Monday, May 11, 2026


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Batang Philippine hawk eagle nasagip sa Quezon

MULANAY, Quezon. Nasagip ang isang batang Philippine hawk eagle ang sa bayang ito sa pangunguna ng Wildlife Enforcement Officer at mga kawani ng Conservation and Development Section ng DENR-CENRO Catanauan, kamakalawa.

Ayon sa ulat ng DENR Calabarzon, aksidenteng nasugatan ang ibon ng isang residenteng nangunguha ng bunga ng niyog habang ito ay nakadapo sa isang puno sa niyugan sa boundary ng Brgy. Cambuga at Brgy. Buenavista. Ang ibon ay nagtamo ng pinsala sa kaliwang paa at naputol ang isang kuko, na naging dahilan upang hindi ito makalipad.

Dinala ang ibon sa CENRO Catanauan upang pakainin, gamutin, at obserbahan. Matapos ito, inilipat ito sa Regional Wildlife Rescue Center sa Calauan, Laguna, upang matiyak ang ganap na paggaling bago ibalik sa natural na tirahan nito.

Ayon sa International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), ang Philippine Hawk Eagle ay ikinokonsiderang “endangered” o nanganganib na ang lahi dahil sa papaunting populasyon nito na tinatayang nasa 400 hanggang 600 na lamang.

Police officers arrested for kidnapping tourists

MANILA. Four police officers in the Philippine capital have been arrested for kidnapping four foreign tourists and demanding a ransom, officials revealed on Wednesday.

The crime unfolded over the weekend when two officers on motorcycles stopped a luxury car carrying three Chinese nationals and a Malaysian. With the help of armed civilian accomplices, the officers handcuffed the tourists and forced them into a van. Two of the Chinese tourists managed to escape and alerted authorities, according to police reports.

The remaining captives were subjected to beatings before being released after a ransom of 2.5 million pesos ($43,100) was paid, said Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos. Information from the freed tourists and security camera footage led to the arrest of the four police officers, including a police major.

A security camera captured the moment the suspected kidnappers, one appearing in police uniform, stopped the car and forcibly extracted its passengers in full view of passing motorists. One of the passengers struggled desperately as he was pushed into the van.

“I was shocked that policemen were the ones involved,” Abalos expressed in a news conference, where the four officers were presented in handcuffs and orange detainee shirts. “This incident is a serious breach of public trust and core values of the police force.”

Authorities are still searching for at least 10 other suspects involved in the kidnapping, who are believed to be civilians. Criminal complaints for kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery have been filed against the arrested officers.

Pope Francis calls for urgent global action to address debt crises in poor nations

VATICAN CITY. Pope Francis issued a compelling plea on Wednesday for international efforts to alleviate the crippling debt burdens faced by low-income countries, warning that failure to act could plunge millions into a cycle of poverty and despair.

Addressing a Vatican conference focused on the debt emergency in the global south, the Pope highlighted the devastating impact of record global debt levels, which reached $313 trillion in 2023. Developing economies, in particular, have seen unprecedented ratios of debt to gross domestic product (GDP), exacerbating economic hardships.

“The problem is causing misery and distress for millions of people around the world,” Pope Francis stated. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive multinational mechanism to address the debt crisis, noting, “In order to try to break the debt-financing cycle, it is necessary to create a multinational mechanism … that takes into account the global nature of the problem and its economic, financial, and social implications.”

Despite the introduction of the “Common Framework” by the world’s 20 largest economies in 2020, aimed at streamlining debt restructuring for struggling nations, progress has been slow. Zambia’s protracted four-year battle to emerge from default underscores the challenges and inefficacies of current debt relief efforts.

Currently, there is no global law governing international bankruptcies, a gap Pope Francis criticized for perpetuating a “mentality of ‘every person for himself or herself’, where the weakest always lose.” Drawing from Argentina’s experience of defaulting three times this century, he asserted, “No government can morally require that its people suffer deprivations incompatible with human dignity.”

The Pope’s call for action is particularly timely as the Roman Catholic Church prepares for the Holy Year, or Jubilee, in 2025, a significant event in the Church calendar. He has urged wealthy nations to commemorate the Jubilee by offering substantial debt relief to impoverished countries.

Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz, attending the Vatican conference, echoed the Pope’s concerns. He pointed to the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine as major shocks to the global economy, pushing many nations to the brink of a new sovereign debt crisis. “We need a Jubilee debt restructuring and a re-ordering of our global economic architecture to make sure that it doesn’t happen again,” Stiglitz said.

The global Jubilee 2000 campaign previously led to $130 billion in debt cancellation for poor countries between 2000 and 2015. As the world faces mounting economic challenges, the call for renewed efforts to address debt relief has never been more urgent.

Alamin ang mga sintomas ng bagong FLiRT Variant KP.2 at payo ng DOH

MAYNILA. Inihayag ng Department of Health (DOH) na ang mga sintomas ng bagong FLiRT variant KP.2 ay katulad ng sa mga naunang COVID-19 strains, kabilang ang lagnat, ubo, sipon, at fatigue, na parang trangkaso o karaniwang sipon.

Ayon kay DOH spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo, natukoy ang “FLiRT” variants sa bansa at kinumpirma nitong Martes ang dalawang kaso ng KP.2 base sa sequencing data mula sa Philippine Genome Center.

Gayunpaman, sinabi ni Domingo na may mga sample na nakolekta bago pa man noong Mayo na hinihintay pa ang resulta ng sequencing, na nagmumungkahi na posibleng may KP.2 na kaso sa Pilipinas bago pa matukoy ang mga unang dalawang kaso.

Sa kasalukuyan, iniulat ng DOH na ang KP.2 ay inuri ng World Health Organization (WHO) bilang variant under monitoring at walang ebidensyang nagpapakitang nagdudulot ito ng severe hanggang critical COVID-19. Dagdag pa ng DOH, kailangan pa ng karagdagang pagsusuri upang matukoy ang transmissibility at kakayahan nitong iwasan ang immune response.

Sa gitna ng muling pagtaas ng mga kaso ng COVID-19, lalo na sa pagsisimula ng tag-ulan, pinapayuhan ng DOH ang publiko na magsuot ng tamang facemask kung kinakailangan. Ipinapayo rin nilang manatili na lamang sa bahay kung masama ang pakiramdam upang maiwasan ang posibleng transmission.

Ayon kay infectious disease expert Dr. Rontgene Solante, ang mga nabakunahan ilang taon na ang nakalipas ay maaaring hindi na makakuha ng malaking proteksyon laban sa mga mas bagong strains ng coronavirus, kaya’t ang lahat ay magiging vulnerable ulit sa virus. Sinabi ni Dr. Solante na ang mga mahihinang indibidwal, lalo na ang matatanda at immunocompromised, ay maaaring makaranas ng malubhang impeksyon kapag nahawahan ng mga variant ng FLiRT.

Habang pinaninindigan na ang immunity mula sa orihinal na COVID-19 primary series at boosters ay humihina sa paglipas ng panahon, binigyang-diin ng DOH na ang immunity na ito ay “hindi ganap na nawala.”

“There may be some degree of residual immunity left which is still better than having not been vaccinated at all. Nevertheless, the DOH is aware that the said immunity will not stay forever,” sabi ni Domingo.

Image Credit: Orpheus FX / Shutterstock

Gunman opens fire at US embassy in Lebanon, army says

BEIRUT. A gunman fired shots at the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon on Wednesday, leading to an exchange of fire with Lebanese troops that left the attacker wounded, according to the Lebanese army.

The suspect, identified as a Syrian national, was apprehended and transported to a hospital for treatment. Soldiers are conducting a thorough search of the area to ensure no other gunmen are present.

Following the incident, the embassy announced it would remain closed to the public for the rest of Wednesday but plans to resume normal operations on Thursday, June 6. “Small arms fire was reported near our entrance this morning. The facility and staff are safe,” the embassy stated. Diplomatic sources confirmed that U.S. Ambassador Lisa Johnson is currently traveling outside Lebanon.

A Lebanese security source informed Reuters that the gunman was wounded in the stomach during the confrontation. Additionally, a member of the embassy’s security team sustained minor injuries. The embassy spokesperson has not commented on any injuries among the guards.

Pictures of the alleged attacker, verified and geolocated by Reuters, show the suspect near the embassy. The Arabic writing on his vest included the word “Islamic.” As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

In response to the shooting, Lebanese security forces established checkpoints around the embassy, with a U.S.-made helicopter provided to the Lebanese army patrolling the area. Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati is actively monitoring the situation with the defense minister and security forces.

The U.S. Embassy is located north of Beirut in a highly secured zone featuring multiple checkpoints. It was relocated from central Beirut after a 1983 suicide bombing that killed over 60 people.

This incident follows a similar occurrence in September when shots were fired near the embassy without causing any injuries. Additionally, in mid-October, during the early days of the Gaza conflict, a large protest took place outside the embassy, which was dispersed by Lebanese security forces using tear gas and water cannons.

Lebanon has been a focal point of conflict between Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel since October, parallel to the Gaza war. This conflict has resulted in tens of thousands being displaced on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border, raising concerns about an escalation.

Meanwhile, in a separate event, a member of Lebanon’s internal security forces assigned to the Saudi embassy in Lebanon died by suicide outside the embassy on Wednesday, as confirmed by a security and a diplomatic source. The security guard reportedly shot himself in the head, with sources indicating he had mental health issues.

Biden says Hamas is sufficiently depleted; Israeli leaders disagree, casting doubts over ceasefire

JERUSALEM. Israel set an ambitious goal: to destroy Hamas. The Biden administration initially supported this objective, supplying Israel with considerable weaponry and vocal backing. However, nearly eight months into the conflict, cracks have emerged between the close allies over what defeating Hamas actually entails.

Last week, U.S. President Joe Biden stated that the militant group was no longer capable of launching an attack on Israel akin to the Oct. 7 assault that triggered the war. He suggested it was time for the fighting to end. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and far-right ministers strongly disagree.

Where the U.S. seeks a quick end to the fighting, Israel’s leadership appears determined to push onward. Here’s how the leaders define the destruction of Hamas:

BIDEN: NO ABILITY TO POSE A THREAT

President Biden, on Friday, said it was time to end the Israel-Hamas war, signaling that the objective of destroying Hamas had been met as the militant group was “no longer capable” of carrying out a large-scale attack on Israel like the one on Oct. 7. That day, Hamas militants stunned Israel with a major assault, killing about 1,200 people and taking approximately 250 hostages back to Gaza amid rocket fire targeting Israeli cities and towns.

In the nearly eight months since then, Israel claims its air and ground offensive has significantly depleted Hamas’ military capabilities, killing 15,000 militants—half of Hamas’ fighting force—and wounding thousands more. It also asserts that it has destroyed a significant portion of Gaza’s tunnel network, command centers, and rocket launchers. Biden appeared to believe this was sufficient to meet Israel’s objectives and urged both sides to reach an agreement to release the remaining 85 hostages and the bodies of around 40 more, for an extended ceasefire.

NETANYAHU: ELIMINATE REMAINING MILITARY AND GOVERNING ABILITY

In response, Netanyahu insisted that Israel would not agree to a permanent ceasefire until “the destruction of Hamas’ military and governing capabilities, the freeing of all hostages, and ensuring that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel.” The Israeli army maintains that the eradication of Hamas is incomplete, with battalions of militants remaining in Rafah and fighting still ongoing in northern Gaza. Although Hamas has continued to launch rockets into Israel, their intensity has significantly diminished since the war’s early months. Netanyahu acknowledges that it may be impossible to fully eliminate the ideology of Hamas, which took control of Gaza in 2007 after winning legislative elections against the rival Fatah party. He noted that Hamas has survived despite a 16-year blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt and four previous wars.

“Hamas has to be eliminated, not as an idea,” Netanyahu said in late March. “Nazism was not destroyed as an idea in World War II, but Nazis don’t govern Germany.”

ISRAEL’S FAR RIGHT: ERADICATE HAMAS AND RESETTLE GAZA

Far-right leaders within Israel’s ultranationalist government have staunchly rejected Biden’s ceasefire proposal, insisting that Israel must continue its war in Gaza until Hamas is completely eradicated. Israel’s Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have both threatened to leave Netanyahu’s government if he endorses Biden’s proposal, a move that could collapse the coalition.

Smotrich stated that agreeing to a ceasefire would amount to a humiliation for Israel and a surrender. He argued that increased military pressure is “the only language understood in the Middle East.” Ben-Gvir has called for the “voluntary” emigration of Palestinians from Gaza and for a return of Israeli settlements, which were unilaterally pulled out in 2005.

At a resettlement conference in May, Ben-Gvir proclaimed that the only way to ensure “the problem won’t come back” was to “return to Gaza now.” He chanted, “Return home! Return to our holy land!”

The disagreement between the U.S. and Israel underscores the complexities of achieving peace in the region. While Biden seeks a swift resolution, Israeli leaders remain committed to a prolonged campaign to secure their objectives. The upcoming negotiations will be crucial in determining the future of the Gaza conflict and the broader Middle East peace process.

187 dayuhan at Pinoy, huli sa POGO raid sa Pampanga

MAYNILA. Umabot sa 187 empleyado ng isang Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO), karamihan ay mga dayuhan, ang dinakip sa isang raid na isinagawa ng awtoridad kamakalawa ng gabi sa Angeles City, Pampanga.

Sa bisa ng search warrant, pinasok ng pinagsanib na puwersa ng Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), PNP-Integrity Monitoring Enforcement Group (IMEG), at PNP-Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) ang POGO hub na “Lucky South 99” sa Grand Palazzo Royale, Friendship Highway, Angeles City. Ito ay matapos makatanggap ng sumbong na ginagamit ang nasabing lugar para sa human trafficking.

Ayon kay PAOCC Spokesperson Winston Casio, sa 187 inaresto, 29 ay mga Pinoy, 126 ang Chinese nationals, 23 ang Vietnamese, apat ang Malaysian nationals, apat ang Myanmar nationals, at isang Korean national.

Sinabi rin ni Casio na bukod sa mga nahuling empleyado, nasagip sa lugar ang isang Chinese na pinaniniwalaang biktima ng kidnapping. Bukod dito, may nakita ring kuwarto na hinihinalang “torture area” ng mga lalaking dayuhan.

Patuloy pa rin ang imbestigasyon ng mga awtoridad sa posibleng mga nasa likod ng operasyon ng POGO. Kasalukuyang sumasailalim sa immigration biometrics ang mga dinakip upang matukoy ang kanilang pagkakakilanlan.

Israel intensifies Gaza offensive as U.S. presses ceasefire efforts

CAIRO. Israel has escalated its military campaign against Hamas in central Gaza, with airstrikes killing dozens of people, as U.S. and Qatari mediators work to finalize a ceasefire deal.

Palestinian medics reported that since Tuesday, at least 44 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes on central Gaza. The conflict has intensified, with the armed wings of Hamas and Islamic Jihad engaging in gun battles with Israeli forces across the enclave and launching anti-tank rockets and shells.

“The sounds of bombardment didn’t stop all night,” said Aya, a 30-year-old displaced woman in Deir Al-Balah. Among the dead were two children and their mother, unable to evacuate when others in the neighborhood fled. “This is not war, it is destruction that words are unable to express,” said their father, Abu Mohammed Abu Saif.

The Israeli military stated that its jets were targeting Hamas militants in central Gaza, with ground forces operating “in a focused manner with guidance from intelligence” in the Al-Bureij area, a longstanding refugee settlement. “The forces of the 98th Division began a precise campaign in the areas of East Bureij and East Deir al-Balah, above and below ground at the same time,” an Israeli military statement said.

Residents reported that Israeli forces had deployed tanks in Bureij and were shelling nearby settlements, including Al-Maghazi and Al-Nuseirat, and Deir Al-Balah city. “Every time they speak about new truce talks, the occupation uses one town or refugee camp as a pressuring card. Why should civilians, people safe inside their homes or tents, pay the price? Why can’t Arabs and the world stop the war?” Aya told Reuters via a chat app.

CIA Director Burns Discusses Ceasefire in Doha

Amid ongoing violence, hopes remain pinned on diplomatic efforts. CIA Director William Burns met with Qatar’s Prime Minister in Doha to discuss ceasefire terms. White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan indicated that the U.S. is awaiting a response from Hamas via Qatari mediators to a ceasefire proposal announced by President Joe Biden last Friday. Qatar reported that the proposal has been refined to be more acceptable to both parties.

Hamas responded positively to the proposal but criticized the U.S. for blaming the Palestinian militant group for delays. A Hamas spokesperson reiterated that any agreement must include a “clear” commitment from Israel to a permanent truce and complete withdrawal from Gaza, a demand Israel has refused until Hamas is eradicated.

U.S. officials suggest Israel is likely to accept the proposal since it originated from them. However, Qatar stressed that Israel needs to present a unified stance, as some factions within the Israeli government oppose any form of truce.

Continued Fighting and Humanitarian Impact

In parallel, the Hamas-allied Islamic Jihad group sent a delegation to Cairo for talks with Egyptian mediators to end the “Zionist aggression on Gaza Strip and efforts to send aid.” Fighting continued in Rafah, near the Egyptian border, with Israeli forces conducting limited operations to eliminate Hamas combat units.

“The forces found combat means and eliminated armed saboteurs who operated nearby and posed a threat,” said an Israeli military statement. Despite the violence, most of the million people who had taken refuge in Rafah have fled once more.

The United Nations Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) reiterated calls for a ceasefire, emphasizing the war’s lasting impact on Gaza’s environment. “The war in #Gaza has upended millions of Palestinian lives & caused catastrophic damage to the natural environment that they depend upon for water, clean air, food & livelihoods. Restoring environmental services will take decades – & cannot even start until a #ceasefire,” it stated on social media.

Since the conflict began last October, following a Hamas incursion into southern Israel that killed approximately 1,200 people and led to over 250 hostages, Israel’s military campaign has resulted in over 36,000 deaths in Gaza, according to local health authorities. Thousands more are believed to be buried under rubble. About 120 hostages remain in Gaza.

The world’s most expensive cow: Brazil’s $4 million bovine marvel

UBERABA, Brazil. Amid Brazil’s vast cattle population, one cow stands out for her extraordinary value and stature. Viatina-19 FIV Mara Movéis, worth $4 million, holds the title of the world’s most expensive cow, according to Guinness World Records. Her impressive size, weighing in at over 2,400 pounds, and exceptional genetic traits have made her a symbol of Brazil’s ambitions in the beef industry.

Located in Brazil’s agricultural heartland, Viatina-19 is closely monitored by security cameras, a veterinarian, and an armed guard. Billboards along the highway celebrate her grandeur, attracting ranchers, locals, and veterinary students eager to witness this bovine wonder.

Breeding for Excellence

Brazil, the world’s top beef exporter, is determined to dominate global beef markets despite calls from climate scientists to reduce beef consumption due to its environmental impact. The nation’s strategy hinges on breeding superior cattle like Viatina-19. Her owners, including Ney Pereira, have invested heavily in this genetic marvel, utilizing advanced breeding techniques to produce more muscular and fertile cattle.

“We’re not slaughtering elite cattle. We’re breeding them. And at the end of the line, going to feed the whole world,” said Pereira, emphasizing Viatina-19’s role in their vision.

Genetic Goldmine

Viatina-19’s astronomical price is justified by her rapid muscle growth, high fertility, and the consistent quality of her offspring. Lorrany Martins, Pereira’s daughter and a veterinarian, highlighted her perfection in traits such as posture, hoof solidity, and maternal ability. Collecting her egg cells costs around $250,000, a testament to her unparalleled genetic value.

A Symbol of Brazilian Agriculture

Brazil’s agricultural boom, fueled by rising demand from China, has made the cattle industry a pillar of the economy. This influence extends to cultural realms, with country music thriving and live cattle auctions becoming prime-time events. Uberaba, Viatina-19’s home, hosts ExpoZebu, the world’s largest Zebu cattle fair, drawing ranchers and breeders globally.

Challenges and Controversies

Despite her fame, Viatina-19 represents broader challenges. Brazil’s cattle industry is a significant greenhouse gas emitter, contributing to Amazon deforestation. Experts argue for improved grazing practices and reduced slaughter ages to mitigate environmental impacts.

While some in the cattle industry praise Viatina-19’s genetic advancements, others criticize such high-maintenance cattle as impractical for large-scale farming. P.J. Budler of Trans Ova Genetics and Texas cattleman Grant Vassberg have expressed concerns about the sustainability and practicality of breeding such elite cattle.

The Future of Brazilian Beef

Viatina-19 is now pregnant for the first time, furthering her genetic legacy. Pereira and Martins aim to expand their reach, with plans to export her genetic material globally, including to the United Arab Emirates, India, and the US.

“If she is the best in the world – not just her price, but I believe she is the world’s best – we need to share her around the world,” said Pereira. Martins looks even further ahead, hoping Viatina-19 will lay the foundation for even better cattle in the future.

Viatina-19’s story reflects Brazil’s complex interplay of economic ambitions, agricultural innovation, and environmental challenges, positioning her as a key figure in the ongoing evolution of the global beef industry.

FLiRT Variant KP.2 nasa Pilipinas na

MAYNILA. Kinumpirma ng Department of Health (DOH) na nakapasok na sa bansa ang COVID-19 subvariant KP.2, na kabilang sa tinatawag na “FLiRT” variants. Ayon kay DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo, “Maaaring may mga naunang kaso ng KP.2, ngunit dahil sa limitadong pagkakasunud-sunod ay hindi namin na-detect at naiulat ito nang mas maaga.”

Ang pinakamaagang sample collection date para sa KP.2 sa bansa ay Mayo 2024. Ang DOH ay nakapagtala ng dalawang kaso ng KP.2, pati na rin ang 30 kaso ng JN.1 at dalawang kaso ng JN.1.18 noong nakaraang buwan, batay sa sequencing data mula sa University of the Philippines-Philippine Genome Center (UP-PGC).

Sa kabila ng pagdami ng kaso ng COVID-19 nitong nakaraang linggo, nananatili pa rin sa “low risk” ang buong bansa para sa COVID-19. Mula Mayo 21 hanggang 27, naitala ang 2,235 bagong kaso ng COVID-19, na may average na 319 kaso kada araw—mas mataas kumpara sa nakaraang linggo na 202 daily average. Sa mga bagong kasong ito, 20 ang pagkamatay kung saan lima sa kanila ay nangyari mula Mayo 14 hanggang 27.

Sinabi rin ng DOH na 14 porsiyento lamang o 174 sa 1,235 intensive care unit (ICU) beds na nakatuon para sa COVID-19 ang na-occupy, habang 15 porsiyento lamang o 1,601 sa 10,910 COVID-19 na kama ang na-occupy. Ang malala at kritikal na kaso ng COVID-19 na na-admit sa iba’t ibang ospital ay umabot lamang sa 185 o 10 porsiyento ng kabuuang admission.

Ang DOH ay patuloy na nagpapatakbo “sa pag-aakalang ang mga naka-flag na Omicron sub variants ay malamang na nasa bansa.” Batay sa mga ulat, ang pinakamaagang sample collection date para sa JN.1 sa Pilipinas ay Nobyembre 2023.

Noong nakaraang buwan, inatasan ni Health Secretary Ted Herbosa ang Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) na magsagawa ng masusing screening sa points of entry para sa mga dumarating na bisita mula sa mga bansa kung saan natukoy ang bagong FLiRT variants. Bukas din ang DOH sa paggawa ng mga pagbabago sa kasalukuyang budget nito upang matugunan at mabawasan ang mga posibleng epekto sa bansa ng mga bagong variant ng COVID-19 na tinaguriang “FLiRT”.

Ang FLiRT ay isang palayaw na ginawa ng ilang mananaliksik upang ilarawan ang mga pagbabago sa amino acid sa spike protein ng COVID-19 virus, partikular mula sa phenylalanine (F) hanggang leucine (L) sa posisyon 456, at mula sa arginine (R) hanggang threonine (T) sa posisyon 346. Ang apat na variant under monitoring (VUM) ay JN.1.7, JN.1.18, KP.2, at KP.3, na lahat ay mga inapo ni JN.1.