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Hamas to release 3 more Israeli hostages after tensions nearly escalated Gaza conflict

Venus L Peñaflor
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Hamas to release 3 more Israeli hostages after tensions nearly escalated Gaza conflict

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip. Hamas is set to release three Israeli hostages on Saturday as part of a tenuous ceasefire agreement that mandates the exchange of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in return. The fragile truce, which began nearly four weeks ago, has been under strain due to recent disputes that threatened to reignite the conflict.

The planned release follows discussions between Hamas and Egyptian and Qatari mediators, who pledged to “remove all hurdles” to ensure Israel permits more humanitarian aid, including tents and medical supplies, into Gaza.

The hostages expected to be freed after more than 16 months in captivity are Iair Horn, 46, an Israeli-Argentine dual citizen; Sagui Dekel Chen, 36, who holds American-Israeli citizenship; and Alexander (Sasha) Troufanov, 29, an Israeli-Russian dual citizen. The three were taken hostage from Kibbutz Nir Oz during Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack, which triggered the ongoing war.

Horn was abducted along with his brother, Eitan Horn, who remains in captivity. Dekel Chen was seized while working outside, while his wife and two daughters hid in a safe room—she later gave birth to their third child in captivity. Troufanov was taken alongside his grandmother, mother, and girlfriend; the three women were released in a temporary truce in November 2023, but his father was killed in the attack.

Meanwhile, the Hamas-affiliated Prisoners’ Information Office reported that 369 Palestinian prisoners will be released from Israeli prisons on Saturday, including 36 individuals serving life sentences. Among them is Ahmed Barghouti, 48, a close aide to Marwan Barghouti, a senior figure in Palestinian politics. Ahmed Barghouti was sentenced to life imprisonment for orchestrating suicide bombings during the Second Intifada in the early 2000s, which resulted in Israeli civilian casualties. He was arrested alongside Marwan Barghouti in 2002.

This will mark the sixth hostage-prisoner swap since the ceasefire took effect on January 19. So far, 21 hostages and over 730 Palestinian prisoners have been freed under the agreement. However, tensions persist, with international concerns over the stability of the truce and the long-term implications for peace in the region.

Pope Francis hospitalized for respiratory infection, condition stable

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Pope Francis hospitalized for respiratory infection, condition stable

VATICAN CITY. Pope Francis has been admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for treatment of bronchitis and is experiencing a respiratory infection, though his condition remains stable, the Vatican confirmed on Friday.

“The Holy Father … has undergone specialist examinations and has started hospital drug therapy,” the Vatican stated, approximately eight hours after his hospitalization. “The initial tests showed a respiratory tract infection. His clinical condition is fair; he has a slight fever.”

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni assured the public that Pope Francis is “serene and in good spirits,” noting that he has been reading newspapers during his stay.

The 88-year-old pontiff has been battling bronchitis for over a week. Earlier this month, he told pilgrims during a weekly audience that he had a “strong cold,” which the Vatican later clarified as bronchitis. His health has been a concern in recent years, as he has suffered from influenza and lung infections. As a young adult, he developed pleurisy, leading to the partial removal of one of his lungs.

Francis has also experienced mobility issues, requiring the use of a wheelchair or cane for extended periods. He suffered two falls in recent months—one in December, bruising his chin, and another in January, injuring his arm.

Before his hospitalization, Pope Francis held several meetings, including one with Mark Thompson, CEO of CNN. According to a CNN report, the pope was “mentally alert but struggling to speak for extended periods due to breathing difficulties.”

He also met with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, senior Vatican official Cardinal Luis Tagle, and a Catholic philanthropy group from Puerto Rico. Video footage from his meeting with Fico showed the pope smiling and speaking softly at his Vatican residence.

Despite ongoing health challenges, Francis has maintained a demanding schedule. In January and February, he attended public events but often had aides read his prepared remarks. In September 2023, he completed a 12-day tour across Southeast Asia and Oceania, the longest foreign trip of his papacy.

Given his history of lung-related illnesses, Francis’ condition is being closely monitored. Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, the city’s largest, houses a special suite designated for papal treatment. In June 2023, the pope spent nine days thereafter undergoing surgery to repair an abdominal hernia.

The Vatican has announced that the Pope will cancel several public engagements over the next three days as he recovers. Despite his ongoing health struggles, Pope Francis continues to lead the Catholic Church with resilience.

Cashless toll collection, muling ipapatupad sa Marso 15

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Cashless toll collection, muling ipapatupad sa Marso 15

MAYNILA. Muling ipatutupad ng Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) ang cashless o contactless toll collection sa lahat ng expressway simula Marso 15, 2025, ayon sa kanilang anunsyo nitong Sabado.

Ayon sa TRB, kasunod ito ng ilang buwang dry-run ng programa upang matiyak ang maayos na pagpapatupad ng cashless toll collection initiative.

“All motor vehicles travelling along the toll expressways are mandatorily required to have Valid ETC Device/Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) sticker installed on them,” ayon sa ahensya.

Matatandaang unang ipinatupad ang cashless toll collection program noong Disyembre 2020 ngunit sinuspinde dahil sa ilang operational issues.

“This program intends to optimize the use of all the toll lanes/plazas through the utilization of Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) System,” pahayag ng TRB.

Dagdag pa ng ahensya, ang mga sasakyang walang valid ETC Device/RFID Sticker ay papayagang makapasok sa toll lane o plaza ngunit kinakailangang kabitan ng ETC Device/RFID Sticker sa itinalagang lugar matapos ang toll plaza o sa pinakamalapit na installation site.

“However, the Land Transportation Office (LTO), through its deputized personnel, will issue against them either a Temporary Operator’s Permit or a Show Cause Order for violating the ‘No Valid ETC Device, No Entry’ Policy under the DOTr/LTO/TRB’s Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2024-001, and will be meted the corresponding penalty/ies,” ayon pa sa TRB.

Ayon sa TRB, napansin nilang ang mga dedicated toll lanes para sa cash-paying motorists ay madalas na nagkakaroon ng mahabang pila ng sasakyan, na nagiging sanhi ng pagsikip ng daloy ng trapiko sa ETC designated lanes.

“It is expected that a better and more efficient flow of traffic will result once these lanes are strictly used for ETC only,” ayon sa kanila.

Hinihikayat ng TRB ang mga motoristang wala pang ETC Device/RFID Sticker na kumuha na nito upang maiwasan ang multa at abala sa pagbiyahe.

Bukod dito, tiniyak ng ahensya na kanilang pangangasiwaan at pasisimplehin ang proseso ng “ETC Device/RFID Sticker application and installation.”

“The installation of ETC Device/RFID Sticker is free, and there is no required maintaining balance. ETC/RFID subscribers may load the exact amount of toll fees needed to travel along the toll expressway. All of these are meant to make it easy and more convenient to the motorists,” pahayag ng TRB.

Unique and fascinating Valentine’s Day traditions across Asia

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Unique and fascinating Valentine’s Day traditions across Asia

Valentine’s Day may have originated in the West, but across Asia, countries have infused the celebration with their own cultural twists. From mass weddings in the Philippines to symbolic chocolate exchanges in Japan, here’s how different nations mark the day of love.

The Philippines: A Nation of Mass Weddings

No country celebrates Valentine’s Day quite like the Philippines, where mass weddings have become a major tradition. Every February 14, local governments sponsor public ceremonies, enabling hundreds of couples to tie the knot without the financial burden of a grand wedding.

Japan: A Sweet Exchange

In Japan, Valentine’s Day is all about women giving chocolates to men—but not all chocolates are the same.

  • Giri-choco (義理チョコ), or “courtesy chocolates,” are given to friends and colleagues as a token of appreciation.
  • Honmei-choco (本命チョコ), meaning “true love chocolates,” are reserved for romantic interests. One month later, on White Day (March 14), men return the favor, often with grander gifts.

South Korea: Three Times the Celebration

South Korea takes things a step further with three designated days:

  • February 14 – Women give chocolates to men.
  • March 14 (White Day) – Men reciprocate with gifts.
  • April 14 (Black Day) – Singles gather to eat jjajangmyeon (지지앙면), or black bean noodles, as a lighthearted way to acknowledge their single status.

China: The Traditional Qixi Festival

While many couples in China celebrate Valentine’s Day with gifts and flowers, the Qixi Festival, held on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, is often considered the country’s true “Chinese Valentine’s Day.” Inspired by the legendary tale of a cowherd and a weaver girl who reunite once a year, Qixi is a time for couples to express their devotion. Some visit temples to pray for love, while others showcase embroidery as a tribute to enduring romance.

Malaysia & Singapore: Love and Floating Mandarins

Beyond traditional Valentine’s Day celebrations, Malaysia and Singapore observe the Chap Goh Meh Festival on the 15th day of Lunar New Year. Single women write their names and wishes on mandarins before tossing them into rivers, hoping to attract a good husband. Men then retrieve the floating fruits, symbolizing a potential romantic match.

Indonesia: Love Meets Tradition

In some regions of Indonesia, public Valentine’s Day celebrations are discouraged due to cultural and religious beliefs. However, Bali hosts the annual Omed-Omedan, or “Bali Kissing Festival,” where unmarried villagers aged 17 to 30 take part in a playful mass hugging and kissing ritual.

India: The Rise of Valentine’s Week

In India, Valentine’s Week has surged in popularity, with young people marking each day with symbolic gestures:

  • February 7 – Rose Day
  • February 8 – Propose Day
  • February 9 – Chocolate Day
  • February 10 – Teddy Day
  • February 11 – Promise Day
  • February 12 – Hug Day
  • February 13 – Kiss Day
  • February 14 – Valentine’s Day Despite growing enthusiasm, some conservative groups oppose the celebration, seeing it as a Western influence.

Thailand: Love is in the Air (and Underwater)

Bangkok’s Bang Rak district (which translates to “Love District”) becomes a hotspot for couples registering their marriages on Valentine’s Day, believing it brings lifelong happiness. In Trang Province, some take their love to the next level by exchanging vows underwater in a unique wedding ceremony.

Vietnam: Double the Romance

Valentine’s Day in Vietnam is particularly popular among young couples who exchange chocolates, flowers, and heartfelt gifts. Similar to Japan and South Korea, some regions also celebrate White Day on March 14, where men present gifts to women in return.

A Tapestry of Love

While Valentine’s Day remains a global celebration of love, Asia’s diverse traditions showcase the rich cultural expressions of romance. Whether it’s sharing chocolates, tossing mandarins, or taking part in mass weddings, love knows no borders.

Deadly gas explosion rocks Taiwan mall, killing 4 and injuring 26

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Deadly gas explosion rocks Taiwan mall, killing 4 and injuring 26

TAIPEI. A suspected gas explosion at the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store in Taichung, central Taiwan, left at least four people dead and 26 others injured on Thursday, including tourists from Macau, according to local fire officials.

The blast occurred on the 12th floor, where construction work was underway, and caused structural damage from the ninth floor upwards, the Taichung Fire Department stated in an official release. Among the casualties, two of the deceased and five of the injured were tourists from Macau, authorities confirmed.

The food court on the 12th floor, where the explosion happened, had been closed for renovations at the time of the incident, the fire department added. However, the force of the blast still led to significant destruction within the building, prompting immediate rescue operations.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Health reported that among the injured, one individual remains in intensive care.

In response to the tragedy, President Lai Ching-te took to Facebook, urging authorities to conduct a swift and thorough investigation into the cause of the explosion.

Authorities are continuing their assessment of the damage and investigating whether gas leaks or other safety lapses contributed to the deadly incident. More updates are expected as the investigation progresses.

Fuel prices set to rise next week

Venus L Peñaflor
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Fuel prices set to rise next week

MANILA. Motorists should prepare for another round of fuel price hikes next week, as projected by the Department of Energy (DOE) on Friday. The anticipated increase follows international trading trends and ongoing geopolitical tensions.

According to DOE-Oil Industry Management Bureau Assistant Director Rodela Romero, estimated price adjustments for petroleum products next week are as follows:

  • Gasoline: Increase of ₱0.45 to ₱0.75 per liter
  • Diesel: Increase of ₱0.30 to ₱0.60 per liter
  • Kerosene: Increase of ₱0.15 to ₱0.30 per liter

Romero cited global factors contributing to the expected price hike. “This could be driven by the increasing Middle East tensions and the intensifying sanctions of [the] US to Iran and Russia,” she explained.

Final price adjustments will be confirmed after the last trading day of the week, with oil firms set to announce official price movements on Monday. The new rates will take effect the following day, Tuesday.

Earlier this week, oil companies implemented minimal rollbacks, reducing gasoline prices by ₱0.10 per liter, kerosene by ₱0.30, and diesel by ₱0.10.

The upcoming increase marks another challenge for consumers already grappling with fluctuating fuel costs, as global economic and political developments continue to impact local pump prices.

Israel and Hamas on the brink: Ceasefire threatened as hostage release stalls

Venus L Peñaflor
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Israel and Hamas on the brink: Ceasefire threatened as hostage release stalls

JERUSALEM/CAIRO. Tensions between Israel and Hamas have escalated once again, threatening to derail the fragile 42-day ceasefire that has temporarily halted the devastating 16-month war in Gaza. Israel has issued a stern warning that “all hell will break loose” if Hamas does not proceed with a scheduled hostage release by Saturday, while Hamas accuses Israel of failing to meet its commitments under the truce.

The dispute erupted when Hamas declared that it would delay the next planned hostage release, citing Israel’s failure to deliver the agreed-upon aid, including tents and other critical supplies. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz have made it clear that a failure to release the hostages would result in the immediate resumption of military operations.

“If Hamas stops releasing the hostages, then there is no deal and there is war,” Katz warned during a military briefing on Wednesday, echoing former U.S. President Donald Trump’s rhetoric. He emphasized that Israel’s military was prepared to launch a new offensive in Gaza if Hamas did not comply with the agreement.

Hamas, however, has insisted that it remains committed to the ceasefire terms. “Accordingly, Hamas reaffirms its commitment to implementing the agreement as signed, including the exchange of prisoners according to the specified timeline,” the group stated on Thursday. Senior Hamas official Khalil Al-Hayya has been engaged in urgent talks with Egyptian security officials in Cairo, while both Egyptian and Qatari mediators are working to resolve the deadlock.

Despite the threats, there are indications that a compromise might be reached. An Egyptian official involved in the negotiations revealed that both parties were “close to an agreement” and that Israel had agreed to increase aid deliveries to Gaza, including mobile homes and construction equipment. Israeli officials have not officially confirmed this development, though the Israeli military agency COGAT claims that it has already facilitated the entry of 400,000 tents into Gaza.

The ceasefire deal, which took effect on January 19, stipulated that Hamas would release 33 hostages—eight of whom are presumed dead—in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. So far, 21 hostages have been freed. However, Hamas argues that Israel has not honored its end of the bargain, particularly in allowing sufficient aid into Gaza.

As tensions mount, an unexpected development has further fueled the crisis. On Thursday, the Israeli military reported that Hamas had fired a rocket from Gaza, violating the ceasefire agreement. Hamas officials claim that the missile was an unexploded Israeli ordinance that ignited while being moved away from a residential area, but Israel responded with an airstrike on the launcher.

The high-stakes standoff comes amid growing international concern over humanitarian conditions in Gaza. “We have seen improvement in some ways, but certainly, the response is nowhere near enough to meet the needs of so many people who face so much destruction and loss,” said Shaina Low of the Norwegian Refugee Council. She confirmed that while aid deliveries have continued, significant challenges remain due to Israeli restrictions on materials deemed to have dual military uses.

Meanwhile, widespread protests have erupted in Israel, with thousands taking to the streets demanding that Netanyahu uphold the ceasefire and secure the return of the remaining hostages. Israeli security cabinet member Avi Dichter downplayed Hamas’ ability to renegotiate terms, stating, “There’s a deal. They won’t be able to give anything less than what is in the deal.”

The war, which began after Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has resulted in catastrophic casualties. Israeli sources report at least 1,200 deaths and over 250 hostages taken in the initial attack, while Gaza’s health officials estimate that more than 48,000 Palestinians have been killed in the ensuing Israeli bombardment.

With the deadline for the next hostage release fast approaching, all eyes are on Cairo, where negotiations continue. If a breakthrough is not reached, the ceasefire’s collapse could plunge the region back into full-scale conflict, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis and pushing the Middle East closer to wider war.

Doc Willie Ong umatras sa laban sa pagka-senador

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Doc Willie Ong umatras sa laban sa pagka-senador

MAYNILA. Hindi na itutuloy ni Doc Willie Ong ang kaniyang kandidatura sa pagka-senador sa darating na 2025 midterm elections upang bigyang-pansin ang kaniyang kalusugan.

“I am officially withdrawing my candidacy for the 2025 elections so I can focus more on taking care of my health,” anunsyo ni Ong sa kaniyang Facebook account nitong Pebrero 13.

Nagpahayag siya ng pasasalamat sa mga sumuporta at nanalangin para sa kaniya, sabay pangakong patuloy na susuporta sa mabuting pamamahala at mga adhikaing katulad ng sa kaniya.

“Our advocacy to help the poor Filipinos continues even in my private capacity,” dagdag pa niya.

Matatandaang noong nakaraang taon ay isiniwalat ni Ong na siya ay may abdominal cancer o sarcoma. Sa kabila nito, nag-file pa rin siya ng kaniyang certificate of candidacy (CoC) para sa 2025 elections, gaya ng ginawa niya noong 2022 nang tumakbo siya bilang bise presidente, bagamat hindi siya pinalad na manalo.

Vince Dizon appointed as new DOTr secretary, replacing Jaime Bautista 

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Vince Dizon appointed as new DOTr secretary, replacing Jaime Bautista 

MANILA. Vince Dizon has been appointed as the new Secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), replacing Jaime Bautista, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin confirmed on Thursday.

Dizon, who previously served as the President of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and as a presidential adviser on COVID-19 response, is set to assume office on February 21, 2025.

“He is already authorized by the Office of the President to start the transition at the DOTr in coordination with the team of Secretary Jaime Bautista, who has resigned due to health reasons,” Bersamin said in a message to reporters.

Bautista Steps Down for Health Reasons

In a statement, the DOTr confirmed that Bautista is stepping down to focus on his health after serving in the department since 2022.

“Sec. Bautista thanked the President for the opportunity to work in government, which he considered his most challenging stint,” the statement read.

The DOTr also quoted Bautista describing his role as “most enriching, having served with utmost integrity.” The outgoing secretary expressed his intention to ensure a smooth transition before taking a much-needed vacation to recuperate.

Dizon’s appointment marks a major shift in the leadership of the country’s transport sector, with expectations that he will continue infrastructure projects and address pressing transport issues.

Netanyahu warns of renewed Gaza offensive if hostages are not released by Saturday

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Netanyahu warns of renewed Gaza offensive if hostages are not released by Saturday

JERUSALEM. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a stark warning that Israel will resume military operations in Gaza if Hamas fails to release additional hostages by Saturday. He has instructed the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to prepare for potential renewed combat operations.

The warning comes amid heightened tensions over the implementation of the current ceasefire. Hamas announced on Monday—and reiterated on Tuesday—that it intends to delay the release of three hostages, accusing Israel of failing to fulfill its commitments, including the allowance of an agreed-upon quantity of humanitarian aid, such as tents and other supplies, into Gaza.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump, following a meeting with Jordan’s King Abdullah II at the White House on Tuesday, voiced skepticism about Hamas’s willingness to comply with the release agreement.

“I don’t think they’re going to make the deadline, personally,” Trump stated. “They want to play tough guy. We’ll see how tough they are.”

Since the ceasefire commenced, Hamas has released 21 hostages in five exchanges in return for over 730 Palestinian prisoners. The agreement outlines a second phase requiring the release of all remaining hostages and an indefinite extension of the truce. However, Trump’s remarks about the situation have further complicated the already fragile ceasefire negotiations.

It remains unclear whether Netanyahu’s ultimatum applies solely to the three hostages scheduled for release on Saturday or to all remaining captives. His office issued a statement confirming, “The Prime Minister welcomes President Trump’s demand.”

An Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity, disclosed that Israel is aligning its stance with Trump’s expectations regarding the hostages. “We are sticking to President Trump’s announcement regarding the release of the hostages. Namely, that they will all be released on Saturday.”

Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s office has ordered Israeli forces to mobilize near the Gaza Strip in preparation for any potential military action.

Trump has urged Israel to abandon the ceasefire entirely if Hamas does not release all of the estimated 70 remaining hostages by Saturday. However, Hamas rejected this demand, reiterating its claim that Israel has violated the ceasefire terms.

“Hamas must remember there is an agreement that must be respected by both parties. This is the only way to bring back prisoners,” Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said. “The language of threats has no value; it only complicates matters.”

Hamas further condemned Trump’s remarks at the White House, characterizing them as a “call for ethnic cleansing” and accusing him of attempting to “eliminate the Palestinian cause and deny the national rights of the Palestinian people.”

While Hamas reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire in an official statement, it did not clarify its stance on the suspension of scheduled hostage releases.

Trump’s meeting with King Abdullah II in Washington was accompanied by mounting pressure on Jordan to accept Palestinian refugees from Gaza, potentially permanently, as part of what Trump has described as a broader effort to reshape the Middle East.

“We’re not going to buy anything. We’re going to have it,” Trump said regarding U.S. control of Gaza, as King Abdullah stood beside him.

The Jordanian king did not make substantive comments on Trump’s vision for the region or on the possibility of taking in displaced Palestinians. However, he did express Jordan’s willingness to accept up to 2,000 sick children from Gaza in urgent need of medical treatment.

Last week, the World Health Organization reported that between 12,000 and 14,000 patients in Gaza require medical evacuation, including 5,000 children.

Palestinians and the international community have reacted with anger to Trump’s recent statements suggesting that Palestinians forcibly expelled from Gaza would not have a right to return.

Under the initial phase of the ceasefire, Hamas had committed to releasing 33 hostages taken during its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. In exchange, Israel pledged to release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Five prisoner exchanges have taken place since January 19.

If no agreement is reached regarding the second phase of the ceasefire, the war could resume as early as March. However, Israel may face a more complex battlefield than before. Having initially displaced hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to southern Gaza, Israel has since allowed many to return to the ruins of their homes, potentially complicating further military operations in the region.

The situation remains volatile, with the coming days likely to determine whether the ceasefire holds or military conflict resumes.

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