Monday, May 11, 2026


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Women’s inclusion in ‘naked festival’ reflects changing dynamics of male-centric Japanese traditions

TOKYO. Dating back over 1,200 years, the “hadaka matsuri,” or naked festival, epitomizes Japanese masculinity in a unique spectacle. Across Japan, even amidst the winter chill, thousands of men shed their clothes, retaining only a delicate white loincloth, as they congregate around local shrines. The aim? To maneuver closer to a man embodying the role of “shin-otoko,” or god-man, believed to ward off misfortune.

While this ritual underscores Japan’s deep reverence for tradition and cultural heritage, its exclusion of women underscores a stark reality: gender inequality persists in Japanese society. Despite advancements in various sectors, men continue to dominate top positions in politics and prestigious private firms, with Japan ranking 125th in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index.

However, amidst these challenges, the declining population in Japan has sparked a transformative shift. As the number of male participants dwindles in the naked festival, symbolic changes emerge. In February, the Konomiya Shrine, host to Japan’s oldest naked festival, welcomed 41 women to participate for the first time, marking a significant departure from tradition.

Mikiko Eto, emerita professor specializing in gender politics at Hosei University, noted the pragmatic necessity behind this decision, driven by the shortage of male participants. This move signifies a broader societal shift, where the aging population necessitates greater female participation in various spheres, including the labor market.

As Japan grapples with demographic challenges, the workforce is expected to halve by the turn of the century if current fertility rates persist. The government and businesses alike are reevaluating traditional gender roles, striving to create more inclusive environments and alleviate the burdens placed on women.

While there have been notable strides, including women assuming leadership roles in prominent organizations, gender representation in politics and management remains disproportionately low. Experts emphasize the need for innovative policies and cultural shifts to dismantle entrenched biases and stereotypes that hinder women’s advancement.

The inclusion of women in the naked festival and other traditionally male-dominated arenas symbolizes a broader societal reckoning with gender norms in Japan. Yet, the journey towards genuine gender equality remains ongoing, requiring sustained efforts to address systemic barriers and foster inclusive environments.

Solar storm produces spectacular light shows across Northern Hemisphere

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CAPE CANAVERAL. Florida. An extraordinary solar storm hitting Earth has ignited stunning displays of color across the skies of the Northern Hemisphere, captivating observers early Saturday. The event, marked by vibrant Northern Lights, has so far caused no immediate disruptions to power or communications infrastructure.

The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a rare severe geomagnetic storm warning after a solar outburst reached Earth on Friday afternoon, arriving earlier than anticipated. The effects of this celestial phenomenon, known as the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis, are expected to persist throughout the weekend and possibly into the following week.

In the United Kingdom, where the Northern Lights were prominently visible, many captured the mesmerizing spectacle and shared images on social media platforms. Reports indicate sightings as far south as London and southern England.

Chris Snell, a meteorologist at the Met Office, the UK’s weather agency, described widespread sightings across the country, with reports and photographs pouring in from other European locations including Prague and Barcelona.

While NOAA issued alerts to operators of power plants and spacecraft, as well as to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), experts reassured the public that the majority of individuals would not be directly affected by the storm.

Rob Steenburgh, a scientist with NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, emphasized that while the storm could extend the visibility of the Northern Lights to regions as far south as Alabama and Northern California in the United States, the display may manifest as splashes of greenish hues rather than the dramatic curtains of color typically associated with the phenomenon.

Steenburgh recommended using phone cameras to capture the aurora, as they are better equipped to capture light than the naked eye. Mike Bettwy, operations chief for the prediction center, encouraged sky watchers to snap pictures, suggesting that a delightful surprise might await them.

While the solar storm is not anticipated to reach the intensity of the historic event in 1859, which prompted auroras in central America, experts cautioned that it could still pose risks to high-voltage transmission lines and satellite systems, potentially disrupting navigation and communication services on Earth.

Despite potential disruptions, NASA assured that the solar storm posed no serious threat to astronauts aboard the International Space Station. However, precautions were taken to monitor increased radiation levels, and sensitive instruments on science satellites may be temporarily deactivated to prevent damage.

Philippines dispatches ships to disputed atoll where China is constructs “artificial island”

MANILA. Tensions in the South China Sea escalate as the Philippines announced on Saturday the deployment of ships to a contested area, accusing China of constructing what it terms “an artificial island” in the midst of a maritime dispute.

According to a statement from the office of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the Philippine coast guard has dispatched a vessel to monitor alleged illegal activities by China, involving the creation of an artificial island. Additionally, two other vessels have been placed in rotational deployment in the area.

Commodore Jay Tarriela, spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard, disclosed during a forum that there had been reports of “small-scale reclamation” activities at the Sabina Shoal, known as Escoda by Manila, with China being identified as “the most probable actor.”

As of now, the Chinese embassy in Manila has not provided a response to the Philippine allegations, which have the potential to further strain bilateral relations.

In a separate development, the Philippine national security adviser recently called for the expulsion of Chinese diplomats following allegations of a leaked phone conversation between a Chinese admiral and a Filipino counterpart regarding the maritime dispute.

For over a year, China and the Philippines have been engaged in intense confrontations over their conflicting territorial claims in the South China Sea, a crucial waterway through which $3 trillion worth of trade flows annually. China asserts sovereignty over nearly the entire area, disregarding claims by the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled against Beijing’s claims, stating they lacked legal basis under international law.

China’s extensive land reclamation efforts in the South China Sea, which involve the construction of military facilities, have drawn widespread concern in Washington and across the region.

According to Tarriela, a Philippine vessel has been stationed at the Sabina Shoal to monitor and document the alleged dumping of crushed corals, amidst the presence of numerous Chinese ships, including research and navy vessels. This move comes in response to the discovery of dead and crushed coral formations, sparking concerns over potential environmental damage.

The Philippine coast guard plans to conduct investigations with marine scientists to ascertain whether the coral piles are a natural phenomenon or a result of human intervention. Additionally, it intends to maintain a continuous presence at Sabina Shoal, a strategic point for Philippine vessels resupplying troops stationed on a grounded warship at the Second Thomas Shoal, where Manila and Beijing have frequently clashed in maritime encounters.

The situation remains tense as both countries navigate the complexities of their territorial disputes in the South China Sea, with implications extending beyond their borders.

Lalaki pinatay ng live-in partner habang natutulog

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LEGAZPI CITY, Albay. Hindi na nagising ang isang mister matapos saksakin ng kanyang live-in partner habang ito’y natutulog sa duyan sa labas ng kanilang tahanan sa Purok-5, Brgy. San Francisco, lungsod na ito.

Kinilala ang biktima na si Alvin, 56 anyos, na nagtamo ng malalalim na saksak sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng katawan na kanyang ikinamatay. Samantala, ang suspek naman na si Teresa, 39, na kasintahan ng biktima, ay kasalukuyang nasa kustodya ng mga awtoridad.

Ayon sa ulat, nag-ugat ang trahedya mula sa pagseselos ni Alvin sa aktibidad ng kanyang kasintahan sa social media, partikular sa kanyang pakikipag-chat sa ibang lalaki sa Facebook. Lumabas pa sa imbestigasyon na nagkaroon ng alitan ang magkasintahan matapos dumalo sa isang inuman sa kanilang lugar.

Hanggang makauwi ang dalawa ay inaway pa rin ni Alvin ang kanyang kasintahan at sinuntok pa sa mukha at nagbabala na papatayin niya ito kapag nahuling may kalaguyo.

Hindi nakipagtalo si Teresa. Maya maya pa ay lumabas ang lalaki at humiga sa duyan sa labas ng kanilang bahay.

Nang matiyak ni Teresa na tulog na ang kanyang kasintahan,  kumuha siya ng mahabang kutsilyo sa kusina saka nilapitan at inundayan ng sunud-sunod na saksak si Alvin hanggang sa mahulog ang bangkay sa duyan.

Matapos ang pagpatay sa live-in partner, kusang sumuko ang babae sa rumespondeng mga barangay tanod at kay Brgy Chairman Ronaldo Aringo at sila na ang nagturn-over sa mga pulis kasama ang kutsilyong ginamit sa krimen.

Sinubukan pang isinugod sa Legazpi City Hospital ang biktima pero idineklarang dead-on-arrival.

Inihahanda na ngayon ang kasong murder laban sa nakakulong na live-in partner.

Israeli forces issue evacuation orders for additional areas of Gaza’s Rafah

CAIRO. Israeli military authorities have issued evacuation orders for Palestinians residing in more areas of Gaza’s southern city of Rafah, urging them to relocate to what they term an expanded humanitarian zone in Al-Mawasi. This move signals a potential escalation in the military’s plans for a ground assault on Rafah.

In a communication posted on social media platform X, a military spokesperson also called upon residents and displaced individuals in the Jabalia area of northern Gaza, as well as 11 other neighborhoods within the enclave, to immediately relocate to areas west of Gaza City.

The Palestinian health ministry has reported at least 37 casualties, including 24 from central Gaza, as a result of overnight airstrikes across the territory, notably in Rafah. Khitam Al-Khatib, who lost approximately 10 relatives in an airstrike on a family residence earlier on Saturday, expressed skepticism about the safety of designated areas, stating, “There is no safe place in Gaza.”

Al-Zawayda, a small town in central Gaza, has become a refuge for thousands of displaced individuals from across the enclave. The Israeli military confirmed airstrikes on numerous targets throughout the Strip in the past day, claiming the elimination of fighters in the Zeitoun area.

Tragically, a single Israeli airstrike resulted in the deaths of at least seven individuals from the same family in Beit Lahiya town in northern Gaza, according to medical personnel.

In Rafah, residents voiced concerns over the expanded evacuation orders, indicating an imminent expansion of Israel’s ground offensive in the city. Khaled, a resident of the Shaboura neighborhood, described the situation as dire, with people fleeing their homes in panic.

Despite international pressure and concerns raised by humanitarian groups, Israel remains steadfast in its intention to proceed with an incursion into Rafah, where over a million displaced individuals have sought refuge during the prolonged conflict.

Approximately 300,000 Gazans have reportedly moved towards Al-Mawasi, according to estimates from the Israeli military. The conflict, initiated by a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel several months ago, has resulted in significant casualties and a dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

As ceasefire negotiations falter, with Hamas accusing Israel of rejecting previously accepted terms, tensions remain high. The Palestinian militant group has suggested a review of its negotiation policy but has not provided further details.

In the midst of funerals for loved ones in Deir Al-Balah, central Gaza, residents mourned the loss of relatives and expressed frustration over the ongoing violence. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government faces mounting pressure, including criticism from the United States over the use of U.S.-supplied weapons in the conflict.

While the Biden administration has stopped short of definitive condemnation, it has raised concerns about potential violations of international humanitarian law during Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

Despite these challenges, the conflict shows no signs of abating, leaving civilians caught in the crossfire and humanitarian efforts hampered by continued violence.

Butas ang papel, ‘di lang bagsak: On red-tagging agencies and officials

A red ballpen is used to correct the student’s test paper. If the paper is polished, all that is left is a red mark of “100%” or “excellent.” Agencies and officials in the executive and legislature, on the other hand, were doing convoluted and superfluous markings to persons accused of “opposing” these government agencies through red-baiting or red-tagging. Now comes the Supreme Court, finally deciding: Instead of the red-tagging institution/s being excellent or 100, their score is failing.

Binagsak na, ginamit pa ang pulang bolpen pambutas ng papel!

That seems to be what happened. Clap our hands for the laudable, carefully crafted High Court ruling. It stunningly indicated: “Quite like the development of the Rule on Amparo, the damages inflicted by red-baiting evolve too: They start from the psychological before they turn physical.” Very reassuring words followed: “Amid a history of shifting social and political ties, we affirm the Judiciary’s sworn duty to see to it that the protection of every right guaranteed in the Constitution remains constant for all.”

Thanks to Siegfred D. Deduro, the one red-tagged. He did not sleep on his right.

International organizations acknowledge red-tagging as a form of harassment and intimidation. The SC news release noted that “labelling a person ‘red’ often comes with frequent surveillance, direct harassment, and in some instances, eventual death.”

Very visible posters of Deduro’s photo had statements suggesting his association with the communists, but the public was misled by the posters.

The SC announced: “As Deduro’s petition was not groundless nor lacking in merit, the (regional trial court) should not have dismissed the case without requiring Maj. Gen. (Eric) Vinoya to first file a return. Under the Rule, within 72 hours after service of the writ, the respondent shall file a verified written return stating their lawful defenses, the actions they have taken to determine the fate or whereabouts of the aggrieved party, and all other information in their possession relevant to the threat against the aggrieved party.

“In this case, by dismissing the petition without requiring (Vinoya) to first file a return, the RTC effectively denied both parties due process.

“The Court further stressed that although it is uncertain whether such ‘red-baiting’ threats ripen into actual abduction or killing of supposed ‘reds,’ Deduro should not be expected to ‘await his own abduction, or worse, death, or even that the supposed responsible persons directly admit their role in the threats to [his] life, liberty, or security…’”

The poster caption, “DISCIPLES OF THE CPP-NPA-NDF IN THE CITY! FOOLING AND DECEIVING THE PEOPLE! HOLDING RALLIES HERE AND THERE! THEY HAVE DONE NOTHING FOR THE COUNTRY!” turned out to be the one deceiving people in various locations in Iloilo City.

And posting it on social media? Dreadful disinformation.

Demands from human rights advocates here and abroad have been repeated concerning the abolition of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict because, according to them, the NTF-ELCAC has kept on red-tagging students, teachers, professors, journalists, lawyers, and other progressive individuals and groups.

Meanwhile, national government communicators and LGU PIOs must help in all this. But they must first read and understand the July 4, 2023 ruling (released on the SC website just last Wednesday); otherwise, the red-tagging officials will merely stand by their actions and pronouncements and will be backed up again by the information and communication officers. Huwag naman sana.

(I would like to ask our readers to read the National Task Force’s press statement dated May 10, 2024 at https://www.ntfelcac.org/post/ntf-elcac-bats-for-balance-between-civil-liberties-and-terror-prevention. The first three paragraphs gave good spirits to the SC’s decision, but the NTF-ELCAC can no longer hide its disappointment in the last two paragraphs. It said in part: “(This) ruling may be seen as a minor setback in strategies to end local armed conflict…” Wala rin. Can they truly support an end to red-tagging?)

Speaking of disinformation and red-tagging of political dissenters, Mr. Deduro chose to remain matipuno (or nagpakalalaki) and filed a lawsuit to fight for his right. May more people like him have the courage to fight red-tagging. There is a lot out there.

Sa kababaihan, iba rin.

Chapter 12 of “Games, changes, and fears: the Philippines from Duterte to Marcos Jr.” (ISEAS Publishing, 2024) directed the book readers to examine sexism and misogyny which were part of politics of former president Duterte by way of disinformation. Dis/mis/information and fake news reinforced gender stereotypes and marginalized women in the country, according to Dr. Jean Encinas-Franco’s chapter titled “Understanding gendered disinformation in the Philippines and its implications to women in politics” (the book was co-edited by Dr. Aries A. Arugay and her).Leila de Lima and Leni Robredo, Encinas-Franco wrote, were female political leaders who braved misogynistic politics. Part of Encinas-Franco’s conclusion tackles the need for the Philippines to set up critical policy interventions protecting and creating a safe space for women in the political field. Interestingly, the female author was also subjected to lies propagated online in 2022, while her colleagues were united in protecting her right and that of other members of academe to share their views.

Strong solar storm may disrupt communications, spark northern lights

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. An unusually potent solar storm hurtles towards Earth, poised to unleash northern lights across the U.S. and possibly disrupt communication systems this weekend.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a rare geomagnetic storm watch, marking the first such alert in nearly two decades. The watch kicks off on Friday and extends throughout the weekend.

This solar event follows a series of robust solar flares originating from the sun since Wednesday, culminating in five bursts of plasma with the capacity to interfere with satellites orbiting Earth and disrupt power grids. Each eruption, known as a coronal mass ejection, carries billions of tons of solar plasma.

Describing the situation as highly unusual, NOAA highlights that the flares appear to be linked to a sunspot measuring 16 times the diameter of Earth. Memories of the extreme geomagnetic storm in 2003, which caused power outages in Sweden and damaged transformers in South Africa, add urgency to the current situation.

According to NOAA, the impending storm could illuminate the skies with northern lights visible as far south as Alabama and Northern California.

As scientists monitor the solar activity closely, the potential for both breathtaking auroras and communication disturbances looms large, underscoring the fragile balance between the forces of nature and modern technology.

Philippines calls for expulsion of Chinese diplomats as South China Sea dispute heightens

MANILA. Tensions in the South China Sea reached new heights on Friday as the Philippines’ national security adviser urged the expulsion of Chinese diplomats following an alleged leak of a phone conversation with a Filipino admiral.

Eduardo Ano asserted that the Chinese embassy in Manila had engaged in orchestrated acts of disseminating disinformation, misinformation, and malinformation aimed at sowing discord. Ano emphasized that such actions could not go unpunished without serious repercussions.

In response, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian labeled Ano’s comments as provocative and demanded that Chinese diplomats be allowed to carry out their duties without obstruction. “China solemnly requests the Philippine side to effectively safeguard the normal performance of duties by Chinese diplomatic personnel,” Lin stated during a regular press briefing in Beijing.

The office of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and the foreign ministry have yet to issue statements regarding the matter.

The escalating tensions stem from a series of confrontations in disputed areas of the South China Sea over the past year. The Philippines, backed by support from the United States and other allies, has increased its activities in waters contested by China.

Ano’s call for the expulsion of diplomats follows a recent news report alleging a leaked phone call between a Chinese diplomat and a Filipino admiral. The transcript, published by the Manila Times, purportedly shows the admiral conceding to concessions with China regarding activities in the disputed Second Thomas Shoal.

While Reuters could not verify the contents of the transcript, Ano asserted that the individuals involved in recording the alleged conversation must be removed from the country immediately.

In response to Ano’s allegations, Lin reiterated China’s stance on the situation at the Second Thomas Shoal, emphasizing the release of “relevant communications” between the two countries. However, specifics regarding the content and timing of these communications were not disclosed.

The dispute over the Second Thomas Shoal dates back to Manila’s maintaining a small military presence aboard the Sierre Madre since 1999 to reinforce its territorial claim. China has repeatedly claimed that the Philippines agreed to remove the ship, a claim denied by Manila.

Manila-based political analyst Julio Amador supported the call for diplomatic expulsions, highlighting China’s disregard for diplomatic norms and trust. “Diplomacy is based on trust, yet China is trying to make it look like all meetings between its diplomats and Philippine government representatives are negotiations with binding results,” Amador commented.

As tensions continue to escalate, the expulsion of diplomats adds a new dimension to the longstanding dispute, underscoring the challenges in managing territorial claims and diplomatic relations in the South China Sea region.

Ginang na notoryus na magnanakaw, arestado sa Batangas

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LIPA CITY, Batangas. Arestado ang isang ginang matapos pumasok sa restricted area ng ospital sa lungsod na ito kamakailan.

Sa kasalukuyan, nakakulong sa lock-up cell ng Lipa City Police Station ang suspek na hindi pa matukoy ang tunay na pagkakakilanlan dahil sa iba’t ibang identification card nitong ginagamit.

Batay sa ulat ng Lipa City Police Station, napuna ng isang doktor na pumasok ang suspek sa ‘restricted area’ ng ospital kaya agad tinawag ng security guard.

Tinanong ng mga guwardiya ng ospital ang suspek ngunit hindi ito nakasagot kaya dinala na ito sa himpilan ng pulisya.

Nadiskubre na ang suspek ang responsable sa pananalisi sa mga ospital at klinika sa Antipolo, Baguio, Muntinlupa City, Quezon City, Cavite, Batangas, Pangasinan at Tarlac.

Umabot na sa 40 doktor ang biktima ng suspek sa nakalipas na 3-taon na natangayan ng pera at mga gamit sa ospital.

Nakunan din ng CCTV ang iba pang insidente ng pagnanakaw ng suspek tulad ng pagkuha nito ng pitaka ng isang doktor at mabilis na pag-withdraw ng pera.

Ayon sa pulisya, ang modus operandi ng suspek ay ang magpanggap bilang pasyente, kamag-anak ng pasyente, o kaya’y medical staff.

Bukod sa kasong theft, nahaharap ngayon ang suspek sa kasong paglabag sa Article 281 o Trespassing at Art. 178 sa paggamit ng pekeng pangalan at pagtatago ng tunay na pangalan.

Heavy clashes in Rafah force mass exodus, aid routes blocked

RAFAH, Gaza Strip. The southern Gaza city of Rafah has become a battleground as intense fighting between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants rages on, leading to the closure of vital aid crossings and the displacement of over 100,000 civilians, a United Nations official reported on Friday.

Plans for a full-scale Israeli invasion of Rafah seem to be temporarily on hold amid strong opposition from the United States, which has threatened to withhold arms. However, a limited incursion initiated earlier in the week risks exacerbating Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.

Simultaneously, heavy clashes have erupted in northern Gaza, where Hamas militants have regrouped despite previous Israeli offensives.

Over a million Palestinians have sought refuge in Rafah, crowding into U.N.-run shelters and makeshift camps. The city serves as a lifeline for essential supplies, including food, medicine, and fuel.

Georgios Petropoulos, an official from the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Rafah, highlighted the dire situation, stating that approximately 110,000 people have fled the city. Food and fuel supplies are dwindling, and access to medical assistance and humanitarian aid is severely restricted.

Petropoulos expressed concerns about the safety of humanitarian workers in the midst of ongoing fighting, emphasizing the urgent need for supplies to assist displaced individuals.

Israeli forces have seized control of the Rafah crossing with Egypt, halting the flow of crucial goods and services. The nearby Kerem Shalom crossing, Gaza’s primary cargo terminal, remains inaccessible due to continued hostilities.

In Rafah, Israeli troops engage in close-quarters combat with Palestinian militants, resulting in heavy artillery exchanges and gunfire. The military claims to have targeted militant tunnels and eliminated combatants through both ground operations and aerial strikes.

Hamas, meanwhile, has launched attacks targeting Israeli positions, including mortar rounds aimed at the Kerem Shalom crossing. Despite Israeli assertions that Rafah is a stronghold of Hamas, the group continues to resist Israeli incursions.

The conflict in Gaza has claimed thousands of lives and displaced tens of thousands more, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. Efforts to broker a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages have faltered, with Hamas demanding guarantees for an end to the war and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

As the situation in Gaza remains precarious, international efforts to mitigate the crisis and find a lasting resolution continue to face significant challenges.