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Eight Israeli soldiers killed as fighting intensifies in Rafah

Venus L Peñaflor
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Eight Israeli soldiers killed as fighting intensifies in Rafah

JERUSALEM. The Israeli military reported on Saturday that eight of its soldiers were killed in the southern Gaza Strip as operations around the city of Rafah intensified. Concurrent airstrikes in Gaza resulted in the deaths of at least 19 Palestinians.

Hamas’s armed wing claimed responsibility for ambushing an armored personnel carrier in the Tel Al-Sultan area, west of Rafah, which has been a focal point of Israeli advances. Israeli forces have been engaged in this area for weeks, resulting in continuous clashes.

As Israeli tanks advanced in Tel Al-Sultan, shells impacted the coastal area, prompting thousands of Palestinians, many already displaced multiple times, to seek refuge. Despite mounting international calls for a ceasefire, no agreement appears imminent after over eight months of conflict since October.

In Gaza City suburbs, Israeli airstrikes on two houses killed at least 15 people, with four more casualties reported in separate southern attacks, according to medical sources. The Israeli military also announced the capture of significant weaponry in Rafah, including those hidden in Hamas’s tunnels.

The military detailed that on Friday, militants fired five rockets from a humanitarian zone in central Gaza. Two landed in Israel and three fell within Gaza. The military criticized this tactic, stating, “This is a further example of the cynical exploitation of humanitarian infrastructure and the civilian population as human shields by terror organizations in the Gaza Strip for their terrorist attacks.”

Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of Islamic Jihad, stated in a Telegram video that Israel must end the war and withdraw forces from Gaza to recover its hostages. Islamic Jihad, a smaller ally of Hamas, referenced the October 7 rampage where over 250 hostages were taken, with more than 100 believed to remain captive.

Repeated attempts at a ceasefire since a week-long truce in November have failed, with Hamas demanding a permanent end to the conflict and full Israeli withdrawal. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists on continuing until Hamas is eradicated.

The Gaza health ministry reports at least 37,296 Palestinian deaths in the ongoing Israeli military campaign, including 30 in the past 24 hours.

An initial IDF probe revealed that the eight soldiers were killed inside a Namer armored combat engineering vehicle (CEV) in a convoy targeted around 5 a.m. following an overnight offensive. The vehicle was hit by a significant explosion, and investigations are ongoing to determine whether it was a planted bomb or an explosive device placed by Hamas operatives.

The deaths of these soldiers bring the toll of IDF casualties to 307 since the start of the ground offensive. Additionally, a police officer died in a recent hostage rescue, and a civilian Defense Ministry contractor was also killed in the conflict.

The deadliest incident for Israeli soldiers this year occurred in January, when a blast following Hamas RPG fire killed 21 soldiers by collapsing two buildings.

The Hague street transforms into orange wonderland for Euro 2024

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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The Hague street transforms into orange wonderland for Euro 2024

THE HAGUE, Netherlands. As Euro 2024 kicks off in Germany, a typically unassuming suburban street in The Hague has undergone a vibrant transformation, cloaked in orange to celebrate the Dutch national soccer team. The sound of 64 kilometers (40 miles) of orange bunting fluttering and the rhythmic thud of hammers securing orange tarps signal the onset of a Dutch summer of soccer.

Marktweg is among several streets in the Netherlands that receive an extensive orange makeover during European Championships and World Cups, supporting the national team known as Oranje. This tradition, rooted in the Dutch royal family’s color and the team’s iconic shirts, dates back 36 years to the Netherlands’ historic Euro 1988 win.

For two months leading up to Euro 2024, a committed group of up to 10 volunteers, swelling on weekends, has been meticulously decorating their street. The result is a dazzling display of orange, fostering a strong sense of community. Homes are draped in orange tarps and banners, streetlights and trees are swathed in orange, and even garbage containers are transformed. Litter bins, in a nod to national pride, are adorned in the red, white, and blue of the Dutch flag.

Macho Vink, a 35-year-old truck driver, worked from a cherry picker, hammering nails into walls to secure the expansive tarps covering the street. “It’s time for a big party,” he exclaimed. “Get some positivity back,” he added, as a passing car horn sounded in approval.

This vibrant tradition began during Euro 1988, when the Netherlands clinched its only major soccer title. Danny van Dijk, a key organizer, shared how it all started as a simple prank. “It started as a joke — hang a ball sprayed with text in a tree,” Van Dijk recounted. The idea quickly evolved into a full-blown spectacle, with local business sponsorships enhancing the scale and quality of the decorations.

“The neighbors liked it, we liked it, and now every two years we’re up in the scaffolding and cherry pickers to decorate the street,” Van Dijk explained. The elaborate decorations not only attract visitors but also foster neighborly connections. “You meet other people, have a chat. The children like it, the people like it. It really brings people together,” he added.

Anticipation is high for the Dutch team, with hopes pinned on captain Virgil van Dijk leading the team to victory. Once the tournament concludes, win or lose, the dedicated team of decorators will dismantle their creations. “We wait for two or three days to recover from the hangover,” Van Dijk laughed. “Then with 10 men we take down everything. You come back and it’s all gone.”

The transformation of Marktweg into an orange wonderland is a testament to community spirit and national pride, marking a spectacular beginning to Euro 2024.

Pope Francis urges G7 leaders to maintain human control over AI

Venus L Peñaflor
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Pope Francis urges G7 leaders to maintain human control over AI

BORGO EGNAZIA, Italy. Pope Francis emphasized the necessity for humans to retain control over Artificial Intelligence (AI) to ensure the preservation of human life and dignity, in a historic address to the Group of Seven (G7) summit. As the first pope to address a G7 summit, the 87-year-old pontiff, constrained by mobility issues and using a wheelchair, received a warm welcome from global leaders.

Pope Francis described AI as an “epochal transformation” for humanity but cautioned that without stringent oversight, it could undermine human agency. “No machine should ever choose to take the life of a human being,” he stated, stressing the importance of not allowing powerful algorithms to dictate human destiny. “We would condemn humanity to a future without hope if we took away people’s ability to make decisions about themselves and their lives, by dooming them to depend on the choices of machines,” he warned.

The G7, comprising leaders from the United States, Germany, Britain, France, Italy, Canada, and Japan, was joined by representatives from ten other nations, including India’s Prime Minister and the Presidents of Turkey and Kenya, upon the invitation of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Upon entering the conference room, Pope Francis was greeted with warmth and respect, receiving embraces from notable figures such as Argentine President Javier Milei, Jordan’s King Abdullah, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and a lengthy conversation with U.S. President Joe Biden.

Addressing the dual nature of AI, Pope Francis acknowledged its potential to inspire excitement and expand global knowledge. However, he also highlighted the risk of exacerbating injustices between advanced and developing nations and between social classes. “It is up to everyone to make good use of [AI], but the onus is on politics to create the conditions for such good use to be possible and fruitful,” he asserted.

Earlier this year, Italy passed legislation to establish ground rules for AI usage and set penalties for AI-related crimes. Prime Minister Meloni has frequently warned about the risks AI poses to the job market. In a draft of their closing statement, the G7 leaders committed to developing a strategy to address future skills and education needs in light of the AI revolution.

Pope Francis also spoke about AI’s capacity to handle labor-intensive tasks and accelerate scientific research but cautioned against the dissemination of false information. “It does not develop new analyses or concepts, but repeats those that it finds,” he said, noting the danger of AI legitimizing fake news and reinforcing dominant cultures.

As the G7 summit concluded, Pope Francis’s message underscored the vital need for ethical considerations and human oversight in the rapidly advancing field of artificial intelligence.

Filipino crew ng MV Tutor nawawala matapos atakehin ng Houthi rebels

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Filipino crew ng MV Tutor nawawala matapos atakehin ng Houthi rebels

MAYNILA. Nawawala ang isang Filipino crew member ng MV Tutor matapos itong atakehin ng mga Houthi rebels ng Yemen habang naglalayag sa Southern Red Sea at Gulf of Aden noong Miyerkules, ayon sa Department of Migrant Workers nitong Biyernes.

Sa isang virtual press briefing, sinabi ni Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac na ang Greek-owned bulk carrier ay may 22 crew members, karamihan ay mga Pilipino, nang masira ang ilang delikadong bahagi at ang engine room ng barko dahil sa pag-atake.

“Right now, we are still in the process of trying to ascertain. We’re trying to account for the particular seafarer in the ship and are praying that we could find him,” ani Cacdac. “Rest assured that all of the next of kin of the seafarers have been contacted,” dagdag niya.

Ayon kay Cacdac, ligtas ang ibang seafarers na sakay ng barko at personal niyang nakita ito sa pamamagitan ng isang video call. “Everybody from the MV Tutor is safe and sound. I saw them personally on the video. Everybody is fine, at least from the video, and they are safe onboard the ship. And having said that, rescue must be undertaken,” paliwanag niya.

Dagdag pa ni Cacdac, nakipag-ugnayan na sila sa Department of Foreign Affairs, manning agency, at may-ari ng barko. “The rescue is forthcoming within the day. I cannot disclose any details with respect to the rescue for security reasons,” sabi niya.

Ang Gulf of Aden, kabilang ang Red Sea, ay kabilang sa pinalawak na high-risk area upang mabigyan ng mas magandang proteksyon ang mga seafarers, kabilang ang mga Pilipino, matapos ang ilang pag-atake ng mga Houthi rebels.

Noong unang bahagi ng taon, naglabas ang DMW ng advisory na nagkakategorya sa “warlike and high-risk areas” kung saan may karapatan ang mga Filipino seafarers na tumangging maglayag kasama ang repatriation at compensation.

Sa pinakahuling pag-atake, sinabi ni Cacdac na “have been informed that the seafarers did not exercise their right to refuse sailing and had consented to join the voyage.”

Putin demands more Ukrainian land to end war, Kyiv swiftly rejects terms

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Putin demands more Ukrainian land to end war, Kyiv swiftly rejects terms

MOSCOW. President Vladimir Putin stipulated that Russia would only cease its military operations in Ukraine if Kyiv relinquished its NATO aspirations and ceded four contested provinces to Moscow on Friday. Kyiv promptly rejected these terms, equating them to a demand for surrender.

On the eve of an international conference in Switzerland, from which Russia is excluded, Putin’s firm stance highlights his belief in Russia’s upper hand in the ongoing conflict. He reiterated his unchanged demand for Ukraine’s demilitarization, echoing the conditions he set forth when he initiated the invasion on February 24, 2022. Additionally, Putin called for an end to Western sanctions and Ukraine’s “denazification,” a term Kyiv has consistently condemned as baseless propaganda.

Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak dismissed Putin’s demands, stating they would essentially force Ukraine to surrender and forfeit its sovereignty. “There is no possibility to find compromise on the basis of what Putin had proposed,” Podolyak told Reuters.

Putin’s address seems strategically timed to preempt the Swiss summit, branded a “peace conference” and intended to rally international support for Ukraine’s terms to conclude the war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is expected to advocate for Kyiv’s position at the gathering, which will host representatives from over 90 nations and organizations.

“The conditions are very simple,” Putin declared, demanding the complete withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions. These areas, partially controlled by Russian forces, were unilaterally claimed by Russia in 2022, a move condemned by most United Nations member states as illegal. Russia also annexed Crimea in 2014.

“As soon as they declare in Kyiv that they are ready for such a decision and begin a real withdrawal of troops from these regions, and also officially announce the abandonment of their plans to join NATO—on our side, immediately, literally at the same minute, an order will follow to cease fire and begin negotiations,” Putin stated.

He emphasized that Russia would guarantee the safe withdrawal of Ukrainian forces. However, Ukraine maintains that peace is only possible with the full withdrawal of Russian troops and the restoration of its territorial integrity.

The Swiss summit is expected to avoid territorial discussions, focusing instead on food security and nuclear safety in Ukraine. The Kremlin dismissed the event as “futile” without Russian participation.

Putin’s maximalist terms reflect his confidence in Moscow’s capacity to dictate the war’s outcome, given recent Russian military advances. He warned that Ukraine’s future existence hinges on its acceptance of neutrality and demilitarization, and suggested that Kyiv’s military situation would deteriorate if his offer were rejected.

“Today we are making another concrete, real peace proposal. If in Kyiv and in the Western capitals they refuse it as before, then, in the end, it is their business, their political and moral responsibility for the continuation of bloodshed,” Putin asserted.

Putin reiterated Russia’s stance on Ukraine’s neutral, non-aligned, and nuclear-free status. Ukraine and its allies have consistently rejected these demands, viewing them as a pretext for Russian territorial ambitions. Kyiv argues that demilitarization or neutrality would leave it vulnerable to further aggression.

The Russian leader also insisted that any peace arrangement would require the lifting of all Western sanctions against Russia. “I believe that Russia is offering an option that will make it possible to actually end the war in Ukraine,” Putin said.

This statement comes as the United States intensifies its sanctions on Russia, announces a 10-year security pact with Ukraine, and collaborates with G7 allies to use interest from frozen Russian assets to support a $50 billion loan to Kyiv. U.S. President Joe Biden reaffirmed the West’s commitment, saying, “You cannot wait us out. You cannot divide us.”

Pope Francis hosts global comedians, urges humor amid global crises

Venus L Peñaflor
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Pope Francis hosts global comedians, urges humor amid global crises

VATICAN CITY. As world leaders convene in Italy to tackle pressing global issues, Pope Francis opted for a different kind of gathering, one that underscored the power of humor. On Friday, the pontiff welcomed an international assembly of comedians at the Vatican, delivering a heartfelt message about the importance of laughter.

The star-studded event featured prominent comedians such as Whoopi Goldberg, Jimmy Fallon, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Chris Rock, Stephen Colbert, and Conan O’Brien. Over 200 people attended the gathering at the Apostolic Palace, including more than 100 comedians from 15 countries. Goldberg and Louis-Dreyfus were among those seated in the front row.

Before the event commenced, Fallon was seen playfully interacting with the audience before being ushered to his seat as the pope made his entrance. Pope Francis began his address by acknowledging the comedians’ unique ability to spread joy in difficult times. “In the midst of so much gloomy news, immersed as we are in many social and even personal emergencies, you have the power to spread peace and smiles,” he said.

He highlighted the unifying power of laughter, noting, “You unite people, because laughter is contagious.” The pope, known for his own sense of humor, added a personal touch, revealing that he has prayed for 40 years for a good sense of humor. He concluded his speech with a lighthearted request: “I ask you to please pray for me: for, with a smile, not against!” This remark was met with appreciative laughter from the audience.

Pope Francis also praised the comedians for their role in addressing societal issues through humor. “You manage to make people smile even while dealing with problems and events, large and small. You denounce abuses of power; you give voice to forgotten situations; you highlight abuses; you point out inappropriate behavior,” he said. He emphasized that humor can transcend social barriers and foster connections among people.

“While communication today often generates conflict, you know how to bring together diverse and sometimes contrary realities. How much we need to learn from you!” the pope remarked. He also noted that it is acceptable to “laugh at God” in the same manner that we joke with loved ones.

After his speech, Pope Francis personally greeted each comedian, sharing jokes and laughter with several of them, including Rock, Fallon, and Colbert. “It was great,” Whoopi Goldberg told reporters. When asked if she had asked the pope to appear in “Sister Act 3,” she humorously replied, “I didn’t think it was the right place to bring it up, but I’ll probably send an email.”

Conan O’Brien quipped, “We are all looking at each other thinking ‘something’s wrong’. We are in this beautiful, beautiful space in the Vatican and for some reason they’ve let comedians in which is always a mistake.”

This unique event occurred as leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) gathered in southern Italy for a three-day summit to discuss ongoing global challenges, including support for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. Pope Francis is set to make history as the first pope to participate in a G7 summit, attending a session focused on Artificial Intelligence. U.S. President Joe Biden, a Catholic with a warm relationship with the pope, is among the leaders attending the summit.

The Vatican described the meeting with comedians as part of the pope’s broader effort to engage with contemporary culture, noting that the “art of comedy can contribute to a more empathetic and supportive world.” This initiative follows his previous cultural engagements, including a visit to the Venice Biennale and a meeting with artists and directors last year. The pope’s outreach to the comedy world comes amid ongoing questions about his stance on LGBTQ+ issues, following reports of a controversial remark in private meetings.

The U.S. contingent of comedians included Tig Notaro and Jim Gaffigan, with several Catholics among them: Gaffigan and Colbert identify as Catholics, while Fallon and O’Brien were raised in the Catholic Church.

Pope Francis’s engagement with comedians underscores his belief in the power of humor to bridge divides and bring people together, even in the face of global challenges.

More than 100 comedians from around the world were at the Vatican. Vatican Media/Vatican Pool/Getty Images

Barangay kagawad patay sa aksidenteng pagputok ng baril habang nakikipag-inuman

Arman B. Cambe
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Barangay kagawad patay sa aksidenteng pagputok ng baril habang nakikipag-inuman

INDANG, Cavite. Patay ang isang barangay kagawad sa Brgy. Tambo Kulit, sa bayang ito matapos aksidenteng maputukan habang nilalaro ang isang baril na nakatutok sa kanyang bibig. Kinilala ang biktima na si John Bonne Noel, isang incumbent barangay kagawad sa naturang lugar.

Ayon sa ulat ng pulisya, naganap ang insidente bandang alas-7:35 ng gabi habang nakikipag-inuman si Noel sa kanyang mga kaibigan sa isang piyesta malapit sa kanilang lugar. Dahil sa kalasingan at dami ng nainom, inilabas ni Noel ang kanyang caliber .45 na baril upang ipakita sa mga kainuman. Inalis pa niya ang magazine ng baril at itinutok ito sa kanyang bibig. Sa kasamaang palad, aksidenteng nakalabit ni Noel ang gatilyo, na naging sanhi ng kanyang agarang pagkamatay.

Sa takot, mabilis na nagtakbuhan palayo ang mga kainuman ni Noel. Isinugod agad siya sa Poblete Hospital, ngunit idineklara na itong patay na pagdating doon.

Sa kasalukuyan, patuloy na iniimbestigahan ng mga awtoridad ang insidente. Sinasabing tinitingnan din nila kung may kaukulang papeles ang baril na ginamit ni Noel.

Magsilbing babala sana ang insidenteng ito sa lahat ng mga gun owner na laging mag-ingat at huwag basta-basta maglaro ng baril, lalo na kung nasa ilalim ng impluwensya ng alak.

U.S. prepares to temporarily remove Gaza pier due to sea conditions, official says

Venus L Peñaflor
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U.S. prepares to temporarily remove Gaza pier due to sea conditions, official says

WASHINGTON. The U.S. military is preparing to temporarily remove its humanitarian pier off the coast of Gaza due to anticipated sea conditions, a U.S. official stated on Friday. This marks the latest challenge to an effort that has been hampered by adverse weather since the pier’s installation in May.

The floating U.S. military pier off Gaza had only recently resumed bringing humanitarian aid into the enclave after operations were suspended over the weekend. According to the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the pier will likely be relocated to the Israeli port of Ashdod until sea conditions improve.

Aid deliveries via the U.S.-built pier began on May 17, with the U.N. reporting the transportation of 137 trucks of aid, approximately 900 metric tons, to warehouses. However, operations were suspended on May 28 for repairs. As of Friday, the United Nations confirmed that the transportation of aid from the pier to U.N. World Food Programme warehouses had not yet resumed.

“Our security colleagues are still working to ensure that secure conditions for humanitarian work can be re-established,” said deputy U.N. spokesperson Farhan Haq.

U.S. President Joe Biden announced in March the plan to establish the pier to facilitate aid deliveries as famine loomed in Gaza, a Hamas-run enclave of 2.3 million people, during the conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants. The pier’s operation is estimated to cost hundreds of millions of dollars for the first 90 days and involves about 1,000 U.S. service members.

Movie review: “Inside Out 2” explores the turmoil of teenage years

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Movie review: “Inside Out 2” explores the turmoil of teenage years

Sequels can be contentious territory for Pixar, but the premise of “Inside Out 2” feels naturally compelling. Nine years have passed since the original “Inside Out,” and Riley, the young girl with a head full of emotions, has aged from 11 to 13, navigating the tumultuous waters of early adolescence.

The story begins with the familiar emotions—Joy (Amy Poehler), Sadness (Phyllis Smith), Fear (Tony Hale), Disgust (Liza Lapira), and Anger (Lewis Black)—being jolted awake by an alarming beep, indicating a significant change: “Puberty.” The control room is soon overrun with construction workers making way for new, more sophisticated emotions: Anxiety (Maya Hawke), Envy (Ayo Edebiri), Embarrassment (Paul Walter Hauser), and Ennui (Adèle Exarchopoulos). Riley wakes up to a bewildering new reality, reflecting the rapid changes of adolescence.

“Inside Out 2” transforms from a modest sequel into a film of cataclysmic proportions, sensitive to one of life’s most awkward phases. The sequel may not capture the boundless imagination of its predecessor, but it effectively filters complex psychological developments into a bright, entertaining journey that hits emotional high notes.

While Joy was the protagonist of the first film, representing a parental figure desperate to preserve childhood happiness, the sequel shifts focus to Riley, now grappling with Anxiety. Riley, voiced by Kensington Tallman, is taller, has good friends, and still loves hockey, but her internal world is evolving. Boy Band Island is gone, and a new Belief System emerges from her memories. “Inside Out 2” explores Riley’s core identity, tested and reshaped by new experiences.

The film introduces new creative minds, with Kelsey Mann making his directorial debut, taking over from Pete Docter, and a script by Meg LeFauve and Dave Holstein. The sequel retains much of the charm of the original, though some elements, like Bing Bong, are missed. The narrative tilts more outside Riley’s mind, depicting her struggles with changing friendships and self-doubt, particularly at a weekend hockey camp previewing her high school life.

“Inside Out 2” arrives during a period of reflection for Pixar, managing to recapture some of its magic while acknowledging the challenges of rekindling past brilliance. The sequel stays close to familiar neural pathways, with new cerebral puns and a new childhood relic, Bloofy, voiced by Ron Funches. While more predictable than its predecessor, the film’s aim is true, addressing the complexities of anxiety, especially for teenage girls.

In an era where Pixar and other studios are navigating a new media landscape, “Inside Out 2” reaffirms the studio’s commitment to feature-length films with robust theatrical releases. This sequel, set to play exclusively in theaters for 100 days, offers a much-needed refuge from today’s anxiety-inducing devices, focusing affectingly on the struggles of adolescence.

“Inside Out 2,” a Walt Disney Co. release, is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association for some thematic elements. Running time: 96 minutes. Three stars out of four.

New research and trends in criminal justice

DC Alviar
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New research and trends in criminal justice

Criminologists, social scientists, and criminal justice professionals from Asia, Australia, Europe, Canada, and the USA will discuss new research and trends in criminal justice at the Asian Criminology Society’s 15th annual conference on August 8 to 10.

Melchor C. de Guzman, Ph.D., professor of criminology and criminal justice at Georgia Gwinnett College in the United States, will deliver a plenary address, exploring a new model of preventing police misconduct. He will explain how police misconduct happens in the exercise of a routine function of a police officer and how these incidents can be projected and prevented.

“Democratic policing demands accountability in the use of power because police actions can produce irreversible harm,” de Guzman said. “A mechanism of control should not only be reactive but also preventative and proactive.”

de Guzman is a policing expert whose extensive professional and academic careers have involved the study of police organization and behavior. He is a seasoned academician with experiences in teaching at the National Police College and the Philippine Public Safety College and police academies in the United States. His scholarship has produced over 40 publications including books and peer-reviewed articles.

A native of Mangaldan, Pangasinan, de Guzman earned master’s and doctoral degrees in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati in Ohio, USA. He has been a professor of criminal justice in the US for 24 years.

de Guzman is past president of the Criminal Justice Association of Georgia and chair of the University System of Georgia Board of Regents’ Academic Advisory Council in Criminal Justice. He has also been involved in grant projects investigating the implementation of community policing; insider threats in financial institutions; and the investigation of minor sex trafficking in Asia.

His professional field experience started in the Philippine Senate where he served as Senate Committee Secretary of National Defense and Security. He steered the passing of a significant reform legislation known as the Philippine National Police Reform and Reorganization Act (Republic Act 8551). Later he served as Director in the Philippine Veterans’ Affairs Office.

The three-day conference, themed “Criminology, Criminal Justice, Technology, and Public Safety,” will be held at MIDAS Hotel in Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines.

Joining de Guzman in the speakers’ roll are Professional Regulatory Board of Criminology Chairman Hon. Ramil G. Gabao, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency Director General Hon. Ricardo F. De Leon, Professional Criminologists Association of the Philippines (conference co-host) President Dr. Gerry J. Caño, RCrim, Prof. Bitna Kim, Ph.D., Prof. Friedrich Losel, Prof. Jianhong Liu, Prof. Raymund E. Narag, and Prof R Thilagaraj Ramasubbu.

LATEST COURSE OFFERING

Another higher education institution has offered the BS Criminology program. “The timeliness of offering the (program) is the institution’s response to the rapidly changing field of Criminal Justice… the program of which will be infused with combative sports training,” National University (NU) Laguna said in a statement.

Half a year ago, the government highlighted the importance of the profession with the signing of Proclamation No. 397 declaring November 3 to 9 of every year as Philippine Criminology Profession Week. It read: “It is imperative to recognize the role of the criminology profession in the maintenance of national security, and to honor Filipino Criminologists who have remained committed to the exercise of their profession while contributing immensely to the development of our nation, especially in the sectors of public safety and peace and order.”

NO MORE EXTRA-JUDICIAL KILLING?

Since the conference will be held in the Philippines, it is expected that attention will be given – but not center stage – to the importance of proper police operations for safer streets.

Remember the 2016-2022 presidency of Rodrigo Duterte, who launched a bloody but failed War on Drugs. Fast forward to the new administration six years thereafter, the highly controversial police operation called “Tokhang” (and related calibration of it) should no longer be continued, according to top police generals and even President Bongbong Marcos Jr.

Tokhang hit the road with thousands of extra-judicial killings (EJKs) and it is now the subject of an investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC), which included the former president himself in the case.

As conference organizers prepare for the August event, will there be more important developments before that, especially the actual capture of Apollo Quiboloy by police authorities either in the Philippines or abroad? Will there be more revealing papers and effects as a result of more police raids of POGOs in the country? There will be so much to learn from the conference indeed.

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