AGONCILLO, Batangas. Mariing kinondena ng Department of Education (DepEd) ang pagpatay sa isang Grade 8 estudyante noong Miyerkules ng umaga, Abril 17 sa bayang ito.
Sa isang Facebook post ng DepEd nitong Biyernes, Abril 19, ipinaabot ng ahensya ang kanilang pakikiramay at panalangin para sa pamilya at mga kaibigan ng nasawi.
“There is no place for such a brutal act in our society, more so against children who we aim to nurture as peace champions and nation builders,” anila.
“We deplore this heartless act of violence against our learners. The agency likewise calls on local authorities to exhaust all efforts to ensure accountability of the perpetrator and render swift justice,” anila.
“DepEd reaffirms its commitment in providing a safe and child-friendly environment in our schools for our teachers and learners, as we urge concerned law enforcement authorities to strengthen security measures to ensure the safety and protection of our children around our schools,” ayon sa pahayag ng DepEd.
Matatandaan na sa ulat, naglalakad ng mag-isa ang biktima papunta sa paaralang pinapasukan nito sa Banyaga National High School nang bigla siyang barilin ng isang lalaki gamit ang 9mm pistol.
Isfahan, Iran. Iranian air defenses engaged in firing at suspected Israeli drones near a major air base and a nuclear site in the vicinity of the central city of Isfahan early Friday morning. The incident, perceived as a retaliatory move by Israel following Tehran’s recent drone-and-missile assault on Israel, heightened tensions in the region.
While no direct acknowledgment of the attack came from Iranian officials, reports indicated heightened military activity following the assault. The Israeli military remained silent on the matter, refraining from commenting on the unfolding situation.
At the G7 meeting in Capri, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani disclosed that the U.S. had received last-minute intelligence from Israel regarding the attack on Isfahan. However, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken clarified that the United States was not involved in any offensive operations.
The incident occurred on the 85th birthday of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, further intensifying speculations about the nature and timing of the attack. Although Iranian authorities refrained from attributing the attack directly to Israel, air defense batteries were activated in several provinces, targeting multiple flying objects.
Iranian army commander Gen. Abdolrahim Mousavi confirmed the engagement, stating that the explosion witnessed in Isfahan’s skies resulted from the shooting of air defense systems at a suspicious object, which fortunately caused no damage. There were suggestions that the drones involved might be commercially available quadcopters.
The targeted area included a major air base housing Iran’s fleet of American-made F-14 Tomcats and the Uranium Conversion Facility at Isfahan, a crucial site for Iran’s civilian nuclear program. Despite the engagement, authorities assured the safety of all atomic sites in the region, with the International Atomic Energy Agency confirming no damage to Iran’s nuclear facilities.
The incident prompted a temporary disruption in commercial air travel, with Dubai-based carriers Emirates and FlyDubai diverting flights around western Iran. However, flight operations were later restored to normalcy.
Simultaneously, reports emerged from Syria’s state-run news agency of an Israeli missile strike targeting an air defense unit in the country’s south, indicating a broader regional dimension to the escalating tensions.
While fears of further escalation gripped the region, Iran appeared to downplay the incident, signaling a reluctance to retaliate, potentially easing concerns of a wider conflict. The measured response from both sides suggests a cautious approach to de-escalate the situation, albeit amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
As global leaders called for restraint and de-escalation, financial markets reacted nervously to the developments, underscoring the significance of stability in the volatile region. Amidst escalating rhetoric and military maneuvers, the situation remains fluid, with the specter of conflict casting a shadow over the Middle East.
Binakbakan mismo ng Unang Ginang ang Pangalawang Pangulo na kasalukuyang Kalihim ng Kagawaran ng Edukasyon dahil sa pagdalo niya sa mga “anti-Marcos” na pagtitipon. Pangisi-ngisi pa nga raw ang VP/DepEd Secretary habang napakikinggan niyang sinasabihang “bangag” ang Pangulo bukod pa sa kung ano-anong masasakit na salita laban dito.
Lumutang naman ang pangalang Leni. Take note: Si First Lady mismo ang nagpalutang sa pangalan ng Angat Buhay Chair sa usapin ng kung ano ang tama at mali sa pagtrato sa asawang pinuno ng bansa. Lumalabas na sa tingin ni FL Liza, talagang maayos at matino si Leni samantalang kabaligtaran naman si VP Sara. Lumalabas na kung si FL Liza ang tatanungin, hinding hindi pwedeng makita sa anti-Marcos rally si VP Sara.
May punto.
Nasa gabinete ni BBM si Sara. Ang atas ng pamumuno sa binabadyetan ng pinakamalaking pondo sa lahat ng kagawaran ang siyang hawak niya. Ito ang kagawarang inaasahang magpapasidhi ng pagkamamamayan ng mga Pilipino dahil mandato nito ang turuan ang mga batang mag-aaral ng mabuting asal at magpamalas ng kaalaman at karunungan sa pangangalaga at pamamatnubay ng kaguruan. Ang mga guro’y ipinagpapalagay na matapat, matiisin (public ba naman), mapagmahal sa mga bata, at itinuturing pa ngang “persons in authority.”
Hindi nadadaan ang mga guro at mag-aaral sa salita, bagamat plus factor ang public speaking. Pero maeengganyo sila kung ang mga tagapanguna ng kagawaran ay ehemplo ng integridad at pakikiisa. Idagdag pa natin ang ganitong pagpapahalaga: matalas ang isip sa pagsusulong ng edukasyon, hindi ng eleksyon. Kung hindi, madali lang namang matutuklasang ang salita’y hindi nilalapatan ng gawa. Pananalita ang edukasyon, pero puro lamang ilusyon.
Give the DepEd Secretary the benefit of the doubt? Ala eh, katagalan naman. Matagal na ngang nabitawan ng Pangulo ang pagiging kalihim ng Department of Agriculture (DA). Iyo’y maituturing ni VP Sara na ehemplo para once and for all, maipasa na sa mas karapat-dapat, mas epektibo, mas may pagtutok na kalihim ng DepEd. Tapos, sama-sama tayo – hindi kakamot ng ulo – kundi magpapasalamat sa lahat ng kanyang naisip, nasabi, nagawa bilang DepEd Secretary. Siyempre, hindi kabilang doon ang muntikang makalusot na confidential funds (kapwa ng DepEd at Tanggapan ng Pangalawang Pangulo).
Kausap ko ang mga retiradong guro, isa sa kanila’y aking butihing tagapayo noong nasa pag-aaral ako ng Ekonomiks. “Simply put, she’s not qualified to lead DepEd,” aniya.
“Ouch” po ba? Mas masakit kung mananatili si VP Sara sa DepEd.
Anuman ang pagkukubli ng Malacañang – sinasabing maayos pa rin ang relasyon ng dalawang matataas na opisyal sa Ehekutibo – maigi pa ang bumitaw sa pwesto. Option ang paghingi ng paumanhin sa pagkukulang pero kung hindi kaya, sapat na ang pagbibigay-daan sa susunod na lider ng edukasyon.
Bahagi ng nakaraang pitak: “Kaya’t kung pangungulelat sa edukasyon ang tututukan, tutugunan, popondohan, pwede pa rin ba tayong makipag-usap sa lagpas isang taon nang nakaupong DepEd secretary sa ganoong isyu pa rin? Sobra na rin, tama na rin. Palitan na rin. Urgent ang posisyon. Si VP/Sec. Sara, maraming nagsasabi, ay busy na sa maraming bagay at kasama na raw diyan sa pagharap sa kaliwa’t kanang kontrobersya ng mga Duterte. Ibig sabihin, makatutulong pa nga sa kanya at sa OVP ang bitawan niya ang DepEd. Panatag ang loob mo, loob ko, marahil mga nasa loob ng silid-aralan din, na merong isang daang porsyentong pagtutok sa tungkulin ang magiging bagong kalihim ng edukasyon.”
Bawi tayo? Kailan pa? Makababawi rin ba ang Malacañang sa maling paghirang sa liderato ng edukasyon? O magkukusa na lang ang kinauukulan? Abangan o konting abang na lang?
LONDON. A surprising musical collaboration has emerged, delighting fans of the iconic band The Beatles. James McCartney and Sean Ono Lennon, sons of two of the Fab Four’s members, have released a new single together, marking a unique continuation of their fathers’ musical legacy.
The single, titled “Primrose Hill,” takes its name from a scenic park in north London and was announced by James McCartney on Instagram just four days ago. Alongside a photo of the duo, McCartney expressed his excitement, stating, “‘Primrose Hill’ is here! Today I am so very excited to share my latest song co-written by my good friend @sean_ono_lennon.”
Reflecting on the inspiration behind the song, McCartney shared, “I had a vision as a child in Scotland, on what was a lovely summers day. Letting go, I saw my true love and saviour in my mind’s eye. ‘Primrose Hill’ is about getting the ball rolling with me & finding this person.”
The acoustic track, written and composed by McCartney and Lennon, evokes memories of cherished moments spent with loved ones at the picturesque location.
McCartney’s sister, Mary McCartney, a renowned photographer, contributed to the song’s promotion by capturing intimate moments of her brother performing at his piano and amidst the silhouette of Primrose Hill itself.
Both second-generation performers were born in the 1970s following the dissolution of The Beatles. While there has been no direct response from Sean Ono Lennon, Paul McCartney himself endorsed the collaboration, urging his global following to check out the song.
The promotional image featuring McCartney and Lennon is not new, having been previously shared by Lennon on Instagram in 2018.
Situated near Regent’s Park and the vibrant market of Camden Town, the affluent neighborhood of Primrose Hill has long been a magnet for celebrities, earning it the moniker “Primrose Hill set” in the 1990s, attracting stars like Jude Law, Liam Gallagher, and Kate Moss.
MAYNILA. Isang bagong klase ng panloloko online na tinatawag na “middleman scam,” ang binabantayan ngayon ng Philippine National Police (PNP). Ayon kay PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) Director Sidney Hernia, dapat maging maingat ang mga netizens sa kanilang mga transaksyon online upang hindi maging biktima ng ganitong uri ng panloloko.
Sa isang pahayag noong Miyerkules, ipinaliwanag ni Hernia na ang mga sindikato ng “middleman scam” ay nagpapanggap na nagbebenta ng mga produkto sa mga online platform tulad ng Facebook Marketplace. Ginagamit nila ang mga resibo ng transaksyon ng mga mamimili upang mang-akit ng mga biktima. Sa halip na mapunta sa tamang transaksyon, ang mga biktima ay nawawalan ng pera o ng mga biniling produkto.
Isa sa mga insidente ng ganitong klase ng panloloko ay nangyari kamakailan lang sa Sampaloc, Maynila. Ayon kay Hernia, isang suspek na nagpanggap bilang lehitimong nagbebenta ng mga modem ang naaresto matapos ireklamo ng isang biktima. Ang suspek, na kilala lamang sa pangalang “Juan,” ay nagpapanggap bilang tagapamagitan sa pagitan ng biktima at ng tunay na nagbebenta.
Nang magbayad na ang biktima at magbigay ng resibo ng transaksyon, ginamit ito ng suspek para makakuha ng mga unit ng modem mula sa tunay na nagbebenta. Gayunpaman, pagkatapos makatanggap ng bayad, hindi na inihatid ang mga produkto.
“Ang transaction receipt na ipinadala ng biktima ay ginamit ng suspek para makapag-avail ng 10 units ng modem sa totoong nagbebenta. Ang paghahatid ay naproseso ngunit kinansela nang hindi natanggap ng tunay na nagbebenta ang bayad,” paliwanag ni Hernia.
Dahil sa pangyayaring ito, nahaharap ngayon ang suspek sa kasong paglabag sa Article 315 (Estafa/Swindling) ng Revised Penal Code in relation to Section 6 of RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012).
Sa gitna ng mga insidenteng tulad nito, pinaalalahanan ni Hernia ang mga netizens na laging mag-ingat at i-verify muna ang mga nagbebenta o mamimili sa pamamagitan ng pagsusuri sa kanilang mga profile, mga review, at mga rating sa platform, kung magagamit.
A fossil jawbone unearthed by a British girl and her father along the coast of Somerset, England has unveiled the existence of a colossal marine reptile dating back 202 million years. This finding indicates that the creature, identified as Ichthyotitan ceyennensis, might have been one of the largest animals to have ever roamed the Earth’s oceans.
The fossil, identified as a surangular bone, belonged to an ichthyosaur, an ocean-dwelling reptile from the Triassic Period. Through meticulous analysis, researchers estimated the creature’s length to be between 72 and 85 feet (22-26 meters), potentially rivaling the size of some of today’s largest baleen whales, such as the blue whale, which can reach lengths of about 100 feet (30 meters).
Dr. Dean Lomax, a paleontologist from the University of Manchester and University of Bristol, expressed his astonishment, stating, “It is quite remarkable to think that gigantic, blue whale-sized ichthyosaurs were swimming in the oceans around the time that dinosaurs were walking on land in what is now the UK during the Triassic Period.”
The discovery, made by Ruby Reynolds and her father Justin Reynolds in 2020 at Blue Anchor, Somerset, sheds light on a previously unknown species of ichthyosaur. Ruby, who was 11 at the time of the discovery and is now 15, stumbled upon the initial piece of the surangular bone while fossil hunting with her father. Following further exploration, they uncovered additional sections of the bone, leading to the identification of Ichthyotitan severnensis.
Ruby Reynolds, drawing comparisons to the renowned fossil hunter Mary Anning, expressed her excitement, stating, “I think Mary Anning was an incredible paleontologist and it’s amazing to be compared to her.”
Justin Reynolds shared his pride in being part of the discovery, remarking, “It has been an amazing, enlightening and fun experience to work with these experts, and we are proud to be part of the team and co-authors of a scientific paper which names a new species and genus.”
The finding of the Ichthyotitan severnensis jawbone represents a significant contribution to understanding the ancient marine ecosystem. Jimmy Waldron, a paleontologist involved in the study, highlighted the importance of such discoveries, stating, “Discoveries like this create incredible moments where we become humbled at our size and place in the world.”
The research also indicates that Ichthyotitan was part of a family of giant ichthyosaurs called shastasauridae, and lived 13 million years later than any others known to date. This suggests that these behemoths persisted until a global mass extinction event around 201 million years ago.
While the rest of Ichthyotitan’s skeleton remains elusive, the discovery of its surangular bone has provided crucial insights into its size and anatomy. As paleontologist Jimmy Waldron noted, “This translates to not only the scope of how truly enormous the animal was, but gives us an indication that it had a lot of boost behind its bite.”
The finding of Ichthyotitan severnensis stands as a testament to the ongoing fascination and discovery within the field of paleontology, unraveling the mysteries of ancient marine life and expanding our understanding of Earth’s prehistoric past.
Palaeontologist Dr Dean Lomax (left) with Ruby and Justin Reynolds and Paul de la Salle (right), who found remains that belonged to the same species of ichthyosaur. Photograph: Supplied
MANILA. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon of New Zealand have pledged to strengthen defense ties and expressed significant apprehension regarding the South China Sea, a region marked by ongoing maritime tensions between the Philippines and China.
The South China Sea, a vital maritime route facilitating over $3 trillion in annual trade, is subject to overlapping territorial claims from China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.
In a joint statement, Marcos and Luxon underscored the imperative of promoting peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, emphasizing the broader regional security concerns.
During a joint press conference, Prime Minister Luxon revealed plans to upgrade bilateral relations to a “comprehensive partnership” by 2026. Additionally, both nations have committed to finalizing a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement, enabling collaborative military exercises and humanitarian missions.
The agreement signifies a strategic alignment between the Philippines and New Zealand, aimed at bolstering security cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region amidst escalating tensions.
The move reflects a growing consensus among regional powers to address maritime disputes and uphold international norms governing freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.
MANADO, Indonesia. As Mount Ruang on Sulawesi Island unleashed at least five large eruptions, Indonesian authorities took swift action on Thursday, closing an airport and urging residents to leave their homes due to the dangers posed by spreading ash, falling rocks, hot volcanic clouds, and the looming threat of a tsunami.
The Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation raised its alert level to the highest, signaling an active eruption. Continuous emission of white-gray smoke from the crater reached over 500 meters (1,600 feet) above the peak throughout Thursday.
Approximately 11,000 people residing in the affected area have been instructed to maintain a distance of at least 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) from the 725-meter (2,378-foot) mountain. So far, around 800 individuals have complied with the evacuation order.
In response to the volcanic activity, Sam Ratulangi Airport in Manado city was temporarily shut down on Thursday as volcanic ash blanketed the airspace.
“We have to close flight operations at Sam Ratulangi Airport due to the spread of volcanic ash, which could endanger flight safety,” stated Ambar Suryoko, head of the regional airport authority.
Eruptions on Wednesday evening propelled volcanic ash approximately 70,000 feet into the atmosphere, as reported by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology’s Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre. The bureau is closely monitoring and forecasting the dispersion of ash.
Indonesia’s volcanology center highlighted the potential risks associated with the eruption, including the possibility of a volcanic collapse into the sea, which could trigger a tsunami. The memory of the devastating 2018 tsunami triggered by the Anak Krakatau eruption remains fresh, claiming over 400 lives. Similarly, an 1871 eruption at Mount Ruang led to a tsunami.
Residents of Tagulandang Island, situated east of Mount Ruang, are also on high alert. Abdul Muhari, spokesperson of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency, emphasized the need for immediate evacuation for those within a 6-kilometer radius.
“People who live in the Tagulandang Island area and are within a 6-kilometer radius must be immediately evacuated to a safe place outside the 6-kilometer radius,” said Muhari.
Efforts are underway to relocate affected residents to Manado, the nearest city on Sulawesi island, which is approximately a six-hour boat journey away.
Indonesia, with its 120 active volcanoes, is constantly grappling with volcanic activity due to its location along the “Ring of Fire,” a zone of intense seismic activity encircling the Pacific Ocean.
AGONCILLO, Batangas. Binaril sa ulo at agad namatay ang isang 13-anyos na dalagitang estudyante habang papasok sa paaralan sa isang insidenteng naganap sa Brgy. Banyaga, Agoncillo, Batangas kamakalawa ng umaga.
Ang biktima na kinilalang si Jenny Balacuit, isang Grade 8 student ng Banyaga National High School at residente ng nasabing barangay, ay hindi na naisalba pa matapos tamaan ng bala sa ulo.
Hindi inakala ng mga tao na nasa pinangyarihan ng krimen na babarilin ng suspek ang bata dahil akala nila ay naghahatid lang din ito ng estudyante ngunit bigla na lamang itong bumunot ng 9mm at pinaputukan ng isang beses sa ulo ang dalagita.
Ayon kay Police Major Broderick Noprada, Officer-in-Charge ng Agoncillo Municipal Police Station, alas-6:00 ng umaga nang mangyari ang krimen. “Sa hindi malamang dahilan ay binaril niya ‘yung bata. ‘Yun nga ang akala kasi nila is parang naghahatid lang ng estudyante,” pahayag ni Noprada.
Nagtangka pa ang mga saksi na pigilan ang suspek, ngunit agad itong tumakas matapos ang pamamaril. Ayon sa ulat, sinusuyod na ng kapulisan ang CCTV footage sa lugar at magsasagawa ng backtracking investigation para matukoy ang pagkakakilanlan ng salarin.
Sa panig ng pamilya ng biktima, wala umanong alam na nakaaway si Jenny at wala silang naikuwento na maaaring maging motibo sa krimen.
Nakikiisa ang mga awtoridad sa panawagan ng hustisya para kay Jenny habang patuloy ang imbestigasyon upang mabigyan ng katarungan ang pagkamatay ng batang estudyante.
JERUSALEM. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed on Wednesday Israel’s sovereignty in determining its response to Iran’s recent significant air attack, brushing aside calls for caution from allied nations.
Following Iran’s unprecedented assault earlier this week, Israel has pledged a response, heightening tensions in the region already marked by ongoing conflicts, notably the war in Gaza.
Close allies of Israel have urged restraint since the attack, with both the British and German foreign ministers reiterating calls for de-escalation during their visits to the region on Wednesday.
President Joe Biden’s administration announced new sanctions on Iran in response to the attack and emphasized the importance of all parties working towards de-escalation. However, the U.S. made it clear that it would not partake in any offensive actions against Iran.
The recent escalation stems from an apparent Israeli strike on Iran’s Embassy compound in Syria on April 1, prompting Iran’s retaliatory attack over the weekend. While Israel claims to have intercepted most of the missiles and drones launched by Iran, the attack resulted in injuries, including a wounded 7-year-old girl.
Despite the rising tensions, Israel’s allies emphasized the need for prudence and restraint. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock called for cautious action, urging Israel to avoid actions that could escalate the conflict further.
Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi cautioned Israel against retaliation, warning that Iran’s response would be severe if provoked further.
The recent events have underscored the fragile state of regional security, with the potential for further escalation posing a significant threat to stability in the Middle East.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
