The president of the Philippines has asked&nbsp;China to take back 1,000 doses of Sinopharm vaccine donated to the country after facing criticism for receiving a jab even though it has not yet been authorised for public use in the country.

On Monday, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte&nbsp;had the health secretary take the&nbsp;China-made Sinopharm vaccine&nbsp;as a method of encouraging his reluctant citizens&nbsp;to get inoculated and help stop the transmission of the coronavirus.

An unspecified number of Duterte's guards have also reportedly been injected with the Sinopharm vaccine in secrecy.&nbsp;

The Philippine authorities are reportedly waiting for the vaccine to get approved by a "stringent regulatory authority," such as WHO.&nbsp;While Philippine regulators had previously given emergency use approval to the Chinese vaccine Sinovac in February, the other vaccine Sinopharm awaits approval.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-philippine-president-duterte-orders-arrest-of-mask-violators-383222">COVID-19: Philippine&nbsp;President Duterte orders arrest of mask violators</a>

China has given emergency approval to five of its domestically made vaccines but is still awaiting approval from the World Health Organisation for its top two vaccines - Sinopharm and Sinovac.

On May 3, the WHO in a press conference had said that they expect both the Chinese vaccines Sinopharm and Sinovac’s approval to be finalised by the end of this week.

A WHO endorsement&nbsp;can significantly boost confidence in the Chinese vaccines, which have long faced concerns about a lack of transparency regarding clinical trial data and their efficacy rates.

Even before receiving a nod from WHO, China has reportedly donated the vaccine to around 60 countries and using these two vaccines has vaccinated 200 million people at home.

The Southeast Asian country is battling one of the worst coronavirus outbreaks in Asia with more than a million infections, including those caused by variants first detected in Britain and South Africa, and more than 18,000 deaths.<br style="font-variant-ligatures:normal; font-variant-caps:normal; orphans:2; widows:2; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px; text-decoration-thickness:initial; text-decoration-style:initial; text-decoration-color:initial; word-spacing:0px" />
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The president of the Philippines has asked China to take back 1,000 doses of Sinopharm vaccine donated to the country after facing criticism for receiving a jab even though it has not yet been authorised for public use in the country.

The president of the Philippines has asked China to take back 1,000 doses of Sinopharm vaccine donated to the country after facing criticism for receiving a jab even though it has not yet been authorised for public use in the country. On Monday, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte had the health secretary take the China-made Sinopharm vaccine as a method of encouraging his reluctant citizens to get inoculated and help stop the transmission of the coronavirus. An unspecified number of Duterte's guards have also reportedly been injected with the Sinopharm vaccine in secrecy. The Philippine authorities are reportedly waiting for the vaccine to get approved by a "stringent regulatory authority," such as WHO. While Philippine regulators had previously given emergency use approval to the Chinese vaccine Sinovac in February, the other vaccine Sinopharm awaits approval. Also read | COVID-19: Philippine President Duterte orders arrest of mask violators China has given emergency approval to five of its domestically made vaccines but is still awaiting approval from the World Health Organisation for its top two vaccines - Sinopharm and Sinovac. On May 3, the WHO in a press conference had said that they expect both the Chinese vaccines Sinopharm and Sinovac’s approval to be finalised by the end of this week. A WHO endorsement can significantly boost confidence in the Chinese vaccines, which have long faced concerns about a lack of transparency regarding clinical trial data and their efficacy rates. Even before receiving a nod from WHO, China has reportedly donated the vaccine to around 60 countries and using these two vaccines has vaccinated 200 million people at home. The Southeast Asian country is battling one of the worst coronavirus outbreaks in Asia with more than a million infections, including those caused by variants first detected in Britain and South Africa, and more than 18,000 deaths. (With inputs from agencies)

Grappling with COVID-19, Philippines to send back China's Sinopharm vaccine

The foreign secretary, Teodoro Locsin, said late on Sunday that the Philippines has filed a diplomatic protest over the Chinese presence.

Phillipines demands withdrawal of over 200 Chinese vessels from South China Sea

People often ask each other 'if you could be anyone, who would you be?'. A Los Angeles man has decided he would rather be the Philippine President than carry his own identity — at least for official purposes.

Internet was left in fits of laughter after the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) tweeted the photo of a fake driver's license featuring a picture of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.

"Vice Officers recognized the picture used on a fake ID, to be that of the President of the Philippines," LAPD tweeted. "Good thing our Officers patrol Historic Filipino Town and are up to speed. Nice try."

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Vice Officers recognized the picture used on a fake ID, to be that of the President of the Philippines. Good thing our Officers patrol Historic Filipino Town and are up to speed. Nice try 😂🥊🇵🇭 💯<a href="https://twitter.com/LAPDALopez?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LAPDALopez</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/LabradaAl?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LabradaAl</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/LAPDHQ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LAPDHQ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TFALpodcast?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TFALpodcast</a> <a href="https://t.co/YhGkn01BEx">pic.twitter.com/YhGkn01BEx</a>
— LAPD Rampart (@LAPDRampart) <a href="https://twitter.com/LAPDRampart/status/1369536294250971137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The license is signed with the name Norman D, who is reportedly 180lbs heavy, with brown eyes, black hair and 5.09ft, as per the license. LAPD censored all other information from the identity proof.

Twitter users had a fun time reacting to LAPD's tweet.

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That’s actually very witty 😂😂 gotta give them one for their humor ... wonder if there r " extra “ charges for impersonating a country’s leader?
— Rain Lotus (@RainLotus2) <a href="https://twitter.com/RainLotus2/status/1369688235933368321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Arrest that guy in the picture!
— Zack Dela Gotcha (@zackdelagotcha) <a href="https://twitter.com/zackdelagotcha/status/1370310532696219659?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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A for effort and an F for execution
— jerrod k andrade (@jerry077) <a href="https://twitter.com/jerry077/status/1369697492070133761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Man this is hilarious lol 🤣
— JM Mangalindan (@underfvckinoath) <a href="https://twitter.com/underfvckinoath/status/1370266025128722432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://t.co/xr4FUuV2x8">pic.twitter.com/xr4FUuV2x8</a>
— It's a rogue regress (@esruez) <a href="https://twitter.com/esruez/status/1370587392365666305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Some users also appreciated the police officer's quick wit and general knowledge. The leader had also recently been in news for demanding the US to pay money to his government in exchange for the Philippines letting the US station their troops on the&nbsp;Philippines&nbsp;ground.

People often ask each other 'if you could be anyone, who would you be?'. A Los Angeles man has decided he would rather be the Philippine President than carry his own identity — at least for official purposes.

People often ask each other 'if you could be anyone, who would you be?'. A Los Angeles man has decided he would rather be the Philippine President than carry his own identity — at least for official purposes. Internet was left in fits of laughter after the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) tweeted the photo of a fake driver's license featuring a picture of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. "Vice Officers recognized the picture used on a fake ID, to be that of the President of the Philippines," LAPD tweeted. "Good thing our Officers patrol Historic Filipino Town and are up to speed. Nice try." Vice Officers recognized the picture used on a fake ID, to be that of the President of the Philippines. Good thing our Officers patrol Historic Filipino Town and are up to speed. Nice try 😂🥊🇵🇭 💯@LAPDALopez @LabradaAl @LAPDHQ @TFALpodcast pic.twitter.com/YhGkn01BEx — LAPD Rampart (@LAPDRampart) March 10, 2021 × The license is signed with the name Norman D, who is reportedly 180lbs heavy, with brown eyes, black hair and 5.09ft, as per the license. LAPD censored all other information from the identity proof. Twitter users had a fun time reacting to LAPD's tweet. That’s actually very witty 😂😂 gotta give them one for their humor ... wonder if there r " extra “ charges for impersonating a country’s leader? — Rain Lotus (@RainLotus2) March 10, 2021 × Arrest that guy in the picture! — Zack Dela Gotcha (@zackdelagotcha) March 12, 2021 × A for effort and an F for execution — jerrod k andrade (@jerry077) March 10, 2021 × Man this is hilarious lol 🤣 — JM Mangalindan (@underfvckinoath) March 12, 2021 × pic.twitter.com/xr4FUuV2x8 — It's a rogue regress (@esruez) March 13, 2021 × Some users also appreciated the police officer's quick wit and general knowledge. The leader had also recently been in news for demanding the US to pay money to his government in exchange for the Philippines letting the US station their troops on the Philippines ground.

Someone famous: LAPD catches fake driving license with photo of Rodrigo Duterte

India has taken a major step towards becoming an arms exporter. India has signed a key pact with the Philippines for the sale of "defence material and equipment", which are likely to include BrahMos cruise missiles.

This is a significant development for two reasons. One the Philippines could be India’s first client for its missile system and second those Indian arms could protect the Philippines against Beijing in the South China Sea.

This region the South China Sea has become one of the biggest flashpoints, not just in Asia, but the entire world. China claims the whole of the South China Sea. Five other countries make overlapping claims-- the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei and Vietnam.

And that is the essence of the conflict over the South China Sea. So the Philippines is pitted against China. India is selling arms to the Philippines. That should explain the strategic significance of this deal. A country that's responding to the Chinese threat with a call for self-reliance.

India and the Philippines have signed what is called an "implementing agreement”. It dictates the terms and sets the foundation for government to government contracts. But as far as the Philippines is concerned, It wants the BrahMos Missile. The country's defence secretary Delfin Lorenzana witnessed the signing ceremony on Tuesday. In no uncertain terms he has declared and I am quoting. 
 
"We are buying the BrahMos missiles". Now the next step for the Philippines is to discuss a deal to procure the BrahMos.

Why does Manila want this Indian missile?

The BrahMos is considered to be the fastest supersonic missile in the world. Supersonic, means faster than the speed of sound and the BrahMos is known to be a leader in that category of missiles.

Reports say it travels at three times the speed of sound. It can be fired from ships, submarines. Aircraft and ground launchers, the missile itself has a range of 290 kilometres. The Philippines wants to use the BrahMos system for coastal defence and ground attack. A clear vulnerability considering the growing Chinese aggression in the South China Sea. In January China had passed a law. It gave its coastguard powers to open fire on foreign vessels.

The Philippines filed a strong diplomatic protest over the move. Its foreign minister shot off a tweet. Calling the law "a verbal threat of war". The Philippines feel the need to step up its defences along the coast.

And India wants to help experts believe the BrahMos is will be a good fit for the Philippines.

The Philippines can launch these missiles, not just from land, but also from its ships. &nbsp;India has conducted several tests on the BrahMos. The missiles have been deployed in several strategic locations along the line of control with China. &nbsp;

Reports say they are being integrated for use on the Sukhoi fighter jets too and reason numbers three the cost. India is helping out the Philippines here too.

New Delhi had offered Manila a 100 million dollar soft loan to acquire the missiles in December. That credit line could be extended if required. So it looks like a win-win situation for the Philippines.

What about India?

New Delhi has a lot to gain if this agreement goes through. It gains a footing as a major arms exporter. The agreement in the Philippines is a step towards establishing India's credentials as a competitive exporter in the global defence market.

Already, there is a lot of global interest around the BrahMos. Beyond the Philippines, Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates are said to be keen on buying the Brahmos. Reports say India has held similar conversations with Argentina, Brazil, Indonesia and South Africa as well.

The aim is to touch the target of five billion dollars worth of defence exports by 2025. And it seems like the BrahMos will be the backbone of this mission. But this deal is not just about the arms trade. India’s move to sell defence equipment to the Philippines ups the stakes against China.&nbsp;

Indian missiles will allow the Philippines to assert their territorial right in the South China Sea.

India has taken a major step towards becoming an arms exporter. India has signed a key pact with the Philippines for the sale of "defence material and equipment", which are likely to include BrahMos cruise missiles.

India has taken a major step towards becoming an arms exporter. India has signed a key pact with the Philippines for the sale of "defence material and equipment", which are likely to include BrahMos cruise missiles. This is a significant development for two reasons. One the Philippines could be India’s first client for its missile system and second those Indian arms could protect the Philippines against Beijing in the South China Sea. This region the South China Sea has become one of the biggest flashpoints, not just in Asia, but the entire world. China claims the whole of the South China Sea. Five other countries make overlapping claims-- the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei and Vietnam. And that is the essence of the conflict over the South China Sea. So the Philippines is pitted against China. India is selling arms to the Philippines. That should explain the strategic significance of this deal. A country that's responding to the Chinese threat with a call for self-reliance. India and the Philippines have signed what is called an "implementing agreement”. It dictates the terms and sets the foundation for government to government contracts. But as far as the Philippines is concerned, It wants the BrahMos Missile. The country's defence secretary Delfin Lorenzana witnessed the signing ceremony on Tuesday. In no uncertain terms he has declared and I am quoting. "We are buying the BrahMos missiles". Now the next step for the Philippines is to discuss a deal to procure the BrahMos. Why does Manila want this Indian missile? The BrahMos is considered to be the fastest supersonic missile in the world. Supersonic, means faster than the speed of sound and the BrahMos is known to be a leader in that category of missiles. Reports say it travels at three times the speed of sound. It can be fired from ships, submarines. Aircraft and ground launchers, the missile itself has a range of 290 kilometres. The Philippines wants to use the BrahMos system for coastal defence and ground attack. A clear vulnerability considering the growing Chinese aggression in the South China Sea. In January China had passed a law. It gave its coastguard powers to open fire on foreign vessels. The Philippines filed a strong diplomatic protest over the move. Its foreign minister shot off a tweet. Calling the law "a verbal threat of war". The Philippines feel the need to step up its defences along the coast. And India wants to help experts believe the BrahMos is will be a good fit for the Philippines. The Philippines can launch these missiles, not just from land, but also from its ships. India has conducted several tests on the BrahMos. The missiles have been deployed in several strategic locations along the line of control with China. Reports say they are being integrated for use on the Sukhoi fighter jets too and reason numbers three the cost. India is helping out the Philippines here too. New Delhi had offered Manila a 100 million dollar soft loan to acquire the missiles in December. That credit line could be extended if required. So it looks like a win-win situation for the Philippines. What about India? New Delhi has a lot to gain if this agreement goes through. It gains a footing as a major arms exporter. The agreement in the Philippines is a step towards establishing India's credentials as a competitive exporter in the global defence market. Already, there is a lot of global interest around the BrahMos. Beyond the Philippines, Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates are said to be keen on buying the Brahmos. Reports say India has held similar conversations with Argentina, Brazil, Indonesia and South Africa as well. The aim is to touch the target of five billion dollars worth of defence exports by 2025. And it seems like the BrahMos will be the backbone of this mission. But this deal is not just about the arms trade. India’s move to sell defence equipment to the Philippines ups the stakes against China. Indian missiles will allow the Philippines to assert their territorial right in the South China Sea.

India-Philippines BrahMos pact: A deal that sends message to China

Amid rising resistance to Chinese products, Beijing has declared intentions&nbsp;to donate half a million coronavirus vaccine shots&nbsp;to the Philippines,&nbsp;Manila officials said on Saturday.

The Philippines&nbsp;President Rodrigo Duterte has been accused of being extremely slow in taking an action for buying coronavirus vaccine for a population of nearly&nbsp;110 million people.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/duterte-says-presidency-not-for-women-tells-daughter-not-to-run-in-next-election-356833">Duterte says presidency not for women, tells daughter not to run in next election</a>

This news has come after the locals of the country have expressed doubts and concerns over the efficacy of the Chinese-made coronavirus vaccine, which is being used in a few countries around the world.

Duterte has been an open supporter of the Chinese government, even though the popularity of the government has seen a new low due to the coronavirus pandemic, and the controversy around its origin. While the world has avoided the Chinese vaccine, the&nbsp;Philippines&nbsp;President has defended the vaccine.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-rodrigo-dutertes-security-team-gets-covid-19-vaccine-without-approval-352957">Philippines' Rodrigo Duterte's security team gets COVID-19 vaccine without approval</a>

This has also brought back the controversy the President faced last month after it was revealed that members of his security team had already been administered with some coronavirus vaccine made by a Chinese company,&nbsp;Sinopharm, without it having received an approval from the regulator.

"The PSG administered Covid-19 vaccine to its personnel performing close-in security operations to the President," said unit chief Brigadier General Jesus Durante had said in a staatement.

However, it is not yet clear which vaccine will China be donating to the Philippines, and whether it will be counted as a part of the earlier deal. The country has already agreed to&nbsp;buy 25 million doses of Chinese company Sinovac's Coronavac. The vaccine, however, has not yet been approved by its regulator.

This news has come after Cambodia, early this week, announced a similar deal with China where the Asian country has committed to sending&nbsp;one million free doses by Friday. Myanmar, similarly, was scheduled to receive 300,000 doses of the vaccine.

Amid rising resistance to Chinese products, Beijing has declared intentions to donate half a million coronavirus vaccine shots to the Philippines, Manila officials said on Saturday.

Amid rising resistance to Chinese products, Beijing has declared intentions to donate half a million coronavirus vaccine shots to the Philippines, Manila officials said on Saturday. The Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has been accused of being extremely slow in taking an action for buying coronavirus vaccine for a population of nearly 110 million people. Also read| Duterte says presidency not for women, tells daughter not to run in next election This news has come after the locals of the country have expressed doubts and concerns over the efficacy of the Chinese-made coronavirus vaccine, which is being used in a few countries around the world. Duterte has been an open supporter of the Chinese government, even though the popularity of the government has seen a new low due to the coronavirus pandemic, and the controversy around its origin. While the world has avoided the Chinese vaccine, the Philippines President has defended the vaccine. Also read| Philippines' Rodrigo Duterte's security team gets COVID-19 vaccine without approval This has also brought back the controversy the President faced last month after it was revealed that members of his security team had already been administered with some coronavirus vaccine made by a Chinese company, Sinopharm, without it having received an approval from the regulator. "The PSG administered Covid-19 vaccine to its personnel performing close-in security operations to the President," said unit chief Brigadier General Jesus Durante had said in a staatement. However, it is not yet clear which vaccine will China be donating to the Philippines, and whether it will be counted as a part of the earlier deal. The country has already agreed to buy 25 million doses of Chinese company Sinovac's Coronavac. The vaccine, however, has not yet been approved by its regulator. This news has come after Cambodia, early this week, announced a similar deal with China where the Asian country has committed to sending one million free doses by Friday. Myanmar, similarly, was scheduled to receive 300,000 doses of the vaccine.

China to donate vaccine to Philippines amid growing resistance

Philippines is set to approve a bill that raises the age of sexual consent from 12 to 16. This catholic majority country currently has one of the lowest ages of consent in the world.

Philippines set to raise age of consent, child abuse on a rise in Philippines

At least two people were killed and hundreds forced to flee their inundated homes in the Philippines as torrential rain triggered flooding and landslides in the storm-battered archipelago, officials said Saturday.&nbsp;

Huge waves smashed into a coastal village on Lapu-Lapu island in the central province of Cebu on Friday night, wiping out dozens of houses and leaving around 290 people homeless, Mayor Junard Chan said on Facebook.

Photos posted online by the mayor showed piles of wood and bamboo near the few houses still standing after the region was drenched by heavy rain.

Rescuers retrieved the bodies of two elderly women who were killed when a landslide hit an area of Mahaplag town before dawn in the nearby province of Leyte, police officer Racquel Hernandez said.

A boy was also pulled from the rubble of his home and treated for his injuries, Hernandez told AFP.

About 1,500 people were forced to leave their homes on the major southern island of Mindanao as floodwaters engulfed 13 villages, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said.

The Philippines is hit by an average of 20 storms and&nbsp;typhoons every year, which typically wipe out harvests, homes and infrastructure in already impoverished areas.

The latest storm comes after a succession of typhoons in recent months pummelled the country, taking the lives 148 people, destroying hundreds of thousands of houses, wrecking cash crops and leaving swathes of the country without power.

At least two people were killed and hundreds forced to flee their inundated homes in the Philippines as torrential rain triggered flooding and landslides in the storm-battered archipelago, officials said Saturday.

At least two people were killed and hundreds forced to flee their inundated homes in the Philippines as torrential rain triggered flooding and landslides in the storm-battered archipelago, officials said Saturday. Huge waves smashed into a coastal village on Lapu-Lapu island in the central province of Cebu on Friday night, wiping out dozens of houses and leaving around 290 people homeless, Mayor Junard Chan said on Facebook. Photos posted online by the mayor showed piles of wood and bamboo near the few houses still standing after the region was drenched by heavy rain. Rescuers retrieved the bodies of two elderly women who were killed when a landslide hit an area of Mahaplag town before dawn in the nearby province of Leyte, police officer Racquel Hernandez said. A boy was also pulled from the rubble of his home and treated for his injuries, Hernandez told AFP. About 1,500 people were forced to leave their homes on the major southern island of Mindanao as floodwaters engulfed 13 villages, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said. The Philippines is hit by an average of 20 storms and typhoons every year, which typically wipe out harvests, homes and infrastructure in already impoverished areas. The latest storm comes after a succession of typhoons in recent months pummelled the country, taking the lives 148 people, destroying hundreds of thousands of houses, wrecking cash crops and leaving swathes of the country without power.

Two dead, hundreds flee floods in Philippine storm

The Hindi proverb about through-the-roof blessing from God literally came true for an Indonesian man who became an overnight millionaire as a meteorite crashed through his roof. The man with the meteorite, is a humble coffin maker. Selling the meteorite has made him immensely rich literally overnight to the extent that he can easily live his life without having to pursue his current line of work.

Josua Huatalung (33), who lives in Sumatra, was working outside his house in the month of August when a loud boom shook his senses. Something had smashed through the tin roof of the verandah of his house.&nbsp;When he checked, he found the meteorite which was still hot when he tried lifting it.

He told Indonesia's Kompas newspaper that the sound was so loud, the entire house shook.

<img alt="Josua" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2129cc94-5de1-4b54-ac6a-0d8bdf8118e9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/josua.JPG" />

The celestial body was priceless indeed. It was 4.8 billion years old and was made of extremely rare material which fetches a price of 645 Pounds per gram. The meteorite weighs 2.1 Kg.

Josua put this discovery of his on Facebook which then created quite a stir.

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Tiba tiba batu hitam jatuh dari langit Bikin kagettttt........ Tp apa pun itu mudah2an pertanda baik buat keluarga kami....
Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/josua.d.hutg">Josua Hutagalung</a> on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/josua.d.hutg/posts/3262486800461547">Saturday, 1 August 2020</a></blockquote>
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Subsequently, Josua sold the meteorite to US-based specialist collector Jared Collins.

Josua Hutagalung refused to divulge the exact sum he got, but it is understood to be upwards of 1 million Pounds (Rs 9.8 crore)

The Hindi proverb about through-the-roof blessing from God literally came true for an Indonesian man who became an overnight millionaire as a meteorite crashed through his roof.

The Hindi proverb about through-the-roof blessing from God literally came true for an Indonesian man who became an overnight millionaire as a meteorite crashed through his roof. The man with the meteorite, is a humble coffin maker. Selling the meteorite has made him immensely rich literally overnight to the extent that he can easily live his life without having to pursue his current line of work. Josua Huatalung (33), who lives in Sumatra, was working outside his house in the month of August when a loud boom shook his senses. Something had smashed through the tin roof of the verandah of his house. When he checked, he found the meteorite which was still hot when he tried lifting it. He told Indonesia's Kompas newspaper that the sound was so loud, the entire house shook. The celestial body was priceless indeed. It was 4.8 billion years old and was made of extremely rare material which fetches a price of 645 Pounds per gram. The meteorite weighs 2.1 Kg. Josua put this discovery of his on Facebook which then created quite a stir. Tiba tiba batu hitam jatuh dari langit Bikin kagettttt........ Tp apa pun itu mudah2an pertanda baik buat keluarga kami.... Posted by Josua Hutagalung on Saturday, 1 August 2020 × Subsequently, Josua sold the meteorite to US-based specialist collector Jared Collins. Josua Hutagalung refused to divulge the exact sum he got, but it is understood to be upwards of 1 million Pounds (Rs 9.8 crore)

Man becomes millionaire overnight after meteorite crashes in his house

Residents of the Philippines' capital on Saturday flocked to an artificial white sand beach that the government has transformed from a polluted stretch of shoreline to mark International Coastal Cleanup day.

Despite opposition from environmental campaigners, President Rodrigo Duterte's government has filled a 500-meter stretch of coastline beside the U.S. embassy in Manila with sand made from tonnes of crushed dolomite boulders from central Philippines.

Manila Bay is a 60-km (37-mile) semi-enclosed estuary facing the South China Sea. Its waters are heavily polluted by oil, grease and trash from nearby residential areas and ports.

The use of artificial sand has been met with criticism, with environmental groups saying the facelift focuses only on aesthetics and has little to do with rehabilitation.

Fernando Hicap, president of fisherfolk group Pamalakaya, told Reuters that the pollution was killing fish stocks in the bay. "There is still so much garbage," he said.

Despite fears that dolomite could be a health hazard, Manila Mayor Francisco Domagoso assured the public that the cleanup and beautification project is not a threat to residents' well-being.

"When we see something nice being done to our city and if we feel it is for the betterment of our city, we should always be supportive of that," Domagoso said in a speech to mark the opening of the beach to the public.

Residents of the Philippines' capital on Saturday flocked to an artificial white sand beach that the government has transformed from a polluted stretch of shoreline to mark International Coastal Cleanup day.

Residents of the Philippines' capital on Saturday flocked to an artificial white sand beach that the government has transformed from a polluted stretch of shoreline to mark International Coastal Cleanup day. Despite opposition from environmental campaigners, President Rodrigo Duterte's government has filled a 500-meter stretch of coastline beside the U.S. embassy in Manila with sand made from tonnes of crushed dolomite boulders from central Philippines. Manila Bay is a 60-km (37-mile) semi-enclosed estuary facing the South China Sea. Its waters are heavily polluted by oil, grease and trash from nearby residential areas and ports. The use of artificial sand has been met with criticism, with environmental groups saying the facelift focuses only on aesthetics and has little to do with rehabilitation. Fernando Hicap, president of fisherfolk group Pamalakaya, told Reuters that the pollution was killing fish stocks in the bay. "There is still so much garbage," he said. Despite fears that dolomite could be a health hazard, Manila Mayor Francisco Domagoso assured the public that the cleanup and beautification project is not a threat to residents' well-being. "When we see something nice being done to our city and if we feel it is for the betterment of our city, we should always be supportive of that," Domagoso said in a speech to mark the opening of the beach to the public.

Polluted stretch of Manila Bay gets fake white sand makeover

A US marine convicted of killing a transgender woman in the Philippines was deported on Sunday after being pardoned by President Rodrigo Duterte.

Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton was halfway through his maximum 10-year prison term for the 2014 murder when Duterte this week unexpectedly ordered his release, drawing condemnation from rights groups.

Escorted by US military personnel, the 25-year-old boarded a US military plane at Manila airport, the Philippine Bureau of Immigration said.

"Pemberton wishes to express his deepest gratitude to President Duterte for granting him an absolute pardon. He is extremely grateful for this act of compassion," his lawyer Rowena Flores said in a statement.

Flores said Pemberton extends his "sincere sympathy for the pain he caused" to the family of his victim Jennifer Laude, the first formal apology from the marine.

"He wishes he had the words to express the depth of his sorrow and regret," she added.

Pemberton met Laude in October 2014 in a bar in the northwestern city of Olongapo after a joint US-Philippine military exercise.

During the trial, a lower court heard that Pemberton and Laude agreed to have sex but the drunken marine turned violent when he discovered Laude still had male genitals.

The lawyer for Laude's family condemned the pardon, which has renewed anti-American sentiment in the former US colony.

"May he find peace of mind. (I'm) hoping he has learned from all these the value of life and dignity regardless of gender and nationality," lawyer Virginia Suarez said.

As part of his deportation to the United States, Pemberton is now banned from entering the Philippines for being a "risk to public safety", the immigration bureau added.

A US marine convicted of killing a transgender woman in the Philippines was deported on Sunday after being pardoned by President Rodrigo Duterte. Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton was halfway through his maximum 10-year prison term for the 2014 murder when Duterte this week unexpectedly ordered his release, drawing condemnation from rights groups.

A US marine convicted of killing a transgender woman in the Philippines was deported on Sunday after being pardoned by President Rodrigo Duterte. Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton was halfway through his maximum 10-year prison term for the 2014 murder when Duterte this week unexpectedly ordered his release, drawing condemnation from rights groups. Escorted by US military personnel, the 25-year-old boarded a US military plane at Manila airport, the Philippine Bureau of Immigration said. "Pemberton wishes to express his deepest gratitude to President Duterte for granting him an absolute pardon. He is extremely grateful for this act of compassion," his lawyer Rowena Flores said in a statement. Flores said Pemberton extends his "sincere sympathy for the pain he caused" to the family of his victim Jennifer Laude, the first formal apology from the marine. "He wishes he had the words to express the depth of his sorrow and regret," she added. Pemberton met Laude in October 2014 in a bar in the northwestern city of Olongapo after a joint US-Philippine military exercise. During the trial, a lower court heard that Pemberton and Laude agreed to have sex but the drunken marine turned violent when he discovered Laude still had male genitals. The lawyer for Laude's family condemned the pardon, which has renewed anti-American sentiment in the former US colony. "May he find peace of mind. (I'm) hoping he has learned from all these the value of life and dignity regardless of gender and nationality," lawyer Virginia Suarez said. As part of his deportation to the United States, Pemberton is now banned from entering the Philippines for being a "risk to public safety", the immigration bureau added.

Philippines deports US Marine pardoned for transgender killing

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte plans to declare a nationwide public health emergency following confirmation of the country's first community transmission of the disease, the presidential aide said on Saturday.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-coronavirus-death-toll-rises-to-over-1480-japan-confirms-first-death-280603">&nbsp;China's coronavirus death toll rises to over 1,480; Japan confirms first death</a>

Earlier in the day, the nation's health officials said the new coronavirus recorded its first case of local transmission and called for measures to contain its spread.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-coronavirus-deaths-in-us-as-lawmakers-reach-83-billion-funding-deal-284353">New coronavirus deaths in US as lawmakers reach $8.3 billion funding deal</a>

Duterte has agreed to declare a health emergency following the latest development, Bong Go, chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and a close aide of the president, told reporters.

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte plans to declare a nationwide public health emergency following confirmation of the country's first community transmission of the disease, the presidential aide said on Saturday.

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte plans to declare a nationwide public health emergency following confirmation of the country's first community transmission of the disease, the presidential aide said on Saturday. Also Read: China's coronavirus death toll rises to over 1,480; Japan confirms first death Earlier in the day, the nation's health officials said the new coronavirus recorded its first case of local transmission and called for measures to contain its spread. Also Read: New coronavirus deaths in US as lawmakers reach $8.3 billion funding deal Duterte has agreed to declare a health emergency following the latest development, Bong Go, chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and a close aide of the president, told reporters.

Philippines' Duterte to declare public health emergency to combat coronavirus

Rescuers were scrambling on Tuesday to reach six people they feared were trapped after a bridge collapsed in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-shuts-its-schools-and-markets-as-typhoon-mitag-approaches-252761">Taiwan</a>, smashing onto a group of fishing boats moored underneath.

Dramatic CCTV images captured the moment the 140-metre long single-arch bridge came crashing down in Nanfangao, on Taiwan's eastern coast.

In the images, the road gives way and tumbles down onto at least three fishing boats as a petrol tanker that was crossing also plunges into the water.

The National Fire Agency said they believed six people were unaccounted for and could be trapped in the boats underneath the collapsed structure.

"The rescue operation is ongoing," the agency said in a statement, adding at least twelve people were injured, including six Philippine and three Indonesian fishing workers as well as the Taiwanese driver of the petrol tanker.

"We hope to safely rescue all in the shortest time to minimize the damage," Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen told reporters.

The petrol tanker burst into flames at some point after it hit the water, sending a thick plume of black smoke into the air.

It is not clear what caused the bridge, which was built in 1998 and spanned a small fishing port, to collapse.

Taiwan was skirted by a typhoon on Monday night, which brought heavy rains and strong winds to parts of the east coast.

But at the time of the bridge collapse, the weather was fine.

Rescuers were scrambling on Tuesday to reach six people they feared were trapped after a bridge collapsed in Taiwan, smashing onto a group of fishing boats moored underneath.

Rescuers were scrambling on Tuesday to reach six people they feared were trapped after a bridge collapsed in Taiwan, smashing onto a group of fishing boats moored underneath. Dramatic CCTV images captured the moment the 140-metre long single-arch bridge came crashing down in Nanfangao, on Taiwan's eastern coast. In the images, the road gives way and tumbles down onto at least three fishing boats as a petrol tanker that was crossing also plunges into the water. The National Fire Agency said they believed six people were unaccounted for and could be trapped in the boats underneath the collapsed structure. "The rescue operation is ongoing," the agency said in a statement, adding at least twelve people were injured, including six Philippine and three Indonesian fishing workers as well as the Taiwanese driver of the petrol tanker. "We hope to safely rescue all in the shortest time to minimize the damage," Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen told reporters. The petrol tanker burst into flames at some point after it hit the water, sending a thick plume of black smoke into the air. It is not clear what caused the bridge, which was built in 1998 and spanned a small fishing port, to collapse. Taiwan was skirted by a typhoon on Monday night, which brought heavy rains and strong winds to parts of the east coast. But at the time of the bridge collapse, the weather was fine.

Rescuers fear six trapped after Taiwan bridge collapse

The "militarisation" of the&nbsp;South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea&nbsp;is threatening peace in the contested waterway, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-urges-eu-to-reflect-political-reality-on-brexit-240580&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwivx_-EvuvjAhWlguYKHeKICEkQFjAEegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1PAaakwrM63BR3VlOdjNlx">European Union</a>'s top diplomat said Monday in Hanoi, echoing warnings from the US as pressure mounts against Beijing's ambitions in the region.

China&nbsp;has been accused of deploying warships, arming outposts and ramming fishing vessels in the resource-rich&nbsp;sea, sparking ire from other claimants.

On Monday, the European Union's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said the bloc was concerned over "increasing tension" in the area.

"We believe that this tension, this&nbsp;militarisation, is definitely not conducive to a peaceful environment," she added.&nbsp;

Beijing says it has sovereignty over the majority of the&nbsp;sea-based on the so-called nine-dash line it uses to back its claims.

The long-running spat was centre stage at a meeting of Southeast Asian foreign ministers last week, where US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged countries to push back against Chinese "coercion" in the&nbsp;sea.

Hanoi has emerged as one of Beijing's most vocal critics in the waterway, a key global shipping route believed to hold vast oil and gas reserves.

Tensions between the communist neighbours have soared after a Chinese geological survey vessel entered waters around the Spratly Islands claimed by Hanoi in early July.

Vietnam has repeatedly called for the ship to leave, while Beijing has refused to confirm the vessel's presence.&nbsp;

It is not clear if the ship remains in Vietnam-claimed waters, and the foreign ministry did not respond to AFP's request for comment.

The US,&nbsp;EU&nbsp;and Australia have all called for freedom of navigation in the&nbsp;South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea, which is also contested by Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei.

The "militarisation" of the South China Sea is threatening peace in the contested waterway, the European Union's top diplomat said Monday in Hanoi, echoing warnings from the US as pressure mounts against Beijing's ambitions in the region.

The "militarisation" of the South China Sea is threatening peace in the contested waterway, the European Union's top diplomat said Monday in Hanoi, echoing warnings from the US as pressure mounts against Beijing's ambitions in the region. China has been accused of deploying warships, arming outposts and ramming fishing vessels in the resource-rich sea, sparking ire from other claimants. On Monday, the European Union's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said the bloc was concerned over "increasing tension" in the area. "We believe that this tension, this militarisation, is definitely not conducive to a peaceful environment," she added. Beijing says it has sovereignty over the majority of the sea-based on the so-called nine-dash line it uses to back its claims. The long-running spat was centre stage at a meeting of Southeast Asian foreign ministers last week, where US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged countries to push back against Chinese "coercion" in the sea. Hanoi has emerged as one of Beijing's most vocal critics in the waterway, a key global shipping route believed to hold vast oil and gas reserves. Tensions between the communist neighbours have soared after a Chinese geological survey vessel entered waters around the Spratly Islands claimed by Hanoi in early July. Vietnam has repeatedly called for the ship to leave, while Beijing has refused to confirm the vessel's presence. It is not clear if the ship remains in Vietnam-claimed waters, and the foreign ministry did not respond to AFP's request for comment. The US, EU and Australia have all called for freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, which is also contested by Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei.

European Union criticises 'militarisation' of South China Sea

China has rejected Philippine allegations that a Chinese fishing vessel abandoned 22 Filipinos after it sank their boat in the South China Sea, as pressure builds on President Rodrigo Duterte to take a tougher line.

China's embassy in Manila said the crew had sought to rescue the Filipino fishermen but fled after being "suddenly besieged by seven or eight Filipino fishing boats".

"There was no such thing as (a) 'hit-and-run'," it said in a statement late on Friday, adding it would handle the issue in a "serious and responsible manner".

The sinking took place on Sunday near the Reed Bank, the site of untapped gas deposits that an international arbitration court in 2016 ruled the Philippines had sovereign rights to exploit. Beijing disputes that.

The issue could complicate what are determined efforts by Duterte to build a strong relationship with China, despite deep mistrust among his US-allied defence apparatus, which remains wary about China's maritime militarisation and what it sees as bullying and denial of Manila's access to its own offshore oil and gas reserves.

Duterte has made no mention of Sunday's incident during any of the lengthy and unscripted speeches he has since given. His defence minister, navy chief and spokesman have publicly denounced the Chinese crew and his foreign minister said he had lodged a protest with Beijing.

Presidential spokesman, Salvador Panelo, did not respond to a request for comment on China's version of events.

Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros on Saturday called for bilateral ties to be downgraded and said China's denial was "preposterous" and the story made no sense.

She said Duterte had plenty to say about mundane issues but should speak up when it came to sovereignty.

"Nothing is more reassuring to the public than to see and hear their own president, the supposed architect of the country's foreign policy, telling them that he is on top of the situation," Hontiveros said.

Sunday's incident is the latest confrontation involving China's vast fishing fleet, which experts say has been co-opted to serve as Beijing's militia and augment its constant coastguard presence in waters also claimed by Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines and Brunei.

Philippines Supreme Court judge Antonio Carpio, a staunch critic of China's maritime claims and conduct, said that among its massive fishing contingent were boats with reinforced steel hulls "purposely for ramming fishing vessels of other coastal states."

"The Filipino people must send a strong signal to China that any new 'grey zone' offensive of ramming Filipino fishing vessels ...will mean a break of diplomatic ties," Carpio said in a statement late Friday.

China has rejected Philippine allegations that a Chinese fishing vessel abandoned 22 Filipinos after it sank their boat in the South China Sea, as pressure builds on President Rodrigo Duterte to take a tougher line.

China has rejected Philippine allegations that a Chinese fishing vessel abandoned 22 Filipinos after it sank their boat in the South China Sea, as pressure builds on President Rodrigo Duterte to take a tougher line. China's embassy in Manila said the crew had sought to rescue the Filipino fishermen but fled after being "suddenly besieged by seven or eight Filipino fishing boats". "There was no such thing as (a) 'hit-and-run'," it said in a statement late on Friday, adding it would handle the issue in a "serious and responsible manner". The sinking took place on Sunday near the Reed Bank, the site of untapped gas deposits that an international arbitration court in 2016 ruled the Philippines had sovereign rights to exploit. Beijing disputes that. The issue could complicate what are determined efforts by Duterte to build a strong relationship with China, despite deep mistrust among his US-allied defence apparatus, which remains wary about China's maritime militarisation and what it sees as bullying and denial of Manila's access to its own offshore oil and gas reserves. Duterte has made no mention of Sunday's incident during any of the lengthy and unscripted speeches he has since given. His defence minister, navy chief and spokesman have publicly denounced the Chinese crew and his foreign minister said he had lodged a protest with Beijing. Presidential spokesman, Salvador Panelo, did not respond to a request for comment on China's version of events. Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros on Saturday called for bilateral ties to be downgraded and said China's denial was "preposterous" and the story made no sense. She said Duterte had plenty to say about mundane issues but should speak up when it came to sovereignty. "Nothing is more reassuring to the public than to see and hear their own president, the supposed architect of the country's foreign policy, telling them that he is on top of the situation," Hontiveros said. Sunday's incident is the latest confrontation involving China's vast fishing fleet, which experts say has been co-opted to serve as Beijing's militia and augment its constant coastguard presence in waters also claimed by Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines and Brunei. Philippines Supreme Court judge Antonio Carpio, a staunch critic of China's maritime claims and conduct, said that among its massive fishing contingent were boats with reinforced steel hulls "purposely for ramming fishing vessels of other coastal states." "The Filipino people must send a strong signal to China that any new 'grey zone' offensive of ramming Filipino fishing vessels ...will mean a break of diplomatic ties," Carpio said in a statement late Friday.

China denies hit and run as pressure builds on Philippines' Duterte to speak up

Bangladesh's central bank on Thursday sued a Philippine bank to recoup losses it suffered when unidentified hackers stole $81 million from its account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York nearly three years ago.

In a complaint filed with the US District Court in Manhattan, Bangladesh Bank accused Rizal Commercial Banking Corp (RCBC) and dozens of others, including several top executives, of involvement in a "massive" and "intricately planned" multi-year conspiracy to steal its money.

Bangladesh Bank said funds were stolen with the help of unnamed North Korean hackers who used malware with such names as "Nestegg" and "Macktruck" to obtain backdoor access its network.

It said funds were then funnelled through RCBC accounts in New York City and to the Philippines, where much of it disappeared in that country's casino industry.

RCBC did not immediately respond to a request for comment after market hours.

It had said on Wednesday, after learning the lawsuit would be filed: "We welcome this complaint, as it is an opportunity for RCBC to put on record again that it was a victim of what was started in Bangladesh by still-unnamed persons."

The case arose from a February 2016 incident when hackers tricked the New York Fed into sending out the $81 million.

Funds eventually landed in four accounts held in fake names at an RCBC branch in Makati City. Much of it was quickly withdrawn, and only about $15 million has been recovered.

RCBC, based in Manila, has contended that the theft was an inside job and accused Bangladesh Bank of a cover-up.

Fazle Kabir, governor of Bangladesh Bank, said on Wednesday the New York Fed had signed an agreement to help with the case.

A New York Fed spokeswoman declined to discuss what support her office might offer.

The hackers sought to steal close to $1 billion, but ultimately stole $101 million, including $20 million sent to a Sri Lankan account. That transfer was reversed after a spelling error was caught.

On Jan. 10, a Philippine court found Maia Deguito, who managed RCBC's Makati City branch, guilty of eight counts of money laundering tied to the heist. It sentenced her to a 32- to 56-year prison term and a $109 million fine.

Deguito is a defendant in Thursday's lawsuit. Her lawyer could not immediately be reached for comment.

In August 2016, the Philippine central bank fined RCBC a record 1 billion pesos ($19 million) for failing to stop stolen money from moving through the bank.

The case is Bangladesh Bank v Rizal Commercial Banking Corp et al, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 19-00983.

Bangladesh's central bank on Thursday sued a Philippine bank to recoup losses it suffered when unidentified hackers stole $81 million from its account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York nearly three years ago.

Bangladesh's central bank on Thursday sued a Philippine bank to recoup losses it suffered when unidentified hackers stole $81 million from its account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York nearly three years ago. In a complaint filed with the US District Court in Manhattan, Bangladesh Bank accused Rizal Commercial Banking Corp (RCBC) and dozens of others, including several top executives, of involvement in a "massive" and "intricately planned" multi-year conspiracy to steal its money. Bangladesh Bank said funds were stolen with the help of unnamed North Korean hackers who used malware with such names as "Nestegg" and "Macktruck" to obtain backdoor access its network. It said funds were then funnelled through RCBC accounts in New York City and to the Philippines, where much of it disappeared in that country's casino industry. RCBC did not immediately respond to a request for comment after market hours. It had said on Wednesday, after learning the lawsuit would be filed: "We welcome this complaint, as it is an opportunity for RCBC to put on record again that it was a victim of what was started in Bangladesh by still-unnamed persons." The case arose from a February 2016 incident when hackers tricked the New York Fed into sending out the $81 million. Funds eventually landed in four accounts held in fake names at an RCBC branch in Makati City. Much of it was quickly withdrawn, and only about $15 million has been recovered. RCBC, based in Manila, has contended that the theft was an inside job and accused Bangladesh Bank of a cover-up. Fazle Kabir, governor of Bangladesh Bank, said on Wednesday the New York Fed had signed an agreement to help with the case. A New York Fed spokeswoman declined to discuss what support her office might offer. The hackers sought to steal close to $1 billion, but ultimately stole $101 million, including $20 million sent to a Sri Lankan account. That transfer was reversed after a spelling error was caught. On Jan. 10, a Philippine court found Maia Deguito, who managed RCBC's Makati City branch, guilty of eight counts of money laundering tied to the heist. It sentenced her to a 32- to 56-year prison term and a $109 million fine. Deguito is a defendant in Thursday's lawsuit. Her lawyer could not immediately be reached for comment. In August 2016, the Philippine central bank fined RCBC a record 1 billion pesos ($19 million) for failing to stop stolen money from moving through the bank. The case is Bangladesh Bank v Rizal Commercial Banking Corp et al, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 19-00983.

Bangladesh sues Philippine bank over cyber heist at New York Federal Reserve Bank

The Philippines will buy 16 Black Hawk helicopters from the Sikorsky Aircraft Corp for $240 million, shunning cheaper Russian equipment due to US&nbsp;sanctions on Russian military exports, the Philippine defence chief said on Friday.

The Philippines had initially agreed to buy 16 Bell 412 helicopters from Canada but the deal was scrapped in February after Canada expressed concern they could be used to fight rebels.

The Philippines then considered several other helicopters including Sikorsky Aircraft's S-70 Black Hawk, Russia's Mi-171, South Korea's Surion and Agusta Westland's AW139.

Defence secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the air force would sign a contract early next year for the 16 Black Hawks, even though the Russians offered the second lowest price.

"But it is very difficult to pay them because of the US&nbsp;sanctions," Lorenzana told reporters at a security forum.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump signed a law last year punishing Russia for its 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine, its support for Syria's government and its suspected meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, an accusation the Kremlin has denied.

US allies, like the Philippines, buying weapons and equipment from Russia, the world's second largest arms exporter, would also be penalized and could see the transfer of those arms disrupted.

The S-70 is classified as a utility helicopter.

The Philippine air force is also seeking to acquire up to 10 attack helicopters next year.

The Philippines is spending $5.6 billion&nbsp;over the next five years to upgrade its defence capability, replacing World War Two-era warships and Vietnam War-vintage fighters and helicopters.

It recently acquired 12 light fighters from South Korea, logistics ships from Indonesia, and armoured vehicles and ship-borne missiles from Israel.

The Philippines will buy 16 Black Hawk helicopters from the Sikorsky Aircraft Corp for $240 million, shunning cheaper Russian equipment due to US sanctions on Russian military exports, the Philippine defence chief said on Friday.

The Philippines will buy 16 Black Hawk helicopters from the Sikorsky Aircraft Corp for $240 million, shunning cheaper Russian equipment due to US sanctions on Russian military exports, the Philippine defence chief said on Friday. The Philippines had initially agreed to buy 16 Bell 412 helicopters from Canada but the deal was scrapped in February after Canada expressed concern they could be used to fight rebels. The Philippines then considered several other helicopters including Sikorsky Aircraft's S-70 Black Hawk, Russia's Mi-171, South Korea's Surion and Agusta Westland's AW139. Defence secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the air force would sign a contract early next year for the 16 Black Hawks, even though the Russians offered the second lowest price. "But it is very difficult to pay them because of the US sanctions," Lorenzana told reporters at a security forum. US President Donald Trump signed a law last year punishing Russia for its 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine, its support for Syria's government and its suspected meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, an accusation the Kremlin has denied. US allies, like the Philippines, buying weapons and equipment from Russia, the world's second largest arms exporter, would also be penalized and could see the transfer of those arms disrupted. The S-70 is classified as a utility helicopter. The Philippine air force is also seeking to acquire up to 10 attack helicopters next year. The Philippines is spending $5.6 billion over the next five years to upgrade its defence capability, replacing World War Two-era warships and Vietnam War-vintage fighters and helicopters. It recently acquired 12 light fighters from South Korea, logistics ships from Indonesia, and armoured vehicles and ship-borne missiles from Israel.

Philippines to buy US helicopters, not Russian: Defence secretary

The journalist who leads a news site that has battled Philippine President<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/first-police-conviction-in-philippine-drug-war-killing-180187"> Rodrigo Duterte</a> turned herself in on Monday to face what she termed a "manufactured" tax fraud case that carries the threat of a decade behind bars.

A day after Rappler CEO Maria Ressa flew home to the Philippines under the threat of an arrest warrant, she surrendered at a Manila court and was allowed to remain free after paying a cash bail.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Rappler has been hit by a string of government efforts to shut it down since the site took a critical tone on Duterte, in particular, his internationally condemned drug war that has killed thousands.

Ressa now faces the prospect of a trial in an overburdened court system that is notoriously susceptible to influence from powerful elites.&nbsp;

"They (the charges) are politically motivated and... they are manufactured," she told journalists outside court. "Rappler pays the right taxes."

If found guilty of the charge that Rappler provided false information to tax authorities, she risks up to 10 years behind bars. She posted a bail equivalent of $1,100 (970 euros).

Campaigners condemned the charge, which is one of several tax fraud cases the government filed against Rappler and Ressa last week while she was out of the country to attend a series of prominent journalism events.

The charges are "part of the Duterte administration's campaign to harass, threaten and intimidate critics," said Human Rights Watch Philippines researcher Carlos Conde.

'Journalist, not a criminal'

"The attacks on Rappler are consistent with the way the Duterte administration has treated other 'drug war' critics," he said.

Duterte bristles at attacks on his signature campaign to rid the nation of drugs, which police say has killed nearly 5,000 alleged dealers and users who resisted arrest.&nbsp;

Some of the crackdown's highest-profile critics have wound up behind bars, including Senator Leila de Lima, who was jailed on drug charges she insists were fabricated to silence her.

The government accuses Rappler Holdings Corp., Ressa and the site's accountant of failing to pay taxes on 2015 bond sales that it alleges netted gains of 162.5 million pesos ($3 million).

The bonds, called Philippine Depositary Receipts, are at the heart of a case that led the Philippines' corporate watchdog to void the news site's corporate license in January.

Duterte has attacked other media outfits that criticise him, including top newspaper, The Philippine Daily Inquirer and major broadcaster ABS-CBN, threatening to also go after their owners over alleged unpaid taxes.

The government said the charges against Ressa were the consequence of wrongdoing, not retribution.&nbsp;

"You violate tax laws, then you will be prosecuted," Duterte's spokesman Salvador Panelo told reporters.

When Ressa returned to the Philippines Sunday night she told a crowd of TV news cameras at the airport that she would keep fighting.&nbsp;

"I am going to hold my government accountable for publicly calling me a criminal. I am not a criminal," she said.&nbsp;

"I have been a journalist my entire life. I will continue to hold the government accountable," she added.

The journalist who leads a news site that has battled Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte turned herself in on Monday to face what she termed a "manufactured" tax fraud case that carries the threat of a decade behind bars.

The journalist who leads a news site that has battled Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte turned herself in on Monday to face what she termed a "manufactured" tax fraud case that carries the threat of a decade behind bars. A day after Rappler CEO Maria Ressa flew home to the Philippines under the threat of an arrest warrant, she surrendered at a Manila court and was allowed to remain free after paying a cash bail. Rappler has been hit by a string of government efforts to shut it down since the site took a critical tone on Duterte, in particular, his internationally condemned drug war that has killed thousands. Ressa now faces the prospect of a trial in an overburdened court system that is notoriously susceptible to influence from powerful elites. "They (the charges) are politically motivated and... they are manufactured," she told journalists outside court. "Rappler pays the right taxes." If found guilty of the charge that Rappler provided false information to tax authorities, she risks up to 10 years behind bars. She posted a bail equivalent of $1,100 (970 euros). Campaigners condemned the charge, which is one of several tax fraud cases the government filed against Rappler and Ressa last week while she was out of the country to attend a series of prominent journalism events. The charges are "part of the Duterte administration's campaign to harass, threaten and intimidate critics," said Human Rights Watch Philippines researcher Carlos Conde. 'Journalist, not a criminal' "The attacks on Rappler are consistent with the way the Duterte administration has treated other 'drug war' critics," he said. Duterte bristles at attacks on his signature campaign to rid the nation of drugs, which police say has killed nearly 5,000 alleged dealers and users who resisted arrest. Some of the crackdown's highest-profile critics have wound up behind bars, including Senator Leila de Lima, who was jailed on drug charges she insists were fabricated to silence her. The government accuses Rappler Holdings Corp., Ressa and the site's accountant of failing to pay taxes on 2015 bond sales that it alleges netted gains of 162.5 million pesos ($3 million). The bonds, called Philippine Depositary Receipts, are at the heart of a case that led the Philippines' corporate watchdog to void the news site's corporate license in January. Duterte has attacked other media outfits that criticise him, including top newspaper, The Philippine Daily Inquirer and major broadcaster ABS-CBN, threatening to also go after their owners over alleged unpaid taxes. The government said the charges against Ressa were the consequence of wrongdoing, not retribution. "You violate tax laws, then you will be prosecuted," Duterte's spokesman Salvador Panelo told reporters. When Ressa returned to the Philippines Sunday night she told a crowd of TV news cameras at the airport that she would keep fighting. "I am going to hold my government accountable for publicly calling me a criminal. I am not a criminal," she said. "I have been a journalist my entire life. I will continue to hold the government accountable," she added.

Journalist critical of Philippines' Duterte surrenders to face charges

A US Navy destroyer sailed near islands claimed by China in the South China Sea on Sunday, a US official told Reuters, potentially angering Beijing at a time of tense relations between the two countries.

Beijing and Washington are locked in a trade war that has seen them impose increasingly severe rounds of tariffs on each other's imports.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the destroyer Decatur travelled within 12 nautical miles of Gaven and Johnson Reefs in the Spratly Islands.

The operation was the latest attempt to counter what Washington sees as Beijing’s efforts to limit freedom of navigation in the strategic waters, where Chinese, Japanese and some Southeast Asian navies operate.

China’s claims in the South China Sea, through which about $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes each year, are contested by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

"We conduct routine and regular freedom-of-navigation operations, as we have done in the past and will continue to do in the future," the US official added.

China's foreign ministry did not respond immediately to a request for comment.

The United States has criticised China’s construction of islands and military facilities in the area and is concerned they could be used to restrict free nautical movement.

The US military has a long-standing position that its operations are carried out throughout the world, including in areas claimed by allies, and are separate from political considerations.

The latest move comes at a particularly tense time in relations between the United States and China.

Friction between the world's two biggest economies is now moving beyond trade, with US President Donald Trump accusing Beijing this week of seeking to interfere in congressional elections, marking a new phase in an escalating campaign by Washington to put pressure on China.

China recently denied a request for a US warship to visit Hong Kong and this month Beijing postponed joint military talks in protest against a US decision to impose sanctions on a Chinese military agency and its director for buying Russian fighter jets and a surface-to-air missile system.

In May two US Navy warships sailed near South China Sea islands claimed by China.

A US Navy destroyer sailed near islands claimed by China in the South China Sea on Sunday, a US official told Reuters, potentially angering Beijing at a time of tense relations between the two countries.

A US Navy destroyer sailed near islands claimed by China in the South China Sea on Sunday, a US official told Reuters, potentially angering Beijing at a time of tense relations between the two countries. Beijing and Washington are locked in a trade war that has seen them impose increasingly severe rounds of tariffs on each other's imports. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the destroyer Decatur travelled within 12 nautical miles of Gaven and Johnson Reefs in the Spratly Islands. The operation was the latest attempt to counter what Washington sees as Beijing’s efforts to limit freedom of navigation in the strategic waters, where Chinese, Japanese and some Southeast Asian navies operate. China’s claims in the South China Sea, through which about $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes each year, are contested by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. "We conduct routine and regular freedom-of-navigation operations, as we have done in the past and will continue to do in the future," the US official added. China's foreign ministry did not respond immediately to a request for comment. The United States has criticised China’s construction of islands and military facilities in the area and is concerned they could be used to restrict free nautical movement. The US military has a long-standing position that its operations are carried out throughout the world, including in areas claimed by allies, and are separate from political considerations. The latest move comes at a particularly tense time in relations between the United States and China. Friction between the world's two biggest economies is now moving beyond trade, with US President Donald Trump accusing Beijing this week of seeking to interfere in congressional elections, marking a new phase in an escalating campaign by Washington to put pressure on China. China recently denied a request for a US warship to visit Hong Kong and this month Beijing postponed joint military talks in protest against a US decision to impose sanctions on a Chinese military agency and its director for buying Russian fighter jets and a surface-to-air missile system. In May two US Navy warships sailed near South China Sea islands claimed by China.

US warship sails near disputed South China Sea islands: Official

The Philippines military said on Monday it was close to retaking a southern city held for a seventh day by Islamist militants, as helicopters unleashed more rockets on positions held by the rebels aligned with Islamic State.

The clashes in Marawi city with the Maute militia, a group hardly known a year ago, has become the biggest security challenge of Rodrigo Duterte&#39;s 11-month presidency, with gunmen resisting air and ground assaults and still in control of central parts of a city of 200,000 people.

The military said the rebels may be getting help from &quot;sympathetic elements&quot; and fighters they had freed from jail during the rampage that started last&nbsp;Tuesday and caught the military by surprise.

&quot;Our ground commanders have assured that the end is almost there,&quot; military spokesman, Restituto Padilla told reporters.

&quot;We can control who comes in and who comes out, who moves around and who doesn&#39;t. And we&#39;re trying to isolate all these pockets of resistance.&quot;

More than 100 people have been killed, most of them militants, according to the military, and most of the city&#39;s residents have fled. The military said the Maute group was still present in nine of the city&#39;s 96 Barangays, or communities.

The Maute group&#39;s ability to fight off the military for so long will add to fears that Islamic State&#39;s radical ideology is spreading in the southern Philippines and it could become a haven for militants from Indonesia, Malaysia and beyond.

The government believes the Maute carried out their assault before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan to capture the attention of Islamic State and earn recognition as a Southeast Asian affiliate.

The military&#39;s estimates of the size of the rebel force and the extent of its occupation have fluctuated each day. It has maintained throughout that it is in full control of the situation and says supporters of the Maute were making exaggerated claims on social media.

According to witnesses, men with black headbands typical of Islamic State were seen on city streets in recent days. A photograph taken by a resident shows 10 men carrying assault rifles and dressed entirely in black.

A Reuters photographer saw an Islamic State flag in an oil drum in an abandoned street on Monday, where chickens roamed in front of damaged shops and homes.

&nbsp;

LOCKDOWN

Iligan City, 38 kilometres&nbsp;(24 miles) away, was overflowing with evacuees and was on lockdown over fears that fighters had sneaked out of Marawi by blending in with civilians.

&quot;We don&#39;t want what&#39;s happening in Marawi to spill over in Iligan,&quot; said Colonel Alex Aduca, chief of the Fourth Mechanized Infantry Battalion.

Sixty-one militants, 20 members of the security forces and 19 civilians have been killed since Tuesday, when Maute rebels went on the rampage after a botched military operation to arrest Isnilon Hapilon, who the government believes is a point man for Islamic State in the Philippines.

Some troops tried to eliminate Maute snipers on Monday as others guarded deserted streets, taken back block-by-block. Helicopters circled the lakeside city and smoke poured out of some buildings. Artillery explosions echoed.

Though most people have left, thousands are stranded, worried they could be intercepted by militants at checkpoints on routes out of the city.

There were still bodies of civilians in Marawi and residents urged the military to halt air strikes, said Zia Alonto Adiong, a politician involved in evacuation efforts.

&quot;The anticipation of death is worse than death itself,&quot; he told news channel ANC. &quot;We appeal to our military forces to do a different approach.&quot;

The military said air strikes were taken on &quot;known and verified enemy positions&quot;.

&quot;We are using precision ammunition in our surgical air strikes,&quot; said another army spokesman, Colonal Edgard Arevalo. &quot;We have highly skilled and trained pilots delivering the payload.&quot;

Bodies of what appeared to be executed civilians were found in a ravine outside Marawi on Sunday as the crisis took a more sinister turn. Most of the eight men were shot in the head and some had bound hands.

Duterte imposed martial law last week on Mindanao, an island of 22 million people where both Marawi and Iligan are located, to quell the unrest and wipe out militancy.

He made an unconventional offer on Saturday to Muslim separatists and communist rebels to join his fight against extremists, and said he would give them the same pay and benefits as government troops.

(Reuters)

The Maute militia now poses the biggest security challenge of Rodrigo Duterte's 11-month presidency, still controlling parts of this city of 200,000

The Philippines military said on Monday it was close to retaking a southern city held for a seventh day by Islamist militants, as helicopters unleashed more rockets on positions held by the rebels aligned with Islamic State. The clashes in Marawi city with the Maute militia, a group hardly known a year ago, has become the biggest security challenge of Rodrigo Duterte's 11-month presidency, with gunmen resisting air and ground assaults and still in control of central parts of a city of 200,000 people. The military said the rebels may be getting help from "sympathetic elements" and fighters they had freed from jail during the rampage that started last Tuesday and caught the military by surprise. "Our ground commanders have assured that the end is almost there," military spokesman, Restituto Padilla told reporters. "We can control who comes in and who comes out, who moves around and who doesn't. And we're trying to isolate all these pockets of resistance." More than 100 people have been killed, most of them militants, according to the military, and most of the city's residents have fled. The military said the Maute group was still present in nine of the city's 96 Barangays, or communities. The Maute group's ability to fight off the military for so long will add to fears that Islamic State's radical ideology is spreading in the southern Philippines and it could become a haven for militants from Indonesia, Malaysia and beyond. The government believes the Maute carried out their assault before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan to capture the attention of Islamic State and earn recognition as a Southeast Asian affiliate. The military's estimates of the size of the rebel force and the extent of its occupation have fluctuated each day. It has maintained throughout that it is in full control of the situation and says supporters of the Maute were making exaggerated claims on social media. According to witnesses, men with black headbands typical of Islamic State were seen on city streets in recent days. A photograph taken by a resident shows 10 men carrying assault rifles and dressed entirely in black. A Reuters photographer saw an Islamic State flag in an oil drum in an abandoned street on Monday, where chickens roamed in front of damaged shops and homes. LOCKDOWN Iligan City, 38 kilometres (24 miles) away, was overflowing with evacuees and was on lockdown over fears that fighters had sneaked out of Marawi by blending in with civilians. "We don't want what's happening in Marawi to spill over in Iligan," said Colonel Alex Aduca, chief of the Fourth Mechanized Infantry Battalion. Sixty-one militants, 20 members of the security forces and 19 civilians have been killed since Tuesday, when Maute rebels went on the rampage after a botched military operation to arrest Isnilon Hapilon, who the government believes is a point man for Islamic State in the Philippines. Some troops tried to eliminate Maute snipers on Monday as others guarded deserted streets, taken back block-by-block. Helicopters circled the lakeside city and smoke poured out of some buildings. Artillery explosions echoed. Though most people have left, thousands are stranded, worried they could be intercepted by militants at checkpoints on routes out of the city. There were still bodies of civilians in Marawi and residents urged the military to halt air strikes, said Zia Alonto Adiong, a politician involved in evacuation efforts. "The anticipation of death is worse than death itself," he told news channel ANC. "We appeal to our military forces to do a different approach." The military said air strikes were taken on "known and verified enemy positions". "We are using precision ammunition in our surgical air strikes," said another army spokesman, Colonal Edgard Arevalo. "We have highly skilled and trained pilots delivering the payload." Bodies of what appeared to be executed civilians were found in a ravine outside Marawi on Sunday as the crisis took a more sinister turn. Most of the eight men were shot in the head and some had bound hands. Duterte imposed martial law last week on Mindanao, an island of 22 million people where both Marawi and Iligan are located, to quell the unrest and wipe out militancy. He made an unconventional offer on Saturday to Muslim separatists and communist rebels to join his fight against extremists, and said he would give them the same pay and benefits as government troops. (Reuters)

Philippines military says close to defeating Islamist rebels

A retired policeman testified before a Philippine Senate hearing on Monday to killing nearly 200 people as part of a &quot;death squad&quot; under President Rodrigo Duterte when Duterte was Davao City mayor, and said he came clean because of his &quot;fear of God&quot;.

Arturo Lascanas admitted to lying in October during a Senate inquiry into alleged extrajudicial killings linked to Duterte, but said he did so only because he feared for his family&#39;s safety and because police had warned him to &quot;deny everything&quot;.

He said he had personally killed 300 people, about 200 as a member of a &quot;Davao death squad&quot;, with his last in 2015. He also detailed two cases where he had murdered critics of Duterte, under the instruction of the then-mayor&#39;s bodyguard.

Lascanas, who broke down in tears before the media when he revealed his story two weeks ago, is the second person to testify before lawmakers to Duterte&#39;s alleged links to a clandestine hit squad.

Duterte&#39;s allies dismiss the claims as a plot by his opponents to discredit a popular leader and his war on drugs, a campaign that critics say has disturbing similarities to a pattern of mysterious killings in Davao.

&quot;I feared for the life of my loved ones,&quot; Lascanas said when asked why he had earlier denied the death squad existed.

He said he changed testimony because he was tormented by what he had done and wanted the truth to &quot;set me free&quot;.

It was &quot;because of my desire to tell all the truth, not only because of my spiritual renewal, but the fear of God, I wanted to clear my conscience&quot;, he said.

Duterte has repeatedly denied involvement in summary executions, either as president or during his 22 years as Davao mayor. His police chief Ronald dela Rosa, a former Davao police chief under Duterte, has dismissed the death squad claims as a myth created by the media.

Human rights groups have documented about 1,400 suspicious killings in Davao while Duterte was mayor and critics say the war on drugs he unleashed as president has the same hallmarks. Numerous investigations have found no proof linking Duterte to those deaths.

More than 8,000 people have been killed nationwide since Duterte took office eight months ago, mostly drug users killed by mysterious gunmen in incidents authorities attribute to vigilantes, drugs gang members silencing informants, or unrelated murders.

Police reject activists&#39; allegations that they are behind most of those killings. Police say they were responsible for 2,555 of those cases, when drug suspects had resisted arrest.

On Monday, dela Rosa announced the re-launch of police anti-narcotics operations after a month-long suspension of police involvement in the campaign.

(Reuters)

He said police ordered him to deny everything so he lied to the Senate in fear for his family's safety. Now he is clearing his conscience

A retired policeman testified before a Philippine Senate hearing on Monday to killing nearly 200 people as part of a "death squad" under President Rodrigo Duterte when Duterte was Davao City mayor, and said he came clean because of his "fear of God". Arturo Lascanas admitted to lying in October during a Senate inquiry into alleged extrajudicial killings linked to Duterte, but said he did so only because he feared for his family's safety and because police had warned him to "deny everything". He said he had personally killed 300 people, about 200 as a member of a "Davao death squad", with his last in 2015. He also detailed two cases where he had murdered critics of Duterte, under the instruction of the then-mayor's bodyguard. Lascanas, who broke down in tears before the media when he revealed his story two weeks ago, is the second person to testify before lawmakers to Duterte's alleged links to a clandestine hit squad. Duterte's allies dismiss the claims as a plot by his opponents to discredit a popular leader and his war on drugs, a campaign that critics say has disturbing similarities to a pattern of mysterious killings in Davao. "I feared for the life of my loved ones," Lascanas said when asked why he had earlier denied the death squad existed. He said he changed testimony because he was tormented by what he had done and wanted the truth to "set me free". It was "because of my desire to tell all the truth, not only because of my spiritual renewal, but the fear of God, I wanted to clear my conscience", he said. Duterte has repeatedly denied involvement in summary executions, either as president or during his 22 years as Davao mayor. His police chief Ronald dela Rosa, a former Davao police chief under Duterte, has dismissed the death squad claims as a myth created by the media. Human rights groups have documented about 1,400 suspicious killings in Davao while Duterte was mayor and critics say the war on drugs he unleashed as president has the same hallmarks. Numerous investigations have found no proof linking Duterte to those deaths. More than 8,000 people have been killed nationwide since Duterte took office eight months ago, mostly drug users killed by mysterious gunmen in incidents authorities attribute to vigilantes, drugs gang members silencing informants, or unrelated murders. Police reject activists' allegations that they are behind most of those killings. Police say they were responsible for 2,555 of those cases, when drug suspects had resisted arrest. On Monday, dela Rosa announced the re-launch of police anti-narcotics operations after a month-long suspension of police involvement in the campaign. (Reuters)

Philippines ex-policeman admits to killing 200 people under President Duterte

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A staunch critic of President Duterte&#39;s war on drugs has been arrested on drug trafficking charges. Here&#39;s more to this story (WION)
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A Philippine senator and staunch critic of President Rodrigo Duterte&#39;s war on drugs was arrested on Friday&nbsp;on charges she received money from drug dealers inside the country&#39;s prisons.

Senator Leila de Lima, her former driver and bodyguard, and a former national prison official were ordered arrested by a local court which found merit in criminal charges filed by the Department of Justice last week.

&quot;The truth will be out in the right time. If they think they can silence me, if they think I can no longer fight for what I&#39;m fighting for, especially finding the truth behind the daily killings, the other issues, the pressures and tyranny under Duterte&#39;s regime, then it is my honour to get arrested because of what I&#39;m fighting for,&quot; she told reporters shortly before law enforcers escorted her away from her office.

About 7,700 people have died in the narcotics crackdown, with more than 2,500 people killed in anti-drug operations, according to police.

She is facing two more drug-related charges in the same court.&nbsp;The criminal cases filed against the senator and two others are non-bailable.

De Lima, a human rights lawyer before joining government, says the charges are a vendetta against her after she last year led a Senate probe into alleged extrajudicial killings during Duterte`s anti-drugs crackdown.

De Lima was removed by Duterte&#39;s allies as head of the investigation into extrajudicial killings and just days later came under investigation herself in a congressional inquiry in which witnesses testified to her having a pivotal role in the narcotics trade.

The Justice Department said de Lima received five million Philippine pesos ($99,850) delivered by the former prison official to her home when she was justice minister between 2010 and 2016.

Duterte&#39;s chief legal counsel, Salvador Panelo, said in a statement on Thursday&nbsp;de Lima&#39;s arrest was an opportunity to answer the allegations in court.

(Reuters)

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De Lima says the charges are retribution for leading a Senate probe into alleged extrajudicial killings during Duterte's anti-drug crackdown

A staunch critic of President Duterte's war on drugs has been arrested on drug trafficking charges. Here's more to this story (WION) × A Philippine senator and staunch critic of President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs was arrested on Friday on charges she received money from drug dealers inside the country's prisons. Senator Leila de Lima, her former driver and bodyguard, and a former national prison official were ordered arrested by a local court which found merit in criminal charges filed by the Department of Justice last week. "The truth will be out in the right time. If they think they can silence me, if they think I can no longer fight for what I'm fighting for, especially finding the truth behind the daily killings, the other issues, the pressures and tyranny under Duterte's regime, then it is my honour to get arrested because of what I'm fighting for," she told reporters shortly before law enforcers escorted her away from her office. About 7,700 people have died in the narcotics crackdown, with more than 2,500 people killed in anti-drug operations, according to police. She is facing two more drug-related charges in the same court. The criminal cases filed against the senator and two others are non-bailable. De Lima, a human rights lawyer before joining government, says the charges are a vendetta against her after she last year led a Senate probe into alleged extrajudicial killings during Duterte`s anti-drugs crackdown. De Lima was removed by Duterte's allies as head of the investigation into extrajudicial killings and just days later came under investigation herself in a congressional inquiry in which witnesses testified to her having a pivotal role in the narcotics trade. The Justice Department said de Lima received five million Philippine pesos ($99,850) delivered by the former prison official to her home when she was justice minister between 2010 and 2016. Duterte's chief legal counsel, Salvador Panelo, said in a statement on Thursday de Lima's arrest was an opportunity to answer the allegations in court. (Reuters)

Senator and renowned President Duterte critic de Lima arrested for drug-related charges

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has said he would impose martial law if the drug problem became &quot;very virulent&quot;, just a month after dismissing as &quot;nonsense&quot; any suggestion he might do so.

Duterte has made a brutal war on drugs a central pillar of his administration since he took office in the middle of last year.

Since July, more than 6,000 people have been killed in the anti-drug campaign, in both police operations and unexplained killings by suspected &quot;vigilantes&quot;.&nbsp;

More than 1 million drug peddlers and users have been arrested or have surrendered to authorities.

Duterte, speaking to members of a chamber of commerce in the southern city of Davao late on Saturday, said he has sworn to protect the country against all threats, including drugs, which he said has affected about 4 million people.

&quot;If I wanted to, and it will deteriorate into something really very virulent, I will declare martial law,&quot; he said.

&quot;No one can stop me,&quot; he said, referring to the Supreme Court and Congress.

&quot;My country transcends everything else, even the limitations.&quot;

The Philippines endured a decade of martial law from the early 1970s and memories of campaigns to restore democracy and protect human rights are fresh in the minds of many people.

Last month, Duterte appeared to rule out any possibility he might declare martial law.

&quot;That`s nonsense. We had martial law before, what happened? Did it improve our lives now? Not at all,&quot; he said.

(Reuters) 
&nbsp;

Duterte has made a brutal war on drugs a central pillar of his administration since he took office

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has said he would impose martial law if the drug problem became "very virulent", just a month after dismissing as "nonsense" any suggestion he might do so. Duterte has made a brutal war on drugs a central pillar of his administration since he took office in the middle of last year. Since July, more than 6,000 people have been killed in the anti-drug campaign, in both police operations and unexplained killings by suspected "vigilantes". More than 1 million drug peddlers and users have been arrested or have surrendered to authorities. Duterte, speaking to members of a chamber of commerce in the southern city of Davao late on Saturday, said he has sworn to protect the country against all threats, including drugs, which he said has affected about 4 million people. "If I wanted to, and it will deteriorate into something really very virulent, I will declare martial law," he said. "No one can stop me," he said, referring to the Supreme Court and Congress. "My country transcends everything else, even the limitations." The Philippines endured a decade of martial law from the early 1970s and memories of campaigns to restore democracy and protect human rights are fresh in the minds of many people. Last month, Duterte appeared to rule out any possibility he might declare martial law. "That`s nonsense. We had martial law before, what happened? Did it improve our lives now? Not at all," he said. (Reuters)

Phillipines President Duterte: Will impose martial law if drug problem 'virulent'

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