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Nearly half of East Timor’s population attends Pope Francis’ mass

Venus L Peñaflor
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Nearly half of East Timor’s population attends Pope Francis’ mass

TASITOLU, East Timor. Nearly half of East Timor’s population gathered in a seaside park on Tuesday to attend Pope Francis’ final Mass in the country, marking a significant event for the Catholic-majority nation. The crowd of around 600,000 people, which local authorities estimated, represented an unprecedented proportion of the population attending a papal event.

While Pope Francis’ visits to other countries have attracted millions, such as in the Philippines, Brazil, and Poland, this gathering stood out due to the country’s small size and the deep Catholic faith of its people. East Timor, or Timor-Leste, has remained strongly Catholic since the Portuguese arrived in the 1500s, and about 97% of its population practices the faith.

Pope Francis’ visit to East Timor, which gained independence in 2002, was the first since St. John Paul II’s historic visit in 1989. That visit took place during the country’s struggle to separate from Indonesia, making the current event even more significant for the people.

The papal visit also underscored the challenges of accurately estimating such large crowds. Vatican estimates often rely on local organizers, who may have a vested interest in reporting higher numbers to emphasize the Pope’s popularity. However, the large turnout in East Timor remains notable, not just for its scale, but for the passionate display of faith.

In contrast, one of the largest papal events in recent memory took place in Manila, Philippines, in 2015, when Pope Francis celebrated a Mass for an estimated 6 million people at Rizal Park. The Vatican received the crowd estimate from local authorities, confirming that it surpassed the record of 5 million people who attended a Mass by St. John Paul II in 1995.

Similarly, in 2013, Pope Francis drew 3.7 million people to Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach for World Youth Day. However, that figure was disputed by local data experts, with some estimating the actual number to be closer to 1.5 million.

Despite these contrasting numbers, the faith and devotion displayed by the people of East Timor were undeniable. The event highlighted the global appeal of Pope Francis and the enduring significance of the Catholic Church in diverse regions.

Pope Francis’ Historic Visit to Singapore

Pope Francis is set to arrive in Singapore on Wednesday, marking a momentous occasion as he becomes only the second pope to visit the wealthy city-state. His three-day stay is the final leg of an 11-day tour across four nations, making this his longest journey since assuming leadership of the Catholic Church in 2013.

Singapore, known for its global influence as a financial powerhouse and strategic hub, has long awaited the visit of the 87-year-old pontiff. Cardinal William Goh of Singapore emphasized the significance of this visit, stating that it comes at a crucial time when Pope Francis’ messages of human dignity, interfaith dialogue, and environmental stewardship resonate strongly with the island nation’s multicultural society.

“After the apostolic visit is done, I pray that Singapore will be filled with hope — a profound, divine hope,” Cardinal Goh said in a statement.

The pope’s visit to Singapore was originally planned for 2020 but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Singapore’s population of nearly 6 million is predominantly Chinese, with Buddhism as the largest religion. However, Catholics make up about 19% of the population, and the church plays an influential role in the country’s education and healthcare sectors.

During his visit, Pope Francis is expected to deliver a public Mass at Singapore’s National Stadium, where 55,000 people are anticipated to gather, including Catholics from neighboring countries like Malaysia and Brunei. As part of his itinerary, the pope will also meet Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, as well as leaders from civil society and the diplomatic corps.

In addition to his public engagements, Pope Francis will hold private meetings with members of the Jesuit community and visit St. Theresa’s Home to meet elderly residents. He will also participate in an interreligious dialogue with youth at the Catholic Junior College, a reflection of Singapore’s diverse cultural and religious landscape.

As Singapore celebrates the pope’s arrival, the visit marks a rare opportunity for the local Catholic community to connect with the global Church. It is also a reminder of the island nation’s ability to foster peaceful coexistence in a modern, multi-ethnic society, a theme Pope Francis has championed throughout his papacy.

Pope Francis is set to arrive in Singapore on Wednesday, marking a momentous occasion as he becomes only the second pope to visit the wealthy city-state.

The first shipment of mpox vaccines from the United States has arrived in Congo

EDGARDO HERNAL
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The first shipment of mpox vaccines from the United States has arrived in Congo

KINSHASA, Congo. Congo has received 50,000 doses of the mpox vaccine from the United States, marking a significant step in its battle against the ongoing outbreak. The latest shipment, which arrived on Tuesday, follows the delivery of the first batch of vaccines from the European Union just a week earlier.

Cris Kacita Osako, the coordinator of Congo’s Monkeypox Response Committee, announced that vaccinations will begin on October 2. “Adults in the provinces of Equateur, South Kivu, and Sankuru, which have been the most severely affected, will be prioritized for vaccination,” Osako told The Associated Press.

This shipment from the U.S. is part of a larger effort to curb the spread of mpox in Congo, which has been at the center of a global health emergency. The U.S.-supplied vaccine are JYNNEOS, the same vaccine manufactured by Danish company Bavarian Nordic, which the EU donated through HERA, the European Union’s agency for health emergencies. In total, 100,000 doses were sent by the EU, with 50,000 additional doses arriving from the U.S. over the weekend.

While the arrival of these 250,000 doses is a positive development, it is only a fraction of what is needed to combat the outbreak. Authorities have estimated that at least 3 million doses are required to end the epidemic in Congo effectively. Although EU countries have pledged over 500,000 more doses, the timeline for their arrival remains uncertain.

Since the start of 2024, Congo has accounted for 91% of the confirmed mpox cases in Africa, with 5,549 cases and 643 deaths reported continent-wide. Most infections in Congo and neighboring Burundi are occurring in children under the age of 15.

The Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recently launched a continent-wide response plan to address the growing crisis. This came three weeks after WHO declared the mpox outbreaks in 12 African nations a global emergency.

In response to the outbreak, Congo issued emergency approval for the JYNNEOS vaccine, which has already been used in the U.S. and Europe. For now, the vaccine will be administered to adults, with priority given to individuals in close contact with infected persons, as well as sex workers, according to Africa CDC Director-General Dr. Jean Kaseya.

HERA Director-General Laurent Muschel added that the European Medicines Agency is currently reviewing data that could extend the vaccine’s use to children aged 12 to 17 by the end of the month.

The next batch of mpox vaccines is expected to come from Japan, potentially arriving as early as this weekend. However, Osako did not specify how many doses would be included in the Japanese shipment.

This coordinated global effort underscores the urgency of containing the outbreak in Congo, the epicenter of this public health crisis. As vaccination campaigns begin, the hope is to reduce infection rates and prevent further loss of life.

P775-milyong halaga ng shabu nasabat sa Cavite, 3 big-time drug dealers timbog

Arman B. Cambe
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P775-milyong halaga ng shabu nasabat sa Cavite, 3 big-time drug dealers timbog

IMUS CITY, Cavite. Umiskor ang mga operatiba ng PNP-Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG)-Calabarzon nang masabat nila ang 114 kilo ng shabu na may kabuuang halaga na mahigit P775 milyon. Tatlong big-time drug dealer, kabilang ang isang negosyante, ang naaresto sa dalawang magkasunod na buy-bust operation na isinagawa sa lungsod na ito sa Cavite, kamakalawa ng gabi.

Ayon sa ulat, ang unang operasyon ay isinagawa ng pinagsanib na puwersa ng PDEG Special Operations Unit (SOU) 4-A, sa pangunguna ni PLt. Mermel P. Avenilla, katuwang ang PNP-DEG IFLD, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 4-A, PDEA-NCR, Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU)-4A, at Imus City Police, bandang alas-6:26 ng gabi sa Lavander St., Brgy. Pasong Buaya II, Imus City.

Naaresto ang dalawang suspek na kinilalang sina Larry Martin Didel, 37-anyos, mekaniko, at Jan Rey Estrella, 26-anyos, may-ari ng isang motor shop. Kapwa sila itinuturing na high-value individuals (HVI) ng pulisya at kilalang big-time drug dealer sa Region 4-A (Calabarzon). Sa buy-bust operation, isang poseur buyer ang nakabili ng 1 kilo ng shabu mula sa mga suspek, at nakumpiska pa sa kanila ang karagdagang 109 kilo ng shabu na may kabuuang halagang P748 milyon.

Nasundan ang operasyon bandang alas-9:58 ng gabi sa Brgy. Buhay na Tubig, Imus City, kung saan nadakip ang isa pang suspek na si alyas “Adie,” isa ring HVI at kilalang big-time dealer ng droga sa lalawigan. Nakumpiska mula sa kanya ang 4 kilo ng shabu na nagkakahalaga ng P27.2 milyon.

Bukod sa shabu na may kabuuang halaga na P775.2 milyon, nakarekober din ang mga awtoridad ng 15 bundles ng tig-P1,000 na boodle money na ginamit sa buy-bust, mga cellphone ng mga suspek na ginagamit sa kanilang illegal na transaksyon, at mga drug paraphernalia.

Ayon kay PDEG Chief Brig. Gen. Eleazar Matta, ilang araw na sinubaybayan ng mga operatiba ang kilos ng mga suspek bago isinagawa ang operasyon. “Gumamit ang aming mga operatiba ng body-worn cameras (BWC) at kasama ang mga kinatawan ng barangay at media upang matiyak ang transparency sa operasyon,” ani Matta.

Patuloy ang imbestigasyon at pagtugis sa iba pang mga kasabwat ng mga nahuling drug dealer.

At least 19 people were killed in an Israeli strike on a tent camp within a Gaza humanitarian zone

Venus L Peñaflor
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At least 19 people were killed in an Israeli strike on a tent camp within a Gaza humanitarian zone

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip. An Israeli airstrike hit a crowded tent camp in Gaza’s Muwasi region early Tuesday, killing at least 19 people and injuring 60 others, according to Palestinian officials. The strike occurred in a humanitarian zone established for displaced civilians seeking shelter from the nearly year-old war between Israel and Hamas.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the strike, stating that it was targeting senior Hamas militants using precise munitions. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, an Israeli military spokesperson, emphasized the accuracy of the strike, disputing Palestinian casualty figures. In a post on social media platform X, he remarked, “The casualty reports do not line up with the information available to the IDF, the precise weapons used, and the accuracy of the strike.”

However, those on the ground described a devastating scene. Three large craters were visible, as first responders searched the rubble using garden tools, bare hands, and mobile phone flashlights. Among the bodies pulled from the sand were children, women, and the elderly. Iyad Hamed Madi, a resident sheltering in Muwasi, held up a bag of diapers, crying, “This is for my son. He’s 4 months old. Is he a fighter? There’s no humanity.”

Gaza’s Health Ministry reported at least 19 fatalities, but earlier reports from the Civil Defense, operating under the Hamas-run government, stated that 40 people had died. The ministry’s figures, though disputed by Israel, are widely regarded as reliable.

At Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, where casualties were taken, the scene was one of heartbreak. An Associated Press cameraman counted 10 bodies in the morgue, including two children. Samar Moamer, one of the survivors, recounted her experience: “We were sleeping, and suddenly it was like a tornado.” Her daughter was killed in the strike, while another was miraculously pulled alive from the debris.

Hamas, in response, denied that militants were present in the area, calling Israel’s justification for the attack a “blatant lie.” The group has repeatedly accused Israel of targeting civilian areas, a claim the Israeli government counters by blaming Hamas for embedding military operations within civilian zones.

The airstrike in Muwasi is reminiscent of a previous attack in July when Israel targeted the humanitarian zone, killing at least 90 Palestinians. The IDF claimed it had successfully killed Mohammed Deif, the elusive leader of Hamas’ military wing, though Hamas insisted Deif survived the strike.

The war, which began after Hamas militants launched a deadly assault on Israel on October 7, has displaced 90% of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million people. Israel says it has killed over 17,000 militants during the conflict, while Gaza’s Health Ministry reports more than 41,000 Palestinians have died, with women and children comprising half of the casualties.

International efforts to broker a cease-fire, led by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, have repeatedly stalled. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized the urgency of a truce, stating, “The shocking deaths in Khan Younis only reinforce how desperately needed that cease-fire is.”

As the humanitarian situation in Gaza worsens, aid organizations, including the United Nations, have struggled to provide essential services. Philippe Lazzarini, head of the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), reported that a U.N. convoy was held at gunpoint for hours by Israeli forces despite prior coordination.

The ongoing war has brought Gaza to the brink of famine, with critical infrastructure destroyed and law and order breaking down. As the violence continues, the toll on both sides remains devastating, with no immediate end in sight.

Quiboloy cases: Justice will roll for both sides as it is on the right course after his arrest

DC Alviar
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Quiboloy cases: Justice will roll for both sides as it is on the right course after his arrest

The following formal Caution remains on the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) website:

“Apollo Carreon Quiboloy, the founder of a Philippines-based church, is wanted for his alleged participation in a labor trafficking scheme that brought church members to the United States, via fraudulently obtained visas, and forced the members to solicit donations for a bogus charity, donations that actually were used to finance church operations and the lavish lifestyles of its leaders. Members who proved successful at soliciting for the church allegedly were forced to enter into sham marriages or obtain fraudulent student visas to continue soliciting in the United States year-round. Furthermore, it is alleged that females were recruited to work as personal assistants, or ‘pastorals,’ for Quiboloy and that victims prepared his meals, cleaned his residences, gave him massages, and were required to have sex with Quiboloy in what the pastorals called ‘night duty.’ Quiboloy was indicted by a federal grand jury in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, Santa Ana, California, for conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion and sex trafficking of children; sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion; conspiracy; and bulk cash smuggling, and on November 10, 2021, a federal warrant was issued for his arrest. If you have any information concerning this person, please contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate.”

According to Secretary Crispin Remulla of the Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ), the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founding leader may have surrendered when he was about to get caught after a Philippine National Police (PNP) ultimatum yesterday, September 8.

Details of Quiboloy’s arrest are still a bit elusive, but it is said that he was arrested in a building inside the KOJC compound in Davao City, put on a military aircraft, and since last night he has been in the custodial center of Camp Crame in Quezon City. (PNA: “Quiboloy, 4 aides detained in Camp Crame”)

He and his aides will be in the same compound as dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Guo Hua Ping, also known as Alice Guo, a suspected Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) associate who was detained last September 6 after her arrest in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Justice will now surely roll for both sides because it is on the right course. The KOJC leader can now defend himself against the allegations leveled against him based on the documents of the FBI, NBI, PNP, Senate, House of Representatives, a Pasig City Regional Trial Court (RTC), and a Davao City RTC.

Some cases were previously transferred to Quezon City because according to the Supreme Court: “In A.M. No. 24-04-29-RTC (Re: Transfer of Venue of Criminal Case Nos. R-DVO-24-1439-CR and R-DVO-24-01440-CR)), the Court found compelling reasons to justify the transfer of venue as the cases involve public interest, with the accused, a well-known religious leader, being influential in the area. As this could cause local biases and a strong possibility that witnesses cannot freely testify due to fear and influence of the accused, the Court found it prudent and judicious to order the transfer of the cases to Quezon City.”

Quiboloy can also be extradited to the US to be held accountable there, according to the DOJ. They are still studying if that is the best, or if one at a time, or if his cases should be handled simultaneously. There is no problem if he is extradited because there is an extradition treaty between the Philippines and the US and it is considered part of the law of the land, says the Secretary of Justice, who is now handling a lot of high-profile cases of fugitives, including former Bureau of Corrections Director-General Gerald Bantag for the deaths of broadcaster Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa and alleged middleman Jun Villamor. There is also expelled congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr., who is still under the custody of the police in Timor Leste and had to be “re-arrested” there before his extradition to the country so that he can face multiple murder charges.

So “do not judge?” That is incomplete. People of the Philippines and all nation-states should have the discernment, the capacity to judge, and the determination of right and wrong, as well as truths and lies. “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment,” according to Jesus’ words found in John 7:24. Right now, it pays to be cautioned of authorities’ caution; in other words, be both forewarned and informed.

“Wicked” director Jon M. Chu reflects on Ariana Grande’s casting, the Grandeur of Oz, and Nine Million Tulips

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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“Wicked” director Jon M. Chu reflects on Ariana Grande’s casting, the Grandeur of Oz, and Nine Million Tulips

NEW YORK. As Jon M. Chu gears up to release one of the most highly anticipated films of the year, Wicked, he’s embracing the challenge of bringing one of Broadway’s most beloved musicals to the big screen. “Musical” might be a tough sell in Hollywood these days, but for Chu, it’s more than a genre—it’s an art form.

“When words aren’t enough, music is the extension of your expression,” says Chu, whose previous directorial work includes the acclaimed In the Heights (2021). “That’s what movies do, and that’s what musicals do. It’s the most beautiful thing when tied to the characters’ emotions and journey.”

Scheduled for release by Universal Pictures on November 22, Wicked is already considered one of the year’s biggest cinematic undertakings. The film is not only a massive production but has also been split into two parts, with the second installment slated for fall 2025. Chu’s adaptation stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West, and pop star Ariana Grande as Glinda the Good Witch.

The film is rooted in the world of The Wizard of Oz and will trace the backstory of its iconic characters. Wicked, based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, has been in development as a film almost since the Broadway show debuted in 2003. However, previous attempts by directors like J.J. Abrams, Ryan Murphy, and Stephen Daldry never came to fruition—until now.

Chu, whose parents immigrated to America from Taiwan and China, connects deeply with the themes of Wicked. “The story really hits home,” he reflects. “‘The Wizard of Oz’ had such an influence on my family’s journey. We came to America with these dreams, and we’re in a period of cultural change where the Yellow Brick Road may not be the right path for everyone. That’s what Wicked captures.”

Casting Ariana Grande, however, was not as straightforward as it might seem. Despite her global fame, Chu had reservations about whether Grande, in her first major film role, could handle the weight of such a performance. “Ari came in five times to audition. Every time, she was the most interesting person in the room,” Chu shares. “I resisted. I thought, ‘There’s no way Ariana Grande, the pop star we know, can carry this film.’ But she’ll blow your mind—she’s going to break hearts.”

Erivo, on the other hand, was an easier decision. Already a Tony, Grammy, and Emmy winner, Erivo’s raw talent was undeniable. “I knew Cynthia could do ‘Defy Gravity’ anytime, anywhere,” Chu says. “What I didn’t expect was how vulnerable she could be. When she sang ‘The Wizard and I,’ I saw her wounds. That’s the magic of cinema—to see someone so raw.”

The film’s two parts will each focus on one of the witches’ transformations, with Elphaba’s taking center stage in the first, and Glinda’s journey highlighted in the second. “The structure made it easier to split the film into two parts,” says veteran producer Marc Platt, who has worked on films like La La Land and Legally Blonde. “It’s the same story, but each character undergoes a significant change in their respective halves.”

One of the most striking details about Chu’s approach to the film is his commitment to building an immersive Oz. His sets were so elaborate that he even had nine million tulips grown to create the landscapes. “Very few filmmakers get the chance to paint Oz, and I took that responsibility seriously,” says Chu. “We built Emerald City, Munchkin Land, a 16-ton Emerald City train—you could walk around these places and enter the shops. It was a world you could live in.”

With Wicked, Chu is taking a bold gamble, aiming to create not just a film but a theatrical experience that will captivate audiences. He remains undaunted by the weight of expectations, fully embracing the opportunity to tell this story in a way only cinema can. “We had to shoot the moon,” he declares, confident in his team and their vision.

As the November release approaches, fans of both Wicked and The Wizard of Oz will no doubt be eager to see how Chu has brought this magical world to life on the big screen.

Celebrating 50 years of fun and mud: New Hampshire’s Mud Bowl Tournament marks milestone

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Celebrating 50 years of fun and mud: New Hampshire’s Mud Bowl Tournament marks milestone

CONWAY, N.H. While college football players dream of bowl games and professionals eye the Super Bowl, a group of amateur athletes in New Hampshire have their sights set on something far messier—the Mud Bowl. This annual football tournament, held in North Conway, celebrated its 50th year this past weekend, with teams battling it out in knee-deep mud for three days of dirty fun.

For these athletes, the mud is not just a challenge but a nostalgic return to childhood joy. “You’re playing football in the mud, so you’ve got to have a smile on your face,” said Jason Veno, the 50-year-old quarterback of the North Country Mud Crocs. “It’s just a different game in the mud. It doesn’t matter how good you are on grass. That doesn’t matter in the mud.” Veno, like many players, sees mud as the great equalizer.

A Weekend of Muddy Tradition

The Mud Bowl takes place at the aptly named Hog Coliseum, right in the heart of North Conway. Festivities kicked off on Friday night with live music and continued into Saturday with the lively Tournament of Mud Parade. A total of 12 teams, made up of men and women, competed for the coveted title of mud champion.

Ryan Martin, a nearly 20-year veteran of mud football, reflected on the event as a chance to reconnect with old friends. “You get to a point where you’re just like, I’m not going pro on anything, I might as well feel like I’m still competing day in and day out,” he shared. The mud, however, leaves its mark. “It gets in the eyes. You get cracks in your feet. And you get mud in your toenails for weeks. You’ll be cleaning out your ears for a long while … blowing your nose and finding dirt you didn’t know was there.”

More Than Just a Game

For players like Mahala Smith, the Mud Bowl is about more than competition—it’s about community. Smith, who started playing football in first grade and later joined a women’s tackle football team in 2018, was invited to play in the Mud Bowl and quickly fell in love with the experience. “It’s like a little mini vacation and everyone’s all friendly,” she said. “People hang out at the hotels and restaurants, people camp, we all have fires and stuff. It’s just a nice group event.”

Although the atmosphere is friendly, the teams remain serious about winning. The two-hand touch football games can get intense, but once the final whistle blows, the focus shifts back to fun. Many participants, including former high school and college athletes, relish the chance to relive their glory days. Over the years, a few retired professional players have even joined in, Veno noted.

Raising Funds and Spirits

The theme of this year’s Mud Bowl was “50 Years, The Best of Five Decades,” a celebration of the tournament’s rich history. Since its inception, the event has raised over $1 million for charity, a tradition that continues to be a point of pride for organizers and participants alike.

As the mud settles and the players clean off, the Mud Bowl remains a testament to the joy of football, camaraderie, and a little bit of mess. After all, as Veno put it, “You can’t play football in the mud without a smile.”

The Mud Bowl takes place at the aptly named Hog Coliseum, right in the heart of North Conway.

Pope commends East Timor’s recovery while addressing bishop’s abuse scandal

Venus L Peñaflor
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Pope commends East Timor’s recovery while addressing bishop’s abuse scandal

DILI, East Timor. Pope Francis was met with enthusiastic cheers as he arrived in East Timor on Monday, marking the country’s recovery from a violent struggle for independence. Despite the triumphant welcome, the Pope also indirectly addressed an abuse scandal involving one of the nation’s Nobel Peace Prize-winning figures.

As Francis made his way from the airport into the city, crowds of Timorese citizens lined the streets, waving Vatican and Timorese flags. Many carried yellow and white umbrellas, symbolizing the Holy See, to protect themselves from the blazing midday sun. Cries of “Viva el Papa!” echoed throughout, and the 87-year-old pontiff smiled broadly as he waved from his open vehicle. Billboards across the city featured his image and welcoming messages, underscoring the anticipation of his visit.

East Timor, a predominantly Catholic country, is one of the world’s poorest nations. Its people eagerly awaited the Pope’s visit, which coincided with the 25th anniversary of the United Nations-backed referendum that led to its independence from Indonesia.

In contrast, the last papal visit, by St. John Paul II in 1989, occurred during Indonesia’s occupation of East Timor. After East Timorese citizens overwhelmingly voted for independence in 1999, Indonesia retaliated with a brutal military campaign that ravaged 80% of the country’s infrastructure and claimed as many as 200,000 lives. St. John Paul II’s visit then drew international attention to East Timor’s plight.

Francis’ arrival followed his stop in Papua New Guinea and marks the third leg of his tour of Southeast Asia and Oceania. He was greeted at the airport by President Jose Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, both iconic figures in the country’s independence movement.

In his address to the nation’s leaders and other dignitaries, Pope Francis lauded the people of East Timor for overcoming their “greatest suffering and trial” and setting the country on a path of peaceful development. He also commended them for reconciling with Indonesia. However, the Pope acknowledged the current challenges facing the nation, including poverty, emigration, and issues related to alcohol abuse and violence among martial arts gangs.

“Let us also not forget that these children and adolescents have their dignity violated,” the Pope stated, stressing the need to protect young people from abuse. While his comments were general and indirect, they recalled a recent scandal involving Timorese Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, a Nobel laureate and independence hero.

Belo was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1996, alongside Ramos-Horta, for his role in advocating for a peaceful resolution to the independence struggle. However, in 2022, the Vatican revealed that Belo had been secretly sanctioned in 2020 for the sexual abuse of young boys. The sanctions restricted his movements and barred him from voluntary contact with minors or travel to East Timor. Despite these measures, many in the country continue to defend Belo, with some even hoping for his presence during the Pope’s visit.

Another figure involved in abuse allegations is American missionary Richard Daschbach, revered for his role in the fight for independence. He is currently serving a 12-year sentence in East Timor for molesting young girls. Daschbach was defrocked by the Catholic Church for his crimes.

In a recent interview, President Ramos-Horta told the Associated Press that Pope Francis’ visit was not the right time to revisit the Church’s scandals. He added that it was up to the Vatican to handle the matter and suggested that raising it now would be akin to “trying someone twice.”

Pope Francis’ remarks about abuse seemed to reflect a delicate balance, acknowledging the issue while respecting the desires of East Timor’s government and faithful. However, the Vatican has yet to fully address what it knew about Belo’s misconduct and when. Bishop Belo retired early from his position in 2002, at the age of 54, and was later sent to Mozambique, where he worked with children. The Vatican’s response to his case, allowing him to quietly retire, has sparked criticism.

Although the Vatican News recognized Belo’s contributions to East Timor’s independence struggle in a recent article, his name was conspicuously absent from the official Vatican handbook provided to the delegation on this trip.

Today, East Timor is one of the most Catholic nations in the world, with approximately 98% of its 1.3 million citizens identifying as Catholic. This marks a dramatic increase from the 20% Catholic population during Indonesia’s 1975 invasion.

Pope Francis is scheduled to celebrate a Mass on Tuesday at the same seaside esplanade where St. John Paul II held a massive gathering in 1989. Authorities expect a turnout of 700,000 people, although some estimates from dioceses suggest the number may reach 750,000, with attendees also coming from Indonesia’s West Timor.

As East Timor continues to heal from its past, Pope Francis’ visit serves as a reminder of both the nation’s resilience and the need for ongoing vigilance in addressing new challenges, including the protection of its young people from abuse.

Former mayor Alice Guo held in contempt again over alleged ties to Chinese syndicates

Venus L Peñaflor
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Former mayor Alice Guo held in contempt again over alleged ties to Chinese syndicates

MANILA. Former Bamban town mayor Alice Guo was held in contempt for a second time on Monday after refusing to answer key questions from the Philippine Senate regarding her alleged connections to Chinese criminal syndicates and her mysterious escape from the country two months ago.

Guo, 38, was recently arrested in Indonesia after authorities located her hiding alongside a Chinese monk, reportedly disguised with short-cropped hair. Upon her deportation to the Philippines, she denied any involvement with criminal organizations.

Wearing a bulletproof vest during her appearance before the Senate investigative panel, Guo remained evasive, stating that death threats and ongoing criminal cases prevented her from fully responding to the questions. “I cannot provide details because of the threats to my life,” she said, but did not offer any evidence to support her claim.

This marks the second time the Senate has cited Guo in contempt. In July, senators issued an arrest warrant after she failed to attend a hearing. It was later discovered that Guo had fled the country, traveling through Malaysia, Singapore, and eventually Indonesia, before her capture.

Guo, who served as Bamban’s mayor since 2022, was removed from office by the Ombudsman last month due to grave misconduct charges. She is currently facing graft charges in a Philippine trial court and a separate money laundering complaint at the Department of Justice.

Senate Grilling and Contempt Motion

The session grew tense as senators pressed Guo on her alleged connections to criminal activities. Senator Risa Hontiveros, head of the investigative committee, expressed frustration with Guo’s evasive testimony, accusing her of lying about her identity. Evidence from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) revealed that Guo’s fingerprints matched those of a Chinese national named Guo Hua Ping.

“I move to cite Guo Hua Ping, also known as Alice Guo, in contempt of the Senate for testifying falsely and evasively before this committee,” Hontiveros stated, with the motion swiftly approved by the committee.

Escape by Boat

When asked how she managed to flee the Philippines, Guo described a clandestine escape involving a yacht. “We left on a yacht, aided by an Asian woman whom I will not name,” Guo said, adding that they later transferred to a larger vessel to complete their journey.

Her escape has raised concerns amid a larger Senate investigation into illegal activities in Bamban. In May, law enforcers raided a casino in the town, uncovering what authorities described as scams being run from a facility partly owned by Guo.

Allegations Tied to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs)

Adding to the complexity of her case, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently urged Guo to come clean about her alleged involvement in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). POGOs, which target Chinese customers, have been linked to various criminal enterprises, prompting Marcos to ban the industry in July.

Guo, however, was firm in her denial. “I am not involved in POGOs,” she said in one of her few clear statements during the hearing.

As her case continues to unfold, it has captivated the nation, particularly at a time when tensions between the Philippines and China are rising due to territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Senators remain determined to uncover the truth behind Guo’s actions and connections.

Vietnam devastated by floods as bridge collapses and bus swept away; storm death toll rises to 59

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Vietnam devastated by floods as bridge collapses and bus swept away; storm death toll rises to 59

HANOI, Vietnam. Flooding and landslides triggered by Typhoon Yagi have wreaked havoc across Vietnam, leading to the collapse of a bridge and the sweeping away of a bus, as the death toll from the storm and its aftermath rose to at least 59, state media reported Monday.

The typhoon, which made landfall on Saturday, initially caused nine deaths before weakening into a tropical depression. However, floods and landslides in the aftermath have claimed at least 50 more lives, according to state media outlet VN Express. Rivers in northern Vietnam have reached dangerously high levels, with several provinces still battling the effects of the storm.

One of the most tragic incidents occurred in Cao Bang province, where a passenger bus carrying 20 people was swept into a flooded stream by a landslide. Rescue teams were immediately deployed, but their progress was hindered by additional landslides blocking the roads.

Meanwhile, in Phu Tho province, a steel bridge spanning the Red River collapsed on Monday morning. The collapse sent 10 cars, trucks, and two motorbikes into the swollen river. Authorities confirmed that three individuals had been rescued and taken to the hospital, but 13 others remain missing.

“I felt like I was drowned to the bottom of the river,” Pham Truong Son, a 50-year-old survivor of the bridge collapse, told VNExpress. He recounted hearing a loud noise while driving across the bridge on his motorcycle, followed by the sensation of falling into the river. Son managed to survive by grabbing onto a floating banana tree before being rescued.

The storm has also heavily impacted Vietnam’s northern industrial hubs, particularly in Haiphong province, where dozens of businesses have been unable to resume production. State media reported that factories had sustained extensive damage, with roofs torn off, equipment destroyed, and goods lost to flooding.

Power outages continue to plague Haiphong and neighboring Quang Ninh provinces due to toppled electricity poles. Both regions are crucial to Vietnam’s export economy, housing factories for major companies such as electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast and Apple suppliers Pegatron and USI. Initial estimates suggest nearly 100 enterprises suffered millions of dollars in damages.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visited the port city of Haiphong on Sunday, announcing a relief package of $4.62 million to assist recovery efforts in the affected areas.

Typhoon Yagi, the strongest storm to hit Vietnam in decades, made landfall with winds reaching 149 kph (92 mph). Although it weakened on Sunday, Vietnam’s meteorological agency has warned that continuing heavy rains pose a serious risk of further floods and landslides.

In Sa Pa, a popular tourist destination, a landslide killed six people, including an infant, and injured nine others. Across the country, at least 299 people have been reported injured in the aftermath of the typhoon.

The capital, Hanoi, saw overcast skies and intermittent rain as workers cleared fallen trees and electricity poles. However, northwestern Vietnam continues to endure heavy rainfall, with forecasts predicting some areas could receive over 40 centimeters (15 inches) of rain.

Typhoon Yagi’s devastation is not limited to Vietnam. Before making landfall, the storm claimed at least 20 lives in the Philippines and four in southern China. In China’s Hainan province, infrastructure losses are estimated at $102 million, with 57,000 homes destroyed and widespread power and water outages.

Experts have linked the increasing intensity of storms like Typhoon Yagi to climate change. “Warmer ocean waters provide more energy to fuel storms, leading to stronger winds and heavier rainfall,” said Benjamin Horton, director of the Earth Observatory of Singapore.

The full extent of the damage in Vietnam is still being assessed, but recovery efforts are expected to take weeks, if not longer, as the country deals with the aftermath of one of the most destructive storms in its recent history.

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