Ex-lawyer named as Duterte spokesman

MANILA • A tough-talking ex-human rights lawyer has been named Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's new spokesman, replacing a former pastor who was a vocal defender of his deadly drug war.

Mr Duterte did not give a reason for replacing Mr Ernesto Abella but said congressman and former university law professor Harry Roque was the right person for the job.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Direct S'pore flights to Lake Toba area

JAKARTA • Silangit Airport in Siborong-borong, North Sumatra, officially opened as an international airport last Saturday with a Garuda Indonesia flight from Changi Airport. The airport aims to promote Lake Toba as a prime destination. Garuda will offer three Silangit-Singapore flights per week.

THE JAKARTA POST/ASIA NEWS NETWORK