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Over 1,300 OVP confidential fund recipients untraceable in PSA records

DC Alviar
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Over 1,300 OVP confidential fund recipients untraceable in PSA records

MANILA. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has reported a glaring discrepancy in the national registry, revealing that over 1,300 individuals listed as recipients of the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) ₱ 500 million confidential fund lack birth records.

The findings, presented in a letter by National Statistician and Civil Registrar General Undersecretary Claire Dennis Mapa to Manila 3rd District Representative Joel Chua, were based on the PSA’s verification of 1,992 names tied to the OVP’s confidential funds. The results indicate:

  • 1,322 names had no birth records in the PSA database.
  • 1,456 names lacked marriage records, with only 536 potential matches.
  • 1,593 names had no death records, with only 399 possible matches.

“This certification from the PSA leaves little doubt — if these names cannot be found in the civil registry, it strongly suggests they do not exist,” said Chua, who chairs the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability.

He further alleged, “The acknowledgment receipts may have been manufactured to justify the disbursement of confidential funds. These findings raise a critical question: if the recipients don’t exist, where did the money go? This is not just a clerical error; this points to a deliberate effort to misuse public funds.”

Discrepancies in Documents

The PSA findings add weight to earlier suspicions raised by the House panel, including irregularities in documents submitted by the OVP and the Department of Education (DepEd), both of which were under the purview of Vice President Sara Duterte during the period in question.

Among these discrepancies was a recurring name, “Mary Grace Piattos,” which appeared frequently on acknowledgment receipts for the confidential funds. However, the PSA was unable to locate any record of this individual in its database.

The panel has since announced a ₱1-million reward for any information on “Mary Grace Piattos.”

Vice President Duterte has distanced herself from the allegations, stating, “I have not seen the acknowledgment receipts from confidential funds supposedly signed by ‘Mary Grace Piattos.’”

Call for Accountability

The report has intensified calls for transparency regarding the OVP’s use of confidential funds. GMA Integrated News reached out to the OVP for comment, but no statement has been issued as of press time.

“These are public funds. Every peso must be accounted for,” Chua emphasized, underscoring the gravity of the findings.

The investigation remains ongoing, with the House panel vowing to uncover the truth behind the alleged misuse of public resources.

Syrian Christians attend mass as schools reopen following Assad’s overthrow

Venus L Peñaflor
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Syrian Christians attend mass as schools reopen following Assad’s overthrow

DAMASCUS/LATAKIA, Syria. For the first time since the dramatic fall of President Bashar al-Assad a week ago, Syrian Christians attended Sunday services in a cautious yet hopeful display of resilience. The new Islamist rulers, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have assured Syria’s religious minorities that their rights will be safeguarded.

In the Christian-majority neighborhood of Bab Touma in Damascus, streets were filled with worshippers attending church services. However, apprehension remains among the faithful. Maha Barsa, a resident who attended Mass at the local Greek Melkite Catholic church, shared her concerns: “We’re scared, we’re still scared. Things are ambiguous.”

In the coastal city of Latakia, a former Assad stronghold, the Christian community expressed similar mixed sentiments. Lina Akhras, a parish council secretary at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, acknowledged the efforts of the new rulers to reach out. “Thank God, we received a lot of assurances, and we saw that members of the [HTS] committee reached out to our priest. God willing, we will return to our previous lives and live in our beautiful Syria,” she said.

Syria has long been a mosaic of religious and ethnic minorities, including Christians, Armenians, Kurds, and Shi’ite Muslims. While some communities are cautiously hopeful, tens of thousands of Shi’ite Muslims have fled to Lebanon, fearing persecution under the new Islamist government, according to Lebanese security officials.

Schools Reopen

In another significant step toward restoring normalcy, schools across Syria reopened on Sunday, marking the start of the working week. However, many parents remain hesitant to send their children back to class due to lingering uncertainties.

At a boys’ high school in Damascus, students gathered in the courtyard as the school secretary, Raed Nasser, raised the flag adopted by the new authorities. Salah al-Din Diab, a student, shared his optimism: “I am very happy. I used to walk in the street scared that I would get drafted into military service. Now, I feel safer.”

While officials reported that most schools across the country reopened, the massive task of rebuilding Syria’s education system and infrastructure looms large.

Calls for International Support

The country’s new de facto leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa—better known by his rebel name Abu Mohammed al-Golani—faces immense challenges. Cities lie in ruins, sanctions cripple the economy, and millions remain displaced.

U.N. Syria envoy Geir Pedersen visited Damascus on Sunday, expressing hope for the swift lifting of international sanctions to facilitate recovery efforts. “We will hopefully see a quick end to sanctions so that we can focus on building up Syria,” Pedersen stated.

During discussions with Pedersen, Sharaa called for revisiting U.N. Security Council Resolution 2254, which outlines a roadmap for Syria’s political transition. The resolution calls for a Syrian-led process leading to non-sectarian governance, the drafting of a new constitution, and free and fair elections.

International Concerns Persist

Foreign powers remain cautious about Syria’s future under HTS, a group previously allied with al-Qaeda and still designated as a terrorist organization by many countries. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the need for inclusive governance that protects minority rights and avoids fostering a base for extremist groups.

As Syria navigates this uncertain transition, the world watches closely, hopeful that promises of inclusivity and peace can overcome the scars of years of civil war.

Notre Dame reopens: A triumph of restoration and luxury, but not without controversy

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Notre Dame reopens: A triumph of restoration and luxury, but not without controversy

PARIS, France. The reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, a symbol of cultural and spiritual resilience, marked the culmination of a massive five-year restoration effort. However, what was meant to be a solemn celebration became an event steeped in the unmistakable influence of France’s luxury industry, led by LVMH.

Billionaire Bernard Arnault, the mastermind behind luxury giant LVMH, took center stage at the event, surrounded by his family, French President Emmanuel Macron, First Lady Brigitte Macron, and global dignitaries. The ceremony, which featured brands like Louis Vuitton and Dior, blurred the lines between reverence and luxury branding.

A Grand Restoration Effort

The event celebrated the €840 million restoration of the Gothic landmark, following the devastating 2019 fire. Over 250 companies and 2,000 craftspeople participated in restoring Notre Dame’s iconic spire, vaulted ceilings, and stained-glass windows. Arnault, whose €200 million donation was the largest single contribution, was joined by other donors, including François-Henri Pinault of Kering and the Bettencourt-Meyers family of L’Oréal.

“This extraordinary project highlighted the excellence of French know-how and the talent of nearly 2,000 architects, workers, and craftsmen,” said Antoine Arnault, LVMH’s image and environment director, in a statement on LinkedIn. “I am proud of the outpouring of generosity from all over the world, to which the LVMH Group and my family wanted to contribute from the very beginning.”

Luxury on Display

The ceremony featured high-profile performances and symbolic gestures. South African soprano Pretty Yende performed “Amazing Grace” in a Dior gown adorned with 110 carats of diamonds, while Louis Vuitton’s artistic director Pharrell Williams performed wearing Louis Vuitton. French First Lady Brigitte Macron and U.S. First Lady Jill Biden carried Lady Dior handbags, further underscoring the presence of luxury brands.

As French television journalist Yann Barthès observed, “Welcome to the inauguration of the LVMH arena.”

The Catholic Church itself embraced French artistry by commissioning fashion designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac to create 2,000 liturgical vestments for clergy, blending traditional and minimalist high-fashion elements.

Public Reactions: Sacred or Showbiz?

The display of luxury at Notre Dame sparked debate. While many praised the restoration, others criticized the blending of branding with a sacred event.

“If the devil wears Prada, the cathedral wears Louis Vuitton and Dior,” quipped Papuna Biliseishvili, a 24-year-old spectator.

“This is the most PR the Catholic Church has seen in centuries,” said Cari Lefebvre, 27.

For devout worshippers like Marie-Claire Dubois, 45, the branding went too far. “This is a sacred place. It is beautiful that these companies contributed, but the branding should have remained outside. Notre Dame deserves respect as a house of God, not a showcase for luxury.”

A Stellar Year for LVMH

Notre Dame’s reopening caps a year of unprecedented visibility for LVMH, which was also a key sponsor of the Paris 2024 Olympics. The company designed custom display cases for 5,000 medals and the Olympic torch. Berluti, another LVMH brand, created costumes for the opening ceremony, while a Vogue World fashion show during Paris Couture Week drew global attention.

The event also reignited the rivalry between LVMH and Kering, with Kering CEO François-Henri Pinault and his wife, actress Salma Hayek, in attendance. Hayek wore a tailored Gucci coat, a subtle nod to Kering’s influence. This long-standing rivalry dates back to the 1990s bidding war over Gucci, which Kering ultimately won.

A Symbol of Faith and Power

As the bells of Notre Dame rang across Paris, the cathedral stood as a testament to restoration, unity, and, for some, the undeniable intertwining of faith, culture, and luxury. Whether celebrated as a victory of philanthropy or critiqued as a branding spectacle, Notre Dame’s reopening marked a historic moment for France.

A New Zealander wins Spanish world scrabble title after a year of study—He doesn’t speak Spanish

EDGARDO HERNAL
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A New Zealander wins Spanish world scrabble title after a year of study—He doesn’t speak Spanish

WELLINGTON, New Zealand. Nigel Richards, a New Zealand professional Scrabble player renowned for his mastery of the board game, has achieved another unprecedented milestone: winning the 2023 Spanish World Scrabble Championship, despite not speaking Spanish.

Richards claimed the title in Granada, Spain, in November, winning 23 out of 24 matches in his first competitive Spanish Scrabble tournament. The feat stunned the Scrabble community and organizers alike, as Richards spent only a year memorizing the Spanish Scrabble word list.

A Champion’s Unique Approach

Liz Fagerlund, a New Zealand Scrabble official and friend of Richards, shared that his photographic memory was key to his success.
“He can’t understand why other people can’t just do the same thing,” Fagerlund told The Associated Press. “He looks at a block of words, and once they go into his brain as a picture, he can just recall that very easily.”

Richards’ victory dethroned defending champion Benjamín Olaizola of Argentina, who finished in second place with 18 wins. Contest organizer Alejandro Terenzani described Richards’ performance as astonishing.
“It was impossible to react negatively; you can only be amazed,” Terenzani said. “We certainly expected that he would perform well, but it is perhaps true that he surpassed our expectations.”

Not His First Linguistic Feat

This is not the first time Richards has defied language barriers in Scrabble. In 2015, he became the French World Scrabble Champion after just nine weeks of studying French words, a title he reclaimed in 2018.

Recognized as the greatest Scrabble player of all time, Richards has accumulated numerous accolades over his three-decade career, including simultaneously holding the world, U.S., and British titles in 2008.

The Challenge of Spanish Scrabble

Unlike English, Spanish Scrabble involves longer words, often spanning seven, eight, or nine letters, requiring distinct strategies and adaptations. Players must also navigate differences in tile values and word frequency.

Will Anderson, an American Scrabble player, remarked on Richards’ triumph in a YouTube analysis, noting that while Scrabble doesn’t require players to know the meanings of words, native speakers generally have a significant advantage.
“Richards’ Spanish victory is remarkable even by his legendary standards,” Anderson said.

A Quiet Legend

Richards, who now resides in Malaysia, remains an enigma. He avoids interviews and media attention, leaving fans and journalists curious about his motivations.
“I get lots of requests from journalists wanting to interview him, and he’s not interested,” Fagerlund said. “He doesn’t understand what all the hoo-ha is about.”

At the tournament, Richards remained modest and reserved, according to Terenzani. However, he graciously posed for photos and interacted with fans—“in English, of course,” Terenzani quipped.

Richards’ methodical and mathematical approach to the game contrasts with traditional linguistic strategies. Even his mother, Adrienne Fischer, once remarked, “I don’t think he’s ever read a book, apart from the dictionary.”

Richards’ remarkable achievements continue to captivate the global Scrabble community, solidifying his status as a true icon in the game.

PH consulate sa US naghahanda para tulungan ang undocumented Filipinos na nanganganib maipa-deport

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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PH consulate sa US naghahanda para tulungan ang undocumented Filipinos na nanganganib maipa-deport

MAYNILA. Naghahanda ang siyam na konsulado ng Pilipinas sa Estados Unidos upang tulungan ang mga undocumented Filipinos na maaaring maapektuhan ng mass deportation at mga bagong patakaran sa imigrasyon sa ilalim ng administrasyon ni US President Donald Trump.

Ayon kay New York Consul General Senen Mangalile, bukas ang kanilang tanggapan para sa mga Pilipinong nais umuwi sa Pilipinas. Naglaan ang Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) ng pondo sa ilalim ng Assistance to Nationals (ATN) program upang sagutin ang plane tickets ng mga nagnanais mag-repatriate.

“Filipino citizens in the US who need help for repatriation may be eligible to access the ATN Fund. Once they have made the decision to go home, they may visit our Assistance to Nationals Section, which is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. They can also consult via email at newyorkpcg.atn@dfa.gov.ph. In cases of urgent need, our mobile hotline is (917) 294-0196,” ani Mangalile sa panayam ng GMA News.

Dokumentasyon at Pagpapauwi

Siniguro ni Mangalile na handa ang kanilang mga kawani upang iproseso ang kinakailangang dokumentasyon para sa mga Filipino na gustong makauwi.
“We want to reassure our kababayan that the Consulate, as an agency of the Philippine government, is committed to assisting Filipino citizens regardless of their immigration status. We will assist within the bounds of what we can legally do, as far as the resources that the DFA can make available to us will allow, and with due respect to US laws,” dagdag pa ni Mangalile.

Bilang ng Undocumented Filipinos sa US

Batay sa datos ng Department of Migrant Workers, mayroong tinatayang 370,000 undocumented Filipinos na kasalukuyang naninirahan sa Estados Unidos. Karamihan sa kanila ay nasa mga estado ng California, Hawaii, New Jersey, Texas, Illinois, at Washington DC.

Hinikayat ng konsulado ang mga Pilipinong nangangailangan ng tulong na huwag matakot at agarang lumapit sa kanilang tanggapan upang makapagbigay ng suporta sa panahon ng kanilang pangangailangan.

Syria’s de facto leader calls for reconstruction, not conflict, amid Israeli strikes

Venus L Peñaflor
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Syria’s de facto leader calls for reconstruction, not conflict, amid Israeli strikes

DAMASCUS. Syria’s de facto leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, emphasized that Syria is focused on rebuilding after years of war and is not interested in new conflicts, despite recent Israeli attacks on its territory.

Sharaa, the head of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, recently led the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad, ending the Assad family’s five-decade authoritarian rule. Speaking to Syria TV, a pro-opposition channel, Sharaa accused Israel of using “false pretexts” to justify its military actions.

“Israeli arguments have become weak and no longer justify their recent violations. The Israelis have clearly crossed the lines of engagement in Syria, which poses a threat of unwarranted escalation in the region,” Sharaa stated.

Following Assad’s removal, Israel moved into a demilitarized zone inside Syria established after the 1973 Arab-Israeli war. This includes the Syrian side of Mount Hermon near Damascus, where Israeli forces have occupied an abandoned Syrian military post.

Israel has characterized the incursion as a temporary measure to ensure border security and stated it has no intention of permanent occupation. However, it has conducted airstrikes targeting Syria’s strategic weapons stockpiles, drawing sharp criticism from Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Jordan. These countries have condemned what they described as Israel’s seizure of a buffer zone in the Golan Heights.

Sharaa underlined Syria’s need for stability after years of devastating conflict. “Syria’s war-weary condition, after years of conflict and war, does not allow for new confrontations. The priority at this stage is reconstruction and stability, not being drawn into disputes that could lead to further destruction,” he asserted.

He also highlighted the importance of diplomacy in resolving regional tensions. “Diplomatic solutions are the only way to ensure security and stability, and uncalculated military adventures are not wanted,” Sharaa added.

Sharaa also touched on Syria’s relationship with Russia, which played a decisive role in supporting Assad’s regime through military intervention nearly a decade ago. Russia has since granted asylum to Assad following his ouster.

“The current stage requires careful management of international relations. Syria’s relationship with Russia should serve common interests,” Sharaa said, signaling a pragmatic approach to foreign diplomacy.

As Syria begins a new chapter, Sharaa’s statements focus on reconstruction and avoiding further escalation in a region already fraught with tensions.

PhilHealth appeals for reassessment of zero subsidy for 2025

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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PhilHealth appeals for reassessment of zero subsidy for 2025

MANILA. The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has expressed hope that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will reconsider the decision to grant it zero subsidy for 2025. Despite the funding cut, the agency has assured the public that it has sufficient resources to sustain its operations and provide services to its beneficiaries.

In a Dobol B TV interview, Dr. Israel Francis Pargas, Senior Vice President for PhilHealth’s Health Finance Policy Sector, admitted that the decision caught them off guard. The subsidy, historically funded through sin taxes, has been crucial for covering premium payments of indirect contributors.

“However, kung talaga pong magiging batas ‘yan, at siyempre kami naman ay umaasa na bago pa pirmahan ng Pangulo, ay ito’y mapag-aralan muli,” Pargas said, emphasizing their hope that the decision would be reviewed before being finalized.

If no subsidy is provided, Pargas noted that PhilHealth would rely on its existing surplus and investment funds to sustain operations.

“Ang mangyayari po niyan, kung talagang wala na maisasabatas, na zero budget po talaga tayo, kung ano po ang ating pondo sa ngayon, katulad po ng mga nababanggit na surplus and investment funds, doon po natin lahat kukunin ‘yung magiging pondo natin para sa taong 2025,” he explained.

Challenges Beyond 2025

Pargas assured that the agency’s funds would be enough to meet its 2025 obligations but warned that financial challenges, particularly in administrative expenses, could arise by 2026 if no additional funding is allocated.

The decision to cut the subsidy was linked to PhilHealth’s reported P600 billion in reserve funds, as revealed by Senate Finance Committee Chairperson Grace Poe during deliberations on the 2025 General Appropriations Bill (GAB).

Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero cited lapses in PhilHealth’s management, including controversies over its transfer of P89.9 billion in excess funds to the national treasury, as the basis for removing the subsidy.

Budgetary Changes

Initially, PhilHealth was allocated P74.431 billion under the 2024 National Expenditure Program (NEP), which was later reduced to P64.419 billion by the Senate. However, the bicameral committee ultimately decided to eliminate the allocation entirely for 2025.

The final version of the P6.352 trillion 2025 GAB is expected to be signed into law by President Marcos by December 20, 2024, according to the Presidential Communications Office.

PhilHealth’s appeal for reconsideration underscores the critical role government subsidies play in supporting the country’s health insurance system, especially for the most vulnerable sectors.

South Korea’s President Yoon impeached: Martial law fallout and political scandals

Venus L Peñaflor
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South Korea’s President Yoon impeached: Martial law fallout and political scandals

SEOUL. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been impeached by parliament, marking a dramatic turn in his turbulent political career. Accused of leading an insurrection, Yoon’s fate now rests with the Constitutional Court. The decision comes after members of his own People Power Party (PPP) turned against him, leaving the embattled leader increasingly isolated.

The impeachment vote follows Yoon’s controversial imposition of martial law on December 3, a move he justified as an act of “burning patriotism” to save the nation. “I will fight to the end,” Yoon declared in a 29-minute address earlier this week. However, the speech, meant to rally support, instead fueled concerns about his judgment.

Political science professor Shin Yul of Myongji University commented, “He seems to be listening to the wrong people—right-wing extremists and YouTube personalities—and probably still thinks he did the right thing.” Opposition leaders were more scathing, with one member describing Yoon’s address as a “display of extreme delusion.”

Even within his party, Yoon’s actions have drawn mixed reactions. Ihn Yohan, a PPP lawmaker, defended Yoon, saying, “I hope we remember how the opposition party has incredibly and viciously pushed the president and his family into the corner with threats of special prosecutors and impeachment.”

Scandals and Political Setbacks

A series of scandals have overshadowed Yoon’s presidency. His wife, Kim Keon-hee, faced accusations of accepting an expensive Christian Dior handbag as a gift. Although the prosecutors declined to press charges, the controversy contributed to the PPP’s crushing defeat in April’s parliamentary elections.

Yoon also faced criticism for his refusal to fire top officials after the 2022 Halloween crowd crush tragedy, which killed 159 people. His decision to move the presidential office out of the Blue House was questioned for alleged links to feng shui beliefs, which Yoon has denied.

From Prosecutor to President

Yoon’s rise to power was marked by dramatic turns. Born to an affluent family in Seoul, he initially struggled with academics before passing the bar exam on his ninth attempt. He gained national prominence in 2016 as the prosecutor investigating then-President Park Geun-hye for corruption, famously stating, “Prosecutors are not gangsters,” when asked if he was seeking revenge.

His pursuit of justice made him a conservative icon, leading to his 2022 presidential victory. Internationally, Yoon was praised for mending ties with Japan and strengthening trilateral security cooperation with the United States. His charisma was evident when he sang “American Pie” at a White House event, delighting U.S. President Joe Biden and attendees.

Martial Law Decision Under Scrutiny

Yoon’s decision to impose martial law, reportedly advised by close allies, including Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun, has become a central issue in the impeachment case. Critics argue that the move was reckless and unconstitutional, while supporters claim it was a desperate measure to counter political chaos.

The Constitutional Court now has 180 days to determine whether to uphold the impeachment. If confirmed, Yoon will be the first South Korean president removed from office since Park Geun-hye in 2017, whose impeachment Yoon himself had investigated.

This unfolding political crisis has cast uncertainty over South Korea’s leadership, leaving citizens and global observers questioning the future of one of Asia’s most vibrant democracies.

‘Nickel Boys’: A haunting and powerful masterpiece of the year

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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‘Nickel Boys’: A haunting and powerful masterpiece of the year

Director RaMell Ross has done the unthinkable with Nickel Boys: he turned what could have been a cinematic gimmick—filming entirely in first-person perspective—into a powerful and unforgettable work of art. Based on Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, this lyrical and deeply moving film delves into the horrors of a brutal reform school during the Jim Crow era, delivering one of the most striking cinematic experiences of the year.

The story is rooted in the lives of Elwood and Turner, two teenage boys who form a bond while enduring the torment of the fictional Nickel Academy. This setting is based on the real-life Dozier School for Boys in Florida, a site infamous for systemic abuses including beatings, rape, and unmarked graves—many of which have only recently come to light.

Ross and co-writer Joslyn Barnes capture the trauma and resilience of these boys without exploiting their suffering. One of the film’s most harrowing scenes—a beating—is depicted indirectly, focusing instead on a wall, a shoe, or a trembling hand while the sounds of the violence resonate in the background. As in The Zone of Interest, the absence of graphic visuals doesn’t diminish the impact; it amplifies it.

The narrative unfolds primarily through the perspective of Elwood (Ethan Herisse), a bright, idealistic young man raised by his grandmother Hattie (a standout performance by Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor). Elwood’s future seems promising as he immerses himself in the civil rights movement and earns an opportunity to attend a technical college. However, his life takes a devastating turn when he hitches a ride in a stolen car, unaware of the crime. This innocent mistake lands him at Nickel Academy.

“You’re lucky to be in Nickel,” a young white employee (Fred Hechinger) tells Elwood, though his words are laced with ignorance or denial. While he initially appears kind, his true nature surfaces later. Other characters, like Hamish Linklater’s sadistic school administrator, embody the institution’s cruelty more overtly, doling out punishments with shocking zeal.

Despite the grim setting, Nickel Boys finds moments of light. Elwood’s friendship with Turner (Brandon Wilson), a pragmatic orphan who balances Elwood’s hopeful idealism, becomes the emotional heart of the story. Together, they find fleeting joy amid the chaos, and the camera captures their bond with tender intimacy.

Ross’s use of first-person perspective is particularly striking. The camera doesn’t merely record events; it observes the small, often overlooked details—a hand, tattered clothing, a puff of smoke. This technique immerses viewers in the characters’ experiences, making their pain and humanity palpable.

The film also interweaves flash-forwards, where a man (Daveed Diggs) is seen reading about the discovery of unmarked graves at Nickel. These moments provide a chilling connection between the past and present, highlighting the enduring scars of systemic injustice.

Adapting a novel as powerful as Nickel Boys could have tempted Ross toward a conventional approach. Instead, he has created a film that is both formally daring and emotionally resonant. Nickel Boys demands patience and engagement but rewards viewers with a story that is as haunting as it is essential.

Nickel Boys, an Amazon MGM and Orion release, is now showing in select theaters. Rated PG-13 for violent content, racial slurs, and thematic material, the film runs 140 minutes. It earns a rare four-star rating—a testament to its extraordinary achievement.

Rebels vow to erase Assad family legacy amid mausoleum ruins

Venus L Peñaflor
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Rebels vow to erase Assad family legacy amid mausoleum ruins

QARDAHA, Syria. The once-grand mausoleum of the Assad family in Qardaha, western Syria, now lies in ruins—reduced to ashes, looted artifacts, and scattered bullet casings. Syrian rebels, who stormed the mausoleum following their capture of Damascus, see its destruction as a symbolic end to the Assad dynasty’s decades-long grip on power.

The mausoleum, built to honor the Assad family, including the late Syrian President Hafez al-Assad and his wife, was a prominent monument in Qardaha. Its marble walls now bear the scars of rebellion: torched interiors, shattered memorials, and graffiti slogans denouncing the Assads.

“God willing, we will wipe all of Syria’s streets clean of the Assad family and their injustices,” said Ahmet al-Abdullah, a rebel from Aleppo who participated in sacking the mausoleum. “We will become a civilized country without an image of anyone no matter their status,” he added, referring to the omnipresent portraits and statues of Hafez and Bashar al-Assad that once adorned Syrian streets.

A Symbol of Rebellion

As winds scattered ashes across the mausoleum floor, fighters and civilians fired celebratory gunshots, chanted revolutionary slogans, and stomped on the remains of Hafez al-Assad’s memorial. The tomb of his wife, Anisa Makhlouf, was also destroyed.

The rebels view the destruction as a necessary step toward dismantling the Assad regime’s legacy. “Our flag will be the revolution flag, it will not be the terrorist flag of the regime which engaged in terrorism against the Syrian people,” al-Abdullah declared.

Celebration in Latakia

In nearby Latakia, the stronghold of the Assad family’s Alawite sect, residents joined the celebrations. Dozens gathered around a central monument, waving flags and brandishing guns, while cars honked in jubilation.

The fall of the Assads marks a pivotal moment in Syria’s tumultuous history. For many, the sacking of the mausoleum serves as both a symbolic and literal rejection of the family’s decades of autocratic rule. As one observer noted, the rebels’ actions reflect their resolve to rebuild Syria free from the shadows of the past.

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