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Israeli forces intensify assault on Gaza as tanks advance in Rafah

Venus L Peñaflor
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Israeli forces intensify assault on Gaza as tanks advance in Rafah

CAIRO. Israeli forces launched a heavy bombardment on central and southern Gaza on Friday, resulting in the deaths of at least 28 Palestinians. Concurrently, tank units have advanced to the western outskirts of Rafah, according to local reports.

Despite renewed diplomatic efforts by U.S.-backed Qatari and Egyptian mediators, aimed at ending the hostilities and addressing the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees, no progress has been made. Sources close to the negotiations revealed that a breakthrough remains elusive.

A month following the commencement of Israel’s operation in Rafah, aimed at dismantling the remaining Hamas combat units, tank-led forces have now moved to the southwestern edges of the city near the Gaza-Egypt border. Eyewitnesses reported tanks positioned in the al-Izba district close to the Mediterranean, with snipers occupying strategic buildings, effectively trapping residents in their homes. “Israeli machinegun fire has made it too dangerous to venture outside,” one resident shared.

In the latest violence, Gaza health officials confirmed that two Palestinians were killed and several wounded in western Rafah due to tank shelling. In central Gaza, overnight bombardments claimed at least 15 lives, according to Palestinian medics.

“I think the occupation forces are trying to reach the beach area of Rafah. The raids and the bombing overnight were tactical, they entered under heavy fire and then retreated,” a local resident told Reuters via a chat app.

Meanwhile, an Israeli airstrike on a house in Khan Younis, north of Rafah, killed eight people and injured several others, including children, according to medical sources. In northern Gaza, an airstrike on a Gaza City school building sheltering displaced families resulted in three fatalities, rescue workers reported.

The Israeli military stated it had targeted Hamas gunmen operating from a container inside the school premises. This incident is reminiscent of a similar strike on a U.N. school building in al-Nuseirat, central Gaza, on Thursday, which medical officials said killed 40 people, including 14 children. Israel claimed that many militants were hiding within the compound during that attack. The U.N. noted that around 6,000 displaced individuals were taking refuge at the site.

Ceasefire Talks Stagnate Amid Continued Hostilities

As the conflict rages on, Israel’s military continues to attribute the high civilian death toll to Hamas’s alleged use of densely populated areas for operations, including schools and hospitals. Conversely, U.N. and humanitarian officials accuse Israel of employing disproportionate force, a claim Israel denies.

On Friday, Hamas announced that its militants had targeted an Israeli troop position in the central city of Deir al-Balah, resulting in casualties. They reported seeing helicopters evacuate the injured Israeli soldiers.

Israel’s military operations in central Gaza persist, with the latest update indicating the killing of “dozens” of militants and the destruction of militant infrastructure in the al-Bureij refugee camp and nearby Deir al-Balah.

The war, initiated by a surprise Hamas assault on October 7, has seen extensive destruction across Gaza, with Israel vowing no peace until Hamas is eradicated. Despite severe losses, Hamas fighters continue to reemerge in areas previously cleared by Israeli forces.

Gaza’s health ministry reported that since the conflict began, over 36,731 people have been killed, including 77 in the past 24 hours. With much of the 2.3 million population displaced, many more are believed to be buried under the rubble.

Efforts to secure a ceasefire have repeatedly failed since a brief truce in November. Hamas demands a permanent cessation of the conflict and complete Israeli withdrawal, while Israel is only willing to consider temporary pauses in fighting until Hamas is dismantled and Gaza is no longer a security threat.

The latest round of indirect negotiations began on Wednesday when CIA Director William Burns met with senior officials from Qatar and Egypt in Doha to discuss a three-phase plan endorsed by U.S. President Joe Biden.

Since UP is No. 1 in the Philippines…

DC Alviar
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Since UP is No. 1 in the Philippines…

Anyone in the administration of the University of the Philippines should not consider as a great honor – and I know they are not really resting on their laurels – to almost always lead the country when it comes to the measures of quality set in the world rankings of Quacquarelli Symonds (QS ) and Times Higher Education (THE). It is good news that UP maintains the highest score compared to other higher education institutions (HEIs) in the country, but there are two things that must be focused on: UP will raise its world ranking even more, and make its public service felt by more Filipinos especially in rural areas.

Under the UP Charter (RA 9500), it is stated in the “Mandate as the National University” that the university has a role to lead “lead as a public service university by providing various forms of community, public and volunteer service, as well as scholarly and technical assistance to the government, the private sector, and civil society while maintaining its standards of excellence.”

In terms of the “Social Responsibility” provision, “UP is committed to serve the Filipino nation and humanity, and relate its activities to the needs of the Filipino people and their aspirations for social progress and transformation, and provide venues for student volunteerism.”

A portion of the “Democratic Access” provision says: “The national university shall take affirmative steps which may take the form of an alternative and equitable admissions process to enhance the access of disadvantaged students, such as indigenous peoples, poor and deserving students, including but not limited to valedictorians and salutatorians of public high schools, and students from depressed areas, to its programs and services.” (New version: “UP shall take affirmative steps, which may take the form of an alternative and equitable admissions process to enhance the access of disadvantaged students.”)

“The national university has the responsibility to maintain and enhance its high academic standards in the performance of its functions of instruction, research and extension, and public service,” stipulates a UP Charter section.

That almost sums up the reason why the Philippines’ premier state university is reasonably expected to be No. 1 in the country in terms of world rankings, including the ones set by QS and THE.

The UP website noted in its June 5 news-feature: “Rising out of the challenging times during the COVID-19 pandemic, this latest (QS) round of rankings indicates an upward trend for the university. In the 2020 rankings, which were released in 2019, UP’s ranking fell from 356th to 396th. The downward trend continued until the 2023 rankings, which were released in 2022, where UP landed at the 412th spot, its lowest since 2012.”

SUPPORTING THE U.N. 2030 AGENDA

Next Friday, June 14, has been set as the deadline for proposals for the Research, Innovation and Extension Grant-in-Aid (GIA) Program for 2025 funding. The call for proposals, according to a resolution of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) through the Office of Planning, Research and Knowledge Management (OPRKM), covers the following platforms/thematic areas:

(1) Food Production and Security; (2) Environment, Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Change and Energy; (3) Terrestrial and Marine Resources: Economy, Biodiversity and Conservation; (4) Smart Analytics and Engineering Innovations; (5) Health Systems; and (6) Education in STEAM.

The CHED memo dated March 4 states that proposals with these thematic areas should be aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in consonance with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The CHED-OPRKM said: “The GIA Program aims to build a higher education strategic research and extension portfolio through collaborative and disruptive research, innovation and extension programs/projects among Philippine HEIs. Conceivably, as producers of knowledge or hubs of innovations, HEIs are positioned to work in partnership with communities, business, and industry in facilitating the transfer of knowledge or technology on specific developmental areas that directly affect the lives of individuals, families and communities.”

Suzanne Collins announces new ‘Hunger Games’ novel: “Sunrise on the Reaping” set for 2025 release

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Suzanne Collins announces new ‘Hunger Games’ novel: “Sunrise on the Reaping” set for 2025 release

Set 24 years before the original series, Collins’ new book delves into the Fiftieth Hunger Games, exploring themes of power and propaganda.

NEW YORK. The post-apocalyptic world of Panem is set to expand once more. Acclaimed author Suzanne Collins is returning with a fifth installment in her blockbuster ‘Hunger Games’ series, titled “Sunrise on the Reaping,” scheduled for release on March 18, 2025.

Collins, who revolutionized the young adult genre with her gripping tales of survival and rebellion, delves deeper into the history of Panem in this new prequel. “Sunrise on the Reaping” takes readers back to the Fiftieth Hunger Games, a brutal contest occurring 24 years before the events of the original 2008 novel and 40 years after the timeline of “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” published in 2020.

In a statement released on Thursday, Collins shared her inspiration for the new novel, revealing a blend of historical philosophy and contemporary issues. “Drawing from David Hume’s notion of implicit submission and his reflection on how easily the many are governed by the few, I found fertile ground to explore deeper themes,” Collins explained. “The use of propaganda and the manipulation of narratives became central to the story, echoing Hume’s insights and the pervasive question in our times: ‘Real or not real?’”

Collins’ work has always been rich with allegorical references, from Greek mythology to Roman gladiatorial combat. With “Sunrise on the Reaping,” she continues this tradition, grounding her dystopian vision in philosophical ideas that resonate in today’s era of misinformation and media control.

Since its inception, the ‘Hunger Games’ series has captivated readers worldwide, selling over 100 million copies and being translated into numerous languages. The saga’s adaptation into a successful film franchise further cemented its cultural impact, with Jennifer Lawrence famously starring as the fearless Katniss Everdeen. To date, Lionsgate has yet to announce film rights for the new book, but given the success of the previous adaptations, it seems likely that “Sunrise on the Reaping” could follow its predecessors to the big screen.

The release of “Sunrise on the Reaping” marks another surprising turn in the ‘Hunger Games’ saga. In 2015, Collins hinted at moving on from the world of Panem, but her return in 2020 with “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” and now this latest announcement suggest that Panem’s story is far from over.

Fans of the series can anticipate a return to the dark, complex world Collins masterfully crafted, offering new insights and thrilling narratives. With “Sunrise on the Reaping,” readers will once again be drawn into the deadly and intriguing world of the Hunger Games, a testament to Collins’ enduring storytelling prowess.

Explosion and fire at sea killed six fishermen; six others were rescued

Venus L Peñaflor
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Explosion and fire at sea killed six fishermen; six others were rescued

CEBU CITY. An explosion and fire aboard a fishing vessel off the coast of Naga City in Cebu has claimed the lives of six Filipino fishermen. The incident occurred Wednesday night when the wooden-hulled boat, F/B King Bryan, erupted in flames approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles) offshore.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that six other crew members were rescued during a nighttime operation. Among the survivors is the boat’s skipper, who, along with others, is receiving treatment at a local hospital. One crew member remains in critical condition with severe burns. Coast guard officials stated that the survivors are too traumatized to recount the details of the explosion, which is currently under investigation.

Videos and images released by the PCG show the terrifying scene, with flames engulfing the vessel and thick smoke billowing into the dark sky. As rescuers arrived, they found some crewmembers with burn injuries and others desperately treading water. A passing tugboat assisted in extinguishing the blaze, and PCG teams were quickly dispatched to provide aid and conduct a search-and-rescue operation.

The F/B King Bryan, a traditional fishing boat with bamboo outriggers, reportedly encountered engine trouble before the explosion, which then led to the fire. Panic ensued as crewmembers jumped into the sea to escape the flames. The PCG’s quick response, along with the assistance of nearby vessels, was crucial in rescuing the survivors and preventing further loss of life.

“The immediate response by nearby vessels and our rescue teams was instrumental in saving lives,” a PCG spokesperson said. Despite these efforts, the search for missing crew members initially continued, with the bodies of three fishermen later recovered, bringing the total death toll to six.

The tragic incident has deeply affected the local fishing community in Cebu, where the F/B King Bryan was based. The fishermen’s death is a significant loss, both to their families and to the community that relies heavily on the sea for their livelihood.

“The loss of these fishermen is a heartbreaking blow to their families and our community,” said a local official from Naga City. “We extend our deepest condolences to their loved ones.”

As investigations continue, the cause of the explosion remains unclear. The PCG is conducting a thorough investigation to understand the sequence of events that led to the tragedy. “We’re conducting a thorough investigation to determine what caused the explosion,” the PCG stated. “Understanding the sequence of events is crucial to prevent similar incidents in the future.”

Pangulong Marcos: Pilipinas hindi makikipag-giyera kahit may banta

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Pangulong Marcos: Pilipinas hindi makikipag-giyera kahit may banta

MAYNILA. Hindi pa rin makikipagdigma ang Pilipinas sa kabila ng mga kinakaharap na banta mula sa labas ng bansa. Ito ang tiniyak ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sa harap ng tropa ng Philippine Army 10th Infantry Division na kanyang binisita kahapon sa Davao de Oro.

“Now, I am sure that all of you are aware now that the internal threat has been reduced. We now have to also think about the external threat and that again is a different strategy that we will have to employ,” sabi ni Marcos.

Giit pa ng Pangulo, hindi tayo nakikipag-giyera kahit na kanino at wala naman tayong gustong pasukin kundi tayo ay defensive lang at dinedepensahan lang natin ang ating bansa. “Kaya’t ‘yan ang ating bagong threat na hinaharap ngunit kagaya ng sabi ko, kung nagawa ninyo ito dahil sa internal threat, malakas ang loob ko na kaya rin ninyong gawin pagka-dumating sa tinatawag na external threat,” dagdag pa ng Presidente.

Siniguro rin ni Pangulong Marcos na ginagawa ng pamahalaan at militar ang lahat para matiyak na may kapasidad ang lahat upang magawa ang mandato ng bawat isa at maitaguyod ang kaligtasan at seguridad ng teritoryo ng Pilipinas laban sa anumang banta.

Hinikayat din ni Pangulong Marcos ang mga sundalo na maging tagapamayapa sa pamamagitan ng paghikayat sa mga komunista na magbalik-loob sa batas.

IDF airstrike targets Hamas fighters in UN school; Israeli soldier killed in separate clash

Venus L Peñaflor
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IDF airstrike targets Hamas fighters in UN school; Israeli soldier killed in separate clash

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a significant airstrike early Thursday morning on a United Nations-run school in central Gaza, targeting what it described as a gathering of Hamas militants. This operation is part of ongoing military efforts in the region, amidst escalating tensions and violence.

Strike on UN School

The IDF reported that the airstrike targeted a compound within a UNRWA school in Nuseirat, which was allegedly being used by 20-30 Hamas fighters, including some implicated in the October 7 attack on Israel. The school was also sheltering Palestinian civilians displaced by the conflict.

“The strike eliminated terrorists who had planned to carry out terror attacks and advance imminent terror schemes against our forces,” the IDF stated. The military emphasized that extensive precautions were taken to minimize civilian casualties, including analyzing aerial footage and delaying the strike twice to refine their approach.

Despite these measures, the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry reported at least 27 fatalities, referring to the incident as a “massacre.” UNRWA’s communications director, Juliette Touma, mentioned that initial reports suggest between 35 and 45 people may have been killed, but these numbers have yet to be confirmed.

Separate Incident on the Gaza Border

In a separate clash, Warrant Officer Zeed Mazarib, a 34-year-old tracker from the IDF’s Gaza Division Southern Brigade, was killed while engaging with a group of armed militants attempting to infiltrate Israel from southern Gaza near Rafah. The skirmish occurred around 4 a.m., when soldiers observed suspicious movements on surveillance cameras under foggy conditions.

The IDF responded quickly, deploying troops from the Desert Reconnaissance Battalion, predominantly composed of Bedouin soldiers. During the ensuing firefight, Mazarib was fatally shot. IDF forces then eliminated two of the militants using a drone strike, and a third was killed by tank fire. The IDF is investigating the possibility of a fourth militant who might have escaped.

Broader Context and Continuing Operations

The IDF has repeatedly accused Hamas of exploiting civilian infrastructure, including schools and hospitals, to conduct military operations. This accusation is part of a broader narrative in which Israel argues that such tactics endanger civilians and complicate military responses.

In the ongoing conflict, the IDF has reported the deaths of 295 soldiers and one civilian contractor. The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry claims over 36,000 fatalities in Gaza, including 15,000 alleged terror operatives killed by Israeli forces. These numbers, however, are difficult to independently verify.

In other developments, the Bislamach Brigade, an IDF unit, has been withdrawn from operations in southern Gaza after discovering a tunnel entrance in a child’s bedroom and a weapons cache stored in bags marked with the United Nations logo. The brigade is now regrouping for future missions.

The situation in Gaza remains volatile, with ongoing military engagements and significant humanitarian concerns as both sides prepare for further conflict.

Agencies contributed to this report.

Batang Philippine hawk eagle nasagip sa Quezon

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Batang Philippine hawk eagle nasagip sa Quezon

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

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

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

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

Police officers arrested for kidnapping tourists

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Police officers arrested for kidnapping tourists

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Image Credit: Orpheus FX / Shutterstock

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