News
Philippine Senate Locked Down After Gunshots Fired
The Senate of the Philippines was placed under lockdown on Wednesday after gunshots were heard outside the building in Manila, where Senator Ronald Dela Rosa had reportedly sought refuge amid fears of arrest linked to an International Criminal Court investigation.
Authorities confirmed that shots were fired near the Senate complex, though officials said there were no casualties and have not disclosed who opened fire.
Television footage showed heavily armed police commandos and anti-riot officers entering and surrounding the Senate building while lawmakers remained inside during the security lockdown.
Dela Rosa, a close ally of former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte, had earlier claimed he believed his arrest was imminent and urged supporters to resist any attempt to detain him.
The senator is accused by the ICC of involvement in alleged extrajudicial killings during Duterte’s controversial anti-drug campaign, when Dela Rosa served as national police chief.
Thousands of suspected drug dealers and users were killed during the so-called “war on drugs,” which remains under international investigation for possible crimes against humanity.
Duterte himself has been detained in The Hague since March 2025 pending ICC proceedings.
Despite speculation surrounding a possible arrest operation, Philippine Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla denied that authorities were attempting to detain Dela Rosa.
“We are not here to arrest Senator Dela Rosa,” Remulla told reporters. “In fact, we are here to protect him.”
He added that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr had issued “strict instructions” to ensure the safety of senators during the incident.
Officials said Dela Rosa remained safe and under security protection inside the Senate complex.
No arrests have yet been made in connection with the gunfire, while authorities continue investigating the incident.
Senate speaker Alan Peter Cayetano appealed to the public for assistance, asking anyone with video footage of the shooting to share it with investigators.
Outside the Senate, protesters gathered demanding Dela Rosa’s detention and extradition to stand trial alongside Duterte.
The senator’s legal team has already petitioned the Supreme Court of the Philippines to block any extradition process.
The political crisis comes amid growing tensions between the Duterte family and the administration of Marcos.
Although the two political dynasties were once allies, their relationship collapsed two years ago and has since developed into a bitter feud.
Earlier this week, the House of Representatives of the Philippines voted to begin impeachment proceedings against Vice-President Sara Duterte, Rodrigo Duterte’s daughter.
The Senate, where Duterte allies still hold significant influence, has the authority to decide whether the impeachment effort succeeds.
News
White House Correspondents’ Dinner Rescheduled Following Security Incident
The annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner has been rescheduled for July 24 after the original gathering was suspended following a shooting incident involving a gunman who attempted to gain access to the venue.
In a letter to members, Weijia Jiang said the event will now take place with significantly enhanced security measures and revised access procedures.
The dinner is set to be held at the Waldorf Astoria Washington DC, and Donald Trump has confirmed that he plans to attend.
The original event, scheduled for April 25, was interrupted after an armed suspect allegedly attempted to breach security, prompting an exchange of gunfire with members of the United States Secret Service. During the incident, Trump, Vice-President JD Vance and other senior officials were escorted from the stage by security personnel.
According to the United States Department of Justice, the suspect was subdued at the scene. One Secret Service agent was injured by shotgun fire during the confrontation.
Trump welcomed the decision to reschedule the event, describing it as a demonstration of resilience.
“This announcement is a very good thing in that we cannot allow lunatics to change our way of life, or even its scheduling,” he wrote on social media.
The White House Correspondents’ Association said it has spent recent weeks raising funds to ensure members who purchased tickets for the April event will not be required to pay again for the July gathering. Organisers described the rescheduled dinner as a more intimate event than originally planned.
The association is also offering financial assistance to scholarship recipients who wish to return to Washington to attend the event.
Trump said he has accepted an invitation to address attendees at the rescheduled dinner and joked that he may reconsider remarks he had planned to deliver in April.
The annual dinner traditionally brings together the president, senior government officials, members of Congress, journalists and media executives to celebrate journalism and press freedom.
Authorities later identified the suspect in the April incident as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, who police said was carrying a shotgun, a handgun and multiple knives when he approached the security checkpoint.
Following the shooting, Trump said he intended to work with organisers to ensure the event was rescheduled as quickly as possible. The new July date will now allow the long-running Washington tradition to proceed under heightened security arrangements.
News
Police Conduct Under Review After Murder of Southampton Student Henry Nowak
An 18-year-old student from Southampton, Henry Nowak, was handcuffed by police after being fatally stabbed by 23-year-old Vickrum Digwa, who falsely claimed at the scene that he had been the victim of a racist attack.
Digwa was later convicted of Henry’s murder and sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 21 years before he can be considered for parole.
Henry’s parents have said they hold Digwa solely responsible for their son’s death. However, they have also expressed deep concern over the way Henry was treated by police officers after the attack, describing his treatment as inhumane and degrading.
The case has prompted further scrutiny following the release of bodycam footage showing Henry being handcuffed despite suffering serious injuries and repeatedly telling officers that he could not breathe.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary has since apologised to Henry’s family for the distress caused by the incident.
The force confirmed that the matter has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which will examine the actions of officers at the scene and determine whether any misconduct occurred.
The investigation will focus on police decision-making during the incident and whether appropriate procedures were followed while responding to the stabbing.
News
Trump in ‘excellent health’ but should lose weight and exercise more, his doctor says
Donald Trump remains in “excellent health” and is fully capable of performing the duties of president, according to the results of his latest annual medical examination released by the White House.
The report, prepared by White House physician Sean Barbabella, stated that Trump, who will turn 80 next month, continues to demonstrate strong cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological and overall physical health.
Barbabella concluded that the president is “fully fit to carry out all duties of the Commander-in-Chief and Head of State.”
Trump underwent the examination at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Tuesday. Afterwards, he wrote on his social media platform that “everything checked out perfectly.”
The assessment was his third publicly known medical check-up since returning to the White House.
Cognitive and Physical Health
According to the report, Trump achieved a perfect score of 30 out of 30 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, a widely used screening tool designed to evaluate memory, attention and other cognitive functions.
The examination found no significant concerns regarding his cognitive health.
Trump currently weighs 238 pounds (108kg), an increase of 14 pounds (6.3kg) compared with his April 2025 medical assessment. While noting his overall strong health, Barbabella recommended continued attention to diet, exercise and weight management.
The report also stated that Trump is taking medication to control cholesterol levels.
Heart Health and Activity Levels
The president’s resting heart rate was recorded at 73 beats per minute. According to the physician’s assessment, Trump’s cardiovascular condition compares favourably with his age group, with his estimated cardiac age being approximately 14 years younger than his actual age.
Barbabella noted that Trump’s demanding schedule, which includes frequent meetings, public appearances and regular physical activity, continues to support his overall wellbeing.
Update on Previous Health Concerns
Last year, visible bruising on Trump’s hands and swelling in his lower legs generated public discussion about his health.
In July, it was disclosed that he had been diagnosed with Chronic Venous Insufficiency, a condition in which veins in the legs struggle to return blood efficiently to the heart, potentially causing swelling in the lower limbs.
The latest report stated that some mild swelling remains but has improved since last year.
Barbabella also addressed the bruising on Trump’s hand, explaining that it is consistent with minor soft-tissue irritation caused by frequent handshaking while taking aspirin as part of a cardiovascular prevention regimen.
According to the physician, such bruising is a common and generally harmless side effect of aspirin therapy.
Ongoing Medical Care
The report indicated that Trump remains current on recommended preventive screenings and immunisations. In addition to aspirin, he continues to take two medications designed to manage cholesterol levels.
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