Tuesday, July 7, 2026


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Drone attack targets Israeli Prime Minister’s home as Gaza strikes claim over 50 lives

JERUSALEM. A drone targeted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s private residence in Caesarea on Saturday, though no casualties were reported. According to a statement from Netanyahu’s office, both he and his wife were not present at the time of the attack, which occurred amid rising hostilities involving Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. The Israeli military also reported that sirens blared across the nation in response to incoming fire from Lebanon.

The drone attack comes on the heels of vows from Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that Hamas would continue its struggle against Israel. This follows the assassination of the mastermind behind the October 7, 2023 attack that devastated Israeli communities.

Netanyahu’s home in the Mediterranean coastal town of Caesarea was the focal point of the drone strike, while elsewhere, Israel faced increased missile barrages from Lebanon. Over 50 projectiles were launched at northern Israel, killing a 50-year-old man and injuring four others.

Escalating Conflict Across Multiple Fronts

The conflict between Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah militant group, which Iran backs, has significantly intensified. On Saturday, Hezbollah fired a wave of projectiles and launched exploding drones into northern Israel. In response, Israeli forces carried out targeted strikes against Hezbollah leaders. One significant casualty was Nasser Rashid, the group’s deputy commander in Bint Jbeil, Lebanon.

The violence also spilled over into Beirut, where the Lebanese health ministry confirmed that an Israeli airstrike hit a vehicle on a highway north of the city, killing two people. Their identities remain unclear at this time.

In Gaza, Israeli strikes claimed more than 50 lives, including several children, within 24 hours. Hospitals in the northern part of the enclave, already battered by ongoing airstrikes, reported heavy damage and mounting casualties.

As the conflict rages on, Israel continues to face threats from multiple fronts. In recent weeks, Yemen’s Houthi rebels also launched a ballistic missile toward Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv during Netanyahu’s return flight in September. The missile was intercepted, averting further disaster.

With tensions running high and the region bracing for more violence, the Israeli government remains on high alert as they evaluate their next course of action. The recent escalation highlights the broader regional conflict involving Israel, Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran, with no end in sight to the unfolding crisis.

911 call warning before Liam Payne’s tragic death in Buenos Aires hotel

BUENOS AIRES. Former One Direction pop star Liam Payne tragically died at the age of 31 after falling from the third-floor balcony of his hotel room at CasaSur Hotel in Palermo, Buenos Aires. The incident has left fans around the world in mourning and has triggered an investigation into the events leading up to the fatal fall.

Before the tragic incident, a 911 call was made by a hotel employee, warning authorities about Payne’s erratic behavior. According to the Buenos Aires security ministry, the employee reported that Payne appeared intoxicated by drugs and alcohol and had been damaging his hotel room. The employee expressed concern for Payne’s safety, especially due to the room’s balcony.

Here is an excerpt from the translated transcript of the 911 call:

911 Call Transcript
Operator: Good afternoon, an emergency.
Caller: Hello, good morning. I just called, I got disconnected. I’m calling from CasaSur Palermo hotel, Costa Rica 6032.
Operator: What’s going on at the hotel, sir?
Caller: We have a guest who is intoxicated by drugs and alcohol. When he’s conscious, he’s breaking the whole room. And, well, we need you to send someone, please.
Operator: Under the influence of alcohol and drugs, right, sir?
Caller: Yes, that’s correct.
Operator: Where is the hotel? What’s the name of the hotel?
Caller: CasaSur Palermo. We need someone urgently because, well, I don’t know if the guest’s life is at risk. He is in a room with a balcony.

The Buenos Aires police responded to the scene, but tragically, Payne was found dead after falling from the balcony. The cause of death is under investigation, and toxicology reports are expected to clarify the singer’s condition at the time of the incident.

According to the caller, Payne, who became an international star as part of the boy band One Direction, had been staying at the hotel for two or three days. His sudden death has sparked a global outpouring of grief from fans, fellow musicians, and celebrities sharing tributes on social media, remembering his contributions to the music world and his charismatic presence.

The investigation continues, with authorities looking into whether Payne’s fall was accidental or if other factors contributed to the tragedy.


This report contains unaltered quotes from the original 911 call as documented by the Buenos Aires security ministry.

‘Who should we not vote for, anak?’ No ‘singit’, too

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Pupils are more reliable than today’s older voters in choosing the president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer of their class.

Here is the rub: In a biblical commentary, one prominent website assumed that in the Greek culture during apostle Paul’s time, a child from a rich family had limited freedom. Although he would eventually inherit all the family’s possessions and hold authority over them, he had no control over when to go to bed and other daily routines. The child’s status as the heir granted him no real independence until he reached a specified age.

That is the same assumption held by men and women of God that I meet. Quo vadis, mature, young adult and adult voters in the Philippines? And do they know where their children and their children’s children are going?

The age of majority refers to the legal age at which an individual is recognized as an adult and gains the full rights and responsibilities of adulthood, including the right to suffrage. It is typically set at 18 in several countries, whose citizens can register to vote and participate in elections. (This is with exception to youth polls of Sangguniang Kabataan, formerly called Kabataang Barangay during Imee Marcos’ appointment as chairperson of it… Or was it by election done by her father?)

There are debates around lowering the voting age. The point is simple: Maraming tumatandang paurong lalo sa kanilang pagboto, while the arguments about youth engagement and civic education, or whether young people are informed enough to participate meaningfully in electoral processes are to be decided “paurong” (backwardly)? If it is not toward a worse state, then what is? The worst? It is a rhetorical question of what else it could be. We have heard the resounding “Pilipinas, bakit ang hirap mong mahalin?” expression of grief from our college students and fresh graduates. When they go back home, their parents’ staying power is what matters. On the other hand, the power of these would-be professionals would just be turned on when they access their social media accounts, ridiculing trapos (traditional politicians) and fighting a lot online because they face troll armies.

It is considered worse because Robinhood topped the recent senate polls and worst because the Yoracs, the Aquinos, the Dioknos are losing. Another worse to worst: two senate slots per political family (including Camella).

The Constitution provides in Article II Section 26: “The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.” That charter is betrayed by congressmen and senators for 37 long years and counting. They would continue raising their right hands, defending the Constitution the way they want to and the way their dynastic clans used to be.

However, God keeps on reminding people to love their children. Divine chastisement is always at the back of their minds if they do not plan and give them a better future. Now that they heard those who filed their COCs, with persistent ones videotaping themselves to let their FB, X, and IG followers know and understand what their political platforms are — except for Revillame, who would let us know and understand such serious matters once he wins a spot in the Magic 12 as Show Thor Senator of the Republic come 2025 — mature voters, perhaps, need to take time to listen carefully to their sons and daughters and ask the honest and moral requests like: “Anak, since you choose good leaders in your class, help me decide who deserve my vote next year?”

Or better ask them: Who should we not vote for? Recall that even the persuasion of the insertion or “singit na pakiusap” also works. Enough of that. We are our children’s pride and honor.

Rare comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas to grace Philippine sky this week, PAGASA confirms

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MANILA. Stargazers in the Philippines are in for a celestial treat this week as Comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas will be visible in the night sky. According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the rare comet will make its closest approach to Earth on Saturday and should be visible until the end of October, weather permitting.

The comet, also known as C/2023 A3, was first discovered last year by observatories in China and South Africa. It is now hurtling toward Earth from the far reaches of the solar system, specifically the Oort Cloud, which lies beyond Pluto. After passing within 44 million miles (71 million kilometers) of Earth, it will not return for another 80,000 years—assuming it survives its journey around the sun.

According to PAGASA, the best time to view Comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas in the Philippines is around an hour after sunset. For those hoping to catch a glimpse, clear skies will offer the best chance to spot the comet in the western sky. While it should be visible to the naked eye, using binoculars or a telescope will provide a better view of its iconic tail.

“It’ll be this fuzzy circle with a long tail stretching away from it,” said Sally Brummel, planetarium manager at the Bell Museum in Minnesota. Brummel explained that comets heat up as they approach the sun, releasing gases and dust that form their characteristic glowing tails.

Comets are ancient, frozen remnants from the formation of our solar system billions of years ago. While comets pass by Earth regularly, not all of them are bright enough to be seen without special equipment. “Several comets are discovered every year, but many burn up near the sun or linger too far away to be visible without special equipment,” said Larry Denneau, a lead researcher with the Atlas telescope that helped discover the comet.

Recent notable comets include Neowise in 2020 and Hale-Bopp in the late 1990s. Last year, a green comet that hadn’t been seen in 50,000 years also passed by Earth, thrilling skywatchers across the globe.

PAGASA advises Filipinos to take advantage of this rare opportunity to witness Comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas. After all, this once-in-a-lifetime event won’t be repeated for thousands of years. So, if the weather holds, grab your binoculars and head outside for a chance to see this remarkable visitor from the outer edges of our solar system.


This rare sight is expected to be visible from both the northern and southern hemispheres, making it a global spectacle for astronomy enthusiasts. Keep your eyes to the sky, and don’t miss this cosmic show!

P500K pabuya kapalit ng impormasyon sa 4 suspek sa pagpatay kay Bulacan ABC pres

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MAYNILA. Nag-alok ng P500,000 na pabuya ang pamahalaang panlalawigan ng Bulacan para sa sinumang makapagbibigay ng mahalagang impormasyon ukol sa kinaroroonan ng apat na suspek sa brutal na pagpatay kay Sangguniang Panlalawigan board member at Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) President Ramilito Capistrano at ang kanyang driver.

Ayon kay Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson P/Brigadier General Jean Fajardo sa isang press briefing nitong Huwebes, “Naglabas din ng reward na P500,000 ang LGU po ng Bulacan para sa sinumang makapagbibigay ng impormasyon na hahantong sa pag-aresto at lokasyon po nitong si Sgt. Pascual, Gallardo, alias ‘Lupin’, at alias ‘Jeff’ po.”

Ang mga suspek na sina Police Staff Sergeant Ulysses Hernani Castro Pascual, ang kanyang pinsang si Cesar Mayoralgo Gallardo Jr., at ang kanilang mga kasabwat na sina “Jeff” at “Lupin” ay nahaharap sa kasong double murder na isinampa sa Prosecutor’s Office ng Malolos City.

Si Capistrano, na pinuno rin ng ABC sa Bulacan, ay nasa loob ng kanilang sasakyan kasama ang kanyang driver na si Shedrick Toribio nang tambangan sila ng mga armadong lalaki noong Oktubre 3. Ayon sa ulat, si Pascual ay unang naaresto ngunit nakatakas matapos itong payagan ng isang kapwa pulis na umuwi. Hindi na siya bumalik sa kustodiya ng mga awtoridad mula noong nakaraang linggo.

Patuloy na iniimbestigahan ng PNP ang motibo sa likod ng krimen, at hindi nila isinasantabi ang posibilidad na ito ay may kaugnayan sa trabaho ni Capistrano. Ayon kay Fajardo, “Hindi pa po natin ma-single out kung ano po yung motibo until such time na mapin-point po natin yung mastermind. Because it appears na itong pong mga suspects na sinampahan ng kaso were just the instrument na ginamit nitong mastermind para patayin itong si Capistrano.” Dagdag pa niya, “Hindi natin inaalis yung possibility na ito ay work-related.”

Inatasan na ng PNP ang Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) upang manguna sa manhunt operations laban sa mga suspek.

Patuloy ang panawagan ng mga awtoridad sa publiko na makipagtulungan at magbigay ng impormasyon na maaaring makatulong sa pagkakaaresto ng mga suspek.

Israel says Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was killed in Gaza raid

JERUSALEM. Israeli forces have reportedly killed Yahya Sinwar, a senior Hamas leader and one of the key figures behind last year’s deadly attack on Israel. The Israeli military confirmed on Thursday that Sinwar, who had been their most-wanted target, was found dead during an operation in Gaza. According to military officials, Israeli troops unknowingly encountered him during a battle in the southern city of Rafah and later discovered his identity in the rubble of a collapsed building.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the killing of Sinwar as a critical moment in Israel’s campaign against Hamas. “Hamas will no longer rule Gaza. This is the start of the day after Hamas,” Netanyahu declared, urging the militant group to surrender and release the approximately 100 hostages still being held in Gaza. He emphasized that Israel’s military efforts would continue until all hostages are freed and Hamas is disarmed.

Sinwar, who had led Hamas in the Gaza Strip for years, was a central figure in the planning of the October 7, 2023 attack, in which Hamas militants killed 1,200 Israelis and kidnapped 250 others. Israel’s retaliation has resulted in widespread destruction across Gaza and the loss of over 42,000 Palestinian lives, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. While the ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants, it reported that more than half of the casualties were women and children.

U.S. President Joe Biden expressed cautious optimism that Sinwar’s death could pave the way for peace, stating, “This opens the door for a political settlement that provides a better future for Israelis and Palestinians alike.” Biden also noted plans to discuss a path forward with Netanyahu to bring hostages home and end the war.

Despite this major blow to Hamas, experts warn that the death of its leader may not mark the end of the group’s resilience. “After the leader, a thousand leaders will come. After the man, a thousand men will come,” said Ahmed Hamdouna, a Palestinian refugee displaced from northern Gaza. Hamas, supported by Iran, has endured previous losses of key figures without collapsing.

The Israeli military shared footage of Sinwar’s final moments, which allegedly show him in a heavily damaged room, attempting to hide his identity. Military spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari confirmed that Sinwar was found with a bulletproof vest, grenades, and a significant amount of cash. His identity was confirmed through dental records, fingerprints, and DNA testing.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, addressing Hamas fighters, urged them to surrender: “It is time to go out, release the hostages, raise your hands, surrender.” Netanyahu also assured that those who lay down their arms and assist in the return of hostages would be allowed to leave Gaza safely.

As news of Sinwar’s death spread, hundreds gathered in Tel Aviv, demanding the release of hostages. Some, however, expressed fear over potential retaliation. “I’m scared about the 101 hostages… They might murder them or do something because of the murder of Sinwar,” said Ifat Kalderon, whose cousin is being held captive in Gaza.

Meanwhile, in Gaza, sentiments were mixed. Umm Mohammed, a Palestinian woman displaced by the conflict, hoped Sinwar’s death would signal the end of Israel’s military campaign, pleading, “What more goals do they have than that? Enough. We want to go back.”

Despite these hopes, the conflict continues to rage. Israeli forces remain engaged in ground operations in Jabaliya refugee camp, targeting what they describe as regrouping Hamas fighters. Strikes have also continued to hit civilian areas, including a school sheltering displaced Palestinians in Jabaliya, which killed at least 28 people, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Israel maintains that it targets militants with precision, though civilian casualties remain a tragic consequence of the ongoing war.

With Sinwar’s death, Israel has struck a heavy blow against Hamas, but the road to peace appears uncertain, as the humanitarian toll in Gaza continues to rise.

Liam Payne, former One Direction member dies at 31 after hotel balcony fall in Argentina

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina. Liam Payne, 31, former member of the globally renowned boy band One Direction, tragically died after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires on Wednesday. Payne fell from the third floor of the Casa Sur Hotel in the Palermo district, resulting in fatal injuries. Buenos Aires police confirmed his death on-site after an emergency call was made reporting an “aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.” Pablo Policicchio, communications director for the Buenos Aires Security Ministry, stated that Payne had “jumped from the balcony of his room.”

A 911 call, obtained by The Associated Press, captured the distress of the hotel manager who reported, “He’s destroying the entire room and, well, we need you to send someone, please.” Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances of his death, with an autopsy underway.

Payne had publicly shared his struggles with alcoholism, and in July 2023, he posted a video on YouTube where he spoke about his sobriety, stating he had been sober for six months. Fans were shocked by the news, with many gathering outside the Casa Sur Hotel to pay their respects. A makeshift memorial was quickly set up, with candles and flowers adorning the entrance of the hotel as fans expressed their grief.

Payne rose to international fame as a member of One Direction, which was formed during the British talent show The X Factor in 2010. The band, which included Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson, became one of the most successful boy bands of all time, with chart-topping hits such as “What Makes You Beautiful” and “Night Changes.” Payne was known as the responsible member of the group and had co-written several of their biggest songs.

After the group disbanded in 2016, Payne pursued a solo career, transitioning into EDM and hip-hop. His debut single, “Strip That Down,” featuring Quavo, reached the Billboard Top 10 in 2017. He released an album, LP1, in 2019 and his most recent single, “Teardrops,” came out in March 2024.

Payne is survived by his 7-year-old son Bear, whom he had with former partner Cheryl, and by his parents, Geoff and Karen Payne, as well as his two older sisters, Ruth and Nicola.

After the group disbanded in 2016, Payne pursued a solo career, transitioning into EDM and hip-hop. His debut single, “Strip That Down,” featuring Quavo, reached the Billboard Top 10 in 2017.

Los Angeles Archdiocese reaches $880 million settlement over clergy sex abuse claims

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LOS ANGELES, CA. In one of the largest settlements related to clergy sexual abuse in U.S. history, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles has agreed to pay $880 million to 1,353 survivors who alleged they were sexually abused as children by Catholic priests. The settlement, announced on Wednesday, follows years of legal battles and is part of a broader reckoning for the Church over decades-old abuse claims.

Archbishop Jose H. Gomez expressed deep regret over the abuse, stating, “I am sorry for every one of these incidents, from the bottom of my heart. My hope is that this settlement will provide some measure of healing for what these men and women have suffered.”

The massive settlement comes after California enacted a law allowing survivors to file new lawsuits based on historical sexual abuse cases involving minors. The law has triggered a wave of claims across the state, leading multiple Catholic dioceses, including those in San Francisco, Oakland, and San Diego, to file for bankruptcy protection as they faced similar allegations.

Unlike those dioceses, the Los Angeles Archdiocese reached its settlement without seeking bankruptcy protection. According to Gomez, the Archdiocese will be able to cover the $880 million settlement using a combination of cash reserves, investments, loans, and contributions from other religious organizations named in the lawsuits. Gomez reassured the public that these payments would not impact the Archdiocese’s ongoing mission of “serving the poor and vulnerable in our communities.”

A joint statement from attorneys representing both the Archdiocese and the Plaintiffs’ Liaison Counsel thanked the survivors for their courage in coming forward. “While there is no amount of money that can replace what was taken from these 1,353 brave individuals who have suffered in silence for decades, there is justice in accountability,” the Plaintiffs’ Liaison Counsel emphasized.

The settlement is seen as a significant step toward closure for survivors, many of whom have spent years seeking recognition and justice for the abuses they endured as children. It also serves as a reminder of the long-lasting impact of the clergy sexual abuse crisis on victims and the Catholic Church alike.

Photo credit: Reuters

Rep. Fernandez: Senate probe sa war on drugs ni Bato, itinuturing na ‘conflict of interest’

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MAYNILA. Malinaw na magkakaroon ng conflict of interest kung si Senador Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa ang mangunguna sa Senate inquiry hinggil sa digmaan laban sa droga sa ilalim ng administrasyong Duterte.

Ito ang pahayag ni Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez, co-chairman ng House Quad Committee. Ayon sa kanya, si Dela Rosa ay may mahalagang papel sa kampanya ng Duterte laban sa droga dahil siya ang naging hepe ng Philippine National Police (PNP) noong ipinatupad ito.

“Delicadeza na lang sana ang pairalin ni Sen. Bato. For me, it is highly inappropriate for him, the chief enforcer of the drug war, to lead a probe into the very operations he designed and implemented,” ani Fernandez.

Binigyang-diin pa niya na “As the architect of the war on drugs, Sen. Bato would be practically investigating himself. This undermines the integrity and objectivity of any findings that may result from this investigation.”

Samantala, unang sinabi ni Manila Rep. Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr., co-chair ng House Quad Committee, ang kanyang pagdududa sa kakayahan ni Dela Rosa na magsagawa ng patas na imbestigasyon.

“Maaaring makompromiso ang integridad ng sinasabing Senate probe,” ayon kay Abante.

“I would think that he (Dela Rosa) would be more biased than actually balanced in that hearing,” dagdag pa niya.

“An inquiry into the extrajudicial killings must be impartial, transparent and independent. Sen. Bato will have none of that since he is part of the personalities being investigated. This Senate investigation risks becoming a whitewash if its leadership is not changed,” pagtatapos pa nito.

16 dead in Israeli strike on Lebanese municipal building

BEIRUT. An Israeli airstrike hit the municipal headquarters of Nabatieh, a provincial capital in southern Lebanon, killing 16 people, including the town’s mayor, and injuring more than 50 others. This marks the most significant attack on a Lebanese state building since Israel’s air campaign started, according to Lebanese officials.

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the strike, accusing Israel of deliberately targeting a municipal council meeting intended to address “the city’s service and relief situation” for residents displaced by the ongoing conflict. Mikati stated, “The Israelis intentionally targeted a meeting of the municipal council to discuss the city’s service and relief situation.”

The assault in Nabatieh has drawn international attention, with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reporting an incident where Israeli tanks fired at one of its watchtowers near Kfar Kela, damaging the structure and destroying cameras. While the Israeli military did not immediately respond to UNIFIL’s statement, the peacekeeping force has faced several such incidents since the conflict began.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, visiting northern Israel, maintained that Israel would not cease its operations against Hezbollah for negotiation purposes, saying, “We will hold negotiations only under fire… I said this on day one, I said it in Gaza, and I am saying it here.” His stance has been bolstered by support from U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who urged Gallant to ensure the safety of UNIFIL forces while continuing operations.

Israel’s military campaign against Hezbollah, which has been firing across the border in support of Palestinian militants in Gaza, has been relentless in recent weeks. Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon have targeted Hezbollah strongholds and dismantled tunnel networks used by the group’s elite Radwan Forces. A video released by the Israeli military showed multiple explosions in Mhaibib, a town near the Israeli border.

Lebanon’s health ministry reported that over 2,350 people have been killed since the conflict began, with more than 1.2 million displaced. The U.N. noted that a quarter of the country is currently under evacuation orders. In contrast, Israel has lost around 50 people, both military and civilian, in the same period.

The U.S. State Department has expressed support for targeted strikes against Hezbollah, while urging caution to avoid widespread civilian casualties. Matthew Miller, State Department spokesperson, stated, “Obviously, we’d not want to see entire villages destroyed. We don’t want to see civilian homes destroyed.”

Israeli warplanes also resumed airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, marking the first attack on the city since October 10, when 22 people were killed in densely populated neighborhoods. Tensions remain high as the conflict continues, with both sides suffering heavy losses and no end in sight.

As the Israeli campaign pushes forward, diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis face significant challenges, with Hezbollah’s continued presence in southern Lebanon and Israel’s insistence on security along its northern border. The toll of the conflict grows by the day, with civilians on both sides caught in the crossfire.