13 die after Indonesian boat capsizes

MAKASSAR • At least 13 people died when a passenger boat overloaded with holidaymakers heading home for Hari Raya capsized off the Indonesian island of Sulawesi yesterday, officials said.

Twenty-four passengers were admitted to hospital but dozens are believed to be still missing, said disaster agency head Amiruddin. The wooden boat left Makassar, provincial capital of South Sulawesi, in the afternoon for a short journey to the tiny resort island of Barrang Lompo, north-west of the city's coast.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Philippines set to arm community leaders

MANILA • The Philippines' Interior Ministry said yesterday it plans to acquire pistols for community leaders willing to fight crime and drugs, prompting concern it could fuel even more violence in the country's notoriously bloody crackdown.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday said he was considering arming community leaders, known as barangay captains, after consulting with the police and intelligence community.

REUTERS

Top judge urges Manila to take China to court

MANILA • A Philippine Supreme Court judge has called on the government to take China to court for violating the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea by destroying coral reefs in a disputed part of the South China Sea.

Acting Supreme Court Chief Justice Antonio Carpio said the government should seek arbitration and compensation.

REUTERS