Gunfire erupts in Philippine Senate during arrest move on senator
MANILA, May 13: A burst of gunfire was reported inside the Philippine Senate on Wednesday night during a tense standoff involving Senator Ronald dela Rosa, who is facing an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for alleged crimes against humanity linked to the Philippines’ anti-drug campaign. Authorities had been attempting to arrest dela Rosa, the former national police chief under former president Rodrigo Duterte, when shots were heard inside the Senate complex. It was not immediately clear who fired the shots or whether anyone was injured. Senate President Alan Cayetano confirmed reports of gunfire and described the situation as highly tense. Dela Rosa has been under Senate protection as authorities seek to detain him over allegations involving at least 32 killings between 2016 and 2018. The ICC unsealed the warrant earlier this week. Hundreds of police were deployed outside the Senate as political tensions escalated, with allies of the senator opposing his arrest and demanding he not be transferred to The Hague. (AP)
Charles III to present UK agenda amid Starmer strain
LONDON, May 13: Charles III will deliver the UK government’s legislative programme during the ceremonial State Opening of Parliament, outlining Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s agenda for the coming year. The speech, written by the government, will include proposals on the cost of living, immigration rules, public investment, and possible reforms such as changes to jury trials and lowering the voting age. However, Starmer faces mounting political pressure after poor local election results and declining popularity, with some Labour MPs and ministers questioning his leadership and calling for a leadership timetable. His authority to implement the agenda is in doubt, with speculation about potential successors. The event combines historic royal ceremony with modern political uncertainty. (AP)
Pakistan PM to visit China from May 23-26
ISLAMABAD, May 13: Shehbaz Sharif will undertake a three-day official visit to China from May 23 to 26, amid continued strengthening of bilateral ties between the two long-standing strategic partners. The visit includes participation in a business-to-business forum on May 24, according to Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The trip follows recent high-level exchanges, including President Asif Ali Zardari’s visit to China in April–May, during which multiple agreements were signed to expand cooperation in trade, energy, infrastructure and other sectors. Pakistan and China are also marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The relationship remains heavily focused on defence and economic cooperation, with China supplying a significant share of Pakistan’s military equipment in recent years. Sharif’s last visit to China was in September 2025 for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. The visit also comes amid broader regional diplomatic activity, including a simultaneous visit by US President Donald Trump to China. (PTI)
