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CIA assesses COVID-19 pandemic likely originated from a lab

EDGARDO HERNAL
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CIA assesses COVID-19 pandemic likely originated from a lab

NEW YORK. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has revised its assessment of the origins of COVID-19, stating it is “more likely” the virus emerged from a laboratory rather than through natural transmission, a CIA spokesperson announced on Saturday.

This updated evaluation comes after years of uncertainty, with the agency previously unable to determine whether COVID-19 stemmed from a lab incident or natural origins. During the final weeks of the Biden administration, former CIA Director William Burns urged analysts to prioritize a clear determination, highlighting the pandemic’s historical impact, according to a senior U.S. official.

Low Confidence but Clearer Direction

In its statement, the CIA acknowledged it has “low confidence” in the assessment that a “research-related origin of the COVID-19 pandemic is more likely,” while maintaining that both the lab and natural origin scenarios remain plausible. The extent of any new intelligence influencing this conclusion remains unclear.

China’s Response

The Chinese embassy in Washington has yet to comment on the CIA’s revised stance. Beijing has consistently dismissed claims that COVID-19 originated from a laboratory, including those implicating the Wuhan Institute of Virology, labeling them as baseless. Chinese officials have also accused the U.S. of politicizing the issue by involving intelligence agencies in the investigation.

China asserts that it has participated in research efforts to uncover COVID-19’s origins and denies the credibility of the lab leak theory.

Ratcliffe’s Position

Newly confirmed CIA Director John Ratcliffe has publicly supported the lab leak theory. In an interview with Breitbart following his confirmation on Friday, Ratcliffe emphasized that determining the pandemic’s origins is a top priority.

“That’s a day-one thing for me,” Ratcliffe stated. “I’ve been on record as you know in saying I think our intelligence, our science, and our common sense all really dictate that the origins of COVID was a leak at the Wuhan Institute of Virology.”

Ongoing Debate

The origin of COVID-19 remains a contentious global issue. Despite investigations by the World Health Organization and other scientific bodies, no definitive conclusion has been reached. The CIA’s latest assessment adds a new layer of complexity to the debate as governments and scientists continue to seek answers about the pandemic that has reshaped the world.

Trump urges Jordan and Egypt to take more refugees, proposes plan to ‘clear out’ Gaza

Venus L Peñaflor
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Trump urges Jordan and Egypt to take more refugees, proposes plan to ‘clear out’ Gaza

ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE. President Donald Trump proposed a dramatic shift in the handling of Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, suggesting that Arab nations, including Jordan and Egypt, take in significantly more Palestinian refugees from the war-torn Gaza Strip. Trump floated the idea of moving a substantial portion of Gaza’s population to “just clean out” the area, creating what he referred to as a “clean slate.”

During a 20-minute press briefing aboard Air Force One on Saturday, Trump announced he had lifted a ban on the delivery of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel, which had been paused under the previous administration to minimize civilian casualties. “We released them today,” Trump said. “They’ve been waiting for them for a long time.” When asked why the ban was lifted, Trump stated, “Because they bought them.”

A Controversial Proposal for Gaza

Trump revealed he had spoken with Jordan’s King Abdullah II earlier in the day and planned to consult Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi about the possibility of relocating up to 1.5 million Palestinians. “I’d like Egypt to take people,” Trump said. “You’re talking about probably a million and a half people, and we just clean out that whole thing and say, ‘You know, it’s over.’”

The president praised Jordan for its efforts in hosting Palestinian refugees and urged the kingdom to accept more, stating, “I’d love for you to take on more, ’cause I’m looking at the whole Gaza Strip right now, and it’s a mess. It’s a real mess.”

However, such a large-scale displacement would directly contradict Palestinian historical ties and cultural identity tied to Gaza. Trump described the region as a “demolition site” and suggested working with Arab nations to build housing for refugees in new locations. “It could be temporary or long-term,” he added.

Impact on U.S. Policy Toward Israel and Gaza

Trump’s decision to resume bomb shipments marks a departure from former President Joe Biden’s policy. Biden had halted the delivery of certain munitions in May, citing concerns over civilian casualties during Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. “Civilians have been killed in Gaza as a consequence of those bombs and other ways in which they go after population centers,” Biden explained at the time.

The lifted ban underscores Trump’s staunchly pro-Israel stance, which he described as central to his foreign policy vision. His administration has celebrated the first phase of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which has included hostage exchanges and a pause in active fighting.

Future of the Ceasefire Agreement

Despite the ceasefire’s initial success, negotiations remain delicate. Talks are expected to focus on the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas and achieving a lasting halt to hostilities. The Israeli government has made it clear that if progress stalls, it will not hesitate to resume its military campaign.

Since Hamas’s large-scale attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, the conflict has caused widespread devastation. Israeli authorities report over 1,200 deaths from the assault, while Gaza health officials estimate more than 47,000 Palestinians have been killed in retaliatory airstrikes.

As Trump’s remarks and policy decisions continue to draw attention, their potential implications for Gaza’s future remain a source of intense debate.

Gaza ceasefire tested as Hamas swaps 4 soldiers for prisoners, North Gaza access blocked

Venus L Peñaflor
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Gaza ceasefire tested as Hamas swaps 4 soldiers for prisoners, North Gaza access blocked

JERUSALEM/GAZA. Hamas released four Israeli female soldiers on Saturday in exchange for 200 Palestinian prisoners. However, tensions flared as Israel restricted access to northern Gaza over the delayed release of another hostage.

The freed Israeli soldiers—Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag—were abducted on October 7, 2023, during a Hamas-led attack. The soldiers, stationed near Gaza’s edge, were joyfully greeted by their families and supporters after crossing into Israel via Red Cross transport. They were later flown to a central Israeli hospital for medical evaluations.

Simultaneously, buses carrying 200 Palestinian prisoners departed from the Ofer military prison in the West Bank. According to Israel’s Prison Service, the released prisoners included individuals convicted of involvement in attacks that claimed Israeli lives. While some prisoners were deported to Egypt and other countries, others were welcomed by cheering crowds in Gaza and Ramallah, waving Palestinian flags and celebrating their release.

Ceasefire Strained by Hostage Delay

Hamas had committed to releasing an additional Israeli civilian hostage, Arbel Yehud, who remains in captivity. Israeli officials labeled the delay a breach of the truce agreement. Hamas attributed the postponement to “technical issues” and assured that Yehud would be freed in a week.

In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the suspension of plans to allow displaced Palestinians to return to northern Gaza. The area, devastated by ongoing conflict, was set to welcome back 650,000 displaced residents under the ceasefire agreement.

“We will not facilitate the return until all terms of the truce are honored,” Netanyahu stated.

Witnesses described chaos near Gaza’s coastal road as displaced Palestinians gathered in hopes of returning north. Israeli troops fired warning shots to disperse the crowds, leading to a stampede. Medical sources reported one death and injuries to two others.

Background and Current Status

The ceasefire, mediated by Qatar and Egypt with U.S. backing, halted over a year of hostilities. Under the agreement, Hamas is set to release 33 hostages in the initial phase, with Israel freeing 30 prisoners for every civilian and 50 for each soldier released.

Since the October 7 attacks, which left 1,200 Israelis dead and over 250 hostages in Gaza, the conflict has claimed more than 47,000 Palestinian lives, including civilians, according to Gaza health officials. More than 400 Israeli soldiers have also died.

While 90 hostages remain in Gaza, Israeli officials have declared a third of them dead in absentia. Families of hostages fear the ceasefire may collapse before their loved ones are freed, as negotiations over remaining captives loom.

Hamas asserts it will hold the remaining hostages until a final resolution ends the war. Critics in Israel argue that resuming military action is necessary to prevent Hamas from retaining power in Gaza.

As both sides navigate the precarious ceasefire, the fate of hostages and displaced civilians remains central to the region’s fragile peace.

Pope Francis’ Communications Day message: “Disarm communication” to foster hope and unity

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Pope Francis’ Communications Day message: “Disarm communication” to foster hope and unity

VATICAN CITY. On the 59th World Day of Social Communications, Pope Francis released his annual message, calling for a transformation in how we communicate today. With disinformation, polarization on the rise, and a few centers of power controlling vast amounts of data and information, the Pope urges society to “disarm communication” and purify it of aggression.

“Too often today, communication generates not hope, but fear and despair, prejudice and resentment, fanaticism, and even hatred,” the Pope writes. He emphasizes that communication, when distorted or used to provoke instinctive reactions, creates division and prevents the building of genuine hope.

Pope Francis warns against aggressive communication, pointing out trends where competition and dominance prevail across various forums. “From television, talk shows to verbal attacks on social media, there is a risk that the paradigm of competition, opposition, the will to dominate and possess, and the manipulation of public opinion will prevail,” he says. This, he argues, erodes community and undermines the common good.

Further, he warns about the “programmed dispersion of attention” caused by digital systems that prioritize market-driven profiling. This weakens social bonds, hampers empathy, and fragments interests, leading to a society increasingly isolated and unable to take collaborative action.

In contrast, the Pope calls for the cultivation of hope, describing it as a “risk that must be taken.” Quoting French author Georges Bernanos, who called hope “a hidden virtue, tenacious and patient,” the Pope reminds Christians that hope is transformative, enabling them to live differently and granting them “the gift of a new life.”

Pope Francis urges Christian communicators to “always be ready to make [their] defense to anyone who demands from [them] an accounting for the hope that is in [them]; yet do it with gentleness and reverence” (1 Pet 3:15-16). Through gentleness, closeness, and respect, communication can foster openness and friendship, he asserts.

The Pope envisions a form of communication that “walks alongside others,”, particularly in times of struggle, and focuses on beauty and hope. He encourages communicators to create stories that inspire empathy, solidarity, and trust, especially during desperate times.

Citing examples of hope from unexpected places—such as parents praying for the return of children from conflict zones or children finding joy in war-torn streets—Pope Francis highlights that hope can be found even in the most difficult situations.

As we approach the Jubilee Year, the Pope calls on communicators to “spread hope, even when it is difficult.” He reminds us that peacemakers are “children of God” and encourages reflective, gentle communication that fosters dialogue. Pope Francis concludes by urging communicators to “discover and make known the many stories of goodness hidden in the folds of the news,” helping the world to become less indifferent and more compassionate.

“This kind of communication,” the Pope writes, “can help to build communion, to make us feel less alone, to rediscover the importance of walking together.”

Philippines halts South China Sea survey after ‘harassment’ by China’s coast guard and navy

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Philippines halts South China Sea survey after ‘harassment’ by China’s coast guard and navy

MANILA. The Philippines announced on Saturday that it had suspended a scientific survey in the South China Sea following reports of “harassment” and aggressive actions by China’s coast guard and navy against its fisheries vessels.

This incident adds to a growing series of confrontations between Manila and Beijing over disputed waters in the South China Sea. China claims nearly all of the strategic waterway, through which $3 trillion of global commerce passes annually, a claim that overlaps with the territorial disputes involving the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

On Friday, two vessels from the Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), which were en route to collect sand samples from Sandy Cay near Thitu Island—currently occupied by the Philippines—were met with “aggressive manoeuvres” by three Chinese Coast Guard vessels, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

The PCG further reported that four Chinese boats were deployed to “harass” two Philippine inflatable boats used to transport personnel to Sandy Cay. Additionally, a Chinese navy helicopter hovered over the vessels at an “unsafe altitude,” increasing concerns over safety during the mission.

As a result of the “continuous harassment” and the safety risks posed by the Chinese forces, the Philippine Coast Guard announced that the survey operations were suspended.

The Chinese embassy in Manila has yet to respond to a request for comment on the incident.

This development comes shortly after a round of talks between Manila and Beijing on January 16, where both sides agreed to seek common ground and explore cooperation despite ongoing tensions in the South China Sea.

In 2016, an international arbitration tribunal ruled that China’s extensive claims, based on historic maps, have no legal standing under international law—a decision that Beijing has refused to acknowledge.

Comelec, inanyayahan ang mga senate bets na dumalo sa mga election debates

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Comelec, inanyayahan ang mga senate bets na dumalo sa mga election debates

MAYNILA. Nagplano ang Commission on Elections (Comelec) na maglabas ng resolusyon na maghihikayat sa mga senatorial candidate na dumalo sa mga debate na inorganisa ng mga media organizations at iba pang grupo upang matiyak ang pantay na exposure para sa 66 na kandidato sa darating na halalan.

Ayon kay Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia, ang layunin nila ay hindi magsagawa ng debate kundi tiyakin na magiging patas at makatarungan ang pagdalo ng lahat ng kandidato.

“Willing kami na mag-isyu ng kahit anong resolusyon masigurado lang na pantay-pantay ang oportunidad para sa mga kandidato anuman ang partido o walang partido– basta dapat mayroong equal opportunity na makipadebate,” ani Garcia.

Ipinagbigay-alam din ng Comelec na kinakailangang sumunod ang mga kandidato sa mga guidelines na ipalalabas ng komisyon, at may mga parusa para sa hindi pagsunod sa kanilang mga patakaran.

Hinimok din ni Garcia ang mga media outfits na tiyakin na ang mga kandidato ay lalahok sa mga debate, kung magpaplano silang magsagawa o mag-organisa ng mga debate para sa senatorial bets sa 2025 elections.

Noong 2022, nanawagan si Garcia sa Kongreso na magpasa ng batas na nag-uutos sa mga kandidato sa pagkapangulo na dumalo sa mga debate tuwing halalan at magtakda ng mga parusa para sa mga debate skippers.

Hamas to release four Israeli soldiers in second hostage swap

Venus L Peñaflor
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Hamas to release four Israeli soldiers in second hostage swap

JERUSALEM. Hamas is set to release four female Israeli soldiers on Saturday as part of a prisoner swap under a ceasefire agreement aimed at bringing an end to the 15-month-long war in Gaza.

The soldiers, identified as Karina Ariev, Daniela Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag, were stationed at an observation post on the edge of Gaza when they were abducted by Hamas fighters who overran their base during the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

Hamas’s media office confirmed the expected release, stating that around 200 Palestinian prisoners would be freed in exchange, including 120 individuals serving life sentences and 80 others with long-term sentences.

This swap would be the second such exchange since the ceasefire began on Sunday. In the first exchange, Hamas released three Israeli civilians in return for 90 Palestinian prisoners. Hamas identified the four hostages set to be released on Saturday on Friday, though Israel has yet to comment officially, and may not do so until the hostages are safely returned.

The ceasefire, brokered by Qatar and Egypt and supported by the United States, is the first sustained halt in fighting since a brief truce in November 2023. In its first phase, the agreement involves the release of 33 hostages, including children, women, the elderly, and those who are sick or injured. In return, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners will be freed, while Israeli troops are pulling back from certain positions in Gaza.

In a subsequent phase, negotiations will continue for the exchange of remaining hostages, including military-aged men, as well as the further withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, which has suffered extensive damage from over a year of fighting and airstrikes.

The war between Israel and Hamas began after the October 7 attack, in which Hamas militants killed at least 1,200 Israelis and captured more than 250 hostages. Since the start of the conflict, more than 47,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to health authorities in Gaza.

Israel recently announced the release of three hostages—Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher—as well as the recovery of an Israeli soldier’s body, missing for over a decade. Despite the releases, Israel’s government states that 94 Israelis and foreign nationals remain held by Hamas, with the fate of some still uncertain.

Gazans prepare tent camps for displaced families returning under ceasefire agreement

Venus L Peñaflor
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Gazans prepare tent camps for displaced families returning under ceasefire agreement

CAIRO/GAZA. Palestinians in northern Gaza have started setting up tent camps for displaced families expected to return to their home areas on Saturday, as part of the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.

On open land surrounded by the ruins of bombed-out buildings, teams of volunteers erected rows of white tents. These shelters will accommodate families returning under the agreement, which also includes a hostage exchange: Hamas will release a second group of captives, while Israel will free dozens of Palestinian prisoners.

The ceasefire follows a 15-month Israeli military campaign that devastated the Gaza Strip, killing more than 47,000 people, according to local reports. Many of the hundreds of thousands returning to the northern region will find their homes reduced to rubble.

“Is this the tent that we dreamed of? This will have to fit 10 people,” lamented Wael Jundiya, who was preparing a shelter for his children coming from the south. “Really, is this adequate space?”

The challenge of accommodating such a massive influx is daunting. “On Saturday, people will come from the south and flood Gaza (City), where will they go? This camp will fit 100, 200 people. There will be 1.5 million coming from the south,” Jundiya added.

The ceasefire agreement includes specific provisions for the return of displaced families, contingent on the release of hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the northern coastal road.

Hamas announced that people would return on foot along the coastal road, with vehicles subjected to searches at checkpoints. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri confirmed plans for relief efforts, including providing tents and repairing partially damaged homes.

“We are going to invest all our capabilities to help our people. Municipalities have plans in place to welcome the families returning to the north,” Abu Zuhri said.

However, tensions remain high. On Thursday, an Israeli tank shelling killed two Gazans in Rafah, raising concerns about the durability of the ceasefire. The Israeli military stated that the attack targeted an armed individual.

In Jabalia, the largest refugee camp in Gaza and a focal point of Israel’s military campaign, returning families are struggling to survive amidst the wreckage. Many have moved back into destroyed homes, using makeshift bonfires for warmth.

“They are talking about a truce, a ceasefire, and the delivery of aid. It has been three days since we came back, and we cannot find water to drink or covers to keep our children warm,” said Mohammed Badr, a father of 10.

His wife, Umm Nidal, described the devastation: “There is nothing left. Houses collapsed on top of each other. You get lost, you don’t know if this is your home or not. The smell of dead bodies, and the martyrs are in the streets.”

As displaced families prepare to return, the challenges of rebuilding lives amidst widespread destruction underscore the dire humanitarian needs in Gaza. The ceasefire offers a glimmer of hope, but the journey to recovery will be arduous for the residents of this war-torn region.

Movie review: ‘The Colors Within’ – A gentle symphony of youth and self-discovery

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Movie review: ‘The Colors Within’ – A gentle symphony of youth and self-discovery

Yamada Naoko’s luminous anime, The Colors Within, is a heartfelt exploration of the doubts, yearnings, and joys of growing up, delivering a rare authenticity often absent in children’s movies. With its soft, watercolor-like visuals and deeply resonant themes, the film gently immerses audiences into the unique world of Totsuko, a young girl with an extraordinary perception of color and life.

A Unique Perspective on Color

Totsuko (voiced by Suzukawa Sayu) is a spirited student at an all-girls Catholic boarding school. Her gift is unique: she doesn’t just see colors; she feels them as if they were an aura emanating from those around her. “When I see a pretty color, my heart quickens,” she explains in the film’s opening moments.

Her vibrant personality often leads her to speak before thinking, resulting in moments both endearing and humorous. During a dodgeball game, Totsuko becomes so mesmerized by the purple and yellow blur of the ball that she’s joyfully dazed when it hits her head.

A Journey of Connection and Self-Discovery

The story takes a turn when Totsuko crosses paths with Kimi (Akari Takaishi), a classmate who leaves school amidst rumors of breaking the institution’s strict no-boys rule. Driven by curiosity and concern, Totsuko finds Kimi at a local used bookstore, where she works while strumming an electric guitar.

This meeting sets the stage for an unlikely trio. When Rui (Kido Taisei), a bespectacled boy who plays the theremin, enters the picture, Totsuko impulsively suggests forming a band. Despite their limited musical experience, the trio begins practicing in an old church near Rui’s home. Totsuko sees colors in each of her companions: blue for Kimi and green for Rui.

Through their shared love of music, the three bond over their struggles: Kimi’s hesitation to reveal her school dropout status to her grandmother, Rui’s conflicted feelings about pursuing music against his parents’ wishes, and Totsuko’s determination to bring them together.

Music as the Language of the Soul

Sister Hiyoshiko (Yui Aragaki), the kind nun with the “beautiful” color Totsuko admires, serves as a quiet source of guidance. “We can chart a new course any time we wish,” she says, subtly encouraging the trio to embrace their individuality and forge their own paths.

The film’s emotional climax comes during a concert where dialogue fades, and their music takes center stage. In a powerful moment reminiscent of Yamada Naoko’s A Silent Voice (2016), the music speaks volumes about their growth, connection, and the unspoken emotions that define their journey.

A Visual and Emotional Masterpiece

Painted with delicate, impressionistic visuals, The Colors Within captures both the external beauty of its settings and the inner complexities of its characters. It seamlessly blends spiritual undertones with themes of self-discovery, friendship, and resilience, creating a deeply moving experience.

Final Thoughts

The Colors Within, a Gkids release, is rated PG for mild thematic elements and runs for 100 minutes. It’s a gentle stunner that speaks directly to the heart, offering a poetic reminder of the transformative power of connection and creativity.

Rating: ★★★☆ (3 out of 4 stars)

17 Pinoy seafarers, pinalaya ng Houthi rebels

Venus L Peñaflor
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17 Pinoy seafarers, pinalaya ng Houthi rebels

MAYNILA. Matapos ang mahigit isang taong pagkakabihag, makakauwi na sa bansa ang 17 Filipino seafarers na dinukot ng Houthi rebels sa Red Sea noong Nobyembre 2023.

Ayon kay Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr., ligtas na ngayon ang mga Filipino seafarers at kasama ang iba pang crew members ng MV Galaxy Leader na pinalaya rin ng mga rebelde.

“Nasa pangangalaga na ng Philippine Embassy sa Muscat, Oman ang ating mga kababayan. Inaasikaso na ang kanilang agarang pagbabalik sa Pilipinas upang makapiling ang kanilang mga pamilya,” pahayag ng Pangulo.

Pinuri ni Pangulong Marcos si Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik at ang gobyerno ng Oman sa kanilang matagumpay na mediation efforts na nagbigay-daan sa kalayaan ng mga bihag.

Nagpasalamat din ang Pangulo sa mga ahensya ng pamahalaan at pribadong sektor na walang sawang nakipagtulungan sa mga foreign governments at entities upang maibalik ang mga Pilipino sa kanilang pamilya.

Binigyang-diin ni Marcos ang kahalagahan ng papel ng mga Filipino seafarers sa pandaigdigang maritime industry. Ani niya, ang kanilang tapang at dedikasyon ang dahilan kung bakit pinirmahan niya ang Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, na naglalayong tiyakin ang proteksyon sa kanilang mga karapatan, kapakanan, at full employment.

Ang paglaya ng mga seafarers ay isa na namang patunay ng kahalagahan ng international cooperation para sa kapakanan ng mga Pilipino sa ibang bansa.

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