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19 cars catch fire at NAIA-3 50 homes razed in Pasig blaze amid rising heat index

By Joel E. Zurbano

INETEEN cars caught fire at a parking area near Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) while at least 50 houses were razed in an early morning blaze in Pasig City on Monday.

PAGASA HEAT INDEX AS OF 7 PM, APRIL 22 ROXAS CITY

ZAMBOANGA CITY

DAGUPAN CITY

PUERTO PRINCESA

ABORLAN, PALAWAN

VIRAC, CATANDUANES

PILI, CAMARINES SUR

BUTUAN CITY

in the fire and flight operations at airport terminals remained unaffected by the incident. “We don’t know yet where it started and how it started. The fire spread

This as the weather bureau forecast temperatures to rise to as high as 45 degrees Celsius today in several parts of the country. The Manila International Airport Authority is investigating the cause of the blaze which witnesses hinted was started by grass fire. MIAA general manager Eric Jose Ines said no one was hurt

quickly because of the strong wind. Ines said the damaged cars are priOur people are still investigating. Right marily owned by airport employees. now, we are calling the attention of In Pasig City, an early morning fire whoever is in charge here,” the airport that reached the third alarm left at least chief said. Next page

VOL. XXXVIII • NO. 69 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 2024

Balikatan goes into high gear despite China concerns

UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES. Nineteen vehicles were gutted by fire at the parking lot of Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Probers are still

THOUSANDS of Filipino and American troops kicked off joint military exercises in the Philippines on Monday, as Beijing’s growing assertiveness in the region raises fears of a conflict. The annual drills – dubbed Balikatan or “shoulder to shoulder” in Tagalog – will be concentrated in the northern and western parts of the archipelago nation, near the potential flashpoints of the South China Sea and Taiwan. The joint drills involve a simulation of an armed recapture of an island in Palawan province, the nearest major Philippine landmass to the hotly disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea. The same exercise will be held in the northern provinces of Cagayan and Batanes, both less than 300 kilometers (180 miles) from Taiwan. Next page

investigating the cause of the fire.

Comelec plans to trim party-lists for 2025 polls THE Commission on Elections said it plans to delist party-list organizations that failed to secure a seat in the House of Representatives in two recent elections in the country. “As for existing party-lists that joined the recent polls, the Comelec will issue a resolution where those who joined and lost twice can be removed according to the Party-list Act,” Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said. “The Comelec will issue this soon,” he added.

China bats for friendly consultations amid maritime disputes A SENIOR Chinese defense official said Monday that Beijing sought to resolve maritime disputes through “friendly consultation,” speaking at the formal opening of a naval forum attended by top brass from the United States and Russia. Navy representatives from 29 countries including Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, India and Australia are expected to attend the four-day Western Pacific Naval Symposium in Qingdao, on China’s east coast. They will discuss maritime peace and security, global maritime governance and relevant international laws, according to China’s state-run Xinhua news agency. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of the

WELCOME GUEST.

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani signs the guest book upon his arrival at the Malacanang Palace on Monday for a two-day visit upon the invitation of President Marcos. PCO

Philippines, Qatar sign 9 new agreements By Charles Dantes

ANGELS WALK FOR AUTISM. SM Cares and the Autism Society Philippines

THE Philippines and Qatar have fortified their bilateral relations through the signing of nine agreements, spanning crucial domains – from combating human trafficking to bolstering tourism. The agreements were

(ASP) join forces for Autism-OK Philippines with the Angels Walk for Autism. Leading the walk were SM Prime Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy (third from left), SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan (third from right), SM Supermalls’ Senior Vice President for Operations and SM Cares Program Director for Disability Affairs Bien Mateo (second from left, back), ASP Chair Emerita Dang Koe (left), ASP President LJ Sumulong (second from left), Miss Philippines Universe 2023 Michelle Dee (center) with her mother Melanie Marquez (left, back), Rhian Ramos (fourth from right), and Delegation of the European Union in the Philippines Deputy Ambassador Dr. Ana Isabel Sanchez Ruiz (right). Simultaneous walks in SM Seaside City Cebu and SM City Davao were also held, with more walks to follow in SM City Iloilo and SM City Lucena.

#ANONGBALITA

inked during the state visit of Qatar’s Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to Manila. Signed on Monday, the agreements underscore a concerted effort to enhance collaboration and mutual support between the two nations across diverse sectors.

Among the significant pacts is a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at combatting human trafficking. Both countries have committed to a collaborative effort, leveraging expertise and research exchange to enhance labor protections. Next page

VP Sara unaffected by First Lady’s comments ni Unang Ginang Liza Marcos na makaramdam ng sama ng loob at galit. SubVICE President Sara Duterte on Mon- alit ang kanyang personal na damdamin day addressed the comments of First ay walang kinalaman sa aking mandato Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos against her. bilang isang opisyal ng pamahalaan,” Du“Mga kababayan, bilang tao, karapatan terte said in a video statement.

By Ratziel San Juan

(Countrymen, as a person, First Lady Liza Marcos has the right to feel bad and angry. But her personal feelings have nothing to do with my mandate as a government official).

Cannibalism? PNG head dismisses Biden’s ‘loose’ talk

17-yr-old Indian prodigy makes chess history

Pia Wurtzbach: Global Fashion Influencer 2024

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