OTTAWA, Canada (AFP) — The Canadian government said Monday it was investigating reports that one of its nationals kidnapped by Islamic militants in the southern Philippines nearly nine months ago had been killed. “The Government of Canada is aware of reports that a Canadian citizen has been executed,” the Canadian foreign affairs ministry said in a statement. “We are pursuing all appropriate channels to seek further information and are in close contact with Philippines authorities.” […]
Other News
‘Kalayaan Atin Ito’ posing for photo at the bow of their vessel next to a Philippine flag at Scarborough shoal
Filipino protesters said on June 13, 2016 China’s coast guard blocked and sprayed them with water as their small group sailed to a Chinese-controlled South China Sea shoal to mark Philippine independence day.
French police commander stabbed to death in front of his home
French police cordoned off a residential area in the Paris suburb of Magnanville after a 42-year-old police commander was stabbed to death in front of his home on Monday night (June 13). The officer’s assailant, who had barricaded himself in the policeman’s house, was later shot dead by members of an elite police unit, officials said. Policemen also found the body of a dead woman in the house and a surviving 3-year-old boy, the spokesman […]
118th Independence Day celebration in Manila on June 12, 2016
MANILA, Philippines (AFP) — Philippine honor guards stand in formation during the 118th Independence Day celebration in Manila on June 12, 2016. Aquino called on his countrymen on June 12 to fight attempts to take away their freedoms as he prepared to hand over power to president-elect Rodrigo Duterte, who has vowed to kill tens of thousands of criminals. (NOEL CELIS / AFP)
Disney works its magic on new Shanghai theme park
by Bill SAVADO SHANGHAI, China (AFP) — The Magic Kingdom comes to the Middle Kingdom this week when Disney opens its first theme park in mainland China, betting the growing middle class will spend big on leisure despite a slowing economy. The $5.5 billion resort, which opens Thursday, features the world’s biggest Disney castle, its blue-topped spires rising above land once occupied by farms and small factories on the outskirts of commercial hub Shanghai. Disney […]
U.S. lawmakers observe Orlando ‘moment of silence’ before feuding over gun policy
The U.S. House of Representatives erupted in shouting on Monday (June 13) after lawmakers held a moment of silence to honor the victims of the Orlando mass shooting as Democrats protested the Republican-led chamber’s refusal to consider tighter gun regulations. Speaker Paul Ryan, the House’s Republican leader, called for the moment of silence, which was observed by lawmakers. When it ended, representative James Clyburn asked for recognition to ask about guns. “I am really concerned […]
Exotic animals from Italy’s underworld get second chance
ROME, Italy (AFP) — In ancient Rome, they would have been pitted against gladiators or served up at banquets. Now a caiman, a python and a troop of monkeys that have been confiscated from mobsters, drug dealers or collectors find safe haven at a rescue center in the Eternal City. Inside the majestic Appia Antica park near the historic city center, a veterinary clinic called “Our Animal Kingdom” is now home to exotic turtles, deer, […]
Rap star Lil Wayne suffers minor seizure: spokesman
Rap star Lil Wayne suffered a minor seizure on Monday (June 13) but is in stable condition, his spokesman said after media reports that the Grammy winner was forced to make an emergency landing in Omaha, Nebraska. The incident comes three years after Lil Wayne spent several days at a Los Angeles hospital and soon after told radio station Power 106 that he is epileptic and prone to seizures. “As Wayne’s reps we can confirm […]
Comoros looks to geothermal energy to plug electricity problems
The island nation of Comoros is hoping geothermal power from steaming volcanoes could help plug the gap in its energy supply, as power cuts continue hitting the economy. (AFP Video) https://youtu.be/CBsibdvUg7k
Indian sand artist pays tribute to victims of Florida mass killing
ODISHA, India (Reuters) — A sand artist in India has paid tribute to victims of Florida mass killing with a sculpture created on Puri Beach in eastern Odisha state on Monday (June 13). The artist’s sculpture read “One world, one message, end terrorism” on the five feet high sand sculpture. A number of tourists gathered at the beach to watch the sculpture being created. The shooting claimed the lives of 50 people, including the […]
Baldoz urges returning OFWs to use POEA’s online system
MANILA, June 14 – Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday reiterated the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration’s advisory encouraging balik-manggagawa (BM) or vacationing overseas Filipino workers (OFW) to use the BM Online system to acquire their respective overseas employment certificates (OEC). “The goal of the BM Online Processing System is to expedite the issuance of OECs to vacationing OFWs who will return to their respective foreign employers or principals. As a web-based facility, the system enables BMs or […]
Obama says no evidence Orlando attack was ‘directed’ from abroad
WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — President Barack Obama said Monday there was no evidence that the massacre of 49 people in a Florida nightclub was directed from abroad or was part of a larger plot. After being briefed on America’s deadliest mass shooting in modern times by top security aides, Obama said “we don’t yet know” the shooter’s motivations. Obama said 29-year-old Omar Mateen did appear to have been “inspired by various extremist information that […]
