North Korea will launch “merciless” strikes if South Korea goes through with planned live-fire drills near their disputed sea border, a North Korean officer said yesterday, amid persistent tension on the divided peninsula.

IN-FORM Australia fly-half Quade Cooper has been suspended for two weeks after being cited for a dangerous tackle during Australia’s Tri Nations Test 30-13 win against South Africa.

Thousands of Filipinos bid farewell today to the late Roman Catholic Cardinal Jaime Sin, a beloved spiritual leader who helped rally his nation to hold massive pro-democracy protests that ousted two presidents.

Roman Catholic Cardinal Jaime Sin, an outspoken advocate of democracy who played a key role in the “people power” revolts that ousted two Philippine presidents, died today.

CARDINAL Jaime Sin, the Philippines’ ailing Catholic church leader, was admitted to hospital today with an undisclosed illness.

CARDINAL JAIME SIN, an outspoken cleric who helped topple Philippine leaders, but alienated some of the faithful with frequent forays into politics, is retiring at 75 with the Vatican's blessing.