Indian escapes from Abu Sayyaf captors in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY (Updated) -- An Indian national, who was kidnapped over a year ago, has escaped from al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf bandits in the island province of Sulu.

Sulu Provincial Police Director Antonio Freyra said Biju Kolara Veetil, 37, escaped at dawn Friday while his captors were busy preparing for breakfast.

Asian stocks fall as China trade growth slides

BANGKOK — Asian stock markets tumbled Friday as investors withdrew from riskier assets after China's trade suffered a steeper-than-expected slowdown.

The figures, which come a day after China reported a slowdown in auto sales and factory output, underscored concerns that the world's No. 2 economy is succumbing to an economic downturn despite government efforts to stimulate growth.

Netizens hit 'senatoriables' for tagging along Aquino's relief operations

[View the story "Netizens react to LP senatoriables' presence in Aquino's visit to flood-hit areas" on Storify]

High Court junks disbarment complaint vs Carpio

MANILA (Updated, 1:27 p.m.) -- Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio is still in the running to become the next Chief Justice after his colleagues at the Supreme Court (SC) junked the disbarment case against him, a radio report said.

In a special session on Friday morning, the justices moved that a magistrate can only be removed by impeachment under the 1987 Constitution.

House approves bill to uplift plight of poor

MANILA -- The House of Representatives recently approved on final reading the bill that aims to uplift the standard of living and quality of life of the poor by providing them with sustained opportunities for growth and development.

House Bill (HB) 4484 or "Magna Carta of the Poor" seeks to provide for the creation of employment and livelihood opportunities to help the poor meet their minimum basic needs.

Aquino arrives in Tarlac after emergency landing

MANILA (3rd Update, 1:01 p.m.) -- President Benigno Aquino III and his official party arrived safely in Tarlac Friday morning hours after his aerial convoy made an emergency landing at Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx).

Aquino was in Tarlac to visit flood-stricken communities in the province and in other parts of Central Luzon.

Government agencies asked to offer free safety training

MANILA -- Equipping citizens with skills needed in cases of emergency should be given attention by the government in light of deadly floods that affected Metro Manila and nearby provinces this week, a senator said.

"We have seen that with the recent flooding that hit Metro Manila, we are severely lacking in manpower that could help in rescue operations. Even if our countrymen heed the call to volunteer during rescue operations, they are ill-equipped to deal with emergency situations,” Senator Francis Pangilinan said.

Bolt fiercely criticizes 'attention-seeking' Lewis

LONDON — Usain Bolt took a momentary break from basking in his historic Olympic sprinting double to fiercely criticize former U.S. athlete Carl Lewis.

Soon after winning gold in the 200 meters at the London Olympics for 100 and 200 titles at back-to-back games, Bolt said Thursday he had "lost all respect" for Lewis after the American was quoted as saying Jamaica's doping controls were not as strong as other countries.

Heavy rain as 'Ernesto' makes landfall in Mexico

VERACRUZ, Mexico — Tropical Storm Ernesto made landfall Thursday near the oil port city of Coatzacoalcos, killing two people as it moved inland and began weakening after drenching Mexico's flood-prone southern Gulf region.

Ernesto came ashore after spinning across the far southern Gulf of Mexico in waters dotted with oil rigs operated by the state oil company. The government closed its largest Gulf coast port, Veracruz, and the smaller ports of Alvarado and Coatzacoalcos.

Aquino's chopper makes emergency landing on SCTEx

MANILA (2nd Update, 11:39 a.m.) -- Bad weather on Friday morning has forced the aerial convoy of President Benigno Aquino III to make emergency landing on Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), a Cabinet official said.

"En route to Paniqui, Tarlac shortly before 9 a.m., the President's aerial convoy encountered heavy rains, forcing the chopper to land at the end of SCTEx," Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Secretary Ramon Carandang in a text message.