Tuesday, May 12, 2026


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Ex-Sen. Rene Saguisag pumanaw na

Nagluluksa ang sambayanan sa pagpanaw ng dating Senador na si Rene Saguisag sa edad na 84 anyos.

Si Saguisag ay advocate ng karapatang pantao sa panahon ng diktaduryang Marcos at isa sa mga nagtataguyod ng Free Legal Assistance Group.

Sa pamamagitan ng social media, kinumpirma ng kanyang pamilya ang pagpanaw ni Saguisag kasabay ng kanilang hiling na bigyan muna sila ng “ilang sandaling privacy” habang sila ay nagluluksa.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Papa and Lolo,” saad sa Facebook post ni Rebo Saguisag, anak ng kilalang human-rights lawyer.

Naging tagapagsalita si Saguisag ng dating Pangulong Cory Aquino mula sa pagiging human rights lawyer simula noong 1972 hanggang 1986. Nagsilbi rin siyang senador mula 1987 hanggang 1992 bilang kasapi ng Liberal Party at pinuno ng Committee on Ethics.

Kaagad namang ipinaabot ng Senado ang kanilang pakikiramay sa pamumuno ni Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri. Inilagay sa “half mast” ang bandila sa harap ng gusali ng Senado bilang pagpapakita ng kanilang pakikidalamhati sa pagpanaw ni Saguisag.

Pagsakay ng Pinoy seafarers sa mga barkong maglalayag sa Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, hindi na papayagan

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MAYNILA. Ipinagbawal na ng Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) ang pagsakay ng mga Filipino seafarers sa mga barkong maglalayag sa Red Sea at Gulf of Aden, isang hakbang upang mapanatili ang kanilang kaligtasan.

Batay sa Department Order No.2 na nilagdaan ni DMW officer-in-charge na si Hans Leo Cacdac, lahat ng Filipino seafarers na nasa empleyo para sa passenger at cruise ships ay hindi pinahihintulutan na maglayag sa dalawang nabanggit na bahagi ng karagatan, na kamakailan lamang ay idineklara bilang high-risk areas at war-like zone.

Sa ilalim ng naturang kautusan, kinakailangan ng mga lisensyadong manning agencies (LMAs) na pumirma ng affirmation letter na nagsasaad na ang mga barko na may sakay na Filipino seafarers ay hindi dadaan sa Red Sea o sa Gulf of Aden. Gayundin, ang mga Filipino seafarers na nasa listahan bilang crew members ay kailangang pumirma ng ganitong affirmation letter na nagpapatunay na ang kanilang sasakyang pandagat ay hindi rin dadaan sa nabanggit na mga lugar.

Ang mga dokumentong ito, kasama ang detalyadong itinerary ng sasakyang pandagat, ay kailangang isumite sa DMW sa oras ng dokumentasyon ng mga kontrata sa pagtatrabaho ng mga tripulante o bago ang kanilang deployment.

Ayon sa pahayag ng DMW, layunin ng kanilang ahensya na pangalagaan ang kaligtasan ng mga Filipino seafarers sa pamamagitan ng mga hakbang na ito.

Bukod dito, hiniling din sa mga LMAs na bigyan ng tamang pagtugon ang mga marino na nagpapahayag ng kanilang layunin na tumanggi sa paglalayag sa mga lugar na itinuturing na may mataas na panganib at mga warlike zones. Kabilang dito ang pagbibigay ng sapat na kompensasyon at mga hakbang sa seguridad para sa kanilang kaligtasan.

Ang pagpapauwi ng mga seafarers sa Pilipinas, sakaling magpasya silang hindi tumuloy sa paglalayag, ay kinakailangang asikasuhin ng mga manning agencies ng maayos at maagap.

Belgian man with rare alcohol-producing condition acquitted of drunk driving

BRUSSELS, Belgium. A Belgian man found himself acquitted of drunk driving charges on Monday, as his defense revealed a rare medical condition known as auto-brewery syndrome (ABS), wherein the body produces alcohol, according to his lawyer.

Anse Ghesquiere, speaking to Reuters, highlighted the unusual circumstance that her client also happens to work at a brewery. However, three independent medical examinations confirmed the presence of ABS.

While Belgian media refrained from disclosing the defendant’s name in adherence to local legal practices, reports stated that the judge’s verdict underscored the absence of typical signs of intoxication.

Despite requests for comment, the Bruges police court, responsible for the acquittal, remained silent in response to inquiries from Reuters.

Lisa Florin, a clinical biologist at Belgian hospital AZ Sint-Lucas, shed light on ABS, explaining that individuals with this condition produce alcohol similar to that found in alcoholic beverages but often experience diminished effects. She noted that ABS typically arises in individuals already grappling with intestinal issues, rather than being a congenital condition.

Mas matinding init sa mas maraming lugar nasa “danger level” ng heat index ngayong araw

Umabot na sa 38 lugar sa buong bansa ngayong Huwebes, Abril 25, ang naitala na may heat index na umabot sa ‘dangerous level,’ ayon sa PAGASA. Ito ay mas mataas kumpara sa kahapon na 31 lugar lamang ang apektado.

Sa mga sumusunod na lugar ay posibleng maranasan ang heat index na aabot mula 42°C hanggang 47°C:

  • 47°C:
    • Sangley Point, Cavite
  • 46°C:
    • Dagupan City, Pangasinan
  • 45°C:
    • NAIA Pasay City, Metro Manila
    • Cubi Pt., Subic Bay, Olongapo City
    • San Jose, Occidental Mindoro
    • Aborlan, Palawan
    • Roxas City, Capiz
  • 44°C:
    • Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
    • CLSU Muñoz, Nueva Ecija
    • Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas
    • Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
    • Legazpi City, Albay
    • Virac (Synop), Catanduanes
  • 43°C:
    • Science Garden, Quezon City, Metro Manila
    • Bacnotan, La Union
    • Aparri, Cagayan
    • ISU Echague, Isabela
    • Iba, Zambales
    • Clark Airport (DMIA), Pampanga
    • Baler (Radar), Aurora
    • Mulanay, Quezon
    • Calapan, Oriental Mindoro
    • CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur
    • Iloilo City, Iloilo
    • Dumangas, Iloilo
    • Catarman, Northern Samar
    • Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Del Sur
  • 42°C:
    • Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
    • Casiguran, Aurora
    • Tayabas City, Quezon
    • Infanta, Quezon
    • Alabat, Quezon
    • Coron, Palawan
    • Masbate City, Masbate
    • Tacloban City, Leyte
    • Guiuan, Eastern Samar
    • Davao City, Davao del Sur
    • Cotabato City, Maguindanao

Samantala, sa Baguio City at BSU sa La Trinidad, Benguet, ang pinakamababang naitalang heat index ay 28°C lamang.

Ang heat index ay hindi lamang simpleng temperatura ng hangin kundi ang init na nararamdaman ng isang tao. Ito ay sinusukat batay sa humidity at temperatura ng hangin.

Ang mataas na heat index ay nagdudulot ng panganib sa kalusugan tulad ng heat stroke, heat cramps, at heat exhaustion sa mga lugar na apektado. Ang umiiral na panahon ngayon ay pinaniniwalaang dulot ng climate change na nagpapataas ng temperatura at nagpapalala ng init.

TikTok may be banned in the US, reflecting India’s precedent

The fate of the wildly popular Chinese app TikTok hangs in the balance in the United States, where a congressional measure targeting the video-sharing platform has secured approval and awaits President Biden’s signature. As America contemplates a potential ban, it looks to India’s past action as a guiding example.

In India, TikTok met its demise nearly four years ago amidst heightened tensions with China following a deadly border clash. The move to ban the app, alongside several other Chinese applications, was swift and decisive, rooted in concerns over privacy and national security.

The ban in India, enacted in June 2020, followed a fatal skirmish in the Karakoram mountains that claimed the lives of twenty Indian and four Chinese soldiers, straining relations between the two nations. “There was a clamor leading up to this,” noted Nikhil Pahwa, a digital policy expert, highlighting the public sentiment against Chinese entities amid the military standoff.

For India, the ban marked not just a political statement but also a seismic shift in the digital landscape. With over 200 million users, TikTok had become deeply ingrained in Indian society. However, the void left by its departure paved the way for domestic and international alternatives like YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels, which swiftly gained traction.

The ban also prompted introspection among users and content creators. Winnie Sangma, once a prolific TikTok creator, transitioned to Instagram, reflecting on the shift: “I have built up followers on Instagram too, and I am making money from it, but the experience isn’t like how it used to be on TikTok.” Others like Rajib Dutta echoed similar sentiments, indicating a relatively smooth transition to alternative platforms.

Now, as the United States contemplates a similar ban, parallels and distinctions emerge. While India’s ban was swift and definitive, the U.S. legislation offers ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, a grace period to divest its operations. Yet, navigating America’s legal and constitutional framework poses unique challenges.

“In India, TikTok decided not to go to court, but the U.S. is a bigger revenue market for them,” observed Pahwa, noting the complexities surrounding free speech rights and legal recourse in America.

Moreover, the global proliferation of Chinese apps prompts broader questions of national security and sovereignty. Pahwa emphasizes the need for democratic nations to reassess their reliance on Chinese technology, citing concerns over potential exploitation by Chinese intelligence agencies.

As TikTok’s fate hangs in the balance on the global stage, the experiences of India and other nations serve as cautionary tales, highlighting the complex interplay between technology, geopolitics, and national security.

Paris will establish a no-fly zone to protect its grand Olympic opening ceremony

PARIS. Paris will enforce an unprecedented no-fly zone over the city for six hours during the highly anticipated opening ceremony of the Olympic Games on July 26, as part of rigorous security measures, announced the Paris airports operator on Wednesday.

Augustin de Romanet, Chairman of Aéroports de Paris, revealed on France Info radio that airlines have been informed in advance about the airspace closure and instructed to divert flights away from the restricted area. “For six hours, there won’t be any aircraft over the Paris region,” he emphasized.

The no-fly zone will cover a radius of 150 kilometers (93 miles) around Paris, according to statements from the civil aviation authority and Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin.

The spectacle of the opening ceremony, set along the iconic River Seine, poses a monumental security challenge for Paris Games organizers, with an estimated crowd of over 320,000 expected to line the waterway.

To ensure safety, at least one French military AWACS surveillance aircraft will monitor the skies during the Olympics, equipped with powerful radar to detect potential airborne threats. Additional military aircraft stand ready to intercept any unauthorized flights entering the restricted Olympic airspace.

In a separate development, de Romanet expressed optimism about trialing small electric-powered airborne taxis over Paris during the Games, potentially marking a historic milestone. However, European air-certification authorities may initially limit the taxis to experimental flights, delaying commercial operations.

“We have high hopes that we will be able to carry passengers experimentally which will pave the way, over Paris, for the first flight in the world of an electrical vertical take-off aircraft,” de Romanet stated, underscoring the innovative nature of the endeavor.

Despite assurances of safety, concerns persist among critics, including Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, who opposes the proposal due to potential noise pollution and safety risks associated with airborne taxis.

As preparations for the Paris Olympics intensify, the balance between innovation and security remains a focal point, shaping discussions around the world’s most anticipated sporting event.

Gadgets store hinoldap, mahigit na 100 Cellphone tinangay

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PILA, Laguna. Nagulantang ang publiko sa bayang ito nang salakayin ng apat na armadong lalaki ang isang gadgets shop dito kamakalawa, kung saan tinangay nila ang mahigit sa 100 na cellphone na nakalagay sa display cabinet ng tindahan.

Sa ulat ng Pila Municipal Police Station, 11:20 ng tanghali nang pasukin ng mga suspek ang A&D Gadgets Shop na matatagpuan sa BKJAMMB Bldg. sa Brgy. Bulilan Norte, Pila, Laguna. Agad na nagdeklara ng holdap ang mga ito, armado sila ng baril sa pagpasok sa establisimyento.

Sa loob ng maikling panahon, agad na nilimas ng apat na suspek ang mga naka-display na gadgets bago sila sumakay sa dalawang motorsiklo at mabilis na tumakas.

Ang mga suspek ay naka-long sleeve shirt na itim na may tatak na “Team Katagumpay” at mayroon ding jacket na pink at itim.

Samantala, patuloy ang imbestigasyon at dragnet operation ng pulisya upang matunton at madakip ang mga suspek sa insidenteng ito.

Gaza protests grow at US colleges, thousands rally in Brooklyn

Demonstrations against Israel have surged across the United States with Brooklyn witnessing thousands rallying for change amidst a backdrop of escalating tensions in Gaza. These protests come in the wake of mass arrests at various East Coast universities and reflect a growing discontent with the trajectory of the conflict with Hamas, historically a key ally of the United States.

Protests have notably followed President Joe Biden, who has identified as a “Zionist,” for months. On university campuses, these demonstrations have evolved into encampments drawing students and faculty from diverse backgrounds, including Jewish and Muslim faiths. Activities such as teach-ins, interfaith prayers, and musical performances have become integral parts of these gatherings.

In Brooklyn, tensions reached a climax on Tuesday as New York police arrested individuals for disorderly conduct during a large street protest. Criticism ensued from groups like the Council on American-Islamic Relations, condemning the use of police force and citing concerns about academic freedom.

Amid accusations of antisemitism and harassment, civil rights advocates, including the ACLU, have raised concerns about free speech. However, many campus protesters attribute off-campus incidents to rogue provocateurs attempting to hijack the protests’ message.

Students’ voices have echoed a spectrum of perspectives. Some, like Soph Askanase, a Jewish Columbia student, underscored the importance of reclaiming spaces for Palestinian voices, while others, like Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian student at Columbia, criticized universities for failing to protect their rights.

The wave of protests has extended beyond the East Coast, with solidarity demonstrations at the University of California, Berkeley, and disruptions at the University of Minnesota campus. Calls for divestment from Israeli interests and conditional military aid from the United States have been central to protesters’ demands.

Amidst Passover observances, some Jewish demonstrators have taken to the streets, distancing themselves from the Israeli government’s actions. Katherine Stern, who sacrificed her family Seder to join the Brooklyn protest, voiced her opposition to what she sees as human rights violations in Gaza.

As tensions persist, the protests underscore a deepening engagement with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict within the United States, shaping dialogue and activism on college campuses nationwide.

Indian teen becomes youngest contender for world chess title, set to challenge reigning Chinese champion

TORONTO, Canada. Gukesh Dommaraju, affectionately known as Gukesh D, has etched his name in chess history by clinching victory in the men’s Candidates Tournament in Toronto, Canada, at the tender age of 17. This triumph propels the young grandmaster into the spotlight as he prepares to take on reigning world champion Ding Liren of China in the upcoming 2024 World Chess Championship.

Gukesh’s remarkable achievement sets the stage for a potential record-breaking moment as he aims to surpass Garry Kasparov’s longstanding record of becoming the youngest world champion at the age of 22. His victory was sealed with a composed draw against world number 3 Hikaru Nakamura, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.

Reflecting on his historic win, Gukesh remarked in a press conference, “I was completely emotional but after the game I’m feeling quite good. I don’t really care about [being] the youngest and all these records, but it’s a nice thing to say.”

The talented teenager’s success has ignited a wave of celebration in India, where he is hailed as the latest addition to the nation’s impressive roster of chess prodigies. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to laud Gukesh’s “remarkable achievement” and commend his “extraordinary talent and dedication.”

Gukesh’s journey to the pinnacle of chess excellence exemplifies India’s rich legacy in the game, with legends like Viswanathan “Vishy” Anand paving the way. Anand himself expressed pride in Gukesh’s accomplishments, writing, “I’m personally very proud of how (Gukesh) played and handled tough situations. Enjoy the moment.”

The upcoming World Chess Championship clash between Gukesh and Ding Liren promises to be a historic encounter, with the date and location yet to be disclosed. Ding, who claimed the world title in 2023, faces a formidable challenge from the young Indian prodigy as he seeks to defend his championship crown.

Amidst the anticipation surrounding Gukesh’s ascent to the pinnacle of chess, India’s burgeoning chess scene continues to thrive with talents like Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, fondly known as “Pragg.” His victory over Magnus Carlsen in 2022 made headlines globally, showcasing the depth of talent emerging from the Indian chess community.

As the chess world eagerly awaits the showdown between Gukesh and Ding, the stage is set for a battle of intellect, strategy, and sheer determination, with both players poised to leave an indelible mark on the annals of chess history.

Taiwan endures over 200 aftershocks but no major damage

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TAIPEI. Taiwan’s eastern county of Hualien, still reeling from a devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake earlier this month, was shaken by more than 200 aftershocks late Monday and early Tuesday. Fortunately, only minor damage was reported, with no casualties, and major chipmaker TSMC reassured of uninterrupted operations.

The seismic activity, a continuation of tremors since the April 3 earthquake that claimed at least 17 lives, rattled buildings across northern, eastern, and western Taiwan, including the capital, Taipei. The strongest aftershock measured at 6.3 magnitude, prompting concern among residents.

“Especially at 2 a.m., it shook very strongly. In fact, for a moment even I thought about rushing downstairs, but as we live on the sixth floor, I felt it a bit troublesome to go down,” shared Taipei resident Aden Peng, reflecting on the unsettling experience. “Then again, according to my previous experience, I thought it should be fine and hoped it would be fine.”

Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration attributed the aftershocks to the April 3 quake, cautioning of further seismic activity. Seismological Centre Director Wu Chien-fu emphasized the likelihood of additional aftershocks but anticipated they might not be as intense.

As heavy rain looms over Taiwan this week, President Tsai Ing-wen urged vigilance, advising people to avoid mountainous areas and adhere to safety protocols in the event of an earthquake.

Despite some buildings in Hualien suffering additional damage, no casualties were reported. TSMC, the world’s largest contract chipmaker, confirmed the safety of its personnel and the stability of its operations, alleviating concerns among investors.

“Investors brushed off concerns about the quake, with TSMC’s Taipei-listed shares closing up 1.6% on Tuesday,” signaling confidence in the company’s resilience.

While road closures due to rockfalls were reported in mountainous Hualien county, the government took precautionary measures by suspending work and school for the day. Taiwan, situated at the convergence of tectonic plates, is susceptible to earthquakes, with historical precedents underscoring the nation’s vulnerability to seismic events.