Tuesday, May 12, 2026


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US and UK pressure Hamas to accept Israeli truce offer

RIYADH. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Cameron urged Hamas to promptly accept an Israeli proposal for a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages held by the Palestinian militant group in a diplomatic push to end the Gaza war.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Riyadh on Monday, Blinken called the Israeli proposal “extraordinarily generous” and emphasized the urgency for Hamas to make a decision. He stated, “The only thing standing between the people of Gaza and a ceasefire is Hamas. They have to decide and they have to decide quickly.”

According to sources briefed on the matter, Israel’s proposal includes the release of fewer than 40 of the approximately 130 hostages believed to be held in Gaza, in exchange for the release of Palestinians imprisoned in Israel. The proposal also outlines a second phase for a ceasefire, involving a “period of sustained calm” as a compromise to Hamas’s demand for a permanent ceasefire.

Meanwhile, Cameron described the Israeli offer as “generous” and urged Hamas to accept it. He stated, “I hope Hamas do take this deal and frankly, all the pressure in the world and all the eyes in the world should be on them today saying ‘take that deal’.”

The Gaza conflict erupted after Hamas seized 253 hostages in an attack on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in approximately 1,200 Israeli casualties. In response, Israel imposed a total siege on Gaza and launched an air and ground assault that has led to the deaths of about 34,500 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities.

As diplomatic efforts intensify to end the conflict, Blinken reiterated that the United States could not support an Israeli ground assault on Rafah without assurances for the safety of civilians. He highlighted the need for “calm in Gaza and a credible pathway to a Palestinian state” to move forward with normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel.

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, also expressed optimism about the normalization process, stating that an accord between Washington and Riyadh was “very, very close”.

The meeting in Riyadh, attended by foreign ministers from the U.S., France, Jordan, and Egypt, underscores the international community’s concerted efforts to broker a ceasefire and pave the way for long-term peace in the region.

Prince Harry and Meghan set to visit Nigeria in May for Invictus Games Talks

ABUJA, Nigeria. Royalty is set to grace Nigeria’s shores this May as Prince Harry and his wife Meghan prepare for discussions surrounding the Invictus Games, a noble endeavor aimed at aiding the rehabilitation of wounded and sick servicemembers and veterans. This announcement came from a Nigerian defense official on Sunday.

Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, spokesperson for the Nigerian defense, revealed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be embarking on this significant journey to Africa, a region Harry has long held close to his heart. While the exact arrival date remains unspecified, it is anticipated that Harry will undertake the trip following a service at London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral, commemorating the 10th anniversary of the games.

Nigeria, a nation deeply involved in combating Islamic extremists in its northeast since 2009, was among the countries that participated in last year’s Invictus Games. Modeled after the esteemed Warrior Games in the United States, the Invictus Games were founded by Prince Harry in 2014, offering wounded veterans the opportunity to compete in sports events akin to the Paralympics.

With personal experience as an Apache helicopter copilot gunner during his service in Afghanistan in 2012-2013, Harry has been a staunch advocate for veterans in need of support. His upcoming visit to Nigeria is slated to encompass a blend of cultural activities and strategic discussions aimed at solidifying Nigeria’s presence within the games and exploring the prospect of hosting future editions.

In a recent Netflix series dedicated to the Invictus Games, Harry candidly shared his struggles with the aftermath of military service, particularly grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He revealed how his return from Afghanistan stirred emotions long suppressed since the tragic death of his mother, Princess Diana, when he was a mere 12 years old. The prince lamented the lack of support upon his return and the pervasive silence surrounding the impact of Diana’s passing, a topic that had remained largely unaddressed within the royal family.

As preparations for this significant visit unfold, anticipation builds for the fruitful discussions and cultural exchanges that will undoubtedly shape the future trajectory of the Invictus Games and strengthen ties between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.

LGUs inihahanda na ng OCD laban sa lindol

MANILA. Naghahanda na ang Office of Civil Defense (OCD) ngayong linggo sa pakikipag-ugnayan at pagtitipon sa mga lokal na pamahalaan upang paghandaan ang posibleng pagdating ng malakas na lindol gamit ang mga “engineering solutions.”

Ayon kay Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, tagapamahala ng OCD, ang 17 na regional offices ng ahensya ay nag-aalok ng kanilang tulong sa mga LGU upang ipaliwanag ang kahalagahan ng mga solusyong pang-engineering at pagpapatupad ng mga patakaran laban sa pagtatayo ng mga gusaling tirahan sa mga lugar na itinuturing na “no build zone”.

Ayon kay Nepomuceno, mahalaga ang “strict compliance” sa mga alituntunin ng Structural Code of the Philippines upang maging ligtas laban sa posibleng pinsala ng lindol. Ang pangunahing layunin ay ang pag-iiwas sa sakuna bago pa ito mangyari.

“Strict compliance means respecting the safety provisions of the Structural Code of the Philippines and prohibition of construction of houses in NO BUILD zones,” dagdag ni Nepomuceno

“We are more on the preventive approach than sorry later to save thousands of lives,” sabi ni Nepomuceno.

Bagaman makakatulong ang ginagawang “Duck, Cover, and Hold” drills, dapat aniyang mas binibigyang-pansin ang mga solusyong pang-engineering na nakasaad sa National Building Code at ito ang ipinaliliwanag at ipinatutupad sa publiko.

Batay sa siyentipikong pananaliksik, kabilang ang 2014 JICA at Phivolcs Study, nasa 30,000-50,000 na bilang ng mga nasawi at may mahigit sa 100,000 na malubhang nasugatan ang posibleng mangyari kung sakaling maganap ang 7.2 magnitude na lindol mula sa West Valley Fault System sa Metro Manila Area.

Pope Francis visits a women’s prison in Venice

VENICE. Breaking a seven-month hiatus from leaving Rome, Pope Francis embarked on a bustling journey to Venice on Sunday, immersing himself in an array of activities that included an art exhibition, a prison visit, and presiding over Mass. The 87-year-old pontiff, despite recent health setbacks, navigated the lagoon city with a blend of mobility aids, including a wheelchair, golf buggy, and motorlaunch.

While addressing the crowd gathered in St. Mark’s Square, Pope Francis candidly acknowledged the weightiness of his responsibilities, stating, “Please pray for me because this work is not easy.” His admission underscored the challenges inherent in leading the Catholic Church amidst myriad global issues.

The day commenced with the pope’s arrival at a women’s prison, where he inaugurated an exhibition housed within the Vatican’s pavilion as part of the Venice Biennale. In a poignant address to inmates and guards, Pope Francis emphasized the potential for prisons to serve as sites of redemption and renewal, urging society to extend compassion to marginalized communities.

Transitioning to a lighter tone, Pope Francis engaged with young Venetians outside the Santa Maria della Salute basilica, encouraging them to prioritize human connection over digital distractions. “If we always focus on ourselves, our needs, and what we lack, we will always find ourselves back at the starting point, crying over ourselves with a long face,” he remarked, urging a shift towards selflessness and empathy.

Amidst the logistical challenges posed by his health condition, Pope Francis traversed Venice with the aid of a pontoon bridge erected over the Grand Canal, symbolizing a bridge between faith and the enchanting beauty of the city. In his homily during Mass at St. Mark’s Basilica, he lauded Venice’s rich cultural heritage while lamenting the pressing issues of climate change and overtourism plaguing the city.

The pontiff’s visit to Venice marks the beginning of a series of domestic trips within Italy over the next three months, with planned visits to Verona and Trieste. Additionally, he is slated to attend a June summit of Group of Seven (G7) leaders in Bari. Notably, in September, Pope Francis is scheduled to embark on an extensive foreign journey to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Singapore, signifying his commitment to global outreach despite physical limitations.

Selosong pulis binaril ng 8-anyos na anak, patay

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SAGAY CITY. Nabaril at napatay ng kanyang 8-taong gulang na anak ang isang pulis matapos hindi makatiis sa pananakit sa kanyang ina dahil sa sobrang selos, sa isang insidente noong Sabado sa lungsod na ito.

Kinilala ang biktima na si Police Staff Sgt. Lernie Alacha, 44-taong gulang, na naglilingkod sa Sagay City Police Station at residente ng Barangay Andres Bonifacio, Sagay City, Negros Occidental.

Batay sa ulat ng Sagay City Police Station, bandang 1:10 ng hapon nang mangyari ang trahedya sa loob ng tahanan ng mag-anak na Alacha.

Ayon sa imbestigasyon ng pulisya, nagkaroon ng pagtatalo ang mag-live-in partner sa harap ng kanilang anak habang kumakain ng almusal. Pagkatapos, ang mag-asawa ay pumasok sa kanilang silid upang ituloy ang hindi nagtapos na hidwaan.

Bandang hapon na hindi pa tapos ang away ng mag asawa, nakita ng bata na sinasaktan ng kanyang ama ang kanyang ina kaya hinanap nito ang Glock 17 9mm caliber na service firearm ng ama at siyang ginamit upang barilin ang huli. Diumano ay pinigilan pa ito ng kanyang pinsan ngunit sinabing huwag makialam dahil problema ito ng kanilang pamilya.

Ayon sa pahayag ni Barangay Kagawad Victor Garcia Sr., bago nalagutan ng hininga ang ang biktima ay inabutan nila itong nakahiga sa sahig at may tama ng bala sa leeg. Humingi ito ng tulong na dalhin siya sa ospital dahil gusto pa niyang mabuhay. Nagbigay pa ito ng babala sa mga nakapaligid na mag-ingat dahil may baril ang anak at ito ang bumaril sa kanya.

Sa himpilan ng pulisya, isinalaysay ng ina na si Irene Dayanan, 33-anyos, na madalas nilang maranasang ang pananakit ng suspek. Ang pang-aabuso mula sa biktima ay dahil diumano sa pagiging sobrang pagiging selososo nito, ayon sa ina.

Ang batang suspek ay nasa pangangalaga ngayon ng Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) habang inihahanda sa intervention program sang-ayon sa Republic Act No. 9344.

Qatar presses Israel and Hamas for cease-fire agreement

TEL AVIV, Israel. A senior Qatari official has called on both parties to demonstrate “more commitment and more seriousness” in negotiations amid mounting pressure to broker a cease-fire deal in the prolonged conflict between Israel and Hamas. The plea comes as efforts intensify to secure the release of Israeli hostages and halt the nearly seven-month-long war in Gaza.

Qatar, serving as a crucial intermediary with its hosting of Hamas headquarters in Doha, played a pivotal role alongside the United States and Egypt in facilitating a temporary cessation of hostilities in November, resulting in the liberation of numerous hostages. However, Qatar recently signaled frustration, announcing a reassessment of its mediator role.

An upcoming Israeli delegation is slated to meet with Egyptian officials to discuss the latest negotiation proposals, while a senior Hamas official confirmed the militant group’s delegation would also travel to Cairo for talks. The status of these negotiations remains uncertain, with Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari expressing disappointment at the political posturing of both Hamas and Israel, noting a stall in progress with “both sides entrenched in their positions.”

Tensions between Qatar and Israel have simmered throughout the conflict, with Israeli politicians, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, criticizing Qatar’s perceived leniency towards Hamas. Meanwhile, Qatar’s absence of formal diplomatic ties with Israel further complicates the situation.

Egypt has reportedly presented Israeli officials with a “new vision” for a prolonged cease-fire in Gaza, with discussions potentially leading to a permanent cessation of hostilities in the region’s second phase. However, Israel’s commitment to such agreements remains ambiguous, with the nation insisting on defeating Hamas before ending the conflict.

International pressure for a cease-fire deal has intensified, aiming to prevent an Israeli incursion into Rafah, a city bordering Egypt and sheltering over half of Gaza’s population. Israel’s troop buildup near Rafah has sparked global concern, with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas warning of dire consequences during the World Economic Forum in Saudi Arabia.

As negotiations continue, humanitarian organizations warn of further deterioration in Gaza’s already desperate situation if an invasion of Rafah occurs. Meanwhile, aid shipments are poised to alleviate some of the suffering, although logistical challenges remain.

The conflict, ignited by Hamas’ incursion into southern Israel in October, has resulted in significant casualties and humanitarian crises on both sides. The path to a lasting peace remains elusive, with the fate of hostages and the future of Gaza hanging in the balance.

US intelligence believes Putin is unlikely behind Navalny’s death, Wall Street Journal reveals

LONDON. The Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday that U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded that Russian President Vladimir Putin likely did not order the killing of opposition figure Alexei Navalny in February at an Arctic prison camp.

Navalny, a prominent critic of Putin, passed away at the age of 47, sparking widespread speculation and accusations against the Russian government. His allies, deemed extremists by Russian authorities, have vehemently accused Putin of orchestrating Navalny’s assassination and vowed to furnish evidence to support their claims.

The Kremlin has consistently denied any involvement in Navalny’s demise. Putin, in a recent statement, expressed condolences over Navalny’s death, describing it as “sad.” He also claimed to have been prepared to facilitate Navalny’s transfer to Western authorities in a prisoner exchange, on the condition that Navalny never returned to Russia. Navalny’s allies assert that discussions regarding such an exchange were indeed underway.

Citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter, the Wall Street Journal revealed that while U.S. intelligence agencies believe Putin probably did not directly order Navalny’s killing, they have not absolved him of overall responsibility. This conclusion stems from Navalny’s prolonged targeting by Russian authorities, his imprisonment on what the West deems politically motivated charges, and his poisoning in 2020 with a nerve agent, for which the Kremlin denies involvement.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the Journal’s report as “empty speculation,” denouncing its credibility during a press briefing on Saturday.

The accuracy of the Journal’s report could not be independently verified by Reuters. However, the paper cited sources indicating that the finding had been widely accepted within the U.S. intelligence community, including agencies such as the CIA, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and the State Department’s intelligence unit.

The U.S. assessment reportedly relied on a plethora of information, including classified intelligence, and an analysis of public facts such as the timing of Navalny’s death, which coincided with Putin’s re-election campaign in March, overshadowing the political landscape.

As the global community grapples with the aftermath of Navalny’s demise, questions surrounding the circumstances of his death and potential state involvement continue to loom large, casting a shadow over Russia’s domestic and international affairs.

Paris 2024 Olympics flame embarks on final leg to France

ATHENS. The Olympic flame set sail for France on Saturday aboard the majestic three-masted ship, the “Belem,” a symbolic journey marking the countdown to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Departing from the port of Piraeus, Greece, the flame’s voyage signals the culmination of preparations ahead of the highly anticipated opening ceremony on July 26.

The historic vessel embarked on an 11-day odyssey, destined for the southern French city of Marseille, which traces its roots back to Greek settlers from Phocaea around 600 BC. Scheduled to arrive on May 8, the flame’s arrival will be met with great fanfare, heralding the commencement of a 68-day torch relay across France.

Paris Games organizers formally received the flame on Friday in a poignant ceremony at Athens’ Panathenaic Stadium, the revered site of the inaugural modern Olympics in 1896. This followed the flame’s ceremonial lighting in ancient Olympia last week, marking the beginning of an illustrious 11-day Greek relay.

Following a brief ceremony in Piraeus, the vessel embarked on its voyage to Marseille, where an estimated 150,000 spectators eagerly await its arrival at the Old Port. Marseille, renowned for its maritime heritage, will serve as the launchpad for the Olympic sailing competitions, setting the stage for a grand torch relay across the French landscape.

The torch’s journey will culminate on May 9 as the final torchbearer ascends to the roof of the Velodrome stadium in Marseille. From there, the flame will continue its journey, traversing the country before reaching its ultimate destination in Paris on July 26. The lighting of the Olympic cauldron along the Seine River during the opening ceremony promises to be a spectacle of unparalleled grandeur.

Organizers envision a breathtaking opening ceremony, featuring a procession of 160 boats carrying athletes from across the globe along a six-kilometer route leading to the iconic Eiffel Tower. With an anticipated global audience tuning in, security remains paramount, particularly against the backdrop of ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.

Considering these concerns, the French government has mobilized significant resources, soliciting assistance from approximately 45 foreign countries to bolster security measures. Thousands of additional military, police, and civilian personnel are slated to reinforce security protocols, ensuring the safety and success of the Paris Olympics.

Philippines rejects alleged deal with China over South China Sea Shoal

MANILA. The Philippines dismissed Chinese assertions of a bilateral agreement concerning the Second Thomas Shoal, a flashpoint in the South China Sea dispute. Manila labeled the claim as propaganda, refuting any such deal and asserting its commitment to safeguarding its territorial integrity.

The denial comes in response to statements made by a spokesperson at China’s embassy in Manila on April 18, suggesting an agreement had been reached earlier this year regarding tensions at the contested shoal. However, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro rebuffed these claims, stating that his department had no knowledge of any such agreement since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s assumption of office in 2022.

Teodoro clarified that the Philippines had not engaged in discussions with Chinese officials since the preceding year, emphasizing the absence of any recent dialogue or agreement between the two nations. Despite attempts to seek clarification from China’s embassy, no response was forthcoming outside of office hours.

Tensions between Beijing and Manila have intensified in recent months over the Second Thomas Shoal, which lies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone but is also claimed by China. The Philippines has accused China of obstructing its vessels and employing aggressive tactics, including firing water cannons, to impede supply missions to Filipino soldiers stationed in the area.

China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea, encompassing nearly the entire waterway, have been a source of contention with neighboring nations, including the Philippines. Despite a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague, which deemed China’s claims invalid, Beijing continues to assert its sovereignty over the disputed territories.

Teodoro condemned China’s purported bilateral agreement as a component of its propaganda efforts, affirming the Philippines’ steadfast refusal to compromise on its territorial claims. He dismissed the narrative propagated by unnamed Chinese officials as baseless and reiterated Manila’s commitment to upholding its rights in the region.

As tensions persist in the South China Sea, Manila’s rejection of the alleged agreement underscores the complexities surrounding maritime disputes in one of the world’s busiest and most strategically significant waterways.

Bangkay ng lalaking nakasilid sa garbage bag natagpuan sa Cavite

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TERNATE, Cavite. Natagpuan ang bangkay ng isang hindi pa nakikilalang lalaki na nakasilid sa isang garbage bag at balot ng packing tape ang buong katawan sa Ternate-Nasugbu Road sa Brgy. Sapang 1, bayang ito kamakalawa ng hapon.

Bandang 3:45 ng hapon nang madiskubre ang isang itim na garbage bag ng ilang mga nagdaraan sa nasabing lugar, ayon sa ulat ng pulisya.

Sa pagsisiyasat at ulat ng mga awtoridad, nadiskubre nila sa loob ng garbage bag ang isang patay na lalaki na nakabalot ng packing tape mula sa ulo hanggang sa paa.

Posibleng itinapon lamang sa nasabing lugar ang biktima at sa ibang lugar ito pinatay, ayon sa mga awtoridad.

Kasalukuyang nagsasagawa ng follow-up ang pulisya hinggil sa nasabing insidente upang kilalanin ang bangkay at alamin ang buong kaso.