Category: Politics

Philippines

PH Navy Intercepts Over P100 Million in Smuggled Cigarettes in Western Mindanao—Here’s Where the Contraband Was Headed

ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Philippine Navy has intensified its campaign against maritime smuggling in Western Mindanao after separate sea operations led to the seizure of more than P100 million worth of undocumented cigarettes, according to reports from authorities and multiple news outlets. The operations targeted vessels moving through the waters around Sulu and the Zamboanga Peninsula, areas that authorities have repeatedly identified as vulnerable routes for the movement of illicit goods. Accord

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Philippines

Sara Duterte Says She Fears for Her Life—Now the PNP Is Stepping In

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it is prepared to assess and verify Vice President Sara Duterte’s security concerns after she publicly expressed fear for her life and said she no longer trusted the police or the courts. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police units would continue monitoring the situation involving Duterte and her immediate family and would examine any documents, reports or statements she submits concerning alleged threats. The deve

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Philippines

Omar Duterte Blasts Sara Arrest Warrant as ‘Political Harassment’—But What Happens Next Could Raise the Stakes

MANILA, Philippines — Davao City 2nd District Rep. Omar Duterte has condemned the arrest warrant issued against his aunt, Vice President Sara Duterte, calling it a “clear act of political harassment” as the Vice President’s legal and political battles continue to intensify. In a statement, Omar Duterte accused those in power of using government institutions to silence political opponents, saying he was deeply troubled by the developments surrounding the Vice President. His remarks came after a

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Philippines

Sara Duterte Says She Feared for Her Life—Now Malacañang Fires Back on the PNP’s Role

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has defended the Philippine National Police (PNP) amid Vice President Sara Duterte's claims that she feared for her safety, insisting that law enforcers are carrying out their duties in accordance with the law and without political bias. The Palace's response came after Duterte raised concerns about her security following developments surrounding the Quezon City Regional Trial Court, where she appeared in connection with a grave threats case. Palace Press Offic

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Politics

Farage’s Funding Controversy Gives UK PM Andy Burnham a Political Lifeline — But the October Budget Could Take It Away

LONDON — For weeks, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham appeared to be heading toward an uncomfortable autumn reckoning. His government has promised ambitious changes to housing, social care, public utilities and regional investment. At the same time, borrowing costs have risen and Britain's room for new spending has narrowed. Then Nigel Farage's Reform UK convention began. Instead of dominating headlines with plans for a future Reform government, Farage found himself answering questions abou

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Politics

Taiwan and Europe Push Deeper Tech Alliance as Semiconductor Supply Chains Shift

TAIPEI — Taiwan is stepping up efforts to deepen its technology and semiconductor partnership with Europe as governments on both sides look for more secure, diversified and resilient supply chains in an increasingly competitive global technology landscape. Taiwan Deputy Foreign Minister Francois Wu called for stronger cooperation with European partners during a welcome reception for officials participating in the European Values Important Partnership (EVIP) program, emphasizing the growing link

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Philippines

Romualdez Demands ‘Fair Play’ as Witnesses Recant — But the Ombudsman Says Its Strongest Case May Still Be Coming

MANILA, Philippines — The legal battle surrounding former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez is entering an increasingly contentious phase, with his camp renewing its demand for “fair play” as Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla signals that cases connected to the massive flood-control controversy are moving closer to filing. The appeal comes amid a rapidly changing investigation marked by witness recantations, conflicting accounts and the controversial emergence of former Public Works Secret

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Politics

Putin Meets Trump Envoys in High-Stakes Ukraine Talks—But What Was Really Agreed Behind Kremlin Doors?

MOSCOW, Russia — Russian President Vladimir Putin held more than three hours of high-stakes talks with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner as Washington attempts to revive stalled efforts to end the war in Ukraine. The Kremlin meeting, held on September 5, brought together Putin and the two American representatives for what Russian officials described as frank and constructive discussions. But despite the lengthy talks and renewed diplomatic momentum, no breakthrough or peace agreement wa

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Politics

Taiwan Urged to Rethink Naval Strategy as Experts Push Smaller Warships to Counter China

TAIPEI — Taiwan may need to rethink what its navy should look like if it wants to withstand a potential Chinese attack—and defense experts say the answer may not be bigger warships. Instead, Taiwan should consider building a fleet centered on smaller, stealthier and heavily armed corvettes, supported by drones, missiles, submarines and a stronger network of sensors, according to defense analyst Holmes Liao and former U.S. Director of National Intelligence Dennis Blair. In an article published

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Politics

Israel Strikes Southern Lebanon After Hezbollah Drone Attack, Orders Arab Salim Residents to Evacuate

BEIRUT — Israel launched fresh strikes in southern Lebanon on Sunday after the Israeli military said Hezbollah had launched two drones toward Israeli soldiers operating inside an Israeli-declared security zone, sharply raising tensions despite ongoing efforts to maintain a ceasefire. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the drones were directed at its troops in southern Lebanon but reported no Israeli soldiers wounded. Israel subsequently announced that it was conducting strikes against what it

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