10 inmates killed in Philippine prison blaze

MANILA • Fire has swept through a maximum-security prison in the Philippines, killing 10 inmates, most of them in their cells, officials said yesterday.

The cause of the blaze at the jail in central Leyte province on Thursday night was faulty electrical wiring. The incident is likely to highlight the woeful conditions in one of the world's most crowded prison systems.

REUTERS

Protests over 'meddling' in HK education

HONG KONG • More than 1,000 students, alumni and teachers joined a protest at Hong Kong University (HKU) last night as anger mounted over political interference in the education system.

Protests have gathered pace since the appointment of a liberal law scholar to a senior administrative post at HKU was rejected last week. The university's council, which has a number of members seen as pro-Beijing, voted against Professor Johannes Chan becoming pro-vice chancellor.

REUTERS

Rabies: Penang calls off culling of stray dogs

GEORGETOWN • Penang has called off the culling of stray dogs as no rabies cases have been reported since Sept 21, said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

But an order for all dog owners to vaccinate their pets against rabies remains in place, Malay Mail Online quoted Mr Lim as saying. As of yesterday, Penang had only four rabies cases.

Cabby finds kidnapped Malaysian boy on road

KAJANG • A five-year-old boy kidnapped by two men near a kindergarten in Sungai Chua yesterday morning was reunited with his family eight hours later.

A taxi driver found him walking on the road and recognised him from WhatsApp messages being circulated, The Star Online reported. He took the boy home. Police were still hunting for the kidnappers.