Author: WWC NEWSDESK

Politics

More Than 150 Ilocos Norte Donors Showed Up—What Happened Next Proved This Was Bigger Than a Blood Drive

ILOCOS NORTE — What began as a simple act of giving blood is becoming something much bigger in Ilocos Norte: a growing culture of volunteerism that brings communities together when lives may depend on it. More than 150 people have taken part in succeeding bloodletting activities in the province, a sharp increase from about 50 participants when the initiative began in 2020, according to the Philippine Information Agency (PIA). The latest bloodletting activity was held on August 15, 2026, at the

August 18, 2026

Asia

Singapore Is Upgrading 6 Major Bus Interchanges From 2027 — And Commuters May Notice a Big Difference

SINGAPORE — Six more bus interchanges across Singapore are set for upgrading works from 2027, bringing new accessibility features, improved commuter facilities and more energy-efficient systems to some of the island’s well-used transport hubs. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced on Aug 18 that the Bishan, Bukit Batok, Bukit Merah, Eunos, Punggol and Tampines bus interchanges will undergo phased enhancement works. The programme is aimed at making public transport facilities more comfor

August 18, 2026

Asia

Al-Ahli’s Title Defence Just Got Complicated: Back-to-Back Asian Champions Draw Al-Ain in Blockbuster Clash

Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli will face 2024 champions Al-Ain of the UAE in the 2026/27 AFC Champions League Elite, setting up one of the most intriguing early clashes of Asia’s revamped continental competition. The road to a third straight AFC Champions League Elite crown has suddenly become much more demanding for Al-Ahli. The reigning Asian champions were drawn against former winners Al-Ain in the league phase of the 2026/27 competition following Tuesday’s draw in Kuala Lumpur. The matchup pits Sa

August 18, 2026

Asia

More Than 10,000 Singaporeans Live With Parkinson’s — Now a New S$4.48 Million Programme Is Trying to Change What Happens Next

SINGAPORE — A new S$4.48 million community rehabilitation initiative is aiming to change how people with Parkinson’s disease manage the condition, with an ambitious target of reaching about 2,000 patients over the next five years. The programme, known as Kickstart Exercise and Empower Parkinson’s (KEEP), began rolling out in January 2026 and is being progressively introduced across 13 day-rehabilitation centres in Singapore. The initiative is backed by the Lien Foundation in partnership with P

August 18, 2026

Asia

Xinmin Secondary Bomb Scare Ends With a Teen Arrest — Now Police Are Digging Into What Really Happened

SINGAPORE — A 15-year-old has been arrested in connection with the false bomb threat that triggered an evacuation at Xinmin Secondary School in Hougang last week, adding a major development to an incident that briefly disrupted classes and sent students and staff to safety. The Singapore Police Force confirmed on Tuesday, Aug. 18, that the teenager had been arrested in relation to the incident at Xinmin Secondary School on Aug. 13. However, authorities have not released further details about t

August 18, 2026

Politics

Ateneo de Zamboanga Shooting: City Promises Support After Deadly Attack—Now Authorities Must Find Out How It Happened

ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Zamboanga City government has assured support for students, school personnel, families and others affected by the deadly shooting at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University Junior High School campus, as authorities intensify their investigation into the attack. The city government expressed its condolences following the August 18 shooting and said it was coordinating closely with school officials, the Zamboanga City Police Office and other authorities to respond to the incident.

August 18, 2026

Asia

Newcastle Finally Fix the Right-Back Problem With Amar Dedić — But What Matthias Jaissle Does Next Could Change Everything

NEWCASTLE, England — Newcastle United have completed the signing of Bosnia and Herzegovina international Amar Dedić from Benfica, bringing in a versatile defender as new head coach Matthias Jaissle continues to reshape the squad ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League season. The transfer is understood to be worth around £29.5 million, with Dedić agreeing a five-year contract at St James’ Park. Sky Sports had previously reported that Newcastle and Benfica had reached agreement on the fee, with the

August 18, 2026

Business

ABS-CBN Has ₱6 Billion Coming In — But Who Really Benefits From the Rescue? The Answer Could Reshape the Network

MANILA — ABS-CBN Corporation is getting a financial lifeline, but the biggest question is no longer whether fresh money is coming in. It is what happens to that money once it arrives. The Lopez-led media company has announced plans to raise ₱6 billion in new equity, marking one of the most consequential financial moves in its post-franchise history. The capital raising will involve I&C Holdings Corp., which is committing ₱3.5 billion, while three Lopez family investment vehicles and Lopez Inc.

August 18, 2026

Lifestyle

PNP’s Cybercrime War Is Escalating: 86 Arrested, 201 Cases Filed — But What Are Scammers Doing Next?

QUEZON CITY — The Philippine National Police is taking its fight against cybercrime deeper into the digital space, with PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. vowing a sustained crackdown as criminals increasingly use technology to target Filipinos. Nartatez said police can no longer focus their crime-fighting efforts solely on the streets because criminal activity is rapidly moving online. “Hindi puwedeng sa kalsada lang tayo nagbabantay,” Nartatez said, stressing that police investigat

August 18, 2026

Asia

Johor’s RTS Link Is Almost Ready — But One Missing Piece Could Decide Whether It Really Eases Singapore Traffic

JOHOR BAHRU, Aug. 18, 2026 — The long-awaited Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link is entering its final stretch, but Malaysia now faces a critical question: Will Johor’s transport network be ready to absorb the thousands of commuters expected to arrive when the cross-border rail service opens? Malaysia Transport Minister Anthony Loke said Tuesday that the physical infrastructure at the Bukit Chagar RTS station and its Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex is essent

August 18, 2026