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Duterte arrested: What to know about the International Criminal Court

Venus L Peñaflor
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Duterte arrested: What to know about the International Criminal Court

The Hague, Netherlands. Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been arrested and is expected to arrive at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Netherlands. The 79-year-old ex-leader, accused of crimes against humanity for his controversial anti-drug campaign, is the first former Asian head of state to be detained by the global tribunal.

The arrest follows an ICC warrant issued over Duterte’s brutal war on drugs, which left thousands dead. He was taken into custody in the Philippines on Tuesday morning and is now en route to The Hague.

What Is the ICC?

The ICC, based in The Hague, is an international tribunal responsible for prosecuting individuals for the world’s gravest crimes: genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and aggression. The court steps in when national authorities are unwilling or unable to prosecute such cases.

Since its establishment in 2002, the ICC has issued 60 arrest warrants, leading to 11 convictions. It operates without a police force, relying on member states to enforce its warrants. The court has 125 member states, with notable exceptions including the United States, Russia, and China.

Where Will Duterte Be Held?

Duterte will be held at the ICC detention center in Scheveningen, a high-security facility within a Dutch prison complex. Detainees have access to books, television, and a gym, and can prepare their legal defense using computers. The facility also includes a medical center and a communal area.

Currently, five other individuals are in ICC custody, including Mahamat Said Abdel Kani, Patrice-Edouard Ngaïssona, and Alfred Yekatom from the Central African Republic, Al Hassan Ag Abdoul Aziz Ag Mohamed Ag Mahmoud from Mali, and Ali Mohammed Ali Abdul Rahman from Sudan. If convicted, Duterte will serve his sentence in a prison outside the Netherlands.

ICC’s High-Profile Cases

The ICC has pursued several high-profile figures, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. A warrant against Putin, issued in 2022, accuses him of overseeing the abduction of Ukrainian children. Netanyahu, along with Hamas’ military chief, was charged in connection with the war in Gaza.

Other notable fugitives include former Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir and Joseph Kony, leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army in Uganda.

Duterte has long dismissed the ICC’s authority, previously stating, “I will not answer to a foreign court. My loyalty is to the Filipino people.” However, with his arrest, he now faces the very tribunal he once defied.

What’s Next?

As Duterte awaits trial, the world watches closely to see how the ICC will handle a case that has sharply divided opinions in the Philippines and beyond. Will this mark a turning point for international justice, or will Duterte’s defense challenge the court’s legitimacy?

Stay tuned for updates.

Too divisive or not

DC Alviar
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Too divisive or not

Go figure:

Thousands were killed when he was the president of the Philippines and mayor of Davao City with orders of a bloody but failed anti-drugs crackdown.

·        A family (make it two families) lost him by continents. Says Veronica “Kitty” Duterte in her Instagram post: “They took dad from us, put him on a plane and wouldn’t say where to. People, wake up.” According to Vice President Sara Duterte, “They are taking him out on a plane by force without considering his health conditions.”

Is the nation too divided by Rodrigo Duterte’s capture? The ICC says we’re dealing with crimes against humanity here.

It is not too divisive. A headline reads: “‘Thank you, ICC’: Pinoys express gratitude after Duterte’s arrest over drug war crimes.”

It is not too divisive. In a statement, Leila de Lima says that Duterte is “being made to answer – not to me, but to the victims, to their families, to a world that refuses to forget.”

She adds: “(Ex-President Duterte) has to answer for his actions, not in the court of public opinion, but before the rule of law… This is how justice should work – those in power must be held to the same standards as everyone else.”

It is not too divisive. Hindi masyadong mapanghati ang pangyayari. Marami lang kasing umiidolo sa mga pulitiko katulad ng mga Duterte. Gayundin naman sa mga Marcos. Synonyms of divisive include discordant, disruptive, conflict-ridden, and contentious. When you look closely at the four words and think about the Philippines, no Filipino can easily claim who is/are responsible for the bloody but failed war on drugs. But all citizens are so used to disunity when it comes to law and order that an Interpol-backed ICC aligns more closely with our overall desires as it essentially performs better given the political (and moral) situation in the country.

We generally but constitutionally adopt “the generally accepted principles of international law as part of the law of the land.”

It is not too divisive. The arrest—we can aptly describe—is dramatic.

We wish former president Duterte the best of luck in The Hague. We equally wish that for the thousands of victims of extrajudicial killings in the years in question in the International Criminal Court—November 1, 2011, when he was still mayor of Davao City to March 16, 2019, when he was on the second half of his presidency, as possible crimes against humanity. Operative word: possible.

“Show to me now the legal basis for my being here,” Duterte tells authorities on March 11. “You have to answer now for the deprivation of liberty.”

Says one netizen: “Finally! The long wait is over! Magkakaroon na ng hustisya ang mga biktima ng extrajudicial killings (EJK) ni Digong!” (Many other netizens have the same theme in their posts.)

Remember (courtesy of the Senate website, June 6, 2017):

“Senator Antonio ‘Sonny’ F. Trillanes IV, together with Magdalo Party-list Representative Gary C. Alejano, has filed on Tuesday a supplemental complaint against President Rodrigo Duterte before the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands.

“In the 45-page communication submitted to the Office of the Prosecutor of ICC, Trillanes, and Alejano affirmed and provided updates to the submitted communication of Atty. Jude Sabio before the ICC regarding President Rodrigo Duterte’s violation of the Articles of Rome Statute through commission of mass murder or extra-judicial executions constituting crimes against humanity.

“Trillanes explained: ‘The case of crimes against humanity against Duterte is very solid. He repeatedly, explicitly, and pronounced a national policy of killing drug suspects and the PNP executed it. Moreover, the Philippines, being a state party and Duterte a Filipino, satisfy jurisdictional requirements. Any Filipino lawyer who says otherwise should read the ICC policy papers first.’

“Trillanes and Alejano also included in the communication the list of killings which transpired after the first communication to the ICC was submitted last April 24 by Atty. Sabio, and other relevant incidents prove that the killings happening around the country are being done systematically by police through the so-called legitimate police operations, or through vigilante-style executions, which are carried out by police themselves masked as part of vigilante groups or through their hired killers.”

Wish for our journalism and communication students

It is great to be a journalist now. Not enough money, just a conscience. Truth sets us all free (but we still need to pray so that we may be “free indeed”). Have online readings via rappler.com and, of course, tutubi.ph. As for me, on the morning of March 12, 2025, I prefer to add my readings by buying the actual printed versions of our top broadsheets as Duterte has become Asia’s first former head of state to go on trial in the International Criminal Court. Veinte pesos (Php 20) cada periódico.

PNP, Itinaas sa Heightened Alert Matapos ang Pag-aresto kay Duterte

MANILA, Philippines – Itinaas ng Philippine National Police (PNP) ang heightened alert status sa lahat ng Police Regional Offices (PROs) at National Support Units (NSUs) simula Martes ng gabi, Marso 11, 2025, kasunod ng pagkakaaresto kay dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte.

Ayon sa isang memorandum mula sa PNP Directorate for Operations, ang hakbang na ito ay bilang paghahanda sa posibilidad ng kaguluhan, protesta, at malawakang kilos-protesta matapos ang pag-aresto sa dating Pangulo.

“This pertains to the current nationwide peace and order situation where possible civil disturbance, rallies, and mass actions may arise following the arrest of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte,” ayon sa memorandum.

Dagdag pa rito, ipinatupad ang heightened alert status sa buong bansa simula alas-5 ng hapon ng Marso 11, 2025.

Pag-aresto kay Duterte sa NAIA

Inaresto si Duterte sa Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) nitong Martes ng umaga matapos itong dumating mula sa Hong Kong. Ang dating Pangulo ay hinuli sa bisa ng arrest warrant mula sa International Criminal Court (ICC) kaugnay ng mga umano’y crimes against humanity na may kaugnayan sa madugong war on drugs ng kanyang administrasyon.

Dahil dito, nagtipon ang daan-daang tagasuporta ni Duterte sa harap ng Villamor Air Base sa Pasay City bilang pagpapakita ng kanilang pagtutol sa kanyang pag-aresto.

PNP: Handa sa Anumang Banta sa Seguridad

Naglabas ng paalala ang PNP sa lahat ng unipormadong tauhan, lalo na sa mga nagsasagawa ng police operations, upang paigtingin ang seguridad at mag-ingat laban sa posibleng banta.

“All uniformed personnel, especially those performing police operations, are reminded to conduct proactive security measures and execute extreme caution for possible enemy atrocities,” saad ng PNP.

Bukod dito, inatasan ang lahat ng yunit ng pulisya na magpatupad ng mas mahigpit na border control points at maghanda ng CDM contingents (Reactionary Standby Support Force at Quick Reaction Forces) upang mapanatili ang kapayapaan at kaayusan sa kani-kanilang mga nasasakupan.

Patuloy na babantayan ng PNP ang sitwasyon sa buong bansa habang nagpapatuloy ang mga legal na proseso kaugnay ng kaso ni Duterte sa ICC.

PNP, itinaas sa heightened alert matapos ang pag-aresto kay Duterte

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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PNP, itinaas sa heightened alert matapos ang pag-aresto kay Duterte

MAYNILA. Itinaas ng Philippine National Police (PNP) ang heightened alert status sa lahat ng Police Regional Offices (PROs) at National Support Units (NSUs) simula Martes ng gabi, Marso 11, 2025, kasunod ng pagkakaaresto kay dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte.

Ayon sa isang memorandum mula sa PNP Directorate for Operations, ang hakbang na ito ay bilang paghahanda sa posibilidad ng kaguluhan, protesta, at malawakang kilos-protesta matapos ang pag-aresto sa dating Pangulo.

“This pertains to the current nationwide peace and order situation where possible civil disturbance, rallies, and mass actions may arise following the arrest of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte,” ayon sa memorandum.

Dagdag pa rito, ipinatupad ang heightened alert status sa buong bansa simula alas-5 ng hapon ng Marso 11, 2025.

Pag-aresto kay Duterte sa NAIA

Inaresto si Duterte sa Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) nitong Martes ng umaga matapos itong dumating mula sa Hong Kong. Ang dating Pangulo ay hinuli sa bisa ng arrest warrant mula sa International Criminal Court (ICC) kaugnay ng mga umano’y crimes against humanity na may kaugnayan sa madugong war on drugs ng kanyang administrasyon.

Dahil dito, nagtipon ang daan-daang tagasuporta ni Duterte sa harap ng Villamor Air Base sa Pasay City bilang pagpapakita ng kanilang pagtutol sa kanyang pag-aresto.

PNP: Handa sa Anumang Banta sa Seguridad

Naglabas ng paalala ang PNP sa lahat ng unipormadong tauhan, lalo na sa mga nagsasagawa ng police operations, upang paigtingin ang seguridad at mag-ingat laban sa posibleng banta.

“All uniformed personnel, especially those performing police operations, are reminded to conduct proactive security measures and execute extreme caution for possible enemy atrocities,” saad ng PNP.

Bukod dito, inatasan ang lahat ng yunit ng pulisya na magpatupad ng mas mahigpit na border control points at maghanda ng CDM contingents (Reactionary Standby Support Force at Quick Reaction Forces) upang mapanatili ang kapayapaan at kaayusan sa kani-kanilang mga nasasakupan.

Patuloy na babantayan ng PNP ang sitwasyon sa buong bansa habang nagpapatuloy ang mga legal na proseso kaugnay ng kaso ni Duterte sa ICC.

Former Philippine President Duterte arrested, sent to The Hague over drug war killings

Venus L Peñaflor
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Former Philippine President Duterte arrested, sent to The Hague over drug war killings

MANILA. Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was flown to The Hague on Tuesday after being arrested in Manila at the request of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The move marks a significant development in the court’s investigation into alleged crimes against humanity committed during his administration’s controversial war on drugs.

Duterte, 79, who led the country from 2016 to 2022, was taken into custody early Tuesday morning, making him the first Asian former head of state to potentially stand trial at the ICC. His arrest is the most decisive action taken so far in the court’s probe into the anti-drug crackdown that resulted in thousands of deaths and sparked global condemnation.

Marcos: ‘The Plane Is En Route’

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed Duterte’s transfer to the Netherlands, stating, “The plane is en route to The Hague, in the Netherlands, allowing the former president to face charges of crimes against humanity about his bloody war on drugs.”

Marcos emphasized that the arrest complied with Interpol, adding, “We did not help the International Criminal Court in any way.”

Duterte’s war on drugs was a key campaign promise that catapulted him to power. Nicknamed “The Punisher” for his tough-on-crime stance, he had often boasted in speeches that thousands of drug pushers would be killed. However, the crackdown led to accusations of widespread extrajudicial killings, primarily targeting the country’s poor.

Duterte’s Longstanding Defiance

Despite repeated rebukes from international human rights organizations, Duterte had remained defiant. He withdrew the Philippines from the ICC’s founding treaty in 2019 when the court began looking into allegations of systematic killings of suspected drug offenders.

The ICC maintains it has jurisdiction to investigate crimes committed while the Philippines was still a member. Duterte has consistently defended his administration’s actions, claiming police only used lethal force in self-defense. He had also declared multiple times that he was willing to “rot in jail” if it meant ridding the country of illegal drugs.

“This is only the start of our fight. Our justice has not yet been achieved because there’s still a lot of things that will happen, but we will not stop fighting,” said Llore Pasco, 70, a mother who lost two sons to the drug war.

Thousands of Lives Lost

Official figures from the Philippine National Police (PNP) indicate that 6,200 suspects were killed in anti-drug operations under Duterte’s presidency, all allegedly during shootouts with law enforcement. However, human rights groups claim the actual death toll is much higher, with as many as 30,000 people—including many slum-dwelling drug users—gunned down in circumstances they say suggest summary executions.

Activists accuse the police of fabricating reports and staging crime scenes to cover up extrajudicial killings. The ICC’s prosecutor alleges that Duterte bore criminal responsibility for at least 43 murders between 2011 and 2019, spanning both his time as mayor of Davao City and his tenure as president.

Duterte: ‘Try Me in the Philippines’

Duterte, speaking via livestream while in custody, argued that he should be tried in the Philippines rather than by an international tribunal. “Why will you bring me to an international body when we are no longer a member?” he asked. “Ponder on it seriously, because this will have implications.”

His arrest has triggered outrage among his family, allies, and supporters, many of whom see it as an affront to Philippine sovereignty.

“They took Dad from us, put him on a plane, and wouldn’t say where to. People, wake up,” Duterte’s youngest daughter, Veronica Duterte, posted on Instagram, calling his detention an act of “kidnapping.”

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, Duterte’s longtime aide, condemned the arrest, saying, “Long gone are the days when foreigners dictated how we run our internal affairs.”

A Family’s Fall from Power

The arrest marks a dramatic downfall for the Duterte political dynasty, which played a crucial role in helping Marcos secure a landslide victory in the 2022 elections. Duterte’s daughter, Sara Duterte, was elected vice president, strengthening the alliance between the two political families. However, the relationship soured, culminating in Sara’s impeachment last month by a lower house dominated by Marcos loyalists.

Marcos, who had previously vowed not to cooperate with the ICC, signaled a shift in stance, stating that his administration would comply with the arrest warrant if issued.

Despite Duterte’s overwhelming influence in Philippine politics, local investigations into the drug war have progressed slowly, with no charges filed against him or his top law enforcement officials. The ICC’s intervention, however, has reignited hope among victims’ families and human rights organizations that justice will finally be served.

Leila de Lima, a former justice minister jailed under Duterte after leading a Senate probe into the killings, praised the victims’ families for their resilience. “Your voices mattered, your courage mattered,” she said.

Duterte now faces trial at The Hague, a momentous chapter in the ongoing pursuit of accountability for the thousands of lives lost under his administration’s war on drugs.

Rodrigo Duterte arrested for crimes against humanity, Palace confirms

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Rodrigo Duterte arrested for crimes against humanity, Palace confirms

MANILA. Malacañang confirmed on Tuesday that former President Rodrigo Duterte has been taken into custody following his arrest for crimes against humanity, in connection with the controversial war on drugs conducted during his administration.

In a statement, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) disclosed that the arrest was executed upon Duterte’s arrival in Manila, where the Prosecutor General served the warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

“Kaninang madaling araw, natanggap ng INTERPOL Manila ang official copy ng warrant of arrest mula sa International Criminal Court (ICC),” the PCO stated.

(Early this morning, INTERPOL Manila received the official copy of the warrant of arrest from the International Criminal Court.)

“Sa kanyang pagdating, inihain ng Prosecutor General ang ICC notification para sa isang arrest warrant sa dating Pangulo para sa krimen laban sa sangkatauhan,” it added.

(Upon his arrival, the Prosecutor General served the ICC notification for an arrest warrant on the former President for crimes against humanity.)

Legal Debate Over Arrest

The Department of Justice has yet to release a statement regarding Duterte’s arrest. Meanwhile, former presidential legal counsel Atty. Salvador Panelo denounced the move as unlawful, claiming that Duterte was denied legal representation at the time of his arrest.

“It’s unlawful arrest. The PNP didn’t allow one of his lawyers to meet him at the airport and to question the legal basis for PRRD’s arrest,” Panelo stated.

“He was deprived of legal representation at the time of his arrest,” he added. “The PNP could not have a hard copy of the warrant of arrest.”

Panelo further argued that the refusal to allow Duterte’s lawyers access at the time of arrest was a deliberate attempt to avoid questioning the validity of the warrant.

“It is an illegal arrest because the ICC arrest warrant comes from a spurious source, the ICC, which has no jurisdiction over the Philippines,” he claimed.

The former Duterte spokesperson also warned that government officials involved in the arrest could be held criminally liable for their actions.

Duterte’s Condition and Security Measures

Following the arrest, government doctors assessed Duterte’s condition to ensure his well-being.

“Ang dating Pangulo at ang kanyang grupo ay nasa mabuting kalusugan at sinuri ng mga doktor ng gobyerno. Sinigurado na siya ay nasa maayos na kalagayan,” the PCO stated.

(The former president and his group are in good condition after being checked by government doctors. They ensured that he [Duterte] is in good health.)

Police officials who served the warrant were equipped with body cameras to document the operation, according to the PCO.

“Ang mga opisyal ng PNP na nagpatupad ng warrant ay tiniyak na may suot na body camera,” the PCO added. “Sa ngayon, nasa kustodiya na siya ng mga kinauukulan.”

(The PNP officials who served the warrant wore body cameras. At present, Duterte is under the custody of authorities.)

ICC’s Investigation on Duterte’s Drug War

The ICC has been investigating Duterte and top officials of his administration for alleged crimes against humanity linked to his aggressive anti-drug campaign. Official police records indicate that around 6,000 individuals were killed in drug-related operations. However, human rights groups claim the death toll is closer to 30,000, including victims of vigilante killings.

Duterte had previously stated that he was ready to face the ICC’s warrant, asserting that he would confront the charges head-on as a lawyer rather than seeking refuge abroad.

This arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing legal and political battle surrounding Duterte’s controversial war on drugs, a campaign that has drawn widespread international condemnation.

Watch the moon turn red: Total lunar eclipse to grace the skies in March

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Watch the moon turn red: Total lunar eclipse to grace the skies in March

NEW YORK. A spectacular celestial event is set to take place this March. A total lunar eclipse will cast a deep red hue over the moon, visible across the Western Hemisphere from Thursday night into early Friday morning.

According to experts, the best viewing spots will be in North and South America, while parts of Africa and Europe may catch a partial glimpse of the event.

Lunar eclipses occur when the sun, Earth, and moon align perfectly, causing Earth’s shadow to obscure the moon either partially or completely. During a total lunar eclipse, the entire moon is enveloped in the Earth’s shadow, taking on a coppery-red hue due to scattered sunlight filtering through Earth’s atmosphere. This phenomenon, often called a “blood moon,” occurs a few times each decade.

NASA reports that between four to seven lunar and solar eclipses can take place annually. The last partial lunar eclipse was observed in the Americas, Africa, and Europe in September, while the most recent total lunar eclipse happened in 2022.

How to Watch the Lunar Eclipse

The total eclipse will last for approximately an hour, beginning at 2:26 a.m. Eastern Time on Friday, with peak visibility occurring around 3 a.m. Eastern.

Observers simply need to step outside and look up—no special equipment or eclipse glasses are required.

“As long as the sky is clear, you should be able to see it,” said Shannon Schmoll, director of Abrams Planetarium at Michigan State University.

For viewers in Europe and Africa, the moon’s setting may make it more difficult to witness the full eclipse.

“This is really an eclipse for North and South America,” noted Michael Faison, an astronomy expert from Yale University.

If skywatchers miss this event, they will have another opportunity on September 7, when a total lunar eclipse will be visible across parts of Asia, Africa, Australia, and Europe. The next total lunar eclipse for the Americas is expected in March 2026.

Lunar Eclipses Through History

Lunar eclipses have fascinated civilizations for millennia. Ancient societies carefully observed and interpreted these celestial events, often attributing deep cultural and scientific significance to them.

“They were looking at the night sky, and they had a much brighter vision than we do today,” said historian Zoe Ortiz of the University of North Texas, emphasizing the astronomical knowledge of early civilizations.

Greek philosopher Aristotle noted that Earth’s curved shadow during a lunar eclipse was evidence of the planet’s round shape—one of the earliest recorded proofs of a spherical Earth.

Meanwhile, ancient Mesopotamians viewed the blood-red moon as an omen of misfortune for their ruler. To protect their king from potential harm, they would install a temporary substitute ruler around the time of an eclipse.

“If there’s ever a movie plot,” Ortiz quipped, “that’s the one.”

With history and science intertwined, the upcoming total lunar eclipse promises to be a mesmerizing event for stargazers across the Western Hemisphere.

Wala pang natatanggap na impormasyon ang Palasyo sa Interpol red notice ni Ex-PRRD

Venus L Peñaflor
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Wala pang natatanggap na impormasyon ang Palasyo sa Interpol red notice ni Ex-PRRD

MAYNILA. Wala pang natatanggap na anumang komunikasyon ang Malacañang hinggil sa posibilidad ng isang red notice mula sa International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) laban kay dating Pangulong Rodrigo “Digong” Roa Duterte.

Ito ay kasunod ng mga ulat na may inilabas umanong warrant of arrest ang International Criminal Court (ICC) laban sa dating Pangulo kaugnay ng imbestigasyong isinagawa sa libo-libong pagkamatay sa police anti-drug operations noong kanyang administrasyon.

Ayon sa mga rekord ng gobyerno, mahigit 6,000 drug suspects ang napatay sa operasyon ng pulisya sa ilalim ng kampanya kontra droga ni Duterte. Subalit, batay sa pagtataya ng mga human rights groups, maaaring umabot sa 30,000 ang bilang ng mga nasawi.

“Wala pa po tayong natatanggap na anumang communication patungkol sa red notice at nakausap po natin si Asec. Mico from the DOJ at as of now ay tinitingnan din po nila ang kanilang mga records. As of now, wala pa pong natatanggap na anumang komunikasyon patungkol diyan,” pahayag ni Palace Press Officer at Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro.

Dagdag pa ni Castro, bagamat may mga lumabas na ulat tungkol sa isang warrant of arrest laban kay Duterte, hindi pa ito agad nakukumpirma lalo na kung wala pang opisyal na kopya ng naturang warrant.

“Ang sabi po kasi ng DOJ, since hindi po tayo miyembro ngayon ng ICC, may mga options po kasi ang ICC kung papaano nila ito ipapa-serve. Kung nagkataon po kasi na tayo ay miyembro, puwede po itong ipadaan sa opisina po ng Pangulo o kaya po sa DOJ o kaya sa DFA. Pero maaari pa rin po tayong ituring ng ICC bilang miyembro at maaaring gawin po iyong binanggit ko pong mga procedure pero nasa kanila po ito kung ito po ay ipapadaan na lang mismo doon sa bansa kung nasaan iyong taong kanilang gustong i-serve ng warrant of arrest,” paliwanag ni Castro.

Sa kabila nito, iginiit ni Castro na nananatili ang polisiya ng pamahalaan na hindi ito makikipagtulungan sa ICC, maliban na lamang kung mismong Interpol na ang hihiling ng kanilang tulong.

“Sa Interpol po tayo makikipag-ugnayan kung hihingin po ng Interpol ang tulong ng gobyerno po ng pamahalaan,” aniya.

Sa ngayon, patuloy na sinusubaybayan ng gobyerno ang anumang bagong impormasyon hinggil sa isyung ito habang nananatili ang paninindigan ng administrasyon laban sa pakikialam ng ICC sa panloob na usapin ng Pilipinas.

Norway’s 1X unveils Neo Gamma: A new step toward humanoid home robots

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Norway’s 1X unveils Neo Gamma: A new step toward humanoid home robots

OSLO, Norway. Norwegian robotics company 1X has introduced its latest humanoid robot, Neo Gamma, a successor to Neo Beta, which debuted in August. The unveiling, made on Friday, highlights 1X’s continued push to develop robots designed for household use.

The bipedal Neo Gamma is currently a prototype intended for limited in-home testing. The company emphasizes that while it is a step forward, the robot remains far from mass production and widespread deployment. Images released by 1X showcase the robot performing various household tasks, including making coffee, doing laundry, and vacuuming.

A Friendlier, Softer Approach to Humanoids

In contrast to the more industrial-focused humanoids produced by companies like Boston Dynamics, Tesla, Figure, and Agility, 1X has prioritized a home-first approach. The Neo Gamma is specifically designed to be welcoming and safe, featuring a soft, knitted nylon suit to minimize potential injuries from human-robot interaction.

The company also highlights advancements in on-board AI systems as a crucial element in making the robot safer. The AI allows Neo Gamma to navigate household environments with greater awareness, reducing risks to people and property. In addition, teleoperation capabilities provide a manual override function, ensuring that humans can take control if needed.

The Challenge of Home Robotics

Despite growing interest in home humanoids, the market has remained largely untapped beyond robotic vacuum cleaners from companies like iRobot. The primary hurdles include making home robots affordable, reliable, safe, and practical—especially as the technology is still evolving.

One key potential application for humanoid robots is age-tech, as aging populations increase demand for technologies that enable independent living for older adults. This makes safety and reliability even more critical for widespread adoption.

OpenAI’s Influence and the Future of AI-Driven Humanoids

1X first gained significant industry attention when OpenAI was announced as an early investor. The concept of embodied intelligence—AI integrated into physical robots—is considered the next major step in generative AI. OpenAI, however, has since expanded its investments, also backing Figure, another humanoid robotics firm, and sparking speculation about its own in-house robotics ambitions.

AI’s role in humanoid development extends beyond functionality. It also influences human-robot interactions, enabling more natural language processing and improved non-verbal communication. Like Figure, 1X has been developing its own AI models to refine Neo Gamma’s speech and body language.

The Road Ahead for Neo Gamma

1X has not disclosed the number of Neo Gamma units produced or planned during the prototype phase. The product videos released on Friday serve primarily as proof of concept, demonstrating how a 1X humanoid robot might operate in a home setting.

While the industrial sector is already seeing pilot-stage humanoid deployments, home robots face more significant challenges in cost, safety, reliability, and functionality. The widespread use of humanoid robots in homes remains years away, but 1X’s Neo Gamma represents an intriguing step toward making that vision a reality.

Mark Carney elected as Canada’s new prime minister, succeeding Justin Trudeau

Venus L Peñaflor
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Mark Carney elected as Canada’s new prime minister, succeeding Justin Trudeau

OTTAWA. Mark Carney, former governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, has been elected as the new leader of the ruling Liberal Party, officially securing his position as Canada’s next prime minister. Carney, 59, won the leadership race with a decisive 86% of votes, defeating former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland in a contest that saw nearly 152,000 party members casting their ballots.

Carney’s leadership comes at a critical juncture for Canada, as the country faces escalating trade tensions with its longtime ally, the United States, under President Donald Trump. Additionally, a general election looms on the horizon, further intensifying political stakes.

Carney Criticizes Trump’s Trade Policies

During his victory speech, Carney took direct aim at Trump’s economic policies, drawing loud boos from the crowd.

“There’s someone who’s trying to weaken our economy,” Carney said, referring to Trump. “He’s attacking Canadian workers, families, and businesses. We can’t let him succeed.”

Emphasizing the need for rapid action, Carney added, “This won’t be business as usual. We will have to do things that we haven’t imagined before, at speeds we didn’t think possible.”

Carney has positioned himself as the best leader to navigate Canada through its economic challenges, particularly in light of Trump’s threats to impose additional tariffs. The former banker stated that his experience leading two G7 central banks makes him uniquely qualified to handle trade negotiations.

Trudeau’s Departure and the Liberal Party’s Revival

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation in January after more than nine years in power, following a sharp decline in his approval ratings. His decision prompted the Liberal Party to conduct an expedited leadership race. In his farewell speech, Trudeau underscored the importance of Canada’s democratic values.

“Make no mistake, this is a nation-defining moment. Democracy is not a given. Freedom is not a given. Even Canada is not a given,” Trudeau said.

Carney’s election marks a historic shift in Canadian politics, as he becomes the first prime minister without a traditional political background. His leadership bid has sparked renewed enthusiasm within the Liberal Party, which had been struggling in opinion polls but now appears to have regained ground against the opposition Conservatives, led by Pierre Poilievre.

Upcoming Elections and Political Tensions

Despite Carney’s leadership victory, recent polls indicate that neither the Liberals nor the Conservatives have enough support to secure a majority government. An election must be held by October 20, but two senior Liberal Party sources suggested that Carney might call for an early election in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, tensions between Canada and the United States continue to escalate. In response to Trump’s trade measures, Trudeau had previously imposed C$30 billion in retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports. Carney signaled that his government would maintain a firm stance against Trump’s policies.

“My government will keep our tariffs on until the Americans show us respect,” Carney declared.

On Sunday, protests erupted outside Parliament in Ottawa, with demonstrators holding signs condemning Trump’s trade policies. The growing discontent has led some political analysts to suggest that the Liberals may be experiencing a “rally-around-the-flag” effect, bolstering their political standing.

“There is a rallying-around-the-flag moment that we would never have predicted a year ago,” said University of British Columbia politics professor Richard Johnston. “I think it’s probably true as we speak that the Liberals have been saved from oblivion.”

Carney’s next challenge will be securing a seat in the House of Commons, as tradition dictates that a prime minister should hold a parliamentary seat as soon as possible. Meanwhile, Conservative leader Poilievre has ramped up attacks on Carney, as the battle for Canada’s political future intensifies ahead of the upcoming election.

Hollywood legend Gene Hackman dies a week after wife in tragic sequence of events

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Hollywood legend Gene Hackman dies a week after wife in tragic sequence of events

SANTA FE, N.M. Hollywood icon Gene Hackman passed away due to heart disease, just a week after his wife, Betsy Arakawa, succumbed to hantavirus in their New Mexico hillside home. Authorities revealed Friday that the 95-year-old actor, who was in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease, was likely unaware of his wife’s death.

Chief medical examiner Dr. Heather Jarrell confirmed at a press conference that both deaths were from natural causes. “Mr. Hackman showed evidence of advanced Alzheimer’s disease,” Jarrell stated. “He was in a very poor state of health. He had significant heart disease, and I think ultimately that’s what resulted in his death.”

Authorities discovered the bodies of Hackman and Arakawa on February 26, but investigators determined that Arakawa, 65, had last been active on February 11, when she visited a pharmacy, pet store, and grocery store before returning to their gated neighborhood. Hackman’s pacemaker registered signs of activity until February 18, when he likely passed away.

“It’s quite possible he was not aware she was deceased,” Jarrell noted, emphasizing the severity of Hackman’s condition.

A Tragic and Isolated Incident

Dr. Michael Baden, a former New York City medical examiner, suggested that Hackman’s Alzheimer’s prevented him from comprehending or reacting to his wife’s death. “You are talking about very severe Alzheimer’s disease that normal people would be in a nursing home or have a nurse, but she was taking care of him until she passed away,” Baden explained.

Arakawa’s cause of death was linked to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal disease spread through rodent droppings. Authorities confirmed that her thyroid medication was found nearby but did not contribute to her passing. The case marks the first confirmed hantavirus-related death in New Mexico this year.

One of the couple’s three dogs was also found dead inside a crate in a bathroom closet near Arakawa, while two other dogs survived. The New Mexico Health Department clarified that dogs do not contract hantavirus, and the sheriff’s office is awaiting necropsy results for the deceased pet. Investigators continue to review personal cellphone data to reconstruct the timeline of events leading to the couple’s deaths.

A Life Remembered

Hackman, known for his Academy Award-winning performances in The French Connection and Unforgiven, enjoyed a storied career spanning decades before retiring from Hollywood in the early 2000s. In retirement, he pursued painting and writing and was an active member of the Santa Fe community, serving on the board of trustees at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and investing in local businesses.

Arakawa, a concert pianist from Hawaii and a University of Southern California graduate, met Hackman in the mid-1980s while working at a gym in California. Their quiet life in Santa Fe, away from Hollywood’s limelight, ended in an unforeseen tragedy that has left the entertainment world in mourning.

Authorities affirmed that Hackman’s Alzheimer’s disease and Arakawa’s sudden passing from hantavirus created a devastating chain of events. Dr. Victor Weedn, a forensic pathologist, summarized the case: “They died several days apart: One dying of a viral infection, the hantavirus, which can kill quite quickly. The other death occurs from heart disease. Their explanation, I thought, was quite clear and plausible. I believe they really discovered what truly happened in this case.”

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