Miss France wins Miss Universe crown

Unlike most other countries, the Philippines has decided to keep schools closed for another year to contain COVID-19. Rights advocates warn millions of children without internet access are missing out on an education.

Advocates have praised the award for drawing global attention to the Philippines' struggle for press freedom and human rights. It also marks the first time the prize has been handed to a journalist.

It's been exactly four years since the Philippines government declared the end of a bloody siege in which over 1,000 people died. But the wounds are still raw for those whose loved ones disappeared amid the fighting.

Kfir L. is suspected of stealing millions of euros from hundreds of unsuspecting victims via a fake online trading platform.

Jorge "Ka Oris" Madlos, a top leader of the military wing of the Philippines' rebel communist party, has been killed during a gun battle with the army in a mountainous area of the island of Mindanao.

Despite announcing his retirement last month, outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte has indicated that he will not be bowing out of politics after all.

The reigning "Miss Universe", Andrea Meza of Mexico, toured Jerusalem's Old City on Wednesday in preparation for Israel hosting the Miss Universe 2021 pageant next month. Meza visited Christianity's most sacred church, the Holy Sepulchre, and Judaism's holiest prayer site, the Western Wall. She told media she hoped for a solution to the conflict in the region. This year's Miss Universe competition will be held in the Israeli port city of Eilat on December 12.

Two Philippine boats carrying food supplies for soldiers to the disputed Second Thomas shoal were blocked by the Chinese coast guard, who allegedly fired water cannons on them. No injuries were reported in the incident.

Philippine Senator Christopher "Bong" Go was President Rodrigo Duterte's choice for the presidency. For now, the withdrawal leaves Duterte's administration without a candidate.

As an investigative journalist in the Philippines, Maria Ressa has seen firsthand the impact of the gradual erosion of journalistic freedoms in her country. Under President Rodrigo Duterte, press freedom rankings have fallen to a record low.

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has withdrawn his candidacy for the Senate in the country's May 2022 elections, according to the election commission. He reaches term limit as president in 2022.

Authorities have said at least 208 people have died in the Philippines, with thousands of others losing their homes. Rescue operations continue around the clock.