s famous rock window
VALLETA, Malta (AFP) — Gale force winds and huge waves on Wednesday destroyed the iconic Azure Window, a coastal rock formation on the Maltese island of Gozo. The Azure Window, believed to have formed naturally in the mid-19th century, has become a landmark of Gozo and the island’s natural beauty. The massive rock arch landmark, with its flat top over the blue sea at Dwejra, is a staple image for Maltese tourist brochures. It seemed to […]
Chinese survey ships entering Philippine territory: Manila
MANILA, Philippines (AFP) — Chinese survey ships have been entering waters recognized by the United Nations as Philippine territory, Manila’s defense secretary said Thursday, in a move he described as “very concerning”. Delfin Lorenzana said the ships were seen last year near Benham Rise — a Philippine territory 250 kilometres (155 miles) off the east coast of the main island of Luzon — as well as Reed Bank in the South China Sea, […]
2 dead, several injured in pro-Park rally
SEOUL, South Korea (Reuters) — Two President Park Geun-hye supporters were reported to have died as injured were removed by emergency services from a protest on Friday (March 10) opposing the Constitutional Court’s decision to uphold her impeachment. After the verdict hundreds of Park’s supporters outside the court tried to break through police barricades and two of them died, police said. One elderly man was taken to hospital with a head injury and the circumstances […]
Australia sees second year of Barrier Reef bleaching
by Glenda KWEK Agence France Presse SYDNEY, Australia (AFP) — Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is experiencing an unprecedented second straight year of mass coral bleaching, scientists said Friday, warning many species would struggle to fully recover. The 2,300-kilometre (1,400-mile) reef suffered its most severe bleaching on record last year due to warming sea temperatures during March and April. Bleaching is once again occurring, the government’s Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority said after an aerial […]
S. Koreans jubilant, or stunned by president’s sacking
SEOUL, South Korea (AFP) — The rival crowds outside South Korea’s constitutional court Friday for the verdict on impeached president Park Geun-Hye epitomised the opposing passions and generational splits over the country’s sweeping political scandal. Around 3,000 anti-Park demonstrators, mostly in their 20s to 40s, erupted with joy as the verdict was read out in a live television broadcast. “We won, we won,” they chanted, waving banners. “This is a victory of democracy,” 27-year-old student […]
“Kong: Skull Island” predicted to top weekend box office
Reuters — “Kong: Skull Island” is expected to climb its way to the top of the North American weekend box office from Friday (March 10) through Sunday (March 12), according to figures reported by Boxofficepro.com. The film reboots the classic giant ape franchise and stars Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson and Samuel L. Jackson. It’s predicted to take in roughly 43 million dollars in its debut weekend. Rolling over from previous weeks, “Logan” should see another […]
Guatemala mourns 35 girls killed in shelter fire
by Henry MORALES Agence France Presse GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala (AFP) — Guatemala recoiled in anger and shock Thursday at the deaths of 35 teenage girls in a fire at a government-run shelter where staff have been accused of sexual abuse and other mistreatment. The toll had climbed steadily from 19 killed in the Wednesday blaze itself, as 16 more girls succumbed in hospital overnight and Thursday to their horrific burns. Nineteen survivors remained hospitalized, most […]
Wanted: New Philippine National Police antidrug personnel
(Eagle News) — Wanted: New antidrug personnel. The newly formed Drug Enforcement Group of the Philippine National Police is in search of new recruits who will lead the government in its re-launch of the war against drugs. In his first-ever press conference as head of the DEG, Senior Supt. Graciano Mijares said on Friday that 477 personnel were needed for the unit, which only recently replaced the PNP Anti-Illegal Drugs Group. The PNP-AIDG and all antidrug units […]
CPP presses peace talks resumption in April; to still check if NPA was behind Davao ambush
(Eagle News) — Communist leaders are pressing for the resumption of peace talks with the Philippine government even after the reported ambush by its armed group, the New People’s Army, against non-combatant police members in Davao. In a statement posted in its website. CPP-NDFP panel chair Fidel Agaoili said that both the government panel had already initially agreed to hold “secret backchannel talks” for the purpose of resuming talks in April. Agcaoili said that […]
Disaster training drill held in Tokyo before March 11 Fukushima anniversary
TOKYO, Japan (Reuters) –About 100 people took part in a disaster training drill in downtown Tokyo on Friday (March 10), a day before the sixth anniversary of the March 11 earthquake and subsequent nuclear crisis. Participants were able to experience walking through a plastic tent filled with yellow smoke, get hands-on training using automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and receive free emergency rations. “I participate every year. I was surprised at the number of available automated […]
