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10 Pinoy seafarers ligtas na nakauwi matapos ang atake sa Gulf of Aden

Venus L Peñaflor
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10 Pinoy seafarers ligtas na nakauwi matapos ang atake sa Gulf of Aden

MANDALUYONG CITY – Ligtas na nakauwi sa bansa ang sampung Pilipinong seafarers na kabilang sa mga tripulante ng cargo vessel na inatake kamakailan sa Gulf of Aden, ayon sa Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) nitong Linggo.

Ayon sa DMW, dumating sa Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 noong Sabado ng gabi ang mga marino, kung saan personal silang sinalubong ni DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac kasama ang ilang opisyal ng ahensya.

Ang barkong MV Minervagracht, na may bandilang Olandes, ay inatake sa karagatan, 120 nautical miles timog-silangan ng Aden, Yemen, noong Setyembre 29. Batay sa ulat ng United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), tinamaan ng isang hindi pa natutukoy na projectile ang barko at nagliyab, ayon sa Reuters.

Nasagip ng mga rescuers ang 19 na tripulante na pawang mga Russian, Ukrainian, Filipino, at Sri Lankan. Kinumpirma ng DMW na ligtas ang 12 Pilipinong crew, ngunit dalawa sa kanila ay nagtamo ng mga sugat.

Ayon sa DMW, naging posible ang kanilang pagbabalik sa tulong ng Philippine Embassy sa Ankara, Philippine Consulate General sa Istanbul, Migrant Workers Offices (MWOs), at ng licensed manning agency at lokal nitong ahente sa Istanbul.

“Lubos naming ipinatutupad ang utos ng Pangulo. Tutulungan namin kayo sa inyong ganap na panunumbalik, sa paghahanap muli ng trabaho, pagkakaroon ng kabuhayan, at pagsasanay,” pahayag ni Cacdac sa mga marinong Pilipino, alinsunod sa direktiba ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. na tulungan ang mga seafarers sa oras ng pangangailangan.

“Pero ang mahalaga ay makasama muna ninyo ang inyong pamilya,” dagdag pa ng kalihim.

Tiniyak din ni Cacdac na makatatanggap ng sapat na tulong ang mga marino.
“Sisiguruhin namin ang maayos na delivery ng inyong mga benepisyo at karapatan. Bukod dito, nag-aalok din ang pamahalaan sa pamamagitan ng DMW ng mga serbisyong pangkalusugan, kabilang ang physical at mental health support at psychosocial counseling, upang madagdagan ang tulong na ibinibigay ng inyong licensed manning agency,” aniya.

Nagbigay rin ng financial assistance ang DMW, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), at Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) sa mga seafarers. Bukod dito, nakatanggap din sila ng training vouchers mula sa Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) at pansamantalang accommodation mula sa kanilang manning agency.

Kabilang sa mga sumalubong sa kanila sa paliparan sina OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan, DMW Undersecretary Bernard Olalia, DFA Assistant Secretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Ezzedin Tago, DMW Assistant Secretaries Jerome Pampolina at Venecio Legazpi, DMW Deputy Administrator Jasmin Gapatan, at iba pang kinatawan ng DMW, OWWA, DFA, MIAA Medical Team, DSWD, at ng licensed manning agency.

Movie Review: Dwayne Johnson shines in ‘The Smashing Machine,’ critics divided

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Movie Review: Dwayne Johnson shines in ‘The Smashing Machine,’ critics divided

Benny Safdie’s solo directorial debut, The Smashing Machine, starring Dwayne Johnson as mixed martial arts (MMA) pioneer Mark Kerr, has been released to both critical anticipation and scrutiny. The A24 production, based on John Hyams’s 2002 documentary of the same name, explores Kerr’s rise in the late 1990s MMA, his struggle with addiction, and the personal battles that defined his career.

The film, rated R for language and some drug abuse, runs for 123 minutes and has received a two-and-a-half-star rating out of four.

Safdie, known for his unsettling collaborations with his brother Josh in films such as Uncut Gems, approaches Kerr’s story with a more conventional style. Despite its gritty VHS-like aesthetics, critics note that The Smashing Machine is “a surprisingly conventional and oddly untroubled movie,” offering less intensity than many expected.

Johnson’s performance has been singled out as one of the highlights of the film. Shedding much of his trademark screen charisma, Johnson transforms into Kerr with a subdued presence. His portrayal has been described as earnest and deeply committed, moving away from his larger-than-life wrestling and action star persona.

In the opening of the film, Kerr reflects on the dominance he feels in the ring, declaring that an opponent’s fear can be detected: “You can smell in their scent.” Early victories feed his belief in invincibility, but the story soon turns as he suffers a controversial setback in Japan’s Pride Fighting Championship. Although the match is officially declared a tie, the sting of defeat lingers.

Beyond the ring, the narrative centers on Kerr’s dependence on opioids and his turbulent marriage with Dawn Staples, played by Emily Blunt. Their relationship is portrayed as both supportive and confrontational, marked by frequent conflicts. At one point, Kerr confronts her directly, saying, “Treat me like a man.”

The film also highlights Kerr’s friendship and rivalry with trainer and fellow fighter Mark Coleman, portrayed by former Bellator champion Ryan Bader. Bader’s inclusion, along with Johnson’s own proximity to combat sports, contributes to the documentary-like feel of the film.

While Johnson’s performance has been praised as among his finest, the film itself has been critiqued for avoiding deeper exploration of MMA’s violent world. Critics argue that instead of grappling with the brutality of the sport and its consequences, it settles for “a blander appreciation of these MMA combatants.”

Despite these criticisms, what resonates strongly is the portrayal of Kerr as a man confronting vulnerability. The film presents him not only as a dominant figure in the ring but also as someone learning to live with defeat.

The Smashing Machine is currently in release under A24.

Israel seizes final Gaza flotilla boat, moves to deport activists

Venus L Peñaflor
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Israel seizes final Gaza flotilla boat, moves to deport activists

TEL AVIV – The Israeli navy intercepted the last vessel in an international aid flotilla bound for Gaza on Friday, completing a series of operations that stopped 42 boats attempting to breach the blockade of the enclave.

The Marinette, the final boat in the Global Sumud Flotilla, was seized about 42.5 nautical miles (79 km) from Gaza and redirected to Ashdod port, Israeli army radio reported. Organisers said all vessels carrying humanitarian aid and volunteers had now been blocked.

“Israeli naval forces have now illegally intercepted all 42 of our vessels—each carrying humanitarian aid, volunteers, and the determination to break Israel’s illegal siege on Gaza,” the flotilla said in a statement.

A live broadcast from the Marinette showed activists holding up a handwritten note reading, “We see a ship! It’s a warship,” as Israeli forces approached. Video then captured soldiers boarding, ordering those aboard to raise their hands and remain still.

The interception followed the detention of around 450 activists on Thursday, including Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg. Israel’s foreign ministry confirmed Friday that four Italians had already been deported, while the rest of the detainees were “in the process of being deported.” The ministry said all participants were “safe and in good health.”

The flotilla set sail in late August in an attempt to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza, imposed nearly two years ago after Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attacks. Israel has repeatedly defended the blockade as a legal measure, warning flotilla organisers that they were entering an “active combat zone.” It had offered to transfer aid directly to Gaza but labelled the flotilla a political stunt.

At Ashdod port on Thursday night, Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir described the detained activists as “terrorists” in a video statement. Some of those seated on the ground were heard shouting “Free Palestine” in response.

The flotilla’s interception has sparked widespread protests abroad. Demonstrations erupted Thursday in European cities, as well as in Karachi, Buenos Aires, and Mexico City. In Italy, tens of thousands joined a day-long general strike in support of the flotilla.

One vessel docked separately in Cyprus, carrying 21 foreigners. Authorities there said it requested to refuel and cited humanitarian reasons for entering Larnaca.

The operation comes as Israel faces mounting international scrutiny over its war in Gaza, which has killed more than 66,000 people, according to Palestinian health authorities. The offensive began after Hamas-led militants killed about 1,200 people and took 251 hostage in Israel on October 7, 2023.

Israel is also defending itself against genocide allegations at the International Court of Justice, a charge it rejects, saying its military campaign is an act of self-defence.

This week, Israel accepted a new U.S.-backed proposal to end the war, which would require Hamas to surrender. U.S. President Donald Trump has said Washington would temporarily oversee governance of Gaza under the plan and warned Hamas that the siege would continue if the group refuses the terms.

Corruption update: Frozen assets, ethics complaint at bid-rigging cases

Venus L Peñaflor
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Corruption update: Frozen assets, ethics complaint at bid-rigging cases

MAYNILA — Sunod-sunod na aksyon ang isinampa ng mga ahensya ng pamahalaan laban sa mga contractor at opisyal ng gobyerno kaugnay ng lumalaking kontrobersiya sa flood control projects, na tinaguriang “Trillion Peso Scandal.”

P1 bilyong ari-arian ng Discayas, naka-freeze

Kinumpirma ni Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon na ipinaabot na sa Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) at Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) ang listahan ng mga ari-arian ng mag-asawang contractor na sina Pacifico “Curlee” at Cezarah Rowena “Sarah” Discaya para sa posibleng forfeiture.

Ayon kay Dizon, ang P1 bilyong halaga ng kanilang yaman ay inisyuhan na ng freeze order ng AMLC dalawang araw matapos ang pormal na kahilingan ng DPWH. Tumanggi siyang tukuyin ang detalye dahil sa data privacy, ngunit kinumpirma niyang kabilang dito ang isang mansiyon na kamakailan ay binato ng putik ng mga residente.

Ipinaliwanag ni DPWH Undersecretary Ricardo Bernabe III na mahalaga ang pag-freeze upang hindi ma-dispose ang mga ari-arian. “Actually… they can file civil forfeiture proceedings if found that the proceeds used to buy these assets are from unlawful activities, money laundering activities,” ani Bernabe.

Nauna nang inihayag ng AMLC na inisyuhan ng Court of Appeals ng freeze order ang 836 bank accounts, 12 e-wallets, 24 insurance policies, 81 motor vehicles, at 12 real estate properties na konektado sa mga iniimbestigahan. Sa kabuuan, umaabot na sa P2.9 bilyon ang halaga ng frozen assets kaugnay ng anomalya.

Ethics complaint laban kay Sen. Escudero

Samantala, inireklamo sa Senate Ethics Committee si Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero kaugnay ng umano’y P30 milyong campaign donation noong 2022 mula sa contractor na si Lawrence Lubiano.

Ayon sa reklamong inihain ni Atty. Marvin Aceron, lumobo ang bilang ng kontrata ng Centerways Construction and Development Inc. matapos mahalal si Escudero, na nakakuha umano ng 112 kontrata na nagkakahalaga ng P16.67 bilyon mula 2021 hanggang 2025, kumpara sa 12 kontrata lamang bago ang halalan.

Inihayag din ni Aceron na majority stockholder si Lubiano sa Metroways Health Care and Medical System Inc. na nakakuha rin ng kontrata sa Bicol. May anim na grounds ang reklamo kabilang ang conflict of interest, integrity of public procurement, at conduct unbecoming a member of the Senate.

Itinanggi ni Escudero ang alegasyon at sinisi si dating House Speaker Martin Romualdez na umano’y nasa likod ng reklamo. Ani Escudero, ito ay bahagi ng “harassments at scripts para mapagtakpan ang mga isyu laban sa kanya.”

Bid-rigging cases laban sa contractors

Bukod dito, pormal na ring nagsampa ng kaso ang DPWH laban sa ilang contractor at dating opisyal ng ahensya kaugnay ng bid-rigging at bid manipulation.

Isinumite sa Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) ang dalawang reklamo: una, laban sa Wawao Builders, IM Construction Corporation, SYMS Construction Trading, St. Timothy Construction Corporation (na pagmamay-ari ng mga Discaya), at ilang dating opisyal ng Bulacan First District Engineering Office; at ikalawa, laban sa Sunwest, Inc., na iniuugnay kay dating Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, at mga opisyal ng DPWH Regional Office IV-B.

Ayon kay Dizon, maaari silang maharap sa hanggang P110 milyong multa para sa unang paglabag at hanggang P250 milyong multa para sa mga kasunod na paglabag. Sa kaso ng mga Discaya, na nakakuha ng 1,214 flood control contracts na nagkakahalaga ng P77.934 bilyon mula 2016 hanggang 2025, maaari silang maharap sa hanggang P300 bilyong penalty.

“Mas malaki pa ang penalty kesa sa amount of contracts… Ang Discaya ang pinakamadami… Discaya ang champion dito,” ani Dizon.

Dagdag pa niya, umaasa ang DPWH na bibilisan ng PCC ang pagproseso ng kaso. “In the case of the Discayas sila na mismo ang umamin na kasama sila sa bid-rigging… under oath nila sinabi ito sa Blue Ribbon,” ayon pa rin sa kanya.

Church of England appoints Sarah Mullally as first female archbishop of Canterbury

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Church of England appoints Sarah Mullally as first female archbishop of Canterbury

CANTERBURY, England – The Church of England on Friday named Sarah Mullally as the next Archbishop of Canterbury, making her the first woman to hold the 1,400-year-old office. The 63-year-old bishop, a former nurse, will succeed Justin Welby, who resigned amid controversy over his handling of a child abuse cover-up.

Mullally, currently Bishop of London, will assume leadership of the Anglican Communion, representing about 85 million members worldwide. Her appointment highlights deep divisions within the church, particularly over the role of women in leadership and the blessing of same-sex couples.

Laurent Mbanda, archbishop of Rwanda and chairman of a global grouping of conservative Anglican churches, told Reuters the appointment made it impossible for the Archbishop of Canterbury “to serve as a focus of unity within the Communion.”

Mullally has previously supported blessings for same-sex couples, a stance that has fueled disputes within the Anglican Communion, especially in Africa and Asia, where homosexuality is criminalised. Addressing clergy and laity in Canterbury Cathedral, she said she aimed “to help every ministry to flourish, whatever our tradition.”

She also pledged to confront the misuse of power after sexual abuse scandals, vowing improvements in safeguarding. “My commitment will be to ensure that we continue to listen to (abuse) survivors, care for the vulnerable and foster a culture of safety and well-being for all,” she said.

Mullally condemned rising antisemitism in Britain following a synagogue attack in Manchester on Thursday that left two men dead. “Mindful of the horrific violence of yesterday’s attack on a synagogue in Manchester, we are witnessing hatred that rises up through fractures across our communities,” she said, adding that her Christian faith gave her hope in a world often “on the brink.”

In an interview with Reuters, she acknowledged that debates over same-sex relationships will remain unresolved for the foreseeable future. “It may not be resolved quickly,” she said.

Mullally has also voiced strong opposition to proposed assisted dying legislation in Britain’s parliament, calling it “unworkable and unsafe” and warning it poses risks to the most vulnerable.

Before entering church leadership, Mullally worked as a cancer nurse and rose to become England’s Chief Nursing Officer in the early 2000s. She was ordained as a priest in 2002 and became one of the first women consecrated as a bishop in 2015.

“There are great commonalities between nursing and being a priest. It’s all about people, and sitting with people during the most difficult times in their lives,” she once said.

Linda Woodhead, professor of theology and religious studies at King’s College London, said Mullally’s appointment was well-suited to the Church’s challenges. “Her emphasis on unity, gentleness and strength is exactly what the Church, and nation, needs right now,” she noted.

Mullally is married to Eamonn and has two adult children. Her appointment was formally announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office with the consent of King Charles, the Supreme Governor of the Church of England.

Bagyong Paolo lumabas ng PAR, Signal No. 1 nananatili sa 7 lugar

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Bagyong Paolo lumabas ng PAR, Signal No. 1 nananatili sa 7 lugar

MAYNILA — Lumabas na ng Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) ang Severe Tropical Storm Paolo, ayon sa 5 a.m. bulletin ng PAGASA nitong Sabado.

Ayon sa ahensya, huling namataan si Paolo kaninang alas kuwatro ng umaga, nasa layong 295 kilometro sa kanluran ng Sinait, Ilocos Sur. Taglay nito ang lakas ng hanging umaabot sa 110 km/h malapit sa gitna at bugso na hanggang 135 km/h, habang kumikilos pa-kanluran hilagang-kanluran sa bilis na 20 km/h.

Nananatili ang Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 sa mga sumusunod na lugar:

  • Kanlurang bahagi ng Abra (Danglas, Bangued, Langiden, San Quintin, Pidigan, San Isidro, Pilar, Villaviciosa, Peñarrubia, Manabo, Luba, Tayum, La Paz, Lagayan, Tubo, Bucay, Dolores, San Juan, Lagangilang)
  • Kanlurang bahagi ng Benguet (Bakun, Kibungan, Kapangan, Sablan, Tuba, Mankayan, Tublay, La Trinidad, Baguio City)
  • Katimugang bahagi ng Ilocos Norte (Nueva Era, Banna, Badoc, Pinili, City of Batac, Paoay, Marcos, Currimao)
  • Ilocos Sur
  • La Union
  • Kanlurang at gitnang bahagi ng Pangasinan (Bolinao, Bani, Agno, Burgos, Dasol, Mabini, Infanta, Bugallon, Labrador, Sual, City of Alaminos, Lingayen, Aguilar, Mangatarem, Urbiztondo, San Carlos City, Binmaley, Dagupan City, Calasiao, Basista, Bayambang, San Fabian, San Jacinto, Mangaldan, Mapandan, Santa Barbara, Malasiqui, Alcala, Bautista, Santo Tomas, Villasis, City of Urdaneta, Manaoag, Laoac, Pozorrubio, Sison)
  • Hilagang bahagi ng Zambales (Iba, Candelaria, Palauig, Santa Cruz, Masinloc)

“Paolo will continue moving west-northwestward towards southern China. While moving over the West Philippine Sea, Paolo will re-intensify into a typhoon this morning or afternoon,” ayon sa PAGASA.

Sa susunod na 24 oras, makakaranas ng maulap na kalangitan na may kalat-kalat na pag-ulan at thunderstorms ang Metro Manila, Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Central Luzon, Cavite, Batangas, at Occidental Mindoro dahil sa trough ni Paolo.

Samantala, asahan naman ang localized thunderstorms sa iba pang bahagi ng bansa.

Moderate to strong winds at moderate to rough coastal waters ang mararanasan sa hilagang at kanlurang bahagi ng Northern Luzon, habang light to moderate winds at slight to moderate coastal waters ang iiral sa nalalabing bahagi ng bansa.

San Pablo youth join first anti-corruption rally, church backs nationwide protests

Venus L Peñaflor
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San Pablo youth join first anti-corruption rally, church backs nationwide protests

SAN PABLO CITY – Hundreds of students from various colleges and high schools staged a noise barrage in front of the San Pablo City Cathedral in Sa Mangga on October 3, 2025, marking the city’s first anti-corruption rally. The demonstration, held from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., was organized by SAPAK (San Pablo Ayaw sa Korapsyon) in response to mounting public outrage over large-scale corruption exposed in recent months.

Carrying placards and beating improvised instruments, the young protesters expressed their frustration through chanting and shouting, calling for accountability in government. The event was part of a growing wave of anti-corruption actions across the country following revelations of massive irregularities in government flood control projects, now referred to as the “Trillion Peso Scandal.”

Monsignor Jerry Bituon, who addressed the gathering, underscored the difficulty of the fight. “This is a hard fight because we are fighting against ourselves, because for a long time we ignored corruption. We are also fighting against the culture of nonchalance,” he said. He expressed gratitude to the younger generations for their active role in the campaign. “I am thankful that the GenZs and the millennials are already awakened and actively fighting against corruption,” he added.

SAPAK announced that noise barrages will be held every Friday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Sa Mangga as part of a sustained campaign against corruption.

The rally in San Pablo aligns with broader national efforts led by the Catholic Church. In recent weeks, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) urged dioceses and the faithful to join anti-corruption demonstrations, framing them not as political acts but as a “moral stand” against what it called an entrenched culture of dishonesty.

The movement gained momentum on September 21, 2025, when thousands joined nationwide protests on the anniversary of Martial Law. Inspired by the turnout, religious and civic leaders launched the “Trillion Peso March Movement” on October 2, with larger rallies planned for November 30.

Church leaders have justified their involvement by stressing that corruption disproportionately harms the poor by diverting funds intended for healthcare, education, and disaster prevention. They have demanded swift investigations, accountability for public officials and contractors, and the restitution of stolen public funds. The CBCP has also called on Filipinos to “make corruption shameful again” and to reject patronage politics.

The San Pablo rally marked the beginning of a local, youth-driven campaign that is expected to continue weekly, echoing the national call for transparency, accountability, and reform.

Carrying placards and beating improvised instruments, the young protesters expressed their frustration and called for accountability in government.

Trump urges Israel to halt Gaza Bombing, says Hamas ready for peace

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Trump urges Israel to halt Gaza Bombing, says Hamas ready for peace

WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday called on Israel to immediately stop bombing Gaza after Hamas signaled acceptance of key terms in his 20-point plan to end the nearly two-year war, though major disputes such as disarmament and withdrawal remain unresolved.

Trump, who has presented himself as the only leader capable of achieving peace in Gaza, said Hamas had shown it was “ready for a lasting PEACE.” He placed responsibility on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to halt military operations.

“Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social account. “We are already in discussions on the details to be worked out. This is not about Gaza alone, this is about long sought PEACE in the Middle East.”

Hamas on Friday delivered its response to Trump’s proposal, which includes an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a staged Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, Hamas disarmament, and the installation of a transitional government led by an international body.

In its statement, Hamas said it “appreciates the Arab, Islamic, and international efforts, as well as the efforts of U.S. President Donald Trump, calling for an end to the war on the Gaza Strip, the exchange of prisoners, (and) the immediate entry of aid.” The group confirmed its “approval of releasing all occupation prisoners both living and remains according to the exchange formula contained in President Trump’s proposal, with the necessary field conditions for implementing the exchange.”

Hamas also expressed willingness “to hand over the administration of the Gaza Strip to a Palestinian body of independents (technocrats) based on Palestinian national consensus and supported by Arab and Islamic backing,” but did not explicitly agree to disarm or accept Trump’s proposal to bar it from exercising political power in Gaza.

Despite Trump’s appeal, residents in Gaza reported intensified Israeli strikes following the announcement. Tanks shelled Talateeni Street in central Gaza City, while military aircraft bombed homes in the Remal neighborhood and targets in Khan Younis, according to witnesses. No casualties were immediately reported.

Israel has yet to comment on Hamas’ response or Trump’s demand to halt military action. However, opposition leader Yair Lapid urged Netanyahu to support the U.S.-brokered plan, saying on X: “Israel should announce it is joining the discussions led by the president to finalize the details of the deal.” Families of hostages in Gaza also pressed the government “to immediately order negotiations for the return of all hostages.”

International voices echoed Trump’s call. French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on X: “Hamas’ commitment must be followed up without delay,” reiterating France’s push for broader recognition of a Palestinian state as part of ending the conflict.

The war began after Hamas’ October 7, 2023, assault on Israel that killed about 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages being taken to Gaza, according to Israeli figures. Israel says 48 hostages remain, including 20 confirmed alive.

Since then, Gaza health authorities report more than 66,000 people, mostly civilians, have been killed in Israel’s military campaign. The United Nations has accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, a charge Netanyahu’s government strongly denies, insisting it is acting in self-defense.

A senior Hamas official told Al Jazeera the group would not disarm before Israel ends its occupation, highlighting the continuing gap between the parties. Mediators Qatar and Egypt, alongside the United States, are now working to advance talks on Trump’s proposal.

Earlier Friday, Trump warned that “all HELL” would break out in Gaza if Hamas failed to accept his plan by Sunday at 6 p.m. ET.

Panukala para sa agri-industrial ecozone ng San Pablo City nasa PEZA na

Venus L Peñaflor
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Panukala para sa agri-industrial ecozone ng San Pablo City nasa PEZA na

PASAY CITY — Tinanggap na ni Director General Tereso O. Panga ng Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) ang panukala ng lungsod ng San Pablo para sa pagtatayo ng isang agri-industrial economic zone. Ang nasabing dokumento ay nakatakdang ilahad sa Board of Directors ng PEZA, at pagkatapos ay iaakyat kay Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. para sa pinal na pag-apruba.

Sa pagpupulong kasama si Mayor Najie B. Gapangada Jr., nabanggit ni Panga ang planong pag-akit ng mga foreign companies sa lungsod bilang bahagi ng proyekto. Kasama sa pulong sina Ambassador Romeo Manalo, Investment and Economic Development Consultant; City Administrator Rick Jason Tatlonghari; City Planning and Development Officer Richmond Concordia; Deputy Administrator Paolo Conducto; Executive-Legislative Liaison Consultant Dr. Fernando See; at City Information Officer Rolly Inciong.

Ayon sa PEZA, kabilang ang San Pablo City sa mga lokal na pamahalaang nagpahayag ng interes na magkaroon ng ecozone, kasama ang Naga City at Los Baños City. Inihayag ni Panga na: “We certainly welcome these new host LGUs to join the PEZA network of 427 operating ecozones (and counting) all over the country.”

Ang proyektong agro-industrial ecozone ay inaasahang makakatulong sa pagpapalago ng lokal na agrikultura sa pamamagitan ng modernong pasilidad, pagpoproseso ng produkto, at paglikha ng trabaho.

Sa ilalim ng batas na namamahala sa mga special economic zone, layon ng PEZA na hikayatin ang pamumuhunan, pagpalawak ng export, at pagbibigay ng insentibo para sa paglago ng industriya. Dahil dito, inaasahang magsisilbing katalista ang agri-industrial ecozone ng San Pablo sa pagyabong ng ekonomiya sa rehiyon ng CALABARZON.

Tulad ng sinabi ni Panga, ang pagsasabatas ng mga panuntunan sa ilalim ng CREATE Law ay magpapadali sa pagpasok ng mga mamumuhunan sa ecozones sa buong bansa.

Patuloy ang pakikipag-ugnayan ng PEZA sa mga lokal na pamahalaan upang mapalawak pa ang network ng ecozones sa Pilipinas. 

With reports from the San Pablo City Information Office and BusinessWorld

Amante secures approval for DOST’s ₱30.4 billion 2026 budget in house deliberations

Venus L Peñaflor
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Amante secures approval for DOST’s ₱30.4 billion 2026 budget in house deliberations

MANILA — Laguna 3rd District Representative Loreto “Amben” S. Amante successfully defended the proposed ₱30.4 billion budget for the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for the fiscal year 2026 during the recent budget deliberations in the House of Representatives.

The approved budget allocation is aimed at enhancing the country’s scientific research, technological advancements, and disaster preparedness initiatives. Amante emphasized the necessity of this funding to support critical programs under the DOST, including research and development (R&D), disaster risk reduction technologies, modernization of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), and support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through technological innovation. Additionally, the budget will continue to fund scholarships for students pursuing degrees in science and engineering fields.

The approval of the budget aligns with the government’s commitment to fostering innovation and resilience, ensuring that the DOST can effectively contribute to national development and address emerging challenges.

Representative Amante’s advocacy for science and technology underscores the importance of investing in these sectors to drive progress and secure a sustainable future for the Philippines.

For more details on the approved budget and its implications, please refer to the official records of the House of Representatives.

👉 https://www.congress.gov.ph

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