12 still missing in the Philippines earthquake as search and rescue operations continue; Victoria's premier brushes off leadership speculation; An Ex-NRL 'enforcer' says he's finally free after coming out as gay.
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TRANSCRIPT:
- 12 still missing in the Philippines earthquake as search and rescue operations continue;
- Victoria's premier brushes off leadership speculation;
- An Ex-NRL 'enforcer' says he's finally free after coming out as gay.
12 people remain missing after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit the southern Philippines.
At least 35 people have been killed, by falling debris, building collapses and landslides.
Schools have been closed and flights suspended after the quake struck Sarangani province.
Civil aviation authorities say landing and takeoff operations at the airport are currently limited to government, military, and humanitarian flights.
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Meanwhile, survivors have recounted their experiences of the earthquake as it struck the region.
Local Jojo Calma was driving his motorcycle in front of a building when it collapsed.
“My tears started to fall. It was the first time I experienced something that strong, that I really couldn’t stop myself from tearing up. I thought about my children and my niece, what if something had happened to them. Thank God they’re okay, but my sibling’s house collapsed.”
Elizabeth Joy Serrano Quijano is a teacher at Davao Occidental State College and a resident of Matan-ao in Davao del Sur.
She has told SBS Filipino that the quake brought back memories of the last big earthquake in 2019.
"Trauma was there and the fear because my two sons were at school, it was almost 8:00 here in the Philippines, so it was really difficult to think a lot of things in one time so we have to think about our safety at home and then our children at school. When we decided to go out, it was also difficult decision because we were surrounded by a lot of coconut trees and palm trees and we were afraid it might fall to us."
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The International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor Karim Khan has been suspended over allegations of sexual harassment.
The executive bureau of the court's governing body has ruled Khan committed serious misconduct following an 18-month long probe into the accusations involving non-consensual interactions with a lawyer in his office.
Khan has always denied the charges.
The ICC's governing body is now sending its conclusion on to all 125 ICC member states who are expected to put Khan's possible removal from office to a vote at a later date.
If you or someone you know wants to talk about sexual assault or harassment, family or domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
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The head of the World Health Organisation has paid a visit to an Ebola treatment unit in Uganda, urging preparedness as the epidemic rolls on.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says the measures Uganda has taken has helped the country contain the virus to just 19 confirmed cases.
In neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo there are 515 confirmed infections and 91 deaths, with that number expected to rise.
Dr Ghebreyesus says imposing travel restrictions due to the outbreak can affect a country's response.
"As you know there are some travel restrictions by some countries, Of course a few countries, (the) majority are okay, but blanket travel restrictions are wrong. And Uganda is reporting transparently and travel restrictions - blanket - actually undermine transparency so we have been asking the international community not to do this and those who have done to reconsider.”
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A poll released today shows Victoria's Labor government would lose office at the November election.
The Freshwater Strategy poll for the Herald Sun has found Victorian Labor's primary vote has slumped to 23 per cent, compared to the coalition's 27 per cent, while a surging One Nation shot to 25 per cent.
The poll has fuelled further speculation about the leadership of Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan - but she says her position is secure.
She says talk about her future is not productive.
"People are looking for help and naval gazing doesn't help people with those cost of living pressures that are so real right now. What does help is 20% off your car rego. What does help is half price public transport all the way through to the end of the year. Working from home also helps and that's what I'm focused on, because that's what Victorians tell me that they want their government to be focused on."
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To sport,
Former NRL prop Kane Evans has become just the second male player in Australian professional rugby league history to come out as gay.
The 131-time NRL player has confirmed the news in an emotional interview with Channel Nine's 100% Footy.
He says he struggled with addiction, suicidal thoughts, and experienced homelessness as he grappled with his sexuality.
Evans says former premiership player Joe Galuvao, now on staff with the Rugby League Players Association's past players and transition program, helped turn his life around.
LGBTIQ+ Australians seeking support with mental health can contact QLife on 1800 184 527 or visit qlife.org.au. ReachOut.com also has a list of support services.
Intersex Australians seeking support can visit Intersex Peer Support Australia at isupport.org.au.
