On Thursday, police arrested a man on suspicion of three cases of arson in Tseung Kwan O. After the arson case that occurred at Shang Chun House in Sheung Tak Estate on December 17, officers conducted an in-depth investigation and combed through security footage, locating and arresting the arsonist in Tseung Kwan O District yesterday (Dec 21). A 46-year-old local man named Lee was arrested on suspicion of arson and is currently remanded in police custody for investigation. The police stated that the investigation showed that in addition to the aforementioned arson case, the arrested person was also suspected of being related to two other arson cases that occurred in Sheung Tak Estate and Tseung Kwan O on December 16 and 19, respectively, which involved the burning of debris in open-air public areas. No one was injured in any of the incidents, and no evacuation was required.

December 22, 2023 17:18 UTC

Here are refreshing ways to enjoy your well-deserved weekendsJust some refreshing long-weekend activities to complement your brewMANILA, Philippines — It’s November but there are sizzling afternoons that give summer day feels. Make your well-deserved weekends refreshing with a glistening glass of wheat beer. So, with long weekends ahead this holiday season, here’s a list of refreshing activities to complement your brew. Enjoy good music and good companyA long weekend is the ideal time to relax with your favorite tunes and great friends. An ice-cold can of wheat beer will keep you company as you create memories under the starry skies.

December 22, 2023 14:49 UTC

A system of classifying content is provided, to guide the public especially on materials used in movies and broadcasting. Even among certain social media giants, the fine print for setting up accounts includes rules against harmful content. The MTRCB invoked Presidential Decree 1986 issued by Ferdinand Marcos in October 1985, plus the implementing rules and regulations. The Marcos decree provides detailed criteria for content that can be censored, some of which are reasonable while others may be concerning for civil libertarians. If this is done arbitrarily, the precedent may one day be applied to those who are now rejoicing over the Dutertes, Badoy, Celiz and SMNI getting their comeuppance.

December 22, 2023 03:52 UTC

Not doing enough to battle climate changeEach year the United Nations organizes an annual summit that solely focuses on the issue of climate change. Easily one of the most important goals of these climate talks is to cut the use of fossil fuels. At this 5 percent rate, even the best case scenario sees a rise of 2.1 degrees C to 2.8 degrees C. It is clear that there is a need for more urgent and larger deduction. It was decided in last year’s climate summit that a loss and damage fund would be established. For the sake of our children and grandchildren, the world must take climate change more seriously.

December 21, 2023 01:00 UTC

There has been little commentary on how the new budget may solve the truly crippling problems the nation confronts. All ships using the Suez Canal to deliver goods from Asia to Europe and vice versa have to pass through the narrow strait threatened by Houthi missiles. Previously, they tried firing missiles over a long distance to hit Israel but failed to penetrate the air defense system. As a result of Houthi missile attacks on commercial shipping, several companies have decided to avoid using the Suez Canal. The Houthi attacks are causing serious disruptions in global shipping.

December 20, 2023 23:26 UTC





The physical inventory and photograph-taking in the chain of custody in drugs cases must be done immediately at the place of arrest, the Supreme Court reiterated as it acquitted two men initially convicted by a lower court for drug possession in 2012. They were charged in 2012 following a buy-bust operation conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). ADVERTISEMENTIn a statement summarizing the decision, the Supreme Court said during the operation, the PDEA agents marked the seized plastic sachets containing methamphetamine hydrochloride or “shabu” at the crime scene. The Regional Trial Court convicted Almayda and Quiogue, and the ruling was affirmed by the Court of Appeals. In a resolution dated Nov. 11, 2021, the high court affirmed the conviction, prompting Almayda and Quiogue to file a motion for reconsideration.

December 20, 2023 22:16 UTC

Just think: When was the last time you heard a Mass homily mentioning sin, hell or confession? Reconciliation is more strongly urged at Lent when Jesus Christ's Passion and Death for the forgiveness of all our sins is the crucial theme. And the best way to prepare for his coming at Christmas — indeed, the best Christmas gift we can give Jesus — is purifying our souls through penance. What's worse, many millions of them receive communion with unconfessed mortal sins, which adds more mortal sins, possibly dragging souls to hell. Let us give Jesus and our souls the saving gift of confession.

December 20, 2023 22:09 UTC

NEW DELHI: At least 10 people were killed in floods after intense rainfall in southern India, local media reported on Wednesday, weeks after a cyclone triggered intense flooding in the same areas. Hundreds are stranded in Tamil Nadu state as water submerged roads, with the air force dropping 10 tons of emergency supplies to those stranded. PATERNAL PROTECTION A man covers his son with a plastic sheet while walking along a street during rainfall in the city of Chennai, Tamil Nadu state, southern India on Dec. 15, 2023. The heavy rains come just two weeks after at least eight people were killed by Cyclone "Michaung," which hit Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh states on December 6. While rains are expected in southern India in December, scientists have warned that storms are becoming more powerful as the world gets warmer with climate change.

December 20, 2023 17:54 UTC

SC asked to halt December 31 PUV consolidation deadlineThis Dec. 20, 2023 photo show groups filing a petition against the PUV consolidation before the Supreme Court. MANILA, Philippines — Transport groups on Wednesday filed a petition for certiorari before the Supreme Court (SC), seeking to suspend the deadline of the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) consolidation which is scheduled on December 31. The PUV consolidation requires all PUV operators to file for transport service entities to be a cooperative or a corporation on or before December 31. Another transport group, MANIBELA, not among the petitioners, also rushed to the SC to support the filing of the plea. The impact of the PUV consolidation was also mentioned in the transport group’s plea.

December 20, 2023 17:33 UTC

ADVERTISEMENT“We cannot in good conscience accept a probation agreement that treats a 10-year-old child as a criminal,” Moore said. The agreement also imposed an 8 p.m. curfew for the child, which would have taken effect during Christmas holiday. The terms of the agreement stem from a sentence ordered on Dec. 12 by Tate County Youth Court Judge Rusty Harlow. He said one of the officers who took part in the arrest was “ no longer employed,” and other officers would be disciplined. After advising the boy’s mother not to sign the probation agreement, Moore filed a motion requesting the Tate County Youth Court either dismiss the case or set a trial.

December 20, 2023 15:39 UTC

The department estimated that passenger flows at Lo Wu Control Point, Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point and Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Control Point will be heavy, with a daily average forecast of around 220,000, 184,000 and 118,000 passengers respectively. However, the reward is not applicable to Airport Express, journey to or from Lo Wu or Lok Ma Chau stations, Light Rail, MTR bus, High Speed Rail and MTR feeder bus along the East Rail Line. "Festive Shopping in Hong Kong for Great Rewards" comes in two phases. The Hong Kong Tourism Board will give out the first batch of 100,000 "Hong Kong Night Treats for Locals" dining vouchers from 10am today. The second batch of 100,000 coupons of the "Hong Kong Night Treats for Locals" campaign will be available from 10 am on January 10.marcus.lum@singtaonewscorp.com

December 20, 2023 15:09 UTC

Surprise your loved ones with PalawanPay’s Peragalo promo! PalawanPay’s Send Gifts option has made sending presents easier than ever, eliminating the stress on your schedule and budget. Thanks to PalawanPay's user-friendly e-wallet, everyone can now send gifts and connect with their loved ones, anytime, anywhere this Christmas season. PalawanPay’s Peragalo Pamaskong Promo promises exciting prizes for every transaction, making it a truly merry Christmas for everybody. Spread the joy of the season by sending gifts to your loved ones until December 31.

December 20, 2023 14:18 UTC

333 SHARES Share TweetToxic watchdog group BAN Toxics supports the call to ban the sale and use of firecrackers nationwide. We need to remember “safety first” for our children and the community from the health and environmental pollutants from firecrackers,” said Thony Dizon, Toxics Campaigner of BAN Toxics. These include Angeles City, Baguio City, Caloocan City, Cebu City, Davao City, Kidapawan City, Las Pinas City, Makati City, Malabon City, Mandaluyong City, Mandaue City, Manila City, Marikina City, Muntinlupa City, Navotas City, Olongapo City, Paranaque City, Pasay City, Pasig City, Pateros, Quezon City, San Juan City, Taguig City, Tarlac City, Valenzuela City, and Zamboanga City. The Bicol Region, which comprises 6 provinces, 7 cities, and 107 municipalities, has issued an RPOC Resolution banning firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices in the Bicol region in 2020. “To ensure a safer celebration for the coming year, BAN Toxics urge the local government officials to enact an ordinance banning the sale and use of firecrackers to safeguard and protect human health, especially that of children and the environment,” the group added.

December 20, 2023 12:41 UTC

Toxic watchdog group BAN Toxics supports the call to ban the sale and use of firecrackers nationwide. We need to remember “safety first” for our children and the community from the health and environmental pollutants from firecrackers,” said Thony Dizon, Toxics Campaigner of BAN Toxics. These include Angeles City, Baguio City, Caloocan City, Cebu City, Davao City, Kidapawan City, Las Pinas City, Makati City, Malabon City, Mandaluyong City, Mandaue City, Manila City, Marikina City, Muntinlupa City, Navotas City, Olongapo City, Paranaque City, Pasay City, Pasig City, Pateros, Quezon City, San Juan City, Taguig City, Tarlac City, Valenzuela City, and Zamboanga City. The Bicol Region, which comprises 6 provinces, 7 cities, and 107 municipalities, has issued an RPOC Resolution banning firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices in the Bicol region in 2020. #References:Davao City Firecracker Ban: http://davaodelights.blogspot.com/2014/02/ordinance-no-060-02-firecracker-ban.htmlNews reports on the Firecracker Ban:https://www.sunstar.com.ph/baguio/local-news/firecracker-ban-stayshttps://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/metro/855617/caloocan-prohibits-use-of-firecrackers-except-in-designated-areas/story/https://metronewscentral.net/makati/metro-cities/makati-reminds-residents-of-firecracker-banhttps://newsinfo.inquirer.net/538403/kidapawan-city-mayor-bans-firecrackershttps://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/metro/855617/caloocan-prohibits-use-of-firecrackers-except-in-designated-areas/story/https://www.facebook.com/PNP.OCPO/posts/ordinance-no-63series-of-2008an-ordinance-prohibiting-the-manufacture-sale-distr/1445025832215604/https://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/24-lgus-in-central-luzon-ban-firecrackershttps://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1377305/firecrackers-fireworks-use-banned-in-bicolExecutive Order No.

December 20, 2023 12:07 UTC

KARACHI, Pakistan: Karachi's colonial-era prison is adorned with murals of rural Pakistani life, painted by convicted murderers and kidnappers locked away from the world but learning their craft inside its walls. A rehabilitation art and music program has seen some inmates sell their work for several thousand dollars at exhibitions supported by the local arts council, according to prison chiefs. "Before I was jailed, it was another life with no responsibility and immaturity," Mohammad Ijaz told Agence France-Presse from the prison studio. In this photograph taken on December 16, 2023, a prisoner works on a wall mural at the Central Jail in Karachi. AFP PHOTOThe art program was launched at Karachi Central Jail in 2007, and aims to reform inmates serving long sentences or those on death row.

December 20, 2023 10:34 UTC