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Kabayanihan, kabutihan, at kadakilaan: Mga hamon ng paggunita

DC Alviar
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Kabayanihan, kabutihan, at kadakilaan: Mga hamon ng paggunita

Nakaukit na sa puso ng mga Pilipino at Pilipina, maging ng mga kaibigan mula sa iba’t ibang lipi, ang mga uliran (models) sa kabayanihan sa kasaysayan ng Pilipinas na sina Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Apolinario Mabini, Melchora Aquino, Gabriela Silang, Antonio Luna, Josefa Llanes Escoda, at marami pang iba. Ang pagpukaw nila sa kamalayan ng mga Pilipino sa mga aktwal na kapasidad nilang pamunuang ipaglaban ang kasarinlan ng bansa ay noong panahon ng mga digmaan. Iyon ang kaibahan nila sa kabayanihan ng makabagong panahon.

Nang makamit ang kasarinlan, umusbong pa rin ang kabayanihan. Bakit? Kinailangan (kinakailangan) pa ring paglingkuran ang mas nakararami dahil talamak pa rin ang pang-aabuso sa kapangyarihan, kahirapan, at pagyurak ng mga karapatang pantao’t pandignidad.

Mahalagang maunawaan ng mga tagapagmasid ng pulitika, ekonomiya, at kultura na ang kabayanihan ay hindi lamang sa panahong may giyera o magkakagiyera. Sa Himagsikan ng 1896 at sa Ikalawang Digmaang Pandaigdig, litaw na litaw ang kabayanihan ng mga personalidad ngunit batid nating hindi nagtapos ang pakikibaka at paglaban upang kagyat na maisulong ang kagalingan ng nagsasariling bansa. Kagyat sapagkat bugbog sarado na ang bansa sa paniniil ng mga bansang mananakop at nagkaroon na ng ginintuang pagkakataon ang freedom fighters o mga mandirigma ng kalayaan na lumaban nang tahasan na halos maihahambing din sa “ibigay ang aking laya o ang aking kamatayan” ni Patrick Henry.

Pista Opisyal din ang taunang anibersaryo ng kamatayan ni Ninoy Aquino at para bang ang kanya nama’y “ibigay ang laya ng mga kababayan ko o ang aking kamatayan.”

Doon maaabot ng ating pag-iisip na ang kamatayan ay hindi requirement o kinakailangan para maibigay ang parangal ng kabayanihan sa sinuman, bagama’t nagdikta na nga ang batas. Ayon nga sa mga historyador, hindi lahat ay dapat mamatay para maituring na bayani at hindi lahat ng mga maituturing na bayani ay kailangang mamatay. (“Not all heroes need to die, and not all who died for the Philippines can be considered heroes.”)

Isa pa, paano yung mga walang walang pagkakakilanlan? Marami-rami rin silang maituturing na mga bayani.

Pinakahuli naman sa mga umusbong na konsepto ay hinggil sa kabayanihan ng mga buhay katulad ng mga OCW/OFW. 8.9% hanggang 10% ng GNP ang naiaambag ng “mga buhay na bayani” sa pagre-remit o pagpapadala nila ng bilyon-bilyong piso sa bansa taon-taon. Hindi natin nilalahat ngunit marami silang mga migrante na buwis-buhay makapagpadala lang sa mga iniwang mahal sa buhay gamit ang mga banyagang salaping kinita. Kalimitan, daig pa nila ang mga taong gobyerno sa agarang tugon sa pampananalaping hamon ng marami nating kababayan samantalang ang kanilang kinikita ay mula pa sa ibayong dagat. (Tandaan ang nabanggit na kataga: hindi lahat sa kanila ay mga bayaning maituturing.)

Kabutihan at kadakilaan

Ngayong Agosto 26, tuloy ang taunang paggunita sa Araw ng mga Bayani. May tema itong “Kabayanihan ng Pilipino sa Panahon ng Pagbabago.” (National Historical Commission of the Philippines, 2024)

May bahagyang pagkakaiba ang kabayanihan, kabutihan, at kadakilaan sa isa’t isa.

At dahil din panahon ng fake news, mahalaga ring kilalanin ang mga huwad na bayani. Hindi sila kakaunti. Patuloy silang namamayagpag, kung gayon, malaking hamon sa civil society organizations, simbahan, at akademiya ang kampanya kontra sa pagkakalat ng maling naratibo at masasamang propaganda dahil hindi biro ang dami ng mga nalilinlang at ilan pa nga sa kanila’y nasa antas na ng pagkapanatiko samantalang natural lang naman ang makatulong ang mga nasa hiram na kapangyarihan. Naglipana ang mga abusado sa larangan ng pulitika – pami-pamilya pa nga – at ilan din sa kanila ay napagsasabay ang pagnenegosyo habang nakapwesto, samantalang marami ang naghahanap ng mapagkakakitaan (nasa 2 milyon ang walang hanap-buhay at nasa 3-4% ang unemployment rate sa kasalukuyang taon)

“(T)he agriculture sector lost 1.6 million jobs due to the impact of El Niño and Typhoon Aghon, while geopolitical tensions in the West Philippine Sea negatively affected fishing activities in the area… (NEDA Secretary Arsenio) Balisacan underscored the importance of disaster preparedness and support for workers affected by disasters and weather disturbances, particularly in agriculture. This includes improving meteorological monitoring and forecasting capabilities and providing livelihood support programs during disasters.” (National Economic and Development Authority, 2024)

Maraming “gains” at marami ring “losses” pero ang kambal na hamon ay huwag mainip at huwag pabaya sa tungkuling makipagtulungan sa agarang pag-ahon sa kahirapan ng marami nating kababayan. Halos wala talaga sa statistics ang laban, lalo pa’t hindi naman naipararating ang paliwanag at kumpletong impormasyon at datos sa mga aktibong namamasura, namamagpag para may makain at/o maipangkain ang kanilang pamilya. Kung hindi man aktibo, kumakalam ang sikmura, namumulubi sa lansangan o bangketa, o hirap nang maglaan ng oras sa mahahabang pila sa mga pampublikong serbisyong medikal ang mga maysakit at may nararamdaman. Sa naturang ulat ng NEDA sa talatang sinundan at sa maraming obserbasyon sa sakahan, palaisdaan, at pagbubungkal, pati na sa paghahalamanan at reforestation, sino ang makapagsasabing wala sa mga larangan nila ang kabayanihan ng makabagong panahon? Marami silang mapagtiis sa kabila ng kahirapan at kawalan ng sapat at regular na suportang pinansyal ng pamahalaan.

May kabutihan at may kadakilaan ding maituturing ang mga nasa adbokasiya ng pagmamasid sa naturang larangan at agarang pag-aambag dahil sila na mismo ang nasa mga larangan. Sariling kayod, sariling bulsa. Sarili, pero hindi mapagsarili. Merong kapwang pinagsisilbihan kahit wala sa pwesto ng paglilingkod na taumbayan ang binubuwisan para paswelduhin. Ang kabutihan at kadakilaang iyon ay kabayanihan na rin. Maliit na papalaki. O pinagsama-samang maliliit na ambag na may malaking kapakinabangan sa mga pinaglilingkurang komunidad.

Mahirap naman sabihing “simpleng pagtulong” ang kanila. Paano ang kanilang pamilya at ang sarili nilang kalusugan o katandaan? Kaya kabayanihan ang may pinagkatandaan. Kung tumatandang may pagbabago sa buhay at nakapagdudulot ng pagbabago sa kapwa, kabayanihan din iyon lalo’t kilala ang lahing Pilipino na hindi maramot sa pagpaparangal sa mga karapat-dapat mapangaralan. Dahil diyan, dadako na tayo sa problema – sa sobrang parangal.

Itinuring nang poon ang mga tagapaglingkod kaya naroon ang tendency o namimihasa nang mang-abuso sa kapwa alang-alang sa sariling kapakanan, isang patunay ito ng culture of impunity. Tutulong kunwari, pero kakabig nang mas malaki sa “tulong.” Sisikaping magposturang hirap sa paglilingkod, pero perpektong pamemeke at pagmamaniobra ng emosyon ang ginagawa para matiyak na maiboboto sila at maiboboto nang walang katapusan sa kabila ng term limits at anti-political dynasties na probisyon sa Saligang Batas.

Melody M. Aguiba, 56

Yumao noong Agosto 22 ang maraming beses na naging Reporter of the Year at Hall of Fame awardee ng PAJ o Philippine Agricultural Journalists, Inc. na si Melody Mendoza Aguiba sa edad na 56.

Si Aguiba ay kapwa bayani ng kanyang lahi at bayani ng kanyang pananampalataya.

Nagsilibi siyang resource person sa mga pagsasanay sa mga propesyunal at mag-aaral sa larangan ng pamamahayag, sulating pang-agham, pero higit na makikilala siya sa hustong ambag niya sa panitikan sa science communication, at pag-uulat ng takbo ng negosyo, teknolohiya sa agrikultura at repormang agraryo saan pa kundi sa Pilipinas na nakagisnan ni Aguiba na bansang agricultural and archipelagic.

Hango sa institutional briefs nina Mariechel J. Navarro at Sonny Tababa (2009):

“Among those who participated in these media workshops was Melody M. Aguiba, a reporter of the Manila Bulletin, a national daily newspaper reputed to have the highest circulation figure in the Philippines. Manila Bulletin ranks as one of the top three national newspapers, along with the Philippine Daily Inquirer and the Philippine Star. A former freelance writer and a university teacher of journalism… POWER OF MEDIA TO EDUCATE (She says:) ‘As far as I can remember, writing has always been a passion. In high school, I took a journalism elective and eventually rose from being a staff writer to editor of the newsletters Campus Light and Baptist Messenger. Science also fascinated me.’ In college, Melody took interest in the Strategic Defense Initiative that was proposed by the United States government to use ground and space-based systems to protect it from attack by strategic nuclear ballistic missiles. She read about this in magazines such as Discover and Popular Science. ‘It is amazing how powerful a medium the magazines are to educate non-scientists like me,’ she says to illustrate the importance of popularizing science to the laymen.”

Nakaburol si Aguiba simula Agosto 25 sa Chapel of Chimes sa Garden of Memories (Pateros) kung saan din siya ililibing sa Agosto 28 kasama ang dati nang mga yumaong magulang na sina Rodolfo M. Mendoza at Dolores R. Mendoza. Taos-pusong pakikiramay sa pamilya Mendoza-Aguiba, lalo sa asawang si Yolando Aguiba at anak nilang si Maro Aguiba. May iniwang salita sa atin si Ma. Lourdes “Melody” Mendoza-Aguiba (araw ng pagsilang: Oktubre 23, 1967) sa pagkaka-quote sa kanya sa Brief 40 – Communicating Crop Biotechnology: Stories from Stakeholders, sa publikasyon ng International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA, 2009). Aniya: “A media person can contribute to poverty reduction and economic development if he thinks of these as a mission in life, if he deems writing to be both a profession and a vocation.”

Dalawang bagong kaso ng mpox mula sa Metro Manila, nadagdag sa kabuuang bilang sa bansa

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Dalawang bagong kaso ng mpox mula sa Metro Manila, nadagdag sa kabuuang bilang sa bansa

MAYNILA. Dalawang bagong kaso ng mpox ang natukoy sa Pilipinas, dahilan upang umabot na sa 12 ang kabuuang bilang ng mga kaso, ayon sa Department of Health (DOH) noong Lunes, Agosto 26.

Ang ika-11 kaso ay isang 37-anyos na lalaki mula sa National Capital Region (NCR) na nakaramdam ng mga sintomas simula noong Agosto 20. Kabilang sa mga sintomas ang mga pantal sa mukha, braso, binti, thorax, palad, at talampakan. Batay sa inisyal na imbestigasyon, wala siyang alam na direktang pagkakalantad sa sinumang may parehong sintomas, ngunit inamin niya na nagkaroon siya ng “intimate at skin-to-skin contact sa loob ng 21 araw bago nagsimula ang kanyang mga sintomas.”

Na-admit ang pasyente sa isang ospital ng gobyerno noong Agosto 22, kung saan kinuha ang sample ng balat na sinuri sa DOH Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM). Ayon sa DOH, patuloy pa ring naka-confine ang pasyente.

Samantala, ang ika-12 kaso ay isang 32-anyos na lalaki mula rin sa NCR na nagsimulang makaranas ng sintomas noong Agosto 14. Nakita niya ang mga sugat sa balat, partikular na ang malinaw at puno ng likidong mga vesicle sa kanyang singit. Makalipas ang ilang araw, nagkaroon siya ng lagnat. Inamin din ng pasyente na nagkaroon siya ng close, intimate, at skin-to-skin contact sa isang sexual partner.

Una nang nagpakonsulta ang pasyente sa isang outpatient clinic, kung saan inakalang siya ay may bacterial infection. Gayunpaman, makalipas ang ilang araw, nagkaroon siya ng mga sugat na parang tagihawat sa mukha, noo, at anit. Pinayuhan siyang magpakonsulta sa isang ospital ng DOH, kung saan kinuha ang isang sample ng balat noong Agosto 23. Siya ngayon ay nasa home isolation.

Ayon sa DOH, parehong nahawahan ng MPXV Clade II ang pinakabagong mga pasyente, isang mas banayad na anyo ng mpox virus. Sa kabuuang 12 kaso, siyam na ang gumaling habang ang natitirang tatlo ay mga aktibong kaso na naghihintay ng pagresolba ng mga sintomas.

Samantala, hindi kinumpirma o itinanggi ng DOH ang mga ulat ng hinihinalang kaso ng mpox sa Northern Samar. Pinaalalahanan din ng ahensya na maraming sakit sa balat tulad ng bulutong-tubig, shingles, o herpes na maaaring magmukhang mpox.

Sinabi rin ni DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo na wala pang natutukoy na epidemiologic linkage ang dalawang bagong kaso sa ika-10 kaso na natukoy ngayong buwan. Ang ika-10 kaso ay isang 33-anyos na lalaking Filipino na walang kasaysayan ng paglalakbay sa labas ng bansa, ngunit nagkaroon ng close at intimate contact tatlong linggo bago nagsimula ang sintomas.

Pinaaalalahanan ng DOH ang publiko na ang mpox virus ay naipapasa sa pamamagitan ng close at intimate contact sa ibang tao na infected o sa kontaminadong materyal tulad ng damit o utensils. Bilang pag-iingat, ipinapayo ng DOH na gumamit ng sabon at tubig upang mapatay ang virus at magsuot ng gloves kapag naghuhugas ng kontaminadong gamit o materyal.

Inihayag din ng DOH nitong Huwebes na nakipag-ugnayan na ito sa World Health Organization (WHO) upang makakuha ng access sa mga bakuna sa bulutong na maaaring makatulong laban sa mpox virus. Sinabi rin ni Health Secretary Ted Herbosa na ang Pilipinas ay nasa proseso ng pag-secure ng 2,000 doses ng mpox vaccines na iniaalok sa bansa.

Israel’s pre-emptive strikes thwart Hezbollah attack, but tensions remain high

Venus L Peñaflor
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Israel’s pre-emptive strikes thwart Hezbollah attack, but tensions remain high

JERUSALEM. The Israeli government expressed cautious relief on Monday after successfully countering a missile attack from Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militant group, with pre-emptive strikes in southern Lebanon. The attack, which was anticipated as retaliation for the killing of a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut last month, was largely mitigated by Israel’s military actions.

Despite the immediate threat being neutralized, Israeli officials, including government spokesperson David Mencer, stressed that the situation remains volatile. “Hezbollah has suffered a crushing blow from the Israeli strikes, but the current situation is not sustainable,” Mencer stated in a briefing. He highlighted the ongoing displacement of tens of thousands of residents in northern Israel, a crisis mirrored in southern Lebanon. “Israel will do its duty and return its population to our sovereign territory,” Mencer added, emphasizing the need for a long-term resolution.

The escalation has further delayed hopes that children could return to school in September, as financial aid for evacuees has been extended until September 30. However, some optimism persists that the exchange of fire, which caused less damage than feared, could facilitate negotiations aimed at de-escalating the broader conflict in Gaza and securing the release of Israeli and foreign hostages.

Notably, Avi Issacharoff, a prominent commentator in Israel’s Yedioth Ahronoth, suggested that Israel’s success in foiling Hezbollah’s retaliation might influence Hamas’s stance in ongoing negotiations. “Maybe – just maybe – Israel’s success might pave the way to concessions by Hamas in the negotiations over a hostage deal,” Issacharoff wrote.

The pre-dawn hours of Sunday saw approximately 100 Israeli jets targeting Hezbollah’s launch sites in southern Lebanon, reportedly destroying thousands of rockets poised to strike Israel. Although Hezbollah managed to launch hundreds of missiles, most were intercepted or landed in unpopulated areas, resulting in minimal damage.

While exchanges of fire continued into Monday, they were significantly less intense. Israel confirmed striking a Hezbollah military structure in southern Lebanon and intercepting several suspicious aerial targets entering from Lebanon, with no reported injuries.

While denying that its Sunday response was subdued, Hezbollah claimed that its operation was completed successfully, leading to cautious hope that the incident might be contained for the time being. Meanwhile, Iran, which has vowed revenge for the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last month, stated that it was not seeking to escalate regional tensions further.

Deadly militant attacks in Balochistan: Over 50 lives lost in wave of violence

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Deadly militant attacks in Balochistan: Over 50 lives lost in wave of violence

QUETTA, Pakistan. A series of militant attacks across Pakistan’s Balochistan province has claimed the lives of at least 51 people, according to officials on Monday. The attacks, carried out by separatist militants targeting police stations, railway lines, and highways, mark the most extensive assault by ethnic insurgents in years as they continue their decades-long struggle for independence.

The militants’ attacks on Sunday and Monday, followed by retaliatory operations by security forces, have left a trail of destruction and death. Among the dead are 23 people who were killed when vehicles, including buses and goods trucks, were ambushed on a major highway, with 35 vehicles set ablaze.

“These attacks are a well-thought-out plan to create anarchy in Pakistan,” Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said in a statement. He added that security forces responded swiftly, killing 12 militants in the operations that followed the initial attacks.

Rail traffic in Balochistan has been severely disrupted. Blasts on a rail bridge connecting Quetta to the rest of Pakistan and another rail link to neighboring Iran forced the suspension of services, according to Muhammad Kashif, a railways official. Six unidentified bodies were found near the site of the attack on the railway bridge, further underscoring the deadly nature of these coordinated assaults.

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), the largest of several ethnic insurgent groups fighting the central government, claimed responsibility for the attacks in a statement to journalists. The BLA, which has long accused the government of exploiting Balochistan’s rich gas and mineral resources, also seeks the expulsion of Chinese interests from the region. The group claims to have carried out additional attacks, including one on a major paramilitary base, though Pakistani authorities have yet to confirm these claims.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has vowed that security forces will retaliate and bring those responsible to justice.

Meanwhile, in a separate development, General Li Qiaoming, commander of China’s People’s Liberation Army Ground Forces, met with Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, on Monday. While the meeting discussed regional security and bilateral defense cooperation, no mention was made of the attacks in Balochistan.

Brutal Highway Attack

On Sunday night, armed men blocked a highway in Balochistan, forcing passengers off vehicles before executing them after checking their identity cards, according to Senior Superintendent of Police Ayub Achakzai. The attackers also targeted trucks carrying coal, killing the drivers before setting the vehicles on fire.

“The armed men not only killed passengers but also killed the drivers of trucks carrying coal,” said Hameed Zahir, the deputy commissioner of the area.

The BLA justified these attacks by claiming that its fighters targeted military personnel traveling in civilian clothes, who were shot after being identified. However, Pakistan’s Interior Ministry has stated that the victims were innocent civilians.

In another incident, six security personnel, three civilians, and one tribal elder were killed in clashes with armed militants who stormed a station of the Balochistan Levies in the central district of Kalat. Additionally, police stations in two southern coastal towns were also attacked, though the death toll from these incidents has yet to be confirmed.

Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest but least populated province, remains underdeveloped and plagued by high levels of poverty. The ongoing insurgency and militant violence have further complicated efforts to stabilize the region, which borders both Iran and Afghanistan.

‘Heartbeat’ ni Quiboloy natukoy sa underground bunker ng KOJC compound

Venus L Peñaflor
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‘Heartbeat’ ni Quiboloy natukoy sa underground bunker ng KOJC compound

MAYNILA. Kumpiyansa ang Philippine National Police (PNP) na malapit nang mahuli si Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy matapos matagpuan ang kanyang ‘heartbeat’ sa isang underground bunker sa loob ng KOJC Compound gamit ang kanilang ground-penetrating radar.

Ayon kay PNP Region XI spokesperson Catherine Dela Rey, matagumpay na na-detect ang heartbeat ni Quiboloy nang gamitin ng PNP ang kanilang life detection device sa underground bunker na nasa compound. “As of now, what we’re really looking for is the entrance to the bunker because the life detection device we used has positively detected heartbeats underground,” pahayag ni Dela Rey.

Idinagdag pa niya na maraming heartbeats ang na-detect sa bunker, na nagpapahiwatig na maaaring nagtatago si Quiboloy kasama ang ilan pang tao sa ilalim ng lupa.

Ang ground-penetrating radar na ginamit ng PNP ay kayang lumikha ng mga imahe gamit ang radar pulses at makapagtukoy ng mga heartbeats, kilos, at heat signature. Ito ang nagsilbing gabay ng mga awtoridad upang mahanap ang posibleng kinaroroonan ni Quiboloy.

Samantala, tatlong protesters ang inaresto matapos silang mangharang at manakit ng mga pulis sa gitna ng tensiyonadong sitwasyon. Pitong pulis ang nagtamo ng mga sugat sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng katawan matapos silang kuyugin ng mga miyembro ng KOJC sa isang prayer at lightning rally na isinagawa kamakalawa ng gabi sa harap ng KOJC Compound.

Ang protesta na nagsimula bilang isang prayer rally ay nauwi sa kaguluhan nang nagsunog ng gulong ng sasakyan ang mga miyembro ng KOJC at humarang sa kalsada, dahilan upang kumilos ang mga pulis at awatin ang grupo. Sa gitna ng kaguluhan, tatlo sa mga protesters ang dinakip at ngayon ay nahaharap sa mga kasong obstruction of justice at direct assault.

Russia’s intense missile barrage devastates over half of Ukraine

Venus L Peñaflor
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Russia’s intense missile barrage devastates over half of Ukraine

KYIV, Ukraine. Russia launched a massive overnight attack on Ukraine, firing over 100 missiles and a similar number of drones across multiple regions. The barrage, which began around midnight and continued until daybreak on Monday, left four people dead, and over a dozen injured, and caused extensive damage to Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

Ukraine’s Air Force reported that Russian drones targeted the eastern, northern, southern, and central regions of the country, followed by waves of cruise and ballistic missiles. The widespread attack disrupted power and water supplies in many areas, including the capital, Kyiv, where explosions were heard throughout the night. “Like most previous Russian strikes, this one was just as vile, targeting critical civilian infrastructure,” President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal stated that Russia’s onslaught targeted 15 Ukrainian regions, affecting more than half of the country. “The energy infrastructure has once again become the target of Russian terrorists,” Shmyhal said, noting that the state-owned power grid operator, Ukrenergo, had to impose emergency power cuts to stabilize the grid. He also urged Ukraine’s allies to provide long-range weapons, stating, “In order to stop the barbaric shelling of Ukrainian cities, it is necessary to destroy the place from which the Russian missiles are launched.”

U.S. President Joe Biden condemned the attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure as “outrageous,” and assured that the U.S. had “re-prioritized U.S. air defense exports so they are sent to Ukraine first.” Biden also mentioned that the U.S. is “surging energy equipment to Ukraine to repair its systems and strengthen the resilience of Ukraine’s energy grid.”

The Russian Defense Ministry defended its actions, claiming that the attacks used “long-range precision air- and sea-based weapons and strike drones against critical energy infrastructure facilities that support the operation of Ukraine’s military-industrial complex. All designated targets were hit.”

The assault led to widespread blackouts and damage across Ukraine. In Sumy, a province bordering Russia, 194 settlements lost power, and 19 others experienced partial blackouts. The private energy company DTEK implemented emergency power cuts, stating, “Energy workers throughout the country work 24/7 to restore light in the homes of Ukrainians.” In response to the power outages, Ukrainian officials reopened “points of invincibility” — shelter-type locations where citizens can charge devices and find refreshments during blackouts.

The attack’s effects extended beyond Ukraine, with Poland and NATO activating air defenses in the eastern part of the country. Meanwhile, Russia reported a Ukrainian drone attack overnight, with four people injured in the central Saratov region, where drones struck residential buildings in the cities of Saratov and Engels.

As fighting intensifies in the Kursk region, where Ukraine recently launched an incursion, concerns have risen over the nearby nuclear power plant. International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi is set to visit the plant on Tuesday amid escalating tensions.

This latest escalation underscores the persistent and devastating impact of the ongoing conflict, with civilian infrastructure and lives continually at risk.

Israel says it is ready for any retaliatory strike from Iran or Hezbollah

Venus L Peñaflor
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Israel says it is ready for any retaliatory strike from Iran or Hezbollah

TEL AVIV, Israel. Israel’s military has announced its readiness to respond to any potential retaliatory attacks from Iran or Hezbollah, following the recent targeted killings of senior leaders from these Iranian-backed militant groups. The heightened state of alert comes amid growing concerns that Hezbollah could launch an attack soon.

The tension has escalated since the deaths of key figures, including Hezbollah’s top military commander Fu’ad Shukr, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut at the end of July, and Hamas’ political leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was assassinated in Tehran. Both Iran and Hezbollah have vowed to retaliate, raising the stakes in an already volatile region.

In response to these threats, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Daniel Hagari emphasized the military’s preparedness. “We take our enemies’ threats seriously and we’ve been ready for a long period. We’re highly prepared both in the offense and defense, but above all, any threat toward the citizens of Israel we identify, we eliminate, and that’s how we’ll continue,” Hagari stated during a press briefing on Saturday.

When questioned by a reporter from Israel’s state-run Kan 11 television about situational assessments suggesting an imminent Hezbollah attack, Hagari refrained from confirming specific intelligence but reiterated Israel’s readiness. “We operate to eliminate threats and will continue to do so. With any change or development, we will immediately update the public. Our mission is to defend the citizens of Israel,” he said.

The potential for a major retaliatory attack has sparked concerns about the impact on ongoing ceasefire negotiations. U.S. officials have indicated that talks were at an advanced stage before the assassination of Haniyeh in Tehran, an act for which Iran has blamed Israel. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility for the killing.

The situation remains tense as Israel continues its military operations in Gaza. The war, which began after Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on October 7, has resulted in over 40,200 deaths in Gaza, according to Palestinian authorities. Meanwhile, Israel reports that 109 Israeli hostages are still being held in Gaza, with 36 of them believed to be dead. This week, the bodies of six Israeli hostages were recovered from tunnels in Gaza during an Israeli military operation in Khan Younis.

As Israel remains on high alert, the possibility of further escalation looms, with the nation’s defense forces poised to respond to any threat that emerges.

Beloved dog of late French film star Alain Delon to live on despite his wish

Venus L Peñaflor
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Beloved dog of late French film star Alain Delon to live on despite his wish

PARIS. The recent passing of French film icon Alain Delon, who died on Sunday at the age of 88, has sparked widespread relief among animal lovers after it was confirmed that his beloved dog, Loubo, will not be buried with him, despite the actor’s earlier wishes.

Delon, an internationally renowned actor and producer, expressed a deep bond with his Belgian Malinois, Loubo, in a 2018 interview with Paris Match. He revealed his desire for Loubo to be buried alongside him, saying, “I’ve had 50 dogs in my life, but I have a particular relationship with this one. If I die before him, I’ll ask the veterinarian for us to leave together… I’d prefer that to knowing that he would let himself die on my tomb amid so much suffering.”

Following Delon’s death, concerns over Loubo’s fate quickly arose, prompting action from animal rights activists and concerned citizens alike. The Brigitte Bardot Foundation, a well-known animal rights organization founded by Delon’s close friend and fellow film star, Brigitte Bardot, intervened. An official from the foundation, speaking anonymously due to communication policies, reached out to Delon’s family.

“They assured us that the question of euthanizing Loubo was never considered,” the official said. “The dog will continue to live at Delon’s family home in Douchy, south of Paris.”

France’s Society for the Protection of Animals (SPA) also welcomed the family’s decision, noting the outpouring of concern from the public. “Our phone lines were saturated with calls from people worried about the dog,” SPA President Guillaume Sanchez told The Associated Press. “While Loubo will likely be very sad to have lost Mr. Delon, we are firmly against euthanizing an animal for this reason. An animal is a separate, individual being.”

Alain Delon, one of France’s most enduring and charismatic leading men, leaves behind a legacy of memorable performances in both film and theater. As his family prepares for his burial on Saturday at their home in Douchy, fans and animal lovers alike can take comfort in knowing that Loubo will continue to live on, cherished by those who remain.

Tensions rise as China and Philippines clash in South China Sea over resupply mission

Venus L Peñaflor
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Tensions rise as China and Philippines clash in South China Sea over resupply mission

MANILA/BEIJING. A fresh confrontation between China and the Philippines unfolded in the contested waters of the South China Sea on Sunday, sparking renewed tensions despite recent diplomatic efforts to rebuild trust between the two nations. The incident occurred during a resupply mission that Manila insists was aimed at aiding Filipino fishermen, marking the latest in a series of maritime confrontations in the strategic waterway.

The Philippine government accused China of “aggressive and dangerous maneuvers” intended to block the resupply mission. In response, China’s coast guard claimed it had implemented “control measures” against a Philippine vessel that allegedly “illegally” entered Chinese waters and approached Chinese ships in a hazardous manner.

The clash took place near the Sabina Shoal, where the Philippine South China Sea task force reported that Chinese vessels rammed a Philippine Bureau of Fisheries ship and used water cannons against it. The Philippine vessel was carrying food, fuel, and medical supplies for Filipino fishermen when the incident occurred.

China, on the other hand, asserted that the Philippine ship had “ignored repeated serious warnings and deliberately approached and rammed” a Chinese law enforcement boat, leading to a collision. “The responsibility for the collision lies entirely on the Philippine side,” the Chinese coast guard stated.

China claims sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea, including areas contested by the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Brunei. Despite an international arbitral tribunal ruling in 2016 that Beijing’s expansive claim had no basis under international law, China has continued to assert its dominance by deploying a large number of vessels to the region.

In a bid to ease tensions, the Philippines and China had agreed last month to “restore trust” and “rebuild confidence” in managing their maritime disputes. This was followed by a provisional arrangement that allowed Manila to conduct resupply missions to a grounded Filipino naval ship in the South China Sea.

However, Sunday’s confrontation has cast a shadow over these diplomatic efforts. “These unprofessional, aggressive, and illegal actions posed serious risks to the safety of the Filipino crew and the fishermen they were meant to serve,” the Philippine task force said in a statement.

The task force further reported that the Bureau of Fisheries vessel, operating between Half-Moon Shoal and Sabina Shoal, encountered multiple Chinese vessels engaging in “perilous maneuvers.” These actions led to the Philippine vessel’s engine failure, forcing it to abandon the resupply mission.

Manila has reiterated its call for Beijing to cease “provocative actions that destabilize regional peace and security.”

The latest clash follows accusations by Manila on Saturday that Beijing had “unjustifiably” fired flares from the China-occupied Subi Reef on Thursday while a Philippine aircraft was conducting patrols. Additionally, the same aircraft reportedly “faced harassment” from a Chinese fighter jet during a surveillance flight near Scarborough Shoal earlier in the week.

The United States, a treaty ally of the Philippines, echoed Manila’s concerns, condemning China’s actions. “We stand with our Philippine allies in calling for an end to these dangerous provocations,” a U.S. State Department spokesperson stated.

Justin and Hailey Bieber welcome their first child, Jack Blues

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Justin and Hailey Bieber welcome their first child, Jack Blues

LOS ANGELES. International pop sensation Justin Bieber, known for his breakout hit “Baby,” has now welcomed a baby of his own with his wife, Hailey Bieber (née Baldwin). The couple announced the birth of their son, Jack Blues Bieber, through a heartfelt Instagram post on Friday.

The 30-year-old singer shared a close-up photo of their newborn’s tiny foot, revealing the baby’s name in the caption. Hailey, 27, reshared the post on her Instagram Stories, adding to the joyous announcement. While the exact date of Jack’s birth remains undisclosed, a representative for Hailey Bieber confirmed to The Associated Press that no further details would be provided at this time.

The Biebers first revealed they were expecting in May during an intimate vow renewal ceremony, sharing the news with their followers through Instagram. In the photos and videos, Hailey, founder of the skincare brand Rhode, showcased her growing baby bump in a sleek, form-fitting white dress. According to The Associated Press, Hailey was just over six months pregnant at the time of the announcement.

Since then, both Justin and Hailey have frequently shared glimpses of their journey to parenthood on social media, including photos of Hailey’s baby bump and a campaign for her Rhode skincare line, where her pregnancy was prominently featured.

The couple’s love story began in 2018 when they tied the knot in November after dating for about a month. Their whirlwind romance was made public through Instagram, with Justin posting a photo of the two together and captioning it, “My wife is awesome.” Hailey marked the occasion by changing her Instagram username to “Hailey Bieber.”

Justin Bieber, who rose to fame as a teenager, has since become a Grammy-winning artist with a string of No. 1 hits including “Sorry,” “Love Yourself,” and “What Do You Mean?” His latest album, Justice, was released in 2021.

As the couple embarks on this new chapter of parenthood, fans around the world are celebrating the arrival of baby Jack Blues, eagerly awaiting more updates from the beloved duo.

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