Bangkok — Catriona Gray of the Philippines was named winner of the Miss Universe 2018 competition in the Thai capital Bangkok, besting contestants from 93 other countries to claim the prize. The 24-year-old Gray edged out first runner-up Tamaryn Green of South Africa and third-place Sthefany Gutierrez of Venezuela.Gray succeeds the 2017 winner, Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters of South Africa.The theme of the 67th Miss Universe pageant was "Empowered Women" and was judged by seven women including former pageant winners, businesswomen, and a fashion designer.This is a breaking story. Please check back for latest updates. … [Read more...] about Miss Universe 2018: Catriona Gray of the Philippines wins crown
Philippines
Philippines contestant Catriona Gray named Miss Universe
Updated 7:27 pm PST, Sunday, December 16, 2018 Miss Philippines Catriona Gray waves after being crowned Miss Universe during the final round of 67th Miss Universe competition in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, Dec. 17, 2018. Miss Philippines Catriona Gray waves after being crowned Miss Universe during the final round of 67th Miss Universe competition in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, Dec. 17, 2018. Photo: Gemunu Amarasinghe, AP Photo: Gemunu Amarasinghe, AP Image 1 of / 8 Caption Close Image 1 of 8 Miss Philippines Catriona Gray waves after being crowned Miss Universe during the final round of 67th Miss Universe competition in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, Dec. 17, 2018. Miss Philippines Catriona Gray waves after being crowned Miss Universe during the final round of 67th Miss Universe … [Read more...] about Philippines contestant Catriona Gray named Miss Universe
Indonesian citizen released from hostage in South Philippines
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - An Indonesian citizen who was kidnapped in Sabah waters, Malaysia, and later held hostage in the Sulu Islands, Southern Philippines, was successfully released and handed over to the family, an official stated. The ill-fated citizen Usman Yunus (35) was handed over by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs AM Fachir to the former`s family brought in from Polewali Mandar, West Sulawesi. Usman, in his homecoming to the country, was accompanied directly by the Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines, Sonny Sarundajang. "The government uses all of its assets to free the hostages. But the situation in the southern Philippines, due to martial law, makes efforts should be done very carefully to ensure the safety of the hostages," AM Fachir said in a written statement, here on Thursday. Usman was released on December 7, 2018. Following his release, Usman underwent a medical examination at the Armed Forces Hospital in Jolo, Sulu, Southern Philippines. According to … [Read more...] about Indonesian citizen released from hostage in South Philippines
Philippine Congress votes to extend martial law in south
Updated 2:32 am PST, Wednesday, December 12, 2018 Protesters clench their fists during a rally at the Lower House to coincide with the joint Senate and Congress vote for the third extension of Martial Law in southern Philippines Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018 in suburban Quezon city northeast of Manila, Philippines. In their statement, various opposition groups condemned the extension of Martial Law which allegedly will "lead to untimely death of more community leaders, human rights defenders, Indigenous Peoples, and Muslim opposition groups." less Protesters clench their fists during a rally at the Lower House to coincide with the joint Senate and Congress vote for the third extension of Martial Law in southern Philippines Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018 in ... more Photo: Bullit Marquez, AP Photo: Bullit … [Read more...] about Philippine Congress votes to extend martial law in south
Philippine Congress extends Mindanao martial law until end-2019
MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippine Congress approved a 12-month extension of martial law in the restive Mindanao region on Wednesday, after President Rodrigo Duterte argued for maintaining tough security measures to stop Muslim extremists from regrouping.A joint legislative session voted 235-28 in favour of retaining military rule in Mindanao until the end of 2019, prolonging what was already the country's longest period of martial law since the brutal 1970s era of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.gi Mindanao's mostly poor Muslim areas have for decades been troubled by banditry, piracy and armed rebellions by separatist and communist militias, some of which have been managed by truces and decentralisation moves. However, May last year saw the eruption of the country's fiercest conflict since World War Two, when an alliance of extremists seeking to create an Islamic State enclave attacked and held Marawi City through five months of government air strikes and ground … [Read more...] about Philippine Congress extends Mindanao martial law until end-2019