Iran has firmly rejected a request made by three European nations urging the country to avoid any retaliatory actions that could further escalate tensions in the region. The call, which Iran described as an “excessive request,” was made by the leaders of Britain, France, and Germany in a joint statement on Monday.
The European leaders specifically urged Iran and its allies to refrain from responding to the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last month, an act for which Iran has held Israel responsible.
In their statement, the European leaders also voiced their support for ongoing mediation efforts led by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, aimed at brokering an agreement to end the Israel-Hamas conflict. These talks are set to resume on Thursday. Additionally, they called for the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas and the unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Mediators have been working for months to secure a three-phase plan that would see Hamas release the remaining hostages captured during its October 7 attack in exchange for the release of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel, and for Israel to withdraw from Gaza.
As the conflict continues into its eleventh month, the Health Ministry in Gaza reports that the Palestinian death toll has reached nearly 40,000.
MAYNILA. Opisyal nang sinibak sa puwesto ng Office of the Ombudsman si suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo matapos mapatunayang guilty sa kasong grave misconduct.
Ayon sa 25-pahinang resolusyon na pirmado ni Ombudsman Samuel Martires, bukod sa pagkakatanggal sa puwesto, hindi na rin makukuha ni Guo ang kanyang retirement benefits at disqualified na rin siya para muling makapuwesto sa gobyerno.
Matatandaang nauna dito ay inirekomenda ng Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) ang preventive suspension ni Guo dahil sa diumano ay koneksyon niya sa mga iligal na aktibidad ng Philippine Offshore Gaming Operation (POGO) sa Bamban.
Ayon kay DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos, “gumawa kami ng task force para imbestigahan ang mga alegasyon laban kay Mayor Guo.”
Bukod dito, nagsagawa rin ng hiwalay na imbestigasyon ang Commission on Elections (Comelec) at National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) kaugnay sa tunay na pagkakakilanlan ni Guo.
MANILA. Carlos Yulo, who achieved a historic feat by winning two gold medals at the Paris Olympics, returned home to an extraordinary hero’s welcome on Tuesday. The 24-year-old’s triumphs in the men’s floor exercise and vault marked the largest Olympic victory by a Filipino athlete in history.
Yulo’s achievements were celebrated with a national tribute planned by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who expressed immense pride in Yulo’s accomplishments. “Filipinos all over the world stood united, cheering and rooting for you,” Marcos said. “No words can express how proud we are of you, Caloy. You have achieved GOLD for the Philippines, not once, but twice!”
Upon his arrival in Manila, Yulo and fellow Filipino Olympians were greeted by a sea of flag-waving admirers. Fans reached out for handshakes and selfies as the athletes made their way to the Malacañang Palace, where Marcos would present them with medals and cash gifts.
The reception for Yulo has been nothing short of lavish, with a combined total of over 58 million pesos (approximately $1 million) pledged in cash and gifts by government officials, business tycoons, and leading Philippine corporations. Among the rewards are a condominium unit, a resort house south of Manila, and free lunch buffets for life, as well as free pizzas and ice cream from prominent companies.
Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, renowned for his eight-division world championships and rags-to-riches story, also vowed to present Yulo with a generous cash reward.
A grand parade celebrating Yulo and his fellow athletes is scheduled for Wednesday, expected to draw thousands of spectators. The parade will pass near Yulo’s childhood neighborhood, where he first trained in gymnastics at a local public gym. Rodrigo Frisco, a 74-year-old relative, shared his excitement: “I’ll welcome him with a hug and we’ll jump together in joy. Who would believe that these narrow alleys and small houses would produce a champion?”
This wave of national pride comes on the heels of weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz’s historic gold medal win at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, marking the first-ever Olympic gold for the Philippines.
WELLINGTON, New Zealand. The man who died when a helicopter he was flying crashed onto the roof of a hotel in Cairns, Australia, was a ground crew member with Nautilus Aviation, not a licensed pilot for the company. The incident, which occurred on Monday, has raised significant questions about how the aircraft came to be airborne.
According to Nautilus Aviation, the individual, whose name has not been disclosed, held a helicopter pilot’s license in New Zealand but had no prior flying experience in Australia and was not authorized to operate the company’s helicopters. The company confirmed that the flight was unauthorized and the helicopter had been “misappropriated.”
The crash took place at the DoubleTree Hilton in Cairns, a popular tourist hotel, resulting in the evacuation of around 400 people. The helicopter burst into flames upon impact. Two hotel guests were briefly hospitalized for smoke inhalation, but no other injuries were reported.
Queensland Police Service Acting Chief Superintendent Shane Holmes stated that the crash is believed to be an isolated incident, with no ongoing public safety threat. Authorities are currently investigating how the helicopter was able to take off from Cairns Airport and the circumstances surrounding the unauthorized flight.
The man had recently been promoted to a ground crew position at another Nautilus Aviation base and had attended a social event with colleagues to mark his new role prior to the crash. The company emphasized that the flight was not sanctioned and stressed that their operations adhere to strict safety protocols.
Cairns Airport CEO Richard Barker assured that a review of security measures revealed no breach of airport fences or access points. “The airport operates under a federally approved, multi-layered transport security program,” Barker said.
The crash occurred in a busy tourist area of Cairns, which is currently experiencing peak holiday season activity.
Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise delivered a jaw-dropping performance at the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics on Sunday night, rappelling down from the Stade de France roof.
The crowd erupted in cheers as the “Mission: Impossible” actor, clad in a leather jacket and gloves, descended into the stadium while his compatriot H.E.R. provided a guitar-driven soundtrack.
The daring stunt marked the handover to Los Angeles, the host city of the 2028 Olympics. In a pre-recorded segment, Cruise embarked on a journey through Paris before jetting to the United States, where he unfurled the Olympic flag at the iconic Hollywood sign.
International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach hailed the Paris Games as “sensational,” praising athletes for their “simply amazing” performances.
“During all this time, you lived peacefully together under one roof in the Olympic Village. You embraced each other. You respected each other, even if your countries are divided by war and conflict. You created a culture of peace,” Bach said in his closing speech. “This inspired all of us and billions of people around the globe. Thank you for making us dream. Thank you for making us believe in a better world for everyone.”
Following his descent, Cruise accepted the Olympic flag from American gymnastics superstar Simone Biles before speeding off on a motorcycle. The pre-recorded sequence leading to Los Angeles featured a soundtrack by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who later delivered a live performance of their classic “Can’t Stop” on a Californian beach.
Other musical highlights included Billie Eilish and a collaboration between Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre. The latter, a Los Angeles native, was a frequent presence at the Games, which concluded with the United States topping the medal table.
Known for his death-defying stunts, Cruise has previously scaled the Burj Khalifa in Dubai and dangled from a plane during filming for the “Mission: Impossible” franchise.
Artistic director Thomas Jolly complemented Cruise’s performance with a cinematic segment featuring dancers assembling the Olympic rings. The mood shifted with an energetic performance by French band Phoenix, joined by enthusiastic athletes.
Cruise’s involvement had been widely speculated upon, with the actor spotted cheering on the US team at several events.
“It’s awesome,” he told Reuters. “Great stories, great athletes. It’s incredible what they do.”
Jolly was also responsible for the opening ceremony, a spectacular event featuring a parade of boats on the River Seine and a comeback performance by Celine Dion.
OSHU, Japan. Amid modern industrial techniques, Katsunori Suzuki stands as one of the few remaining artisans in Japan preserving the meticulous craft of handmade cast iron cookware. As president of the 172-year-old Oigen foundry, Kuniko Oikawa is determined to keep this traditional practice alive despite its high costs and the industry’s shift towards mechanization.
Suzuki, 59, has dedicated 40 years to mastering the art of creating cast iron cookware using the “tegome” method, or “hand stuffing.” This labor-intensive process involves forming molds from moist sand, which Suzuki meticulously tamps into an iron frame to achieve the precise density needed. Intricate designs are carved into the sand before molten iron, kept at a blistering 1,450 degrees Celsius (2,462 degrees Fahrenheit), is poured into the mold.
After cooling, the sand mold is broken apart with a hammer to reveal the cookware, which is then refined by removing excess iron. Crafting a single pot and lid takes Suzuki an entire day, followed by additional processes involving grinding, polishing, and baking to ensure rust resistance.
The traditional tegome method demands not only physical strength and dexterity but also a deep understanding of sand conditioning, adjusted for weather conditions. Each evening, Suzuki reconditions the sand for future use.
Kuniko Oikawa, the fifth president of the family-owned Oigen foundry, expressed her commitment to this dying art form. “The tegome method is considered inefficient and costly, and most foundries have abandoned it,” she noted. Despite this, Oikawa was inspired to revive the technique after discussions with a retired craftsman. The Oigen foundry, established in 1852 in Iwate prefecture, aims to honor its heritage by maintaining these age-old methods.
“We want to respect our predecessors who preserved the cast iron trade. We also think there is something new and creative about it,” Oikawa added. The foundry’s new brand, Mugu, launched in 2022, features high-end cast iron cooking pots designed by an artist with over 50 years at the Oigen foundry. Mugu pots are priced between $337 and $374, significantly higher than the $224 for the foundry’s most expensive machine-made pots.
Suzuki is also training Seksuk Suebsai, a Thai apprentice who began learning the tegome method in 2023. Together with a few other artisans, they craft the molds for the Mugu pots.
Oikawa emphasized the unique qualities of Mugu products, stating, “They are pure because they are made from the goodness of iron. I wanted to capture Iwate’s wilderness and climate in the iron, which is why we chose the local pronunciation of ‘mugu’ instead of ‘muku’.” The Mugu pots are available on the Mugu website and at the Oigen factory shop.
Craftsman Katsunori Suzuki uses a tool to make detailed designs as he makes a cast iron pot by hand at the Oigen foundry in Oshu, northeastern Japan, Thursday, May 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae) Oigen’s handmade pot called “Kuwagata II,” one of the “Mugu” series, is displayed at the company’s store at the factory in Oshu, northeast of Japan, Friday, May 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)
MAYNILA. Sinabi ni Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. na hindi kinakailangan ang deklarasyon ng national state of calamity sa kabila ng patuloy na pagkalat ng African Swine Fever (ASF) sa ilang bahagi ng bansa. Sa isang pahayag, siniguro ni Laurel na walang kakapusan ng suplay ng baboy sa mga susunod na buwan.
Ayon kay Laurel, ang mga lockdown na nauugnay sa ASF ay nakabatay sa antas ng sakahan. “Wala naman akong nakikitang perceived shortage. Kasi ang mangyayari ngayon, yung mga let’s say katulad sa mga munisipyong merong ASF, hindi naman total na ila-lockdown at walang lalabas,” ani Laurel sa mga mamamahayag sa sidelines ng pagdinig ng House Committee on Appropriations sa P200.2-bilyong panukalang budget ng Department of Agriculture para sa 2025.
Sinabi rin ni Laurel na hindi ipatutupad ng DA ang mahigpit na lockdown na ipinataw noong 2019 nang kumalat ang ASF sa ilang probinsya. “Puwede naman ‘yan lutuin. Ibang bansa nga, meron silang processing plants for infected animals para lutuin at ilata kasi safe naman,” dagdag pa niya.
Para sa mga apektadong hog raiser, magbibigay ang DA ng bayad-pinsala. Ang compensation ay magiging P4,000 para sa bawat culled na baboy at biik, P8,000 para sa mga katamtamang laki ng baboy, at P12,000 para sa malalaking baboy. Malaki itong pagtaas mula sa dating P5,000 na ibinibigay. “’Yun nga ang reason kung bakit tinaas namin at ni-nationalize namin ang indemnification, para talagang katayin na nila, i-surrender nila,” paliwanag ni Laurel.
Ayon kay Laurel, hindi maaapektuhan ang supply ng baboy dahil nagpapatupad din ang DA ng hog repopulation program at patuloy ang importasyon. “Hindi rin naman dapat maapektuhan ng ASF ang presyo ng baboy,” dagdag pa niya. Sinabi rin niya na walang epekto sa industriya ng processed meat ang ASF.
Sa tanong ukol sa posibilidad ng national state of calamity, sinabi ni Laurel, “No, no need. Ito ay naisalokal. Medyo kumakalat pero hindi kasing bilis.” Idinagdag niya, “And mas aware na kasi ang mga tao ngayon kasi nangyari na dati. Marami rin naman mga facilities may biosecurity. So hindi naman ibig sabihin ang buong munisipyo affected na. It’s still farm-based pa rin.”
Panghuli, inihayag ni Laurel na 10,000 doses ng ASF vaccine ang nakatakdang dumating sa bansa sa susunod na linggo at ipapamahagi ito sa mga hog raisers nang libre.
MANILA. The Philippines has urged China to de-escalate tensions in the South China Sea following what it described as a “very dangerous” incident involving Chinese aircraft near Scarborough Shoal. The incident occurred just days after both nations had agreed to better manage maritime disputes.
On Thursday, two Chinese aircraft executed a perilous maneuver and released flares in the path of Philippine Air Force planes conducting a routine patrol over the contested Scarborough Shoal, according to the Philippine military. China, however, disputed this account, asserting that its actions were professional and legal.
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro described the incident as part of a “continuous pattern” of Beijing asserting its claims and presence in the South China Sea. “It is a response we should be acclimated to,” Teodoro told reporters. He urged China to comply with international law and heed calls from the Philippines and other countries to “temper” its actions.
The Philippines’ National Security Council also called for China to “cease all forms of provocative and hazardous acts.” The Southern Theater Command of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army responded by accusing the Philippine aircraft of illegal intrusion despite repeated warnings.
China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea, including the Scarborough Shoal, have led to regional tensions and disputes with neighboring countries over exclusive economic zones. Beijing rejects the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which invalidated its broad claims under international law.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. condemned China’s actions on Sunday, with Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo stating that Manila will formally protest. Teodoro expressed hope that China would adhere to international law and de-escalate tensions. “They will stick to their narrative that we know there is no international support whatsoever. All they have on their side is brute force and strength and might,” he said.
Philippine military chief Romeo Brawner labeled the Chinese maneuvers as “very dangerous” but affirmed that the armed forces will continue patrolling waters within the country’s exclusive economic zone. “That is our right,” Brawner stated.
Despite recent tensions, Manila and Beijing reached a “provisional arrangement” last month to manage resupply missions to the ship at the Second Thomas Shoal, aiming to ease conflicts and manage their differences.
CAIRNS, Australia. A helicopter crashed onto the roof of the luxury DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Cairns early Monday morning, resulting in the death of the pilot, authorities reported. The incident, which was captured on video, showed flames and smoke rising into the night sky.
The crash occurred around 1:50 a.m. near Cairns Esplanade, a popular waterfront area in the north Queensland city. Hundreds of guests and hotel staff were evacuated into the street as police established a cordon around the busy tourist area.
Charter company Nautilus Aviation, which owns the helicopter, stated that it was cooperating with officials investigating the “unauthorized use” of the aircraft. Witnesses described the helicopter as flying at high speed and very low over the water before the crash.
Veronica Knight, a visitor from Sydney, was on the esplanade when she saw the helicopter flying low and fast. “It was going full speed,” Knight told CNN. She observed the helicopter disappear from view, only to see it return and then crash into the hotel’s roof. Her video footage captured the orange glow of the flames and the smoke rising from the building, with sirens audible in the distance.
Police confirmed that the helicopter, which was the only occupant, was declared dead at the scene. The crash ignited a fire on the hotel’s roof, but there were no other injuries reported. Guests appeared “stunned” as they were evacuated, Knight noted.
DoubleTree by Hilton Cairns assured that all 421 adults, 50 children, and two staff members were safely evacuated. The hotel is arranging alternative accommodation for its guests and is cooperating with authorities in the ongoing investigation.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) and the forensic crash unit have been dispatched to the scene to collect evidence and conduct interviews. The ATSB is requesting any witnesses with photos or videos of the incident to come forward through their website.
Police have established an exclusion zone around the crash site and are urging the public to avoid the area.
BACOOR CITY, Cavite. Sumalakay na naman ang mga hindi pa nakikilalang tirador sa mga convenience store sa lalawigan ng Cavite, na nagresulta sa pagnanakaw ng mahigit P100,000 mula sa isang sangay ng 7-Eleven sa Brgy. Molino 3, lungsod na ito noong tanghali ng Linggo.
Tatlong armadong kalalakihan ang hinihinalang sangkot sa pagnanakaw sa nasabing convenience store dakong 11:00 ng umaga. Ang mga suspek, na napag alamang may taas na 5’5 hanggang 5’7, ay nakasuot ng bonnet, puting t-shirt, long sleeves, at fatigue. Sa kanilang pagpasok sa tindahan, nagpanggap silang mga kustomer.
Ayon sa ulat ng pulisya, isang suspek ang nagsilbing lookout habang ang dalawa naman ay nagbanta gamit ang mga baril kina Roel Borres at Jayson Tabios, mga empleyado ng store. Ang mga biktima ay ini-lock ng mga suspek sa stock room habang tinatangay ang mahigit P100,000 na cash mula sa vault ng tindahan.
Matapos ang krimen, mabilis na tumakas ang mga suspek sakay ng isang kulay gray na kotse. Patuloy na nagsasagawa ng imbestigasyon ang mga awtoridad upang matukoy at mahuli ang mga suspek.
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