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Iranians to bid farewell to Khamenei as Israel’s Katz warns successor will be targeted

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Iranians to bid farewell to Khamenei as Israel’s Katz warns successor will be targeted

DUBAI — Iranians are set to gather in Tehran on March 4 to pay their last respects to late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, according to a senior official quoted by state media, as regional tensions intensify following his reported killing.

Hojjatoleslam Mahmoudi, head of Iran’s Islamic Propagation Council, said the farewell ceremony will run for three days. The schedule for the funeral procession will be announced at a later time.

State media reported that members of the public may view Khamenei’s body beginning at 10 p.m. local time at the Imam Khomeini Prayer Hall in Tehran.

“The Mosalla (prayer hall) will receive visitors, and the people can attend and take part in the farewell ceremony,” Mahmoudi said in remarks carried by Iranian outlets.

Khamenei, who led Iran for 36 years, was killed on February 28 at the age of 86. Iranian state media said he died during a wave of air strikes carried out by Israel and the United States.

Katz warns successor will be targeted

Amid preparations for the funeral, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a warning regarding Khamenei’s successor.

“Any leader selected by the Iranian terror regime to continue leading the plan for Israel’s destruction, threatening the United States, the free world and countries in the region, and suppressing the Iranian people, will be a certain target for assassination,” Katz said in a post on X.

“It does not matter what his name is or where he hides,” he added.

Katz further stated that Israel would continue coordinated action with Washington. “We will continue to act with full force, together with our American partners, to dismantle the regime’s capabilities and create the conditions for the Iranian people to overthrow and replace it,” he said.

There was no immediate official response from Tehran to Katz’s remarks.

Burial planned in Mashhad

The Fars News Agency reported that Khamenei will be buried in the holy city of Mashhad, his birthplace and Iran’s second-largest city. His father is buried at the Imam Reza shrine, one of the country’s most important religious sites.

Before the burial, a “large farewell ceremony” will be held in Tehran, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said on its official Telegram account. No burial date has been announced.

Interim leadership in place

Following Khamenei’s death, authority has been transferred to a three-member interim council until the Assembly of Experts elects a successor.

The interim council includes the president, the head of the judiciary, and a jurist from the Guardian Council, which oversees legislation and vets electoral candidates.

According to Fars, citing an official familiar with the process, the assembly’s final meeting could be postponed for security reasons until after Khamenei’s burial.

Iranian media also reported that the building housing the 88-member Assembly of Experts in the holy city of Qom, south of Tehran, was struck by US-Israeli attacks, along with its main headquarters in the capital a day earlier.

U.S. aircraft depart Spain as Madrid bars use of bases for Iran strikes, Trump threatens trade action

Venus L Peñaflor
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U.S. aircraft depart Spain as Madrid bars use of bases for Iran strikes, Trump threatens trade action

Madrid/Washington — Fifteen U.S. military aircraft have left the Spanish bases at Rota and Morón in southern Spain after the Spanish government said it would not permit its territory to be used for attacks on Iran, in a development that has intensified diplomatic tensions between Madrid and Washington.

Flight tracking data showed the movements late Monday and Tuesday, with several of the aircraft, largely Boeing KC‑135 Stratotanker aerial refueling tankers, relocating to Ramstein Air Base in Germany and other locations after operating from Spanish soil.

Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares reiterated Madrid’s position that the U.S.–Spain defence agreements governing the jointly operated bases apply only within the constraints of those treaties and the United Nations Charter, and that the facilities would not support operations outside that framework.

“The bases are not being used… and they will not be used for anything not included in the agreement with the United States or in accordance with the UN Charter,” Albares said in comments carried by Spanish media.

The stance reflects growing Spanish criticism of the weekend’s U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran, which Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has decried as inconsistent with international law and dangerous for regional stability.

Trump threatens trade suspension

In Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump responded sharply, threatening to “cut off all trade with Spain” in reaction to the refusal to grant access to Spanish bases for what he termed strategic operations linked to the Iran conflict.

Trump made the remarks during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, characterising Spain’s decision as uncooperative and also criticising Madrid for defence‑spending disagreements within NATO.

However, legal and trade experts note that dismantling a trade relationship with Spain would be complex, particularly because Spain’s trade agreements with the United States are negotiated at the European Union level.

Spanish officials responded by emphasising compliance with international law and existing bilateral commitments, saying Madrid has the resources to mitigate potential trade impacts and calling on Washington to respect established EU‑U.S. trade agreements.

Spain’s refusal marks a rare departure from most European allies in the face of the escalating conflict with Iran, underscoring divisions over military cooperation and legal norms. The United Kingdom, after an initial refusal, later authorised the use of its bases for “collective self‑ defence”, highlighting a contrast in European responses.

As the wider Middle East situation continues to evolve, Madrid has called repeatedly for de‑escalation and a return to diplomatic channels, while the United States presses its strategic objectives, leaving bilateral ties between the two NATO members under strain.

Lingguhang oil price hike, nakaamba sa gitna ng labanan sa Middle East

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Lingguhang oil price hike, nakaamba sa gitna ng labanan sa Middle East

MAYNILA — Nagbabala ang Department of Energy (DOE) sa posibilidad ng lingguhang pagtaas ng presyo ng produktong petrolyo, kasunod ng patuloy na tensiyon sa Middle East na nakaapekto sa galaw ng pandaigdigang merkado ng langis.

Ayon kay DOE Director Atty. Rino Abad, magsasagawa ang ahensiya ng panibagong pakikipagpulong sa mga kumpanya ng langis ngayong Miyerkules matapos ang biglaang pagsirit ng presyo sa unang trading day pa lamang ng linggo dahil sa kaguluhan sa rehiyon.

Iniulat ni Abad na ang presyo ng gasolina sa Mean of Platts Singapore ay umakyat mula $79.63 kada bariles noong Biyernes tungong $90.32 kada bariles pagsapit ng Lunes. Katumbas ito ng tinatayang P3.00 hanggang P5.00 kada litrong pagtaas sa unang araw pa lamang ng krisis.

“Ang estimate namin around $20 per barrel ang increase sa diesel. Baka umabot ‘yan…baka around P9.00 per liter. (first day). May range naman ‘yan. We’re still hoping na hanggang P6.00 to P9.00, within that range,” pahayag ni Abad.

Samantala, ang kerosene ay tumaas ng mahigit $23 kada bariles, na katumbas ng P7.00 hanggang P10 kada litrong dagdag-presyo.

Ipinaliwanag ng opisyal na tatalakayin sa pulong kasama ang mga local oil players ang kasalukuyang oil price trends at ang magiging epekto nito sa nakatakdang weekly price adjustments.

“Baka magkaroon ng usapin na paano ito hindi maging isahang bagsak sa Tuesday next week,” ani Abad. “Hindi naman puwede hindi natin ipa-recover ito sa mga oil company kasi ito yung magiging presyuhan din ‘pag sila ay nag-replenish ng kanilang oil supply.”

Dagdag pa niya, mas mainam na i-stagger ang implementasyon ng dagdag-presyo upang maikalat o maipantay ang epekto nito sa mga konsyumer. “Dapat i-staggered yung increase kasi malakihan nga para mai-spread out. Sa laki nito baka ang pag-usapan dito ay weekly adjustment na,” aniya.

Hinikayat din ng DOE ang mga motorista na pumili ng mga gasoline station na nag-aalok ng mas mababang presyo, dahil may ilang istasyon na nagbibigay ng P1 hanggang P5 diskuwento kada litro.

Nauna nang nagbabala si Energy Secretary Sharon Garin na maaaring sumirit ang presyo ng langis dahil sa umiigting na sitwasyon sa Middle East, na patuloy na binabantayan ng pamahalaan.

Jalisco cartel leader “El Mencho” buried in golden casket under tight security in Guadalajara

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Jalisco cartel leader “El Mencho” buried in golden casket under tight security in Guadalajara

GUADALAJARA, Mexico — Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho,” was laid to rest Monday in a Zapopan cemetery in a shiny golden casket, as authorities enforced heightened security following his death in a military operation that triggered violence across multiple Mexican states.

A federal official, who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly, confirmed that the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel was buried in the suburb of Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco state. The Attorney General’s Office declined to confirm the burial site, citing “security reasons.”

Dozens of mourners accompanied the funeral procession, many holding black umbrellas despite clear skies. A banda ensemble played traditional Mexican regional music as large flower wreaths adorned the ceremony. Some wreaths featured a rooster motif, a reference to Oseguera Cervantes’ nickname, the “Lord of the Roosters.”

Security had been stepped up since Sunday around a funeral home where wreaths had been delivered without names attached.

Authorities said Oseguera Cervantes was killed just over a week earlier during an army operation aimed at capturing him. A death certificate obtained by The Associated Press indicated he died from multiple gunshot wounds.

Defense Secretary Ricardo Trevilla said the cartel leader and two bodyguards were critically wounded in a gunfight with soldiers outside a residence in Tapalpa, Jalisco. The three men died while being transported to a hospital.

The death certificate detailed bullet wounds to the chest, abdomen, and legs.

Following the confrontation, his body was flown to Mexico City for an autopsy and later released to his family on Saturday, according to a brief statement from the Attorney General’s Office. The certificate noted that burial was conducted in accordance with standard procedures in violent deaths, allowing for potential future forensic examination if required.

Officials acknowledged that Oseguera Cervantes’ killing sparked retaliatory violence in approximately 20 states. More than 70 people were reported killed in the clashes and unrest that followed the operation.

The government said security operations continue against other senior members of the cartel.

Burials of high-profile cartel leaders in Mexico are often surrounded by secrecy due to security risks and fears of retaliation. In some cases, supporters seek to elevate slain traffickers to legendary status.

Within hours of his death, narcocorridos ballads recounting the exploits of drug figures began circulating about El Mencho.

In Culiacán, Sinaloa, cemeteries are known for elaborate mausoleums belonging to former cartel figures such as Ignacio Coronel and Arturo Beltrán Leyva.

Mexico’s history of cartel violence also includes unusual cases such as Nazario Moreno, who was declared dead in 2010 before being killed again in 2014, and Heriberto Lazcano, whose body was stolen after his death in 2012. Amado Carrillo Fuentes, known as the “Lord of the Skies,” died during a botched plastic surgery procedure.

As authorities press forward with operations against the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, security concerns remain elevated in the wake of one of Mexico’s most powerful crime figures being buried in a striking golden casket.

Suspek sa hazing death sa Cavite sumuko sa mga pulis

Venus L Peñaflor
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Suspek sa hazing death sa Cavite sumuko sa mga pulis

GEN. TRIAS, Cavite — Sumuko sa mga awtoridad nitong Martes ang driver ng sasakyan na naghatid sa isang 19-anyos na freshman maritime student na namatay sa umano’y hazing sa Cavite.

Ayon kay Cavite Police Provincial Director P/Colonel Ariel Red, ang suspek ay kasalukuyang nasa kustodiya ng General Trias Component Police Station.

Batay sa ulat ni Jun Veneracion sa “Saksi,” ang katawan ni Kenneth Alcedo, estudyante ng PNTC Colleges sa Dasmariñas, ay may mga sugat na malinaw na nagpapakita na siya ay nakaranas ng pananakit bilang bahagi ng initiation rites.

Noong Linggo, isang gray sedan ang naghatid kay Kenneth sa ospital sa Dasmariñas. Kasama sa sasakyan ang driver at dalawang lalaki na nagsabi na ang pasyente ay biktima ng hit-and-run. Pagdating sa emergency room, isinagawa ng medical staff ang cardiopulmonary resuscitation, ngunit huli na ang lahat. Ayon sa pulisya, ipinagbigay-alam ng ospital na dead on arrival si Kenneth sa ER.

Nakuha sa CCTV ang driver ng sasakyan na nagtatangkang tumakas matapos ihatid si Kenneth. Ang dalawang kasama nito, na may suot na hoodies, ay pinigilan ng isang security guard ngunit nakatakas rin sa kalaunan, iniwan ang biktima.

Sinabi ng pulisya na si Kenneth ay nakaranas ng maraming palo sa parehong hita at iba pang pang-aabuso.

“We saw and verified that this victim, almost his entire thighs had turned black, which is a clear sign that a beating or initiation rites took place. In addition, his private parts, his groin, had chili seeds; they really put chili on his private parts,” said General Trias Police chief P/Lt. Colonel Bismark Mendoza.

Ang mga magulang ni Kenneth ay naglabas ng matinding lungkot at pagkabigla sa nangyari sa kanilang anak na nangangarap maging seaman upang matulungan ang pamilya.

“I thought he would achieve his dream of becoming a seaman in school. But it is where his life ended and it’s hard to accept that,” said Gemma Alcedo, the victim’s mother.

Si Kenneth, bunsong anak, ay nagsabi sa kanyang mga magulang na pupunta lamang sa isang outing noong Linggo ng umaga. Ang sumunod nilang pagkikita ay sa funeral parlor.

“His hands were crushed with pliers, and there were so many bruises on his back and thighs, especially on the back, were truly swollen and purple. What is really heartbreaking is that they even put chili inside his private parts and here in his anus,” said Jun Alcedo.

Natagpuan ang sasakyan na naghatid kay Kenneth na iniwan sa isang lugar tatlong barangay mula sa ospital. Nakuha rin sa loob ang isang school ID at uniporme ng fraternity, ngunit hindi pa inihayag ng PNP ang pagkakakilanlan ng mga ito.

Ayon sa imbestigasyon, ang huling may-ari ng sasakyan ay nagsabing ginamit ito ng kanyang kapatid, na naging daan upang matukoy ang driver at makilala ang kanyang dalawang kasama.

“Definitely, these names we have are members of the fraternity to which the suspects belong, and most of them are students at that school,” said Mendoza.

Nanawagan ang pamilya ni Kenneth sa mga sangkot na sumuko.

“The ones who did that aren’t human, they’re demons. There was no ‘brotherhood’ there, sir, because what happened wasn’t just hazing; it seems like there was an intent to kill, because it was pure torture,” his father said.

Naniniwala ang pulisya na may iba pang sangkot sa hazing at maaaring kasuhan sa paglabag sa Anti-Hazing Law, na may parusang habang-buhay na pagkakakulong.

“To those who have knowledge of what happened, we encourage them to come forward and be man enough to take responsibility for what occurred, or to provide information to bring justice for what happened to this man,” said Mendoza.

Samantala, sinabi ng mga opisyal ng paaralan na nakikipag-ugnayan na sila sa imbestigasyon at pananagutin ang mga responsable.

“Hazing in any form is strictly prohibited within our institution, as it directly violates our values, endangers lives, and has no place in any educational community. The school will pursue the maximum disciplinary sanctions and legal remedies available against any individual, group, or organization found responsible,” PNTC Colleges said in a statement.

Iran strikes U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia as conflict widens across Middle East

Venus L Peñaflor
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Iran strikes U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia as conflict widens across Middle East

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iran expanded its retaliation on Tuesday by striking the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as Washington began pulling non-essential personnel from several Middle Eastern countries amid an escalating regional conflict.

Saudi Arabia’s Defense Ministry said two drones targeted the embassy compound, causing a “limited fire.” The U.S. Embassy urged American citizens to avoid the area. The incident followed an earlier attack on the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait, which announced its closure until further notice.

The widening hostilities come as the United States and Israel continue airstrikes against Iran. President Donald Trump suggested the campaign could mark the beginning of a prolonged war, saying operations might last four to five weeks and potentially longer. He also did not rule out deeper U.S. military involvement, including the possibility of deploying ground forces.

The initial U.S.-Israeli strikes reportedly killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. While Trump urged Iranians to overthrow their government following the strike, senior U.S. officials later said regime change was not an explicit objective. The administration cited concerns ranging from Iran’s nuclear and missile programs to broader leadership issues.

According to the Iranian Red Crescent Society, at least 787 people have been killed in Iran since the conflict intensified. In Israel, Iranian missile strikes have left 11 dead. In Lebanon, retaliatory Israeli airstrikes following attacks by the Iran-backed group Hezbollah have killed 52 people.

The U.S. military confirmed six American service members have died in the fighting, while additional fatalities were reported in the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain.

Explosions continued to echo across Tehran overnight into Tuesday. Iranian state television reported two blasts at a broadcasting facility in the capital but said no injuries occurred.

The International Atomic Energy Agency stated that Iran’s Natanz nuclear enrichment facility sustained “some recent damage,” though no radiological consequences were expected. The United States previously struck Natanz during a 12-day conflict in June, which significantly weakened Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed Iran was rebuilding underground sites for nuclear weapons production but did not provide evidence. Iran has denied enriching uranium since June and maintains its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.

The U.S. State Department ordered the evacuation of non-emergency personnel and family members from Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Qatar, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates. American citizens have also been urged to leave more than a dozen countries in the region, though widespread airspace closures have left many stranded.

Iranian retaliation has extended beyond diplomatic targets. Recent attacks included strikes on energy facilities in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, as well as incidents affecting ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime corridor through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s traded oil passes.

Iranian Brig. Gen. Ebrahim Jabbari, an adviser to the Revolutionary Guard, declared that the Strait of Hormuz was closed and warned that vessels attempting to pass through would face attack. Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari said Iranian strikes “will not go unanswered.”

Iran has also targeted infrastructure in Gulf states, including data centers in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, contributing to mounting economic uncertainty and rising global oil and natural gas prices.

The conflict has further expanded into Lebanon. Hezbollah fired missiles into Israel earlier this week, prompting Israeli retaliatory airstrikes on Beirut and southern Lebanon. The Israeli military said it deployed additional troops to southern Lebanon and secured new strategic positions near the border.

Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported that the Lebanese army was evacuating some border positions. Senior Hezbollah official Mohamoud Komati said the group now had no choice but to continue fighting Israel.

With casualties mounting, oil markets disrupted, and military operations intensifying across multiple fronts, questions remain about the duration and scope of the war, as regional and global powers brace for further escalation.

Maigting ang talakayan sa national wage bill sa Kongreso; Cong. Amante suportado ang pagbuwag sa provincial rate

Venus L Peñaflor
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Maigting ang talakayan sa national wage bill sa Kongreso; Cong. Amante suportado ang pagbuwag sa provincial rate

MAYNILA — Mas pinaigting ngayon sa House of Representatives of the Philippines ang deliberasyon sa panukalang reporma sa sistema ng pasahod sa bansa, partikular ang pagtatatag ng iisang pambansang minimum wage at ang pagbuwag sa kasalukuyang provincial at regional wage-setting mechanism.

Sentro ng diskusyon ang House Bill No. 8081, na naglalayong magpatupad ng pantay na minimum wage rate sa buong Pilipinas. Ayon sa mga may-akda, ang panukala ay tugon sa matagal nang hinaing ng mga manggagawa hinggil sa malaking agwat ng sahod sa pagitan ng Metro Manila at mga lalawigan, sa kabila ng tumataas na presyo ng mga pangunahing bilihin at serbisyo sa buong bansa.

Suporta mula sa Laguna

Kabilang sa mga co-author ng panukala si Laguna 3rd District Representative Loreto “Amben” Amante, na hayagang nagpahayag ng suporta sa pagreporma ng kasalukuyang sistema. Binigyang-diin niya na hindi dapat nagiging batayan ang lokasyon sa pagtukoy ng halaga ng paggawa.

Ayon kay Amante, ang pagkakaroon ng iisang pambansang minimum wage ay hakbang tungo sa mas patas at makatarungang pasahod, lalo na para sa mga manggagawa sa labas ng National Capital Region na kadalasang tumatanggap ng mas mababang sahod kahit kapareho ang uri at bigat ng kanilang trabaho.

Proteksyon at Kapakanan ng mga Manggagawa

Binibigyang-diin ng mga tagasuporta ng panukala na ang reporma ay hindi lamang usapin ng halaga ng sahod, kundi ng mas malawak na kapakanan ng mga manggagawa.

Sa kasalukuyang sistema, ang minimum wage ay itinatakda ng Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) batay sa kondisyon ng bawat rehiyon. Gayunman, iginiit ng ilang grupo ng manggagawa na hindi na sumasabay ang regional wage rates sa aktwal na cost of living, lalo na sa patuloy na pagtaas ng presyo ng pagkain, pamasahe, kuryente, at upa sa pabahay.

Sa ilalim ng panukala, inaasahang:

  • Mabibigyan ng mas pare-parehong proteksyon ang mga manggagawa laban sa mababang pasahod;
  • Mabawasan ang wage disparity o agwat ng sahod sa pagitan ng Metro Manila at mga probinsya;
  • Masiguro ang mas matatag na kita na makatutulong sa pang-araw-araw na gastusin ng mga pamilya; at
  • Mapalakas ang dignidad at halaga ng paggawa sa buong bansa.

Ilan ding tagasuporta ang naniniwalang makatutulong ang pambansang minimum wage upang mabawasan ang internal migration o paglipat ng mga manggagawa sa Metro Manila dahil sa mas mataas na sahod, na nagdudulot ng pagsisikip sa urban centers.

Mga Usaping Dapat Timbangin

Habang itinutulak ang reporma, inaasahan ding tatalakayin sa mga pagdinig ang posibleng epekto nito sa maliliit na negosyo at sa employment generation, upang matiyak na ang anumang pagbabago sa wage system ay balanse at sustenable.

Status ng Panukala

Sa kasalukuyan, patuloy pa ring dinidinig sa mga komite ng Kamara ang House Bill No. 8081. Wala pang pinal na boto o desisyon sa plenaryo hinggil sa panukala.

Samantala, walang opisyal na kumpirmasyon mula sa talaan ng Kongreso ukol sa mga ulat na may mga mambabatas na tahasang kumokontra sa pagbuwag ng provincial rate system.

Mananatiling binabantayan ng Tutubi News Magazine ang mga susunod na hakbang ng Kongreso sa panukalang ito, na may direktang implikasyon sa kita, kabuhayan, at pangmatagalang kapakanan ng milyun-milyong manggagawang Pilipino.Patuloy ang Pagsusulong ng Pambansang Minimum Wage at Pagbuwag sa Provincial Rate.

Total lunar eclipse set to light up Philippine skies on March 3, 2026

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Total lunar eclipse set to light up Philippine skies on March 3, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – Skywatchers in Manila and across the Philippines are in for a celestial treat on March 3, 2026, as a Total Lunar Eclipse will be visible for approximately 59 minutes and 24 seconds.

The eclipse will be fully visible over Eastern Asia, Australia, the Central Pacific, and most of the Americas, offering a rare opportunity for stargazers to witness the Moon pass completely into Earth’s shadow.

In Manila, the Moon will rise at 5:58 PM, already partially eclipsed. The Umbral Phase, when the Moon enters Earth’s primary shadow, begins at 7:04 PM, reaching maximum eclipse at 7:34 PM. The Moon will remain in totality until 8:03 PM and will gradually exit the Umbral shadow by 9:17 PM, finally leaving the Penumbral shadow at 10:25 PM.

During totality, the Moon is expected to take on a reddish hue, a phenomenon commonly known as the “Blood Moon”, caused by the scattering of sunlight through Earth’s atmosphere.

The eclipse is easy to observe and can be enjoyed without any protective eyewear. While binoculars or a small telescope can enhance the view of the Moon’s surface, they are not required.

Weather permitting, enthusiasts and the general public are encouraged to step outside and witness this rare astronomical event.

Defending the country, not Duterte, and the spirit of EDSA 

DC Alviar
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Defending the country, not Duterte, and the spirit of EDSA 

A veteran journalist and book author observes: “What’s missing is the context; we can only report what happened because we’re not being stopped from reporting it, because Duterte really wants to report it …but don’t just say that what he’s doing is wrong, that extrajudicial killing shouldn’t be done in our society.” 

And what the Filipino writer Vergel O. Santos adds is more timely, one that is more for the world to take note of: “Everything I heard from (International Criminal Court lead defense counsel) Nicholas Kaufman, I’ve heard from Duterte’s trolls; nothing new.” (Originally, the first two quotes are: “Lahat ng narinig ko kay Kaufman, narinig ko na sa linya ng mga trolls ni Duterte; wala namang bago” and “Ang kulang ay ang konteksto; nairereport lang natin ang nangyari dahil hindi naman tayo pinipigilang ireport yun, dahil gusto naman talaga ni Duterte na ireport yun… pero huwag mo lang sasabihin na hindi tama yung ginagawa niya, na ang extrajudicial killing eh hindi dapat ginagawa dito sa ating sociedad.”)

The world should know that those trolls are defending not the Philippines, but its former leader. There’s a lot of money being poured into these rabid supporters, according to Santos. For Kaufman? That’s a 2.5-million-dollar question. He is defending Duterte at the ICC which for days has conducted a pre-trial relative to the ongoing investigation of the war on drugs and has pleaded the court judges to allow his client to come back to the Philippines, seeking for his interim release as he claims that Duterte is not fit to stand trial.

“I could die in prison,” Duterte is quoted as saying. Kaufman’s request therefore is to let Duterte “return to the Philippines, not to govern, but simply to let him live out the rest of his days in peace in his humble dwelling in Davao.”

Kaufman begs the judges not to confirm any of Duterte’s charges, but let’s hear the opening statements of Joel Butuyan, common legal representative of the victims:

“This case symbolically represents the last boat that the victims can board to go on a journey in search of justice for their loved ones who were brutally killed upon orders of Mr. Duterte. If this chamber prevents the boat from sailing by not confirming the charges, the victims will forever be moored in an island where the nights are filled with the screams and cries of their massacred loved ones. There is absolutely no other recourse for the victims. 

“No less than former Philippine Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla admitted just a few months ago that the door to domestic justice is permanently closed for victims of the Duterte (EJKs). Remulla declared, and we quote, It is difficult to prove the case here and build up the case, because those who need to speak are involved in the crime. There’s nothing, not even a police report. You don’t have a scene of the crime, you don’t have ballistics, you don’t have DNA. Remulla further declared, and I quote, Everything that could be erased was erased so that the cases would not push through. That is why this has reached the ICC …If the charges are not confirmed in this case, one of the gravest concerns of the victims is that Mr. Duterte will return to the Philippines as a conquering hero. He will resume preaching his gospel of impunity. In fact, if Mr. Duterte could threaten to slap the judges of this court, which he did while he was president, this chamber should imagine the kind of terror-filled threats and the violent actions that can easily be used against the victims if the suspect walks free from this court.

“If the charges are not confirmed, it is a very serious concern of the victims that Mr. Duterte will be portrayed in history by his multitude of followers as the leader who vanquished the ICC and who cleansed his country of 30,000 rapists, murderers, and dangerous criminals, which were the scornful words he sweepingly used against all those who were killed in his murderous spree.

“Your Honors, Mr. Duterte has been in detention here in The Hague for almost a year now, but there has been no peace and rest for the victims. From the time their loved ones were killed and continuously up to this time, they lived in constant fear for their lives.

“The arrest and detention of Mr. Duterte has not stopped impunity in the Philippines. The virus of impunity that he spread all over the country has become a cancer that has metastasized, infecting millions of Filipinos. Mr. Duterte has created clones of himself. He converted millions of peace-loving citizens into bloodthirsty disciples who have become converts to the belief that violence and killings are valid solutions to societal problems. The killings masterminded by Mr. Duterte continue to have consequences for the victims, even to this day, because of his clones. These mini-Duttertes harass, threaten, or commit outright violence against the victims and their families …Many of these mini-Dutertes or Duterte clones are actually victims of massive doses of fake news widely circulated online. They need to be vaccinated with the truth, and the truth vaccine can only come from the testimonies of victims and evidence presented in a trial before this court. Truth is the antidote to the virus of impunity, Your Honors.

“Imagine a leader like Mr. Duterte, who proudly and publicly proclaimed his aspirations of following the footsteps of Adolf Hitler when he said, quote: ‘Hitler massacred 3 million Jews. Now, there are 3 million drug addicts. I’d be happy to slaughter them,’ unquote …Finally Your Honors, the victims wish to humbly underline that what is ultimately at stake in these proceedings is the supreme of all forms of human rights, the right to life. The right to life is the very foundation of every civilized society …Our ancestors fought in the battlefield to secure a right to life. In these modern times the battleground for the fight to protect our right to life is within the four walls of this Honorable Court.

“May the God of life, the God of humanity guide the Honorable Members of this Chamber.” 

EDSA Cuarenta 

The spirit of the People Power Revolution or EDSA I was rooted in the resistance to the clear violation of the 1973 Constitution–we had to violate it–and the widespread abuse of power during the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos. It was a historic uprising of the people to demand the return of democracy and respect for human rights. On the other hand, EDSA II occurred in a different context, not as a blatant violation of the 1987 Constitution but as a result of the political and moral crisis that originated in the leadership of Joseph Estrada. This difference is important to understand so as not to confuse the two events with different legal and historical bases: the first one being extra-constitutional and the second one being intra-constitutional (within the Constitution) per the landmark 13-0 decision of the Supreme Court in Estrada vs Desierto (2001). 

We keep on repeating that EDSA did not fail us; we fail it if we do not continue the lessons and frameworks of a regime of truth, justice, and equality it left behind. The most important result of EDSA I was the creation and ratification of the 1987 Constitution, which serves as the backbone of our democracy. It is up to us to operate and defend the institutions it established such as free elections, a free press (BTW, shame on Kaufman for accusing the media of having a “complete disregard of the evidence,” a “familiar theme” which is that his client “is finally behind bars where he belongs”) and the system of checks and balances so that bloodshed and repression will not be repeated. Above all, civil society, academia, the church, workers, and youth must stay vigilant because the true spirit of EDSA is not just a day of uprising, but an ongoing responsible citizenship.

Strait of Hormuz closed, Iran warns of attack on ships trying to pass

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Strait of Hormuz closed, Iran warns of attack on ships trying to pass

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iran’s hardline Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has declared the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed to international navigation and warned that any vessel attempting to transit the strategic waterway would be attacked and set ablaze, according to state media and defense officials.

Ebrahim Jabari, senior adviser to the IRGC’s commander‑in‑chief, reiterated the warning on Monday, saying the Guard and the regular navy would target ships trying to pass through the strait, a key chokepoint through which about one‑fifth of the world’s crude oil supply is transported.

Jabari also threatened attacks on oil infrastructure and predicted a sharp rise in energy prices, claiming Tehran would prevent “a single drop of oil” from leaving the region.

Escalating Conflict and Shipping Disruptions

The announcement comes amid the most severe escalation between Iran, the United States, and Israel in years following airstrikes by Washington and Tel Aviv that targeted Iranian leadership and military assets. Iran’s retaliation has seen missile strikes against US military bases and attacks on oil and gas facilities throughout the Gulf region.

Global shipping has responded to the heightened risk: several major carriers — including container shipping giant Maersk — have suspended vessel transits through the Strait of Hormuz, citing safety concerns, and rerouted ships around alternative routes such as around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope.

Maritime security agencies have reported multiple vessels in the region struck by unknown projectiles, and at least one fuel tanker was reported ablaze after a drone strike in the strait.

Legal Status of the Strait

While Iran’s IRGC asserts the strait is “closed,” international and maritime authorities stress that the Strait of Hormuz remains international waters, and there has been no recognized legal blockade. Broadcasts warning ships not to enter have been received by vessels, but such messages are not legally binding under international law, maritime experts say.

Nevertheless, commercial traffic has plunged, with many tankers either holding position, turning back, or anchoring pending developments.

Global Market Impact

The disruption has already rippled through global markets: Brent crude jumped sharply as tanker movements slowed, and war‑risk insurance coverage is being withdrawn by major underwriters, raising costs for any shipping in the Gulf region.

Analysts warn that if traffic through the strait remains severely restricted for an extended period, crude prices could exceed US$100 per barrel, with broader knock‑on effects on inflation, freight costs and energy security worldwide.

Regional and International Responses

The United States Central Command has publicly stated that the strait is not officially closed and reiterated its commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation, while warnings from Greek and other maritime authorities urge flag states to avoid the region where possible due to elevated military risk.

As tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East, international trade routes and energy markets remain on alert, prompting calls for diplomatic engagement even as military confrontations unfold.

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