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Israel-Iran air war sscalates as Trump demands ‘unconditional surrender’

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Israel-Iran air war sscalates as Trump demands ‘unconditional surrender’

JERUSALEM/WASHINGTON/DUBAI. The aerial conflict between Israel and Iran entered its sixth day on Wednesday, with both countries launching new missile attacks against each other despite a dramatic call from former U.S. President Donald Trump for Iran’s “unconditional surrender.”

The Israeli military reported that two waves of Iranian missiles targeted Israel in the early hours of Wednesday, with explosions heard over Tel Aviv. In response, Israel advised residents near Tehran to evacuate to make way for planned airstrikes on Iranian military sites. Iranian media confirmed that explosions were heard in Tehran and Karaj, a city west of the capital.

On Tuesday, Trump took to social media to express growing frustration, warning that U.S. patience was “wearing thin.” He added, “We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding,” referring to Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. “We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now.” Minutes later, Trump followed with a single post: “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!”

A White House official confirmed that Trump spoke by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday. While Trump’s messaging ranged from threats to diplomacy, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, speaking at the G7 summit in Canada, stated that there were no signs of direct U.S. involvement in the conflict.

U.S. military actions so far have been defensive, including intercepting missiles aimed at Israel. However, the United States is sending more fighter jets to the region and extending the deployment of some aircraft, according to U.S. officials.

The conflict has already claimed 224 lives in Iran, mostly civilians, and 24 in Israel. Thousands have fled or been evacuated from affected areas. Iran’s leadership has suffered a critical blow, with several top military and security advisers reportedly killed by Israeli strikes. This has forced Iran’s cybersecurity command to ban officials from using mobile devices, amid fears of further breaches.

Iranian media also reported a large-scale Israeli cyberattack targeting the country’s digital infrastructure. The conflict escalated after Israel claimed Iran was nearing the development of a nuclear weapon, a charge Tehran denies, maintaining its right to peaceful nuclear technology under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Israel, widely believed to possess nuclear weapons but not a signatory to the NPT, began what it described as its largest air campaign ever against Iran last Friday. The campaign intensified after the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) declared Iran in breach of its non-proliferation obligations for the first time in nearly two decades.

On Tuesday, the IAEA confirmed that Israeli strikes hit underground uranium enrichment halls at Iran’s Natanz facility. Israel now claims to have control over Iranian airspace and says it will further escalate operations. However, analysts note that a full-scale destruction of Iran’s most fortified nuclear sites, such as the Fordow facility, would likely require direct U.S. military involvement.

The broader regional fallout continues, with Iran’s influence waning since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel sparked the ongoing Gaza war. Israel has since targeted Iran’s regional allies, including Hezbollah, the Houthis, and militias in Iraq. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, another key ally of Tehran, has reportedly been ousted.

Meanwhile, global oil markets remain volatile, particularly following strikes near South Pars, the world’s largest gas field shared by Iran and Qatar.

DFA, kumikilos para sa posibleng repatriation ng mga Pinoy sa Iran

Venus L Peñaflor
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DFA, kumikilos para sa posibleng repatriation ng mga Pinoy sa Iran

MAYNILA. Nakikipag-ugnayan na ang Philippine Embassy sa Tehran sa mga bansa ng Azerbaijan, Türkiye, at Turkmenistan bilang paghahanda sa posibleng land evacuation ng mga Pilipino sakaling lalo pang lumala ang tensyon sa Iran bunsod ng patuloy na airstrike ng Israel.

Ayon kay Philippine Ambassador to Iran Roberto Manalo, handang isagawa ng embahada ang repatriation kung ito’y iutos ng Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

“Nakausap ko na ang mga ambassadors ng mga bansang iyan dito sa Iran at makikipag-negosasyon kami sa kanila,” ani Manalo sa isang panayam. “Kung sakaling kinakailangan ng evacuation over land, gagawin namin ito kapag inatas ng DFA. Definitely, naka-ready ang embahada para sa repatriation.”

Sa ngayon, wala pang naiulat na nasaktan sa hanay ng mga Pilipino sa Iran. Mula sa humigit-kumulang 700 rehistradong Pilipino sa embahada — karamihan ay may asawang Iranian — wala pa ring humihiling na makauwi.

Pinapayuhan pa rin ang mga kababayan na manatili sa kanilang mga tahanan habang nananatiling tensyonado ang sitwasyon.

“So far, safe pa naman kami dito. Of course, we are taking great precaution,” ani Manalo. “Careful kami sa aming movements dito sa Tehran, sa Iran. Maya’t maya ay may dumarating na mga attacks ng Israel. Sa ngayon, panay ang aming advice sa mga kababayan to stay put sa kanilang tinitirahan.”

Samantala, isang Pilipino sa Israel ang nasa kritikal na kondisyon matapos ang retaliatory strike ng Iran. Ayon kay Ambassador Aileen Mendiola, walo ang nasugatan, anim sa kanila ay nakalabas na ng ospital, habang 13 ang humiling ng repatriation. Kasalukuyang sarado ang airspace sa Iran at Israel.

G7 leaders convene in Canada amid Israel-Iran tensions and escalating trade disputes

Venus L Peñaflor
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G7 leaders convene in Canada amid Israel-Iran tensions and escalating trade disputes

KANANASKIS, Alberta. World leaders from the Group of Seven (G7) convened Sunday in the Canadian Rockies for a high-stakes summit overshadowed by the escalating Israel-Iran conflict and renewed concerns over U.S. trade policy.

The leaders arrived as tensions flared in the Middle East following Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran’s swift retaliation, a development that reportedly surprised several attendees. A U.S. official told The Associated Press that President Donald Trump recently vetoed an Israeli plan to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, highlighting how far the crisis had escalated.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he spoke with both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of the summit in an attempt to defuse tensions. “Intense discussions” are expected to continue during the summit, he added.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, this year’s host, has chosen not to issue a joint communique, a departure from tradition that reflects the divisive issues at hand. With many leaders focused on deterring Trump from imposing new tariffs, the summit risks becoming a series of one-on-one meetings rather than a united front.

Trump, who arrived wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat, was met by four Mounties. His unpredictable behavior looms over the summit, as do his recent comments suggesting Canada could become the 51st U.S. state and his renewed interest in acquiring Greenland. French President Emmanuel Macron visited Greenland on Sunday and responded sharply, declaring the territory is “not to be sold” or taken, a message welcomed by local leaders and the European Union alike.

Trump is scheduled to meet with Carney on Monday morning before official summit talks begin.

Among the guests are leaders from India, Ukraine, Brazil, South Africa, South Korea, Australia, Mexico, and the UAE. While the conflict in Ukraine remains a key topic, trade policy — particularly tariffs, is expected to dominate many bilateral talks. Trump, before departing the White House, claimed new trade deals were imminent, saying, “All we have to do is send a letter: ‘This is what you’re going to have to pay.’”

British officials, meanwhile, downplayed concerns over whether a recently announced trade agreement with the U.S. — covering automobiles, steel, and aluminum — might be reversed by the Trump administration.

Back home, Starmer faces criticism for failing to publicly reject Trump’s remarks about making Canada a U.S. state. “Canada is an independent, sovereign country and a much-valued member of the Commonwealth,” Starmer said when asked about the issue by the Associated Press.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine is expected to attend and meet with Trump in what will be their first face-to-face encounter since a tense Oval Office meeting earlier this year.

Former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien advised current leaders to stay calm amid potential disruptions. “He tends to be a bully,” Chrétien said, referring to Trump. “Let him do it and keep talking normally.”

German officials have dismissed suggestions that the summit is turning into a “six against one” scenario, emphasizing internal differences among G7 members on several issues. Still, the unpredictable nature of the American president remains a wildcard, with even summit veterans unsure of what to expect.

Louvre Museum closes doors as staff protest mass tourism and poor conditions

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Louvre Museum closes doors as staff protest mass tourism and poor conditions

PARIS, France. The Louvre Museum, the world’s most-visited cultural institution, was forced to close on Monday after its staff staged a spontaneous strike, protesting what they called unbearable working conditions caused by chronic understaffing and overwhelming tourist crowds.

The walkout paralyzed one of the globe’s most iconic attractions, home to the Mona Lisa and thousands of other masterpieces. Tourists, many holding timed-entry tickets, were left confused and stranded beneath the museum’s famed glass pyramid.

“It’s the Mona Lisa moan out here,” said Kevin Ward, 62, a visitor from Milwaukee. “Thousands of people waiting, no communication, no explanation.”

The Louvre’s closure marks the latest flashpoint in a broader backlash against overtourism across Europe. Just a day prior, anti-tourism protests erupted in cities like Mallorca, Venice, and Lisbon. In Barcelona, demonstrators even used water pistols to “cool down” tourists.

At the Louvre, the strike began during an internal meeting when gallery attendants, ticket agents, and security staff refused to return to their posts. Union leaders described working conditions as “untenable,” citing overcrowding, insufficient rest areas, outdated infrastructure, and a lack of basic facilities like restrooms.

“This isn’t just about protecting the art. It’s about protecting the people who protect the art,” said Sarah Sefian, a front-of-house gallery attendant. “We can’t wait six years for help.”

President Emmanuel Macron previously announced a sweeping 10-year plan, dubbed the “Louvre New Renaissance,” to address long-term issues such as climate control, crumbling infrastructure, and crowding. The plan includes creating a dedicated room for the Mona Lisa with timed entry and building a new entrance near the Seine River by 2031.

But museum staff say those promises are far from sufficient, especially as France’s annual state subsidy for the Louvre has dropped over 20% in the past decade, despite growing visitor numbers.

Last year, the museum welcomed 8.7 million visitors, more than twice what it was originally designed to handle. Even with a new cap of 30,000 visitors per day, staff say the situation remains unmanageable, worsened by extreme temperatures and insufficient amenities.

A leaked internal memo from Louvre President Laurence des Cars warned that parts of the building are “no longer watertight,” while temperature swings threaten the safety of priceless artworks. She described the visitor experience as “a physical ordeal.”

While some staff members considered briefly reopening a “masterpiece route” allowing access to major highlights like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, the full reopening of the museum is not expected until Wednesday. Tuesday is a scheduled closure day.

The long-term renovation is expected to be financed through ticket sales, private donations, state funding, and revenue from the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Ticket prices for non-EU tourists are expected to increase later this year.

Despite government promises, Louvre workers say the need for immediate action is urgent. As Macron continues to showcase the Louvre on the global stage, including during the 2024 Paris Olympics, staff insist that without concrete support, France’s greatest museum and the millions who visit it will continue to suffer.

Bato binatikos sa pag-share ng AI video

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Bato binatikos sa pag-share ng AI video

MAYNILA. Umani ng matinding batikos si Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa mula sa mga netizen matapos niyang i-share sa kanyang Facebook page ang isang AI-generated video na kumokontra sa impeachment trial ni Vice President Sara Duterte.

Ang nasabing video, na unang lumabas sa page na AY GRABE!, ay nagpapakita ng dalawang lalaking estudyanteng tila ini-interview habang tinutuligsa ang impeachment proceedings laban kay VP Duterte. May caption ito na may hashtag na #AI.

Ibinahagi umano ni Dela Rosa ang video sa kanyang personal na FB page at nilagyan ito ng caption na: “Mabuti pa ang mga bata nakakaintindi sa mga pangyayari. Makinig kayo mga yellow at mga komunista!”

Kahit pa pinansin ng mga netizen na malinaw na produkto ito ng artificial intelligence, nanatili pa rin ang video sa kanyang account. Hindi rin ito binura ng senador.

Kalaunan ay nilagyan ng Facebook ang video ng label na “False information. Reviewed by third-party fact checker,” at pansamantalang tinakpan ito para babalaan ang mga manonood hinggil sa maling impormasyon.

Trump calls for Tehran evacuation as Iran-Israel conflict rages on

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Trump calls for Tehran evacuation as Iran-Israel conflict rages on

TEL AVIV. As hostilities between Israel and Iran continued for a fifth consecutive day on Tuesday, former U.S. President Donald Trump urged civilians in Tehran to evacuate, citing Iran’s refusal to accept a nuclear deal proposed by Washington.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “Iran should have signed the ‘deal’ I told them to sign. What a shame, and waste of human life. Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!”

The White House announced that Trump would be leaving the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Canada a day early to address the crisis. Fox News also reported that he would convene a meeting with his National Security Council.

French President Emmanuel Macron described Trump’s early departure from the summit as a “positive move,” aimed at pushing both Iran and Israel to accept a ceasefire proposed by the U.S. “There is an offer that has been made, especially to have a ceasefire and to initiate broader discussions. And I think this is a very good thing,” Macron said.

Reports from Iranian media described explosions and heavy anti-aircraft fire over Tehran early Tuesday, while air defenses were also activated in Natanz, a key nuclear facility 320 kilometers away.

Despite the growing violence, a White House aide denied any U.S. military involvement in attacks on Iran. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that Trump remained committed to reaching a nuclear deal, while asserting that the U.S. would protect its assets in the region.

In Israel, air raid sirens blared across Tel Aviv just after midnight, followed by the sound of explosions as Iranian missiles hit the area. Iran reported 224 deaths, mostly civilians, in five days of conflict, while Israel reported 24 civilian fatalities and nearly 3,000 people evacuated due to the missile damage, according to Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

Reuters sources revealed that Iran had sought assistance from Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia in urging Trump to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu into agreeing to an immediate ceasefire. In exchange, Iran was reportedly willing to show flexibility in nuclear negotiations.

“If President Trump is genuine about diplomacy and interested in stopping this war, next steps are consequential,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on X. “Israel must halt its aggression, and absent a total cessation of military aggression against us, our responses will continue.”

Netanyahu, for his part, reaffirmed Israel’s goal of eliminating threats from Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, stating, “If this can be achieved in another way—fine. But we gave it a 60-day chance.”

Trump had earlier told Reuters that Iran’s window to halt uranium enrichment had expired without an agreement. Iran, however, insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.

Oil prices rose by over 2% in Asian trading on Tuesday following Trump’s evacuation warning, bouncing back from earlier losses as news emerged that Iran was open to ending hostilities.

With Israeli airspace shut due to the conflict, the Chinese embassy in Israel advised its citizens to leave the country via land routes as soon as possible.

The conflict, now considered the most intense military confrontation between Iran and Israel to date, escalated on Monday as Israel targeted Iran’s state broadcaster and uranium enrichment sites. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) head Rafael Grossi told the BBC that the Natanz plant sustained extensive damage, likely destroying 15,000 centrifuges, although the Fordow facility remained mostly intact.

Peace talks between the U.S. and Iran, previously scheduled to take place in Oman on June 15, were canceled after Iran stated it could not negotiate while under active attack.

Israel launched the conflict with a surprise strike that reportedly killed top Iranian military commanders and leading nuclear scientists. Israeli officials claim they now control Iranian airspace and are planning to intensify their campaign.

Despite the escalation, Trump expressed optimism about a possible deal. “As I’ve been saying, I think a deal will be signed, or something will happen, but a deal will be signed, and I think Iran is foolish not to sign,” he said during the G7 summit in Canada.

A U.S. official confirmed that Trump would not sign the draft G7 statement, which calls for de-escalation of the conflict, reiterates that Iran must never possess nuclear weapons, and affirms Israel’s right to self-defense.

6 Pinoy sugatan sa Iran-Israel missile strike, 1 kritikal

Venus L Peñaflor
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6 Pinoy sugatan sa Iran-Israel missile strike, 1 kritikal

MAYNILA. Umabot na sa anim ang bilang ng mga Pilipinong nasugatan sa isinagawang missile strike ng Iran laban sa Israel, ayon sa ulat ng Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

Ayon sa OWWA, apat sa mga sugatang Pinoy ang nakalabas na sa ospital habang ang isa naman ay patuloy na nagpapagaling. Isa sa mga biktima, isang Filipino caregiver, ang nasa kritikal na kondisyon matapos mabagsakan ng debris mula sa gusaling tinamaan ng air strike.

Wala pang ipinatutupad na mandatory evacuation sa ngayon, ngunit tiniyak ng Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) na handa silang tumulong sa mga Pilipinong nais nang umuwi sa Pilipinas.

Leonard Lauder, Estee Lauder chairman emeritus and beauty industry icon, dies at 92

Venus L Peñaflor
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Leonard Lauder, Estee Lauder chairman emeritus and beauty industry icon, dies at 92

Leonard Lauder, the visionary businessman who helped turn Estee Lauder Companies into one of the world’s most powerful beauty empires, has died at the age of 92, the company announced on Sunday, June 15.

The eldest son of founders Estée and Joseph Lauder, Leonard joined the family business in 1958. Over the next six decades, he would transform the company from a single-brand operation with just a handful of products into a global cosmetics powerhouse with a portfolio of prestigious names.

Known for his strategic brilliance and marketing savvy, Lauder was behind the successful launches of now-iconic brands such as Clinique, Aramis, and Lab Series, helping Estee Lauder reach new generations of consumers around the world.

“Leonard was a visionary leader and a guiding light in our company,” Estee Lauder Companies said in a statement. “His love for beauty, art, and innovation helped shape the modern cosmetics industry.”

Beyond the boardroom, Lauder was a philanthropist and passionate art collector. He made major contributions to institutions like the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where his extensive collection of Cubist art is displayed.

He is remembered not only for his remarkable business acumen but also for his generosity, charm, and enduring commitment to his family’s legacy.

Leonard Lauder is survived by his two sons, William and Gary, and several grandchildren.

New school year opens as DepEd prepares for 27 million students

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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New school year opens as DepEd prepares for 27 million students

MANILA. Schools across the Philippines reopened on Monday, June 16, officially marking the beginning of School Year 2025, as the Department of Education (DepEd) braces for an estimated 27 million enrollees from preschool to senior high school.

“All systems go po ang lahat sa pagbubukas ng ating klase,” DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said in a Viber message, expressing confidence in the department’s preparations.

As millions of students return to classrooms, the education sector continues to face longstanding issues such as learning gaps, infrastructure shortages, and overcrowded school facilities.

Among the most critical concerns is the severe classroom shortage, with the nationwide backlog estimated at 165,000. Education officials previously admitted that, at the current pace of construction, it could take up to 55 years to fully resolve the deficit.

To address congestion, DepEd is considering limited hybrid learning options, especially for senior high school students in highly populated areas. The department is also working to modernize classrooms by providing smart TVs, laptops, and updated textbooks, supporting the government’s digital education initiative.

In line with the school reopening, DepEd also clarified its policy on cellphone use in classrooms. While phone usage during class hours is generally discouraged, exceptions are allowed when devices are used under teacher supervision for educational purposes.

Despite the challenges, DepEd officials affirmed the agency’s commitment to improving learning outcomes and ensuring safe, inclusive, and quality education for all Filipino learners.

4 Pilipino, sugatan sa missile strike ng Iran sa Israel — DFA

Venus L Peñaflor
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4 Pilipino, sugatan sa missile strike ng Iran sa Israel — DFA

MAYNILA. Apat na Pilipino ang naiulat na nasugatan at isinugod sa ospital matapos ang isinagawang missile strike ng Iran sa Israel, ayon sa Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) nitong Linggo, Hunyo 16.

Ayon kay DFA Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega, ang mga nasugatang Pilipino ay mula sa lungsod ng Rehovot, na nasa humigit-kumulang 20 kilometro sa timog ng Tel Aviv.

“We were not sure if they were in the park or if lumabas sila ng bahay sa takot,” ani De Vega sa panayam ng ABS-CBN News.

Maliban sa apat na nasugatan, may 12 pang Pilipino ang nasa isang parke sa oras ng pag-atake.

Samantala, isang Pinay naman ang nawalan ng tirahan matapos tamaan ng missile ang Ramat Gan, sa kanlurang bahagi ng Tel Aviv. Ayon sa Philippine Embassy sa Israel, pansamantala siyang nanunuluyan ngayon sa isang hotel.

“Nakaligtas siya sa kapahamakan dahil siya ay nasa loob ng isang bomb shelter o mamad nang bumagsak ang naturang missile,” saad ng embahada sa isang social media post.

“Dahil nagdulot ng malaking pinsala ang missile sa bahay ng ating kababayan, inilikas siya at pansamantalang mamalagi sa isang hotel sa Tel Aviv. Magpapaabot pa ng karagdagang tulong at psychosocial support ang Embahada sa kaniya sa mga susunod na araw,” dagdag pa ng embahada.

Kasalukuyan ding nire-review ng Philippine Embassy sa Israel kung kailangan nang ipatupad ang voluntary o sapilitang repatriation para sa mga Pilipino sa mga susunod na araw.

Tinatayang nasa 30,000 ang mga Pilipino sa Israel, ayon sa DFA.

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