Philipines

One dead as scores escape in Philippine prison break

The authorities suspect the gunmen are linked to Islamist separatist groups.

Dozens of armed men stormed the jail and engaged in a shootout with guards, as prisoners fled in the chaos. One guard was killed and an inmate injured.

The Philippines, which is predominantly Catholic, has battled separatists in the south for decades, amid kidnappings, violence and jailbreaks.

The latest prison break took place at the North Cotabato District Jail near Kidapawan city, on the island of Mindanao.

Super Typhoon Nina slams into central Philippines and cuts power

Nock-Ten, known locally as Typhoon Nina, brought strong winds and heavy rains and cut power and mobile networks, but there were no immediate reports of casualties, weather officials and radio reports stated.

Super typhoon Nock-Ten threatens Philippines

With winds of up to 150mph (240km/h), Nock-Ten is due to make landfall in the Bicol region on Christmas Day, the US Joint Typhoon Warning Center says.

Duterte's deal with China exposes US failure

It happened quietly last week when China suddenly lifted its four-year blockade of the Scarborough Shoal, allowing Filipino fishermen to freely access the shoal's plentiful waters.

If it lasts, this will be chalked up as a victory for Duterte's pivot to China and a geopolitical setback for the United States.

Philippines' Duterte on foreign troops: 'I want them out'

"I want them out," he said. "And if I have to revise or abrogate agreements, executive agreements, I will."

Speaking to business leaders in Tokyo during an official visit to Japan, Duterte warned that he would not be a "doormat" for the international community. But he also sought to reassure neighbors and allies that his state visit to Beijing a week ago was focused on trade, not security.

Philippines: IS-linked Maute group inmates freed in 'raid'

Police said at least 20 fighters from the Maute group had turned up at the Lanao del Sur jail in the southern city of Marawi, but no shots had been fired.

A military source told the BBC they believed the men had been allowed to escape.

The militants were held last week after being caught with homemade mortars.

At least 15 other inmates - who faced murder and drugs charges - also walked free, but it is not clear whether this was agreed.

The Maute group has carried out several bombings and kidnappings in the southern Mindanao region.

Philippines: Gunned down with a president's blessing?

Shocking photographs published in local and international media show suspected drug dealers -- the front line on his war against drugs -- often bound hand and foot, shirts soaked in blood, their faces sometimes covered in duct tape, wearing crude signs proclaiming their alleged crimes. Murdered in the streets or in ramshackle, crowded rooms.

 

Tough warnings

And no one can say they weren't warned.