Saturday, August 8, 2026


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PBBM umamin na nahihirapang pumili ng bagong DepEd secretary

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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PBBM umamin na nahihirapang pumili ng bagong DepEd secretary

MAYNILA. Inamin ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na nahihirapan siyang pumili ng bagong kalihim ng Department of Education (DepEd).

Sa isang panayam kasunod ng Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) at National Unity Party (NUP) Alliance Signing Ceremony sa Makati City, sinabi ng Pangulo: “Sa madaling sabi, oo nahihirapan ako pumili dahil napakakumplikado ng trabaho ng DepEd.”

Bukod dito, may mga panawagan na ang susunod na kalihim ng DepEd ay isang “educator, administrator, at historical professor.”

“All of these and they are all valid concerns. That’s what education is all about. And that is why… I’ve gone through so many CVs (curriculum vitae). Marami tayong magagaling,” ayon sa Pangulo.

“We have to choose somebody who has an understanding of what is important in terms of being an educator. But then we also have to find the same person who has to have those qualities that can galvanize this very, very large bureaucracy which is the DepEd and to achieve all of those gains or all of those changes to make the educational standard better,” dagdag niya.

Binigyang-diin ng Punong Ehekutibo ang pangangailangan na magtalaga ng isang ‘educator’ na makatutulong kapwa sa mga guro at mga estudyante.

“Ang lagi naman natin tiningnan ang mga test score natin. We have to bring up the test scores. You all know that. So, you need an educator who understands how to help the students, how to help the teachers, number one,” ayon kay Pangulong Marcos.

Pinasalamatan din ni Pangulong Marcos si Vice President Sara Duterte sa kanyang naging trabaho sa DepEd.

“Mahirap ang trabaho ng DepEd. That’s why we have to thank Inday Sara really for the effort that she put in,” ang tinuran ni Pangulong Marcos.

Samantala, sinabi ni Rep. France Castro ng ACT Teachers Partylist na ang susunod na kalihim ay dapat may sapat na karanasan at kaalaman sa tunay na kalagayan ng edukasyon, may malasakit, at marunong makinig sa mga hinaing ng mga estudyante at guro.

Dapat aniya na may bitbit na solusyon sa mga problema ng sektor at laging kumokonsulta sa educational stakeholders.

Panawagan ni Castro kay Pangulong Marcos na huwag ibase sa politika ang pagtatalaga ng bagong kalihim ng DepEd.

“Mahalaga ang edukasyon kaya nararapat lamang na magtalaga ng kalihim na kayang sumagot sa pangangailangan ng mamamayan at kayang palakasin ang sistema ng edukasyon sa bansa,” dagdag niya.

Debate deepens voter discontent: Biden vs. Trump leaves many disheartened

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Debate deepens voter discontent: Biden vs. Trump leaves many disheartened

WASHINGTON. The recent presidential debate has left many voters feeling more conflicted than ever about their choices in the upcoming 2024 United States presidential election. Amidst the emotional support for Donald Trump, many Americans, including some of President Joe Biden’s supporters, are grappling with doubts about the fitness of either candidate to lead the nation.

Before the first general election debate, voters were already uneasy about their options, as both candidates faced significant unpopularity. During the debate, Trump’s sharp and vigorous delivery of falsehoods contrasted with Biden’s struggle to articulate his points, exacerbating concerns about the 81-year-old president’s ability to serve another term.

Many Democrats, undecided voters, and anti-Trump Republicans are now even more dispirited. For instance, Matthew Toellner, a registered Democrat from Denver, expressed his frustration, “I’m going to vote for Biden… Actually, I might not.” Reflecting the sentiment of many, he added, “I’m going to vote for Biden, I think I’d be a fool not to. But I just hate that I have to.”

In Detroit, Arabia Simeon, a startup owner, echoed this political disillusionment. “It just feels like we’re doomed no matter what,” she lamented, struggling to choose between Biden and an independent candidate. As a Black and queer individual, she found the choice between “two white men” particularly disheartening.

Public reaction to the debate has been mixed. Some Biden supporters remain steadfast despite his performance. Jocardo Ralston, a doctoral student at the University of Pennsylvania, stated, “Biden is not the ideal choice for many, but he is the only choice for me, without regrets or hesitation.” He emphasized his opposition to Trump’s values and policies.

Biden acknowledged his debate shortcomings at a rally in Raleigh, North Carolina, saying, “I know I’m not the debater I used to be. I know how to do this job. I know how to get things done.” While he managed to rally his supporters with a spirited speech, the debate left many feeling uneasy.

Despite widespread concern, Democratic lawmakers and party officials largely continue to support Biden. Sharif Street, chair of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, remarked, “It’s President Biden’s decision what he wants to do with his life… So far, he’s decided he’s our nominee, and I’m with him.”

The debate has intensified the existing political divide and voter dissatisfaction, leaving many Americans feeling more uncertain about the future leadership of the nation. As the election approaches, the challenge for both candidates will be to regain the confidence of a disillusioned electorate.

Biden Vows to Beat Trump Despite Debate Stumble

In Raleigh, North Carolina, President Joe Biden has reaffirmed his determination to defeat Republican rival Donald Trump in the upcoming presidential election, dismissing any notion of withdrawing from the race despite a lackluster debate performance.

Addressing a rally the day after the debate, Biden candidly acknowledged his age and debate struggles. “I know I’m not a young man, to state the obvious,” he said. “I don’t walk as easy as I used to, I don’t speak as smoothly as I used to, I don’t debate as well as I used to. I would not be running again if I didn’t believe with all my heart and soul that I could do this job. The stakes are too high.”

Biden’s debate performance, marked by verbal stumbles, has raised concerns about his fitness for another term. However, campaign spokesperson Michael Tyler dismissed any speculation of Biden dropping out. “We’d rather have one bad night than a candidate with a bad vision for where he wants to take the country,” he stated.

While some Democrats have expressed doubts, many senior party figures, including former presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, continue to support Biden. Obama noted, “Bad debate nights happen. Trust me, I know. But this election is still a choice between someone who has fought for ordinary folks his entire life and somebody who only cares about himself.”

The Biden campaign reported raising $14 million immediately after the debate, highlighting continued financial support. In contrast, Trump’s campaign raised $8 million.

At a rally in Chesapeake, Virginia, Trump declared a “big victory” from the debate, criticizing Biden’s competence rather than his age. “Joe Biden’s problem is not his age. It’s his competence,” Trump asserted.

Biden’s shaky performance drew global attention, with some allies expressing concerns about his capability to continue. Despite this, Biden remains committed to the race, aiming to reassure his supporters and maintain party unity.

As the election draws nearer, Biden’s challenge will be to overcome the debate’s fallout and solidify his support base, while Trump capitalizes on the opportunity to bolster his campaign. The race continues to be a pivotal moment for both candidates and the nation.

Police officer shot with an arrow in a suspected terror attack at the Israeli embassy in Serbia

Venus L Peñaflor
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Police officer shot with an arrow in a suspected terror attack at the Israeli embassy in Serbia

BELGRADE, Serbia. In a shocking incident on Saturday, a police officer at the Israeli Embassy in Belgrade was shot in the neck with a crossbow in what authorities are calling a terrorist attack. The assailant was subsequently shot by the officer and later died from his injuries, according to CNN affiliate N1.

The injured officer was immediately taken to the hospital, where he is expected to undergo surgery to remove the arrow lodged in his neck. Serbia’s Interior Minister Ivica Dacic labeled the attack as an act of terrorism, revealing that several individuals connected to the incident have been arrested. Dacic noted that the suspects are believed to be members of the Wahhabi movement, a strict branch of Islam, and were already known to police and security services.

A spokesperson for the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned the incident as an “attempted terrorist attack.” Fortunately, no employees of the embassy were injured during the attack.

This incident comes amid heightened security concerns for Israel-linked institutions in Europe, following Israel’s ongoing conflict in Gaza, which escalated after Hamas conducted cross-border raids on October 7. Many European countries have since increased security measures around Jewish establishments, including places of worship, in response to the heightened threat of attacks.

Authorities continue to investigate the motives and connections of the attackers, as the region remains on high alert for further incidents.

Peryodistang aktibo lang tuwing eleksyon, iniligpit

Arman B. Cambe
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Peryodistang aktibo lang tuwing eleksyon, iniligpit

COTABATO CITY. Patay ang isang kilalang “occasional journalist” na aktibo sa pagsuporta ng mga piling political parties tuwing halalan matapos pagbabarilin noong Sabado ng umaga sa Barangay West, General Santos City.

Sa inisyal na pahayag ni Brig. Gen. Percival Augustus Placer, director ng Police Regional Office-12, agad na namatay ang biktima na si Manuel Suansing Malinao dahil sa mga tama ng bala. Pinagbabaril siya ng hindi pa nakikilalang salarin sa kanilang bakuran sa Purok Sta. Cruz, Silway, Barangay East, General Santos City.

Mabilis na nakatakas ang pumatay kay Malinao, na hindi kinikilala ng maraming reporters sa General Santos City at mga karatig na probinsya bilang ganap na miyembro ng “mainstream media.” Aktibo lamang umano si Malinao sa pagsusulat bilang propagandista ng mga political parties tuwing halalan.

Kilala rin si Malinao sa kanyang partisipasyon sa pagbuo ng mga kasong graft laban sa ilang politiko sa General Santos City at South Cotabato, kabilang ang dating mayor ng lungsod na si Pedro Acharon, Jr.

Nasentensyahan ng Sandiganbayan si Acharon sa nasabing graft case, na nagresulta sa kanyang perpetual disqualification mula sa anumang posisyon sa pamahalaan.

Patuloy ang imbestigasyon ng mga awtoridad upang matukoy ang motibo sa pagpatay kay Malinao at ang pagkakakilanlan ng salarin.

US removes Gaza aid pier due to weather; reinstallation uncertain, say officials

Venus L Peñaflor
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US removes Gaza aid pier due to weather; reinstallation uncertain, say officials

WASHINGTON. The U.S. military’s aid pier, designed to facilitate humanitarian assistance to Gaza, has been dismantled due to inclement weather, and officials indicate it may not be reinstalled unless aid distribution resumes. This decision comes amid significant logistical and security challenges, U.S. officials revealed on Friday.

The pier, integral to delivering much-needed food supplies to Gaza, has faced multiple setbacks. Although the structure enabled the transfer of over 19.4 million pounds (8.6 million kilograms) of food, much of it remains in a nearby storage yard, nearly at full capacity. Aid agencies struggle to move these supplies deeper into Gaza due to ongoing attacks on humanitarian convoys.

The United Nations, which plays a critical role in distributing aid, has suspended its operations through the pier since June 9. This pause followed an Israeli military operation near the pier, which involved the extraction of hostages but resulted in over 270 Palestinian casualties. The incident prompted a U.N. security review due to concerns over the safety and neutrality of aid workers.

Steve Taravella, spokesperson for the U.N. World Food Program, confirmed that the U.N.’s participation remains on hold pending a resolution to these security concerns.

Originally intended as a temporary measure, President Joe Biden’s $230 million project has encountered several obstacles since its inception on May 17. Both relief organizations and congressional Republicans have criticized the initiative, labeling it a costly and ineffective solution to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Unpredictable weather has been a persistent issue, damaging the pier shortly after its initial deployment. Heavy seas once again necessitated the pier’s removal on Friday, with the structure now relocated to the Israeli port of Ashdod for protection.

Unnamed U.S. officials suggested that the pier could be reinstalled once weather conditions improve. However, a final decision has yet to be made. Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh stated, “When the commander decides that it is the right time to reinstall that pier, we’ll keep you updated on that.” She also emphasized the need for more aid to arrive in Cyprus for transport to the pier, noting that the onshore storage area is nearly full.

Despite the logistical hurdles, Singh reiterated the U.S.’s commitment to delivering aid to Gaza by any means necessary. “Of course, if there’s not enough room in the marshaling yard, then it doesn’t make sense to put our men or women out there when there’s nothing to do,” she added.

The situation in Gaza remains dire, with widespread hunger exacerbated by the prolonged Israel-Hamas conflict, stringent Israeli border controls, and frequent attacks on aid convoys. These factors continue to impede the flow of essential food, medicine, and other supplies to the region.

Vatican urged to remove art by Jesuit priest accused of abuse

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Vatican urged to remove art by Jesuit priest accused of abuse

VATICAN CITY. A senior cardinal has called on Vatican authorities to cease displaying the artwork of Jesuit priest Father Marko Ivan Rupnik, who has been accused of abusing nuns and other women, to avoid appearing indifferent to the victims’ suffering.

Father Rupnik, renowned for his mosaics that adorn approximately 200 churches and chapels worldwide, including the Vatican, was expelled from the Jesuit order last year following multiple allegations of abuse. Around 20 individuals, primarily former nuns, have accused him of various forms of abuse during his tenure as a spiritual director in Slovenia about 30 years ago and later in Rome, where he pursued his career as an artist.

Despite the gravity of the accusations, Rupnik has not publicly commented on them. The Jesuit Order described the allegations as “highly” credible last year.

In light of the allegations, five women who accused Rupnik of sexual and psychological violence have appealed to bishops globally to remove his mosaics from churches to prevent further distress to the faithful.

“Pastoral prudence would prevent displaying artwork in a way that could imply either exoneration or a subtle defense of alleged perpetrators of abuse,” stated Cardinal Sean O’Malley, president of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, in a letter to Vatican officials. “We must avoid sending a message that the Holy See is oblivious to the psychological distress that so many are suffering.”

The letter, dated Wednesday but published on Friday, was prompted by a lawyer representing some of Rupnik’s alleged victims, who questioned the appropriateness of keeping his artworks in places of worship. The lawyer’s letter to over 80 bishops from various dioceses highlighted that some women were abused during the creation of the mosaics, either while posing as models or participating in the installation.

Contrarily, Paolo Ruffini, head of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication, opposed the removal of Rupnik’s works. “I don’t think we have to throw stones, thinking it is the way of healing someone,” Ruffini remarked at a Catholic media conference last week, according to video footage obtained by The Pillar. “The Christian faith is saying other things.”

Despite this, some dioceses are considering the removal of Rupnik’s art. Notably, Lourdes, where a mosaic by Rupnik adorns the façade of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, is expected to make a decision shortly.

Mga tanikala ng kamangmangan at kawalang-interes, at ang turo ng pagbabago

DC Alviar
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Mga tanikala ng kamangmangan at kawalang-interes, at ang turo ng pagbabago

Bago man lang mag-Hulyo, nawa’y malinaw na kung sino ang papalit sa napakahina pero napakabilis at napakalakas gumastos na kasapi ng gabinete ni Marcos Jr. doon sa Kagawaran ng Edukasyon. Una nang sinabi ng mga eksperto na kailangang magdeklara ng krisis sa edukasyon, kinalauna’y naideklara ngang ganoon, pero para bang ginawa lang gatasan ang tanggapan.

Walang ibang inaasahang makababawi sa krisis na ito kundi ang tagapagtalagang pangulo. Kalimutan niya sana ang pulitika at magtalaga ng bagong kalihim ng DepEd na hindi lang handang harapin ang krisis sa salita kundi sa gawa; ibig sabihin, may napatunayan nang kakayahan na mabubusisi sa maganda at lantad na track record sa larangan ng edukasyon.

Nagkamali siya sa unang pagtatalaga. Pwede kayang magkamali ulit? Hindi na siguro, pero makialam. Magmungkahi. Magpakasigurong pakikinggan ang mungkahi ng concerned teachers and parents para sa mga misyon ng pagtuturo, pagkalinga habang nag-aaral, at pagpapamulat sa pagkamamamayan at pagkamaka-Diyos ng estudyanteng Pinoy.

Pinakamahalaga, ani Professor Cielo Magno, “inspiring” ang susunod na mamumuno sa DepEd. Mahihikayat niya ang lahat ng sektor (hindi lang ng edukasyon) na makatuwang sa seryoso pero nababalewalang mandato ng departamentong merong pinakamalaking gastusin taon-taon kung nakabatay ang General Appropriations Act sa Konstitusyon.

Kapag sinabing inspiring, hindi natin sinasabing iparinig sa atin ng DepEd secretary ang lahat kundi gawin niya ang lahat para may makabuluhang pagbabago sa PISA at iba pang international and local assessments hinggil sa pagbabasa, pag-unawa sa binasa, matematika, agham, at ang huli pero lubha ring mahalaga, creative thinking.

Paano sinusukat ng PISA ang malikhaing pag-iisip? Kakayahan itong buuin, suriin at pahusayin ang mga ideyang gagawin.

“Creative thinking can be applied not only to contexts related to the expression of imagination, such as creative writing or the arts but also to other areas where the generation of ideas is functional to the investigation of issues, problems or society-wide concerns,” OECD pointed out. We can now ask ourselves how much discernment we have or how many of our students, for example, discerned the wisdom of dissenting opinions of Justices Carpio, Sereno, Perlas-Bernabe, Jardeleza, Leonen, and Caguioa in 2017 only to find out the completion of the interest of justice seven years thereafter in the acquittal of Leila de Lima on drug charges filed by the subsequently biased Department of Justice of the Duterte administration?

Sa pag-anunsyo ng pagbibitiw ni Vice President Sara Duterte bilang DepEd Secretary, iyon din ang araw ng paglabas ng malubhang resulta natin sa Creative Thinking assessment ng PISA bukod pa sa mga nauna na nating pangungulelat sa mga ranking. Iyon agad ang dagdag-hamon sa hindi pa man naitatalagang kahalili ni Duterte.

Lagi naman nating sinasabi, at napagdidiinan na ng EDCOM II reports, na mahalagang aralin ang mga datos na nagtuturo sa ating may mga problemang dapat kaharapin sa iba’t ibang aspeto ng kurikulum at pagtuturo, alokasyon ng budget at tamang prayoridad. Kabilang dito: mas maraming gusaling pampaaralan, mas mataas na pasahod sa mga guro, mas pinaunting gawaing administratibo ng mga guro, at mas pinatinding suportang pinansyal, pangkatawan at pangkaisipan (aklat, gadget, pang-internet, mental health services, etc.) sa mga batang mag-aaral.

Mahirap ipagkatiwala sa pulitiko ang posisyong kalihim ng DepEd, maliban na lamang kung nakakitaan na siya ng malinis na hangarin at walang bahid ng katiwalian. Minsan, hindi na nating tinitingnan sa malaking pagkakagastusan ng mga proyektong pampaaralan kundi sa laki ng puso ng paglilingkod ng tagapanguna. Maaalala natin si yumaong senador at dating DOH secretary Juan Flavier. Inspirado ang mga Pilipino noon, lalo ang mga nakabasa ng aklat na Doctor to the Barrios, Experiences with the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (Flavier, 1970).

Sa Department of Health iyon. Pero kung tutuusin, ganoon din naman ang dapat nating mahanap at hindi mahirap hanapan ng pursigidong pinuno ng Department of Education. Marami-raming pa rin ang ideyalista, karamihan sa kanila ay may udyok ng pagnanais na maglingkod sa bayan na may halong pananabik sa pakikipagsapalaran gaya ni Vico Sotto na namumuno ng maunlad, payak, mapayapang Pasig kung saan naroroon ang head office ng DepEd.

Speaking of office, hindi malilimutan ang pagkakaroon ng ura-urada at marami-raming satellite offices ang Office of the Vice President (Basahin: https://www.coa.gov.ph/download/6023/office-of-the-vice-president/77693/office-of-the-vice-president-executive-summary-2022.pdf; https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1796592/coa-ovps-fast-tracking-of-satellite-ofcs-led-to-disregard-of-procurement-rules). Diyan natin makikita kung nilalakaran nga ba ng pinuno ang tamang prayoridad, gaya halimbawa ng pagtutok sa kakulangan ng mga pasilidad, silid-aklatan, at silid-aralan, tutal lumalabas na napakalaki ng hinawakang budget.

Dahil diyan, sino ang may lakas ng loob para pangunahan ang Pilipinas sa pinakamalaking pagbabagong praktikal, ang gawing eskwelahan ang mga POGO?

Mayroong 300 illegal POGOs sa bansa, ayon sa Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC). Sa kanila na mismo nagmula ang mungkahing gawan ng mga silid-aralan ang mga naggagandahan nilang sinalakay na POGO hubs sa Bamban, Tarlac at Porac, Pampanga. Sinong mag-aakalang merong 36 na gusali na nakatayo sa compound na umano’y pag-aari ng suspendidong Bamban mayor Alice Guo? Sa kanya pa nga nakapangalan ang bill ng kuryente nito sa mga nagdaang buwan. Likod lang ng munisipyo ng Bamban ang POGO hubs.

Kung kaya niyang loko-lokohin tayo (katuwang mismo ang dating administrasyong maka-Tsina), tayo naman ang maghanap ng tao mula o dati, o sa labas ng DepEd na kayang seryosohin ang mga hamon sa kagawaran at seryoso rin nating susuportahan ang kanyang liderato. Kapag hindi mangyayari iyon, walang magbabago; makakabalita pa rin tayo ng mga silid-aralan sa sementeryo, at marami pang “only in the Philippines.”

Pero nakakaiyak din yung mga kwento ng mga batang pumapasok sa eskwela nang hindi nag-aagahan at mga hindi na talaga makapag-aral kasi katuwang na lang ng mga magulang para maghanap-buhay o magbabad sa sikat ng araw para humingi ng limos sa kalsada.

Philippine troops kill 10 Communist rebels in major clash, delivering another blow to decades-long insurgency

Venus L Peñaflor
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Philippine troops kill 10 Communist rebels in major clash, delivering another blow to decades-long insurgency

CABANATUAN, Nueva Ecija. Philippine troops have killed at least 10 suspected communist guerrillas in a clash in a remote northern area, marking the latest blow to a decades-old insurgency that has significantly weakened. Military and security officials reported on Friday that the insurgency now has only about a thousand guerrillas remaining.

The confrontation occurred on Wednesday near a village in Pantabangan town in Nueva Ecija province. Army troops intercepted approximately 20 New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas, who were retreating from a previous clash with government forces last week. The ensuing firefight resulted in the deaths of 10 rebels, including three commanders. Thirteen rifles and a pistol were recovered from the site, located near a key dam, according to the army.

Maj. Jimson Masangkay, a regional army spokesperson, confirmed by telephone that troops were continuing to pursue around 10 other guerrillas who fled the remote area.

Brig. Gen. Norwin Joseph Pasamonte, an army infantry brigade commander, praised the troops for their success but also expressed sorrow over the loss of life. “The government did not fail in appealing to them to surrender and return to normal life,” Pasamonte stated, adding that the deaths should serve as a deterrent to the remaining guerrillas.

Nueva Ecija, a northern rice-growing region, was once a stronghold of the communist insurgency. However, Maj. Masangkay noted that fewer than 50 Maoist guerrillas remain active in the area.

Last November, the government and the communist rebels agreed to resume talks aimed at ending one of Asia’s longest-running armed insurgencies. The discussions, held in Oslo and mediated by Norwegian officials, sought to address key obstacles to intermittent peace negotiations. Despite this, actual peace talks have not resumed under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Philippine officials estimate that about 1,000 communist fighters remain, following years of setbacks, surrenders, and internal divisions. Peace talks, previously brokered by Norway, collapsed under former President Rodrigo Duterte after both sides accused each other of continuing deadly attacks despite ongoing negotiations.

US Air Force member charged with kidnapping and raping Japanese schoolgirl

Venus L Peñaflor
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US Air Force member charged with kidnapping and raping Japanese schoolgirl

TOKYO. Japanese prosecutors have charged Brennon R. E. Washington, a 25-year-old US Air Force member, with allegedly kidnapping and raping an underage girl just before Christmas last year, Okinawa police confirmed to CNN on Wednesday.

Washington was indicted on March 27 on charges of “non-consensual sexual intercourse” and “indecent kidnapping,” according to a court spokesperson in Naha, Okinawa’s capital. The US military handed him over to Japanese authorities on the same day. Washington was released on bail and transferred to the Kadena US Air Base in Okinawa for custody. His trial is set to begin on July 12.

The court spokesperson stated that they have no information regarding Washington’s legal representation.

This prosecution occurs as the US and Japan are deepening their military alliance amid rising geopolitical tensions with China and North Korea. The alleged rape is the latest in a series of criminal cases involving US personnel in Okinawa, which hosts one of the largest US military bases abroad. These incidents have historically strained relations with residents, who oppose the presence of American troops and equipment on the island.

Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki expressed his dismay over the incident. “The allegations of rape and kidnap are extremely regrettable,” he told reporters on Tuesday. “It is necessary to strongly protest against the US military and other related organizations.” He added that his office will “take a tough stance in dealing with the situation.”

Washington was stationed with the 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron at the Kadena Air Base. “The 18th Wing is aware of a sexual assault allegation against a Kadena Airman involving a Japanese citizen,” 1st Lt. Alvin G. Nelson III, spokesperson for the 18th Wing, said on Wednesday. “We understand and share the local community’s concerns regarding this case,” Nelson added, emphasizing that the Wing leadership is “deeply concerned by the severity of this alleged crime” and is cooperating with local authorities in the investigation.

“All US service members are expected to uphold the highest standards, and the US military is committed to holding accountable those who are convicted of criminal acts,” Nelson said.

The indictment follows nearly 30 years after three US servicemen raped a 12-year-old Okinawa schoolgirl in 1995, which led to significant backlash against the US military presence on the island. In 2016, the rape and murder of a 20-year-old woman by a former US base worker sparked mass protests, with tens of thousands of residents demanding the relocation of US bases outside of Okinawa, resulting in curfews for US personnel on the island.

In another incident involving US personnel, a US Navy officer killed two Japanese nationals while driving down Mount Fuji in 2021.

Following Washington’s indictment, Masataka Okano, Japan’s Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, called for stricter discipline and protested with US Ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel. The Japanese Foreign Ministry confirmed the protest.

The US Embassy in Japan acknowledged the case but declined to comment, directing inquiries to Kadena Air Base.

The US and Japan maintain a mutual defense alliance and a long-standing military partnership, recently reinforced due to regional threats from North Korea and China. In August 2023, US President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol met at Camp David, emphasizing a “new era of cooperation” with commitments to annual trilateral summits, intelligence sharing, and military exercises.

Japan and Philippines push to finalize defense pact amid rising tensions over China

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Japan and Philippines push to finalize defense pact amid rising tensions over China

MANILA. Top defense and foreign affairs officials from Japan and the Philippines are set to meet in Manila next month to bolster strategic ties and address regional security concerns, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs announced on Friday. This meeting comes at a growing alarm over China’s actions in the disputed South China Sea.

Scheduled for July 8, the talks will include Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko and Defense Minister Kihara Minoru, who will meet with their Philippine counterparts. While the specific agenda details were not disclosed, officials from both countries, speaking anonymously due to lack of authorization to discuss the issue publicly, confirmed that efforts are underway to finalize a key defense pact, potentially to be signed during the meetings.

The proposed defense pact follows an agreement made last year during Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s visit to Manila, where he and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos agreed to initiate negotiations on a reciprocal access agreement. This agreement would allow Japanese and Filipino troops to enter each other’s territory for joint military exercises and enhanced defense cooperation. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen alliances in response to China’s increasing assertiveness in the region.

President Marcos emphasized the significance of the defense pact, stating last year that it would be beneficial “both to our defense and military personnel and to maintaining peace and stability in our region.” During his visit, Prime Minister Kishida announced that Japan would provide the Philippines with a coastal surveillance radar through a grant, marking the Philippines as the first Southeast Asian nation to benefit from Japan’s newly launched security assistance program for allied militaries.

In addition to the radar, Japan will supply the Philippines with patrol vessels, defense equipment, and more radars to enhance the country’s maritime law enforcement capabilities. Over the years, Japan has delivered a dozen patrol ships to the Philippines, which are now largely used to protect its territorial interests in the contested South China Sea.

Japan itself is engaged in a longstanding territorial dispute with China over islands in the East China Sea. Meanwhile, Chinese and Philippine coast guard and navy ships have faced numerous tense confrontations in the South China Sea, a critical global trade route. The most severe incident occurred last week when Chinese Coast Guard personnel armed with knives, spears, and an axe repeatedly rammed and destroyed two Philippine Navy supply vessels at the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, injuring several Filipino sailors and seizing at least seven Philippine Navy rifles.

The Philippines strongly condemned the Chinese coast guard’s actions, demanding reparations for the damage and the return of the rifles. In response, China accused the Philippines of provoking the violence, claiming that Filipino sailors had entered Chinese territorial waters despite warnings.

Japan, alongside the United States and other allied nations, expressed serious concern over China’s aggressive actions. “Japan reiterates serious concern over repeated actions which obstruct freedom of navigation and increase regional tensions, including recent dangerous actions that resulted in damage to the Filipino vessel and injuries to Filipinos onboard,” stated Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs following the incident.

Washington renewed its commitment to defend the Philippines, its oldest treaty ally in Asia, if Filipino forces, ships, or aircraft come under armed attack, including in the South China Sea.

Despite the severity of the recent confrontation, Philippine officials, including President Marcos, stated that the Chinese assault, captured on video and in photographs released by the Manila government, was “illegal” and “deliberate” but did not constitute an armed attack that would trigger the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty with the U.S.

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