Sri Lanka's president said Wednesday that a 42-year moratorium on capital punishment will end within two months <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/activists-decry-sri-lankan-presidents-praise-for-dutertes-drugs-war-191336">with the hanging of drug convicts.</a>

Maithripala Sirisena told parliament he was committed to bringing back the death penalty for drug offenders, months after vowing a tougher line on spiralling narcotics-related crime inspired by a similar crackdown in the Philippines.

"I hope to carry out the first hanging within a month or two," he said. "I appeal to human rights organisations not to try to pressure us on this decision."

Criminals in Sri Lanka are regularly given death sentences for murder, rape and drug-related crimes but until now their punishments have been commuted to life jail.

Following a visit to the Philippines last month, Sirisena said he wanted to copy President Rodrigo Duterte's strongarm tactics in dealing with illegal drugs.

Justice Minister Thalatha Athukorale said Tuesday that administrative procedures for the execution of five drug convicts had been completed and Sirisena now only had to sign death warrants.

The president did not say how many would be involved in the first hangings.

But prison officials said Tuesday that authorities were still trying to fill a vacancy for a hangman, despite placing advertisements for the position last year offering a salary of 35,000 rupees ($200) a month.

While Sri Lanka's last execution was more than four decades ago, an executioner was in the post until his retirement in 2014. Three replacements since have quit after short stints at the unused gallows.

Sri Lanka's president said Wednesday that a 42-year moratorium on capital punishment will end within two months with the hanging of drug convicts. Maithripala Sirisena told parliament he was committed to bringing back the death penalty for drug offenders, months after vowing a tougher line on spiralling narcotics-related crime inspired by a similar crackdown in the Philippines.

Sri Lanka's president said Wednesday that a 42-year moratorium on capital punishment will end within two months with the hanging of drug convicts. Maithripala Sirisena told parliament he was committed to bringing back the death penalty for drug offenders, months after vowing a tougher line on spiralling narcotics-related crime inspired by a similar crackdown in the Philippines. "I hope to carry out the first hanging within a month or two," he said. "I appeal to human rights organisations not to try to pressure us on this decision." Criminals in Sri Lanka are regularly given death sentences for murder, rape and drug-related crimes but until now their punishments have been commuted to life jail. Following a visit to the Philippines last month, Sirisena said he wanted to copy President Rodrigo Duterte's strongarm tactics in dealing with illegal drugs. Justice Minister Thalatha Athukorale said Tuesday that administrative procedures for the execution of five drug convicts had been completed and Sirisena now only had to sign death warrants. The president did not say how many would be involved in the first hangings. But prison officials said Tuesday that authorities were still trying to fill a vacancy for a hangman, despite placing advertisements for the position last year offering a salary of 35,000 rupees ($200) a month. While Sri Lanka's last execution was more than four decades ago, an executioner was in the post until his retirement in 2014. Three replacements since have quit after short stints at the unused gallows.

Sri Lanka to resume executions within two months: Sirisena

Duplicate accounts in Facebook grew over three times to more than 250 million during the last three years when it comes to Monthly Active Users are concerned, according to the numbers supplied by the social networking site in it's latest annual report.

In the fourth quarter of 2018, Facebook estimated that duplicate accounts may have represented approximately 11 per cent of its MAUs while the figure was 5 per cent in 2015.

Monthly active users (MAUs) were 1.59 billion as of December 31, 2015 while it grew to 2.32 billion as of December 31, 2018, it said.

A MAU is defined as a registered Facebook user who logged in and visited the site through website or a mobile device, or used Messenger application in the last 30 days as of the date of measurement.

"In the fourth quarter of 2018, we estimate that duplicate accounts may have represented approximately 11 per cent of our worldwide MAUs. We believe the percentage of duplicate accounts is meaningfully higher in developing markets such as the Philippines and Vietnam, as compared to more developed markets," Facebook said it's 2018 annual report.

"In the fourth quarter of 2018, we estimate that false accounts may have represented approximately 5 per cent of our worldwide MAUs. Our estimation of false accounts can vary as a result of episodic spikes in the creation, it said.

The estimates of duplicate and false accounts are based on an internal review of a limited sample of accounts, and the site applies significant judgement in making this determination, it said.

A duplicate account is one that a user maintains in addition to his or her principal account while 'false' accounts are divided into two categories.

The false accounts are categorised into user-misclassified accounts, where users have created personal profiles for a business, organisation, or non-human entity such as a pet (such entities are permitted on Facebook using a page rather than a personal profile under terms of service). The second is undesirable accounts, which represent user profiles that were determined as intended to be used for purposes that violate our terms of service, such as spamming.

Worldwide Daily Active Users increased by 9 per cent to 1.52 billion on average during December 2018 from 1. 40 billion during December 2017.

"Users in India, Indonesia, and the Philippines represented key sources of growth in DAUs during December 2018, relative to the same period in 2017," Facebook said.

Duplicate accounts in Facebook grew over three times to more than 250 million during the last three years when it comes to Monthly Active Users are concerned, according to the numbers supplied by the social networking site in it's latest annual report.

Duplicate accounts in Facebook grew over three times to more than 250 million during the last three years when it comes to Monthly Active Users are concerned, according to the numbers supplied by the social networking site in it's latest annual report. In the fourth quarter of 2018, Facebook estimated that duplicate accounts may have represented approximately 11 per cent of its MAUs while the figure was 5 per cent in 2015. Monthly active users (MAUs) were 1.59 billion as of December 31, 2015 while it grew to 2.32 billion as of December 31, 2018, it said. A MAU is defined as a registered Facebook user who logged in and visited the site through website or a mobile device, or used Messenger application in the last 30 days as of the date of measurement. "In the fourth quarter of 2018, we estimate that duplicate accounts may have represented approximately 11 per cent of our worldwide MAUs. We believe the percentage of duplicate accounts is meaningfully higher in developing markets such as the Philippines and Vietnam, as compared to more developed markets," Facebook said it's 2018 annual report. "In the fourth quarter of 2018, we estimate that false accounts may have represented approximately 5 per cent of our worldwide MAUs. Our estimation of false accounts can vary as a result of episodic spikes in the creation, it said. The estimates of duplicate and false accounts are based on an internal review of a limited sample of accounts, and the site applies significant judgement in making this determination, it said. A duplicate account is one that a user maintains in addition to his or her principal account while 'false' accounts are divided into two categories. The false accounts are categorised into user-misclassified accounts, where users have created personal profiles for a business, organisation, or non-human entity such as a pet (such entities are permitted on Facebook using a page rather than a personal profile under terms of service). The second is undesirable accounts, which represent user profiles that were determined as intended to be used for purposes that violate our terms of service, such as spamming. Worldwide Daily Active Users increased by 9 per cent to 1.52 billion on average during December 2018 from 1. 40 billion during December 2017. "Users in India, Indonesia, and the Philippines represented key sources of growth in DAUs during December 2018, relative to the same period in 2017," Facebook said.

Duplicate Facebook accounts tripled in three years at 250 million

The Philippines vowed to destroy those behind twin bombings that killed 20 people during a Sunday church service in the country's restive south, six days after a referendum on autonomy for the mainly Muslim region returned an overwhelming "yes" vote.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/7-dead-as-bombs-hit-church-in-southern-philippines-193061">attack wounded</a> more than 100 people and was one of the deadliest in recent years in a region long plagued by instability. It came amid hope and excitement about the ratification of a devolution plan that aims to bring development, jobs and peace to one of Asia's poorest and most volatile places.&nbsp;

The first explosion went off inside the cathedral on Jolo island, in Sulu province, and was followed by a second blast outside, which was detonated as security forces raced to the scene, officials said.

"The enemies of the state have boldly challenged the capability of the government to secure the safety of the citizenry in that region," said Salvador Panelo, spokesman of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.

"The armed forces of the Philippines will rise to the challenge and crush these godless criminals."

Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack via the militant group's Amaq news agency, describing it as twin suicide bombings that it said killed 120 people.&nbsp;

Police are investigating but suspect it was the work of Abu Sayyaf, a domestic militant group that has pledged allegiance to Islamic State and is notorious for its bombings and brutality.

"They want to show force and sow chaos," national police chief Oscar Albayalde told DZMM radio, suggesting Abu Sayyaf was the prime suspect.

Civilians bore the brunt of the attack, which also killed five soldiers. Police lowered the death toll from 27 to 20, after discovering duplications in initial records.

Jolo is a stronghold of the group, which runs a lucrative piracy and kidnapping operation that successive governments have failed to break up. The group, which operates in the waters and islands of western Mindanao, has beheaded numerous foreign captives when ransom demands were not met.

Images of the inside of the Jolo church showed several rows of wooden pews destroyed, with debris strewn across a blackened floor.

Speaking in Panama, Pope Francis condemned what he called a "terrorist attack" and during a prayer for the dead and wounded said: "May the Lord, Prince of peace, convert the hearts of the violent ones."

'DASTARDLY ACT'

The attack followed Friday's announcement that the region, a mainly Muslim part of the predominantly Catholic Philippines, had ratified the creation of an autonomous area called Bangsamoro, with 85 per cent of voters behind it.

Although Sulu was among only a few areas that rejected autonomy, it will still be part of the new entity when it is fully formed in 2022.

Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana called the attack a "dastardly act" and urged the local population to cooperate and "deny terrorism any victory".

National Security Adviser, Hermogenes Esperon, called those responsible "mass murderers" and "extremist criminals".

"We will not allow them to spoil the preference of the people for peace," he added.

The referendum came amid concerns about the presence of extremists in the Philippines and the possibility that foreign radicals will join those of Indonesia and Malaysia in gravitating to Mindanao to capitalize on porous borders, jungles and mountains, and an abundance of arms.

The Philippine military in mid-2017 encountered its biggest and longest battle since World War Two when an alliance of extremists loyal to Islamic State, among them foreigners and children, overran Marawi City and tried to establish a caliphate.

Isnilon Hapilon, an Abu Sayyaf faction leader anointed as Islamic State's Southeast Asian "emir" and wanted by the United States, was killed during that battle.

The Philippines vowed to destroy those behind twin bombings that killed 20 people during a Sunday church service in the country's restive south, six days after a referendum on autonomy for the mainly Muslim region returned an overwhelming "yes" vote.

The Philippines vowed to destroy those behind twin bombings that killed 20 people during a Sunday church service in the country's restive south, six days after a referendum on autonomy for the mainly Muslim region returned an overwhelming "yes" vote. The attack wounded more than 100 people and was one of the deadliest in recent years in a region long plagued by instability. It came amid hope and excitement about the ratification of a devolution plan that aims to bring development, jobs and peace to one of Asia's poorest and most volatile places. The first explosion went off inside the cathedral on Jolo island, in Sulu province, and was followed by a second blast outside, which was detonated as security forces raced to the scene, officials said. "The enemies of the state have boldly challenged the capability of the government to secure the safety of the citizenry in that region," said Salvador Panelo, spokesman of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. "The armed forces of the Philippines will rise to the challenge and crush these godless criminals." Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack via the militant group's Amaq news agency, describing it as twin suicide bombings that it said killed 120 people. Police are investigating but suspect it was the work of Abu Sayyaf, a domestic militant group that has pledged allegiance to Islamic State and is notorious for its bombings and brutality. "They want to show force and sow chaos," national police chief Oscar Albayalde told DZMM radio, suggesting Abu Sayyaf was the prime suspect. Civilians bore the brunt of the attack, which also killed five soldiers. Police lowered the death toll from 27 to 20, after discovering duplications in initial records. Jolo is a stronghold of the group, which runs a lucrative piracy and kidnapping operation that successive governments have failed to break up. The group, which operates in the waters and islands of western Mindanao, has beheaded numerous foreign captives when ransom demands were not met. Images of the inside of the Jolo church showed several rows of wooden pews destroyed, with debris strewn across a blackened floor. Speaking in Panama, Pope Francis condemned what he called a "terrorist attack" and during a prayer for the dead and wounded said: "May the Lord, Prince of peace, convert the hearts of the violent ones." 'DASTARDLY ACT' The attack followed Friday's announcement that the region, a mainly Muslim part of the predominantly Catholic Philippines, had ratified the creation of an autonomous area called Bangsamoro, with 85 per cent of voters behind it. Although Sulu was among only a few areas that rejected autonomy, it will still be part of the new entity when it is fully formed in 2022. Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana called the attack a "dastardly act" and urged the local population to cooperate and "deny terrorism any victory". National Security Adviser, Hermogenes Esperon, called those responsible "mass murderers" and "extremist criminals". "We will not allow them to spoil the preference of the people for peace," he added. The referendum came amid concerns about the presence of extremists in the Philippines and the possibility that foreign radicals will join those of Indonesia and Malaysia in gravitating to Mindanao to capitalize on porous borders, jungles and mountains, and an abundance of arms. The Philippine military in mid-2017 encountered its biggest and longest battle since World War Two when an alliance of extremists loyal to Islamic State, among them foreigners and children, overran Marawi City and tried to establish a caliphate. Isnilon Hapilon, an Abu Sayyaf faction leader anointed as Islamic State's Southeast Asian "emir" and wanted by the United States, was killed during that battle.

Philippines vows to crush 'terrorists' after church bombs kill 20

Philippines: 27 killed, 77 injured as twin blasts hit church during mass

At least 17 people were killed as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-catholic-church-comes-out-against-dutertes-war-on-drugs-12519">two bombs hit a church on a southern Philippine island</a> that is a stronghold of Islamist militants, the military said Sunday, just days after a regional vote for a new Muslim autonomous region.&nbsp;

The first blast occurred inside the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-says-church-hasnt-known-how-to-listen-193036">Catholic church</a> on war-torn Jolo on Sunday morning as mass was being celebrated, and was followed by a second explosion in the parking lot as troops responded, regional military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Gerry Besana told AFP.&nbsp;

Photos issued by the regional police showed debris scattered near the church's entrance and a damaged military truck with a broken windshield.&nbsp;

"The motive is surely... terrorism. These are people who do not want peace," Besana said.

Five soldiers and 12 civilians were killed while 57 others were wounded, he added.&nbsp;

However, the national police chief Oscar Albayalde put the death toll at 19, with 48 people wounded.&nbsp;

"We will use the full force of the law to bring to justice the perpetrators behind this incident," Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in a statement.

The military said it airlifted some of the wounded to the nearby city of Zamboanga for medical treatment.&nbsp;

Jolo lies in the proposed Bangsamoro Muslim-majority autonomous region, which local voters overwhelmingly approved last week.

The island is also a base of the Islamist militant group Abu Sayyaf, which is blamed for deadly bombings, including an attack on a ferry in Manila Bay in 2014 that claimed 116 lives in the country's deadliest terror assault.

Last week voters decisively approved a more powerful autonomous region in the Philippines' south, which is hoped will bring peace and development after decades of fighting that have killed thousands and mired the area in poverty.

Sulu province -- which includes Jolo -- voted against the creation of the new region, with its governor questioning the law establishing the area before the Supreme Court.&nbsp;

Despite Sulu's vote, legislation provides that the province will still be included in the new political entity as voters from across the current autonomous region voted in favour of it on the whole.

Sunday's bombing comes after a New Year's eve blast in the southern Philippine city of Cotabato killed two people and wounded 35 others.&nbsp;

Cotabato last week voted to be included in the new autonomous region.

At least 17 people were killed as two bombs hit a church on a southern Philippine island that is a stronghold of Islamist militants, the military said Sunday, just days after a regional vote for a new Muslim autonomous region.

At least 17 people were killed as two bombs hit a church on a southern Philippine island that is a stronghold of Islamist militants, the military said Sunday, just days after a regional vote for a new Muslim autonomous region. The first blast occurred inside the Catholic church on war-torn Jolo on Sunday morning as mass was being celebrated, and was followed by a second explosion in the parking lot as troops responded, regional military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Gerry Besana told AFP. Photos issued by the regional police showed debris scattered near the church's entrance and a damaged military truck with a broken windshield. "The motive is surely... terrorism. These are people who do not want peace," Besana said. Five soldiers and 12 civilians were killed while 57 others were wounded, he added. However, the national police chief Oscar Albayalde put the death toll at 19, with 48 people wounded. "We will use the full force of the law to bring to justice the perpetrators behind this incident," Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in a statement. The military said it airlifted some of the wounded to the nearby city of Zamboanga for medical treatment. Jolo lies in the proposed Bangsamoro Muslim-majority autonomous region, which local voters overwhelmingly approved last week. The island is also a base of the Islamist militant group Abu Sayyaf, which is blamed for deadly bombings, including an attack on a ferry in Manila Bay in 2014 that claimed 116 lives in the country's deadliest terror assault. Last week voters decisively approved a more powerful autonomous region in the Philippines' south, which is hoped will bring peace and development after decades of fighting that have killed thousands and mired the area in poverty. Sulu province -- which includes Jolo -- voted against the creation of the new region, with its governor questioning the law establishing the area before the Supreme Court. Despite Sulu's vote, legislation provides that the province will still be included in the new political entity as voters from across the current autonomous region voted in favour of it on the whole. Sunday's bombing comes after a New Year's eve blast in the southern Philippine city of Cotabato killed two people and wounded 35 others. Cotabato last week voted to be included in the new autonomous region.

17 dead as two bombs hit Philippines church

At least 18 people were killed when <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/7-dead-as-bombs-hit-church-in-southern-philippines-193061">two bombs hit a church on a southern Philippine</a> island that is a stronghold of Islamist militants, the military said Sunday, days after voters backed the creation of a new Muslim autonomous region.

The first blast occurred inside the Catholic church on war-torn Jolo on Sunday morning as mass was being celebrated, and was followed by a second explosion outside as troops responded, the regional military spokesman said. &nbsp;

Most victims were churchgoers along with soldiers. The door, pews and glass windows of Mount Carmel Cathedral were blown off, military photos showed, with bodies strewn across the ground, according to an AFP photographer on the scene.&nbsp;

President Rodrigo Duterte's spokesman condemned the incident as an "act of terrorism and murder".&nbsp;

"We will pursue to the ends of the earth the ruthless perpetrators behind this dastardly crime until every killer is brought to justice and put behind bars. The law will give them no mercy," Salvador Panelo said in a statement.&nbsp;

Five soldiers, a member of the coast guard and 12 civilians were killed while 83 others were wounded, said regional military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Gerry Besana.

However, the regional police chief Graciano Mijares put the death toll at 27, with 77 people wounded.&nbsp;

The second bomb was left in the utility box of a motorcycle in the parking area outside the church, a military report said.&nbsp;

The army said it airlifted some of the wounded to the nearby city of Zamboanga for medical treatment.&nbsp;

Authorities said the notorious Abu Sayyaf kidnap-for-ransom group could be behind the blasts.&nbsp;

"When you talk about terrorism in Sulu, the primary suspect is always the (Abu Sayyaf) but we are not discounting the possibility that there are other perpetrators," Besana told AFP.&nbsp;

Peace spoilers?

Jolo is a base of the Abu Sayyaf, which is blamed for deadly bombings, including an attack on a ferry in Manila Bay in 2004 that claimed 116 lives in the country's deadliest terror assault.

The Abu Sayyaf is a loose network of militants formed in the 1990s with seed money from Osama bin Laden's Al-Qaeda network and has earned millions of dollars from banditry and kidnappings-for-ransom, often targetting foreigners.

It is among armed groups based in the strife-torn region of Mindanao, some of whose members have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group.&nbsp;

Jolo also lies in the proposed Bangsamoro Muslim-majority autonomous region, which local voters overwhelmingly approved last week.

Voters ratified a law creating a new autonomous region in the Philippines' south, raising hopes that the move will bring peace and development to the impoverished area after decades of fighting left thousands dead.

Sulu province -- which includes Jolo -- voted against the creation of the new region, with its governor filing a petition in the Supreme Court to prevent its formation.&nbsp;

Despite Sulu's vote, the province is legally required to join Bangsamoro because voters from across the current autonomous region voted in favour of it on the whole.

Sunday's bombing comes after a New Year's Eve blast in the southern Philippine city of Cotabato killed two people and wounded 35 others.&nbsp;

Cotabato last week voted to be included in the new autonomous region.

The timing of Sunday's bombs raised questions on whether the attack was meant to derail the peace process.&nbsp;

Mujiv Hataman, governor of the current autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao, said the blasts highlighted the urgency of implementing the peace law.&nbsp;

"Terrorists want to make their presence known. I hope the (law) is implemented well so it could be a solution to stop the spread of terrorism," Hataman told AFP.

At least 18 people were killed when two bombs hit a church on a southern Philippine island that is a stronghold of Islamist militants, the military said Sunday, days after voters backed the creation of a new Muslim autonomous region.

At least 18 people were killed when two bombs hit a church on a southern Philippine island that is a stronghold of Islamist militants, the military said Sunday, days after voters backed the creation of a new Muslim autonomous region. The first blast occurred inside the Catholic church on war-torn Jolo on Sunday morning as mass was being celebrated, and was followed by a second explosion outside as troops responded, the regional military spokesman said. Most victims were churchgoers along with soldiers. The door, pews and glass windows of Mount Carmel Cathedral were blown off, military photos showed, with bodies strewn across the ground, according to an AFP photographer on the scene. President Rodrigo Duterte's spokesman condemned the incident as an "act of terrorism and murder". "We will pursue to the ends of the earth the ruthless perpetrators behind this dastardly crime until every killer is brought to justice and put behind bars. The law will give them no mercy," Salvador Panelo said in a statement. Five soldiers, a member of the coast guard and 12 civilians were killed while 83 others were wounded, said regional military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Gerry Besana. However, the regional police chief Graciano Mijares put the death toll at 27, with 77 people wounded. The second bomb was left in the utility box of a motorcycle in the parking area outside the church, a military report said. The army said it airlifted some of the wounded to the nearby city of Zamboanga for medical treatment. Authorities said the notorious Abu Sayyaf kidnap-for-ransom group could be behind the blasts. "When you talk about terrorism in Sulu, the primary suspect is always the (Abu Sayyaf) but we are not discounting the possibility that there are other perpetrators," Besana told AFP. Peace spoilers? Jolo is a base of the Abu Sayyaf, which is blamed for deadly bombings, including an attack on a ferry in Manila Bay in 2004 that claimed 116 lives in the country's deadliest terror assault. The Abu Sayyaf is a loose network of militants formed in the 1990s with seed money from Osama bin Laden's Al-Qaeda network and has earned millions of dollars from banditry and kidnappings-for-ransom, often targetting foreigners. It is among armed groups based in the strife-torn region of Mindanao, some of whose members have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group. Jolo also lies in the proposed Bangsamoro Muslim-majority autonomous region, which local voters overwhelmingly approved last week. Voters ratified a law creating a new autonomous region in the Philippines' south, raising hopes that the move will bring peace and development to the impoverished area after decades of fighting left thousands dead. Sulu province -- which includes Jolo -- voted against the creation of the new region, with its governor filing a petition in the Supreme Court to prevent its formation. Despite Sulu's vote, the province is legally required to join Bangsamoro because voters from across the current autonomous region voted in favour of it on the whole. Sunday's bombing comes after a New Year's Eve blast in the southern Philippine city of Cotabato killed two people and wounded 35 others. Cotabato last week voted to be included in the new autonomous region. The timing of Sunday's bombs raised questions on whether the attack was meant to derail the peace process. Mujiv Hataman, governor of the current autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao, said the blasts highlighted the urgency of implementing the peace law. "Terrorists want to make their presence known. I hope the (law) is implemented well so it could be a solution to stop the spread of terrorism," Hataman told AFP.

At least 18 dead in twin bomb attack on Philippines church

The death toll from landslides and<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/video-2-killed-32-injured-in-bombing-in-troubled-south-philippines-187563"> devastating floods in the central Philippines </a>triggered by a tropical depression climbed to 85, officials said on Wednesday, and 20 people were missing as rescuers slowly reached cut-off communities.

The casualties, including young children, were mostly killed when their <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/4-dead-as-storm-sweeps-through-central-philippines-over-12000-evacuated-187162">homes collapsed in landslides after days of heavy rain</a> in several provinces in the central Philippines, said Ricardo Jalad, executive director of the national disaster agency.

"If we don't recover the missing or we recover them dead, that is 105 deaths, which we hope not," Jalad said.

The tropical depression, which weakened into a low-pressure system before leaving the Philippines on Sunday, brought heavy rain that triggered landslides and flooding in the Bicol and Eastern Visayas regions.

Officials put three provinces under a "state of calamity" to give them access to emergency funds.

Bicol, with a population of 5.8 million, was the hardest hit, with 68 killed in intense rains and landslides. Damage to agriculture in Bicol, which produces rice and corn, was estimated at 342 million pesos ($6.5 million).

Rescuers, including the police and military, used heavy-lifting equipment to clear roads leading to landslide sites and entered flooded communities using rubber boats.

"The sun is already out, with occasional light rains. We hope floods will subside," Ronna Monzon, a member of the operations personnel at the disaster agency in Bicol, told Reuters.

About 20 tropical cyclones hit the Philippines every year, with destroyed crops and infrastructure taking a toll on human lives and weighing down one of the fastest growing economies in Asia.

'If we don't recover the missing or we recover them dead, that is 105 deaths, which we hope not,' said Ricardo Jalad, executive director of the national disaster agency.

The death toll from landslides and devastating floods in the central Philippines triggered by a tropical depression climbed to 85, officials said on Wednesday, and 20 people were missing as rescuers slowly reached cut-off communities. The casualties, including young children, were mostly killed when their homes collapsed in landslides after days of heavy rain in several provinces in the central Philippines, said Ricardo Jalad, executive director of the national disaster agency. "If we don't recover the missing or we recover them dead, that is 105 deaths, which we hope not," Jalad said. The tropical depression, which weakened into a low-pressure system before leaving the Philippines on Sunday, brought heavy rain that triggered landslides and flooding in the Bicol and Eastern Visayas regions. Officials put three provinces under a "state of calamity" to give them access to emergency funds. Bicol, with a population of 5.8 million, was the hardest hit, with 68 killed in intense rains and landslides. Damage to agriculture in Bicol, which produces rice and corn, was estimated at 342 million pesos ($6.5 million). Rescuers, including the police and military, used heavy-lifting equipment to clear roads leading to landslide sites and entered flooded communities using rubber boats. "The sun is already out, with occasional light rains. We hope floods will subside," Ronna Monzon, a member of the operations personnel at the disaster agency in Bicol, told Reuters. About 20 tropical cyclones hit the Philippines every year, with destroyed crops and infrastructure taking a toll on human lives and weighing down one of the fastest growing economies in Asia.

Storm death toll in Philippines rises to 85

Four people were killed in landslides and thousands of others evacuated from their homes after a storm swept through the central Philippine islands on Saturday, officials said.

Three members of a family were buried in a landslide in Legazpi City southeast of Manila while a woman was crushed by another landslide in Bulan town as heavy rains brought by the storm loosened the earth, the government's office of civil defence said.

Almost 12,000 people were also evacuated from their homes in the Bicol region after the low pressure area, locally named "Usman", hit the eastern side of the country on Saturday, the office said.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/earthquake-of-69-strikes-off-philippines-tsunami-waves-possible-centre-187107">Strong quake strikes off Philippines, tsunami warning withdrawn</a>

The weather disturbance, packing maximum winds of 65 kilometres (40 miles) per hour, was charted as moving west across the central islands at 10 kilometres per hour and was expected to be over the South China Sea by Sunday, the government weather station said.

Although Usman's winds were not too powerful, it still brought heavy rains that caused landslides and flooding in areas it traversed, the civil defence office said.

An average of 20 typhoons and storms lash the Philippines each year, killing hundreds of people.

The country's deadliest storm on record is Super Typhoon Haiyan, which left more than 7,350 people dead or missing across the central Philippines in November 2013.

An average of 20 typhoons and storms lash the Philippines each year, killing hundreds of people.

Four people were killed in landslides and thousands of others evacuated from their homes after a storm swept through the central Philippine islands on Saturday, officials said. Three members of a family were buried in a landslide in Legazpi City southeast of Manila while a woman was crushed by another landslide in Bulan town as heavy rains brought by the storm loosened the earth, the government's office of civil defence said. Almost 12,000 people were also evacuated from their homes in the Bicol region after the low pressure area, locally named "Usman", hit the eastern side of the country on Saturday, the office said. Also read: Strong quake strikes off Philippines, tsunami warning withdrawn The weather disturbance, packing maximum winds of 65 kilometres (40 miles) per hour, was charted as moving west across the central islands at 10 kilometres per hour and was expected to be over the South China Sea by Sunday, the government weather station said. Although Usman's winds were not too powerful, it still brought heavy rains that caused landslides and flooding in areas it traversed, the civil defence office said. An average of 20 typhoons and storms lash the Philippines each year, killing hundreds of people. The country's deadliest storm on record is Super Typhoon Haiyan, which left more than 7,350 people dead or missing across the central Philippines in November 2013.

Storm sweeps through central Philippines; 4 killed, over 12,000 evacuated

Philippines' Catriona Elisa Gray wins Miss Universe 2018

Three Philippine policemen were sentenced on Thursday to decades in prison for murdering a teenager during an anti-narcotics sweep, the first conviction of officers carrying out President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs.

Duterte has vowed to pardon authorities involved in his bloody crackdown, but even he refused to defend the 2017 killing of Kian Delos Santos in a dank Manila alley -- which helped spark rare protests against the campaign.

Police said the 17-year-old was a drug courier who fired at them while resisting arrest. However, CCTV footage showed two of the policemen dragging the unarmed boy moments before he was shot dead.

Delos Santos' family erupted in tears in the cramped northern Manila courtroom after the men were convicted of murder and sentenced to reclusion perpetua, which carries a minimum of 20 years behind bars.

"I feel so happy because this proves that my son was innocent and was never involved in drugs," Delos Santos' mother, Lorenza, told reporters.&nbsp;

"(Policemen) can be jailed for life if they do not stop their abusive practices," she added.&nbsp;

Drug war critics hailed the conviction as an example of justice and accountability, which they said have been rare since Duterte unleashed the campaign to rid the Philippines of narcotics in 2016.

Since then police say they have killed nearly 5,000 alleged drug users and pushers who fought against arrest, while rights groups say the true toll is at least triple that and may amount to crimes against humanity.

'Who gave the orders?'

Carlos Conde, a Philippines researcher for Human Rights Watch, told AFP: "This is a warning to the Philippine National Police that they better follow due process and respect the rights of suspects."

However, Duterte's spokesman Salvador Panelo also welcomed the ruling as he gave assurances the president opposed "intentional killing".

"It shows that this country has a robust judicial system," he added.

Duterte's government has argued a preliminary probe of the drug war killings launched by the International Criminal Court is unjustified because the nation's justice system is functioning.&nbsp;

Rights advocates agreed the decision was important but noted that it only involved low-ranking policemen.&nbsp;

"Who gave the orders? Was this part of a policy? These questions remain unanswered," rights lawyer Romel Bagares told AFP.&nbsp;

Duterte and his drug war are backed by many Filipinos fed up with high crime rates and a slow-moving judicial system.

But the death of Delos Santos, as well as of two other Manila teenagers accused of robbing a taxi driver, triggered rare street protests in 2017 and highlighted concerns about police abuse.

Days after the killing Duterte said in a speech: "It was really bad. That was really not the performance of duty. Do not commit a crime".&nbsp;

It led to Duterte briefly suspending police participation in the drug crackdown for a second time.

The first occasion was in January last year after narcotics police officers were arrested for the kidnapping and murder of a South Korean businessman in 2016.

However, in both instances, the police were reinstated in the campaign without major reforms.

Three Philippine policemen were sentenced on Thursday to decades in prison for murdering a teenager during an anti-narcotics sweep, the first conviction of officers carrying out President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs.

Three Philippine policemen were sentenced on Thursday to decades in prison for murdering a teenager during an anti-narcotics sweep, the first conviction of officers carrying out President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs. Duterte has vowed to pardon authorities involved in his bloody crackdown, but even he refused to defend the 2017 killing of Kian Delos Santos in a dank Manila alley -- which helped spark rare protests against the campaign. Police said the 17-year-old was a drug courier who fired at them while resisting arrest. However, CCTV footage showed two of the policemen dragging the unarmed boy moments before he was shot dead. Delos Santos' family erupted in tears in the cramped northern Manila courtroom after the men were convicted of murder and sentenced to reclusion perpetua, which carries a minimum of 20 years behind bars. "I feel so happy because this proves that my son was innocent and was never involved in drugs," Delos Santos' mother, Lorenza, told reporters. "(Policemen) can be jailed for life if they do not stop their abusive practices," she added. Drug war critics hailed the conviction as an example of justice and accountability, which they said have been rare since Duterte unleashed the campaign to rid the Philippines of narcotics in 2016. Since then police say they have killed nearly 5,000 alleged drug users and pushers who fought against arrest, while rights groups say the true toll is at least triple that and may amount to crimes against humanity. 'Who gave the orders?' Carlos Conde, a Philippines researcher for Human Rights Watch, told AFP: "This is a warning to the Philippine National Police that they better follow due process and respect the rights of suspects." However, Duterte's spokesman Salvador Panelo also welcomed the ruling as he gave assurances the president opposed "intentional killing". "It shows that this country has a robust judicial system," he added. Duterte's government has argued a preliminary probe of the drug war killings launched by the International Criminal Court is unjustified because the nation's justice system is functioning. Rights advocates agreed the decision was important but noted that it only involved low-ranking policemen. "Who gave the orders? Was this part of a policy? These questions remain unanswered," rights lawyer Romel Bagares told AFP. Duterte and his drug war are backed by many Filipinos fed up with high crime rates and a slow-moving judicial system. But the death of Delos Santos, as well as of two other Manila teenagers accused of robbing a taxi driver, triggered rare street protests in 2017 and highlighted concerns about police abuse. Days after the killing Duterte said in a speech: "It was really bad. That was really not the performance of duty. Do not commit a crime". It led to Duterte briefly suspending police participation in the drug crackdown for a second time. The first occasion was in January last year after narcotics police officers were arrested for the kidnapping and murder of a South Korean businessman in 2016. However, in both instances, the police were reinstated in the campaign without major reforms.

First police convictions in Philippine drug war killings

An Australian nun who angered President Rodrigo Duterte departed the Philippines on Saturday following a lengthy legal fight against the government's efforts to expel her.

Sister Patricia Fox was escorted to the airport by about 200 human rights activists who praised her years of service in the impoverished Southeast Asian nation and condemned the administration for forcing her to leave.

"Duterte, expel him, Sister Pat, bring her back," some of the rallyists chanted.

Fox -- who has spent almost three decades working with Philippine labourers, farmers and urban poor -- said she was leaving with sadness but urged her sympathisers to continue helping the disadvantaged.

"I hope (Duterte) listens to the voice of the little people, not just the military, not just the businessmen, but the farmers, the workers, the tribal folk," she said in a pre-departure press conference.

Fox apparently angered the fiery president by joining a fact-finding mission in April to investigate alleged abuses against farmers, including killings and evictions by soldiers fighting guerrillas in the southern Philippines.

She was arrested briefly on charges of violating her visa's terms against activism and the slow turning wheels of the Philippine bureaucracy began moving to strip her of her papers.

Immigration authorities earlier this week refused to extend her tourist visa and ordered the 71-year-old out by Saturday.&nbsp;

She decided to return to Australia rather than risk being forcibly removed.

The country's Catholic leadership, which counts about 80 per cent of Filipinos as followers, bemoaned her scheduled departure, saying "Sister Patricia Fox’s deportation is a blow to the missionary spirit of the church".

"The faith she proclaims is not detrimental to the life of Filipinos. In fact, it is a source of hope and consolation to our suffering countrymen," said Father Jerome Secillano, executive director of the bishops' media affairs office.

However, Duterte's spokesman Salvador Panelo said: "The departure of Sister Patricia Fox is a timely reminder to all foreigners who stay or sojourn in this country that they are not entitled to all the rights and privileges granted to the citizens of the Philippines".

Church figures have previously criticised Duterte's policies particularly his signature anti-drug campaign that the government has left almost 5,000 people dead since Duterte took office in 2016.

Human rights groups charge that the actual death toll is about five times that total.&nbsp;

Duterte, in turn, has deeply resented criticism from the Church, particularly outsiders, attacking Fox and others in a speech in June, saying "those foreigners who have no reason to meddle, they come here, those sons of whores, you priests... you nuns".

An Australian nun who angered President Rodrigo Duterte departed the Philippines on Saturday following a lengthy legal fight against the government's efforts to expel her.

An Australian nun who angered President Rodrigo Duterte departed the Philippines on Saturday following a lengthy legal fight against the government's efforts to expel her. Sister Patricia Fox was escorted to the airport by about 200 human rights activists who praised her years of service in the impoverished Southeast Asian nation and condemned the administration for forcing her to leave. "Duterte, expel him, Sister Pat, bring her back," some of the rallyists chanted. Fox -- who has spent almost three decades working with Philippine labourers, farmers and urban poor -- said she was leaving with sadness but urged her sympathisers to continue helping the disadvantaged. "I hope (Duterte) listens to the voice of the little people, not just the military, not just the businessmen, but the farmers, the workers, the tribal folk," she said in a pre-departure press conference. Fox apparently angered the fiery president by joining a fact-finding mission in April to investigate alleged abuses against farmers, including killings and evictions by soldiers fighting guerrillas in the southern Philippines. She was arrested briefly on charges of violating her visa's terms against activism and the slow turning wheels of the Philippine bureaucracy began moving to strip her of her papers. Immigration authorities earlier this week refused to extend her tourist visa and ordered the 71-year-old out by Saturday. She decided to return to Australia rather than risk being forcibly removed. The country's Catholic leadership, which counts about 80 per cent of Filipinos as followers, bemoaned her scheduled departure, saying "Sister Patricia Fox’s deportation is a blow to the missionary spirit of the church". "The faith she proclaims is not detrimental to the life of Filipinos. In fact, it is a source of hope and consolation to our suffering countrymen," said Father Jerome Secillano, executive director of the bishops' media affairs office. However, Duterte's spokesman Salvador Panelo said: "The departure of Sister Patricia Fox is a timely reminder to all foreigners who stay or sojourn in this country that they are not entitled to all the rights and privileges granted to the citizens of the Philippines". Church figures have previously criticised Duterte's policies particularly his signature anti-drug campaign that the government has left almost 5,000 people dead since Duterte took office in 2016. Human rights groups charge that the actual death toll is about five times that total. Duterte, in turn, has deeply resented criticism from the Church, particularly outsiders, attacking Fox and others in a speech in June, saying "those foreigners who have no reason to meddle, they come here, those sons of whores, you priests... you nuns".

Australian nun Patricia who angered Duterte leaves Philippines

The Philippines raised tropical cyclone warnings levels for nine provinces and put a mountainous region on high alert for possible landslides on Monday ahead of a typhoon that threatened storm surges and floods triggered by heavy winds and rain.

Typhoon Yutu, which caused havoc last week with a direct hit on the US&nbsp;Northern Mariana islands, was set to make landfall on Tuesday morning and move across the main island of Luzon before exiting the Philippines 24 hours later, the state weather agency PAGASA said.

Yutu was a category 3 storm on Monday, with sustained winds reaching 170 km per hour (106 mph) and gusts of up to 210 kph.

That was less intense than four days ago, when as a super typhoon it barrelled through the Marianas, a US&nbsp;Western Pacific archipelago of 52,000 people, tearing off roofs, overturning vehicles and cutting off power and water.

Nine provinces in north Luzon were elevated to warning signal 2 on the severity scale of 5, and 20 more were put on the earliest warning of 1, with strong winds and rains expected later on Monday. The mountainous Cordillera region was put on red alert for landslides.

Known locally as Rosita, the typhoon will be the 18th to hit the Philippines this year and comes six weeks after super typhoon Mangkhut tore across Luzon, triggering landslides that killed dozens of people and damaged about $180 million of crops.

Classes were suspended in at least five provinces and fishermen in Luzon and the eastern seaboard advised not to go to sea. All boat services in the port city of Batangas, about 83 km (52 miles) south of Manila, were suspended on Monday.

About half of the Philippines' 105 million population live in the Luzon region. The country is hit by an average 20 typhoons each year.

The Philippines raised tropical cyclone warnings levels for nine provinces and put a mountainous region on high alert for possible landslides on Monday ahead of a typhoon that threatened storm surges and floods triggered by heavy winds and rain.

The Philippines raised tropical cyclone warnings levels for nine provinces and put a mountainous region on high alert for possible landslides on Monday ahead of a typhoon that threatened storm surges and floods triggered by heavy winds and rain. Typhoon Yutu, which caused havoc last week with a direct hit on the US Northern Mariana islands, was set to make landfall on Tuesday morning and move across the main island of Luzon before exiting the Philippines 24 hours later, the state weather agency PAGASA said. Yutu was a category 3 storm on Monday, with sustained winds reaching 170 km per hour (106 mph) and gusts of up to 210 kph. That was less intense than four days ago, when as a super typhoon it barrelled through the Marianas, a US Western Pacific archipelago of 52,000 people, tearing off roofs, overturning vehicles and cutting off power and water. Nine provinces in north Luzon were elevated to warning signal 2 on the severity scale of 5, and 20 more were put on the earliest warning of 1, with strong winds and rains expected later on Monday. The mountainous Cordillera region was put on red alert for landslides. Known locally as Rosita, the typhoon will be the 18th to hit the Philippines this year and comes six weeks after super typhoon Mangkhut tore across Luzon, triggering landslides that killed dozens of people and damaged about $180 million of crops. Classes were suspended in at least five provinces and fishermen in Luzon and the eastern seaboard advised not to go to sea. All boat services in the port city of Batangas, about 83 km (52 miles) south of Manila, were suspended on Monday. About half of the Philippines' 105 million population live in the Luzon region. The country is hit by an average 20 typhoons each year.

Philippines issues storm warnings ahead of destructive typhoon Yutu

Philippine inflation jumped to an almost 10-year high in September, data showed Friday, putting pressure on President Rodrigo Duterte to act as the cost of food and fuel hit the country's poor in the pocket.

Consumer prices have risen every month this year, with food surging further after Typhoon Mangkhut, the world's most powerful storm in 2018, smashed into the country's northern agricultural heartland in mid-September.

Increases have been powered by a collision of factors including Duterte's massive spending on a broad infrastructure building effort, climbing oil prices and weak farm output.

Consumer price increases accelerated to 6.7 per cent, from 6.4 per cent in August, in the steepest climb since February 2009, the Philippine Statistics Authority said.

"We... understand that many are feeling the hit of a faster inflation rate, particularly those who toil so hard just to keep up," Duterte's economics team said.

The tens of millions who get by on less than $2 per day in the Philippines have been especially hard hit by the increase.

The government has boosted imports of rice, the national cereal staple, following shortages but authorities acknowledged Friday that grain prices remain "elevated" due to the typhoon.

Analyst Astro del Castillo told AFP the problem "will not be solved overnight" because some factors are beyond the government's control, such as oil prices. Global crude prices are sitting at a four-year high around $85 and there are warnings that they could break $100.

However, del Castillo said the people expect the president to do something about it.

"You've seen the (opinion) surveys. The people would like inflation to be the government's top priority," he added.

The Philippine central bank last month jacked up key rates for the fourth time this year, while also raising its inflation targets for this year and next.

Passage of a law lifting import quotas on rice and extra imports of other food items "could lead to an earlier return of inflation to within the target range in 2019", it added.

Analysts believe the pain may not be over yet, with interest rates expected to climb another full point in the next six months.

The Philippine peso has been hovering at 13-year lows, closing at 54.32 to the US dollar on Thursday -- making imports more expensive -- while the stock market has plunged about 17 per cent since December, making it one of the world's worst performers.

Philippine inflation jumped to an almost 10-year high in September, data showed Friday, putting pressure on President Rodrigo Duterte to act as the cost of food and fuel hit the country's poor in the pocket.

Philippine inflation jumped to an almost 10-year high in September, data showed Friday, putting pressure on President Rodrigo Duterte to act as the cost of food and fuel hit the country's poor in the pocket. Consumer prices have risen every month this year, with food surging further after Typhoon Mangkhut, the world's most powerful storm in 2018, smashed into the country's northern agricultural heartland in mid-September. Increases have been powered by a collision of factors including Duterte's massive spending on a broad infrastructure building effort, climbing oil prices and weak farm output. Consumer price increases accelerated to 6.7 per cent, from 6.4 per cent in August, in the steepest climb since February 2009, the Philippine Statistics Authority said. "We... understand that many are feeling the hit of a faster inflation rate, particularly those who toil so hard just to keep up," Duterte's economics team said. The tens of millions who get by on less than $2 per day in the Philippines have been especially hard hit by the increase. The government has boosted imports of rice, the national cereal staple, following shortages but authorities acknowledged Friday that grain prices remain "elevated" due to the typhoon. Analyst Astro del Castillo told AFP the problem "will not be solved overnight" because some factors are beyond the government's control, such as oil prices. Global crude prices are sitting at a four-year high around $85 and there are warnings that they could break $100. However, del Castillo said the people expect the president to do something about it. "You've seen the (opinion) surveys. The people would like inflation to be the government's top priority," he added. The Philippine central bank last month jacked up key rates for the fourth time this year, while also raising its inflation targets for this year and next. Passage of a law lifting import quotas on rice and extra imports of other food items "could lead to an earlier return of inflation to within the target range in 2019", it added. Analysts believe the pain may not be over yet, with interest rates expected to climb another full point in the next six months. The Philippine peso has been hovering at 13-year lows, closing at 54.32 to the US dollar on Thursday -- making imports more expensive -- while the stock market has plunged about 17 per cent since December, making it one of the world's worst performers.

Pressure on President Rodrigo Duterte as Philippine inflation jumps

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has come under fire after he kissed an overseas Filipina worker on the lips during a live event.

The incident happened when he was addressing a crowd in South Korea when he called the woman on stage and convinced her to kiss him. Of course, this was not taken well by the people as feminists denounced what they called his "perverted way" of taunting his female critics.

Many Filipinos, however, thought it was a harmless kiss intended to be fun.

The 73-year-old Duterte, whose critics have labeled him a misogynist and say his comments are derogatory and demeaning towards women, dismissed the kiss as just a "gimmick" to entertain supporters at a meet-and-greet event in Seoul.

Social media was abuzz with photos and videos of Duterte on stage before a crowd of Filipinos on Sunday night, when he asked an unidentified audience member to kiss him in exchange for a book he was handing out.

The woman, who admitted she is married and appeared excited to see Duterte in person, agreed.

Duterte then told the cheering crowd of about 3,000: "Don't take it seriously. It's just for fun, a gimmick."

State-run Philippine News Agency identified the woman as Bea Kim and posted a brief video interview with her on its Facebook page.

"There wasn't malice in it," she said. "For me, for him, it didn't mean anything."

It is not the first time Duterte has been accused of inappropriate behaviour towards women.

Duterte's controversial remarks about women include numerous jokes about rape and have incensed activists and foreigners, most notably, Chelsea Clinton, the daughter of former US&nbsp;President Bill Clinton. But none have dented the hugely popular leader's domestic support.

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It burns the eyeballs, it cannot be unseen, and it was done right behind the presidential seal. 
 
Let this serve as a reminder of how deeply misogynistic and depraved Duterte is, and how unworthy he is of the presidency. ?‍♂️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DuterteResign?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DuterteResign</a> <a href="https://t.co/FvrLNDj5iN">pic.twitter.com/FvrLNDj5iN</a>
— JC Punongbayan (@jcpunongbayan) <a href="https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1003262990760607745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The incident took place in South Korea where the Philippines President asked an unidentified audience member to kiss him in exchange for a book he was handing out

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has come under fire after he kissed an overseas Filipina worker on the lips during a live event. The incident happened when he was addressing a crowd in South Korea when he called the woman on stage and convinced her to kiss him. Of course, this was not taken well by the people as feminists denounced what they called his "perverted way" of taunting his female critics. Many Filipinos, however, thought it was a harmless kiss intended to be fun. The 73-year-old Duterte, whose critics have labeled him a misogynist and say his comments are derogatory and demeaning towards women, dismissed the kiss as just a "gimmick" to entertain supporters at a meet-and-greet event in Seoul. Social media was abuzz with photos and videos of Duterte on stage before a crowd of Filipinos on Sunday night, when he asked an unidentified audience member to kiss him in exchange for a book he was handing out. The woman, who admitted she is married and appeared excited to see Duterte in person, agreed. Duterte then told the cheering crowd of about 3,000: "Don't take it seriously. It's just for fun, a gimmick." State-run Philippine News Agency identified the woman as Bea Kim and posted a brief video interview with her on its Facebook page. "There wasn't malice in it," she said. "For me, for him, it didn't mean anything." It is not the first time Duterte has been accused of inappropriate behaviour towards women. Duterte's controversial remarks about women include numerous jokes about rape and have incensed activists and foreigners, most notably, Chelsea Clinton, the daughter of former US President Bill Clinton. But none have dented the hugely popular leader's domestic support. It burns the eyeballs, it cannot be unseen, and it was done right behind the presidential seal. Let this serve as a reminder of how deeply misogynistic and depraved Duterte is, and how unworthy he is of the presidency. ?‍♂️ #DuterteResign pic.twitter.com/FvrLNDj5iN — JC Punongbayan (@jcpunongbayan) June 3, 2018 ×

Watch: Philippines' Duterte under fire after he kisses woman at event

The Philippines is prepared to go to war if military personnel are harmed in disputed waters, a top security official said&nbsp;on Wednesday, firing back at criticism the government was going soft on China and allowing it to militarise the South China Sea.

President Rodrigo Duterte has taken flak in recent weeks for not confronting Beijing following news that China had installed missile systems on artificial islands in the busy waterway, including areas within Manila's Exclusive Economic Zone.

Political opponents are outraged at his government's failure even to lodge a diplomatic protest, but Duterte, unlike his predecessor, enjoys good relations with Beijing and wants its investment, often saying he cannot afford to go to war with a far superior China.

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon said the Philippines would always try to pursue talks to defuse tension, but war could not be ruled out as a last resort if its military was provoked or aggrieved.

"The other night, the president said if his troops are harmed, that could be his red line," Esperon told reporters.

The remarks echoed&nbsp;Monday's&nbsp;comments by Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano to foreign service members that Duterte had told China he would not allow any unsanctioned construction in the Scarborough Shoal or resource extraction in areas where the Philippines had sovereign rights.

China claims most of the South China Sea, through which about $3-trillion worth of goods passes every year. It has made substantial progress in fortifying its manmade islands in the past few years, which it says it has the right to defend.

Last week, the Philippines expressed "serious concern" over the presence of China's strategic bombers in the disputed waters, but its response to the installation of missile systems was muted.

Rodrigo Duterte has taken flak in recent weeks for not confronting Beijing following news that China had installed missile systems on artificial islands in the busy waterway

The Philippines is prepared to go to war if military personnel are harmed in disputed waters, a top security official said on Wednesday, firing back at criticism the government was going soft on China and allowing it to militarise the South China Sea. President Rodrigo Duterte has taken flak in recent weeks for not confronting Beijing following news that China had installed missile systems on artificial islands in the busy waterway, including areas within Manila's Exclusive Economic Zone. Political opponents are outraged at his government's failure even to lodge a diplomatic protest, but Duterte, unlike his predecessor, enjoys good relations with Beijing and wants its investment, often saying he cannot afford to go to war with a far superior China. National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon said the Philippines would always try to pursue talks to defuse tension, but war could not be ruled out as a last resort if its military was provoked or aggrieved. "The other night, the president said if his troops are harmed, that could be his red line," Esperon told reporters. The remarks echoed Monday's comments by Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano to foreign service members that Duterte had told China he would not allow any unsanctioned construction in the Scarborough Shoal or resource extraction in areas where the Philippines had sovereign rights. China claims most of the South China Sea, through which about $3-trillion worth of goods passes every year. It has made substantial progress in fortifying its manmade islands in the past few years, which it says it has the right to defend. Last week, the Philippines expressed "serious concern" over the presence of China's strategic bombers in the disputed waters, but its response to the installation of missile systems was muted.

Ready for war if troops harmed in disputed South China Sea: Philippines

Bangladesh police have killed at least 86 people and arrested about 7,000 since launching a crackdown on drug trafficking this month, officials said on Monday, raising fears from rights activists of a Philippines-style war on drugs.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina approved the anti-narcotics campaign in early May to tackle the spread of ya ba, as methamphetamine is widely known in Asia, and worth an estimated $3 billion annually, government officials say.

The drug is sourced from Myanmar`s northeast and smuggled into neighbouring Bangladesh.

"In recent times, drug dealing has increased and we feel that people should be alert and motivated to act against it," Devdas Bhattacharya, a senior police official, told reporters.

"The process will continue until it`s eradicated totally".

He said police arrested six people on Sunday, including a 12-year-old boy from Myanmar`s Rohingya Muslim community, who had carried 3,350 ya ba tablets to the capital, Dhaka.

Bangladesh has said an influx last year of Rohingya fleeing Buddhist-majority Myanmar is partly to blame for soaring methamphetamine use. But many Rohingya say their young people are being pushed into crime because they cannot legally work or, in many cases, get access to aid.

The 86 deaths occurred when police defended themselves in confrontations with suspected drug traffickers, said Mufti Mahmud Khan, a director of the police Rapid Action Battalion.

"It`s their legal right to save themselves from the attack," Mufti told Reuters.

Human rights activists are worried the Bangladesh campaign is taking a page from the Philippine drugs war, in which thousands of people have been killed in the past two years.

"The Sheikh Hasina government says it is a protector of human rights, so it should reform its domestic record, set an example, instead of wishing to be compared to an abusive regime," said Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia director for Human Rights Watch.

Ganguly said the government "should heed concerns and allegations by families and activists that several of these deaths could be extrajudicial killings".

Interior minister Asaduzzaman Khan rejected the rights group`s allegations and denied that police had carried out any extra-judicial killings. He said dozens of police had been injured in anti-drug operations.

The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) said the anti-drugs drive was part of a campaign to intimidate it but Khan also rejected that, saying ruling party members would not be spared if found guilty of drug crimes.

"We are determined to save our young generation from the curse of drugs," he said.

&nbsp

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina approved the anti-narcotics campaign in early May to tackle the spread of ya ba, as methamphetamine is widely known in Asia, and worth an estimated $3 billion annually, government officials say

Bangladesh police have killed at least 86 people and arrested about 7,000 since launching a crackdown on drug trafficking this month, officials said on Monday, raising fears from rights activists of a Philippines-style war on drugs. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina approved the anti-narcotics campaign in early May to tackle the spread of ya ba, as methamphetamine is widely known in Asia, and worth an estimated $3 billion annually, government officials say. The drug is sourced from Myanmar`s northeast and smuggled into neighbouring Bangladesh. "In recent times, drug dealing has increased and we feel that people should be alert and motivated to act against it," Devdas Bhattacharya, a senior police official, told reporters. "The process will continue until it`s eradicated totally". He said police arrested six people on Sunday, including a 12-year-old boy from Myanmar`s Rohingya Muslim community, who had carried 3,350 ya ba tablets to the capital, Dhaka. Bangladesh has said an influx last year of Rohingya fleeing Buddhist-majority Myanmar is partly to blame for soaring methamphetamine use. But many Rohingya say their young people are being pushed into crime because they cannot legally work or, in many cases, get access to aid. The 86 deaths occurred when police defended themselves in confrontations with suspected drug traffickers, said Mufti Mahmud Khan, a director of the police Rapid Action Battalion. "It`s their legal right to save themselves from the attack," Mufti told Reuters. Human rights activists are worried the Bangladesh campaign is taking a page from the Philippine drugs war, in which thousands of people have been killed in the past two years. "The Sheikh Hasina government says it is a protector of human rights, so it should reform its domestic record, set an example, instead of wishing to be compared to an abusive regime," said Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia director for Human Rights Watch. Ganguly said the government "should heed concerns and allegations by families and activists that several of these deaths could be extrajudicial killings". Interior minister Asaduzzaman Khan rejected the rights group`s allegations and denied that police had carried out any extra-judicial killings. He said dozens of police had been injured in anti-drug operations. The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) said the anti-drugs drive was part of a campaign to intimidate it but Khan also rejected that, saying ruling party members would not be spared if found guilty of drug crimes. "We are determined to save our young generation from the curse of drugs," he said.

Bangladesh kills 86, arrests 7,000 in anti-drugs campaign

The United States today "disinvited" China from participating in annual maritime exercises in the Pacific due to "continued militarization of the South China Sea," the Pentagon said.

The US has been couducting drills in the South China Sea even as China has been conducting military drills in the area and taking part in defence excercise in the Taiwan Straits.&nbsp

"China's continued militarization of disputed features in the South China Sea only serve to raise tensions and destabilize the region," Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Chris Logan said.

Last week, China reportedly landed several aircrafts at an airfield in the South China Sea area prompting the US to declare that China was engaging in "continued militarisation of disputed features in the South China Sea".

China denied the US claim of "militarising". The area around the South China Sea is rich in oil and natural gas with several islands being claimed by Philippines, Brunei and Malaysia even as China has upped the ante with military drills.&nbsp

"We have disinvited the PLA Navy from the 2018 Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise. China's behavior is inconsistent with the principles and purposes of the RIMPAC exercise."

China has built several artificial islands in the disputed area fueling further tensions between countries who have accused it of playing brinkmanship.

China has built several artificial islands in the disputed area fueling further tensions between countries who have accused it of playing brinkmanship.

The United States today "disinvited" China from participating in annual maritime exercises in the Pacific due to "continued militarization of the South China Sea," the Pentagon said. The US has been couducting drills in the South China Sea even as China has been conducting military drills in the area and taking part in defence excercise in the Taiwan Straits. "China's continued militarization of disputed features in the South China Sea only serve to raise tensions and destabilize the region," Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Chris Logan said. Last week, China reportedly landed several aircrafts at an airfield in the South China Sea area prompting the US to declare that China was engaging in "continued militarisation of disputed features in the South China Sea". China denied the US claim of "militarising". The area around the South China Sea is rich in oil and natural gas with several islands being claimed by Philippines, Brunei and Malaysia even as China has upped the ante with military drills. "We have disinvited the PLA Navy from the 2018 Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise. China's behavior is inconsistent with the principles and purposes of the RIMPAC exercise." China has built several artificial islands in the disputed area fueling further tensions between countries who have accused it of playing brinkmanship.

US 'disinvites' China from maritime exercise in the Pacific over South China Sea dispute

A dispute between Kuwait and the Philippines over reports of abuse of Philippine workers took a turn for the worse on Thursday with the Philippines expressing "great displeasure" about Kuwait's expulsion of its ambassador.

The conflict has been simmering for three months, sparked by reports that several Filipinos had been driven to suicide by the abuse of Kuwaiti employers.

The two countries have been working on a pact to protect expatriate workers after the Philippines banned its workers from going to Kuwait.

But on Wednesday, Kuwait ordered the Philippine ambassador to leave within a week and recalled its own envoy for consultations after embassy staff tried on the weekend to "rescue" domestic workers.

The Philippine foreign ministry on Thursday summoned the Kuwaiti ambassador to demand an explanation for Kuwait's action but was told the envoy, Musaed Saleh Ahmad Althwaikh, had left the country late on Wednesday.

"The department served a diplomatic note to the Embassy of Kuwait conveying its strong surprise and great displeasure over the declaration of Ambassador Renato Pedro Villa as persona non grata," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

"These acts are inconsistent with the assurances and representations made by the Kuwaiti ambassador on the various concerns that were brought to his attention".

Officials at Kuwait's embassy in Manila were not available for comment.

Domestic helpers account for more than 65 percent of the more than 260,000 Filipinos in Kuwait, according to the Philippine foreign secretary.

In February, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte called on workers in Kuwait to return home after the discovery of a domestic worker's body in a freezer in an abandoned home.

The Philippines says it has protested about the detention of four of its nationals who were hired by its embassy in Kuwait to help with the "rescue" operation last Saturday, and the issuance of arrest warrants against three diplomatic personnel.

Kuwait has not commented on that publicly.

Kuwait's ambassador met Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano on Tuesday to resolve the dispute and they had agreed on measures to prevent a repeat of the incidents, the Philippines has said.

Cayetano issued an apology to Kuwait at the time for what Kuwait viewed as a violation of its sovereignty but he maintained the embassy was forced to "assist" Filipino domestic workers who sought help because some situations were a matter of life and death.

Foreign workers in many Gulf states are employed under a sponsorship system that gives employers the right to keep their passports and exercise full control over their stay.

Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have long complained that Gulf states do not properly regulate working conditions for low-income domestic workers and labourers.

The two countries have been working on a pact to protect expatriate workers after the Philippines banned its workers from going to Kuwait.

A dispute between Kuwait and the Philippines over reports of abuse of Philippine workers took a turn for the worse on Thursday with the Philippines expressing "great displeasure" about Kuwait's expulsion of its ambassador. The conflict has been simmering for three months, sparked by reports that several Filipinos had been driven to suicide by the abuse of Kuwaiti employers. The two countries have been working on a pact to protect expatriate workers after the Philippines banned its workers from going to Kuwait. But on Wednesday, Kuwait ordered the Philippine ambassador to leave within a week and recalled its own envoy for consultations after embassy staff tried on the weekend to "rescue" domestic workers. The Philippine foreign ministry on Thursday summoned the Kuwaiti ambassador to demand an explanation for Kuwait's action but was told the envoy, Musaed Saleh Ahmad Althwaikh, had left the country late on Wednesday. "The department served a diplomatic note to the Embassy of Kuwait conveying its strong surprise and great displeasure over the declaration of Ambassador Renato Pedro Villa as persona non grata," the foreign ministry said in a statement. "These acts are inconsistent with the assurances and representations made by the Kuwaiti ambassador on the various concerns that were brought to his attention". Officials at Kuwait's embassy in Manila were not available for comment. Domestic helpers account for more than 65 percent of the more than 260,000 Filipinos in Kuwait, according to the Philippine foreign secretary. In February, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte called on workers in Kuwait to return home after the discovery of a domestic worker's body in a freezer in an abandoned home. The Philippines says it has protested about the detention of four of its nationals who were hired by its embassy in Kuwait to help with the "rescue" operation last Saturday, and the issuance of arrest warrants against three diplomatic personnel. Kuwait has not commented on that publicly. Kuwait's ambassador met Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano on Tuesday to resolve the dispute and they had agreed on measures to prevent a repeat of the incidents, the Philippines has said. Cayetano issued an apology to Kuwait at the time for what Kuwait viewed as a violation of its sovereignty but he maintained the embassy was forced to "assist" Filipino domestic workers who sought help because some situations were a matter of life and death. Foreign workers in many Gulf states are employed under a sponsorship system that gives employers the right to keep their passports and exercise full control over their stay. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have long complained that Gulf states do not properly regulate working conditions for low-income domestic workers and labourers.

Philippines expresses 'great displeasure' as row with Kuwait deepens

The Philippines decried what it said was interference in its internal affairs by the European Parliament, which urged the Southeast Asian nation in a resolution to end "extrajudicial killings" and halt plans to bring back the death penalty.

About 4,100 people have been killed by police in the Philippines since President Rodrigo Duterte took power in late June 2016 in what the authorities say were shootouts during anti-narcotics operations. Activists say many of those killings were executions, which police deny.

At least 2,300 drug-related deaths have occurred separately, at the hands of what police say are unknown assassins.

The European lawmakers on Thursday condemned Philippine authorities for "trying to justify these murders with falsified evidence", which Manila said was meddling and based on wrong information.

"The European Parliament has crossed a red line when it called for unwarranted actions against the Philippines," Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said in a statement late on Thursday.

The European Parliament and its members have criticised the Philippines'&nbspbrutal anti-narcotics crackdown several times, infuriating Duterte, who has directed his frustration on the European Union, rather than its legislative branch.

The EU is an important source of development aid, commerce and investment for the Philippines.

European lawmakers also called on Manila to remove what they called human rights defenders from its list of what it considers as "terrorists", including Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, the United Nations special rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples.

They also condemned "the intimidation and the abuse" of human rights activists and journalists, and said Duterte`s push to reintroduce the death penalty was against its international obligations.

"In case the members of the European Parliament are not aware of it, may we remind them that their recommended actions already constitute interference in the affairs of a sovereign state," Cayetano added.

He said the resolution was based on "biased, incomplete and even wrong information and does not reflect the true situation on the ground".

The New York-based Human Rights Watch applauded the European Parliament for adopting the resolution and for its support for international efforts to investigate the Philippine crackdown.&nbsp

"It is a timely and forceful message from the EU parliamentarians putting President Duterte and his backers on notice - that continued grave abuses will come at a price," its researcher, Carlos Conde, said in a statement.

About 4,100 people have been killed by police in the Philippines since President Rodrigo Duterte took power in late June 2016 in what the authorities say were shootouts during anti-narcotics operations. Activists say many of those killings were executions, which police deny

The Philippines decried what it said was interference in its internal affairs by the European Parliament, which urged the Southeast Asian nation in a resolution to end "extrajudicial killings" and halt plans to bring back the death penalty. About 4,100 people have been killed by police in the Philippines since President Rodrigo Duterte took power in late June 2016 in what the authorities say were shootouts during anti-narcotics operations. Activists say many of those killings were executions, which police deny. At least 2,300 drug-related deaths have occurred separately, at the hands of what police say are unknown assassins. The European lawmakers on Thursday condemned Philippine authorities for "trying to justify these murders with falsified evidence", which Manila said was meddling and based on wrong information. "The European Parliament has crossed a red line when it called for unwarranted actions against the Philippines," Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said in a statement late on Thursday. The European Parliament and its members have criticised the Philippines'&nbspbrutal anti-narcotics crackdown several times, infuriating Duterte, who has directed his frustration on the European Union, rather than its legislative branch. The EU is an important source of development aid, commerce and investment for the Philippines. European lawmakers also called on Manila to remove what they called human rights defenders from its list of what it considers as "terrorists", including Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, the United Nations special rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples. They also condemned "the intimidation and the abuse" of human rights activists and journalists, and said Duterte`s push to reintroduce the death penalty was against its international obligations. "In case the members of the European Parliament are not aware of it, may we remind them that their recommended actions already constitute interference in the affairs of a sovereign state," Cayetano added. He said the resolution was based on "biased, incomplete and even wrong information and does not reflect the true situation on the ground". The New York-based Human Rights Watch applauded the European Parliament for adopting the resolution and for its support for international efforts to investigate the Philippine crackdown. "It is a timely and forceful message from the EU parliamentarians putting President Duterte and his backers on notice - that continued grave abuses will come at a price," its researcher, Carlos Conde, said in a statement.

Philippines decries European Parliament's 'interference' in alleged execustions matter

Clad in underwear, loincloths, tutus or body paint, hundreds of semi-naked young people pounded the streets of Manila on Sunday in an unusual race that brought a sweaty spectacle to the capital of the conservative, mainly Catholic Philippines.

The city's first-ever "Underpants Run" drew crowds from dawn as around a thousand runners in skimpy outfits jogged and sprinted around an upscale shopping district in balmy weather.

"It was a feast for the eyes... people were hyped," 30-year-old runner Ronald Tugade told AFP after completing a five-kilometre (three-mile) segment of the course.

"Bystanders asked why we were dressed that way," said the IT engineer, who said he had clocked in at a relatively slow 26 minutes because he was somewhat distracted by the many "guys with abs, as well as sexy women" around him.

The race, which participants could choose to run at three, five or 10 kilometres, also attracted a number of local celebrities, with one popular actor and go-karting driver mobbed by female runners.

"Of course you have to get your body toned for it, but there was no body shaming. All participants were welcome," said Tugade.

While more daring participants wore G-strings and body paint, others opted for silly costumes such as grass skirts and baby-blue ballet tutus.

"Everyone stripped down to their birthday suits or dressed up to the nines -- there were feathers, Egyptian costumes, superhero masks and odes to traditional (tribal loincloths)," said a post on the fitness website multisport.ph, the run's co-sponsor.

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Matteo Guidicelli <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CenturyTunaSuperbods?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CenturyTunaSuperbods</a> The Underpants Run 2018 <a href="https://t.co/fAeWh2IDSv">pic.twitter.com/fAeWh2IDSv</a>
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&nbsp

Manila's first-ever "Underpants Run" drew crowds from dawn as around a thousand runners in skimpy outfits jogged and sprinted.

Clad in underwear, loincloths, tutus or body paint, hundreds of semi-naked young people pounded the streets of Manila on Sunday in an unusual race that brought a sweaty spectacle to the capital of the conservative, mainly Catholic Philippines. The city's first-ever "Underpants Run" drew crowds from dawn as around a thousand runners in skimpy outfits jogged and sprinted around an upscale shopping district in balmy weather. "It was a feast for the eyes... people were hyped," 30-year-old runner Ronald Tugade told AFP after completing a five-kilometre (three-mile) segment of the course. "Bystanders asked why we were dressed that way," said the IT engineer, who said he had clocked in at a relatively slow 26 minutes because he was somewhat distracted by the many "guys with abs, as well as sexy women" around him. The race, which participants could choose to run at three, five or 10 kilometres, also attracted a number of local celebrities, with one popular actor and go-karting driver mobbed by female runners. "Of course you have to get your body toned for it, but there was no body shaming. All participants were welcome," said Tugade. While more daring participants wore G-strings and body paint, others opted for silly costumes such as grass skirts and baby-blue ballet tutus. "Everyone stripped down to their birthday suits or dressed up to the nines -- there were feathers, Egyptian costumes, superhero masks and odes to traditional (tribal loincloths)," said a post on the fitness website multisport.ph, the run's co-sponsor. Matteo Guidicelli #CenturyTunaSuperbods The Underpants Run 2018 pic.twitter.com/fAeWh2IDSv — NeNe GG (@LouieistoLouie) April 8, 2018 ×

Hundreds strip off for 'underpants run' in Philippines

An earthquake of magnitude 6.2 struck off the southern Philippine island of Mindanao on Thursday, the US Geological Survey said.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage from the quake, which hit at a depth of 61 km (38 miles), about 128 km (80 miles) east of the island's key city of Davao.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage

An earthquake of magnitude 6.2 struck off the southern Philippine island of Mindanao on Thursday, the US Geological Survey said. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage from the quake, which hit at a depth of 61 km (38 miles), about 128 km (80 miles) east of the island's key city of Davao.

Philippines: Earthquake of magnitude 6.2 strikes off Mindanao

As tension between the US and China continues the South China Sea, the US embassy in Hanoi said the Trump administration has delivered six patrol boats and equipment worth $20 million to Vietnam.

The embassy said it "will serve to deter bad actors from committing crimes against or near Vietnam".

Recently, the USS Carl Vinson entered Vietnam for first time since the end of the war in 1975. Both the US and Vietnam have rebuilt defence and bilateral ties even as China's clout in the region as grown in the past decade.

The move demonstrates US support for a "strong, prosperous, and independent Vietnam that contributes to international security and the rule of law", the embassy statement added.

However China's presence in the region continues to grow. Barely three weeks after the Vinson’s visit, the Vietnamese government bowed to Chinese pressure and canceled a major oil drilling project in disputed South China waters, Reuters reported.

China is reportedly conducting military drills in the area including sending aircraft carrier through the Taiwan Strait and flying jets between Japan’s southernmost islands, a move which has alarmed neighbours in the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei.

As a result, the US has increased its presence and sent in fighter jets and its Naval feet in the area. In a bid to push back the US, China said it plans to conduct monthly military exercises in the South China Sea.

China has in fact gone ahead an built several military posts on disputed atolls and reefs, transforming the area into military hotspot.

&nbspMischief Reef is now a well-armed Chinese military base.

China has in fact gone ahead an built several military posts on disputed atolls and reefs, transforming the area into military hotspot.

As tension between the US and China continues the South China Sea, the US embassy in Hanoi said the Trump administration has delivered six patrol boats and equipment worth $20 million to Vietnam. The embassy said it "will serve to deter bad actors from committing crimes against or near Vietnam". Recently, the USS Carl Vinson entered Vietnam for first time since the end of the war in 1975. Both the US and Vietnam have rebuilt defence and bilateral ties even as China's clout in the region as grown in the past decade. The move demonstrates US support for a "strong, prosperous, and independent Vietnam that contributes to international security and the rule of law", the embassy statement added. However China's presence in the region continues to grow. Barely three weeks after the Vinson’s visit, the Vietnamese government bowed to Chinese pressure and canceled a major oil drilling project in disputed South China waters, Reuters reported. China is reportedly conducting military drills in the area including sending aircraft carrier through the Taiwan Strait and flying jets between Japan’s southernmost islands, a move which has alarmed neighbours in the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. As a result, the US has increased its presence and sent in fighter jets and its Naval feet in the area. In a bid to push back the US, China said it plans to conduct monthly military exercises in the South China Sea. China has in fact gone ahead an built several military posts on disputed atolls and reefs, transforming the area into military hotspot. &nbspMischief Reef is now a well-armed Chinese military base.

Amid tensions over South China Sea, US delivers patrol boats to Vietnam

At least ten people lost their lives when a light aircraft crash-landed on a house in Plaridel, Bulacan of Philippines on Saturday.

The Manila Times quoted Bulacan police provincial director Senior Superintendent Romeo Caramat, Jr. as saying that Captain Ruel Meloria, his passengers Elisha Necesario, Ma. Vena Palunan, Romeo Huenda and Melvin Melgar perished, along with the occupants of the house have died in the crash.

&quot;The Piper PA-23 Apache six-seater twin-engine light aircraft with registry number RP-C299 crashed in the morning after takeoff from Plaridel Airport,&quot; said The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).

The CAAP said the cause of the crash has yet to be determined. However, it has sent a team from its Flight Safety and Inspectorate Service to the crash site for further investigation.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines said the cause of the crash has yet to be determined

At least ten people lost their lives when a light aircraft crash-landed on a house in Plaridel, Bulacan of Philippines on Saturday. The Manila Times quoted Bulacan police provincial director Senior Superintendent Romeo Caramat, Jr. as saying that Captain Ruel Meloria, his passengers Elisha Necesario, Ma. Vena Palunan, Romeo Huenda and Melvin Melgar perished, along with the occupants of the house have died in the crash. "The Piper PA-23 Apache six-seater twin-engine light aircraft with registry number RP-C299 crashed in the morning after takeoff from Plaridel Airport," said The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). The CAAP said the cause of the crash has yet to be determined. However, it has sent a team from its Flight Safety and Inspectorate Service to the crash site for further investigation.

10 dead after plane crashes into house in Philippines

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday called for other signatories of the Rome Statute that established the International Criminal Court (ICC) to join his country in withdrawing from the treaty.

Duterte&#39;s comments during a speech to graduating cadets at the Philippine Military Academy in northern Philippines comes after ICC prosecutors last month opened a preliminary examination into the president&#39;s &quot;war on drugs&quot;, which has led to the death of thousands since it began in July 2016.

The Southeast Asian nation last week notified the United Nations secretary-general of its decision to withdraw from the ICC because of what the outspoken Philippine leader called &quot;outrageous&quot; attacks by UN&nbsp;officials and violations of due process.

&quot;I will convince everybody now under the treaty to get out, get out,&quot; Duterte said. &quot;It is not a document that was prepared by anybody, it&#39;s EU-sponsored.&quot;

About 4,000 Filipinos have been killed by police in the past 19 months in a brutal crackdown that has alarmed the international community. Activists believe the death toll is far higher.

Police say those thousands of deaths were during legitimate anti-drugs operations in which the suspects had violently resisted arrest.

About 4,000 Filipinos have been killed by police in the past 19 months in a brutal crackdown that has alarmed the international community

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday called for other signatories of the Rome Statute that established the International Criminal Court (ICC) to join his country in withdrawing from the treaty. Duterte's comments during a speech to graduating cadets at the Philippine Military Academy in northern Philippines comes after ICC prosecutors last month opened a preliminary examination into the president's "war on drugs", which has led to the death of thousands since it began in July 2016. The Southeast Asian nation last week notified the United Nations secretary-general of its decision to withdraw from the ICC because of what the outspoken Philippine leader called "outrageous" attacks by UN officials and violations of due process. "I will convince everybody now under the treaty to get out, get out," Duterte said. "It is not a document that was prepared by anybody, it's EU-sponsored." About 4,000 Filipinos have been killed by police in the past 19 months in a brutal crackdown that has alarmed the international community. Activists believe the death toll is far higher. Police say those thousands of deaths were during legitimate anti-drugs operations in which the suspects had violently resisted arrest.

Philippines' Duterte calls for mass withdrawal from ICC

Kuwait and the Philippines have signed an agreement regulating some working conditions for domestic workers in the Gulf State, Kuwait`s state news agency KUNA reported on Saturday.

The deal may end a two-month crisis sparked by reports that abuse by employers in Kuwait had driven several Filipinos to suicide.

The Philippines stopped sending workers to Kuwait in January after a Filipino migrant worker was found dead in a freezer, the latest incident in what Manila called a pattern of abuse in the Gulf state.

KUNA said a deal was signed in Manila on Friday after a meeting between a visiting Kuwaiti delegation and Filipino authorities.

&quot;The deal will ensure the rights of both employers and employees,&quot; KUNA quoted Foreign Ministry Undersecretary for Consulate Affairs Sami Al-Hamad as saying.

Al-Hamad said the two sides agreed that domestic workers from the Philippines will have the right to retain their passports as well as the right to refuse being transferred to other employers.

There was no immediate comment from the Philippines government.

Workers in many Gulf states are employed under the Kafala (sponsorship) system, which gives employers the right to keep their passports and full control over their stay in the country.

Rights groups say this system leaves millions of workers in the Gulf region open to exploitation.

The delegation asked that hiring domestic Filipino workers resume at Kuwaiti agencies, KUNA said.

There are more than 250,000 Filipinos in Kuwait, the Philippine foreign ministry estimates, with most working as domestic helpers. There are also large numbers in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. 
&nbsp;

There was no immediate comment from the Philippines government

Kuwait and the Philippines have signed an agreement regulating some working conditions for domestic workers in the Gulf State, Kuwait`s state news agency KUNA reported on Saturday. The deal may end a two-month crisis sparked by reports that abuse by employers in Kuwait had driven several Filipinos to suicide. The Philippines stopped sending workers to Kuwait in January after a Filipino migrant worker was found dead in a freezer, the latest incident in what Manila called a pattern of abuse in the Gulf state. KUNA said a deal was signed in Manila on Friday after a meeting between a visiting Kuwaiti delegation and Filipino authorities. "The deal will ensure the rights of both employers and employees," KUNA quoted Foreign Ministry Undersecretary for Consulate Affairs Sami Al-Hamad as saying. Al-Hamad said the two sides agreed that domestic workers from the Philippines will have the right to retain their passports as well as the right to refuse being transferred to other employers. There was no immediate comment from the Philippines government. Workers in many Gulf states are employed under the Kafala (sponsorship) system, which gives employers the right to keep their passports and full control over their stay in the country. Rights groups say this system leaves millions of workers in the Gulf region open to exploitation. The delegation asked that hiring domestic Filipino workers resume at Kuwaiti agencies, KUNA said. There are more than 250,000 Filipinos in Kuwait, the Philippine foreign ministry estimates, with most working as domestic helpers. There are also large numbers in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Kuwait reaches deal with Philippines on domestic workers

The Philippines has given official notice to the United Nations that it is withdrawing from the International Criminal Court, which is probing President Rodrigo Duterte&#39;s deadly drug war, Manila said Friday.

The move comes two days after Duterte announced his nation would quit the court, and triggered warnings Friday from a top tribunal official that it would harm global efforts to end impunity for the world&#39;s worst crimes.

The ICC, based in The Hague, last month launched a preliminary inquiry into Duterte&#39;s bloody crackdown on narcotics, amid allegations that actions by Philippine security forces amount to crimes against humanity.

Philippine police say they have killed roughly 4,000 suspects who fought back during arrest, but rights groups allege the actual number is three times higher and accuse the authorities of murder.

The ICC opened in 2002 to try abuses in countries where national courts cannot or will not prosecute. Manila joined the Rome Statute in 2011.

But on Thursday the Philippines said in a letter to the UN, which oversaw negotiations to found the court, that it was pulling out of the Rome Statute, the tribunal&#39;s founding guidelines.

&quot;The decision to withdraw is the Philippines&#39; principled stand against those who would politicise and weaponise human rights,&quot; the letter said.

Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, speaking from Manila, said the Philippines was quitting due to &quot;the well-orchestrated campaign to mislead the international community, to crucify President Duterte... by distorting the human rights situation in the country&quot;.

But the tribunal urged Manila to reconsider its decision, and the president of its governing body, the assembly of state parties (ASP), said he deeply regretted the move.

&quot;A state party withdrawing from the Rome Statute would negatively impact our collective efforts towards fighting impunity&rdquo;, said ASP president, O-Gon Kwon.

&quot;The ICC needs the strong support of the international community to ensure its effectiveness. I encourage the Philippines to remain as a party to the Rome Statute.&quot;

Officially quitting the court requires a year&#39;s notice and does not stop the ICC from continuing its investigation of the killings, which have drawn international concern.

&#39;No impact&#39; on ICC probe&nbsp;

&quot;A withdrawal would have no impact on ongoing proceedings or any matter which was already under consideration by the court prior to the date on which the withdrawal became effective,&quot; the ICC said Friday, its first comment since Duterte&#39;s announcement.

&quot;The court encourages the Philippines to not follow through with the reported/stated intention to withdraw, as it is... an integral part of the international criminal justice system,&quot; it added.

Should the Philippines fully withdraw from the court it would not be the first to do so, as Burundi became the first ever nation to leave in October 2017.

The Philippines said in its letter that it &quot;affirms its commitment to fight against impunity for atrocity crimes&quot;, despite its withdrawal.

Duterte, who is buoyed by high popularity ratings at home, has fiercely defended the drug war as a battle to bring safety to the nation&#39;s 100 million people.

He has frequently urged authorities to kill drug suspects while promising to protect police from legal sanction.

The move comes two days after Duterte announced his nation would quit the court, and triggered warnings Friday from a top tribunal official that it would harm global efforts to end impunity for the world's worst crimes.

The Philippines has given official notice to the United Nations that it is withdrawing from the International Criminal Court, which is probing President Rodrigo Duterte's deadly drug war, Manila said Friday. The move comes two days after Duterte announced his nation would quit the court, and triggered warnings Friday from a top tribunal official that it would harm global efforts to end impunity for the world's worst crimes. The ICC, based in The Hague, last month launched a preliminary inquiry into Duterte's bloody crackdown on narcotics, amid allegations that actions by Philippine security forces amount to crimes against humanity. Philippine police say they have killed roughly 4,000 suspects who fought back during arrest, but rights groups allege the actual number is three times higher and accuse the authorities of murder. The ICC opened in 2002 to try abuses in countries where national courts cannot or will not prosecute. Manila joined the Rome Statute in 2011. But on Thursday the Philippines said in a letter to the UN, which oversaw negotiations to found the court, that it was pulling out of the Rome Statute, the tribunal's founding guidelines. "The decision to withdraw is the Philippines' principled stand against those who would politicise and weaponise human rights," the letter said. Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, speaking from Manila, said the Philippines was quitting due to "the well-orchestrated campaign to mislead the international community, to crucify President Duterte... by distorting the human rights situation in the country". But the tribunal urged Manila to reconsider its decision, and the president of its governing body, the assembly of state parties (ASP), said he deeply regretted the move. "A state party withdrawing from the Rome Statute would negatively impact our collective efforts towards fighting impunity”, said ASP president, O-Gon Kwon. "The ICC needs the strong support of the international community to ensure its effectiveness. I encourage the Philippines to remain as a party to the Rome Statute." Officially quitting the court requires a year's notice and does not stop the ICC from continuing its investigation of the killings, which have drawn international concern. 'No impact' on ICC probe "A withdrawal would have no impact on ongoing proceedings or any matter which was already under consideration by the court prior to the date on which the withdrawal became effective," the ICC said Friday, its first comment since Duterte's announcement. "The court encourages the Philippines to not follow through with the reported/stated intention to withdraw, as it is... an integral part of the international criminal justice system," it added. Should the Philippines fully withdraw from the court it would not be the first to do so, as Burundi became the first ever nation to leave in October 2017. The Philippines said in its letter that it "affirms its commitment to fight against impunity for atrocity crimes", despite its withdrawal. Duterte, who is buoyed by high popularity ratings at home, has fiercely defended the drug war as a battle to bring safety to the nation's 100 million people. He has frequently urged authorities to kill drug suspects while promising to protect police from legal sanction.

Philippines tells UN it will quit International Criminal Court

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will withdraw his country&#39;s ratification of the International Criminal Court&#39;s (ICC) Rome Statute, due to what he said were attacks by United Nations officials and violations of due process by the ICC, according to a draft statement.

The statement, which had yet to be signed by Duterte, was given to reporters by presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo, who confirmed that the document was authentic.

It said the move was due to the &quot;baseless, unprecedented and outrageous attacks on my person as well as against my administration&quot; by UN officials, and what he said was an attempt by the ICC prosecutor to seek jurisdiction over him &quot;in violation of due process and presumption of innocence&quot;.

The ICC last month started a preliminary examination to establish whether crimes against humanity may have taken place during Duterte&#39;s deadly war on drugs and whether the ICC had jurisdiction to take on the case. A complaint was filed with the ICC by a Philippine lawyer last year.

The statement, which had yet to be signed by Duterte, was given to reporters by presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo, who confirmed that the document was authentic

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will withdraw his country's ratification of the International Criminal Court's (ICC) Rome Statute, due to what he said were attacks by United Nations officials and violations of due process by the ICC, according to a draft statement. The statement, which had yet to be signed by Duterte, was given to reporters by presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo, who confirmed that the document was authentic. It said the move was due to the "baseless, unprecedented and outrageous attacks on my person as well as against my administration" by UN officials, and what he said was an attempt by the ICC prosecutor to seek jurisdiction over him "in violation of due process and presumption of innocence". The ICC last month started a preliminary examination to establish whether crimes against humanity may have taken place during Duterte's deadly war on drugs and whether the ICC had jurisdiction to take on the case. A complaint was filed with the ICC by a Philippine lawyer last year.

Philippines' Duterte to issue notice of withdrawal from ICC

President Rodrigo Duterte said Wednesday he was pulling the Philippines out of the treaty underpinning the International Criminal Court, which is examining his deadly drug war.

The outspoken leader, who is accused of stoking the killing of drug suspects with inflammatory statements, has fiercely pushed back since the Philippines became the first southeast Asian nation put under &quot;preliminary examination&quot; by the court&#39;s prosecutors.

The ICC announced last month it was launching a study of the killings, which Philippine police put at 4,000 but rights groups say is actually triple that number.

Officially quitting the court requires a year&#39;s notice and experts say pulling out does not preclude an investigation of the deaths, which have drawn international concern.

&quot;It is apparent that the ICC is being utilised as a political tool against the Philippines,&quot; Duterte said in a statement, adding the ICC examination was &quot;unduly and maliciously created&quot;.

&quot;I therefore declare and forthwith give notice... that the Philippines is withdrawing its ratification of the Rome Statute effective immediately,&quot; he added.

Opened in 2002, the ICC is the world&#39;s only permanent war crimes court and aims to prosecute the worst abuses when national courts are unable or unwilling.

The Philippines, under previous President Benigno Aquino, ratified in 2011 the Rome Statute which underpins the ICC, giving the tribunal authority to investigate crimes on its soil.

Rights advocates and attorneys said quitting the court would not eliminate the possibility of a case before it.

&quot;The Philippines&#39; intention to walk away from the International Criminal Court is unfortunate, but it doesn&#39;t shut the door on the prosecutor&#39;s scrutiny of the government&#39;s horrendous track record of grave abuses,&quot; said Param-Preet Singh of Human Rights Watch.

- &#39;Unprecedented, outrageous attacks&#39; - 
Celeste Mallari, a professor at the Philippines College of Law, said the court can &quot;investigate any acts that have been done from the time the Philippines became a member of the ICC... until one year after we gave our notice of withdrawal&quot;.

However, should the Philippines fully withdraw from the court it would not be the first to do so, as Burundi became the first ever nation to leave in October 2017.

In a wave of unprecedented defections, other African nations -- Zambia, South Africa, Kenya and Gambia -- have also made moves to quit or expressed interest to withdraw as they accused the court of being biased against Africans.

Russia in 2016 dealt the ICC another blow by withdrawing its signature from the Rome Statute.

Duterte, who is buoyed by high popularity ratings in the Philippines, has fiercely defended the drug war as a battle to bring safety to the nation&#39;s 100 million people.

On Wednesday he repeated that defence, citing &quot;baseless, unprecedented and outrageous attacks on his person as well my administration&quot;.

&quot;The acts allegedly committed by me are neither genocide nor war crimes. The deaths occurring in the process of legitimate police operations lacked the intent to kill,&quot; he added.

But even as early as October 13, 2016, when Duterte had only been in office less than four months, the ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said in a statement that she was &quot;deeply concerned&quot; over reports of extra-judicial killings of over 3,000 alleged drug users and pushers.

Adding pressure on Manila, in February, the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva raised the country&#39;s human rights record, with Icelandic Foreign Minister Gudlaugur Thor Thordarson calling on the Philippines to accept the visit of a UN Special Rapporteur.

Philippine officials had initially said in February that the country was ready to cooperate but asked for fairness.

Duterte&#39;s spokesman Harry Roque also said they would refuse a visit by one such rapporteur Agnes Callamard, who had previously been pressing to investigate the killings.

But Roque has also said the ICC has no jurisdiction over the case because the tribunal was intended as a &quot;court of last resort&quot; and the Philippine courts were fully functioning.

The court is examining his deadly war on drugs which has so far left between 4,000 to 12,000 people dead

President Rodrigo Duterte said Wednesday he was pulling the Philippines out of the treaty underpinning the International Criminal Court, which is examining his deadly drug war. The outspoken leader, who is accused of stoking the killing of drug suspects with inflammatory statements, has fiercely pushed back since the Philippines became the first southeast Asian nation put under "preliminary examination" by the court's prosecutors. The ICC announced last month it was launching a study of the killings, which Philippine police put at 4,000 but rights groups say is actually triple that number. Officially quitting the court requires a year's notice and experts say pulling out does not preclude an investigation of the deaths, which have drawn international concern. "It is apparent that the ICC is being utilised as a political tool against the Philippines," Duterte said in a statement, adding the ICC examination was "unduly and maliciously created". "I therefore declare and forthwith give notice... that the Philippines is withdrawing its ratification of the Rome Statute effective immediately," he added. Opened in 2002, the ICC is the world's only permanent war crimes court and aims to prosecute the worst abuses when national courts are unable or unwilling. The Philippines, under previous President Benigno Aquino, ratified in 2011 the Rome Statute which underpins the ICC, giving the tribunal authority to investigate crimes on its soil. Rights advocates and attorneys said quitting the court would not eliminate the possibility of a case before it. "The Philippines' intention to walk away from the International Criminal Court is unfortunate, but it doesn't shut the door on the prosecutor's scrutiny of the government's horrendous track record of grave abuses," said Param-Preet Singh of Human Rights Watch. - 'Unprecedented, outrageous attacks' - Celeste Mallari, a professor at the Philippines College of Law, said the court can "investigate any acts that have been done from the time the Philippines became a member of the ICC... until one year after we gave our notice of withdrawal". However, should the Philippines fully withdraw from the court it would not be the first to do so, as Burundi became the first ever nation to leave in October 2017. In a wave of unprecedented defections, other African nations -- Zambia, South Africa, Kenya and Gambia -- have also made moves to quit or expressed interest to withdraw as they accused the court of being biased against Africans. Russia in 2016 dealt the ICC another blow by withdrawing its signature from the Rome Statute. Duterte, who is buoyed by high popularity ratings in the Philippines, has fiercely defended the drug war as a battle to bring safety to the nation's 100 million people. On Wednesday he repeated that defence, citing "baseless, unprecedented and outrageous attacks on his person as well my administration". "The acts allegedly committed by me are neither genocide nor war crimes. The deaths occurring in the process of legitimate police operations lacked the intent to kill," he added. But even as early as October 13, 2016, when Duterte had only been in office less than four months, the ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said in a statement that she was "deeply concerned" over reports of extra-judicial killings of over 3,000 alleged drug users and pushers. Adding pressure on Manila, in February, the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva raised the country's human rights record, with Icelandic Foreign Minister Gudlaugur Thor Thordarson calling on the Philippines to accept the visit of a UN Special Rapporteur. Philippine officials had initially said in February that the country was ready to cooperate but asked for fairness. Duterte's spokesman Harry Roque also said they would refuse a visit by one such rapporteur Agnes Callamard, who had previously been pressing to investigate the killings. But Roque has also said the ICC has no jurisdiction over the case because the tribunal was intended as a "court of last resort" and the Philippine courts were fully functioning.

Philippines' Duterte moves to quit International Criminal Court

The Philippine Supreme Court&#39;s chief judge, facing an impeachment complaint in the lower house of Congress and drawing the ire of President Rodrigo Duterte, vowed not to bow down to intense pressure and harassment from &quot;those in power&quot;.

Maria Lourdes Sereno, the first woman to head the 15-member Supreme Court, stands accused of concealing her wealth by not filing statements of her assets, liabilities and net worth for several years before she was appointed.

She has also irked Duterte for airing concerns about human rights and the rule of law.

&quot;All kinds of lies, threats, harassment and bullying have been thrown my way. But I will not yield,&quot; Sereno, 57, said in a speech before women judges.

She said her situation is no different from other judges who face pressure from those in power, without directly referring to the president and his allies in the legislature.

&quot;The president keeps on disclaiming any knowledge or participation about this whole thing,&quot; she said in a television interview. &quot;As for me, if he says he has nothing to do with it, he has nothing to do with it.&quot;

Duterte said on Tuesday said he has no hand in the impeachment.

Sereno, appointed in 2012 by Duterte&#39;s predecessor, is on an indefinite leave of absence to prepare for a possible trial in the Senate.

Maria Lourdes Sereno, the first woman to head the 15-member Supreme Court.

The Philippine Supreme Court's chief judge, facing an impeachment complaint in the lower house of Congress and drawing the ire of President Rodrigo Duterte, vowed not to bow down to intense pressure and harassment from "those in power". Maria Lourdes Sereno, the first woman to head the 15-member Supreme Court, stands accused of concealing her wealth by not filing statements of her assets, liabilities and net worth for several years before she was appointed. She has also irked Duterte for airing concerns about human rights and the rule of law. "All kinds of lies, threats, harassment and bullying have been thrown my way. But I will not yield," Sereno, 57, said in a speech before women judges. She said her situation is no different from other judges who face pressure from those in power, without directly referring to the president and his allies in the legislature. "The president keeps on disclaiming any knowledge or participation about this whole thing," she said in a television interview. "As for me, if he says he has nothing to do with it, he has nothing to do with it." Duterte said on Tuesday said he has no hand in the impeachment. Sereno, appointed in 2012 by Duterte's predecessor, is on an indefinite leave of absence to prepare for a possible trial in the Senate.

Philippines' top judge vows no quitting amid 'threats, bullying'

The Philippines will allow an investigation into alleged human rights abuses in its bloody war on drugs, but not if it is conducted by the United Nations&#39; current special rapporteur on extrajudicial killings, a senior official said on Tuesday.

More than 30 mostly Western countries have called on the Philippines to allow the UN expert, Agnes Callamard, to look into the thousands of killings in President Rodrigo Duterte brutal 19 month-old crackdown.

Callamard&#39;s specialist areas under the United Nations are extrajudicial killings, summary and arbitrary executions.

Duterte&#39;s spokesman, Harry Roque, a lawyer, said the Philippines welcomed any investigation provided that the United Nations sends a &quot;credible, objective and unbiased&quot; rapporteur, who is also &quot;an authority in the field that they seek to investigate&quot;.

Callamard does not fit that description, he said.

&quot;Definitely, not Agnes Callamard,&quot; Roque told a regular news briefing. &quot;It&#39;s her fault the home state does not want her in.&quot;

More than 4,000 Filipinos have been killed by police during the drugs war and hundreds, possibly several thousand, more by unidentified armed men.

Human rights groups and Duterte&#39;s political opponents say executions of drug users and small-time peddlers are widespread and systematic. The authorities deny that and say those killed were all dealers who put up violent resistance.

Last week, Amnesty International in the Philippines said &quot;meaningful investigations&quot; into such killings had failed to take place.

A prosecutor at the International Criminal Court in the Hague earlier this month started a preliminary examination into a complaint accusing Duterte and at least 11 officials of crimes against humanity. Duterte has welcomed that.

Roque said he had a lawyer in mind who could do the job instead of Callamard, but would not say who.

Duterte has previously said he would welcome a probe by Callamard on the condition she agreed to have a public debate with him.

She irked the government in May last year when she gave a speech at a policy forum during a visit in an unofficial capacity.

The Philippines will allow an investigation into alleged human rights abuses in its bloody war on drugs, but not if it is conducted by the United Nations' current special rapporteur on extrajudicial killings, a senior official said on Tuesday

The Philippines will allow an investigation into alleged human rights abuses in its bloody war on drugs, but not if it is conducted by the United Nations' current special rapporteur on extrajudicial killings, a senior official said on Tuesday. More than 30 mostly Western countries have called on the Philippines to allow the UN expert, Agnes Callamard, to look into the thousands of killings in President Rodrigo Duterte brutal 19 month-old crackdown. Callamard's specialist areas under the United Nations are extrajudicial killings, summary and arbitrary executions. Duterte's spokesman, Harry Roque, a lawyer, said the Philippines welcomed any investigation provided that the United Nations sends a "credible, objective and unbiased" rapporteur, who is also "an authority in the field that they seek to investigate". Callamard does not fit that description, he said. "Definitely, not Agnes Callamard," Roque told a regular news briefing. "It's her fault the home state does not want her in." More than 4,000 Filipinos have been killed by police during the drugs war and hundreds, possibly several thousand, more by unidentified armed men. Human rights groups and Duterte's political opponents say executions of drug users and small-time peddlers are widespread and systematic. The authorities deny that and say those killed were all dealers who put up violent resistance. Last week, Amnesty International in the Philippines said "meaningful investigations" into such killings had failed to take place. A prosecutor at the International Criminal Court in the Hague earlier this month started a preliminary examination into a complaint accusing Duterte and at least 11 officials of crimes against humanity. Duterte has welcomed that. Roque said he had a lawyer in mind who could do the job instead of Callamard, but would not say who. Duterte has previously said he would welcome a probe by Callamard on the condition she agreed to have a public debate with him. She irked the government in May last year when she gave a speech at a policy forum during a visit in an unofficial capacity.

Philippines open to UN drugs war probe, if by 'credible, objective' investigator

The stage is set in New Delhi, India for two days ASEAN-India commemorative summit, an international meet to commemorate 26 years of&nbsp;India-ASEAN relations and its partnership.

Heads of all ten ASEAN member countries will be in India to attend the summit two-day summit from 25-26 of January.

Heads of ASEAN member countries, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Brunei would start arriving in the country on January 25.

During the event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to have a bilateral meeting with leaders of ASEAN nations.

The ASEAN heads will be received by the President of India Ram Nath Kovind and will be followed by lunch at Rashtrapati Bhawan.

The leaders coming from ASEAN member countries will also attend Republic day parade and will make a walk in Mughal garden which would be followed by a formal photo shoot.

During the Summit Tour de Exhibition of 20 paintings of ASEAN-India Artists&rsquo; Camp will also be on display inside Mumtaz Hall.

Several cultural programmes will also be organised in honour of the ASEAN leader.

India and ASEAN have celebrated 25 years of their Dialogue Partnership, 15 years of Summit Level interaction and 5 years of Strategic Partnership in 2017.

Heads of all ten ASEAN member countries will be in India to attend the summit two-day summit from 25-26 of January

The stage is set in New Delhi, India for two days ASEAN-India commemorative summit, an international meet to commemorate 26 years of India-ASEAN relations and its partnership. Heads of all ten ASEAN member countries will be in India to attend the summit two-day summit from 25-26 of January. Heads of ASEAN member countries, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Brunei would start arriving in the country on January 25. During the event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to have a bilateral meeting with leaders of ASEAN nations. The ASEAN heads will be received by the President of India Ram Nath Kovind and will be followed by lunch at Rashtrapati Bhawan. The leaders coming from ASEAN member countries will also attend Republic day parade and will make a walk in Mughal garden which would be followed by a formal photo shoot. During the Summit Tour de Exhibition of 20 paintings of ASEAN-India Artists’ Camp will also be on display inside Mumtaz Hall. Several cultural programmes will also be organised in honour of the ASEAN leader. India and ASEAN have celebrated 25 years of their Dialogue Partnership, 15 years of Summit Level interaction and 5 years of Strategic Partnership in 2017.

Heads of ASEAN countries to participate in two-day summit in Delhi

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