Customs seizes suspected counterfeit goods and smuggled nicotine-containing e-cigarette oil worth about HK$4.3m
Hong Kong Customs announced Friday that they arrested one man after they busted a suspected counterfeit item and nicotine-containing e-cigarette oil smuggling case that was worth about $4.3 million at the Shenzhen Bay Control Point on Thursday (Jul 13). Through risk assessment, customs officers intercepted and inspected an incoming truck at the Shenzhen Bay Control Point on July 13 (Thurs). Upon inspection, the customs officers found and seized over 3,000 counterfeit goods, including mobile phones, clothing, footwear, and earphones, along with about 670 bottles of suspected smuggled nicotine-containing e-cigarette oil, inside the cargo compartment. The preliminary investigation indicated that the batch of suspected counterfeit goods and suspected smuggled e-cigarette oil would be transhipped to Taiwan through airfreight channels. The Customs spokesman has stated they will increase their cooperation with the mainland and overseas law enforcement to crack down on cross-boundary counterfeit goods and smuggling activities involving alternative smoking products.
Source:The Standard
July 28, 2023 21:31 UTC
NPA rebel slain in clash with soldiers in Sultan Kudarat town
CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao del Norte – A communist rebel was killed while two assault rifles were recovered following a clash with government troops in Kalamansig town, Sultan Kudarat province on Thursday afternoon. Colonel John Paul Baldomar, commander of the Army’s 37th Infantry Battalion, said his troops engaged with about 20 New People’s Army (NPA) guerillas in Barangay Limulan at about 3 p.m. on Thursday. As the firefight raged for some 20 minutes, Baldomar said the rebels were also fleeing, leaving behind their dead comrade. Gen. Michael Santos, 603rd Infantry Brigade commander, lauded the soldiers for their “relentless campaign against those who still fight a lost cause using violence.”Santos said two M-14 rifles were found after the firefight. RELATED STORY:Wounded NPA woman combatant rescued by soldiers in Sultan Kudarat townJPVYour subscription could not be saved.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
July 28, 2023 16:23 UTC
Russian, Chinese officials join Kim Jong Un at North Korea military parade
SEOUL – Chinese and Russian officials stood shoulder to shoulder with Kim Jong Un as they reviewed North Korea’s latest nuclear-capable missiles and new attack drones at a military parade in Pyongyang, North Korean state media showed on Friday. Kim, Shoigu and Chinese Communist Party Politburo member Li Hongzhong talked, laughed and saluted as North Korean troops marched and weapons rolled below, photos released by North Korean state media showed. Kim hosted a reception and had a luncheon with Shoigu, where the North Korean leader vowed solidarity with the Russian people and its military. Shoigu praised the North Korean military as the strongest in the world, and the two discussed strategic security and defense cooperation, KCNA said. North Korea has been under U.N. sanctions for its missile and nuclear programs since 2006.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
July 28, 2023 16:23 UTC
Young Chinese opt out of the rat race and pressures at home to pursue global nomad lifestyle
Southeast Asia has become a popular destination given its proximity, relatively inexpensive cost of living and tropical scenery. There is no exact data on the number of young Chinese moving overseas since the country ended pandemic restrictions and reopened its borders. But on the popular Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, hundreds of people have discussed their decisions to relocate to Thailand. At Payap University in Chiang Mai, around 500 Chinese began an online Thai course early this year. Armonio Liang left the western Chinese city of Chengdu in landlocked Sichuan province for the Indonesian island of Bali, a popular digital nomad destination.
Source:The Standard
July 28, 2023 16:15 UTC
There's no ending summer at Starbucks
New: Almond Cream Cold Brew and Nitro Cold BrewStarbucks Cold Brew/ Nitro cold brew topped with a float of house-made creamy almond cold foam and a splash of sugar glazed almond topping. Starbucks' almond series Starbucks' almond seriesSpecial collectionsDesigned with a signature contrasting pink and black color palette and funky graffiti motifs, the limited-edition Blackpink X Starbucks collection is an epic line-up of 11 types of drinkware and five stylish lifestyle accessories evoking the girl group's playful vibes, dynamic energy, and confidence with an edge to live the best summer. Blackpink X Starbucks collection Blackpink X Starbucks collectionIt's time to turn a new leaf with this year's core refresh. Core and Reserve Refresh Core and Reserve RefreshFinally, find yourself immersed in the summer field with arrays of blooming wildflowers in beautiful shades of yellow, white, and purple. Summer Fields Summer Fields
Source:Manila Times
July 28, 2023 16:12 UTC
Miss World announces 2023 pageant details
Miss World announces 2023 pageant detailsReigning titleholder Karolina Bielawska of Poland will crown her successor at the close of the pageant rites. MANILA, Philippines — The Miss World Organization (MWO) has notified its national directors that the 71st pageant edition will take place in Mumbai, India on December 9, 2023. The candidates will visit several regions of India as part of the biggest and most spectacular Miss World festival ever. Miss World Philippines 2022 Gwendolyn Furniol will represent the country in the forthcoming event. Reigning titleholder Karolina Bielawska of Poland will crown her successor at the close of the pageant rites.
Source:Philippine Star
July 28, 2023 16:03 UTC
Argentina comeback denies South Africa first win at Women's World Cup
Dunedin, New Zealand: Romina Nunez scored the equalizer as Argentina roared back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with South Africa at the Women's World Cup on Friday, denying them a landmark first-ever win at the tournament. South Africa appeared to be cruising to a first ever win in five matches at the World Cup after goals by Linda Motlhalo and Thembi Kgatlana either side of half-time in Dunedin. South Africa's defender Karabo Dhlamini (7) fights for the ball with Argentina's midfielder Florencia Bonsegundo (15) during the 2023 Women's World Cup Group G football match between Argentina and South Africa at Dunedin Stadium in Dunedin on Friday, July 28, 2023. And Banyana Banyana let slip a golden opportunity to break their World Cup duck here having initially overcome the loss of captain Refiloe Jane to injury in the first half. However, the goal was given on review and South Africa were in front.
Source:Manila Times
July 28, 2023 15:44 UTC
Man arrested for ramming into security booth at government offices
Police were alerted after a car rammed into the Justice Place security booth Friday morning, arresting the alleged driver. Around 7 am today, a black sedan rammed into a security booth at the Justice Center entrance on 18 Lower Albert Road in Central. The drivers and passengers escaped, with the individual claiming himself as the driver, later returning to the scene of the incident. After a preliminary investigation, the man was then arrested under suspicion of criminal damage and dangerous driving. The investigation is still in its preliminary stages, and the police do not rule out any possible motives for the incident.
Source:The Standard
July 28, 2023 15:02 UTC
You are a Truthteller
How would you feel if your world is crumbling and you’re too powerless to do anything about it? This question has always been at the core of The Truthtellers, the paper’s two-part anniversary issue this July, led by Young STAR. When we think of truth, we think of fake news, deepfake and social media filters. With the diversity in our roster, we prove that anyone can be a Truthteller. You are a Truthteller.
Source:Philippine Star
July 28, 2023 12:54 UTC
Landbank lending to MSMEs hits P50 billion
Landbank lending to MSMEs hits P50 billionIn a statement, Landbank said its outstanding loans to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) reached a total of P49.5 billion as of end-June. MANILA, Philippines — The Land Bank of the Philippines has released P49.5 billion in loan financing to local businesses in a bid to advance economic development in the country. In a statement, Landbank said its outstanding loans to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) reached a total of P49.5 billion as of end-June. On top of its regular loan facilities, Landbank started the Interim Rehabilitation Support to Cushion Unfavorably Affected Enterprises by COVID (I-RESCUE) lending program dedicated to the needs of MSMEs. To date, Landbank has raised to P60 billion the available loanable fund, with the program extended until end this year to accommodate more potential borrowers.
Source:Philippine Star
July 28, 2023 09:41 UTC
PH stuns world No. 8 Italy, NZ in Softball WC
(UPDATE) RIDING on the heels of the Filipinas' historic first victory at the Women's Football World Cup on Tuesday in New Zealand, the Blu Girls came back to life and scored back-to-back wins at the Women Football World Cup in Italy early Wednesday (Manila time). The Philippines, ranked 26th in the world by the World Baseball Softball Confederation, lost its first three games in Group C against No. "A sensational victory against world's number 8 Italy in the Women's Softball World Cup 2023 Group Stage," said Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines President Jean Henri Lhuillier. Italy, by virtue of being the host country, automatically gets a berth in the final eight of the World Cup. The sixth slot is for the group C champion, and the seventh slot is for the repechage winner.
Source:Manila Times
July 28, 2023 09:27 UTC
Filipinas ready for historic last-16 bid
(UPDATE) WELLINGTON: Philippines head coach Alen Stajcic said the Women's World Cup debutants faced a "monumental" task to beat Norway and squeeze into the tournament's knockout stages. Ranked 46th in the world, the Philippines blew Group A wide open with a shock 1-0 win over co-hosts New Zealand on Tuesday. Philippines’ midfielder Jaclyn Sawicki (left) fights for the ball during the 2023 Women’s World Cup Group A football match at Wellington Stadium in Wellington on Tuesday, July 25, 2023. The side can reach the last 16 by beating Norway on Sunday, the same day New Zealand face Switzerland. Stajcic said the Philippines face a tough assignment against 1995 world champions Norway, who have 2018 Ballon d'Or winner Ada Hegerberg in their squad.
Source:Manila Times
July 28, 2023 03:04 UTC
North Korea’s Kim shows off banned missiles to Russian minister
SEOUL – Russia’s defense minister accompanied North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to a defense exhibition that featured the North’s banned ballistic missiles as the neighbors pledged to boost ties, North Korean state media reported on Thursday. Shoigu is making the first visit by a Russian defense minister to North Korea since the fall of the Soviet Union. Shoigu gave Kim a letter from Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean media reported. One analyst said Shoigu’s inspection of the North Korean missiles visit suggested Russian acceptance of North Korea’s nuclear program. Kim also met Chinese Communist Party Politburo member Li Hongzhong for talks and was handed a letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping, North Korean media reported.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
July 28, 2023 00:17 UTC
Chinese military dept launches procurement corruption probe
The military department responsible for buying China's weapons has launched a crackdown on corrupt procurement practices dating back years, issuing a call for tip-offs on "favouritism," collusion and other problematic behaviours. The Central Military Commission's technology development body on Wednesday urged the public to report violations in procurement activities dating back to 2017, "in order to create a good ecosystem for equipment procurement, bidding and evaluation". The CMC's Equipment Development Department posted on WeChat about eight types of violations targeted by the probe, including "actively leaking secrets", "lack of supervision" and "unfair handling of matters". Xi, who broke longstanding political precedent to seal a third term as China's leader last year, has made tackling corruption a centrepiece of his decade-long rule. Chinese authorities have depicted the policy as a much-needed cleansing of state organs, but critics contend that it is also a vehicle for Xi to purge political rivals.
Source:The Standard
July 27, 2023 23:30 UTC
Gapas assumes post as NPD chief
Gapas, former Special Action Force deputy director, replaced Brig. A former Pasig City police chief and Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office, he was also part of the PNP's Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group and later the PNP Intelligence Group. Tangonan, who served as chief of the Cotabato Provincial Police Office in 2017, replaced Col. Amante Daro. The new Malabon police chief was the former deputy director for operation of PNP's Maritime Group and NPD's deputy director for administration. Malabon Mayor Jeannie Sandoval, who graced the turn-over rites, assured the NPD and Malabon Police leadership of her administration's support.
Source:Manila Times
July 27, 2023 20:24 UTC