Philippine rebels free hostages from school

Philippine rebels free hostages from school

The Philippine military has said that Islamist militants fled from a primary school in the south  leaving behind 31 hostages unharmed, including 12 children, after a day-long gun-battle with troops. There was no word of casualties in the incident at Pigcawayan town, which is about 190 km south of Marawi City, where fighting between government troops and pro-Islamic State militants has entered its fifth week. “The enemy made a hasty withdrawal, leaving behind 31 hostages, among them 12 youngsters,” Brigadier General Restituto Padilla said.

New York outlaws child marriage under 17

The state of New York has updated antiquated legislation to outlaw children as young as 14 from getting married. Governor Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, signed legislation raising the age of consent to marry from 14 to 18 years old, with a caveat that 17-year-olds wishing to marry must get approval from their parents and a judge. “This is a major step forward in our efforts to protect children and prevent forced marriages, and I am proud to sign this legislation that puts an end to child marriage in New York once and for all,” he said.

Macron allies quit French government

Two more ministers from the centrist party that helped bring French President Emmanuel Macron to power quit the government  as he prepared to unveil a new cabinet. Justice Minister Francois Bayrou, leader of the small MoDem party and a key ally of Macron’s in the presidential campaign, media, “I have taken a decision not to be part of the next government”. European Affairs Minister Marielle de Sarnez is also set to resign, meaning all three MoDem ministers are leaving the cabinet after just over one month in office.

Russia regrets new US sanctions

The Kremlin has voiced regret about the new US sanctions against Russia and warned of possible retaliation. President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said that  the US move wasn’t constructive, adding that “various options are being considered on expert level.” Earlier, the Trump administration announced  that it has imposed sanctions on 38 Russian individuals and firms over Russian activities in Ukraine. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said that the penalties are designed to “maintain pressure on Russia to work toward a diplomatic solution.”