In brief: Manila on alert for terrorist threat

MANILA, Philippines – A top Asian terrorist suspect and the notorious Abu Sayyaf extremist group may have deployed militants to bomb targets in the Philippine capital, according to a Philippine intelligence report seen by the Associated Press today.

Intelligence operatives fanned out in metropolitan Manila to thwart any attack as the military and police said that they are taking the report seriously, although it remains unsubstantiated and comes from only one source.

The heightened alert comes after the U.S. State Department on Tuesday renewed its travel warning for the Philippines, saying terrorist attacks could occur in the restive southern Philippines and even in Manila. The U.S. Embassy did not cite any specific reason for the latest warning.

Iran launches imaging satellite

TEHRAN, Iran – Iran has launched a fresh space satellite into orbit, state television reported Wednesday.

The Rassad-1 (Observer) imaging satellite was successfully launched 161.5 miles above Earth into space and will orbit Earth 15 times per day.

The satellite will enable contacts with and transfer pictures to ground stations, the report said.

Iran’s space program has raised alarms in the West, because the same technology that allows missiles to launch satellites can be used to fire warheads. Israel, the U.S. and others charge that Iran is trying to develop nuclear weapons, which Iran denies.

Earthquake hits Papua New Guinea

SYDNEY – A strong earthquake struck off an island in the Pacific nation of Papua New Guinea today.

The U.S. Geological Survey says a 6.6-magnitude quake struck just off the island of New Britain. It was at a depth of 13 miles.

The area is along the Pacific Ring of Fire, an arc of volcanoes and fault lines that stretches around the Pacific Rim.

Greek leader promises Cabinet change

ATHENS, Greece – Greece’s prime minister, struggling to ensure Parliamentary approval for a crucial austerity bill, said Wednesday he would reshuffle his Cabinet and seek a vote of confidence for his new government after coalition talks with opposition parties failed.

Prime Minister George Papandreou has been struggling to contain an internal party revolt over an austerity package that is needed for continued funding from a $155 billion international bailout. Without continued funding from the rescue loans, Greece will default on its massive debts.

Lawmakers may end labor dispute

OTTAWA, Ontario – Canada’s Labor minister says the government is prepared to legislate an end to the Canada Post dispute within two days.

Labor Minister Lisa Raitt told Parliament on Wednesday she will file notice that the government is ready to order an end to the lockout and rotating strikes.

Postal workers started walkouts almost two weeks ago, and the government-owned corporation Canada Post locked out its 48,000 unionized workers Wednesday.