Thousands of people fled their homes near a Philippine volcano Saturday after an eruption sent ash and steam hundreds of metres into the sky.

Taal volcano, which sits in a picturesque lake south of Manila, exploded with a "short-lived" burst at 7:22 am (2322 GMT), the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said in a statement.&nbsp;

It warned further eruptions were possible, which it said could trigger dangerous, fast-moving volcanic flows of gas, ash and debris, as well as a tsunami.&nbsp;

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Residents in five fishing and farming settlements around the lake were ordered to leave their homes, in the third mass evacuation in as many years around one of the country's most active volcanoes.

"It rained mud," said Cornelia Pesigan, 25, who sought shelter at a school outside the seven-kilometre (4.3-mile) "danger zone".

"It smelled really bad and I had difficulty breathing," the mother-of-two added.

The initial eruption was followed by "nearly continuous phreatomagmatic activity" that sent plumes stretching 1,500 metres (4,900 feet) into the air, the seismological agency said, raising the alert level from two to three on a scale of zero to five.

A phreatomagmatic eruption happens when molten rock comes into contact with underground or surface water, said Princess Cosalan, a scientist at the agency, likening it to pouring "water on a hot pan".

Cosalan told AFP that ash and steam emissions had quietened in the hours after the initial burst, but said the institute's on-site sensors continued to detect volcanic earthquakes and another eruption was "possible".

The agency's chief, Renato Solidum, said the activity was weaker than in January 2020, when Taal shot ash 15 kilometres high and spewed red-hot lava, crushing scores of homes, killing livestock and sending tens of thousands into shelters.

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"There is no threat beyond the... five villages," Solidum said.

More than 12,000 people live in the most vulnerable communities, according to the latest available official data.

Police have been deployed to stop people entering the high-risk zones, while aviation authorities warned airlines and pilots of potential hazards from volcanic ash in the atmosphere.

The Philippines is hit periodically by eruptions and earthquakes due to its location on the Pacific "Ring of Fire" -- a zone of intense seismic activity.&nbsp;

Access to the volcano island, which was once home to a community of thousands, has been prohibited since the 2020 eruption.

Last July, the seismological agency raised the alert level to three after Taal burst to life again.

It belched sulphur dioxide for several days, creating a thick haze over the capital and surrounding provinces.&nbsp;

The alert level was lowered back to two before Saturday's eruption.&nbsp;

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<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-philippines-delays-rcep-nod-453334/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Thousands of people fled their homes near a Philippine volcano Saturday after an eruption sent ash and steam hundreds of metres into the sky. Taal volcano, which sits in a picturesque lake south of Manila, exploded with a "short-lived" burst at 7:22 am (2322 GMT), the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said in a statement.

Thousands of people fled their homes near a Philippine volcano Saturday after an eruption sent ash and steam hundreds of metres into the sky. Taal volcano, which sits in a picturesque lake south of Manila, exploded with a "short-lived" burst at 7:22 am (2322 GMT), the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said in a statement. It warned further eruptions were possible, which it said could trigger dangerous, fast-moving volcanic flows of gas, ash and debris, as well as a tsunami. Also read | To prevent rape and abuse, Philippines raises age of sexual consent to 16 Residents in five fishing and farming settlements around the lake were ordered to leave their homes, in the third mass evacuation in as many years around one of the country's most active volcanoes. "It rained mud," said Cornelia Pesigan, 25, who sought shelter at a school outside the seven-kilometre (4.3-mile) "danger zone". "It smelled really bad and I had difficulty breathing," the mother-of-two added. The initial eruption was followed by "nearly continuous phreatomagmatic activity" that sent plumes stretching 1,500 metres (4,900 feet) into the air, the seismological agency said, raising the alert level from two to three on a scale of zero to five. A phreatomagmatic eruption happens when molten rock comes into contact with underground or surface water, said Princess Cosalan, a scientist at the agency, likening it to pouring "water on a hot pan". Cosalan told AFP that ash and steam emissions had quietened in the hours after the initial burst, but said the institute's on-site sensors continued to detect volcanic earthquakes and another eruption was "possible". The agency's chief, Renato Solidum, said the activity was weaker than in January 2020, when Taal shot ash 15 kilometres high and spewed red-hot lava, crushing scores of homes, killing livestock and sending tens of thousands into shelters. Also read | Philippines arrests doctor alleged to be top rebel "There is no threat beyond the... five villages," Solidum said. More than 12,000 people live in the most vulnerable communities, according to the latest available official data. Police have been deployed to stop people entering the high-risk zones, while aviation authorities warned airlines and pilots of potential hazards from volcanic ash in the atmosphere. The Philippines is hit periodically by eruptions and earthquakes due to its location on the Pacific "Ring of Fire" -- a zone of intense seismic activity. Access to the volcano island, which was once home to a community of thousands, has been prohibited since the 2020 eruption. Last July, the seismological agency raised the alert level to three after Taal burst to life again. It belched sulphur dioxide for several days, creating a thick haze over the capital and surrounding provinces. The alert level was lowered back to two before Saturday's eruption. Watch | Gravitas: The Philippines delays RCEP nod

Thousands flee after Philippine volcano erupts

The son and namesake of late&nbsp;Philippine&nbsp;dictator Ferdinand&nbsp;Marcos&nbsp;strengthened his&nbsp;lead&nbsp;over his closest rival ahead of the&nbsp;presidential&nbsp;election in May, results of a new&nbsp;poll&nbsp;released on Sunday showed.

Ferdinand&nbsp;Marcos&nbsp;Jr&nbsp;garnered a 44-point&nbsp;lead&nbsp;over&nbsp;Philippine&nbsp;Vice President Leni Robredo in the Jan. 19-24 survey by independent&nbsp;pollster Pulse Asia, an 11-point increase compared with the previous&nbsp;poll&nbsp;in early December.

A total of 2,400 respondents were asked to pick their first choice for president and vice president if the election were held during the survey period, with 60 per cent&nbsp;expressing preference for&nbsp;Marcos, while 16 per cent&nbsp;chose Robredo.

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In the December&nbsp;poll&nbsp;with the same sample size,&nbsp;Marcos&nbsp;was on top with 53&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;compared to Robredo's 20 per cent.

Boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao and Manila city mayor Francisco Domagoso trailed, each getting 8 per cent, while Senator Panfilo Lacson took 4 per cent.

In the&nbsp;Philippines, the president and vice president are elected separately.

Marcos' running mate, Sara Duterte-Carpio, the daughter of incumbent President Rodrigo Duterte, remained the top choice for vice president, taking a 21-point&nbsp;lead&nbsp;over her closest rival, Senate President Vicente Sotto.

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The latest Pulse Asia survey was conducted before the&nbsp;Philippines' Commission on Elections last week dismissed a series of complaints seeking to disqualify&nbsp;Marcos, removing a major hurdle for him in the May 9 contest.

The complaint's petitioners have vowed to challenge the decision and can appeal to the Supreme Court.

The election body also rejected a complaint seeking the cancellation of&nbsp;Marcos' certificate of candidacy.

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As frontrunner,&nbsp;Marcos&nbsp;appears poised to complete a remarkable rebranding of the family name 36 years after a "people power" uprising ended his father's autocratic rule.

The son and namesake of late Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos strengthened his lead over his closest rival ahead of the presidential election in May, results of a new poll released on Sunday showed.

The son and namesake of late Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos strengthened his lead over his closest rival ahead of the presidential election in May, results of a new poll released on Sunday showed. Ferdinand Marcos Jr garnered a 44-point lead over Philippine Vice President Leni Robredo in the Jan. 19-24 survey by independent pollster Pulse Asia, an 11-point increase compared with the previous poll in early December. A total of 2,400 respondents were asked to pick their first choice for president and vice president if the election were held during the survey period, with 60 per cent expressing preference for Marcos, while 16 per cent chose Robredo. Also read | Jaishankar to begin his three-day Philippines visit today In the December poll with the same sample size, Marcos was on top with 53 per cent compared to Robredo's 20 per cent. Boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao and Manila city mayor Francisco Domagoso trailed, each getting 8 per cent, while Senator Panfilo Lacson took 4 per cent. In the Philippines, the president and vice president are elected separately. Marcos' running mate, Sara Duterte-Carpio, the daughter of incumbent President Rodrigo Duterte, remained the top choice for vice president, taking a 21-point lead over her closest rival, Senate President Vicente Sotto. Also read | India, Philippines sign $374 million BrahMos missile deal contract The latest Pulse Asia survey was conducted before the Philippines' Commission on Elections last week dismissed a series of complaints seeking to disqualify Marcos, removing a major hurdle for him in the May 9 contest. The complaint's petitioners have vowed to challenge the decision and can appeal to the Supreme Court. The election body also rejected a complaint seeking the cancellation of Marcos' certificate of candidacy. Watch | Philippine: children get vaccinated at centre with superheroes and puppets As frontrunner, Marcos appears poised to complete a remarkable rebranding of the family name 36 years after a "people power" uprising ended his father's autocratic rule.

Philippine poll shows Marcos Jr's lead widening in presidential race

A COVID-19 vaccination drive for children aged five to 11 launched in the Philippine capital featuring a circus-themed inoculation centre complete with stilt walkers and puppeteers.

Philippine: children get vaccinated at centre with superheroes and puppets

To raise aid for victims of Typhoon Rai, which ravaged the Philippines, the United Nations has started a campaign. As per the organisation, the money will be given to the 530,000 people in the worst-affected areas, who are in desperate need of day to day facilities.

To raise aid for victims of Typhoon Rai, which ravaged the Philippines, the United Nations has started a campaign. As per the organisation, the money will be given to the 530,000 people in the worst-affected areas, who are in desperate need of day to day facilities. UN Resident Coordinator in the Philippines Gustavo Gonzalez, while speaking at a virtual press conference said, "There is momentum for full support. Now the challenge is that all of this announcement and solidarity is rapidly translated into concrete actions." The campaign aims to raise $107.2 million. A "complete carnage" situation was reported by the Red Cross society as hospitals and schools were "ripped to shreds." Also read | Death toll surges to 375 as typhoon Rai causes destruction in Philippines The Philippines' 15th typhoon of the year, made landfall on Siargao Island, which happens to be a famous tourist and surfing destination on the country's central east coast. It had gusts of up to 260 kilometres per hour (160 miles per hour) at first, making it a Category 5 storm. Scientists for a long time have warned that typhoons are becoming more powerful as a consequence of climate change. The Philippines is ranked among the most vulnerable nations to the impacts of climate change. It is hit by an average of 20 storms every year. Speaking about the Typhoon, Gonzalez earlier said, "Rai intensified from a tropical storm to a super typhoon within hours and I think that this is a lesson learned in terms of the impact of climate change." (With inputs from agencies)

UN starts a campaign to raise aid for the victims of Philippines' typhoon Rai

Philippines leader&nbsp;Rodrigo&nbsp;Duterte's preferred successor, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, announced on Tuesday he was dropping out of the presidential race, leaving the administration without a candidate in next year's polls.

Go,&nbsp;Duterte's long-time aide, had recently hinted he may pull out of the presidential contest and said the president respected his decision.

His withdrawal raises questions over who the popular&nbsp;Duterte&nbsp;will now support in the May 2022 election. The 76-year old leader is not eligible to seek re-election, but will be standing for a senator's seat.

"I and President&nbsp;Duterte&nbsp;are ready to support whoever will truly serve and can continue and protect&nbsp;Duterte's legacy towards a more comfortable and safe and prosperous life for our children," Go said in a speech streamed on Facebook.

Analysts have said&nbsp;Duterte&nbsp;wants to ensure an ally succeeds him so he can be insulated from potential legal action at home or by the International Criminal Court, which has launched a probe into the&nbsp;thousands of killings in his "war on drugs".

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Duterte's daughter, Davao Mayor Sara&nbsp;Duterte-Carpio, is running for the largely ceremonial deputy post&nbsp;alongside the son of late Philippine dictator and namesake, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has emerged as an early frontrunner.&nbsp;

Political observers say Go's withdrawal from the race would likely benefit the Marcos/Duterte-Carpio ticket as it would consolidate the&nbsp;Dutertes' voter base behind the 43-year-old mayor and that support could extend to Marcos.

"There is no more confusion in terms of administration support," said Aries Arugay, visiting fellow at the ISEAS Yusof-Ishak Institute and political science professor at the University of the Philippines.

Marcos is up against other presidential aspirants, including former boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, vice president Leni Robredo, Manila mayor Francisco Domagoso, and senator Panfilo Lacson. He is facing several disqualification cases&nbsp;grounded on a nearly three-decade old conviction for tax evasion.

Philippines leader Rodrigo Duterte's preferred successor, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, announced on Tuesday he was dropping out of the presidential race, leaving the administration without a candidate in next year's polls.

Philippines leader Rodrigo Duterte's preferred successor, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, announced on Tuesday he was dropping out of the presidential race, leaving the administration without a candidate in next year's polls. Go, Duterte's long-time aide, had recently hinted he may pull out of the presidential contest and said the president respected his decision. His withdrawal raises questions over who the popular Duterte will now support in the May 2022 election. The 76-year old leader is not eligible to seek re-election, but will be standing for a senator's seat. "I and President Duterte are ready to support whoever will truly serve and can continue and protect Duterte's legacy towards a more comfortable and safe and prosperous life for our children," Go said in a speech streamed on Facebook. Analysts have said Duterte wants to ensure an ally succeeds him so he can be insulated from potential legal action at home or by the International Criminal Court, which has launched a probe into the thousands of killings in his "war on drugs". ALSO READ | Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal said this in his very first e-mail as captain of the ship Duterte's daughter, Davao Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, is running for the largely ceremonial deputy post alongside the son of late Philippine dictator and namesake, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has emerged as an early frontrunner. Political observers say Go's withdrawal from the race would likely benefit the Marcos/Duterte-Carpio ticket as it would consolidate the Dutertes' voter base behind the 43-year-old mayor and that support could extend to Marcos. "There is no more confusion in terms of administration support," said Aries Arugay, visiting fellow at the ISEAS Yusof-Ishak Institute and political science professor at the University of the Philippines. Marcos is up against other presidential aspirants, including former boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, vice president Leni Robredo, Manila mayor Francisco Domagoso, and senator Panfilo Lacson. He is facing several disqualification cases grounded on a nearly three-decade old conviction for tax evasion.

Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte's preferred successor quits presidential race

A group of recyclers in the Philippines are trying to tackle the country's soaring plastic waste crisis by turning bottles, single-use sachets and snack food wrappers that clog rivers and spoil beaches into building materials.

Philippine recyclers group turn plastic waste into building planks

Philippines Vice President Leni Robredo, an arch-rival of President Rodrigo Duterte and staunch critic of his deadly drug war, said Thursday she will run for the top job, becoming the leading opposition candidate in a crowded election field.

Robredo has been under pressure from supporters and opposition groups to join the 2022 presidential race, but she has been well behind the front runners in opinion polls.

Analysts say the even-tempered former congresswoman could struggle.

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"I will fight, we will fight," Robredo, 56, said, declaring herself a presidential candidate.

"We will defeat the archaic and rotten style of politics."

President and vice president are elected separately in the Philippines. Robredo quit Duterte's cabinet less than six months after he was sworn in, after a presidential aide told her she had been barred from its meetings.

Her decision comes after her nemesis Ferdinand Marcos Jr, son and namesake of the country's former dictator, said Tuesday he would run for the top job.

Robredo narrowly defeated Marcos Jr for the nation's second-highest office in 2016, dealing a blow to the political aspirations of the powerful clan as they sought to rehabilitate their image.

Marcos Jr -- an ally of Duterte and a defender of the narcotics crackdown that has killed thousands of people -- fought a nearly five-year legal battle challenging the vote, but lost in February when the Supreme Court rejected the protest.

Marcos Jr was in second place behind Duterte's daughter, Sara, in a recent Pulse Asia Research poll, though she has denied plans to run.

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Robredo was a distant sixth, trailing boxing great Manny Pacquiao and celebrity mayor Francisco Domagoso, who have confirmed they will seek the presidency; and Senator Grace Poe, who has not.

Most of the top candidates have supported the drug war, which is being investigated by the International Criminal Court as a possible crime against humanity.

- 'All my strength' -

Robredo, originally a lawyer for the disadvantaged, rose to fame as the wife of Jesse Robredo, a respected cabinet member in former president Benigno Aquino's administration.

When her husband died in a plane crash in 2012, public clamour encouraged her to enter politics.

Robredo, who has three daughters, served a single term in the House of Representatives before her successful bid for the vice presidency.

"My promise is to give all my strength, not only until the election but until the very end to fight for the Philippines that we dream of," Robredo said Thursday.

University of the Philippines political science professor Jean Franco told AFP: "It is going to be an uphill climb but her running sends a strong statement in itself that there is a genuine opposition to Duterte and the return of another Marcos to the presidency."

Duterte has repeatedly attacked Robredo since taking power in 2016 on a promise to rid the country of drugs.

Among other things, she opposed Duterte's plan to bring back the death penalty and his decision to allow the embalmed body of Ferdinand Marcos to be buried at the national heroes' cemetery.

So far, more than 40 candidates have registered to run for president in the May election, but the field will narrow significantly in the coming months.

Election season kicked off this month, the candidates flocking to the offices of the elections commission to file their nominations.

The process launched a typically noisy and deadly seven months of campaigning for more than 18,000 positions, with the COVID-19&nbsp;pandemic and the economic downturn caused by lockdowns expected to dampen the atmosphere.

Philippines Vice President Leni Robredo, an arch-rival of President Rodrigo Duterte and staunch critic of his deadly drug war, said Thursday she will run for the top job, becoming the leading opposition candidate in a crowded election field.

Philippines Vice President Leni Robredo, an arch-rival of President Rodrigo Duterte and staunch critic of his deadly drug war, said Thursday she will run for the top job, becoming the leading opposition candidate in a crowded election field. Robredo has been under pressure from supporters and opposition groups to join the 2022 presidential race, but she has been well behind the front runners in opinion polls. Analysts say the even-tempered former congresswoman could struggle. Also Read | Philippines' Duterte says will retire from politics "I will fight, we will fight," Robredo, 56, said, declaring herself a presidential candidate. "We will defeat the archaic and rotten style of politics." President and vice president are elected separately in the Philippines. Robredo quit Duterte's cabinet less than six months after he was sworn in, after a presidential aide told her she had been barred from its meetings. Her decision comes after her nemesis Ferdinand Marcos Jr, son and namesake of the country's former dictator, said Tuesday he would run for the top job. Robredo narrowly defeated Marcos Jr for the nation's second-highest office in 2016, dealing a blow to the political aspirations of the powerful clan as they sought to rehabilitate their image. Marcos Jr -- an ally of Duterte and a defender of the narcotics crackdown that has killed thousands of people -- fought a nearly five-year legal battle challenging the vote, but lost in February when the Supreme Court rejected the protest. Marcos Jr was in second place behind Duterte's daughter, Sara, in a recent Pulse Asia Research poll, though she has denied plans to run. Also Read | Philippines' Duterte to prepare defence against ICC probe Robredo was a distant sixth, trailing boxing great Manny Pacquiao and celebrity mayor Francisco Domagoso, who have confirmed they will seek the presidency; and Senator Grace Poe, who has not. Most of the top candidates have supported the drug war, which is being investigated by the International Criminal Court as a possible crime against humanity. - 'All my strength' - Robredo, originally a lawyer for the disadvantaged, rose to fame as the wife of Jesse Robredo, a respected cabinet member in former president Benigno Aquino's administration. When her husband died in a plane crash in 2012, public clamour encouraged her to enter politics. Robredo, who has three daughters, served a single term in the House of Representatives before her successful bid for the vice presidency. "My promise is to give all my strength, not only until the election but until the very end to fight for the Philippines that we dream of," Robredo said Thursday. University of the Philippines political science professor Jean Franco told AFP: "It is going to be an uphill climb but her running sends a strong statement in itself that there is a genuine opposition to Duterte and the return of another Marcos to the presidency." Duterte has repeatedly attacked Robredo since taking power in 2016 on a promise to rid the country of drugs. Among other things, she opposed Duterte's plan to bring back the death penalty and his decision to allow the embalmed body of Ferdinand Marcos to be buried at the national heroes' cemetery. So far, more than 40 candidates have registered to run for president in the May election, but the field will narrow significantly in the coming months. Election season kicked off this month, the candidates flocking to the offices of the elections commission to file their nominations. The process launched a typically noisy and deadly seven months of campaigning for more than 18,000 positions, with the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic downturn caused by lockdowns expected to dampen the atmosphere.

Duterte nemesis and drug-war critic bids for Philippine president

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has said he will prepare his defence against an International Criminal Court probe into his deadly drug war, after previously insisting he would not cooperate.

ICC judges authorised in September a full-blown investigation into Duterte's anti-narcotics campaign, which rights groups estimate has killed tens of thousands of people, saying it resembled an illegitimate and systematic attack on civilians.

"I will prepare for my defence in the ICC," Duterte said in a pre-recorded speech released Monday, in his first public comments on the probe.

"Just stick to the facts because there are records of it. I am not threatening you -- just don't cheat me on the evidence," Duterte said in the speech, which came two days after he declared he would retire from politics.

Duterte has repeatedly attacked the world's only permanent war crimes court and insisted it has no jurisdiction in the Philippines.

The authoritarian firebrand pulled Manila out of the ICC after it launched a preliminary probe, but the Hague-based court says it has jurisdiction over crimes committed while the Philippines was still a member.

Duterte has repeatedly said there is no official campaign to illegally kill addicts and dealers, but his speeches have included incitements to violence and he previously told police to kill drug suspects if their lives were in danger.

- 'It's on me' -

Duterte said in the Monday speech he would protect officers carrying out the war on drugs "as long as you obey the law".

"It's on me, not on you," Duterte said.

"I will answer for it and if someone should go to prison, I will be the one to go to prison."

Three Philippine policemen were sentenced in 2018 to decades in prison for murdering a teenager during an anti-narcotics sweep, the first and only conviction so far against officers carrying out Duterte's war on drugs.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Sunday a review of 52 anti-drug operations carried out by police had identified around 154 officers for "possible criminal liability".

The cases will be further investigated and criminal charges filed "if warranted by the evidence", Guevarra said.

Carlos Conde, Human Rights Watch senior researcher for the Philippines, said Duterte sounded like "a really scared man".

"He knows he will be held accountable and the ICC presents the best opportunity for that to happen," Conde told AFP.

"He's scared of an ICC conviction and, perhaps worse, losing... face (with) police officers who followed his murderous orders but are now realising that they, too, are accountable."

- Upcoming election -

Duterte, who is constitutionally barred from seeking a second term as president, declared in August he would run for the vice-presidency.

But in a surprise announcement Saturday, he said he would retire -- which was met with deep scepticism among analysts.

Duterte made a similar announcement in September 2015, saying he "will retire from public life for good", only to declare his presidential bid two months later.

Duterte has not named a successor, but indicated his daughter Sara would run alongside his longtime aide Senator Christopher Go.

Analysts say she would likely protect Duterte from criminal charges in the Philippines, and ICC prosecutors.

So far, she has denied plans to run for president.

Surveys have shown Sara Duterte, boxing great Manny Pacquiao and celebrity mayor Francisco Domagoso are the front runners, along with the son and namesake of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has said he will prepare his defence against an International Criminal Court probe into his deadly drug war, after previously insisting he would not cooperate.

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has said he will prepare his defence against an International Criminal Court probe into his deadly drug war, after previously insisting he would not cooperate. ICC judges authorised in September a full-blown investigation into Duterte's anti-narcotics campaign, which rights groups estimate has killed tens of thousands of people, saying it resembled an illegitimate and systematic attack on civilians. "I will prepare for my defence in the ICC," Duterte said in a pre-recorded speech released Monday, in his first public comments on the probe. "Just stick to the facts because there are records of it. I am not threatening you -- just don't cheat me on the evidence," Duterte said in the speech, which came two days after he declared he would retire from politics. Duterte has repeatedly attacked the world's only permanent war crimes court and insisted it has no jurisdiction in the Philippines. The authoritarian firebrand pulled Manila out of the ICC after it launched a preliminary probe, but the Hague-based court says it has jurisdiction over crimes committed while the Philippines was still a member. Duterte has repeatedly said there is no official campaign to illegally kill addicts and dealers, but his speeches have included incitements to violence and he previously told police to kill drug suspects if their lives were in danger. - 'It's on me' - Duterte said in the Monday speech he would protect officers carrying out the war on drugs "as long as you obey the law". "It's on me, not on you," Duterte said. "I will answer for it and if someone should go to prison, I will be the one to go to prison." Three Philippine policemen were sentenced in 2018 to decades in prison for murdering a teenager during an anti-narcotics sweep, the first and only conviction so far against officers carrying out Duterte's war on drugs. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Sunday a review of 52 anti-drug operations carried out by police had identified around 154 officers for "possible criminal liability". The cases will be further investigated and criminal charges filed "if warranted by the evidence", Guevarra said. Carlos Conde, Human Rights Watch senior researcher for the Philippines, said Duterte sounded like "a really scared man". "He knows he will be held accountable and the ICC presents the best opportunity for that to happen," Conde told AFP. "He's scared of an ICC conviction and, perhaps worse, losing... face (with) police officers who followed his murderous orders but are now realising that they, too, are accountable." - Upcoming election - Duterte, who is constitutionally barred from seeking a second term as president, declared in August he would run for the vice-presidency. But in a surprise announcement Saturday, he said he would retire -- which was met with deep scepticism among analysts. Duterte made a similar announcement in September 2015, saying he "will retire from public life for good", only to declare his presidential bid two months later. Duterte has not named a successor, but indicated his daughter Sara would run alongside his longtime aide Senator Christopher Go. Analysts say she would likely protect Duterte from criminal charges in the Philippines, and ICC prosecutors. So far, she has denied plans to run for president. Surveys have shown Sara Duterte, boxing great Manny Pacquiao and celebrity mayor Francisco Domagoso are the front runners, along with the son and namesake of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

Philippines' Duterte to prepare defence against ICC probe

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said Saturday he will not run for vice president in 2022 and will retire from politics, potentially paving the way for his daughter to contest the country's highest office.

"The overwhelming&nbsp;sentiment of the Filipinos is that I am not qualified and it would be a violation of the constitution to circumvent the law, the spirit of the constitution" to run for the vice presidency, Duterte said.&nbsp;

"Today I announce my retirement from politics."

Duterte, who polls show remains almost as popular as when he was swept to victory in 2016 on a promise to rid the country of drugs, is constitutionally barred from seeking a second term.

The authoritarian firebrand declared in August he would contest the vice presidency in the next election - a move critics said was a smokescreen and motivated by fear that could face criminal charges after leaving office.

Duterte made the surprise announcement at the venue where he was expected to register his candidacy. He did not specify when he would leave politics.

The tough-talking leader has not yet announced his preferred successor, but many expect it will be his daughter, Sara, who has been the front runner in recent polls.

She would likely protect Duterte from criminal charges in the Philippines, and International Criminal Court prosecutors probing his deadly drug war, which rights groups estimate has killed tens of thousands of people.

But the mayor of the southern city of Davao - a position held by her father before he became president - has said she would not run if Duterte sought the vice presidency.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said Saturday he will not run for vice president in 2022 and will retire from politics, potentially paving the way for his daughter to contest the country's highest office.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said Saturday he will not run for vice president in 2022 and will retire from politics, potentially paving the way for his daughter to contest the country's highest office. "The overwhelming sentiment of the Filipinos is that I am not qualified and it would be a violation of the constitution to circumvent the law, the spirit of the constitution" to run for the vice presidency, Duterte said. "Today I announce my retirement from politics." Duterte, who polls show remains almost as popular as when he was swept to victory in 2016 on a promise to rid the country of drugs, is constitutionally barred from seeking a second term. The authoritarian firebrand declared in August he would contest the vice presidency in the next election - a move critics said was a smokescreen and motivated by fear that could face criminal charges after leaving office. Duterte made the surprise announcement at the venue where he was expected to register his candidacy. He did not specify when he would leave politics. The tough-talking leader has not yet announced his preferred successor, but many expect it will be his daughter, Sara, who has been the front runner in recent polls. She would likely protect Duterte from criminal charges in the Philippines, and International Criminal Court prosecutors probing his deadly drug war, which rights groups estimate has killed tens of thousands of people. But the mayor of the southern city of Davao - a position held by her father before he became president - has said she would not run if Duterte sought the vice presidency.

Philippines' Duterte says will retire from politics

The Philippines' election season kicked off Friday with TV celebrities, political scions and at least one inmate expected to be among thousands of candidates vying for posts from president to town councillor.

A week-long registration process launches a typically noisy and deadly seven months of campaigning for more than 18,000 positions -- but the raging pandemic and economic misery caused by Covid lockdowns could dampen the party atmosphere.

A successor to President Rodrigo Duterte, who is constitutionally barred from seeking a second six-year term, will be elected in the May ballot that is expected to draw more than 60 million voters.

Duterte, who polls show remains almost as popular as when he swept to victory in 2016 on a promise to rid the country of drugs, has declared he will run for the vice-presidency.&nbsp;

Among the front runners to replace him are his daughter, Sara, and ally Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, son and namesake of the country's former dictator.

Ex-actor and city mayor Francisco Domagoso -- known by his screen name Isko Moreno -- and newly retired boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao are planning to run.

Pacquiao, a senator, was driven in a bus emblazoned with "Man of Destiny" to register for the race on Friday.

A Facebook Live broadcast of the journey through Manila's morning traffic showed scores of supporters standing beside the road, waving the national flag.

Pacquiao dismissed a recent poll showing him in fourth place for preferred president as "just a number". &nbsp;

Election campaigns in the chaotic democracy are normally raucous and star-studded with contenders deploying celebrities to pull crowds to rallies.

Candidates are expected to perform on stage, with their charisma, singing and dancing judged more critically than their policies.

"It is a circus," political analyst Tony La Vina told AFP.

"People have a sense that in this brief moment, they are the boss, to be wooed by suitors whom they demand sing, dance, act as clowns."

This election season could be less festive, analysts said -- though probably just as deadly as some politicians resort to violence to eliminate rivals.

Campaigning will be largely on social media platforms, La Vina predicted, as surging infections and the glacial pace of vaccinations restrict mass gatherings.

In a country where personality and name recognition are key to winning votes, that could improve the chances of lesser-known candidates, said Ronald Mendoza, dean of Manila's Ateneo School of Government.

"If you are a relative nobody with some money for social media and some following, you may actually get a not-insignificant number of votes," he added.

But they will face the enduring challenge of powerful clans that dominate national, provincial and local posts in the absence of a strong party system.

Deep pockets -- and huge donations -- are essential in the country plagued by poverty, corruption and a culture of patronage.

"The electoral workers can still go door-to-door buying votes," a long-time observer told AFP.&nbsp;

"The money just flows like water."

- 'Teflon Duterte' -

As jockeying intensified ahead of Friday's start of registrations, analyst Richard Heydarian said it was too early to pick a likely winner in the presidential race, which has "inherent unpredictabilities".

"This is just a single round, first past the post -- there's no run-off elections. All you need to do is win more votes than everyone else," said Heydarian.

"Much will depend on who's going to run. Much will depend on how many are going to run. Much will depend on presidential debates (and) what kind of antics the candidates are going to pull."

Duterte has not yet announced his preferred successor -- a perennial preoccupation for outgoing presidents seeking to avoid arrest.

Many expect it will be Sara, who would likely protect Duterte from criminal charges at home and at the International Criminal Court, whose prosecutors are probing his deadly drug war.

But Sara, the mayor of the southern city of Davao -- a position held by her father before he became president -- has said she would not run if Duterte sought the vice-presidency.

That is probably a tactic to generate publicity because Filipinos "love a reluctant candidate", University of the Philippines political science professor Jean Franco told AFP.

Even if Sara misses the October 8 deadline for registration, she still has until November 15 to make a late entry -- as her father did in 2015.

A presidential endorsement would normally be a "kiss of death", said Jorge Tigno of pollster Social Weather Stations, but Duterte's approval rating in its surveys was 62 percent in June, compared with 64 percent in 2016.

"He tends to shake off most accusations of impropriety or extrajudicial killings," said Eurasia Group analyst Peter Mumford.

"He's known as 'Teflon Duterte' for a reason."&nbsp;

The Philippines' election season kicked off Friday with TV celebrities, political scions and at least one inmate expected to be among thousands of candidates vying for posts from president to town councillor.

The Philippines' election season kicked off Friday with TV celebrities, political scions and at least one inmate expected to be among thousands of candidates vying for posts from president to town councillor. A week-long registration process launches a typically noisy and deadly seven months of campaigning for more than 18,000 positions -- but the raging pandemic and economic misery caused by Covid lockdowns could dampen the party atmosphere. A successor to President Rodrigo Duterte, who is constitutionally barred from seeking a second six-year term, will be elected in the May ballot that is expected to draw more than 60 million voters. Duterte, who polls show remains almost as popular as when he swept to victory in 2016 on a promise to rid the country of drugs, has declared he will run for the vice-presidency. Among the front runners to replace him are his daughter, Sara, and ally Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, son and namesake of the country's former dictator. Ex-actor and city mayor Francisco Domagoso -- known by his screen name Isko Moreno -- and newly retired boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao are planning to run. Pacquiao, a senator, was driven in a bus emblazoned with "Man of Destiny" to register for the race on Friday. A Facebook Live broadcast of the journey through Manila's morning traffic showed scores of supporters standing beside the road, waving the national flag. Pacquiao dismissed a recent poll showing him in fourth place for preferred president as "just a number". Election campaigns in the chaotic democracy are normally raucous and star-studded with contenders deploying celebrities to pull crowds to rallies. Candidates are expected to perform on stage, with their charisma, singing and dancing judged more critically than their policies. "It is a circus," political analyst Tony La Vina told AFP. "People have a sense that in this brief moment, they are the boss, to be wooed by suitors whom they demand sing, dance, act as clowns." This election season could be less festive, analysts said -- though probably just as deadly as some politicians resort to violence to eliminate rivals. Campaigning will be largely on social media platforms, La Vina predicted, as surging infections and the glacial pace of vaccinations restrict mass gatherings. In a country where personality and name recognition are key to winning votes, that could improve the chances of lesser-known candidates, said Ronald Mendoza, dean of Manila's Ateneo School of Government. "If you are a relative nobody with some money for social media and some following, you may actually get a not-insignificant number of votes," he added. But they will face the enduring challenge of powerful clans that dominate national, provincial and local posts in the absence of a strong party system. Deep pockets -- and huge donations -- are essential in the country plagued by poverty, corruption and a culture of patronage. "The electoral workers can still go door-to-door buying votes," a long-time observer told AFP. "The money just flows like water." - 'Teflon Duterte' - As jockeying intensified ahead of Friday's start of registrations, analyst Richard Heydarian said it was too early to pick a likely winner in the presidential race, which has "inherent unpredictabilities". "This is just a single round, first past the post -- there's no run-off elections. All you need to do is win more votes than everyone else," said Heydarian. "Much will depend on who's going to run. Much will depend on how many are going to run. Much will depend on presidential debates (and) what kind of antics the candidates are going to pull." Duterte has not yet announced his preferred successor -- a perennial preoccupation for outgoing presidents seeking to avoid arrest. Many expect it will be Sara, who would likely protect Duterte from criminal charges at home and at the International Criminal Court, whose prosecutors are probing his deadly drug war. But Sara, the mayor of the southern city of Davao -- a position held by her father before he became president -- has said she would not run if Duterte sought the vice-presidency. That is probably a tactic to generate publicity because Filipinos "love a reluctant candidate", University of the Philippines political science professor Jean Franco told AFP. Even if Sara misses the October 8 deadline for registration, she still has until November 15 to make a late entry -- as her father did in 2015. A presidential endorsement would normally be a "kiss of death", said Jorge Tigno of pollster Social Weather Stations, but Duterte's approval rating in its surveys was 62 percent in June, compared with 64 percent in 2016. "He tends to shake off most accusations of impropriety or extrajudicial killings," said Eurasia Group analyst Peter Mumford. "He's known as 'Teflon Duterte' for a reason."

'It is a circus': Philippine election season kicks off

Boxing star Manny Pacquiao said on Sunday he will run for president of the Philippines next year, after railing against corruption in government and what he calls President Rodrigo Duterte's cozy relationship with China.

Pacquiao accepted the nomination of his political allies during the national assembly of the faction he leads in the ruling PDP-Laban Party, days after a rival faction nominated Duterte's long-time aide, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, as its presidential candidate.

That faction nominated Duterte for vice president, a move that critics called a cynical ploy by Duterte to retain power.

Go declined the nomination, but the rift between the Pacquiao and Duterte factions has escalated.

"I am a fighter, and I will always be a fighter inside and outside the ring," Pacquiao, 42, a senator, said in a live-streamed speech during the assembly. "I am accepting your nomination as candidate for president of the Republic of the Philippines."

Pacquiao's faction has not expressed support for Duterte's vice-presidential bid. Duterte is prohibited by the constitution from running for a second six-year term as president.

One of the greatest boxers of all time and the only man to hold world titles in eight different divisions, Pacquiao was mum about his 26-year professional career.

Despite his popularity, Pacquiao trails the front-runners in opinion polls that have been topped consistently by Duterte's daughter, Sara Duterte-Carpio.

In July, Pacquiao was voted out as PDP-Laban leader, weeks after challenging Duterte over his position on China and record on fighting corruption, but his ouster was rejected by his faction.

Pacquiao, once a close ally of Duterte, had said more than 10 billion pesos ($200 million) in pandemic aid intended for poor families was unaccounted for, adding this was just one discovery in his planned corruption investigation.

His anti-corruption crusade comes as the Senate has opened an investigation into alleged overpricing of medical supplies and equipment purchased under the government’s pandemic response programme.

Duterte challenged Pacquiao to name corrupt government offices to prove that the boxer was not just politicking ahead of the election.

Pacquiao countered by warning of jail for corrupt government officials: "Your time is up!"

Boxing star Manny Pacquiao said on Sunday he will run for president of the Philippines next year, after railing against corruption in government and what he calls President Rodrigo Duterte's cozy relationship with China.

Boxing star Manny Pacquiao said on Sunday he will run for president of the Philippines next year, after railing against corruption in government and what he calls President Rodrigo Duterte's cozy relationship with China. Pacquiao accepted the nomination of his political allies during the national assembly of the faction he leads in the ruling PDP-Laban Party, days after a rival faction nominated Duterte's long-time aide, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, as its presidential candidate. That faction nominated Duterte for vice president, a move that critics called a cynical ploy by Duterte to retain power. Go declined the nomination, but the rift between the Pacquiao and Duterte factions has escalated. "I am a fighter, and I will always be a fighter inside and outside the ring," Pacquiao, 42, a senator, said in a live-streamed speech during the assembly. "I am accepting your nomination as candidate for president of the Republic of the Philippines." Pacquiao's faction has not expressed support for Duterte's vice-presidential bid. Duterte is prohibited by the constitution from running for a second six-year term as president. One of the greatest boxers of all time and the only man to hold world titles in eight different divisions, Pacquiao was mum about his 26-year professional career. Despite his popularity, Pacquiao trails the front-runners in opinion polls that have been topped consistently by Duterte's daughter, Sara Duterte-Carpio. In July, Pacquiao was voted out as PDP-Laban leader, weeks after challenging Duterte over his position on China and record on fighting corruption, but his ouster was rejected by his faction. Pacquiao, once a close ally of Duterte, had said more than 10 billion pesos ($200 million) in pandemic aid intended for poor families was unaccounted for, adding this was just one discovery in his planned corruption investigation. His anti-corruption crusade comes as the Senate has opened an investigation into alleged overpricing of medical supplies and equipment purchased under the government’s pandemic response programme. Duterte challenged Pacquiao to name corrupt government offices to prove that the boxer was not just politicking ahead of the election. Pacquiao countered by warning of jail for corrupt government officials: "Your time is up!"

Boxer Manny Pacquiao to run for Philippine president in 2022

Fishermen and restaurant owners in Taiwan prepared for typhoon&nbsp;Chanthu&nbsp;on Saturday, tying up ships in the Harbour and preparing to close shop/

Chanthu&nbsp;was downgraded to a medium typhoon on Saturday by Taiwan's weather authorities, who said that while it would bring heavy rain and gusting winds to most of the island it was unlikely to make direct landfall.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/super-typhoon-chanthu-threatens-philippines-taiwan-412119">Also read |&nbsp;Super typhoon Chanthu threatens Philippines, Taiwan</a>

Taiwan's Central Weather Bureau said the storm, which was at one point categorised a super typhoon, was losing strength as it headed up the Bashi Channel that separates Taiwan from the Philippines.

It forecast&nbsp;Chanthu&nbsp;would skirt Taiwan's sparsely populated and mountainous east coast on Saturday night and into Sunday (September 12) morning, then head towards China's Zhejiang province and Shanghai.

Taiwanese airlines cancelled their Saturday afternoon domestic flights, though there was only limited impact on international services. The government has ordered disaster preparations in case of landslides or flooding.

Fishermen and restaurant owners in Taiwan prepared for typhoon Chanthu on Saturday, tying up ships in the Harbour and preparing to close shop/ Chanthu was downgraded to a medium typhoon on Saturday by Taiwan's weather authorities, who said that while it would bring heavy rain and gusting winds to most of the island it was unlikely to make direct landfall.

Fishermen and restaurant owners in Taiwan prepared for typhoon Chanthu on Saturday, tying up ships in the Harbour and preparing to close shop/ Chanthu was downgraded to a medium typhoon on Saturday by Taiwan's weather authorities, who said that while it would bring heavy rain and gusting winds to most of the island it was unlikely to make direct landfall. Also read | Super typhoon Chanthu threatens Philippines, Taiwan Taiwan's Central Weather Bureau said the storm, which was at one point categorised a super typhoon, was losing strength as it headed up the Bashi Channel that separates Taiwan from the Philippines. It forecast Chanthu would skirt Taiwan's sparsely populated and mountainous east coast on Saturday night and into Sunday (September 12) morning, then head towards China's Zhejiang province and Shanghai. Taiwanese airlines cancelled their Saturday afternoon domestic flights, though there was only limited impact on international services. The government has ordered disaster preparations in case of landslides or flooding.

Taiwan prepares as weakening typhoon approaches

A Philippine military plane carrying at least 92&nbsp;people,&nbsp;most of them army personnel, has crashed in the southern part of the country on Sunday, the chief of the armed forces reported.

As of now, 40 people have been rescued, and a search and rescue mission has already started in the area to save the remaining people on the plane. The death toll has risen to 45

"Responders are at the site now, we are praying we can save more lives," General Cirilito Sobejana said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/philippine-plane-with-92-people-on-board-crashes-395723">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/philippine-plane-with-92-people-on-board-crashes-395723/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

This C-130 Hercules transport aircraft crashed in Southern Philippines as&nbsp;it tried to land on Jolo island in Sulu province but missed the runway, Sobejana said.

"While transporting our troops from Cagayan de Oro (on the southern island of Mindanao), it missed the runway, trying to regain power but it didn't make it,"&nbsp;Sobejana reported.

The majority of the passengers on the plane were recent graduates of&nbsp;basic military training and were being transported for deployment to the island&nbsp;as part of a joint task force fighting terrorism in the Muslim-majority region.

A Philippine military plane carrying at least 92 people, most of them army personnel, has crashed in the southern part of the country on Sunday, the chief of the armed forces reported.

A Philippine military plane carrying at least 92 people, most of them army personnel, has crashed in the southern part of the country on Sunday, the chief of the armed forces reported. As of now, 40 people have been rescued, and a search and rescue mission has already started in the area to save the remaining people on the plane. The death toll has risen to 45 "Responders are at the site now, we are praying we can save more lives," General Cirilito Sobejana said. WATCH | This C-130 Hercules transport aircraft crashed in Southern Philippines as it tried to land on Jolo island in Sulu province but missed the runway, Sobejana said. "While transporting our troops from Cagayan de Oro (on the southern island of Mindanao), it missed the runway, trying to regain power but it didn't make it," Sobejana reported. The majority of the passengers on the plane were recent graduates of basic military training and were being transported for deployment to the island as part of a joint task force fighting terrorism in the Muslim-majority region.

Philippine military plane carrying 92 people crashes; 40 rescued, 45 dead

17 people have died after a Philippine military plane carrying at least 92 people, most of them army personnel crashed in the southern part of the country on Sunday.

Philippine: Plane with 92 people on board crashes

Dozens of Muslim militants occupied a public market overnight in the southern Philippines before fleeing after a tense standoff with government forces, officials said on Saturday.&nbsp;

The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters did not take any hostage or put up resistance when army troops and police took positions at dawn on Saturday near the public market in the farming town of Datu Paglas, said military spokesman Lt Col John Paul Baldomar. &nbsp;

"They went into the market and stole food but got stuck inside when they saw that our forces have taken positions to ensure other buildings could not be threatened," he told reporters.&nbsp;

There were no immediate reports of injuries or deaths.&nbsp;

The rebel group broke off from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the largest Muslim rebel group in the south, after it entered into peace talks and later signed a Muslim autonomy deal with the government in 2014. The breakaway guerrillas have continued sporadic attacks and bombings, with some aligning themselves with the Islamic State group.&nbsp;

Baldomar said government forces locked down the town center, where the public market is located, and closed a highway at the height of the hours-long rebel occupation of the market. After the gunmen fled in batches following talks with local officials, soldiers found at least four homemade bombs placed by the rebels along the highway. Troops were pursuing the gunmen, he said.&nbsp;

Datu Paglas Vice Mayor Mohammad Paglas, however, gave a different account and told reporters that the mostly young Muslim rebels arrived on board five trucks in the town center on Friday to rest and mark the holy fasting month of Ramzan. He added some of the gunmen have relatives in the town in predominantly Muslim Maguindanao province.&nbsp;

"A big number of gunmen arrived and told us they just wanted to take rest since it's Ramzan. We allowed them," Paglas said.&nbsp;

When troops and police, some on board armored personnel carriers, arrived, the rebels were forced to retreat into the public market for cover but allowed people to leave the building, he said.&nbsp;

Paglas said there was an exchange of fire before the rebels fled, as requested by local officials. &nbsp;

Baldomar said some of the gunmen opened fire on civilian motorists, who were trapped along the highway. The motorists later managed to flee with the help of the military, he said.&nbsp;

Government forces have been on alert in the south, homeland of minority Muslims in the largely Roman Catholic nation, after hundreds of mostly local militants with some foreign supporters linked to the Islamic State group laid siege on southern Marawi city in 2017. &nbsp;

They took over buildings, including banks, school campuses and a hospital, before troops quelled the insurrection after five months with the help of surveillance aircraft deployed by the US and Australia. The audacious attack at the time reinforced fears that the IS was gaining a foothold in the Southeast Asia despite battle setbacks in Iraq and Syria.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Dozens of Muslim militants occupied a public market overnight in the southern Philippines before fleeing after a tense standoff with government forces, officials said on Saturday.

Dozens of Muslim militants occupied a public market overnight in the southern Philippines before fleeing after a tense standoff with government forces, officials said on Saturday. The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters did not take any hostage or put up resistance when army troops and police took positions at dawn on Saturday near the public market in the farming town of Datu Paglas, said military spokesman Lt Col John Paul Baldomar. "They went into the market and stole food but got stuck inside when they saw that our forces have taken positions to ensure other buildings could not be threatened," he told reporters. There were no immediate reports of injuries or deaths. The rebel group broke off from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the largest Muslim rebel group in the south, after it entered into peace talks and later signed a Muslim autonomy deal with the government in 2014. The breakaway guerrillas have continued sporadic attacks and bombings, with some aligning themselves with the Islamic State group. Baldomar said government forces locked down the town center, where the public market is located, and closed a highway at the height of the hours-long rebel occupation of the market. After the gunmen fled in batches following talks with local officials, soldiers found at least four homemade bombs placed by the rebels along the highway. Troops were pursuing the gunmen, he said. Datu Paglas Vice Mayor Mohammad Paglas, however, gave a different account and told reporters that the mostly young Muslim rebels arrived on board five trucks in the town center on Friday to rest and mark the holy fasting month of Ramzan. He added some of the gunmen have relatives in the town in predominantly Muslim Maguindanao province. "A big number of gunmen arrived and told us they just wanted to take rest since it's Ramzan. We allowed them," Paglas said. When troops and police, some on board armored personnel carriers, arrived, the rebels were forced to retreat into the public market for cover but allowed people to leave the building, he said. Paglas said there was an exchange of fire before the rebels fled, as requested by local officials. Baldomar said some of the gunmen opened fire on civilian motorists, who were trapped along the highway. The motorists later managed to flee with the help of the military, he said. Government forces have been on alert in the south, homeland of minority Muslims in the largely Roman Catholic nation, after hundreds of mostly local militants with some foreign supporters linked to the Islamic State group laid siege on southern Marawi city in 2017. They took over buildings, including banks, school campuses and a hospital, before troops quelled the insurrection after five months with the help of surveillance aircraft deployed by the US and Australia. The audacious attack at the time reinforced fears that the IS was gaining a foothold in the Southeast Asia despite battle setbacks in Iraq and Syria. (With inputs from agencies)

Philippine troops drive away armed rebels from public market 

Human rights groups called on the Philippine government to investigate what they said was the use of "lethal force" during police raids on Sunday that left at least nine activists dead.

The raids in four provinces south of Manila resulted in the death of an environmental activist as well as a coordinator of left-wing group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, among others, and resulted in the arrest of four others, activist groups said.

"These raids appear to be part of a coordinated plan by the authorities to raid, arrest, and even kill activists in their homes and offices," Human Rights Watch Deputy Asia Director Phil Robertson said in a statement.

These incidents, he said, were "clearly part of the government`s increasingly brutal counter-insurgency campaign."

"The fundamental problem is (that) this campaign no longer makes any distinction between armed rebels and noncombatant activists, labour leaders, and rights defenders."

The United Nations has warned in a report that "red-tagging", or labelling people and groups as communists or terrorists, and incitement to violence have been rife in the Southeast Asian nation.

"The Philippines government should act now to investigate the use of lethal force in these raids, stop the mayhem and killings that has gone hand in hand with the practice of red-tagging," Robertson said.

Sunday`s raids, which human rights group Karapatan condemned, came two days after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the police and military to "kill" communist rebels and "ignore human rights".

"Nothing could be more apt than calling this day a ‘Bloody Sunday,’" Karapatan`s Cristina Palabay said.

Lieutenant General Antonio Parlade, head of an anti-rebel task force, told Reuters the raids were "legitimate law enforcement operations", and authorities acted on the basis of search warrants for possession of firearms and explosives.

"As usual these groups are so quick in assuming that the subjects were activists and that they were killed. If (the) motive was to kill them they should all be dead but there were those who did not resist arrest so they were collared," Parlade told Reuters in a phone message.

Human rights groups called on the Philippine government to investigate what they said was the use of "lethal force" during police raids on Sunday that left at least nine activists dead.

Human rights groups called on the Philippine government to investigate what they said was the use of "lethal force" during police raids on Sunday that left at least nine activists dead. The raids in four provinces south of Manila resulted in the death of an environmental activist as well as a coordinator of left-wing group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, among others, and resulted in the arrest of four others, activist groups said. "These raids appear to be part of a coordinated plan by the authorities to raid, arrest, and even kill activists in their homes and offices," Human Rights Watch Deputy Asia Director Phil Robertson said in a statement. These incidents, he said, were "clearly part of the government`s increasingly brutal counter-insurgency campaign." "The fundamental problem is (that) this campaign no longer makes any distinction between armed rebels and noncombatant activists, labour leaders, and rights defenders." The United Nations has warned in a report that "red-tagging", or labelling people and groups as communists or terrorists, and incitement to violence have been rife in the Southeast Asian nation. "The Philippines government should act now to investigate the use of lethal force in these raids, stop the mayhem and killings that has gone hand in hand with the practice of red-tagging," Robertson said. Sunday`s raids, which human rights group Karapatan condemned, came two days after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the police and military to "kill" communist rebels and "ignore human rights". "Nothing could be more apt than calling this day a ‘Bloody Sunday,’" Karapatan`s Cristina Palabay said. Lieutenant General Antonio Parlade, head of an anti-rebel task force, told Reuters the raids were "legitimate law enforcement operations", and authorities acted on the basis of search warrants for possession of firearms and explosives. "As usual these groups are so quick in assuming that the subjects were activists and that they were killed. If (the) motive was to kill them they should all be dead but there were those who did not resist arrest so they were collared," Parlade told Reuters in a phone message.

Rights groups call for investigation into killings of Philippine activists

Indonesian police on Wednesday shot down two Indonesian militants linked to 2019 Philippine church blast, said the authorities. The officers arrested scores of pro-Islamic State radicals. Indonesia's counter-terrorism squad Densus 88, raided a hideout of Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD), an extremist group. The hideout was located in Makassar city on Sulawesi island.

Two suspects were gunned down when they "resisted arrest" and attacked officers, police said, adding that a third suspect suffered gunshot injuries and was being treated in hospital.&nbsp;

Another 17 militants were detained.&nbsp;

The police said later on Wednesday that two dead suspects were linked to financing Philippines's worst terror attack in years. The bombing had killed 21 and injured many in 2019.

The pair were later identified as an Indonesian militant and his wife.&nbsp;

"The two were involved in transferring money to the bombers of the church in Jolo, Philippines," national police spokesman Ahmad Ramadhan told reporters, without elaborating.&nbsp;

In early 2019, two explosions ripped through a Catholic church on the Philippines' Muslim-majority island of Jolo, killing worshippers at Sunday mass and security forces -- raising fears about growing links between militants in Southeast Asia.&nbsp;

IS claimed responsibility for the cathedral blast, saying two suicide bombers detonated explosive belts.&nbsp;

The Jolo attack was carried out days after voters approved expanding Muslim self-rule in the south aimed at ending a decades-old rebellion for independence or autonomy for the sizeable Islamic minority of the mainly Catholic Philippines.&nbsp;

(With AFP inputs)

Indonesian police on Wednesday shot down two Indonesian militants linked to 2019 Philippine church blast, said the authorities. The officers arrested scores of pro-Islamic State radicals.

Indonesian police on Wednesday shot down two Indonesian militants linked to 2019 Philippine church blast, said the authorities. The officers arrested scores of pro-Islamic State radicals. Indonesia's counter-terrorism squad Densus 88, raided a hideout of Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD), an extremist group. The hideout was located in Makassar city on Sulawesi island. Two suspects were gunned down when they "resisted arrest" and attacked officers, police said, adding that a third suspect suffered gunshot injuries and was being treated in hospital. Another 17 militants were detained. The police said later on Wednesday that two dead suspects were linked to financing Philippines's worst terror attack in years. The bombing had killed 21 and injured many in 2019. The pair were later identified as an Indonesian militant and his wife. "The two were involved in transferring money to the bombers of the church in Jolo, Philippines," national police spokesman Ahmad Ramadhan told reporters, without elaborating. In early 2019, two explosions ripped through a Catholic church on the Philippines' Muslim-majority island of Jolo, killing worshippers at Sunday mass and security forces -- raising fears about growing links between militants in Southeast Asia. IS claimed responsibility for the cathedral blast, saying two suicide bombers detonated explosive belts. The Jolo attack was carried out days after voters approved expanding Muslim self-rule in the south aimed at ending a decades-old rebellion for independence or autonomy for the sizeable Islamic minority of the mainly Catholic Philippines. (With AFP inputs)

Indonesian police gun down two militants linked to 2019 Philippine church bombing

The world has been under lockdowns and quarantines for almost a year now. Some have been arrested for staging anti-lockdown protests, but the most unlucky incident has happened to a Philippine man who has been fined for breaking a quarantine for merely eight seconds.

Taiwan has one fo the strictest&nbsp;quarantine rules in the world with a heavy fine amount for those who breach the quarantine restrictions. This Philippine man has been fined with&nbsp;around $3,600 (100,000 Taiwanese dollars) after he was caught coming out of his isolation room.

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He was staying in a room at a quarantine hotel in&nbsp;Taiwan's Kaohsiung as a part of the mandatory isolation period. When he stepped out for a brief period of time, he was caught on a surveillance camera. The man can be spotted leaving his room without permission and is then joined by another friend of his who was also in isolation.

The two can be seen trying to maintain social distancing. The man fined can also be seen stepping out only to keep something on the table which the other person was supposed to pick up.&nbsp;

However, this mere breach of eight seconds has cost too much for this offender. It is not clear, yet, if the second offender has also faced a fine.

The video footage has ben circulated to the local media channels by the&nbsp;Kaohsiung Department of Health.

The world has been under lockdowns and quarantines for almost a year now. Some have been arrested for staging anti-lockdown protests, but the most unlucky incident has happened to a Philippine man who has been fined for breaking a quarantine for merely eight seconds.

The world has been under lockdowns and quarantines for almost a year now. Some have been arrested for staging anti-lockdown protests, but the most unlucky incident has happened to a Philippine man who has been fined for breaking a quarantine for merely eight seconds. Taiwan has one fo the strictest quarantine rules in the world with a heavy fine amount for those who breach the quarantine restrictions. This Philippine man has been fined with around $3,600 (100,000 Taiwanese dollars) after he was caught coming out of his isolation room. × He was staying in a room at a quarantine hotel in Taiwan's Kaohsiung as a part of the mandatory isolation period. When he stepped out for a brief period of time, he was caught on a surveillance camera. The man can be spotted leaving his room without permission and is then joined by another friend of his who was also in isolation. The two can be seen trying to maintain social distancing. The man fined can also be seen stepping out only to keep something on the table which the other person was supposed to pick up. However, this mere breach of eight seconds has cost too much for this offender. It is not clear, yet, if the second offender has also faced a fine. The video footage has ben circulated to the local media channels by the Kaohsiung Department of Health.

WATCH| Philippine man fined $3,600 for 8-second quarantine breach in Taiwan

Manila city Mayor Isko Moreno feels insulted. Calling the mislabeling an attack on the Philippine sovereignty, he clarified that&nbsp;he is not the Governor of China but the Mayor of Manila.

Moreno&nbsp;has shut down four stores that sold the Ashley Shine hair care product. Now, he is asking the government to deport all Chinese citizens who are importing such strangely-labelled products and selling them in his city.

Mayor Isko Moreno is very popular in the Philippines. He is even seen as a Presidential candidate for 2022 elections. So, his posts lit up the social media platforms and a hashtag of #ProvinceOfChina began to trend.

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Filippinos started noticing many more Ashley Shine products carrying labels listing Manila as a province of China. That prompted other politicians to join the battle.

Lawmaker Jericho Nograles started shooting off letters to authorities. He has called for blacklisting of the Chinese manufacturer and&nbsp;termed the mislabeling a repulsive offense against the Philippines.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/philippines-dual-bomb-blast-two-female-suicide-attackers-carried-bomb-blasts-323209">Also read|&nbsp;Philippines dual bomb blast, Two female suicide attackers carried bomb blasts</a>

The Mayor Isko Moreno wants criminal charges filed against the distributor Elegant Fumes Beauty Products.

The Presidential office is portraying the incident as being trivial — something that doesn't deserve the attention of the President Rodrigo Duterte. His spokesperson said "no one believes we are a province of China."

However, the Filipinos have always been angered by Chinese actions, and especially China's illegal claims over the Philippine territories in the South China sea.

Also, previously, textile products have identified Philippine cities as part of China. A geotag on Facebook and Instagram once displayed: the Philippines, the province of China.

It is not a matter of belief, but perception. A perception that China is out to get the Philippines and&nbsp;that the government&nbsp;is not standing up to it. The Filipinos believe this mislabeling is yet another attempt of China to mess with their minds.

Manila city Mayor Isko Moreno feels insulted. Calling the mislabeling an attack on the Philippine sovereignty, he clarified that he is not the Governor of China but the Mayor of Manila.

Manila city Mayor Isko Moreno feels insulted. Calling the mislabeling an attack on the Philippine sovereignty, he clarified that he is not the Governor of China but the Mayor of Manila. Moreno has shut down four stores that sold the Ashley Shine hair care product. Now, he is asking the government to deport all Chinese citizens who are importing such strangely-labelled products and selling them in his city. Mayor Isko Moreno is very popular in the Philippines. He is even seen as a Presidential candidate for 2022 elections. So, his posts lit up the social media platforms and a hashtag of #ProvinceOfChina began to trend. Filippinos started noticing many more Ashley Shine products carrying labels listing Manila as a province of China. That prompted other politicians to join the battle. Lawmaker Jericho Nograles started shooting off letters to authorities. He has called for blacklisting of the Chinese manufacturer and termed the mislabeling a repulsive offense against the Philippines. Also read| Philippines dual bomb blast, Two female suicide attackers carried bomb blasts The Mayor Isko Moreno wants criminal charges filed against the distributor Elegant Fumes Beauty Products. The Presidential office is portraying the incident as being trivial — something that doesn't deserve the attention of the President Rodrigo Duterte. His spokesperson said "no one believes we are a province of China." However, the Filipinos have always been angered by Chinese actions, and especially China's illegal claims over the Philippine territories in the South China sea. Also, previously, textile products have identified Philippine cities as part of China. A geotag on Facebook and Instagram once displayed: the Philippines, the province of China. It is not a matter of belief, but perception. A perception that China is out to get the Philippines and that the government is not standing up to it. The Filipinos believe this mislabeling is yet another attempt of China to mess with their minds.

'Governor of Manila, not China': Isko Moreno's statement takes over Twitter with #ProvinceOfChina

Twin blasts including a suicide bombing killed 14 people and wounded 74 others on a restive southern Philippine island on Monday, among them security forces and civilians, with Islamist militants suspected of being behind the attack.

Philippines dual bomb blast, Two female suicide attackers carried bomb blasts

A mutation of the novel coronavirus increasingly common throughout Europe and recently detected in Malaysia may be more infectious but appears less deadly, according to a prominent infectious diseases doctor. 
&nbsp; 
Paul Tambyah, senior consultant at the National University of Singapore and president-elect of the US-based International Society of Infectious Diseases, said the D614G mutation has also been found in Singapore. 
&nbsp; 
The city-state's health ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 
&nbsp; 
Tambyah said there is evidence the proliferation of the mutation in Europe has coincided with a drop in death rates, suggesting it is less lethal. 
&nbsp; 
The mutation is not likely to impact the efficacy of a potential vaccine, despite warnings to the contrary from other health experts, he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-new-strain-of-coronavirus-10-times-more-infectious-found-321114">Also read|&nbsp;Malaysia: New strain of coronavirus, 10 times more infectious found</a>

"Maybe that's a good thing to have a virus that is more infectious but less deadly," Tambyah told Reuters. 
&nbsp; 
Tambyah said most viruses tend to become less virulent as they mutate. 
&nbsp; 
"It is in the virus' interest to infect more people but not to kill them because a virus depends on the host for food and for shelter," he said. 
&nbsp; 
Scientists discovered the mutation as early as February and it has circulated in Europe and the Americas, the World Health Organization said. The WHO has also said there is no evidence the mutation has led to more severe disease. 
&nbsp; 
On Sunday, Malaysia's director-general of health Noor Hisham Abdullah urged greater public vigilance after authorities detected what they believe was the D614G mutation of the coronavirus in two recent clusters. 
&nbsp; 
Noor Hisham said the new strain detected was 10 times more infectious and that vaccines currently in development may not be effective against this mutation. 
&nbsp; 
But Tambyah said such mutations would not likely change the virus enough to make potential vaccines less effective. 
&nbsp; 
"The mutant affects the binding of the spike protein and not necessarily the recognition of the protein by the immune system, which would be primed by a vaccine," he said.

A mutation of the novel coronavirus increasingly common throughout Europe and recently detected in Malaysia may be more infectious but appears less deadly, according to a prominent infectious diseases doctor.

A mutation of the novel coronavirus increasingly common throughout Europe and recently detected in Malaysia may be more infectious but appears less deadly, according to a prominent infectious diseases doctor. Paul Tambyah, senior consultant at the National University of Singapore and president-elect of the US-based International Society of Infectious Diseases, said the D614G mutation has also been found in Singapore. The city-state's health ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Tambyah said there is evidence the proliferation of the mutation in Europe has coincided with a drop in death rates, suggesting it is less lethal. The mutation is not likely to impact the efficacy of a potential vaccine, despite warnings to the contrary from other health experts, he added. Also read| Malaysia: New strain of coronavirus, 10 times more infectious found "Maybe that's a good thing to have a virus that is more infectious but less deadly," Tambyah told Reuters. Tambyah said most viruses tend to become less virulent as they mutate. "It is in the virus' interest to infect more people but not to kill them because a virus depends on the host for food and for shelter," he said. Scientists discovered the mutation as early as February and it has circulated in Europe and the Americas, the World Health Organization said. The WHO has also said there is no evidence the mutation has led to more severe disease. On Sunday, Malaysia's director-general of health Noor Hisham Abdullah urged greater public vigilance after authorities detected what they believe was the D614G mutation of the coronavirus in two recent clusters. Noor Hisham said the new strain detected was 10 times more infectious and that vaccines currently in development may not be effective against this mutation. But Tambyah said such mutations would not likely change the virus enough to make potential vaccines less effective. "The mutant affects the binding of the spike protein and not necessarily the recognition of the protein by the immune system, which would be primed by a vaccine," he said.

Infectious COVID-19 mutation may be 'a good thing', says disease expert

Philippine navy chief has called for a diplomatic protests against the two Chinese research ships that have been present in the disputed area of the South China Sea for the last few days.

Vice-Admiral Giovanni Bacordo spotted the research ships in the Reed Bank area of the sea about a week back. He believes the ships have been maintaining a speed of&nbsp;“about three knots”, through which his unit has concluded that the ships are conducting surveys without permission.

“We have checked if they have clearance to be there. We found out there is none.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-making-claims-in-south-china-sea-but-we-cannot-go-to-war-says-mahathir-mohamad-to-wion-318909">Also read|&nbsp;China making claims in South China Sea but we cannot go to war, says Mahathir Mohamad to WION</a>

Bacordo has confirmed that his unit has already reported the incident “We have reported this [to the Armed Forces Chief and the Department of National Defence] already … and request the filing of a diplomatic protest,” he told the local media.

The area that the ships have been spotted in is an energy rich area which Philippines claims falls under its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and has been proved right by&nbsp;Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague in 2016.

However, China has time and again declined the claim and has stood against the claim by disputing the economic rights to the area.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-china-sea-should-not-be-wrestling-ground-for-international-politics-says-china-318478">Also read|&nbsp;South China Sea should not be wrestling ground for international politics, says China</a>

The statement by Bacordo was issued a day after the Philippine Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jnr claimed “as far as I know we’ve stopped all marine surveys by foreign ships because, while they follow the rule that (any survey) must contain Filipino scientific crew...(our crews are treated) like mushrooms: fed on (muck) and kept in the dark.”

In addition to this, Bacordo has also accused the Chinese ships of forcing the Philippines navy to take the forst aggressive step, which his unit has successfully avoided till now.&nbsp;

“The way I analyse it, in our dispute in that area, the first one to fire the shot becomes the loser. So they will do everything for us to take aggressive action. But we have to be patient with that,” he said.

“I’m sure they want us to take the first shot but we will not. Any navy who fires the first shot in that area will lose international support. That includes all the navies patrolling in that area.

“We have to exercise maximum tolerance. There are some activities … that once you do it, you can no longer take it back, and that is firing the first shot.”

There has been no statement by the Chinese side yet.

Philippine navy chief has called for a diplomatic protests against the two Chinese research ships that have been present in the disputed area of the South China Sea for the last few days.

Philippine navy chief has called for a diplomatic protests against the two Chinese research ships that have been present in the disputed area of the South China Sea for the last few days. Vice-Admiral Giovanni Bacordo spotted the research ships in the Reed Bank area of the sea about a week back. He believes the ships have been maintaining a speed of “about three knots”, through which his unit has concluded that the ships are conducting surveys without permission. “We have checked if they have clearance to be there. We found out there is none.” Also read| China making claims in South China Sea but we cannot go to war, says Mahathir Mohamad to WION Bacordo has confirmed that his unit has already reported the incident “We have reported this [to the Armed Forces Chief and the Department of National Defence] already … and request the filing of a diplomatic protest,” he told the local media. The area that the ships have been spotted in is an energy rich area which Philippines claims falls under its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and has been proved right by Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague in 2016. However, China has time and again declined the claim and has stood against the claim by disputing the economic rights to the area. Also read| South China Sea should not be wrestling ground for international politics, says China The statement by Bacordo was issued a day after the Philippine Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jnr claimed “as far as I know we’ve stopped all marine surveys by foreign ships because, while they follow the rule that (any survey) must contain Filipino scientific crew...(our crews are treated) like mushrooms: fed on (muck) and kept in the dark.” In addition to this, Bacordo has also accused the Chinese ships of forcing the Philippines navy to take the forst aggressive step, which his unit has successfully avoided till now. “The way I analyse it, in our dispute in that area, the first one to fire the shot becomes the loser. So they will do everything for us to take aggressive action. But we have to be patient with that,” he said. “I’m sure they want us to take the first shot but we will not. Any navy who fires the first shot in that area will lose international support. That includes all the navies patrolling in that area. “We have to exercise maximum tolerance. There are some activities … that once you do it, you can no longer take it back, and that is firing the first shot.” There has been no statement by the Chinese side yet.

Philippine navy chief calls diplomatic protest against Chinese ‘provocation’ in South China Sea

German payment group Wirecard recently announced that&nbsp;1.9 billion Euros ($2.13 billion) earlier counted in foreign accounts "was never there". While this information came as a big shock, the latest developments in the case are even more shocking.

It has now been announced on Saturday by&nbsp;Philippines Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra that&nbsp;Wirecard's former chief operating officer Jan Marsalek did not arrive on the island, as it was earlier documented.

It has been revealed that the immigration documents for Marsalek entering&nbsp;in the Philippines on June 23 and departing for China the next day were falsified.

The officials who are suspects of falsifying this information have been fired from the job and are under investigation, as of now.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/total-disaster-after-germanys-wirecard-claims-21b-was-never-there-307680">Also read:&nbsp;'Total disaster' after Germany's Wirecard claims $2.1b was 'never there'</a>

"The investigation has now turned to persons who made the false entries in the database, their motives and their cohorts," Guevarra told reporters.

However, he added, "Notwithstanding the Bureau of Immigration report, I do not totally discount the possibility that Marsalek may be in the Philippines. We are an island country, and there are backdoors through which undocumented foreigners may slip through," he said.

Marsalek has an arrest warrant issued on his name, but he has been in hiding since the day the warrant was issued. Warrants were issued against ex-CEO Markus Braun and Marsalek on June 22. While Braun turned himself in that day, Marsalek disappeared without a trace and has not made any known contact since then.

The warrants have been issued for the investigation against the&nbsp;missing money and the alleged global fraud that took place through Wirecard.

Marsalek's lawyer has declined all requests for comment.

German payment group Wirecard recently announced that 1.9 billion Euros ($2.13 billion) earlier counted in foreign accounts "was never there". While this information came as a big shock, the latest developments in the case are even more shocking.

German payment group Wirecard recently announced that 1.9 billion Euros ($2.13 billion) earlier counted in foreign accounts "was never there". While this information came as a big shock, the latest developments in the case are even more shocking. It has now been announced on Saturday by Philippines Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra that Wirecard's former chief operating officer Jan Marsalek did not arrive on the island, as it was earlier documented. It has been revealed that the immigration documents for Marsalek entering in the Philippines on June 23 and departing for China the next day were falsified. The officials who are suspects of falsifying this information have been fired from the job and are under investigation, as of now. Also read: 'Total disaster' after Germany's Wirecard claims $2.1b was 'never there' "The investigation has now turned to persons who made the false entries in the database, their motives and their cohorts," Guevarra told reporters. However, he added, "Notwithstanding the Bureau of Immigration report, I do not totally discount the possibility that Marsalek may be in the Philippines. We are an island country, and there are backdoors through which undocumented foreigners may slip through," he said. Marsalek has an arrest warrant issued on his name, but he has been in hiding since the day the warrant was issued. Warrants were issued against ex-CEO Markus Braun and Marsalek on June 22. While Braun turned himself in that day, Marsalek disappeared without a trace and has not made any known contact since then. The warrants have been issued for the investigation against the missing money and the alleged global fraud that took place through Wirecard. Marsalek's lawyer has declined all requests for comment.

Wirecard fraud: Ex-COO Marsalek's immigration papers in Philippines were faked

The Philippines' iconic and notoriously packed and polluting jeepneys were back on the road in the capital's thoroughfares for the first time on Friday (July 3) following the government's further easing of measures to revive an economy squeezed by the coronavirus pandemic.

Iconic jeepneys back on the road in Philippine capital

Millions of people woke up confused, confined and frustrated in the Philippines on Tuesday, as a sweeping home quarantine order kicked in with just a few hours of warning, and Southeast Asia prepared tighter measures against a surge in coronavirus cases.

With many unaware that half the population of 107 million had been told to stay home for a month, stranded workers crowded checkpoints on the edges of Manila as vehicles tried to duck suspensions and police impounded taxis that were still running.

<img alt="Lockdown in Philippine due to coronavirus" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="566b7619-b685-4f6e-82df-5cd69c0b2039" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%2862%29.jpg" />

"I need to make a living for my family," said Albert Santos, 42, the driver of a passenger jeep, adding that he would try to make as much money before being forced to stop.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-detects-bird-flu-outbreak-in-quail-farm-286649">Philippines detects bird flu outbreak in quail farm</a>

"I can't stop or they have nothing to eat."

The Philippines is the first regional nation to take such drastic steps against the virus, which President Rodrigo Duterte described as "the fight of our lives", after deeming existing curbs on movement and gatherings insufficient.

In just 10 days, virus infections in the Philippines climbed to 142 from three, with 12 deaths.

Also see:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-prohibits-passengers-from-afghanistan-philippines-and-malaysia-over-coronavirus-286890"> India prohibits passengers from Afghanistan, Philippines and Malaysia over coronavirus</a>

Malaysia will follow suit from Wednesday, closing borders, schools and most businesses, while restricting internal movement, after a daily jump of 125 cases to 553, nearly two-thirds of them linked to a major event at a mosque.

<img alt="Lockdown in Philippine due to covid-19" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2b4f0180-40c6-43cd-96d9-e8e59eabdd6d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%2863%29.jpg" />

Cambodia's infections doubled to 24 on Tuesday and Thailand reported 30 new ones, taking its tally to 177, for a nearly threefold jump in a week. The regional trend casts more doubt on the view that warmer weather might stem the spread.

Thailand's cabinet agreed on Tuesday to close schools, cinemas, bars and entertainment centres, and postpone next month's festivities for New Year in the mainly Buddhist nation.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-duterte-announces-lockdown-of-manila-to-fight-coronavirus-285944">Philippines' Duterte announces 'lockdown' of Manila to fight coronavirus</a>

Manila's usually busy business areas were almost deserted on the first morning of home quarantine, with only delivery trucks, police patrols and occasional private vehicles on the roads.

City workers in protective suits disinfected public areas, security guards sat outside banks and convenience stores and workers trickled home after night shifts at call centres and medical clinics, among the few exemptions to Duterte's curbs.

QUARANTINE? WHAT QUARANTINE?

Many shift workers were stranded after transport was suspended. Police pulled over dozens of taxis, with drivers - and many commuters - unaware of the new quarantine measures, announced on Monday afternoon and only clarified late at night.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-duterte-to-declare-public-health-emergency-to-combat-coronavirus-284922">Philippines' Duterte to declare public health emergency to combat coronavirus</a>

"I need to work. I don't get paid if I don't show up," said Sheila Reyes, 24, as she waited hopefully for a ride to a factory, some of which are allowed to operate.

"If I have to, I'll walk to work."

<img alt="Lockdown in Philippine due to covid-19" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d52ed4c3-1d46-49c7-8131-e576e4b8ba5f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%2864%29.jpg" />

The measures widen a lockdown since Friday that brought immigration limits, curfews, closures of schools and malls, bans on gatherings, social distancing, and restrictions on movement for the capital.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-pandemic-governments-across-the-world-shutting-down-offices-for-disinfection-286000">Coronavirus pandemic: Governments across the world shutting down offices for disinfection</a>

The Philippines suspended financial markets on Tuesday, the first trading shutdown in a world struggling to rein in the virus. Malaysia postponed a meeting this week of APEC finance officials.

Philippine authorities said international airports in Manila and Clark would be closed to citizens, amid an expected exodus of foreigners before the expiry of a 72-hour deadline to leave.

Teething troubles from the quarantine were inevitable and stranded people would receive help to get home and stay there, said Jonathan Malaya, an interior ministry official.

Watch: Coronavirus Outbreak: Philippines presser on nCoV

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-outbreak-philippines-presser-on-ncov-278257/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"As expected, there still are people uninformed on last night's announcement," he said. "We have some kinks to fix ... it will normalise once people understand that they really need to stay home."

In Bangkok's Patpong area, famed for racy nightlife and counterfeit handbags, bar owners and workers said they were already suffering from the virus effect, and mandatory closures were probably for the best.

"We have to follow the government's measures," said one bar worker, Kornpisit Kutakorn. "We have to do this for the common interest."

Millions of people woke up confused, confined and frustrated in the Philippines on Tuesday, as a sweeping home quarantine order kicked in with just a few hours of warning, and Southeast Asia prepared tighter measures against a surge in coronavirus cases.

Millions of people woke up confused, confined and frustrated in the Philippines on Tuesday, as a sweeping home quarantine order kicked in with just a few hours of warning, and Southeast Asia prepared tighter measures against a surge in coronavirus cases. With many unaware that half the population of 107 million had been told to stay home for a month, stranded workers crowded checkpoints on the edges of Manila as vehicles tried to duck suspensions and police impounded taxis that were still running. "I need to make a living for my family," said Albert Santos, 42, the driver of a passenger jeep, adding that he would try to make as much money before being forced to stop. Also read: Philippines detects bird flu outbreak in quail farm "I can't stop or they have nothing to eat." The Philippines is the first regional nation to take such drastic steps against the virus, which President Rodrigo Duterte described as "the fight of our lives", after deeming existing curbs on movement and gatherings insufficient. In just 10 days, virus infections in the Philippines climbed to 142 from three, with 12 deaths. Also see: India prohibits passengers from Afghanistan, Philippines and Malaysia over coronavirus Malaysia will follow suit from Wednesday, closing borders, schools and most businesses, while restricting internal movement, after a daily jump of 125 cases to 553, nearly two-thirds of them linked to a major event at a mosque. Cambodia's infections doubled to 24 on Tuesday and Thailand reported 30 new ones, taking its tally to 177, for a nearly threefold jump in a week. The regional trend casts more doubt on the view that warmer weather might stem the spread. Thailand's cabinet agreed on Tuesday to close schools, cinemas, bars and entertainment centres, and postpone next month's festivities for New Year in the mainly Buddhist nation. Also read: Philippines' Duterte announces 'lockdown' of Manila to fight coronavirus Manila's usually busy business areas were almost deserted on the first morning of home quarantine, with only delivery trucks, police patrols and occasional private vehicles on the roads. City workers in protective suits disinfected public areas, security guards sat outside banks and convenience stores and workers trickled home after night shifts at call centres and medical clinics, among the few exemptions to Duterte's curbs. QUARANTINE? WHAT QUARANTINE? Many shift workers were stranded after transport was suspended. Police pulled over dozens of taxis, with drivers - and many commuters - unaware of the new quarantine measures, announced on Monday afternoon and only clarified late at night. Also see: Philippines' Duterte to declare public health emergency to combat coronavirus "I need to work. I don't get paid if I don't show up," said Sheila Reyes, 24, as she waited hopefully for a ride to a factory, some of which are allowed to operate. "If I have to, I'll walk to work." The measures widen a lockdown since Friday that brought immigration limits, curfews, closures of schools and malls, bans on gatherings, social distancing, and restrictions on movement for the capital. Also read: Coronavirus pandemic: Governments across the world shutting down offices for disinfection The Philippines suspended financial markets on Tuesday, the first trading shutdown in a world struggling to rein in the virus. Malaysia postponed a meeting this week of APEC finance officials. Philippine authorities said international airports in Manila and Clark would be closed to citizens, amid an expected exodus of foreigners before the expiry of a 72-hour deadline to leave. Teething troubles from the quarantine were inevitable and stranded people would receive help to get home and stay there, said Jonathan Malaya, an interior ministry official. Watch: Coronavirus Outbreak: Philippines presser on nCoV "As expected, there still are people uninformed on last night's announcement," he said. "We have some kinks to fix ... it will normalise once people understand that they really need to stay home." In Bangkok's Patpong area, famed for racy nightlife and counterfeit handbags, bar owners and workers said they were already suffering from the virus effect, and mandatory closures were probably for the best. "We have to follow the government's measures," said one bar worker, Kornpisit Kutakorn. "We have to do this for the common interest."

Confusion, concern as locked-down Philippines starts coronavirus quarantine

Vehicles entering the Philippine capital were stuck in kilometer-long queues Monday at checkpoints enforcing a quarantine aimed at curbing the nation's rising coronavirus cases.

Despite a halt on domestic travel to and from the capital, shuttered malls and curfews, workers as well as provisions were still being allowed in via police and military checkpoints.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-duterte-announces-lockdown-of-manila-to-fight-coronavirus-285944">Philippines' Duterte announces 'lockdown' of Manila to fight coronavirus</a>

Manila's population of some 12 million swells daily with an army of laborers who commute to work on packed buses from its relatively cheaper suburbs. &nbsp;

"I am fine with it because it is for the safety of everyone," said 47-year-old truck driver Pablito Elipien, who is used to the capital's notorious gridlock.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-pandemic-governments-across-the-world-shutting-down-offices-for-disinfection-286000">Coronavirus pandemic: Governments across the world shutting down offices for disinfection</a>

Though the Philippines has detected a fraction of the infections seen in hot spots such as China and Italy, its confirmed cases have jumped to 140, with 12 deaths.

President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the capital sealed off to domestic travel from Sunday, and by Monday the city's malls centers of life in the country were opting to shut down.

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Local leaders were also to begin imposing night-time curfews in some areas to encourage people to stay home, and "large" masses have been called off in the Catholic-majority nation's capital.

For the workers stuck in the checkpoint queues, delay and discomfort are facts of life for their commutes into the city, which take hours on a normal day.

"It's (checkpoints) not really an inconvenience as long as you have the necessary documents," said Virgilio Aniceto, 51, a construction worker.

Vehicles entering the Philippine capital were stuck in kilometer-long queues Monday at checkpoints enforcing a quarantine aimed at curbing the nation's rising coronavirus cases.

Vehicles entering the Philippine capital were stuck in kilometer-long queues Monday at checkpoints enforcing a quarantine aimed at curbing the nation's rising coronavirus cases. Despite a halt on domestic travel to and from the capital, shuttered malls and curfews, workers as well as provisions were still being allowed in via police and military checkpoints. Also read: Philippines' Duterte announces 'lockdown' of Manila to fight coronavirus Manila's population of some 12 million swells daily with an army of laborers who commute to work on packed buses from its relatively cheaper suburbs. "I am fine with it because it is for the safety of everyone," said 47-year-old truck driver Pablito Elipien, who is used to the capital's notorious gridlock. Also see: Coronavirus pandemic: Governments across the world shutting down offices for disinfection Though the Philippines has detected a fraction of the infections seen in hot spots such as China and Italy, its confirmed cases have jumped to 140, with 12 deaths. President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the capital sealed off to domestic travel from Sunday, and by Monday the city's malls centers of life in the country were opting to shut down. × Local leaders were also to begin imposing night-time curfews in some areas to encourage people to stay home, and "large" masses have been called off in the Catholic-majority nation's capital. For the workers stuck in the checkpoint queues, delay and discomfort are facts of life for their commutes into the city, which take hours on a normal day. "It's (checkpoints) not really an inconvenience as long as you have the necessary documents," said Virgilio Aniceto, 51, a construction worker.

Checkpoint queues stretch for kilometres in Manila amid coronavirus

The Philippines has detected an outbreak of avian flu in a northern province after tests showed presence of the highly infectious H5N6 subtype of the influenza, a&nbsp;virus in a quail farm, the country's farm minister said on Monday.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar said the bird flu virus, the same strain that hit some local poultry farms in 2017, was detected in Jaen municipality in Nueva Ecija province, where about 1,500 quails had died on one farm alone.

A total of 12,000 quails have been destroyed and buried to prevent further infections, Dar said, citing field reports.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/worlds-smallest-dinosaurs-skull-found-encased-in-99-million-year-old-amber-285787">World's smallest dinosaur's skull found encased in 99-million-year-old amber</a>

"We are on top of the situation," he said. "Surveillance around the 1-km and 7-km radius will be carried out immediately to ensure that the disease has not progressed around the said perimeter."

Animal quarantine checkpoints have also been set up to restrict the movement of all live domestic birds to and from the quarantine area, he said.

"We would like to emphasise that this is a single case affecting one quail farm only," Dar said.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/parrots-get-probability-use-stats-to-make-choices-study-284243">Parrots get probability, use stats to make choices: Study</a>

Dr. Arlene Vytiaco, technical spokeswoman for avian flu at the agriculture department, said that while there is a possibility of transmission to humans through excretion and secretion, "the chances are very slim".

"There is also zero mortality rate," she said.

Dar said his department and the local government were jointly conducting an investigation and contact-tracing to determine the source of infection.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/fossilized-skin-of-43-million-year-old-penguin-found-in-argentina-286328">&nbsp;Fossilized skin of 43-million-year-old penguin found in Argentina</a>

To ensure steady domestic supply of poultry, he said the transport of day-old chicks, hatching eggs and chicken meat will be allowed provided the source farms have tested negative for bird flu.

The Philippines has detected an outbreak of avian flu in a northern province after tests showed presence of the highly infectious H5N6 subtype of the influenza, a virus in a quail farm, the country's farm minister said on Monday.

The Philippines has detected an outbreak of avian flu in a northern province after tests showed presence of the highly infectious H5N6 subtype of the influenza, a virus in a quail farm, the country's farm minister said on Monday. Agriculture Secretary William Dar said the bird flu virus, the same strain that hit some local poultry farms in 2017, was detected in Jaen municipality in Nueva Ecija province, where about 1,500 quails had died on one farm alone. A total of 12,000 quails have been destroyed and buried to prevent further infections, Dar said, citing field reports. Also see: World's smallest dinosaur's skull found encased in 99-million-year-old amber "We are on top of the situation," he said. "Surveillance around the 1-km and 7-km radius will be carried out immediately to ensure that the disease has not progressed around the said perimeter." Animal quarantine checkpoints have also been set up to restrict the movement of all live domestic birds to and from the quarantine area, he said. "We would like to emphasise that this is a single case affecting one quail farm only," Dar said. Also see: Parrots get probability, use stats to make choices: Study Dr. Arlene Vytiaco, technical spokeswoman for avian flu at the agriculture department, said that while there is a possibility of transmission to humans through excretion and secretion, "the chances are very slim". "There is also zero mortality rate," she said. Dar said his department and the local government were jointly conducting an investigation and contact-tracing to determine the source of infection. Also read: Fossilized skin of 43-million-year-old penguin found in Argentina To ensure steady domestic supply of poultry, he said the transport of day-old chicks, hatching eggs and chicken meat will be allowed provided the source farms have tested negative for bird flu.

Philippines detects bird flu outbreak in quail farm

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday announced a halt on domestic land, sea and air travel to and from Manila, as well as community quarantine measures, in what he called a "lockdown" of the capital to arrest the spread of coronavirus.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-duterte-to-declare-public-health-emergency-to-combat-coronavirus-284922"> Philippines' Duterte to declare public health emergency to combat coronavirus</a>

Duterte approved a resolution to allow a raft of containment measures including bans on mass gatherings, a month of school closures and quarantining in communities where cases are detected, as well as stopping domestic travel in and out of Manila.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-infects-100000-plus-worldwide-21-cases-found-on-ship-off-san-francisco-284865">Coronavirus infects 100,000-plus worldwide, 21 cases found on ship off San Francisco</a>

It follows confirmation on Saturday of the Philippines' first domestic transmission of the virus, which has killed two people there and infected 53.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday announced a halt on domestic land, sea and air travel to and from Manila, as well as community quarantine measures, in what he called a "lockdown" of the capital to arrest the spread of coronavirus.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday announced a halt on domestic land, sea and air travel to and from Manila, as well as community quarantine measures, in what he called a "lockdown" of the capital to arrest the spread of coronavirus. Also read: Philippines' Duterte to declare public health emergency to combat coronavirus Duterte approved a resolution to allow a raft of containment measures including bans on mass gatherings, a month of school closures and quarantining in communities where cases are detected, as well as stopping domestic travel in and out of Manila. Also see: Coronavirus infects 100,000-plus worldwide, 21 cases found on ship off San Francisco It follows confirmation on Saturday of the Philippines' first domestic transmission of the virus, which has killed two people there and infected 53.

Philippines' Duterte announces 'lockdown' of Manila to fight coronavirus

Philippine police on Monday surrounded a shopping mall in an upscale district in Manila after a gunman opened fire and took people inside hostage. The incident happened at the V-Mall in the San Juan area of the Philippine capital.

Gunman takes hostages at Manila Mall in Philippines

A volcano near the Philippine capital Manila spewed a massive cloud of ash into the sky on Sunday, forcing the precautionary evacuation of thousands of residents, authorities said.

Government seismologists recorded magma moving towards the crater of Taal, one of the country's most active volcanoes located 65 kilometres (40 miles) south of Manila.

That increases the chances of an eruption that could happen "within days to within weeks" if such activity continues, Renato&nbsp;Solidum, chief of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, told AFP.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesias-latest-tsunami-raises-global-questions-over-disaster-preparedness-187313">Taal</a>'s last eruption was in 1977, he added.

A kilometer-high column of ash was visible and several volcanic tremors were felt within the vicinity of the volcano, which is popular among tourists for its scenic view.

The local disaster office said it had evacuated over 2,000 residents living on the&nbsp;volcanic island, which lies inside a bigger lake formed by previous volcanic activity.

Solidum said officials will also order the evacuation of people living on another island nearby if the situation worsens.

Earthquakes and volcanic activity are not uncommon in the Philippines due to its position on the Pacific "Ring&nbsp;of Fire", where tectonic plates collide deep below the Earth's surface.

In January 2018, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/philippines-warns-powerful-volcanic-eruption-656">Mount Mayon</a> displaced tens of thousands of people after spewing millions of tonnes of ash, rocks, and lava in the central Bicol region.

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&nbsp;

A volcano near the Philippine capital Manila spewed a massive cloud of ash into the sky on Sunday, forcing the precautionary evacuation of thousands of residents, authorities said.

A volcano near the Philippine capital Manila spewed a massive cloud of ash into the sky on Sunday, forcing the precautionary evacuation of thousands of residents, authorities said. Government seismologists recorded magma moving towards the crater of Taal, one of the country's most active volcanoes located 65 kilometres (40 miles) south of Manila. That increases the chances of an eruption that could happen "within days to within weeks" if such activity continues, Renato Solidum, chief of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, told AFP. Taal's last eruption was in 1977, he added. A kilometer-high column of ash was visible and several volcanic tremors were felt within the vicinity of the volcano, which is popular among tourists for its scenic view. The local disaster office said it had evacuated over 2,000 residents living on the volcanic island, which lies inside a bigger lake formed by previous volcanic activity. Solidum said officials will also order the evacuation of people living on another island nearby if the situation worsens. Earthquakes and volcanic activity are not uncommon in the Philippines due to its position on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide deep below the Earth's surface. In January 2018, Mount Mayon displaced tens of thousands of people after spewing millions of tonnes of ash, rocks, and lava in the central Bicol region. ×

Thousands evacuate as Philippine volcano rumbles

The number of deaths from a powerful storm that hit the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-reaches-28-as-philippines-recovers-from-christmas-typhoon-270497">Philippines on Christmas</a> has climbed to 41, authorities said Sunday, with tens of thousands still in evacuation centres.

Typhoon Phanfone left the Philippines on Saturday after devastating several islands in the central Visayas, including popular tourist destinations, but the extent of the damage continued to grow as assessments came in.

The death toll of 41 - up from 28 on Friday - included three boat crew who died after their vessel capsized due to strong winds, a policeman electrocuted by a toppled post, and a man struck by a felled tree.

"We're hoping that there will be no more fatalities," national disaster agency spokesman Mark Timbal told AFP, with authorities still searching for 12 people missing.

The latest agency report showed over 1.6 million people were affected by the typhoon, which damaged over 260,000 houses and forced almost a hundred thousand people to flee to emergency shelters.

Many of the affected residents in the predominantly Catholic nation celebrated Christmas in evacuation centres, where they may have to stay until the New Year given the scale of destruction.

The government estimated that the storm has caused damage to agriculture and infrastructure worth $21 million.

Power lines and internet connections remain down in some areas after Phanfone's powerful wind gusts of up to 200 kilometres (124 miles) per hour toppled electric posts and trees.&nbsp;

Typhoon Phanfone, locally called Ursula, is the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/typhoon-phanfone-ruining-christmas-for-thousands-of-filipinos-270027">21st cyclone to hit</a> the storm-prone Philippines, which is the first major landmass facing the Pacific typhoon belt.

Many of the storms are deadly, and they typically wipe out harvests, homes and infrastructure, keeping millions of people perennially poor.

The number of deaths from a powerful storm that hit the Philippines on Christmas has climbed to 41, authorities said Sunday, with tens of thousands still in evacuation centres.

The number of deaths from a powerful storm that hit the Philippines on Christmas has climbed to 41, authorities said Sunday, with tens of thousands still in evacuation centres. Typhoon Phanfone left the Philippines on Saturday after devastating several islands in the central Visayas, including popular tourist destinations, but the extent of the damage continued to grow as assessments came in. The death toll of 41 - up from 28 on Friday - included three boat crew who died after their vessel capsized due to strong winds, a policeman electrocuted by a toppled post, and a man struck by a felled tree. "We're hoping that there will be no more fatalities," national disaster agency spokesman Mark Timbal told AFP, with authorities still searching for 12 people missing. The latest agency report showed over 1.6 million people were affected by the typhoon, which damaged over 260,000 houses and forced almost a hundred thousand people to flee to emergency shelters. Many of the affected residents in the predominantly Catholic nation celebrated Christmas in evacuation centres, where they may have to stay until the New Year given the scale of destruction. The government estimated that the storm has caused damage to agriculture and infrastructure worth $21 million. Power lines and internet connections remain down in some areas after Phanfone's powerful wind gusts of up to 200 kilometres (124 miles) per hour toppled electric posts and trees. Typhoon Phanfone, locally called Ursula, is the 21st cyclone to hit the storm-prone Philippines, which is the first major landmass facing the Pacific typhoon belt. Many of the storms are deadly, and they typically wipe out harvests, homes and infrastructure, keeping millions of people perennially poor.

Philippines Christmas typhoon death toll climbs to 41

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