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China issues safety advisory for students in the Philippines over security concerns

BEIJING. China’s Ministry of Education has issued a safety advisory for Chinese students in the Philippines, citing a series of criminal incidents allegedly targeting them.

In a brief statement released Friday, the ministry did not provide details of specific cases but urged students to remain vigilant and prioritize their safety if they choose to study in the country. The advisory comes amid strained diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines over maritime disputes in the South China Sea.

According to the South China Morning Post, the number of Chinese students enrolled in Philippine institutions has dwindled to only a few hundred in recent years.

Responding to the advisory, Undersecretary Claire Castro of the Presidential Communications Office acknowledged China’s right to issue such warnings. However, she emphasized that the crime rate in the Philippines has been decreasing.

“Safety and security in the Philippines, we can say, have been improving as far as we are concerned,” Castro said during a daily news briefing on Friday.

She added that police have responded swiftly to public concerns and pointed out that crimes linked to Chinese-run online gambling operations have significantly declined. Many Chinese nationals involved in such activities have also been deported.

The advisory follows a pattern of heightened tensions between the two countries, most recently involving confrontations at sea, where China has used water cannons and other non-lethal methods to deter Philippine fishing vessels.

Trump sues Wall Street Journal for $10 billion over Epstein Report

NEW YORK/WASHINGTON. U.S. President Donald Trump has filed a $10 billion lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal, its parent company Dow Jones, News Corp, and two of its reporters, accusing them of defamation over a report linking him to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The lawsuit, filed in federal court in the Southern District of Florida, centers on a Wall Street Journal article that claims Trump sent Epstein a birthday greeting in 2003, which allegedly included a sexually suggestive drawing and a message referencing “secrets they shared.” Trump has denied the report, calling it false and malicious.

The defendants, including News Corp founder Rupert Murdoch, are accused of causing Trump “overwhelming financial and reputational harm” through what he describes as deliberate falsehoods.

“I look forward to getting Rupert Murdoch to testify in my lawsuit against him and his ‘pile of garbage’ newspaper, the WSJ. That will be an interesting experience,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform Friday morning.

Reuters has not independently verified the Journal’s report. Representatives of Dow Jones, News Corp, and Murdoch were not immediately available for comment.

The controversy surrounding Epstein, who died by suicide in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, continues to fuel conspiracy theories, particularly among Trump’s base. These theories suggest that Epstein had damaging information on many powerful individuals and that the government covered up his connections.

In July, the U.S. Department of Justice released a memo stating there was no incriminating client list or evidence of blackmail by Epstein. Despite this, pressure has mounted on Trump and his allies to release more Epstein-related documents.

On Thursday, Trump said he had instructed Attorney General Pam Bondi to ask the courts to release grand jury testimony related to Epstein. A day later, the U.S. government filed a motion in Manhattan federal court to unseal transcripts from grand jury proceedings involving Epstein and his longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year sentence after being convicted in 2021 of five federal charges related to Epstein’s abuse of underage girls.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized the public’s ongoing interest in the case. “After all, Jeffrey Epstein is the most infamous pedophile in American history,” Blanche said in the filing. He called the transcripts “critical pieces of an important moment in our nation’s history,” adding that prosecutors would redact all victim-identifying information before any release.

The Wall Street Journal said the letter in question appeared in a leather-bound birthday book for Epstein, alongside messages from other prominent individuals. The letter, bearing Trump’s signature, reportedly featured several typed lines framed by a drawing of a naked woman and ended with the words: “Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret.”

Epstein’s alleged abuse of underage girls first became public in 2006, after the birthday book was reportedly created. He was arrested that same year and later accepted a controversial plea deal. He was arrested again in 2019 on sex-trafficking charges, but died in custody shortly after.

Trump, who had been photographed with Epstein in social settings during the 1990s and early 2000s, has publicly distanced himself from the financier. In 2002, he told New York Magazine, “I’ve known Jeff for 15 years. Terrific guy. He’s a lot of fun to be with. It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side.”

But in 2019, Trump told reporters that he had a falling out with Epstein long before his legal troubles. “I haven’t spoken to him in 15 years. I was not a fan of his, that I can tell you,” he said.

While many of Trump’s supporters had hoped for the full release of case files held by federal agencies, the unsealing of grand jury transcripts, even if partially redacted, may be the most transparency the public receives for now.

Grand jury proceedings are typically secret under federal rules, but courts may allow disclosure under certain circumstances, such as when requested by a defendant or for judicial proceedings. Any released material will likely undergo redaction to protect the privacy and safety of individuals involved.

Bagyong Crising, lalong lumakas; 10 lugar nasa Signal No. 2

MAYNILA. Bahagyang lumakas ang Bagyong Crising habang patuloy na kumikilos pa-kanluran hilagang-kanluran, ayon sa ulat ng PAGASA nitong Biyernes, Hulyo 19. Sampung lugar sa Luzon ang isinailalim sa Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2.

Kabilang sa mga nasa Signal No. 2 ang mga sumusunod:

  • Batanes
  • Cagayan, kabilang ang Babuyan Islands
  • Isabela
  • Apayao
  • Kalinga
  • Hilaga at gitnang bahagi ng Abra (Manabo, Pidigan, San Juan, Tayum, Langiden, Boliney, Sallapadan, Bucloc, Lagangilang, Danglas, La Paz, Licuan-Baay, Tineg, Malibcong, Peñarrubia, San Isidro, Daguioman, San Quintin, Dolores, Lagayan, Bangued, Bucay, Lacub)
  • Silangang bahagi ng Mountain Province (Natonin, Paracelis)
  • Silangang bahagi ng Ifugao (Aguinaldo, Alfonso Lista)
  • Ilocos Norte
  • Hilagang bahagi ng Ilocos Sur (Cabugao, Sinait, Magsingal, San Juan, San Ildefonso, Santo Domingo, Bantay, San Vicente, Santa Catalina, Caoayan, Vigan City, Santa)

Samantala, nasa ilalim ng Signal No. 1 ang mga sumusunod:

  • Quirino
  • Nueva Vizcaya
  • Natitirang bahagi ng Mountain Province at Ifugao
  • Natitirang bahagi ng Abra
  • Benguet
  • Natitirang bahagi ng Ilocos Sur
  • La Union
  • Hilagang bahagi ng Pangasinan (San Nicolas, Natividad, San Quintin, San Manuel, Tayug, Sison, San Fabian, Pozorrubio, Laoac, Binalonan, San Jacinto, Manaoag, Mangaldan, Dagupan City, Binmaley, Lingayen, Labrador, Sual, Alaminos City, Bolinao, Anda, Bani, Agno, Burgos, Mabini, Dasol, Calasiao, Santa Barbara, Mapandan, Bugallon)
  • Hilagang bahagi ng Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan, Dipaculao, Baler, Maria Aurora)

Huling namataan ang sentro ng bagyo sa layong 195 kilometro silangan ng Tuguegarao City, taglay ang lakas ng hangin na 75 kilometro bawat oras malapit sa gitna at pagbugso na aabot sa 90 kilometro bawat oras. Kumikilos ito pa-kanluran hilagang-kanluran sa bilis na 25 kilometro bawat oras.

Ayon sa PAGASA, posibleng mag-landfall si Crising sa Cagayan o Babuyan Islands ngayong hapon o gabi. Inaasahang lalakas ito bilang isang severe tropical storm pagsapit ng Sabado bago tuluyang lumabas ng Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) sa Sabado ng hapon.

New senior citizens building inaugurated in San Pablo City

San Pablo City, Laguna. Laguna 3rd District Representative Loreto “Amben” Amante led the inauguration and blessing of the newly completed Senior Citizens Building in Barangay Bagong Bayan, San Pablo City. The project, a key initiative of Rep. Amante, is designed to provide elderly residents with a dedicated space for gatherings, services, and social programs.

Joining the event were senior citizens’ leader Boy Reyes, president of the Bagong Bayan Senior Citizens Association, along with several San Pablo City councilors, including Carmela Acebedo, Barbie Dizon, Leonardo “Ding” Villanueva, Gel Adriano, and Ambo Amante. The group took part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony, opening prayers, and a short community program.

Rep. Amante reaffirmed his commitment to senior welfare, describing the facility as a concrete step in fulfilling his advocacy for the elderly. “This facility is for you—your comfort, care, and dignity matter. I stand fully behind every program that uplifts our elderly,” he said.

Legislative Support for Seniors

Beyond local projects, Amante continues to push for senior-centered legislation. He is co-author of House Bill 10739, or the proposed Magna Carta for Senior Citizens, which seeks to clarify the rights and privileges of Filipinos aged 60 and above. The bill includes provisions for expanded healthcare, employment support, social protection, and government-funded programs.

As Vice Chair of the House Committee on Senior Citizens and a member of the Committee on Appropriations, Amante also helped pass legislation on the Universal Social Pension. The law provides a monthly stipend of ₱500 to non-pensioned seniors, with plans to increase the amount to ₱1,000 in the future, a move expected to benefit millions of elderly Filipinos.

These efforts are undertaken in collaboration with Senior Citizens Party-list Representative Rodolfo Ordanes and are part of a broader campaign to improve the quality of life for older adults across the country.

A Hub for Senior Services

The newly opened Senior Citizens Building will serve as a central hub for various activities, including wellness sessions, legal consultations, livelihood seminars, recreation, and community meetings. While San Pablo City already offers services through its Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), this new facility will improve accessibility and enhance local programming.

Boy Reyes expressed his appreciation during the event, saying, “This building ensures our members have a safe, welcoming space. It reflects genuine care from our leaders.”

City Officials Show Unified Support

City councilors present at the event emphasized their backing for senior-related programs and promised continued support through resolutions and local budget allocations.

A Vision for Senior Empowerment

The blessing of the Senior Citizens Building marks the completion of months of planning, community input, and official coordination. With Rep. Amante’s ongoing support, both in Congress and in the district, San Pablo City is poised to expand programs that prioritize the well-being of its elderly population, including access to health services, financial assistance, livelihood support, and protection from abuse.

As the senior population in San Pablo and the broader Laguna area grows, initiatives like this building and the proposed Magna Carta for Senior Citizens represent a shared vision: a society where the elderly are respected, valued, and empowered at every stage of life.

Russian woman and kids found living in forest cave in India

NEW DELHI. A Russian woman and her two young daughters were discovered living in a remote cave in southern India, sparking curiosity and concern among locals and authorities.

Identified as 40-year-old Nina Kutina, the woman had been staying with her daughters, aged six and four, in a forest cave near Ramatirtha Hill, a tourist spot in Karnataka, for over a week before police found them during a routine patrol on July 9.

According to police, Kutina had overstayed her visa and was being processed for repatriation to Russia. She and her children have since been moved to a detention center for foreign nationals living illegally in the country.

Kutina reportedly spent her time meditating by candlelight inside the cave, which she decorated with pictures of Hindu deities and covered with makeshift sari curtains. “It is nothing but her love for adventure that brought her here,” said police officer Sridhar S.R.

Before her time in the forest, Kutina had worked as a Russian language tutor in Goa. She told authorities she wished to live in the forest to worship and be at peace.

In a message to friends after her discovery, Kutina wrote, “Our peaceful life in the cave has ended, our cave home destroyed.”

When contacted by The Associated Press, Kutina declined to comment. However, in an earlier interview with India’s Press Trust, she said she passed her days painting, reading, singing, and living peacefully with her children.

Ukraine offers front line to test foreign weapons

WIESBADEN, Germany. Ukraine will allow foreign arms manufacturers to test their latest weapons on the front lines of its war with Russia, according to Brave1, the government-backed arms investment and procurement platform.

In a statement on Thursday, Brave1 announced the launch of its “Test in Ukraine” program, under which foreign companies can send weapons to Ukraine, provide online training for their use, and receive feedback from Ukrainian forces after battlefield deployment.

“It gives us understanding of what technologies are available. It gives companies understanding of what is really working on the front line,” said Artem Moroz, Brave1’s head of investor relations, speaking at a defense conference in Wiesbaden, Germany.

Moroz said there has been strong interest in the program but did not disclose which companies have signed up or details about its operational framework and potential costs.

The move comes as Ukraine’s military continues to face intense pressure from Russian forces more than three years after the invasion. The war spans a front line over 1,000 kilometers long, with Moscow intensifying its ground assaults and air strikes on Ukrainian cities.

Ukraine is banking on its emerging defense sector, bolstered by international investment, to counter Russia’s larger and better-equipped military.

Brave1, launched in 2023, serves as an online platform where Ukrainian defense companies can connect with investors and where military units can request equipment. Moroz said the group has compiled a list of priority technologies for testing.

“We have a list of priorities. One of the top of those would be air defense, like new air defense capabilities, drone interceptors, AI-guided systems, all the solutions against gliding bombs,” he said.

Other priorities include unmanned water systems, electronic warfare technologies, and AI-assisted fire control systems to enhance the Howitzer’s accuracy.

With a report from Reuters

Heavy rains lash South Korea for 3rd day, leave 4 dead and thousands displaced

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SEOUL. Torrential rains battered parts of South Korea for a third consecutive day, forcing more than 5,000 residents into shelters and leaving at least four people dead, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety said on Friday.

Heavy rain warnings remain in place for much of the country’s western and southern regions, with the Korea Meteorological Administration urging extreme caution against landslides and flooding through Saturday.

In the southern city of Gwangju, more than 400 millimetres (16 inches) of rain fell in just 24 hours, marking a new record, the safety ministry said.

The fatalities include two people who were trapped in cars on flooded roads and another who drowned in a basement in South Chungcheong province. One person remains missing.

In a separate incident on Wednesday, a 10-metre-high (33-foot) roadside wall collapsed in Osan, south of Seoul, crushing a moving vehicle and killing the driver, fire officials reported.

President Lee Jae Myung, who has emphasized strengthening the government’s disaster response, is set to convene an emergency meeting on Friday to address the ongoing crisis.

Signal No. 2, itinaas sa 8 lugar sa Luzon habang papalapit si Crising sa Cagayan at Babuyan

MAYNILA. Itinaas ng PAGASA ang Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 sa walong lugar sa Luzon habang inaasahang magla-landfall ang Bagyong Crising sa Cagayan o Babuyan Islands sa hapon o gabi ng Biyernes.

Sa 8 a.m. bulletin nito, sinabi ng PAGASA na ang mga sumusunod na lugar ay nasa ilalim ng Signal No. 2:

  • Batanes
  • Cagayan, kabilang ang Babuyan Islands
  • Hilaga at silangang bahagi ng Isabela (Palanan, Ilagan City, Divilacan, Delfin Albano, Quezon, Tumauini, Maconacon, Santa Maria, Cabagan, San Pablo, Santo Tomas, San Mariano, Dinapigue)
  • Apayao
  • Hilagang bahagi ng Kalinga (Tabuk City, Balbalan, Pinukpuk, Rizal)
  • Hilagang bahagi ng Abra (Malibcong, Lacub, Lagangilang, Licuan-Baay, Danglas, Lagayan, San Juan, Tineg, La Paz, Dolores)
  • Ilocos Norte
  • Hilagang bahagi ng Ilocos Sur (Cabugao, Sinait)

Samantala, nasa ilalim naman ng Signal No. 1 ang mga sumusunod:

  • Natitirang bahagi ng Isabela
  • Quirino
  • Nueva Vizcaya
  • Natitirang bahagi ng Kalinga
  • Mountain Province
  • Ifugao
  • Natitirang bahagi ng Abra
  • Benguet
  • Natitirang bahagi ng Ilocos Sur
  • La Union
  • Hilagang bahagi ng Pangasinan (San Nicolas, Natividad, San Quintin, San Manuel, Tayug, Sison, San Fabian, Pozorrubio, Laoac, Binalonan, San Jacinto, Manaoag, Mangaldan, Dagupan City, Binmaley, Lingayen, Labrador, Sual, Alaminos City, Bolinao, Anda, Bani, Agno, Burgos, Mabini, Dasol, Calasiao, Santa Barbara, Mapandan, Bugallon)
  • Hilagang bahagi ng Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan, Dipaculao, Baler, Maria Aurora)
  • Hilagang-silangang bahagi ng Nueva Ecija (Carranglan, Pantabangan)

Ayon sa PAGASA, taglay ni Crising ang lakas ng hangin na 65 km/h malapit sa gitna, may pagbugso na aabot sa 80 km/h, at may sentral na presyur na 996 hPa.

Ang malalakas hanggang gale-force winds ng bagyo ay umaabot hanggang 500 km mula sa gitna.

Kumikilos ito pa-hilagang kanluran sa bilis na 15 km/h.

“Crising will move generally northwestward within the next 12 hours. On the forecast track, a landfall scenario over mainland Cagayan or Babuyan Islands this afternoon or evening is possible,” ayon sa PAGASA.

Pagkatapos ng landfall, inaasahan nitong tatawid sa Extreme Northern Luzon bago ito lumabas ng Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) pagsapit ng Sabado ng hapon.

Inaasahan ding lalakas pa ang bagyo at maaaring umabot sa kategoryang severe tropical storm pagsapit ng Sabado ng umaga o hapon.

‘Ribs’ at mga kalansay ng tao, narekober sa Taal Lake – DOJ

MAYNILA. Nakarekober ang mga awtoridad ng mga buto ng tao, kabilang ang mga tila “ribs,” sa bahagi ng Taal Lake sa Batangas habang nagpapatuloy ang imbestigasyon kaugnay sa mga nawawalang sabungero, kinumpirma ni Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla nitong Huwebes, Hulyo 17.

“Today, human remains were found in Taal Lake in the area pointed to us by our sources, which was also identified by alias Totoy,” ani Remulla sa isang press briefing.

Ayon sa kalihim ng Department of Justice (DOJ), apat na sako ang narekober mula sa isang partikular na quadrant ng lawa, dalawa ay puno ng buhangin at dalawa ay may lamang mga kalansay. Tinukoy umano ng mga impormante ang lugar bilang isang “dumping site” ng mga biktima.

“What was found in that quadrant of Taal Lake is a positive indication that [Totoy] knew what he was talking about, because what he identified was indeed found there,” dagdag ni Remulla.

Kinilala rin ng mga awtoridad ang lokasyon sa tulong ng ilang boatman, kabilang si Patidongan, na umano’y inutusan na itapon ang mga bangkay at itinuro ang eksaktong lugar kung saan ito ginawa.

Noong Miyerkules, iniulat ni Remulla na tatlong bangkay ang nakuha sa isang lugar malapit sa lawa na maaaring may kaugnayan sa kaso ng mga nawawalang sabungero o sa war on drugs ng nakaraang administrasyon. Ngunit nitong Huwebes ay nilinaw niya na ang mga narekober ay hindi biktima ng drug war, kundi may direktang kaugnayan sa mga sabungero.

“The connection to the drug war is that the death squads used here in e-sabong are the same ones commonly used during the drug war, and we can identify the units these people came from. We’ve already linked the histories of some of the officials involved in this,” aniya.

Ayon pa sa kalihim, ang tatlong bangkay ay lumutang sa Taal Lake noon pang 2020. Kinuha ito ng mga pulis at dinala sa isang punerarya. Dahil hindi ito inangkin, inilibing ito sa karaniwang paraan alinsunod sa panuntunan.

Aniya, may ilan pang bahagi ng katawan ang bahagyang nakikilala gaya ng mga ngipin at mukha.

“Hopefully, we can extract DNA once we start tracking. One appears to be female because a woman’s underwear was found in one of the sacks, which strengthens the suspicion. There really was a reported incident about a woman who was abducted in Lipa,” pahayag ni Remulla.

Israeli strike hits Catholic church in Gaza, killing 3 and wounding priest

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip. An Israeli shell struck the compound of the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza on Thursday, killing three people and wounding ten others, including the parish priest who had been in close contact with the late Pope Francis, according to church officials.

The attack damaged the only Catholic church in the Gaza Strip, which has been sheltering hundreds of Palestinians, including children and people with disabilities, amid the ongoing 21-month war between Israel and Hamas. The Israeli military expressed regret over what it called a mistaken strike and said it is investigating the incident.

Pope Leo XIV responded by renewing his call for an immediate ceasefire. In a message of condolence, he conveyed “profound hope for dialogue, reconciliation, and enduring peace,” and expressed sorrow over the casualties, including Rev. Gabriel Romanelli, the wounded priest.

The White House said former U.S. President Donald Trump called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to express frustration over the strike. Netanyahu later stated that Israel “deeply regrets that a stray ammunition hit Gaza’s Holy Family Church.”

Caritas Jerusalem, a Catholic charity, confirmed the deaths of a 60-year-old janitor and an 84-year-old woman who had been receiving psychosocial support in a Caritas tent inside the compound. Romanelli was lightly injured.

“We were struck in the church while all the people there were elders, innocent people and children,” said Shady Abu Dawood, whose mother was wounded in the attack. “We love peace and call for it, and this is a brutal, unjustified action by the Israeli occupation.”

The Israeli military said its initial assessment suggests “fragments from a shell fired during operational activity in the area hit the church mistakenly.” It reiterated its policy of targeting militant sites, avoiding harm to civilians and religious structures, and said it regrets any unintentional damage.

The Holy Family Church is located near Al-Ahli Hospital and has been hit multiple times in recent days, according to hospital director Fadel Naem. The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, which also has a damaged church in Gaza, said the Catholic compound was housing about 600 displaced people, including 54 with disabilities, and described the attack as “a grave violation of the sanctity of life and religious sites.”

In a separate strike on Thursday, one person was killed and 17 were injured when two schools sheltering displaced families in the Al-Bureij refugee camp were hit, according to Al-Awda Hospital. The Israeli military did not comment on the incident.

The Gaza Health Ministry reported that local hospitals had received 94 bodies and 367 wounded individuals in the previous 24 hours due to Israeli strikes. The ministry says over 58,600 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict began in October 2023, most of them women and children. The figures, though issued by the Hamas-run government, are widely used by international organizations, including the United Nations.

The late Pope Francis had maintained regular contact with the church during his final 18 months, frequently calling to check on the civilians sheltering inside. He had been critical of Israel’s conduct during the war and supported calls to investigate alleged war crimes in Gaza.

Gaza is home to around 1,000 Christians, mostly Greek Orthodox, within an overwhelmingly Muslim population. Many Christians have emigrated in recent decades due to war and hardship. Christian leaders have recently condemned attacks by Israeli settlers and extremists.

Meanwhile, indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire and hostage deal have made little visible progress. An Israeli official, speaking anonymously, said Israel is showing flexibility on certain issues, including security corridors in Gaza, but added that major disagreements remain.

Hamas militants killed around 1,200 people and abducted 251 in the October 7 attack that sparked the war. About 50 hostages remain in Gaza, fewer than half of whom are believed to be alive.