Philippines

News / World by Press Association 05/04/2018, 8:16 am Updated: 05/04/2018, 8:17 am FacebookTwitterWhatsAppEmail Send us a story Sign up to our Daily newsletter Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte has approved the closure of the tourist destination of Boracay for up to six months, after saying the waters off its famed beaches had become a “cesspool” due to overcrowding. Mr Duterte approved the total shutdown of Boracay starting on April 26 in a Cabinet meeting after extensive discussions on the implications of a closure, including ways to help around 17,000 workers who may be displaced. “This is not about profit, it’s about the political will to deal with years of neglect of the environment,”, tourism undersecretary Frederick Alegre said. “We need to act swiftly to save the island and avert its further deterioration.” Last February, Mr Duterte said Boracay’s water has turned into a “cesspool” with … [Read more...] about Philippines closes ‘cesspool’ tourist resort due to pollution

World Philippines Duterte tourism Environment Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte ordered a popular tourist destination be closed because it was covered in garbage and human waste. Boracay, a small island known for its luxury resorts and pristine beaches, will be closed for at least six months because it has been converted into a “cesspool,” Duterte said. Starting April 26, government officials announced that each tourist facility will be inspected to ensure that their sewage and waste disposal systems are up-to-date. Almost 1,000 illegal structures will also be demolished during the months of cleanup, and new water treatment facilities will be built. The measures were announced after a video spread across the Internet showing black sewage floating in the clear blue waters near one of the island’s resorts. Inspectors dispatched to the island found at least 800 environmental violations. Recommended Slideshows 51 In Pictures: The 50 Most Powerful Military Forces … [Read more...] about Can I Go to Boracay? Philippines’ Duterte Closes Popular Tourist Destination Covered in Human Waste and Garbage

World Philippines Rodrigo Duterte Duterte war on drugs Russia China Donald Trump ISIS Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte warned Thursday that the U.S. may be out to get him after he considered turning to its top competitors for weapons. While addressing an audience gathered at Malacañang Palace in Manila, Duterte blasted Washington's decision to block arms sales to the Philippines over concerns regarding the ongoing, violent war on drugs there. He said his decision to instead receive weapons from China and Russia may prove to be fatal. Related: Philippines’ Duterte Says He Will Step Down Early Because He’s ‘Old’ and ‘Would Like to Rest’ "The fact is, the Americans really do not honor their word," Duterte told the crowd of farmers and fishermen, as translated by Al Jazeera. Recommended Slideshows 51 In Pictures: The 50 Most Powerful Military Forces in the World 44 In Pictures: Every U.S. President Ranked From Best … [Read more...] about Philippines’ Duterte Thinks the U.S. Is Trying to Kill Him and Takes Free Weapons From Russia and China Instead

BusinessTechnologyWorldNationalMedia & CultureMillennial MoneyOpinionSportsLuxury Newsletter Signup World By Anushree Madappa 02/16/18 AT 12:59 AM Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte reportedly put a bounty over the heads of communist rebel forces to save anti-insurgency costs. Human Rights groups and indigenous activists accused the president of inciting violence by announcing a bounty of $384 on every communist rebel killed, Al-Jazeera reported.“You kill an NPA today and I’ll pay you 25,000” pesos, Duterte said in a speech Wednesday at an airbase in central Cebu city, referring to New People’s Army guerrillas.Last week, Duterte said he would train indigenous people to become fighters and pay them 20,000 pesos to kill communist rebels who according to him were easier targets than birds since they have bigger heads.“If you work really hard to crawl across the forest, you’ll surely be able to shoot even just one. If you … [Read more...] about Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte Offers Bounty For Killing Rebels

World Philippines Rodrigo Duterte A 71-year-old Australian nun was held by police in the Philippines for 22 hours, accused of involvement in political activities, in what is seen as part of a clampdown on foreigners instigated by President Rodrigo Duterte. Sister Patricia Fox was released on Tuesday, pending further investigation, after she had been apprehended the day before by immigration officers in Quezon City, SBS News reported. The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said it was told the arrest was because she was deemed an “undesirable alien” for joining protest rallies in Davao Oriental in Mindanao earlier in April. These are claims her lawyer, Jobert Pahilga, denies. Pahilga said in a statement that Fox “has done nothing wrong or illegal that would warrant her arrest, detention and possible deportation.” Recommended Slideshows 51 In Pictures: The 50 Most Powerful Military Forces in the World 44 In Pictures: Every … [Read more...] about What Is Catholic Missionary Sister Fox Accused of? Philippines Official Calls Nun ‘Undesirable Alien’