Saturday, May 23, 2026


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Us embassy in Israel authorizes staff departures as war concerns rise

TEL AVIV, Israel — The United States Embassy in Israel has authorized its staff to leave the country if they choose, as tensions escalate in the Middle East and concerns mount over a possible American military strike on Iran.

In an email sent before 10:30 a.m. Friday, U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee informed embassy personnel that discussions with officials in Washington resulted in the approval of “authorized departure” for employees wishing to exit Israel.

The message, recounted to The Associated Press by a source familiar with the communication but not authorized to disclose details publicly, urged staff to act quickly.

“Those wishing to take AD should do so TODAY,” Huckabee wrote, referring to “authorized departure.” He cautioned that while outbound flights may still be available in the coming days, there was no guarantee they would continue. Employees were advised to secure any available flight out of Israel and then proceed to Washington.

Despite the advisory, Huckabee stressed there was no need for panic, but emphasized the importance of prompt planning for those intending to leave. During a town hall meeting later Friday, he also said he was encouraging airlines to maintain flight operations.

The authorization follows the breakdown of nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran a day earlier. Although Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, who has been mediating the talks, said significant progress had been made Thursday, no agreement was reached. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi provided no specific details but stated that “what needs to happen has been clearly spelled out from our side.”

Meanwhile, airlines have begun adjusting operations. Netherlands-based KLM announced plans to suspend flights from Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport, reflecting growing regional uncertainty.

Other governments have also taken precautionary measures. Australia directed the departure of dependents of its officials stationed in Israel, citing a deteriorating security situation. India and several European countries have advised their citizens to avoid travel to Iran.

The move by the U.S. Embassy signals heightened contingency planning as American military assets, including aircraft and warships, increase their presence in the region. The developments underscore mounting instability across the Middle East as diplomatic efforts to contain tensions remain uncertain.

ICC hears claims of no prosecutions in 3,967 drug war deaths; defense denies Duterte link to Espinosa, Parojinog killings

THE HAGUE — Lawyers for victims and defense counsel presented sharply opposing arguments before the International Criminal Court (ICC) as confirmation of charges hearings continued in the crimes against humanity case against former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Victims’ Counsel: No Prosecutions for Nearly 4,000 Deaths

Victims’ lawyer Gilbert Andres told ICC judges that the Duterte administration did not criminally prosecute police officers allegedly responsible for 3,967 drug war killings acknowledged by the government.

In his closing remarks, Andres disputed claims by the defense that the administration was “intolerant of rotten police officers.”

“Mr. Duterte’s administration has not criminally prosecuted the police officers responsible for the government-recognized deaths of at least 3,967 drug personalities,” Andres said.

He cited the administration’s 2017 year-end report, which documented 3,967 deaths in anti-drug operations from July 2016 to November 2017, adding that at most 302 cases were investigated.

Andres also referred to findings by the Supreme Court of the Philippines, which he said described the thousands of deaths as “indicative of the state policy of extrajudicial killings under the Duterte administration.” He quoted the High Court as taking judicial notice of the government report that listed drug war deaths among its accomplishments, saying this “may lead to the inference that these are state-sponsored killings.”

The year-end report also cited 16,355 homicide cases under investigation between July 2016 and September 2017, with a total of 20,322 deaths linked to the anti-drug campaign.

Andres argued that the scale, geographical spread, and sustained nature of the killings demonstrated that the attacks were “widespread and systematic,” targeting individuals perceived to be linked to illegal drugs. He further contended that the campaign disproportionately affected the poor and that presidential statements carried policy weight under the Philippine constitutional framework.

“Whatever the president publicly states is policy,” Andres said, adding that in the Philippine cultural context, the words of the head of state command obedience.

The ICC Office of the Prosecutor has charged Duterte with three counts of crimes against humanity — murder and attempted murder — covering alleged acts committed during his tenure as mayor and president.

Defense: No Direct Link to Specific Killings

Duterte’s defense lawyer, Nicholas Kaufman, countered that there is no evidence directly linking the former president to specific killings cited by prosecutors, including those of Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa and Ozamiz Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog.

Kaufman argued that Duterte’s involvement in Espinosa’s case ended when the mayor surrendered in August 2016 following a 24-hour ultimatum. Espinosa was later killed in an alleged shootout inside the Baybay City Provincial Jail.

“What happened thereafter, as awful as it may be, had nothing to do with our client. And not one witness can say that,” Kaufman told the court.

Regarding Parojinog’s death during a predawn raid on July 30, 2017, Kaufman said the operation was carried out pursuant to six judicial search warrants. He cited official investigative materials indicating that police were met with gunfire when serving the warrants and returned fire. Four individuals were reportedly arrested during the operation.

“If the intention was cold-blooded murder, why go to the bother of involving a judge?” Kaufman said.

He also rejected the prosecution’s characterization of “high-value target” (HVT) as a code for execution orders, describing it instead as an operational classification used by law enforcement to prioritize suspects based on intelligence assessments.

“Classification does not imply selection for murder, any more than it is proof of unlawful intent,” he said.

Under Count 2 of the charges, killings were allegedly carried out by members of a “National Network” between 2016 and 2017, covering 14 victims identified as high-value targets. Kaufman argued that the prosecution’s case relies heavily on insider testimony and “dubious and tenuous linkage” to Duterte.

As hearings conclude, ICC judges will determine whether the charges against the former president will be confirmed, paving the way for a full trial.

Ongoing open war along the Taliban-Pakistan border

ISLAMABAD — Armed tensions between Taliban-controlled Afghanistan and Pakistan intensified this week as both sides exchanged heavy cross-border fire, threatening the fragile ceasefire established in 2025.

As of February 27, 2026, Pakistan has launched aerial and ground strikes inside Afghan territory, including air raids near Kabul and attacks on Taliban positions and ammunition depots, in response to prior Taliban assaults on Pakistani border posts. Pakistani officials said the operation, dubbed “Operation Ghazab lil‑Haqq”, has destroyed multiple Taliban posts and equipment, with at least 133 Taliban fighters reportedly killed and over 200 wounded. Some outposts were captured, including strategic depots in Nangarhar province.

The Taliban government, meanwhile, claimed it had conducted “retaliatory offensive operations” against Pakistani positions along the Durand Line, responding to earlier Pakistani strikes. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said specialized units were deployed, particularly at night, to target Pakistani forces. He further alleged that numerous Pakistani soldiers were killed and some captured, though Pakistan has rejected these claims.

Islamabad called the Taliban’s actions “unprovoked fire”, targeting multiple locations along Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, and described its military response as “immediate and effective.” Pakistani officials confirmed heavy Taliban casualties and the destruction of several posts and equipment.

The clashes follow Pakistan’s long-standing accusations that Taliban-controlled areas in Afghanistan have provided shelter to Tehreek‑e‑Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants, who have been implicated in a recent surge of violence and suicide attacks in Pakistan — allegations denied by the Taliban.

Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif warned that the situation has reached the level of “open war”, signaling a serious deterioration in relations between the two neighbors. International groups have called for caution and dialogue to prevent further escalation and protect civilians in the affected border regions.

Pagsirit ng dengue cases isinisisi sa kakulangan sa bakuna at mahinang management

MAYNILA — Ayon sa mga eksperto mula sa Philippine Medical Association, ang patuloy na pagtaas ng kaso ng dengue sa bansa ay dulot ng kakulangan sa bakuna, hindi updated na clinical management, at mababang partisipasyon ng komunidad.

Binigyang-diin ni Dr. Lulu Bravo na hindi pa “adequately addressed” ang dengue at marami pa ring doktor ang hindi ganap na updated sa tamang pamamahala nito. Samantala, ayon kay Dr. Florentina Uy, multifactorial ang problema kasama rito ang papel ng gobyerno, medical sector, at komunidad. Aniya, madalas lamang maglinis ang mga tao kapag may nagkakasakit sa kanilang pamilya.

Binigyang-diin ni dating Health Undersecretary Dr. Enrique Tayag na hindi sapat ang environmental at vector control lamang. Ayon sa datos ng Department of Health, bumaba ng 24% ang dengue cases noong 2025 kumpara 2024, at 15% naman ang ibinaba ng mortality rate. Ngunit ayon sa kanya, hindi pa rin katanggap-tanggap ang bilang ng namamatay.

Samantala, sinabi ni DOH Undersecretary Dr. Gloria Balboa na may naitalang 14,907 dengue cases hanggang Pebrero 14, 2026—70% mas mababa kumpara sa parehong panahon noong 2025.

Iginiit ng mga doktor na mahalaga ang pagbabakuna bilang bagong intervention laban sa dengue. Hinikayat ni PMA president Dr. Hector Santos ang gobyerno na aprubahan ang bagong bakunang Qdenga, na ginawa ng Japanese company na Takeda Pharmaceutical Company. Ayon sa kanya, iba ito sa kontrobersyal na Dengvaxia na ginamit noong 2016 sa humigit-kumulang 700,000 bata.

Nauna nang sinabi ng Takeda na nag-apply na sila para sa product registration sa Food and Drug Administration, ngunit wala pang desisyon ang ahensya.

Matatandaang naging kontrobersyal ang Dengvaxia matapos iugnay sa pagkamatay ng ilang bata. Gayunman, sinabi ni dating Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla na hindi napatunayang may “causal link” ang bakuna sa mga nasawi.

Tutuldukan ang mga fixers sa gobyerno sa pamamagitan ng digitalization

MAYNILA — Iginiit ni Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ang kanyang determinasyon na tuldukan ang operasyon ng mga fixer sa iba’t ibang tanggapan ng pamahalaan, na aniya’y matagal nang nagpapahirap sa publiko at nagpapabagal sa mga transaksyon sa gobyerno.

Ayon sa Pangulo, tila naging bahagi na ng sistema ang pagdaan sa mga fixer upang makaiwas sa mahabang pila at oras ng paghihintay sa mga ahensya ng gobyerno. Dahil dito, maraming mamamayan ang napipilitang magbayad ng “padulas” upang mapabilis ang kanilang papeles at aplikasyon.

Naniniwala si Marcos na may sabwatan umanong nagaganap sa ganitong kalakaran, partikular sa pagitan ng mga fixer at ilang taga-loob o empleyado ng isang tanggapan. Aniya, hinahati umano ng mga sangkot ang perang ibinabayad ng kliyente kapalit ng mabilis na pagproseso ng dokumento.

Binigyang-diin ng Pangulo na nais niyang wakasan ang ganitong sistema na aniya’y naging bahagi na ng burukrasya sa paglipas ng panahon.

Bilang solusyon, itinulak ni Marcos ang mas malawak at ganap na pagpapatupad ng digital transactions sa lahat ng tanggapan ng pamahalaan. Ayon sa kanya, hindi lamang nito mapipigilan ang operasyon ng mga fixer kundi mapapabilis din ang pagproseso ng mga dokumento at mababawasan ang direktang “person-to-person contact” sa mga transaksyon.

Sinabi ng Pangulo na ang digitalisasyon ay mahalagang hakbang tungo sa mas transparent, episyente, at maaasahang serbisyo publiko para sa mga Pilipino.

72 tigers die in virus outbreak in Thailand

CHIANG MAI, Thailand — At least 72 captive tigers have died this month in northern Thailand following a suspected outbreak of a highly contagious virus, prompting urgent containment measures by animal health authorities.

According to a statement from the government’s Region 5 Livestock Office in Chiang Mai, laboratory findings indicate the animals were infected with canine distemper virus, with veterinarians also identifying mycoplasma bacteria as a secondary infection.

However, earlier reports cited a different possible cause. Somchuan Ratanamungklanon, director general of Thailand’s Department of Livestock Development under the Ministry of Agriculture, told Thai outlet Matichon that the tigers had been infected with feline panleukopenia, creating some uncertainty over the exact cause of death.

“Treating sick tigers is very different from treating dogs and cats. Dogs and cats live closely with us, so when they show symptoms, we can respond and provide treatment right away. Tigers, however, aren’t living closely with humans. By the time we notice that something is wrong, the illness may already be advanced,” Somchuan said.

The outbreak has affected two districts in Chiang Mai province, Mae Rim and Mae Taeng, both known for their mountainous terrain. Media reports said dozens of tigers began showing signs of illness as early as February 8.

In response, teams have begun disinfecting enclosures and preparing vaccination efforts for surviving animals in a bid to prevent further spread of the disease.

Tiger Kingdom Chiang Mai, a popular tourist attraction that allows visitors to interact closely with the animals, has temporarily closed following the deaths. The facility could not immediately be reached for comment.

Kritsayarm Kongsatri, director of the wildlife conservation office in Chiang Mai, described the number of fatalities as “very unusual,” according to Thai media.

The incident echoes past outbreaks in the region. Between August and October 2024, 47 tigers and three leopards in southern Vietnam died after contracting bird flu. In October 2004, an avian influenza outbreak at the Sriracha Tiger Zoo in Chonburi province led to the deaths or euthanization of 147 out of 441 tigers, with contaminated chicken carcasses identified as the likely source of infection.

Authorities continue to investigate the precise cause of the latest outbreak while working to stabilize the situation and safeguard remaining wildlife.

Kaufman claims killings continued under Marcos; Palace denies allegations

THE HAGUE — Nicholas Kaufman, legal counsel of former President Rodrigo Duterte at the International Criminal Court (ICC), on Thursday questioned whether authorities have considered investigating President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., claiming that vigilante-style killings allegedly continued even after Duterte left office.

Kaufman raised the remarks during the defense’s submissions on the merits at the continuation of the ICC’s confirmation of charges hearings on Duterte’s alleged crimes against humanity.

“There is no reason to believe that Duterte’s disappearance from the political scene would have frustrated the ongoing incidents of murder at the hands of state agents or vigilantes,” Kaufman told the court.

“Clearly, I’m forced to ask myself whether anyone on the other side of this room has thought of investigating the Marcos regime and the related phenomenon and holding someone accountable,” he added.

Kaufman cited data from the Dahas Project of the University of the Philippines, which reported that 160 out of 342 killings during the first year of the Marcos administration were attributed to state agents. He said the number of recorded killings rose from 342 to 362 between July 2023 and June 2024, with state agents accounting for 34 percent of the incidents.

He also questioned why representatives of drug war victims were not demanding accountability for more recent killings.

“Or is it of no consequence now that Mr. Duterte is sitting in the ICC detention center?” Kaufman asked.

Malacañang has rejected broader claims from Duterte’s defense team suggesting that President Marcos was working to “neutralize” his predecessor or support efforts against him at the ICC, calling such allegations “preposterous.”

Palace officials have emphasized that the ICC case against Duterte predates the Marcos administration and said the defense should focus on the charges at hand rather than raising political accusations.

Malacañang rejected Kaufman’s claim, saying the allegations were unfounded and reiterating that the administration does not condone extrajudicial killings.

The Marcos administration has maintained that the Philippines will not formally cooperate with the ICC, citing the country’s withdrawal from the Rome Statute in 2019 under Duterte. At the same time, officials have said the government would comply with its obligations to international policing bodies such as Interpol if necessary.

There has also been no indication from Malacañang that the Philippines plans to rejoin the ICC.

Human rights groups have noted that while large-scale anti-drug campaign killings have reportedly decreased compared to the height of Duterte’s presidency, drug-related and police-linked killings continue to be reported, prompting calls for greater accountability.

The ICC Office of the Prosecutor has charged Duterte with three counts of crimes against humanity for alleged murder and attempted murder committed during his tenure as Davao City mayor and later as president.

Kaufman has previously expressed hope that the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I would dismiss the charges and return to the Filipino people “their Tatay Digong,” arguing that the evidence against his client was “wholly insufficient.”

The final hearing is scheduled for Friday, February 27, during which the defense, prosecution, and representatives of the victims are set to deliver their closing statements. The ICC is also expected to review Duterte’s detention status.

Review: Cigarette Girl, a heartfelt romance that’s truly worth watching on Netflix

If you watched Cigarette Girl on Netflix and found yourself crying in a way you rarely do during movies, you’re not alone. There’s a powerful reason this story stays with you long after the last scene. What might seem like a quiet romance at first soon reveals itself to be something much deeper, a story shaped not just by love, but by memory, identity, and the weight of time.

Released on Netflix in November 2023, Cigarette Girl is an Indonesian period drama series adapted from the acclaimed novel by Ratih Kumala. It spans five beautifully crafted episodes that weave together two time periods: the 1960s, where a young woman defies expectations, and the early 2000s, where her legacy echoes through the life of another. This isn’t a typical love story; it’s a tapestry of intertwined lives, choices, and the enduring power of connection.

Produced by BASE Entertainment with showrunners Shanty Harmayn and Tanya Yuson, and directed by acclaimed filmmakers Kamila Andini and Ifa Isfansyah, the series boasts a stellar ensemble cast headed by Dian Sastrowardoyo and Ario Bayu, alongside Putri Marino and Arya Saloka. The production itself is remarkable, with painstaking attention to period detail; more than 100 sets across 20 locations were built to breathe life into the world of clove cigarettes and the social landscape of 1960s Indonesia.

What makes Cigarette Girl stand out isn’t flashy plot twists or dramatic spectacle, but its human intimacy and emotional honesty. The romance between the passionate Dasiyah and Soeraja is rooted in real, lived experience, a blend of hope, pain, and the simple truth that love often comes with complexity. As the narrative shifts between past and present, the series elegantly shows how love ripples through time, shaping families and futures in ways the characters themselves only begin to understand years later.

By setting this love story against the backdrop of Indonesia’s tobacco industry and its cultural significance, the series doesn’t just tell a romance, it invites viewers into a world rich with nuance and history. Small details, like quiet looks, unspoken regrets, and the soundscape of an era gone by, build emotional resonance so powerful that even the most stoic viewer can find themselves moved. For movie lovers who rarely cry at films but still crave stories that feel lived, layered, and unforgettable, Cigarette Girl is truly worth watching on Netflix. It’s a reminder that some of the most poignant stories aren’t the loudest ones — and that sometimes the quietest moments leave the deepest mark.
Watch it on Netflix, it’s a journey worth taking.

Despite differences, Xi and Merz move to deepen China-Germany ties in a time of global turbulence

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BEIJING — Despite sharp differences over key geopolitical issues, notably Russia’s war in Ukraine, Chinese President Xi Jinping and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz pledged Wednesday to strengthen bilateral ties as global political and economic uncertainties intensify.

Meeting at the Diaoyutai state guesthouse in Beijing, Xi underscored the need for closer coordination between the world’s second- and third-largest economies.

“The more turbulent and complex the world becomes, the more China and Germany should strengthen strategic communication and enhance strategic mutual trust,” Xi said, noting that the year had not begun peacefully and reiterating his view that the world is undergoing its most profound changes since the end of World War II.

Merz responded by acknowledging existing challenges but emphasized cooperation.

“Although we have issues and challenges to discuss, we should emphasize the things we have in common and face the challenges we stand before together,” he said. In a separate meeting with Premier Li Qiang, Merz called for collaboration “wherever possible” and expressed hope of building a strong personal working relationship with China’s top leadership.

Ukraine War and Europe’s Expectations

A key point of divergence remains Russia’s four-year war in Ukraine. European governments have grown increasingly frustrated with Beijing’s stance, arguing that China has not exerted sufficient pressure on Moscow to end the conflict. Beijing has maintained trade and diplomatic ties with Russia, insisting its position is impartial.

Ahead of his trip, Merz said he would press China to help bring the war to an end, stressing that “the big global political problems can no longer be tackled today without involving Beijing.” He added that cooperation is essential in resolving crises, including in Ukraine, noting that “Beijing’s voice is heard, including in Moscow.”

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning earlier expressed hope that “all parties will seize the opportunity to reach a comprehensive, lasting and binding peace agreement.”

Trade Imbalances and Economic Pressures

The visit comes as both nations navigate shifting global trade dynamics, particularly policies introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump. Just hours before Merz met Chinese leaders, Trump praised his import tariffs in a State of the Union address, reinforcing Washington’s assertive trade stance.

China has sought to rally support from major economies to counter U.S. tariffs and broader challenges to the post-World War II international order.

Merz, who took office last May, has advocated for a stronger and more self-reliant Europe, both economically and militarily. Before departing for Beijing, he signaled he would push for fairer market access for German companies operating in China.

Trade data highlights the imbalance: Germany’s imports from China rose 8.8% to 170.6 billion euros last year, while exports to China fell 9.7% to 81.3 billion euros. A surge of Chinese exports has raised concerns in Europe over factory job losses and industrial overcapacity, particularly in electric vehicles and solar panels.

European leaders have urged Chinese firms to invest directly in Europe by building factories, while also calling on Beijing to reduce excess manufacturing capacity and remove barriers faced by foreign companies.

China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency said in a commentary that both countries share responsibility as major economies to oppose protectionism and economic coercion.

A Broader European Context

Merz framed Germany’s China policy within a broader European strategy, noting his visit follows recent trips by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and precedes a planned visit to Washington.

“Our message from a European point of view is the same: We want a balanced, reliable, regulated and fair partnership with China,” Merz said. “This is our offer. At the same time, it is what we also hope for and expect from the Chinese side.”

After concluding talks in Beijing, Merz is scheduled to travel to Hangzhou, a high-tech hub, where he will visit Unitree Robotics, a leading developer of humanoid robots, before returning to Europe.

His China trip comes shortly before his third visit to Washington as chancellor, underscoring Germany’s effort to balance relations between Beijing and its longstanding transatlantic ally during a period of mounting global uncertainty.

Louvre museum director resigns after the ‘heist of the century’

PARIS — Laurence des Cars, the first female director of the Louvre Museum, resigned Tuesday following the infamous 2025 “heist of the century,” in which thieves stole €88 million ($100 million) worth of crown jewels from the museum’s Apollo Gallery.

French President Emmanuel Macron accepted Des Cars’ resignation, describing her decision as “an act of responsibility at a time when the world’s largest museum needs both stability and a strong new impetus,” according to the Elysée Palace.

Des Cars had initially offered to step down to Culture Minister Rachida Dati shortly after the robbery, but her resignation was declined at the time. She acknowledged that the museum’s security infrastructure was “absolutely obsolete, even absent,” exposing serious vulnerabilities in protecting France’s most valuable treasures.

Christophe Leribault, an art historian and director of the Palace of Versailles, has been appointed as the Louvre’s new chief, the French culture ministry announced Wednesday. Dati expressed confidence that Leribault would advance the museum’s “international relevance” and modernization while ensuring quality work conditions for staff.

The Louvre, which welcomed 8.7 million visitors in 2024, has faced multiple challenges, including strikes over understaffing, poor working conditions, and the management of growing tourist crowds.

President Macron also thanked Des Cars for her “undeniable scientific expertise” and assigned her a role in the framework of the French G7 presidency, focusing on cooperation among major museums of participating countries.

Des Cars, who became the Louvre’s first female director in September 2021, leaves behind a tenure marked by both historic milestones and unprecedented security crises.