Thursday, June 18, 2026


Your Daily News Update About CALABARZON and Beyond.
ISSN 2799-1911

Home Blog Page 12

Iran, U.S. exchange strikes as Trump rejects reported Hormuz proposal

EDGARDO HERNAL
-
0
Iran, U.S. exchange strikes as Trump rejects reported Hormuz proposal

DUBAI/WASHINGTON — Iran and the United States exchanged military strikes on Thursday, heightening tensions in the Gulf region after U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed reports of a proposed agreement involving the Strait of Hormuz.

The latest attacks underscored the fragile state of negotiations aimed at transforming an early-April ceasefire into a lasting peace agreement to end the three-month conflict that has claimed thousands of lives and disrupted one of the world’s most critical shipping corridors.

According to U.S. Central Command, American forces intercepted five Iranian attack drones and struck a drone ground control station in Bandar Abbas that was allegedly preparing to launch another aircraft near the Strait of Hormuz. Kuwaiti authorities later intercepted a ballistic missile reportedly fired toward the country, which hosts a major U.S. military base.

A U.S. official, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of military operations, described the American response as “measured” and “purely defensive,” saying the actions were intended to preserve the ceasefire.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it had targeted the U.S. base linked to an earlier American strike near Bandar Abbas airport. Iranian officials warned that further attacks would trigger what they called a more decisive response.

Kuwait condemned the missile attack and called on Iran to stop what it described as a serious escalation.

The violence marked the second flare-up this week and unfolded during Eid al-Adha celebrations across the region. Several countries have been drawn into the conflict since U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran began on February 28.

Pakistan, which has served as a mediator, announced that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar would meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on Friday, though officials have not clarified the scope or significance of the talks.

The conflict also intensified in Lebanon. Israel said it launched strikes targeting infrastructure linked to Hezbollah in the southern city of Tyre and carried out an operation in Beirut. The Lebanese army reported that one of its soldiers was killed in a strike, while Israel said air raid sirens sounded in northern areas amid ongoing hostilities.

Global markets reacted sharply to the renewed violence. U.S. crude oil futures climbed more than 2% after a steep decline the previous day, while stock markets weakened and the U.S. dollar strengthened as investor confidence in a peace agreement diminished.

Trump, who has repeatedly expressed optimism about ending the conflict, said during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday that negotiations had not yet reached a satisfactory stage. He emphasized that Washington was not considering sanctions relief, a key demand from Tehran.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced additional measures targeting Iran, including restrictions on Iranian airlines’ access to landing rights, refueling services and ticket sales. Washington also sanctioned Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority, which oversees navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Tensions rose further after Iranian state television reported on an unofficial proposal that would restore shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz to prewar levels and place traffic management under joint Iranian and Omani oversight.

Trump dismissed the report and rejected the notion that any single nation could control the strategic waterway. In remarks that appeared directed at Oman, he said the strait remained international waters and warned against any exclusive arrangement.

Oman has not confirmed discussions involving joint control of the strait but has stated that it continues to engage Iran on issues concerning freedom of navigation. Tehran voiced support for Oman following what it described as threats from U.S. officials.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they had stopped two vessels and permitted 26 others to pass through the strait over the past 24 hours. Before the conflict, more than 100 ships typically transited the waterway daily under international legal protections.

Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei reportedly told parliament that the country had emerged stronger from the war and urged lawmakers to focus on national unity, reconstruction and economic concerns such as inflation and corruption. Iranian media also said Tehran continued to seek the release of frozen Iranian assets held abroad.

Iranian state television claimed that a draft understanding under discussion involved the withdrawal of U.S. forces from areas near Iranian ports and broader talks concerning the American military presence in the region. The White House rejected the report, calling it a “complete fabrication,” while Tehran offered no official comment.

Iranian sources said future negotiations may include discussions over Tehran’s nuclear program within a proposed 60-day framework. That possibility may face resistance from some of Trump’s allies, who have called for the complete dismantling of Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Tehran maintains that its nuclear activities are intended solely for peaceful purposes.

“The bottom line is Iran’s never going to have a nuclear weapon,” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.

Laguna, 56 iba pang lugar, nasa ‘danger’ heat index level ayon sa PAGASA

Venus L Peñaflor
-
0
Laguna, 56 iba pang lugar, nasa ‘danger’ heat index level ayon sa PAGASA

Batay sa five-day heat index forecast ng PAGASA, maaaring umabot sa 42°C hanggang 51°C ang nararamdamang init sa mga apektadong lugar, kung saan pinakamataas ang 47°C sa Sangley Point sa Cavite City, Cavite.

Kabilang sa “danger” level ang Tuguegarao City sa Cagayan at San Ildefonso sa Bulacan na may 46°C; Laoag sa Ilocos Norte, Dagupan City sa Pangasinan, Aparri sa Cagayan, Casiguran sa Aurora, TAU Camiling sa Tarlac, Ambulong sa Tanauan, Batangas, at Borongan sa Eastern Samar na may 45°C.

Nasa 44°C naman ang inaasahan sa NAIA sa Pasay City; Sinait sa Ilocos Sur; DMMMSU Bacnotan sa La Union; Calayan sa Cagayan; ISU Echague sa Isabela; CLSU Muñoz; Hacienda Luisita sa Tarlac; Tayabas at Alabat sa Quezon; Coron at Cuyo sa Palawan; Masbate City; at CBSUA Pili sa Camarines Sur.

Samantala, 43°C ang forecast sa MMSU Batac sa Ilocos Norte; Baler Radar sa Aurora; Iba at Clark Airport sa Zambales; Cubic Point sa Subic Bay, Olongapo City; Mulanay sa Quezon; NAS UPLB sa Los Baños; San Jose sa Occidental Mindoro; Romblon; Daet sa Camarines Norte; Legazpi City at Daraga sa Albay; Virac sa Catanduanes; Roxas City sa Capiz; Dumangas sa Iloilo; Tacloban City at VSU Baybay sa Leyte; Guiuan sa Eastern Samar; Surigao City sa Surigao del Norte; at Hinatuan sa Surigao del Sur.

Nasa 42°C naman ang inaasahan sa Science Garden sa Quezon City; Infanta sa Quezon; Calapan sa Oriental Mindoro; Juban sa Sorsogon; Iloilo City; Mactan International Airport sa Cebu; Catarman sa Northern Samar; Maasin sa Southern Leyte; Dipolog sa Zamboanga del Norte; at Butuan City sa Agusan del Norte.

Sa Laguna, inaasahang aabot sa 43°C hanggang 44°C ang heat index na nasa ilalim ng “danger” level, batay sa malapit na monitoring station sa NAS UPLB sa Los Baños. Kabilang dito ang San Pablo City, Calamba City, Santa Rosa City, Cabuyao, at Biñan na inaasahang makararanas ng matinding init sa buong maghapon.

Ayon pa sa PAGASA, may 25 lugar din ang nasa ilalim ng “extreme caution” na may heat index na 33°C hanggang 41°C.

Kabilang dito ang 41°C sa Basco Radar sa Batanes; NVSU Bayombong sa Nueva Ecija; BU Guinobatan sa Albay; Mambusao sa Capiz; Dumaguete City; Siquijor; Panglao International Airport sa Bohol; at Catbalogan sa Western Samar.

Nasa 40°C ang inaasahan sa CVSU Indang sa Cavite; Puerto Princesa City at Aborlan sa Palawan; Zamboanga City; at Davao City.

Samantala, 39°C ang forecast sa Itbayat sa Batanes; Abucay sa Bataan; La Granja sa La Carlota, Negros Occidental; Laguindingan Airport sa Misamis Oriental; at Cotabato City.

Nasa 38°C ang Tanay, Rizal at CMU Agromet sa Musuan, Bukidnon, habang 36°C sa General Santos City at 34°C sa Malaybalay, Bukidnon.

Ang Baguio City sa Benguet ay kabilang sa tatlong lugar na nasa “not hazardous” level na may 26°C, kasama ang BSU La Trinidad na 25°C at Benguet Radar sa Tuba na 21°C.

Ang heat index ay tumutukoy sa init na nararamdaman ng katawan ng tao kapag pinagsama ang relative humidity at aktwal na temperatura ng hangin. Kapag mataas ang humidity, bumabagal ang pagpapatuyo ng pawis kaya mas nahihirapang lumamig ang katawan.

Nagpaalala ang PAGASA sa publiko na limitahan ang paglabas ng bahay, gumamit ng payong o sumbrero, at uminom ng maraming tubig. Pinayuhan din ang pag-iwas sa tsaa, kape, at softdrinks upang maiwasan ang dehydration at heat-related illnesses.


Should Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial continue? 

DC Alviar
-
0
Should Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial continue? 

With the looming VP impeachment trial, citizens, netizens, young, and old are increasingly calling for it to continue to maintain the integrity of the democratic process in the Philippines. In recent months, many political events have raised public doubts about the fairness and independence of some government officials. Because of this, the impeachment trial is becoming more important as a way to show that the law applies to everyone, no matter how high a person’s position in government. 

Impeachment is not a simple attack on a personality or a political party. It is a process stipulated in the 1987 Constitution to ensure that high-ranking officials of the country are held accountable for their actions. When there are serious allegations against an official, it is the duty of the Lower and Upper Chamber of Congress to hear them fairly and in accordance with the law. 

In the case of Sara Duterte, it is important to have a clear and transparent process to answer the questions and doubts of the public. 

The situation has become increasingly controversial due to reports and public observations about the apparent manipulation of some powerful political figures. We have been shocked Alan Peter Cayetano was installed as Senate President in the midst of the impeachment trial. For some, this shows the possibility that political influence is being used to control the direction of the trial. The apparent protection of allied personalities such as Bato dela Rosa has also become a center of discussion. In the view of several quarters, it is becoming clear that some senator-judges are partial instead of remaining neutral and loyal to their sworn duties. Such incidents reduce the public’s trust in government institutions, especially the Senate, which is expected to be a fair court in the impeachment trial. 

The issue has become even more controversial when plans emerged to change Senate rules, including the possibility of online voting by senators without sufficient debate and consultation. That would favor the likes of Bato. 

In a sensitive process like this, it is important to be open, careful, and democratic at every step so as not to lose the credibility of the Senate. Given these developments, people believe that the impeachment trial should be continued even further. If it is stopped or stalled amid controversies, the public may think that there are powerful people who can influence the law and the process of government. 

The impeachment trial is an opportunity to show that checks and balances still work in the country and that no one is above the law. 

Remember that an impeachment trial does not automatically mean that the accused is guilty. Rather, it is an opportunity to hear both sides and assess the evidence fairly. If the allegations are not sufficiently substantiated, they can be proven through due process. But if they are not even heard, public doubts and distrust will remain. Ultimately, what really matters is maintaining the integrity of democracy and the institutions of government. The Senate must remain independent and not succumb to the influence of politics or personal alliances. 

Senators are expected to act not as allies of anyone but as defenders of the truth and the Constitution. 

In sum, the impeachment trial of VP Duterte must proceed to maintain accountability, transparency, and the people’s trust in government. At a time when Filipinos doubt the fairness of some institutions, it is more important than ever that the law prevails over political influence. 

The Supreme Court did not allow the trial last year due to technicalities, but it’s all systems go this mid-2026. 

Need we state the obvious? Nandiyan na iyan, tuloy na iyan. We even saw Senator-Judge Robinhood wear the hood.

Ferrari’s first electric vehicle faces skepticism despite high-profile unveiling

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
-
0
Ferrari’s first electric vehicle faces skepticism despite high-profile unveiling

Ferrari has unveiled its first fully electric vehicle. Still, early reactions from markets and automotive analysts suggest the iconic luxury brand may face a difficult road ahead as it enters the competitive EV segment.

The Italian automaker presented the new model, named Luce, to Italy’s president and Pope Leo XIV this week, including a showcase at the pontiff’s summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, south of Rome. The event featured Ferrari chairman John Elkann, who highlighted the vehicle as a milestone in the company’s transition toward electrification.

During the presentation, Pope Leo XIV briefly interacted with the vehicle, asking whether it was Ferrari’s first four-door model. Elkann clarified that it is the brand’s first five-seater EV. The pope also sat in the driver’s seat as a Ferrari test driver explained the vehicle’s controls.

The Luce, meaning “light” in Italian, is equipped with four electric motors, one for each wheel, producing about 1,000 horsepower. Ferrari says it can accelerate from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in 2.5 seconds and has a driving range of more than 530 kilometers. Reports place its price in Italy at around 500,000 euros, with U.S. pricing yet to be disclosed.

Despite the technical specifications, the launch was met with skepticism from investors and industry observers. Ferrari shares fell sharply in Tuesday trading, while U.S.-listed shares also declined.

Online reactions and automotive commentary highlighted concerns that the design departs from Ferrari’s traditional styling identity, particularly as the shift to electric powertrains removes the structural elements associated with combustion engines.

Industry analysts also pointed to broader challenges facing luxury EVs, including high pricing and evolving consumer expectations. Some noted that Ferrari’s decision to scale back its electrification target from 40 percent to 20 percent of its lineup by 2030 signals caution amid uneven global demand.

Robby DeGraff, a product and consumer insights manager at AutoPacific, described the Luce as one of the most controversial models to carry the Ferrari name, while suggesting the company may be balancing brand identity with regulatory pressure in key markets.

Matt Prior, editor-at-large of UK-based Autocar, noted that EV design constraints can affect proportions and aesthetics, making it more difficult for traditionally performance-focused brands to maintain their visual identity in the transition to electric platforms.

The launch comes as the global EV market continues to expand but remains volatile. According to the International Energy Agency, electric vehicles accounted for roughly one in four new cars sold worldwide last year, with Europe posting strong growth in 2025. However, competition from lower-cost manufacturers, particularly from China, is intensifying pressure on established automakers.

While emissions regulations in regions such as the European Union continue to push electrification, several global manufacturers have slowed or revised their EV targets after significant financial investments.

Ferrari’s entry into the electric segment marks a major strategic shift for the luxury brand, but early market reaction suggests that consumer acceptance will ultimately determine whether the Luce becomes a defining success or a cautious experiment in the company’s evolution.

During the presentation, Pope Leo XIV briefly interacted with the vehicle, asking whether it was Ferrari’s first four-door model. Elkann clarified that it is the brand’s first five-seater EV.

Palasyo: Walang ‘force majeure’ para sa online voting sa Senado, umani ng batikos ang mayorya

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
-
0
Palasyo: Walang ‘force majeure’ para sa online voting sa Senado, umani ng batikos ang mayorya

MAYNILA, — Sinabi ng Malacañang nitong Miyerkules na walang umiiral na “force majeure” na sitwasyon na magbibigay-katwiran para payagan ang online voting o teleconferencing sa Senado, kasabay ng mainit na pagtatalo sa panukalang pagbabago ng rules at pag-walkout ng minority bloc sa isang sesyon kamakailan.

Ayon kay Palace Press Officer Atty. Claire Castro, walang kalamidad o pambihirang pangyayari sa kasalukuyan na maaaring magpahintulot ng paglihis sa umiiral na patakaran ng Senado hinggil sa pisikal na pagdalo at pagboto.

“Dati naman ay napayagan ang online voting, Zoom meeting, dahil mayroon tayong kalamidad na hinaharap noon. At sa pagkakataong ito, wala naman tayong masasabi na anumang force majeure o calamity na mag-justify ng online voting,” pahayag ni Castro sa sidelines ng state visit ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sa Japan.

Nilinaw ni Castro na hindi ito desisyon ng Pangulo o ng ehekutibong sangay, ngunit binigyang-diin na mahirap bigyang-katwiran ang paglahok sa sesyon kung wala ang mga mambabatas sa aktuwal na deliberasyon at diskusyon.

Dagdag pa niya, maaaring maging pagkakataon ang usapin upang makita ng publiko kung ang mga lider ng Senado ay nagtatrabaho para sa interes ng bayan o para sa mas makitid na layunin.

Samantala, nag-walkout ang minority bloc ng Senado noong Martes ng gabi matapos ang mainit na talakayan hinggil sa mosyon na magpapahintulot sa mga senador na dumalo sa plenary sessions at bumoto sa ilalim ng “justifiable circumstances,” kabilang ang teleconferencing.

Ikinabahala ng mga senador mula sa minorya ang umano’y pagmamadali sa panukala, kung saan sinabi ni Sen. Erwin Tulfo na tila isinusulong ito upang ma-accommodate si Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa na nahaharap sa mga kaso.

“Halatang-halata naman na para ma-accommodate nila si Senator Bato, kung sino man ‘yung hulihin na dalawa,” ani Tulfo sa plenaryo.

Ayon sa ulat, 11 miyembro ng minority bloc ang tuluyang lumabas ng sesyon matapos tumindi ang debate sa panukalang amyenda sa rules ng Senado.

Si Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, na isa rin sa mga nag-walkout, ay binigyang-diin ang kanyang dating paninindigan laban sa teleconferencing noong panahon ng panukala para kay dating senador Bong Revilla, at sinabing nananatili siyang konsistent sa kanyang posisyon.

Ipinunto rin niya na noong panahon ni yumaong Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago, hindi ito humiling ng exemption kahit may malubhang sakit, at sa halip ay nag-file ng medical leave bilang paggalang sa rules ng Senado.

Samantala, sinabi rin ni Sen. Win Gatchalian na hindi dumaan sa tamang proseso ang panukalang amyenda at nagbabala na maaaring magbukas ito ng posibilidad na makaboto ang mga senador kahit hindi pisikal na naroroon sa sesyon.

China executes man convicted of poisoning gaming tycoon tied to ‘3 Body Problem’

Venus L Peñaflor
-
0
China executes man convicted of poisoning gaming tycoon tied to ‘3 Body Problem’

TAIPEI, Taiwan — Chinese authorities have executed a former gaming executive convicted of poisoning billionaire entrepreneur Lin Qi, founder of Shanghai-based Yoozoo Games and a key figure linked to the adaptation rights of the science fiction series “The Three-Body Problem.”

Local media reported Tuesday that Xu Yao, a former executive of a Yoozoo Games subsidiary, was executed on May 21 following his conviction for the 2020 murder of Lin. Xu was found guilty in 2024 of poisoning the gaming tycoon amid a professional dispute.

Lin, founder of Yoozoo Games, played a significant role in securing film and television adaptation rights to “The Three-Body Problem,” the acclaimed science fiction trilogy by Chinese author Liu Cixin. The literary work later inspired multiple adaptations, including Netflix’s “3 Body Problem” series released in 2024.

According to court findings and local media reports, Xu allegedly orchestrated the poisoning after becoming dissatisfied over being sidelined within the company shortly after helping secure the Netflix adaptation deal.

Reports from Shanghai-based business publication Yicai Global and other local outlets said Xu purchased highly toxic substances online, spending hundreds of thousands of yuan to obtain poisons including alpha-amanitin, a lethal toxin found in certain poisonous mushrooms.

Authorities said Xu disguised the toxic substances as probiotic supplements and also concealed them in coffee capsules, water containers and whiskey bottles that were shared with Lin and several employees.

Lin was hospitalized in December 2020 and died days later at the age of 39. Several other employees reportedly fell ill but recovered.

Yoozoo Games confirmed the execution in a statement posted Tuesday on the Weibo social media platform.

“Recently, the case concerning Mr. Lin Qi, the founder of Three-Body Universe, has finally reached its conclusion, and justice has ultimately been served,” the company said.

The company added that it was “deeply grateful for the upholding of justice.”

Yoozoo Games did not immediately provide additional comment, while the Shanghai High People’s Court had yet to respond to media inquiries.

“The Three-Body Problem” trilogy has gained widespread international recognition, having been translated into more than 40 languages and adapted into television, gaming and streaming productions. Its author, Liu Cixin, became the first Chinese writer to receive the prestigious Hugo Award, one of science fiction’s highest honors.

In China, the success of the trilogy helped fuel the expansion of a broader science fiction industry encompassing films, video games, literature, magazines, and themed exhibitions.

Iran state TV reports draft U.S. Hormuz deal, White House denies

EDGARDO HERNAL
-
0
Iran state TV reports draft U.S. Hormuz deal, White House denies

DUBAI — Iran’s state television reported Tuesday that it had obtained a draft framework for an initial, unofficial memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington outlining possible steps to de-escalate their conflict, including restoring commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and reducing U.S. military presence near Iran.

According to the report, the preliminary framework would allow Iran to return commercial shipping in the strategic waterway to pre-war levels within one month. In exchange, the United States would lift a naval blockade and scale back military forces operating near Iran.

Iranian state TV said the proposed framework remains preliminary and has not been finalized, emphasizing that Tehran would take no action without what it described as “tangible verification.” The draft reportedly excludes military vessels and envisions Iran managing shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with Oman.

The report further said that if a final agreement is reached within 60 days, it could be submitted for approval as a binding United Nations Security Council resolution. The emerging memorandum follows indirect negotiations launched after the conflict that began in February, with Pakistan serving as a key mediator between Tehran and Washington.

The war intensified following heightened tensions between Iran and Israel earlier this year, with missile and drone exchanges disrupting Gulf shipping and drawing in U.S. military involvement, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.

However, Washington quickly rejected the Iranian state television report. The White House described the reported memorandum as “not true” and called the claimed framework a “complete fabrication,” underscoring that significant differences remain despite ongoing diplomatic contacts. U.S. President Donald Trump also said negotiations were continuing but acknowledged unresolved issues between the two sides.

Tanghalang Nasyunal ng National University, matagumpay na tinapos ang Tanghal Season 2

DC Alviar
-
0
Tanghalang Nasyunal ng National University, matagumpay na tinapos ang Tanghal Season 2

MAYNILA – Matagumpay na isinara ng Tanghalang Nasyunal ng National University ang Tanghal Season 2, na nagpakita ng husay, pagkamalikhain, at malawak na kolaborasyon ng mga estudyanteng artist sa larangan ng teatro.

Itinampok sa season na ito ang tatlong orihinal na dula na binuo at itinanghal ng mga Nationalian student performers: Mundong Malungkot, Isay an Makakapagparahay, at Patahian ng Malaya. Bawat produksyon ay tumalakay sa mabibigat at makabuluhang tema gaya ng pagdadalamhati, pananampalataya, pagkakakilanlan, at ugnayan ng pamilya, na nagbigay-diin sa masining na pagtalakay sa mga isyung personal at panlipunan.

Ayon sa organisasyon, mahigit 130 estudyante ang lumahok bilang mga artista at production staff, na katuwang sa iba’t ibang aspeto ng produksyon mula sa konsepto, pag-eensayo, hanggang sa aktuwal na pagtatanghal sa entablado. Ipinakita ng malawak na partisipasyon ang patuloy na pagyabong ng komunidad ng teatro sa loob ng unibersidad.

Bilang isang student-led theater initiative, patuloy na isinusulong ng Tanghalang Nasyunal ang makabuluhang pagkukuwento at ang pagpapalawak ng espasyo para sa orihinal na sining sa loob ng National University.

Sa pagtatapos ng Season 2, nananatili ang adhikain ng grupo na linangin ang teatro bilang plataporma ng malikhaing pagpapahayag at diskursong kultural sa hanay ng mga estudyante.

Minorya nag-walk out sa mainitang debate sa panukalang remote voting sa Senado

Venus L Peñaflor
-
0
Minorya nag-walk out sa mainitang debate sa panukalang remote voting sa Senado

MAYNILA — Nag-walk out ang mga senador ng minorya sa plenary session ng Senado nitong Martes sa gitna ng mainitang talakayan hinggil sa panukalang amyendahan ang rules upang payagan ang remote participation o teleconferencing sa mga sesyon.

Nauwi sa kawalan ng quorum ang sesyon matapos umalis ang minority bloc sa session hall, dahilan upang magmosyon si Senate Minority Leader Sen. Vicente “Tito” Sotto III para sa quorum call at pag-adjourn ng pagdinig.

Ayon kay Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, hindi tututol ang mayorya sa pag-adjourn ng sesyon ngunit ilalagay sa opisyal na talaan na ang mga miyembro ng minorya ay “scampered” mula sa plenaryo.

Nagsimula ang tensyon nang iharap ni acting Senate Majority Floor Leader Joel Villanueva ang panukala ni Sen. Rodante Marcoleta na amyendahan ang Senate rules upang pahintulutan ang mga senador na dumalo sa plenary sessions sa pamamagitan ng teleconferencing.

Sinang-ayunan ni Cayetano ang pagtalakay sa plenaryo ng naturang panukala, na tinutulan naman ng mga senador ng minorya.

Sa gitna ng pag-uusap, hinikayat ni Sen. Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri ang ilang miyembro ng minority bloc na lisanin ang plenary hall matapos igiit ng mayorya na ituloy na ang botohan.

“This is a travesty of our rules,” pahayag ni Zubiri habang umiigting ang pagtatalo sa loob ng Senado.

Four dead, including two children, after train and minibus collide at Belgian railway crossing

EDGARDO HERNAL
-
0
Four dead, including two children, after train and minibus collide at Belgian railway crossing

BUGGENHOUT, Belgium — Four people, including two children, died and five children were injured after a high-speed train collided with a minibus at a railway crossing in Buggenhout, Belgium, on Tuesday, authorities said.

The victims included the minibus driver, an escort, and two children aged 12 and 15. The injured children were taken to hospital, where they are being treated for serious injuries.

The incident occurred during the morning rush hour at a railway crossing located about 30 kilometers northwest of Brussels.

Authorities said initial findings indicate the minibus entered the crossing despite a lowered barrier and an active red signal. Security camera footage reportedly showed the vehicle in motion at the time of impact.

Lisa De Wilde, spokesperson for the East Flanders public prosecutor’s office, said the cause of the collision remains under investigation but confirmed that warning systems were active at the crossing.

Federal police said the minibus appeared to have crossed the barrier. Rail operator Infrabel stated that the crossing system was functioning as intended at the time of the incident.

The train was traveling at an estimated speed of 120 kph (75 mph) and was unable to stop before the collision, according to Infrabel spokesperson Frédéric Sacré.

An Associated Press reporter at the scene observed damage to the minibus, while the train sustained minimal visible impact. About 100 passengers were on board the train, and none were reported injured.

Rail services in the area were temporarily suspended as authorities conducted investigations. Local officials observed a moment of silence following a briefing on the incident.

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever expressed condolences, saying he was deeply saddened by the accident and extended sympathy to the families affected.

A nearby school continued normal activities, with children seen playing outdoors not far from the crash site.

1...111213...839Page 12 of 839




Tutubi Digital News will shape up the way you stay up to date with the goings-on around Calabarzon, and the world. Tutubi is committed to keep you socially active. Tutubi updates on the Go!


Contact us:

info@tutubi.ph

Popular Posts

Popular category

PH News3604World News3520Asia1574Curiosity1074War Reports and Updates676

Developed by Tutubi News Magazine |Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions of Use | Cookie Policy | All rights reserved