A group of Filipino teachers have found a creative way to help children of indigenous communities living in remote mountains north of Manila catch up on their studies under the new norms of pandemic restrictions. Using old bookshelves and used wooden boards, the teachers built a makeshift learning centre complete with a large monitor.

Filipino teachers bring classrooms to isolated villages via travelling-school rickshaw

Students in the Philippines have begun classes at home after the COVID-19 pandemic forced remote learning onto an educational system already struggling to fund schools. Watch report.

Remote learning in the virus-hit Philippines: COVID-19 Pandemic is reshaping the education

A woman who was allegedly planning a suicide attack has been arrested by the army in the southern Philippines during a raid.

The military reported that the woman was arrested during a pre-dawn raid and is suspected of launching a suicide bombing attack.

She has been identified as&nbsp;Rezky Fantasya Rullie who is Indonesian by birth, and is the partner of an Indonesian militant who was killed in Sulu two months back.

These details have been revealed by&nbsp;the Joint Task Force for the restive region in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-sends-three-vessels-to-south-china-sea-in-anti-submarine-exercise-334183">Also read:&nbsp;Japan sends three vessels to South China Sea in anti-submarine exercise</a>

Rullie is also being linked to the two suicide bombers who took lives of 20 people in an attack on a&nbsp;Catholic cathedral in Jolo early last year.

"We have been pursuing foreign terrorist suicide bombers in Sulu after the twin bombing of Jolo town (in August)," said Brigadier General William Gonzales.

"Rullie was first on our list since we have received intelligence reports that she is going to conduct (a) suicide bombing."

The military found a vest rigged with pipe bombs along with several other explosive components from a house in the Jolo. The house is being linked to the leader of a terror group&nbsp;Abu Sayyaf.

Along with Rullie, two other women have also been detained on the similar charges. Those two also seem to have partners in the same terrorist organisation.

A woman who was allegedly planning a suicide attack has been arrested by the army in the southern Philippines during a raid. The military reported that the woman was arrested during a pre-dawn raid and is suspected of launching a suicide bombing attack.

A woman who was allegedly planning a suicide attack has been arrested by the army in the southern Philippines during a raid. The military reported that the woman was arrested during a pre-dawn raid and is suspected of launching a suicide bombing attack. She has been identified as Rezky Fantasya Rullie who is Indonesian by birth, and is the partner of an Indonesian militant who was killed in Sulu two months back. These details have been revealed by the Joint Task Force for the restive region in a statement. Also read: Japan sends three vessels to South China Sea in anti-submarine exercise Rullie is also being linked to the two suicide bombers who took lives of 20 people in an attack on a Catholic cathedral in Jolo early last year. "We have been pursuing foreign terrorist suicide bombers in Sulu after the twin bombing of Jolo town (in August)," said Brigadier General William Gonzales. "Rullie was first on our list since we have received intelligence reports that she is going to conduct (a) suicide bombing." The military found a vest rigged with pipe bombs along with several other explosive components from a house in the Jolo. The house is being linked to the leader of a terror group Abu Sayyaf. Along with Rullie, two other women have also been detained on the similar charges. Those two also seem to have partners in the same terrorist organisation.

Philippines army detains Indonesian suicide bomber

October 4 is celebrated across the globe as World Animal Day and like every year pet owners celebrated the feast of St. Francis who was also the patron saint of animals wagging tails across the globe got blessed with holy water but this time the blessings came with a twist.

Not even the COVID-19 pandemic was enough to stop pet lovers from celebrating World Animal Day across the world. Pet owners in the Philippines and Mexico flocked to celebrate the feast of Saint Francis.

In Manila, the pets received their blessings via a drive-through ceremony meant to keep everyone safe. A catholic priest blessed various breeds of cats, dogs, and birds with holy water as the pet owners lined up inside their cars, eagerly waiting for good fortunes for their animal companions.

"It's very important for us to have our pet blessed because we really feel like our pet is part of our family, we also want the best for his health too that's why we decided to join the pet blessing for today," Arlene Pedron, pet owner, said.

"The reason for my attendance at the church of Saint Francis is to bring my pet, Goyi, to be blessed in the name of Saint Francis, the patron saint of animals," Silvia Navarro, a worker, said.

In Mexico, people were seen queueing outside a church to seek blessings for their pets geared with masks and maintaining social distancing. The pet lovers believed that it was fundamental even in between a pandemic to seek blessings for their animals.

October 4 is celebrated across the globe as World Animal Day and like every year pet owners celebrated the feast of St. Francis who was also the patron saint of animals wagging tails across the globe got blessed with holy water but this time the blessings came with a twist.

October 4 is celebrated across the globe as World Animal Day and like every year pet owners celebrated the feast of St. Francis who was also the patron saint of animals wagging tails across the globe got blessed with holy water but this time the blessings came with a twist. Not even the COVID-19 pandemic was enough to stop pet lovers from celebrating World Animal Day across the world. Pet owners in the Philippines and Mexico flocked to celebrate the feast of Saint Francis. In Manila, the pets received their blessings via a drive-through ceremony meant to keep everyone safe. A catholic priest blessed various breeds of cats, dogs, and birds with holy water as the pet owners lined up inside their cars, eagerly waiting for good fortunes for their animal companions. "It's very important for us to have our pet blessed because we really feel like our pet is part of our family, we also want the best for his health too that's why we decided to join the pet blessing for today," Arlene Pedron, pet owner, said. "The reason for my attendance at the church of Saint Francis is to bring my pet, Goyi, to be blessed in the name of Saint Francis, the patron saint of animals," Silvia Navarro, a worker, said. In Mexico, people were seen queueing outside a church to seek blessings for their pets geared with masks and maintaining social distancing. The pet lovers believed that it was fundamental even in between a pandemic to seek blessings for their animals.

Pet lovers celebrate World Animal Day amid pandemic

Coronavirus-wary animal owners in the Philippines had their pets blessed via a drive-through ceremony on Sunday to mark World Animal Day and the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.

Pandemic prompts drive-through pet blessing in Philippines

Solomon Islands recorded its first coronavirus case on Saturday,&nbsp;Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare announced.

The person who got infected is a student who had just returned from the&nbsp;Philippines. He had earlier tested negative three times before departing for the Solomon Islands.

He has now tested positive and has been kept in isolation with two other immediate contacts. The infected student&nbsp;was asymptomatic. The health workers also being tested now.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-scales-up-testing-capacity-from-1-in-january-to-over-77-cr-in-october-health-ministry-332379">Also read|&nbsp;India scales up testing capacity from 1 in January to over 7.7 cr in October: Health ministry</a>

"The planning, preparation, simulation and exercises have not been in vain and the government is confident of its capacity to respond, contain and manage the situation to ensure that the safety and well-being of the public is maintained," Sogavare said.

The infected man was one out of&nbsp;400 Solomon Islands nationals stranded in the Philippines after borders were closed and was brought back home on one of the&nbsp;three repatriation flights that the government had planned.

"My government is well aware of the risks involved in repatriating our students from the Philippines. We are also aware that keeping our children in the Philippines exposes them to even higher risks.

"As a responsible government, we cannot close our eyes to the plight of our children and bringing them home was the humane thing to do," he said.

Solomon Islands recorded its first coronavirus case on Saturday, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare announced. The person who got infected is a student who had just returned from the Philippines.

Solomon Islands recorded its first coronavirus case on Saturday, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare announced. The person who got infected is a student who had just returned from the Philippines. He had earlier tested negative three times before departing for the Solomon Islands. He has now tested positive and has been kept in isolation with two other immediate contacts. The infected student was asymptomatic. The health workers also being tested now. Also read| India scales up testing capacity from 1 in January to over 7.7 cr in October: Health ministry "The planning, preparation, simulation and exercises have not been in vain and the government is confident of its capacity to respond, contain and manage the situation to ensure that the safety and well-being of the public is maintained," Sogavare said. The infected man was one out of 400 Solomon Islands nationals stranded in the Philippines after borders were closed and was brought back home on one of the three repatriation flights that the government had planned. "My government is well aware of the risks involved in repatriating our students from the Philippines. We are also aware that keeping our children in the Philippines exposes them to even higher risks. "As a responsible government, we cannot close our eyes to the plight of our children and bringing them home was the humane thing to do," he said.

Solomon Islands reports first COVID-19 case

India and Philippines have agreed to work on preferential trade agreement or PTA, which will reduce and eliminate tariffs on many products, as part of negotiations.

This was in fact, one of the key outcomes of the 13th Meeting of the India Philippines Joint Working Group on Trade and Investments (JWGTI). Sectors like--pharmaceuticals, IT, and Financial Technology could be the focus areas of the PTA.

Undersecretary at the Philippines trade office, Ceferino S&nbsp;Rodolfo at the meet said “a more focused approach like a PTA is more practical. &nbsp;The Philippines is eager to conclude one with India not only to improve current trade levels in terms of value and volume but also in the breadth of products to be covered as current trade is highly concentrated on a few products.”

Joint Secretary Anant Swarup in India's commerce ministry, concurring with him said, “India recognizes the benefits of negotiating a PTA with the Philippines” and called for both countries to "consult authorities and secure the mandate for the PTA negotiations."

To further the PTA negotiations, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Indian Embassy in Manila, and Philippines Embassy in New Delhi organized a webinar on India-Philippines Enhancing Bilateral Economic and Trade Relationship on 25 September. &nbsp;

In 2018-19, India-Philippines trade was around $ 2.32 billion, with exports from India to the Philippines being at $ 1743 million and imports from the Philippines by India- US $ 581 million. In 2017-18 bilateral trade grew by nearly 25% to US$ 2.45 billion.

Recent years have seen an intensification of relationship, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the Philippines in 2017 for the 31st ASEAN and EAS Summits, followed by the visit of President Duterte to India in 2018 for India-ASEAN Commemorative Summit and Republic Day celebrations.

India and Philippines have agreed to work on preferential trade agreement or PTA, which will reduce and eliminate tariffs on many products, as part of negotiations.

India and Philippines have agreed to work on preferential trade agreement or PTA, which will reduce and eliminate tariffs on many products, as part of negotiations. This was in fact, one of the key outcomes of the 13th Meeting of the India Philippines Joint Working Group on Trade and Investments (JWGTI). Sectors like--pharmaceuticals, IT, and Financial Technology could be the focus areas of the PTA. Undersecretary at the Philippines trade office, Ceferino S Rodolfo at the meet said “a more focused approach like a PTA is more practical. The Philippines is eager to conclude one with India not only to improve current trade levels in terms of value and volume but also in the breadth of products to be covered as current trade is highly concentrated on a few products.” Joint Secretary Anant Swarup in India's commerce ministry, concurring with him said, “India recognizes the benefits of negotiating a PTA with the Philippines” and called for both countries to "consult authorities and secure the mandate for the PTA negotiations." To further the PTA negotiations, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Indian Embassy in Manila, and Philippines Embassy in New Delhi organized a webinar on India-Philippines Enhancing Bilateral Economic and Trade Relationship on 25 September. In 2018-19, India-Philippines trade was around $ 2.32 billion, with exports from India to the Philippines being at $ 1743 million and imports from the Philippines by India- US $ 581 million. In 2017-18 bilateral trade grew by nearly 25% to US$ 2.45 billion. Recent years have seen an intensification of relationship, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the Philippines in 2017 for the 31st ASEAN and EAS Summits, followed by the visit of President Duterte to India in 2018 for India-ASEAN Commemorative Summit and Republic Day celebrations.

India, Philippines working on preferential trade agreement

Philippines has marked the international coastal cleanup day by transforming the 500 metre polluted stretch of Manila Bay beach into an artificial white sand beach.

Philippines marks international coastal cleanup day by transformation of Manila Bay beach

Philippines government marked the International coastal cleanup day by opening a new stretch of the Manila Bay beach. The govt has transformed the 500m stretch of the Bay beach into an artificial sand beach. Watch the report

Philippines opens artificial white sand beach on Manila Bay

This pandemic seems to be never ending, and there is no nearby possible date of when will things get back to normal, or whether things will ever get back to normal.

From deaths to job losses, empty cities and closed borders, in the last six months, we have seen it all. We have seen scenes that we never imagined we would.

We have stayed at home for a stretch so long, we never thought we could, but we did and many people have lost jobs that they never thought they would. Many have lost their loved ones.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/customs-to-destroy-alligator-skin-bag-worth-19000-over-51-missing-permit-325182">Also read|&nbsp;Customs to destroy alligator skin bag worth $19,000 over $51 missing permit</a>

Life deals you cruel surprises but what matters is our response to these life events. It is how we react to a crisis that determines whether a crisis can make or break us.

So&nbsp;as we enter into yet another pandemic-striken weekend, we have an inspiring story for you.&nbsp;The story is of a 23-year-old woman from the Philippines.

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Her name is Mary Mae Dacanay. She lost her factory job to the coronavirus pandemic but Mary did not let the job loss bulldoze her life. She leaned on her favourite passtime — art — but the stores were closed and sourcing canvas and other art supplies was tough.

So, Mary started picking leaves from a jackfruit tree near her home and started turning them into pieces of art — leaf art.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-reopening-of-schools-during-pandemic-the-right-move-325281">Also read|&nbsp;Is reopening of schools during pandemic the right move?</a>

Before she knew it, her artwork went viral. Her Facebook page began attracting new followers and somewhere in middle of the pandemic, Mary started receiving orders for her leaf art.

Today, Mary is selling her art for upto $8 a piece (400 pesos).

This pandemic helped her monetise her hobby by turning her art into a venture and this endeavour helped her stay sane through the job loss and the pandemic.

This pandemic seems to be never ending, and there is no nearby possible date of when will things get back to normal, or whether things will ever get back to normal.

This pandemic seems to be never ending, and there is no nearby possible date of when will things get back to normal, or whether things will ever get back to normal. From deaths to job losses, empty cities and closed borders, in the last six months, we have seen it all. We have seen scenes that we never imagined we would. We have stayed at home for a stretch so long, we never thought we could, but we did and many people have lost jobs that they never thought they would. Many have lost their loved ones. Also read| Customs to destroy alligator skin bag worth $19,000 over $51 missing permit Life deals you cruel surprises but what matters is our response to these life events. It is how we react to a crisis that determines whether a crisis can make or break us. So as we enter into yet another pandemic-striken weekend, we have an inspiring story for you. The story is of a 23-year-old woman from the Philippines. × Her name is Mary Mae Dacanay. She lost her factory job to the coronavirus pandemic but Mary did not let the job loss bulldoze her life. She leaned on her favourite passtime — art — but the stores were closed and sourcing canvas and other art supplies was tough. So, Mary started picking leaves from a jackfruit tree near her home and started turning them into pieces of art — leaf art. Also read| Is reopening of schools during pandemic the right move? Before she knew it, her artwork went viral. Her Facebook page began attracting new followers and somewhere in middle of the pandemic, Mary started receiving orders for her leaf art. Today, Mary is selling her art for upto $8 a piece (400 pesos). This pandemic helped her monetise her hobby by turning her art into a venture and this endeavour helped her stay sane through the job loss and the pandemic.

Filipino girl uses leaf art to make ends meet in pandemic

When the coronavirus struck and cost Mary Mae Dacanay her factory job in the Philippines, the 23-year-old came up with a unique new source of income - turning leaves into celebrity art.

Filipino artist creates viral leaf-art portraits during coronavirus lull

Filipinos are angry with China. The label on a Chinese beauty product says 'Manila, Province of China'. Isko Moreno feels insulted. Palki Sharma Upadhyay explains why Filipinos think this was a deliberate act of China.

Gravitas: Anti-China clamour in the Philippines

The Philippines army said that two women suicide bombers who carried out the attacks on Monday were widows of militants working for the Abu Sayyaf group linked to Islamic State(IS).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twin-explosions-kill-at-least-ten-people-wound-soldiers-in-philippines-322696">Also Read:&nbsp;Twin explosions in Philippines; several dead</a>

The blast which occurred in the southern part of the country killed at last 14 people including soldiers and wounded several others in Jolo island in Sulu province.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far, however, Army chief Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana identified the woman bombers as Nanah and Inda Nay as the Army chief called for martial law to be imposed in Sulu.

The blast killed eight members of the security forces including six civilians with at least 75 wounded in the attack. General Sobejana said Nanah was the wife of Norman Lasuca and Inda Nay was the wife of Talha Jumsah who was a suicide bomber.

Jumsah was killed by security forces on Jolo in November last year.

Reports say authorities are checking whether Nanah was Indonesian. President Rodrigo Duterte has created a special infantry division to destroy Abu Sayyaf as the terror organization has carried out deadly attacks in the country.

The Philippines army said that two women suicide bombers who carried out the attacks on Monday were widows of militants working for the Abu Sayyaf group linked to Islamic State(IS).

The Philippines army said that two women suicide bombers who carried out the attacks on Monday were widows of militants working for the Abu Sayyaf group linked to Islamic State(IS). Also Read: Twin explosions in Philippines; several dead The blast which occurred in the southern part of the country killed at last 14 people including soldiers and wounded several others in Jolo island in Sulu province. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far, however, Army chief Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana identified the woman bombers as Nanah and Inda Nay as the Army chief called for martial law to be imposed in Sulu. The blast killed eight members of the security forces including six civilians with at least 75 wounded in the attack. General Sobejana said Nanah was the wife of Norman Lasuca and Inda Nay was the wife of Talha Jumsah who was a suicide bomber. Jumsah was killed by security forces on Jolo in November last year. Reports say authorities are checking whether Nanah was Indonesian. President Rodrigo Duterte has created a special infantry division to destroy Abu Sayyaf as the terror organization has carried out deadly attacks in the country.

Women suicide bombers were widows of militants linked to IS: Philippine army chief

Vietnam on Wednesday accused China of violating its sovereignty by conducting military drills in a disputed part of the South China Sea and said Beijing's actions were "complicating" negotiations on establishing a code of conduct in the region.

China this week began six days of exercises in waters near the Paracel Islands, where Vietnam has competing claims, according to the Maritime Safety Administration of Hainan, an island off China's southern coast. It was the second set of drills in the area by Beijing in two months.

"China's repeated military exercises in (the Paracel Islands) violate Vietnam's sovereignty, complicating negotiations for a Code of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea between China and ASEAN," foreign ministry spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-china-sea-beijing-making-key-navy-base-in-the-disputed-territory-323247">Also read|&nbsp;South China Sea: Beijing making key navy base in the disputed territory</a>

Vietnam is this year chairing the 10-member Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), which has had long-drawn-out negotiations with Beijing over a code of conduct in the South China Sea.

China's defence ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-making-claims-in-south-china-sea-but-we-cannot-go-to-war-says-mahathir-mohamad-to-wion-318909">Also read | China making claims in South China Sea but we cannot go to war, says Mahathir Mohamad to WION</a>

At a June 26 summit in Hanoi, Vietnam and the Philippines - China's most vocal challengers over the sea - warned of growing regional insecurity amid concern that Beijing was advancing territorial claims under the cover of the COVID-19 pandemic.

China claims historical jurisdiction over about 80 per cent of the sea, using a U-shaped "nine-dash line" that includes swathes of Vietnam's exclusive economic zone, or EEZ, as well as the Paracel Islands and the Spratly Islands. It also overlaps the EEZs of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Vietnam and the Philippines last month criticised China's holding of an earlier set of military drills in the area.

The United States in June also hardened its position on the South China Sea, where it has accused China of attempting to build a "maritime empire" in the potentially energy-rich waters.

Vietnam on Wednesday accused China of violating its sovereignty by conducting military drills in a disputed part of the South China Sea and said Beijing's actions were "complicating" negotiations on establishing a code of conduct in the region.

Vietnam on Wednesday accused China of violating its sovereignty by conducting military drills in a disputed part of the South China Sea and said Beijing's actions were "complicating" negotiations on establishing a code of conduct in the region. China this week began six days of exercises in waters near the Paracel Islands, where Vietnam has competing claims, according to the Maritime Safety Administration of Hainan, an island off China's southern coast. It was the second set of drills in the area by Beijing in two months. "China's repeated military exercises in (the Paracel Islands) violate Vietnam's sovereignty, complicating negotiations for a Code of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea between China and ASEAN," foreign ministry spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang said in a statement. Also read| South China Sea: Beijing making key navy base in the disputed territory Vietnam is this year chairing the 10-member Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), which has had long-drawn-out negotiations with Beijing over a code of conduct in the South China Sea. China's defence ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Also read | China making claims in South China Sea but we cannot go to war, says Mahathir Mohamad to WION At a June 26 summit in Hanoi, Vietnam and the Philippines - China's most vocal challengers over the sea - warned of growing regional insecurity amid concern that Beijing was advancing territorial claims under the cover of the COVID-19 pandemic. China claims historical jurisdiction over about 80 per cent of the sea, using a U-shaped "nine-dash line" that includes swathes of Vietnam's exclusive economic zone, or EEZ, as well as the Paracel Islands and the Spratly Islands. It also overlaps the EEZs of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. Vietnam and the Philippines last month criticised China's holding of an earlier set of military drills in the area. The United States in June also hardened its position on the South China Sea, where it has accused China of attempting to build a "maritime empire" in the potentially energy-rich waters.

Vietnam condemns new Chinese military drills in South China Sea

Twin explosions killed at least ten people and wounded dozens of&nbsp;soldiers in a town on a restive island in the southern Philippines on Monday.

One blast took place around noon and another followed about an hour later in Jolo, the main town on Jolo island, a militarised stonghold of the Abu Sayyaf, a militant group that has pledged allegiance to Islamic State.

An initial military report said one of the blasts was cased by a homemade bomb on a motorcycle, said an army source, who could not be named because he was not authorised to speak to media.

Regional military spokesman Capt. Rex Payot and police said the blast damaged a food store, a computer shop and two army trucks at noon in Jolo town in Sulu province. An initial report said the first bomb was attached to a parked motorcycle.

The military has been waging a months-long offensive against the Abu Sayyaf, a small but violent group aligned with the Islamic State group and blacklisted by the United States and the Philippines for past bombings, ransom kidnappings and beheadings.

The number of its armed fighters have dwindled to a few hundreds in recent years due to battle setbacks and surrenders, including a key commander, Abduljihad Susukan, who gave up to authorities two weeks ago after being wounded in battle.

Susukan has been blamed for kidnappings and beheadings of hostages, including foreign tourists, and surrenders through a Muslim rebel chief, which has signed a peace deal and was cooperating with the government. He is now in police custody and faces multiple murder charges.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

(with inputs from agencies)

Twin explosions killed at least ten people and wounded dozens of soldiers in a town on a restive island in the southern Philippines on Monday. One blast took place around noon and another followed about an hour later in Jolo, the main town on Jolo island, a militarised stonghold of the Abu Sayyaf, a militant group that has pledged allegiance to Islamic State.

Twin explosions killed at least ten people and wounded dozens of soldiers in a town on a restive island in the southern Philippines on Monday. One blast took place around noon and another followed about an hour later in Jolo, the main town on Jolo island, a militarised stonghold of the Abu Sayyaf, a militant group that has pledged allegiance to Islamic State. An initial military report said one of the blasts was cased by a homemade bomb on a motorcycle, said an army source, who could not be named because he was not authorised to speak to media. Regional military spokesman Capt. Rex Payot and police said the blast damaged a food store, a computer shop and two army trucks at noon in Jolo town in Sulu province. An initial report said the first bomb was attached to a parked motorcycle. The military has been waging a months-long offensive against the Abu Sayyaf, a small but violent group aligned with the Islamic State group and blacklisted by the United States and the Philippines for past bombings, ransom kidnappings and beheadings. The number of its armed fighters have dwindled to a few hundreds in recent years due to battle setbacks and surrenders, including a key commander, Abduljihad Susukan, who gave up to authorities two weeks ago after being wounded in battle. Susukan has been blamed for kidnappings and beheadings of hostages, including foreign tourists, and surrenders through a Muslim rebel chief, which has signed a peace deal and was cooperating with the government. He is now in police custody and faces multiple murder charges. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. (with inputs from agencies)

Twin explosions kill at least ten people, wound soldiers in Philippines

The Philippines has lodged a diplomatic protest over what it said was China's ''illegal'' confiscation of fish aggregating devices from Filipino fisherman in a disputed lagoon held by Beijing in the South China Sea.

The Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila said in a statement Thursday night that the Philippines also ''resolutely objected" to China continuing to issue radio challenges to Philippine aircraft patrolling over the disputed waters.

There was no immediate comment from Chinese officials.

The Philippine government has protested China's increasingly aggressive actions in the contested sea despite a dramatic improvement in relations under President Rodrigo Duterte, who has nurtured friendly ties with Beijing while often criticizing the United States, which has raised alarm over his deadly anti-drugs crackdown.

The Philippine foreign affairs department did not immediately provide other details on what it said was the Chinese coast guard's illegal confiscation of the fishing equipment.

The devices, locally called ''payaos,''&nbsp;were seized in May after they had been set up by Filipino fishermen in the disputed Scarborough Shoal off the northwestern Philippine province of Zambales.

China seized the shoal after a tense sea standoff in 2012, and the Philippines brought its disputes to international arbitration the following year.

The tribunal in 2016 invalidated China's claims to virtually the entire South China Sea, but Beijing continues to ignore and defy the decision.

Radio warnings by Chinese forces against Philippine air force patrol aircraft have increased around missile-protected Chinese artificial islands, Philippine officials said.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has accused China of taking advantage of the intense preoccupation of governments over the pandemic to advance its territorial claims.

Last month, the US government rejected nearly all of Beijing's South China Sea claims and in effect sided with the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei in each of their territorial spats with Beijing.

China responded by saying the US was trying to sow discord and was meddling in an Asian dispute to flex its muscle and incite a confrontation.

The Philippines has lodged a diplomatic protest over what it said was China's ''illegal'' confiscation of fish aggregating devices from Filipino fisherman in a disputed lagoon held by Beijing in the South China Sea.

The Philippines has lodged a diplomatic protest over what it said was China's ''illegal'' confiscation of fish aggregating devices from Filipino fisherman in a disputed lagoon held by Beijing in the South China Sea. The Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila said in a statement Thursday night that the Philippines also ''resolutely objected" to China continuing to issue radio challenges to Philippine aircraft patrolling over the disputed waters. There was no immediate comment from Chinese officials. The Philippine government has protested China's increasingly aggressive actions in the contested sea despite a dramatic improvement in relations under President Rodrigo Duterte, who has nurtured friendly ties with Beijing while often criticizing the United States, which has raised alarm over his deadly anti-drugs crackdown. The Philippine foreign affairs department did not immediately provide other details on what it said was the Chinese coast guard's illegal confiscation of the fishing equipment. The devices, locally called ''payaos,'' were seized in May after they had been set up by Filipino fishermen in the disputed Scarborough Shoal off the northwestern Philippine province of Zambales. China seized the shoal after a tense sea standoff in 2012, and the Philippines brought its disputes to international arbitration the following year. The tribunal in 2016 invalidated China's claims to virtually the entire South China Sea, but Beijing continues to ignore and defy the decision. Radio warnings by Chinese forces against Philippine air force patrol aircraft have increased around missile-protected Chinese artificial islands, Philippine officials said. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has accused China of taking advantage of the intense preoccupation of governments over the pandemic to advance its territorial claims. Last month, the US government rejected nearly all of Beijing's South China Sea claims and in effect sided with the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei in each of their territorial spats with Beijing. China responded by saying the US was trying to sow discord and was meddling in an Asian dispute to flex its muscle and incite a confrontation.

South China Sea: Philippines protests against China's 'illicit' warnings

A magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck the Samar region of the eastern Philippines on Tuesday, the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said, damaging some homes and property in a coastal community.

The Philippines' seismology agency said there was no risk of a tsunami from the earthquake but warned of the risk of aftershocks.

"The possibility of a stronger magnitude aftershock cannot be discounted," agency chief Renato Solidum told dZMM radio station.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/googles-new-quake-detection-system-android-phones-to-detect-earthquakes-320890">Also watch:&nbsp;Google's new quake detection system, android phones to detect earthquakes</a>

The quake struck in the sea at a depth of 30 km (18.64 miles), EMSC said.

There were no immediate reports of casualties, but Rodrigo Gonhuran, 30, a computer shop technician based near the epicentre, told Reuters it was the strongest quake he had felt in the area.

"My cabinet and other stuff at home fell down and my neighbours` walls cracked and some collapsed," he said, speaking from the town of Cataingan, which has a population of more than 50,000 people.

The Philippines, which has a population of 107 million, lies on the “Ring of Fire,” a belt of volcanoes circling the Pacific Ocean that is also prone to earthquakes.

A magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck the Samar region of the eastern Philippines on Tuesday, the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said, damaging some homes and property in a coastal community.

A magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck the Samar region of the eastern Philippines on Tuesday, the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said, damaging some homes and property in a coastal community. The Philippines' seismology agency said there was no risk of a tsunami from the earthquake but warned of the risk of aftershocks. "The possibility of a stronger magnitude aftershock cannot be discounted," agency chief Renato Solidum told dZMM radio station. Also watch: Google's new quake detection system, android phones to detect earthquakes The quake struck in the sea at a depth of 30 km (18.64 miles), EMSC said. There were no immediate reports of casualties, but Rodrigo Gonhuran, 30, a computer shop technician based near the epicentre, told Reuters it was the strongest quake he had felt in the area. "My cabinet and other stuff at home fell down and my neighbours` walls cracked and some collapsed," he said, speaking from the town of Cataingan, which has a population of more than 50,000 people. The Philippines, which has a population of 107 million, lies on the “Ring of Fire,” a belt of volcanoes circling the Pacific Ocean that is also prone to earthquakes.

Strong quake strikes eastern Philippines, reports of damage

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has lauded Russia's efforts to develop a coronavirus vaccine and is willing to personally participate in trials, as he welcomed a supply offer from Moscow that he expects will be free of charge.

Russia on Tuesday became the first country in the world to grant regulatory approval for a COVID-19 vaccine, paving the way for mass domestic inoculation even as the final stage of clinical trials continue.

Russia has offered to supply or co-manufacture the vaccine in the Philippines, which said it was ready to work with Moscow on trials, supply and production.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-has-developed-worlds-first-coronavirus-vaccine-putin-319696" hreflang="en">Russia has developed world's 'first' coronavirus vaccine: Putin</a>

The Philippines has among Asia's highest case numbers, which rose by 2,987 to 139,538 on Tuesday.

"I will tell President (Vladimir) Putin that I have huge trust in your studies in combating COVID and I believe that the vaccine that you have produced is really good for humanity," Duterte said late on Monday.

The global race to develop a COVID-19 vaccine has raised concern that speed and national prestige could compromise safety.

To allay public fears, Duterte offered to be a guinea pig and said: "I can be the first they can experiment on."

In July, he made a plea to his Chinese counterpart to make the Philippines a priority if it develops a vaccine, amid concern in developing countries about availability.

He has restored a strict lockdown in and around the capital Manila as medical frontliners sought a "timeout" to control surging infections.

Speaking on Monday, when a record 6,958 new infections were reported, Duterte said he would deploy soldiers to enforce the lockdown if the situation becomes a "runaway contagion".

The lockdown has been among the world's longest and toughest and Duterte's opponents and rights groups have voiced concern about his security-centred approach and the conduct of police.

Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday said a comprehensive health-centred strategy should be adopted urgently, otherwise "our health infrastructure could collapse".

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has lauded Russia's efforts to develop a coronavirus vaccine and is willing to personally participate in trials, as he welcomed a supply offer from Moscow that he expects will be free of charge.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has lauded Russia's efforts to develop a coronavirus vaccine and is willing to personally participate in trials, as he welcomed a supply offer from Moscow that he expects will be free of charge. Russia on Tuesday became the first country in the world to grant regulatory approval for a COVID-19 vaccine, paving the way for mass domestic inoculation even as the final stage of clinical trials continue. Russia has offered to supply or co-manufacture the vaccine in the Philippines, which said it was ready to work with Moscow on trials, supply and production. Also read: Russia has developed world's 'first' coronavirus vaccine: Putin The Philippines has among Asia's highest case numbers, which rose by 2,987 to 139,538 on Tuesday. "I will tell President (Vladimir) Putin that I have huge trust in your studies in combating COVID and I believe that the vaccine that you have produced is really good for humanity," Duterte said late on Monday. The global race to develop a COVID-19 vaccine has raised concern that speed and national prestige could compromise safety. To allay public fears, Duterte offered to be a guinea pig and said: "I can be the first they can experiment on." In July, he made a plea to his Chinese counterpart to make the Philippines a priority if it develops a vaccine, amid concern in developing countries about availability. He has restored a strict lockdown in and around the capital Manila as medical frontliners sought a "timeout" to control surging infections. Speaking on Monday, when a record 6,958 new infections were reported, Duterte said he would deploy soldiers to enforce the lockdown if the situation becomes a "runaway contagion". The lockdown has been among the world's longest and toughest and Duterte's opponents and rights groups have voiced concern about his security-centred approach and the conduct of police. Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday said a comprehensive health-centred strategy should be adopted urgently, otherwise "our health infrastructure could collapse".

Philippines' Duterte has 'huge trust' in Russia vaccine, volunteers for trial

In the Philippines, people are getting arrested without any charges under a new anti-terrorism law. Now, the Philippines govt has denied giving a new license to the biggest news network in the country. WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: End of democracy in the Philippines?

People from the Philippines were stranded at a stadium in their own country. They were brought to the&nbsp;stadium to be tested for novel coronavirus, but they were&nbsp;stuck there for weeks.

"What I really want is for us to be able to go home. It's really hard here. We are exposed to many people and there is a tendency that we can get sick if we stay here longer," Ricky Yakit, former restaurant worker, said.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-end-of-democracy-in-the-philippines-317369/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-president-rodrigo-duterte-tells-poor-to-clean-masks-with-petrol-317303">Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte tells poor to 'clean masks with petrol'</a>

Outside this sports complex in Manila, thousands of others were breaking social distancing norms, but for a cause, against a controversial anti-terrorism law.&nbsp;A law that could jail suspects without any charge for weeks.&nbsp;

"It's important that the people show their defiance. It is important to show that Filipinos should not accept any repression or restrictions by the government against our democracy and our rights," Leon Dulce, a protestor said.&nbsp;

Not very far away from the site of these protests, another emotional demonstration has been underway for days.

Employees of the Philippines' largest news network ABS-CBN are protesting as the organisation has been shut down by the government.&nbsp;

All the journalists of this network lost their jobs as it was highly critical of President Rodrigo Duterte.&nbsp;

"This attack on legitimate media, together with the recently passed Anti-Terror law is a throwback in the time of autocratic rule under Marcos (President Ferdinand Marcos). Citizens, you have been warned: your civil liberties have been eroded. Your democracy is shrinking fast," Fernando Sepe, Jr., ABS-CBN employee said.&nbsp;

Duterte's policies during the&nbsp;pandemic has been&nbsp;pushing his country towards authoritarianism.&nbsp;The Philippines president has increased his attacks on critics, deployed more police officials on the streets and reduced discussions on his policies in the Parliament.&nbsp;

Duterte recently ordered the police to raid houses and forcefully test people for coronavirus infections and is threatening to jail anyone who doesn't comply.&nbsp;

Human rights groups say the police officers will empower abusive officers, who are already waging a bloody war on drugs.&nbsp;Since 2016, 600 narcotic users and deals have been killed in Duterte's war on drugs.&nbsp;Now, the president plans on treating hidden coronavirus patients the way as drug dealers.&nbsp;

Also, Duterte is peddling bizarre methods for the poor to avoid contracting the virus.&nbsp;

"What I said is true. Alcohol, if alcohol is not available, especially for the poor, just go to the gasoline station and pour drops of gasoline in your hands. That is disinfectant," he said.

"If there's nothing else, this is what you do.

It becomes clear that Duterte is drunk with power and now making his countrymen dance to his tunes.&nbsp;

People from the Philippines were stranded at a stadium in their own country. They were brought to the stadium to be tested for novel coronavirus, but they were stuck there for weeks.

People from the Philippines were stranded at a stadium in their own country. They were brought to the stadium to be tested for novel coronavirus, but they were stuck there for weeks. "What I really want is for us to be able to go home. It's really hard here. We are exposed to many people and there is a tendency that we can get sick if we stay here longer," Ricky Yakit, former restaurant worker, said. Watch | Also read | Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte tells poor to 'clean masks with petrol' Outside this sports complex in Manila, thousands of others were breaking social distancing norms, but for a cause, against a controversial anti-terrorism law. A law that could jail suspects without any charge for weeks. "It's important that the people show their defiance. It is important to show that Filipinos should not accept any repression or restrictions by the government against our democracy and our rights," Leon Dulce, a protestor said. Not very far away from the site of these protests, another emotional demonstration has been underway for days. Employees of the Philippines' largest news network ABS-CBN are protesting as the organisation has been shut down by the government. All the journalists of this network lost their jobs as it was highly critical of President Rodrigo Duterte. "This attack on legitimate media, together with the recently passed Anti-Terror law is a throwback in the time of autocratic rule under Marcos (President Ferdinand Marcos). Citizens, you have been warned: your civil liberties have been eroded. Your democracy is shrinking fast," Fernando Sepe, Jr., ABS-CBN employee said. Duterte's policies during the pandemic has been pushing his country towards authoritarianism. The Philippines president has increased his attacks on critics, deployed more police officials on the streets and reduced discussions on his policies in the Parliament. Duterte recently ordered the police to raid houses and forcefully test people for coronavirus infections and is threatening to jail anyone who doesn't comply. Human rights groups say the police officers will empower abusive officers, who are already waging a bloody war on drugs. Since 2016, 600 narcotic users and deals have been killed in Duterte's war on drugs. Now, the president plans on treating hidden coronavirus patients the way as drug dealers. Also, Duterte is peddling bizarre methods for the poor to avoid contracting the virus. "What I said is true. Alcohol, if alcohol is not available, especially for the poor, just go to the gasoline station and pour drops of gasoline in your hands. That is disinfectant," he said. "If there's nothing else, this is what you do. It becomes clear that Duterte is drunk with power and now making his countrymen dance to his tunes.

President Rodrigo Duterte pushes bizarre authoritarian measures in Philippines amid pandemic

Philippines President Rodrigo&nbsp;Duterte&nbsp;on Thursday told the poor to use gasoline as "disinfectant", amid soaring number of new coronavirus infections in the country.

The mercurial leader reiterated his statement from last week on the use of gasoline for those without access to alcohol. Following his previous comment,&nbsp;Duterte's spokesman had claimed he was simply making a joke.

"What I said is true,"&nbsp;Duterte&nbsp;said in the televised recording released to the media on Friday.

"If alcohol is not available, especially for the poor, just go to the gasoline station and pour drops of gasoline in your hands. That is disinfectant." He also sprayed alcohol in his mouth and grimaced, during the address.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-philippines-president-duterte-is-playing-into-the-hands-of-xis-china-304890">How Philippines President Duterte is playing into the hands of Xi's China</a>

Duterte&nbsp;on Friday kept coronavirus restrictions in the capital and other provinces until mid-August to contain the spread of the virus, which has infected nearly 90,000 and killed almost 2,000 people in the Philippines.

In a wide-ranging State of the Nation address,&nbsp;Duterte&nbsp;also admitted the government's response to the coronavirus epidemic had been "far from perfect".

Duterte&nbsp;had been expected to use the annual speech to lawmakers to lay out a roadmap for recovery after the economy contracted with millions of jobs lost during more than four months of a nationwide lockdown.

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday told the poor to use gasoline as "disinfectant", amid soaring number of new coronavirus infections in the country.

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday told the poor to use gasoline as "disinfectant", amid soaring number of new coronavirus infections in the country. The mercurial leader reiterated his statement from last week on the use of gasoline for those without access to alcohol. Following his previous comment, Duterte's spokesman had claimed he was simply making a joke. "What I said is true," Duterte said in the televised recording released to the media on Friday. "If alcohol is not available, especially for the poor, just go to the gasoline station and pour drops of gasoline in your hands. That is disinfectant." He also sprayed alcohol in his mouth and grimaced, during the address. Also read: How Philippines President Duterte is playing into the hands of Xi's China Duterte on Friday kept coronavirus restrictions in the capital and other provinces until mid-August to contain the spread of the virus, which has infected nearly 90,000 and killed almost 2,000 people in the Philippines. In a wide-ranging State of the Nation address, Duterte also admitted the government's response to the coronavirus epidemic had been "far from perfect". Duterte had been expected to use the annual speech to lawmakers to lay out a roadmap for recovery after the economy contracted with millions of jobs lost during more than four months of a nationwide lockdown.

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte tells poor to 'clean masks with petrol'

The years-long dispute over the&nbsp;Malaysian state of Sabah, on the island of Borneo, has been revived again by a top diplomat of the Philippines.

The Twitter debate started when the US embassy in the Philippines tweeted a reply to the USADI Philippines.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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.<a href="https://twitter.com/usaid_manila?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@usaid_manila</a> donated 500 hygiene kits to the <a href="https://twitter.com/dswdserves?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dswdserves</a> Region IX for use by returning Filipino repatriates from Sabah, Malaysia who arrived in Zamboanga City and Bongao, Tawi Tawi. <a href="https://t.co/SdnDPkcaV2">https://t.co/SdnDPkcaV2</a> <a href="https://t.co/0Yfagr8quK">pic.twitter.com/0Yfagr8quK</a>
— U.S. Embassy in the Philippines (@USEmbassyPH) <a href="https://twitter.com/USEmbassyPH/status/1287711922259984384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jnr took to twitter to reply to this tweet and replied, "Sabah is not in Malaysia if you want to have anything to do with the Philippines."

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Sabah is not in Malaysia if you want to have anything to do with the Philippines. <a href="https://t.co/dWZs1gsndE">https://t.co/dWZs1gsndE</a>
— Teddy Locsin Jr. (@teddyboylocsin) <a href="https://twitter.com/teddyboylocsin/status/1287717011427033088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The tweet was not appreciated by the masses, especially the Malaysian Foreign Minister Hishammuddin Hussein who announced on Twitter that he would&nbsp;summon the Philippine ambassador on Monday in response to his Locsin's tweet.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysias-former-pm-najib-razak-found-guilty-on-a-charge-of-abuse-of-power-316416">Also read:&nbsp;Malaysia's former PM Najib Razak found guilty on a charge of abuse of power</a>

“This is an irresponsible statement that affects bilateral ties,” Hishammuddin said. “Sabah is, and will always be, part of Malaysia.”

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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This is an irresponsible statement that affects bilateral ties. <a href="https://twitter.com/MalaysiaMFA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MalaysiaMFA</a> will summon the Philippines Ambassador on Monday to explain. Sabah is, and will always be, part of Malaysia. <a href="https://t.co/KcUnDxOySl">https://t.co/KcUnDxOySl</a>
— Hishammuddin Hussein 🇲🇾 (@HishammuddinH2O) <a href="https://twitter.com/HishammuddinH2O/status/1288455932653887489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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“No country can tell another what it can and cannot say about what the latter regards as rightfully its own,” he said on Twitter. “I am summoning the Malaysian ambassador.”

For more than six decades, Sabah has been a point of debate between the two countries.

Explaining his statement, Locsin cleared by saying that&nbsp;he did not ask&nbsp;on China retracting its statements concerning the Philippines’ arbitral award over its waters in the South China Sea. “It is free to say what it wants while we say and do what needs doing. That holds for Sabah,” he said.

Back in 1878, the sultans of the state of Sulu, who ruled Sabah signed an agreement in which they handed over the territory to British colonialists. However, the Philippines argue that the deal was of a lease, and not a full cession of the territory to them. After World War II, the Borneo state fell under British control and joined the Malaysian federation in 1963.

While the debate of claim on Sabah has been going on since decades, it was back in 2013 when hundreds of&nbsp;Filipino followers&nbsp;claim sovereignty claiming to be descendants of Sulu empire.

The years-long dispute over the Malaysian state of Sabah, on the island of Borneo, has been revived again by a top diplomat of the Philippines. The Twitter debate started when the US embassy in the Philippines tweeted a reply to the USADI Philippines.

The years-long dispute over the Malaysian state of Sabah, on the island of Borneo, has been revived again by a top diplomat of the Philippines. The Twitter debate started when the US embassy in the Philippines tweeted a reply to the USADI Philippines. .@usaid_manila donated 500 hygiene kits to the @dswdserves Region IX for use by returning Filipino repatriates from Sabah, Malaysia who arrived in Zamboanga City and Bongao, Tawi Tawi. https://t.co/SdnDPkcaV2 pic.twitter.com/0Yfagr8quK — U.S. Embassy in the Philippines (@USEmbassyPH) July 27, 2020 × The Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jnr took to twitter to reply to this tweet and replied, "Sabah is not in Malaysia if you want to have anything to do with the Philippines." Sabah is not in Malaysia if you want to have anything to do with the Philippines. https://t.co/dWZs1gsndE — Teddy Locsin Jr. (@teddyboylocsin) July 27, 2020 × The tweet was not appreciated by the masses, especially the Malaysian Foreign Minister Hishammuddin Hussein who announced on Twitter that he would summon the Philippine ambassador on Monday in response to his Locsin's tweet. Also read: Malaysia's former PM Najib Razak found guilty on a charge of abuse of power “This is an irresponsible statement that affects bilateral ties,” Hishammuddin said. “Sabah is, and will always be, part of Malaysia.” This is an irresponsible statement that affects bilateral ties. @MalaysiaMFA will summon the Philippines Ambassador on Monday to explain. Sabah is, and will always be, part of Malaysia. https://t.co/KcUnDxOySl — Hishammuddin Hussein 🇲🇾 (@HishammuddinH2O) July 29, 2020 × “No country can tell another what it can and cannot say about what the latter regards as rightfully its own,” he said on Twitter. “I am summoning the Malaysian ambassador.” For more than six decades, Sabah has been a point of debate between the two countries. Explaining his statement, Locsin cleared by saying that he did not ask on China retracting its statements concerning the Philippines’ arbitral award over its waters in the South China Sea. “It is free to say what it wants while we say and do what needs doing. That holds for Sabah,” he said. Back in 1878, the sultans of the state of Sulu, who ruled Sabah signed an agreement in which they handed over the territory to British colonialists. However, the Philippines argue that the deal was of a lease, and not a full cession of the territory to them. After World War II, the Borneo state fell under British control and joined the Malaysian federation in 1963. While the debate of claim on Sabah has been going on since decades, it was back in 2013 when hundreds of Filipino followers claim sovereignty claiming to be descendants of Sulu empire.

Philippines, Malaysia revive decades-long dispute on Twitter over ownership of Sabah

he Department of Health (DOH) said in its Monday case bulletin that the 1,657 additional cases were reported

Philippines reports over 1,600 new coronavirus cases

Maria Ressa, a journalist who runs a Philippine news website known for its tough scrutiny of President Rodrigo Duterte, pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to tax evasion charges in a case she has described as a form of harassment.&nbsp;

Ressa, a Time Magazine Person of the Year in 2018 for fighting media intimidation, is facing several government lawsuits that have caused international concern about harassment of journalists in the Philippines, a country long seen as a standard bearer for press freedom in Asia.&nbsp;

Ressa, 56, who is chief executive of the news site Rappler, was convicted of libel last month and sentenced to up to six year in prison, a ruling widely seen as a blow to democratic freedoms under Duterte's increasingly popular authoritarianism. She was freed on bail.

Rappler has repeatedly challenged the accuracy of Duterte's public statements and his justification for his controversial foreign policy.

It has also reported on alleged atrocities in his war on drugs and probed what it says are massive, state-orchestrated social media hate campaigns against Duterte's critics.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/duterte-critic-journalist-maria-ressa-found-guilty-in-philippines-cyber-libel-case-305887" hreflang="en">Duterte-critic journalist Maria Ressa found guilty in Philippines cyber libel case</a>

Duterte has publicly lashed out at Rappler, calling it a "fake news outlet" sponsored by American spies.&nbsp;

Ressa's latest court appearance is over accusations Rappler falsified tax returns by omitting the proceeds of a sale of depositary receipts to foreign investors, which later became the securities regulator's basis to revoke its license.&nbsp;

Ressa, a dual U.S.-Filipino citizen, said in a tweet on Wednesday: "pleaded NOT GUILTY".&nbsp;

The securities regulator alleged it was a scheme by Rappler to allow foreigners to illegally own shares in a domestic media firm.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/philippines-arrests-president-duterte-critic-journalist-maria-ressa-on-libel-charge-197186" hreflang="en">Philippines arrests Duterte critic, journalist Maria Ressa, on libel charge</a>

Rappler, a startup, has maintained foreigners never owned shares, but were allowed to invest without voting rights or involvement in operations. Rappler is still operating pending its appeal against its license being revoked.

Media watchdogs and human rights activists say the charges against Ressa are part of a broader strategy to silence or humiliate opponents of Duterte.

Earlier this month, his allies in Congress voted overwhelmingly in favour of denying top broadcaster ABS-CBN's bid to renew its 25-year license, an outcome that Duterte had repeatedly promised would happen because of its refusal to air some of his election campaign commercials.&nbsp;

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque says Duterte supports freedom of speech and any media facing legal cases are for breaking the law, not for their reporting.

Maria Ressa, a journalist who runs a Philippine news website known for its tough scrutiny of President Rodrigo Duterte, pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to tax evasion charges in a case she has described as a form of harassment.

Maria Ressa, a journalist who runs a Philippine news website known for its tough scrutiny of President Rodrigo Duterte, pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to tax evasion charges in a case she has described as a form of harassment. Ressa, a Time Magazine Person of the Year in 2018 for fighting media intimidation, is facing several government lawsuits that have caused international concern about harassment of journalists in the Philippines, a country long seen as a standard bearer for press freedom in Asia. Ressa, 56, who is chief executive of the news site Rappler, was convicted of libel last month and sentenced to up to six year in prison, a ruling widely seen as a blow to democratic freedoms under Duterte's increasingly popular authoritarianism. She was freed on bail. Rappler has repeatedly challenged the accuracy of Duterte's public statements and his justification for his controversial foreign policy. It has also reported on alleged atrocities in his war on drugs and probed what it says are massive, state-orchestrated social media hate campaigns against Duterte's critics. Also read: Duterte-critic journalist Maria Ressa found guilty in Philippines cyber libel case Duterte has publicly lashed out at Rappler, calling it a "fake news outlet" sponsored by American spies. Ressa's latest court appearance is over accusations Rappler falsified tax returns by omitting the proceeds of a sale of depositary receipts to foreign investors, which later became the securities regulator's basis to revoke its license. Ressa, a dual U.S.-Filipino citizen, said in a tweet on Wednesday: "pleaded NOT GUILTY". The securities regulator alleged it was a scheme by Rappler to allow foreigners to illegally own shares in a domestic media firm. Also read: Philippines arrests Duterte critic, journalist Maria Ressa, on libel charge Rappler, a startup, has maintained foreigners never owned shares, but were allowed to invest without voting rights or involvement in operations. Rappler is still operating pending its appeal against its license being revoked. Media watchdogs and human rights activists say the charges against Ressa are part of a broader strategy to silence or humiliate opponents of Duterte. Earlier this month, his allies in Congress voted overwhelmingly in favour of denying top broadcaster ABS-CBN's bid to renew its 25-year license, an outcome that Duterte had repeatedly promised would happen because of its refusal to air some of his election campaign commercials. Presidential spokesman Harry Roque says Duterte supports freedom of speech and any media facing legal cases are for breaking the law, not for their reporting.

Philippine journalist Maria Ressa denies tax evasion charges

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