Tuesday, August 4, 2026


Your Daily News Update About CALABARZON and Beyond.
ISSN 2799-1911

Home Blog Page 257

Sweden’s deadliest mass shooting: At least 10 killed at adult education center in Örebro

ÖREBRO, SWEDEN. At least 10 people, including the gunman, were killed on Tuesday in a mass shooting at Campus Risbergska, an adult education center in Örebro. Authorities described the incident as Sweden’s worst mass shooting, though the final death toll and motive remain undetermined.

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson condemned the attack, calling it “the worst mass shooting in Swedish history.” Speaking at a press conference in Stockholm, he said, “Today, we have witnessed brutal, deadly violence against completely innocent people. Many questions remain unanswered, and I cannot provide those answers either. But the time will come when we will know what happened, how it could occur, and what motives may have been behind it. Let us not speculate.”

The shooting took place on the outskirts of Örebro, about 200 kilometers (125 miles) west of Stockholm. Campus Risbergska serves students over 20 years old and offers vocational training, Swedish language courses for immigrants, and programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Teacher Lena Warenmark, who was present at the time of the attack, told SVT News that she heard approximately ten gunshots. “There were unusually few students on campus after the national exam,” she said.

According to police reports, the gunman was among those killed. The authorities believe he acted alone and stated that he was not previously known to law enforcement. While terrorism has not been suspected at this stage, investigators have not ruled out any possibilities.

Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer described the shooting as “an event that shakes our entire society to its core.” He added, “We have read about such violence happening elsewhere, but Sweden never expected something of this scale. It is indescribably sad.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also condemned the attack, writing on social media: “What happened today in Örebro is truly horrifying. Such violence and terror have no place in our societies—least of all in schools. In this dark hour, we stand with the people of Sweden.”

Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf expressed his sorrow and extended condolences to the victims’ families. “It is with sadness and dismay that my family and I have received the information about the terrible atrocity in Örebro,” he said in a statement. “We send our condolences tonight to the families and friends of the deceased. Our thoughts at this time also go to the injured and their relatives, as well as to others affected.”

Neighboring Denmark also reacted to the tragedy, with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen calling it “a terrible situation.” Speaking in London after a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, she said, “I am so sad, and all my thoughts are with the victims and their families and with the entire Swedish community and society. It’s a terrible situation. And of course, our neighboring countries have all of our support.”

The damage at the crime scene was so extensive that investigators have yet to determine the final number of fatalities. Örebro police chief Roberto Eid Forest confirmed that authorities are still working to identify the victims and establish a clear timeline of events. “Of course, we all want to understand why this happened, what occurred, and what motives the perpetrator may have had,” Kristersson said. “We will have to wait for those answers—in due time, the picture will become clearer.”

Following the attack, police raided the suspect’s home, but officials have not disclosed what was found. Eid Forest added that there were no warning signs before the shooting.

The attack occurred just after many students had left campus following a national exam. Witnesses reported chaos as students and staff scrambled to find shelter. Andreas Sundling, 28, who was inside the building at the time, told Expressen newspaper, “We heard three bangs and loud screams.” He and others barricaded themselves inside a classroom for safety.

As Sweden grapples with this unprecedented tragedy, the nation awaits further details from authorities while mourning the lives lost in what is now considered the country’s deadliest mass shooting.

Trump proposes U.S. takeover of Gaza Strip, sparking global controversy

WASHINGTON. In a surprising announcement, U.S. President Donald Trump declared that the United States intends to take over the Gaza Strip, reshape its economy, and permanently resettle Palestinians elsewhere—a radical departure from decades of U.S. policy on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Trump made the statement during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, following an earlier proposal suggesting that Palestinians from Gaza be relocated to neighboring countries.

“The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it too,” Trump said. “We’ll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site.”

A Vision for Economic Transformation?

Trump outlined a vision where Gaza, long devastated by conflict, would be redeveloped into a thriving economic hub.

“If it’s necessary, we’ll do that. We’re going to take over that piece, we’re going to develop it, create thousands and thousands of jobs, and it’ll be something that the entire Middle East can be very proud of,” he added.

He also suggested that Gaza could become a new home for “the world’s people” and envisioned it as “The Riviera of the Middle East.”

Netanyahu, whose administration has led Israel’s prolonged military campaign against Hamas militants in Gaza, commended Trump’s unconventional approach.

“He is thinking outside the box with fresh ideas,” Netanyahu said. “He is showing willingness to puncture conventional thinking.”

Questions Over Authority and International Law

Trump’s announcement immediately raised serious legal and geopolitical concerns. He did not provide specifics when asked under what authority the U.S. could assume control over Gaza.

“I do see a long-term ownership position, and I see it bringing great stability to that part of the Middle East,” Trump responded. He also claimed that regional leaders supported the idea but did not name any.

Critics, however, warn that Trump’s proposal violates international law, as forced displacement of Palestinians could be considered a form of ethnic cleansing.

Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri condemned Trump’s comments, stating:

“We consider them a recipe for generating chaos and tension in the region because the people of Gaza will not allow such plans to pass.”

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia issued a statement rejecting any forced displacement of Palestinians, reiterating that normalization with Israel would not occur without the establishment of a Palestinian state.

An Unclear Path Forward

Trump’s remarks come as the U.S. and its allies discuss the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, and broader efforts toward regional peace.

While the White House has yet to release details on the implementation of Trump’s plan, the proposal has already fueled intense debate both in Washington and internationally.

As the world watches, questions remain unanswered:

  • How would the U.S. physically occupy and govern Gaza?
  • Where would the displaced Palestinian population go?
  • Would U.S. allies and regional powers support or reject this unprecedented move?

For now, Trump’s unexpected vision has upended diplomatic conversations—leaving the future of Gaza even more uncertain.

PNP Chief Marbil vows tighter security for peaceful and credible 2025 elections

MANILA. Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Police General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, reaffirmed the PNP’s commitment to ensuring a secure and fair electoral process as the country prepares for the May 2025 elections

Speaking at the Manila Overseas Press Club’s (MOPC) “COMELEC and PNP Night: The Game Changer – Peace and Order and May 2025 Elections” on February 4, PGen. Marbil, alongside Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman Hon. George Erwin M. Garcia, discussed the evolving security landscape ahead of the national polls. The event, held at Marco Polo Club in Makati, brought together media professionals, law enforcement officials, and election stakeholders.

Tackling Old and New Election Threats

PGen. Marbil emphasized that while traditional threats such as “Guns, Goons, and Gold” remain a challenge, a modern adversary has emerged—Fake News.

“The proliferation of illegal firearms and the presence of private armed groups (PAGs) continue to endanger the electoral process,” he warned. To counter these threats, the PNP has intensified its operations against loose firearms and election-related violence. He also pointed to vote-buying and other corrupt practices, stressing that law enforcement must work closely with the COMELEC to uphold the integrity of the elections.

Beyond physical threats, PGen. Marbil highlighted the dangers of cybercrime and disinformation, which he said have the potential to manipulate public perception and disrupt democracy. With the rapid spread of fake news and digital propaganda, the PNP is bolstering its cybersecurity measures to curb misinformation that could mislead voters and undermine the electoral process.

Commitment to a Secure Election

PGen. Marbil assured the public that the PNP remains steadfast in its duty to safeguard the peace, credibility, and fairness of the 2025 elections. He emphasized that a whole-of-government approach, involving the PNP, COMELEC, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and other agencies, is essential in securing democracy.

“As the country moves closer to election season, every effort is being made to ensure that the people’s will is upheld—without fear, violence, or manipulation,” he stated.

With the PNP ramping up its security efforts, the 2025 elections are set to be a critical test of the country’s ability to combat both traditional and digital threats to democracy.

Mayor Vic Amante, nanguna sa unang public consultation sa posibleng paglipat ng mga tanggapan ng pamahalaang lungsod

0

SAN PABLO CITY. Pinangunahan ni City Mayor Vic Amante ang unang pampublikong konsultasyon hinggil sa posibleng paglilipat ng mga tanggapan ng pamahalaang lungsod mula sa lumang City Hall compound sa Barangay VA patungo sa bagong City Government Compound sa Barangay San Jose.

Ginanap ang konsultasyon sa Convention Center, kung saan dumalo ang mayorya ng Sangguniang Panglungsod upang masaksihan at talakayin ang panukalang hakbang. Sa kanyang mensahe, ipinaliwanag ni Mayor Amante ang layunin ng inisyatiba at ang posibleng benepisyo nito sa epektibong paglilingkod sa mamamayan.

“Ang layunin natin ay mas mapahusay ang serbisyo-publiko at masiguro na ang mga tanggapan ng pamahalaan ay nasa isang mas maayos, moderno, at accessible na lokasyon para sa lahat,” ani Amante.

Tinalakay rin sa pagdinig ang mga hamon na maaaring kaharapin sa paglilipat, kabilang na ang gastos, legal na proseso, at epekto sa mga empleyado at residente. Nagkaroon ng bukas na forum kung saan maaaring magpahayag ng kanilang pananaw ang mga mamamayan.

Ang lumang gusali ng City Hall, na itinayo noong 1940, ay idinisenyo noong panahong kakaunti pa lamang ang mga sasakyan at ang pangunahing transportasyon ay kalesa at karitela. Dahil sa paglago ng lungsod, nagdudulot ito ng matinding pagsisikip ng trapiko sa paligid. Ang planong paglilipat ay bahagi ng inisyatiba upang maibsan ang problema sa daloy ng trapiko at mapabuti ang serbisyo ng pamahalaang lungsod.

Ang pampublikong konsultasyon ay isang mahalagang bahagi ng proseso ng desisyon ng lokal na pamahalaan, na nagbibigay-daan sa transparency at partisipasyon ng publiko.

Ginanap ang konsultasyon sa Convention Center, kung saan dumalo ang mayorya ng Sangguniang Panglungsod upang masaksihan at talakayin ang panukalang hakbang.

Photo credits: Roy Tomandao

Ancient Greece holds oldest evidence of lead pollution, study finds

WASHINGTON. Ancient Greece, known for its groundbreaking contributions to democracy and philosophy, has now been revealed as the source of the earliest known evidence of lead pollution in the environment, dating back around 5,200 years. This discovery, made by researchers studying sediment cores from mainland Greece and the Aegean Sea, significantly predates the previous earliest recorded lead pollution by 1,200 years, which was found in a peat bog in Serbia.

Lead pollution in ancient Greece originated from the smelting of ore for copper and silver, a process that released toxic lead into the atmosphere. This lead would later settle as dust onto the soil. According to Joseph Maran, an archaeologist from Heidelberg University and co-author of the study published in Communications Earth and Environment, “Silver was used for jewelry, for special objects — but it wasn’t found in a pure state,” meaning it was often mined as part of an ore mixed with lead.

The earliest signs of lead contamination were found in northeastern Greece, near the island of Thasos, a key site for silver mining and metalworking in antiquity. Maran noted that Thasos was one of the region’s most significant locations for these activities.

Historian Joseph Manning of Yale, who was not involved in the study, stated, “Lead released from smelting is the world’s first form of toxic or industrial pollution.”

The study shows that while lead contamination was relatively low and localized throughout the Bronze Age, Classical Period, and Hellenistic period — eras known for the rise of Athenian democracy, the philosophical teachings of Socrates and Plato, and Greece’s cultural influence across the Mediterranean — things changed around 2,150 years ago. The researchers observed a sudden spike in lead emissions that coincided with the Roman conquest of Greece in 146 B.C.

Andreas Koutsodendris, co-author of the study, explained that the Roman expansion led to an increase in silver coin production, which required smelting processes that released higher levels of lead. “Roman trade, colonies, and shipping expanded across the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea, and the demand for silver coins grew rapidly,” said Koutsodendris.

Later, the Romans used lead not only in coin production but also for tableware and in construction materials, such as pipes. Previous research, including ice core analyses from Greenland, also detected elevated lead levels during Roman times across much of the Northern Hemisphere. However, this new study provides a more detailed and localized view of how lead levels fluctuated during that period.

Nathan Chellman, an environmental scientist at the University of Nevada, Reno, who was not part of the research team, emphasized the significance of the findings, stating that the study “adds a more specific and local picture to how lead levels changed.”

This discovery sheds new light on the early environmental impact of human industrial activities and how the ancient world contributed to the emergence of toxic pollution.

Trump pauses tariffs on Mexico and Canada for 30 days, but China tariffs remain

MEXICO CITY/WASHINGTON/OTTAWA. U.S. President Donald Trump has temporarily suspended his threat of imposing steep tariffs on Mexico and Canada, agreeing to a 30-day pause in exchange for new commitments from both countries on border enforcement and crime control. However, U.S. tariffs on China are still scheduled to go into effect as planned.

The agreement came after discussions with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, both of whom pledged to enhance efforts to tackle immigration and drug smuggling, addressing Trump’s demands. This pause, which delays a 25% tariff set to take effect on Tuesday, allows for a one-month negotiation period.

In the deal, Canada has agreed to deploy additional technology and personnel along its border with the U.S. and work with the U.S. to combat organized crime, fentanyl smuggling, and money laundering. Mexico, in turn, will send 10,000 National Guard members to reinforce its northern border to curb illegal migration and drug trafficking. Additionally, the U.S. has committed to preventing the trafficking of high-powered weapons into Mexico, according to President Sheinbaum.

“As President, it is my responsibility to ensure the safety of ALL Americans, and I am doing just that. I am very pleased with this initial outcome,” Trump said in a social media post following the agreement.

The agreements temporarily avert the risk of a trade war that could have severely impacted the economies of the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, with experts predicting rising prices for consumers. Trump also indicated his intent to pursue further economic agreements with the two countries over the next month, given their closely integrated economies due to the free-trade agreement signed in the 1990s.

China Tariffs Still Set to Begin

Unlike the pause with Mexico and Canada, no such deal has been reached with China. Tariffs of 10% on Chinese goods are still set to take effect at 12:01 a.m. ET on Tuesday (0501 GMT). Trump has warned of additional tariffs on China if progress is not made on addressing fentanyl trafficking.

“China hopefully is going to stop sending us fentanyl, and if they’re not, the tariffs are going to go substantially higher,” Trump stated.

China has responded, calling fentanyl a problem for the U.S., and has indicated it will challenge the tariffs at the World Trade Organization, though it remains open to negotiations.

The temporary tariff pause sparked a positive reaction in the financial markets, with the Canadian dollar soaring and U.S. stock index futures seeing a boost after recent losses on Wall Street. Industry groups also welcomed the delay, with Chris Davison, head of a Canadian canola producers’ trade group, stating, “That’s very encouraging news. We have a highly integrated industry that benefits both countries.”

Trump suggested that the European Union could be next in line for tariffs, though he did not specify when. EU leaders have indicated they are prepared to fight back but emphasized the importance of negotiations, given the EU’s significant trade ties with the U.S.

Trump acknowledged that while his tariffs could cause short-term difficulties for U.S. consumers, they are necessary to address immigration and narcotics trafficking and stimulate domestic industries. The originally planned tariffs would have covered nearly half of all U.S. imports, a move that analysts say would require significant increases in U.S. manufacturing, an unfeasible task in the short term. Others warned that the tariffs could push Canada and Mexico into recession and lead to “stagflation” — high inflation, stagnant growth, and high unemployment — in the U.S.

Dalawang barko ng China coast guard, namataan malapit sa La Union

MAYNILA. Kinumpirma ng Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) na dalawang barko ng China Coast Guard (CCG) ang namataan malapit sa Luna, La Union noong umaga ng Pebrero 3.

Ayon kay PCG spokesperson para sa West Philippine Sea (WPS) Commodore Jay Tarriela, agad na ipinag-utos ni PCG chief Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan ang deployment ng BRP Cabra at Bagacay upang imonitor ang mga naturang Chinese vessels.

“Ngayong umaga, these two PCG vessels reported that they are still currently monitoring and challenging the presence of these two CCG vessels at an approximate distance of 70 to 75 nautical miles off Luna, La Union Province,” pahayag ni Tarriela.

Ang mga barko ng China na may bow number na 3301 at 3304 ay unang nakita noong Linggo, may 34 nautical miles o 63 kilometro mula sa baybayin ng Bolinao, Pangasinan.

Ayon pa kay Tarriela, ito na ang pinakamalapit na paglapit ng mga barko ng CCG sa isla ng Pilipinas. “Yes, that was the closest that masasabi natin. But again, the difference of these two CCG vessels with that of the CCG monster ship, itong pagdikit niya ng 34 nautical miles yesterday ay continuous. Kumbaga na-detect natin siyang lumapit ng gano’n, but it never stayed there for a long time,” dagdag niya.

Patuloy na minomonitor ng PCG ang sitwasyon sa West Philippine Sea upang tiyakin ang seguridad ng teritoryo ng Pilipinas.

Taiwanese star Barbie Hsu, known for ‘Meteor Garden,’ dies at 48 from influenza complications

TAIPEI. Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, beloved across East Asia for her iconic role in the 2001 television drama Meteor Garden, has tragically passed away at the age of 48 due to complications from the flu. Her sister, Dee Hsu, confirmed the news on Monday.

Hsu, affectionately known by her nickname “Big S,” was reportedly on a family vacation in Japan when she died. Her sister Dee, a well-known figure in the entertainment industry as “Little S,” shared the heartbreaking news in a statement.

“My dearest and most kindhearted sister Barbie Hsu died of influenza-induced pneumonia and unfortunately left us,” Dee wrote. “I was grateful to be her sister in this life and that we got to care for and spend time with each other. I will always be grateful to her and miss her!”

The sisters initially gained fame as part of the Taiwanese pop group S.O.S. Still, it was Hsu’s breakout role in Meteor Garden, where she portrayed the lead character Shancai, that solidified her status as a cultural icon throughout East Asia.

Hsu’s personal life also made headlines. She was married to Korean rapper Koo Jun-yup, known as “DJ Koo,” for nearly three years following her 11-year marriage to Chinese entrepreneur Wang Xiaofei. The actress leaves behind two children.

The news of her passing quickly became the top trending topic on China’s Weibo microblogging platform, where fans from across the globe expressed their grief and fond memories of the star.

From Tokyo’s bean-throwing to Spain’s devil dance: Global traditions welcoming February

TOKYO. Japan and Spain have kicked off early February with vibrant cultural events as part of their long-standing traditions. In Tokyo, the end of winter was marked by the annual mame-maki ritual, while in Spain, the streets of Almonacid del Marquesado were filled with “devils” during the Endiablada festival.

On Sunday, hundreds gathered inside the Zojoji temple in downtown Tokyo to celebrate setsubun, the last day of winter in the Japanese lunar calendar. The mame-maki or bean-throwing ritual is a centuries-old tradition where people toss dried soybeans to drive away evil spirits and invite good fortune.

Due to rain, the ceremony, which is typically held outdoors, was moved inside the temple. Celebrities, including sumo wrestlers and actors dressed in traditional kimonos, threw soybeans to an eager crowd chanting “Oniwa soto, Fukuwa uchi!” — “Demons out, fortune in!”

“Demons out, fortune in!” echoed loud enough for those waiting outside to hear, as they eagerly awaited the next round. Participants, like Utako Iibuchi and her husband Masaaki, collected an impressive amount of soybean packages, snacks, and mochi rice cakes. “This is the first time we’ve collected so much,” said a beaming Utako Iibuchi, one of the lucky ones.

As part of the tradition, Japanese families also conduct their own bean-throwing rituals at home, where elders wear red-faced demon masks and throw beans at others. Afterward, participants eat the same number of beans as their age plus one for good luck and health. However, the Consumer Affairs Agency has issued a warning to avoid feeding dried soybeans to children under five due to choking risks.

Meanwhile, in Spain, the village of Almonacid del Marquesado was alive with the annual Endiablada festival, celebrated every February 2-3 since medieval times. The event honors the feast day of the Virgen of Candelaria and features men dressed in devil-like costumes and red miter hats.

The participants, known as “devils,” carry heavy copper cowbells weighing between 13 and 14 kilograms (28-31 pounds), which they clang as they dance through the narrow streets and visit the cemetery. The tradition is strictly reserved for men born in the village or their descendants.

Carmelo Sánchez, one of the “devil” participants, explained, “(The cowbells weigh) about 13, 14 kilos, but for us it is not tiring because we live it, we carry it inside us.”

Young boys also participate with smaller cowbells, ensuring the festival is passed down through generations. “It was very, very peculiar with so many cowbells,” said Hiroko Notomi, a tourist who was among the spectators. “It’s a very interesting festival and, besides, it’s not like a big city festival. I liked that a lot.”

Both countries embraced their unique cultural heritage in these lively festivals, demonstrating the enduring power of tradition to bring communities together.

Lady pilot ni Willie Revillame, patay sa pagbagsak ng helicopter sa Nueva Ecija

GUIMBA, NUEVA ECIJA. Patay ang isang babaeng piloto matapos bumagsak ang helicopter na kanyang pinalilipad sa Barangay San Miguel, Guimba, Nueva Ecija noong hapon ng Sabado, Pebrero 3.

Kinilala ang biktima bilang si Julia Flori Monzon Po, 25 anyos, residente ng Marina Bay Homes, Asia World, Parañaque City. Ayon sa ulat ni LtCol George Calauad Jr., hepe ng Guimba Police, natagpuan ang katawan ni Po sa crash site matapos ang agarang rescue operation.

Batay sa imbestigasyon, ang Robinson helicopter na may body number RP-C3424 ay lumipad mula Baguio patungong Maynila. Bago nito, lumapag ito sa Binalonan, Pangasinan upang mag-refuel bandang 12:05 ng tanghali. Subalit, iniulat na nagkaproblema ito sa pag-start bago tuluyang nakalipad bandang 4:25 ng hapon.

Dakong 5:20 ng hapon, nakatanggap ang Guimba Police Station ng ulat mula sa isang concerned citizen hinggil sa pagbagsak ng isang helicopter sa Sitio Arimung-mong, Barangay San Miguel. Nang dumating ang mga awtoridad, nakita nilang nakalubog ang bahagi ng helicopter sa isang creek na may lalim na hanggang dibdib.

Si Po ay matagal nang piloto ng sikat na TV host na si Willie Revillame, na agad na nagtungo sa HM Mina Funeral Services sa Pacac, Guimba upang bisitahin ang labi ng kanyang personal na piloto. Inaasahang ililipat ang mga labi ni Po sa Heritage Park sa Parañaque.

Patuloy ang isinasagawang imbestigasyon upang matukoy ang eksaktong dahilan ng pagbagsak ng helicopter.