Tuesday, May 12, 2026


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Mister nagbaril sa ulo matapos patayin ang asawa

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CUENCA, Batangas. Pinagbabaril hanggang mapatay ng isang mister ang kanyang misis saka siya nagbaril sa ulo isang nakapanlulumong pangyayari sa bayang ito kamakalawa ng umaga.

Ang mag-asawa na kinilala lamang sa mga alyas na Elsa at Candido ay mga residente ng Brgy. Balagbag, Cuenca, Batangas.

Batay sa ulat ng pulisya, nagsimula ang trahedya matapos ang isang pagtatalo sa loob ng kanilang tahanan. Habang papauwi na sana ang mag-asawa at sakay na sa kanilang owner type jeep, biglang bumaba ng sasakyan ang ginang habang sumisigaw ng “tulungan ninyo ako at papatayin ako ng asawa ko!”

Habang tumatatkbo palayo si Elsa, pinagbabaril siya ng asawa sa likod bago ito nagbaril sa sentido.

Parehong dinala sa magkaibang ospital ang mag-asawa subalit wala ng nailigtas sa kanila. Natagpuan ng mga awtoridad sa lugar ng pinangyarihan ng krimen ang caliber 45 pistol.

China says it patrolled the South China Sea in response to US-led naval drills with allies

BEIJING. The Chinese military declared on Sunday that it had carried out air and sea patrols in response to what it perceives as provocative actions in the South China Sea, particularly referencing recent naval exercises conducted by the United States and its allies.

The announcement comes in the wake of a joint statement issued on Saturday by defense chiefs from the United States, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines, revealing plans for joint military exercises in the region aimed at upholding maritime law and freedom of navigation.

The South China Sea has been a focal point of territorial disputes, with China asserting expansive claims that are contested by several Southeast Asian nations. Recent tensions, particularly with the Philippines, have escalated, prompting increased military posturing in the area.

In a move perceived as a show of support for its allies, the United States has conducted joint patrols with the Philippines, drawing criticism from China, which accuses the U.S. of exacerbating tensions by interfering in regional disputes.

A spokesperson for the Chinese military’s Southern Theater Command issued a brief statement asserting control over activities that “disrupt the South China Sea” without directly mentioning the United States or the joint exercises.

Similarly, the joint statement by the U.S. and its allies did not explicitly mention China. However, it reiterated the parties’ commitment to a 2016 international arbitration ruling, which rejected China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea, emphasizing its binding legal status.

The escalating tensions in the region are expected to be a focal point of discussions as U.S. President Joe Biden prepares to host his Japanese and Philippine counterparts in a summit at the White House later this week.

111-year-old British man becomes world’s oldest man

111-year-old British man born the same year the Titanic sank is now world’s oldest man

At 111 years and 224 days old, John Alfred Tinniswood, hailing from England, has clinched the esteemed title of the world’s oldest living man. This announcement was made by Guinness World Records on Friday, following the passing of the former record holder, Juan Vicente Pérez, at the age of 114.

In an interview conducted by Guinness, Tinniswood, upon receiving his certificate, philosophically remarked, “You either live long or you live short, and you can’t do much about it.” Despite attributing his longevity to luck, Tinniswood shared a piece of advice on moderation in life, cautioning against excessive indulgence in any aspect, be it drinking, eating, or physical activity.

Born on August 26, 1912, in Liverpool, Tinniswood has witnessed the unfolding of history, having lived through two world wars, the Great Influenza, and the Covid-19 pandemics. Notably, he holds the record for being the oldest surviving male World War II veteran. It’s a remarkable coincidence that he was born in the same year as the sinking of the Titanic.

A devoted supporter of Liverpool Football Club, Tinniswood has experienced the highs and lows of his team’s achievements, witnessing all nineteen league title wins and all eight FA cup victories.

Presently, the great-grandfather resides in a care home located in the English seaside town of Southport. Care home manager Katie Howard expressed her admiration for Tinniswood, describing him as an “amazing individual with so many stories to tell.” She added that he enjoys keeping up with current events by reading the paper and listening to the radio.

Meanwhile, the title of the world’s oldest living woman is held by 117-year-old Maria Branyas Morera, who resides in Spain.

3.6M estudyante apektado ng suspension ng in-person classes dahil sa matinding init ng panahon

Mahigit tatlong milyong mag-aaral mula sa 14 na rehiyon ang apektado dahil sa suspensyon ng in-person classes dahil sa matinding init ng panahon.

Sa ulat ng Department of Education (DepEd), nakita na 5,288 paaralan ang nagdeklara ng paglilipat sa alternative delivery modes katulad ng online classes at modular learning. Apektado rito ang 3,648,472 estudyante.

Nauna nang nagpaalala ang DepEd sa mga paaralan at lokal na pamahalaan na may kapangyarihan sila na magdeklara ng suspensyon ng klase kung hindi angkop ang kasalukuyang panahon sa pag-aaral sa classroom.

“Given that DepEd supervises more than 47,000 schools nationwide, it is in the best interest of the learning community to have localized assessments for timely response and interventions to ensure the welfare of learners and personnel,” ayon sa pahayag ng DepEd nitong Martes, Abril 2.

Dutch woman, 28, to be euthanized due to mental illness after psychiatrist said it will ‘never’ get any better

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A 28-year-old Dutch woman, Zoraya ter Beek, has chosen to end her life next month due to her enduring struggles with depression, autism, and borderline personality disorder. The decision comes after her psychiatrist conveyed that her condition was unlikely to improve, leaving her feeling hopeless despite her otherwise physically healthy state.

Residing in a quaint Dutch town near the German border, ter Beek, along with her boyfriend and two cats, inhabits a comfortable home. However, her internal battles have led her to conclude that life has become unbearable. Once aspiring to become a psychiatrist herself, ter Beek’s dreams were thwarted by her own mental health challenges, preventing her from completing her education or embarking on a career.

Speaking to The Free Press, ter Beek revealed her poignant perspective, encapsulated by a tattoo on her arm symbolizing a “tree of life” in reverse, signifying her perception of life’s decline rather than growth. “Where the tree of life stands for growth and new beginnings, my tree is the opposite,” she expressed, highlighting her profound sense of despair.

Ter Beek’s decision was solidified when her psychiatrist conveyed, “There’s nothing more we can do for you. It’s never gonna get any better,” an admission that left her with a stark realization of the permanence of her suffering.

As she prepares for her final moments, ter Beek plans to recline on her living room couch in silence, accompanied by her devoted boyfriend. Reflecting on the euthanasia process, she described a serene atmosphere created by the attending doctor, emphasizing the importance of a peaceful transition.

Following her passing, a euthanasia review committee will scrutinize the circumstances to ensure adherence to due care criteria, underscoring the meticulous regulatory framework surrounding euthanasia in the Netherlands.

In the absence of a traditional funeral, ter Beek’s ashes will be scattered in a forest, a symbolic gesture reflecting her desire for simplicity and her wish to spare her partner from the burden of tending to a grave.

Despite her resolute decision, ter Beek admits to harboring fears about the unknown realm of death, contemplating the uncertainty of what lies beyond.

The Netherlands, a pioneer in euthanasia legislation since 2001, continues to grapple with the ethical complexities of end-of-life choices, a debate mirrored in other countries where assisted dying laws are in place.

Theo Boerin, a healthcare ethics professor, offers insight into the evolution of Dutch euthanasia practices, noting a shift from viewing death as a last resort to it becoming a default option, a transformation that has sparked vigorous debate within the medical and ethical spheres.

Ter Beek’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the profound dilemmas posed by mental illness and euthanasia, igniting discussions about compassion, autonomy, and the boundaries of medical intervention in the face of enduring suffering.

US, Japan, Australia and Philippines to hold joint naval exercises in South China Sea

MANILA. The defense forces of the United States, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines are set to engage in maritime cooperative activities on April 7 in a concerted effort to uphold the principles of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. This announcement comes amidst growing concerns over China’s escalating assertiveness in the South China Sea.

The one-day exercises, slated to take place in Manila’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), will include communication activities and officer-of-the-watch maneuvers, according to statements from Philippines’ defense ministry spokesperson, Arsenio Andolong.

The participating vessels, including the littoral combat ship USS Mobile, Australian frigate HMAS Warramunga, and Japanese destroyer JS Akebono, will join two Philippine warships in the exercises, which are designed to strengthen interoperability among the armed forces of the four nations.

“They will go from south going to the north encompassing the boundary of western and northern command,” Andolong elaborated.

The joint statement emphasized the exercises as an opportunity to align armed forces’ doctrines, tactics, techniques, and procedures, underscoring the collective commitment to maritime security in the region.

Additionally, the four nations reiterated their support for the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal Award, regarding it as final and legally binding.

The timing of these maritime activities is noteworthy as it precedes a summit involving the leaders of Japan, the U.S., and the Philippines. Discussions during the summit are expected to address recent incidents in the South China Sea.

Since assuming office in 2022, Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has pursued closer ties with Western nations, particularly the U.S., while adopting a more assertive stance against perceived Chinese aggression, departing from his predecessor’s pro-Beijing stance.

Recent maritime confrontations between the Philippines and China, involving water cannon and verbal exchanges, have raised concerns about escalating tensions at sea.

The Chinese embassy in Manila has yet to respond to requests for comment on these joint naval exercises.

China’s expansive territorial claims in the South China Sea have been a source of contention among neighboring countries, including Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam. The strategic waterway sees the transit of goods worth $3 trillion annually, further highlighting the significance of ensuring stability and freedom of navigation in the region.

Ina dinukot ang sariling anak, humirit ng P3 milyong ransom

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HAGONOY, Bulacan. Dinukot ng tatlong suspek ang 13-anyos na estudyante, kabilang ang kanyang ina, at humingi ng P3 milyong ransom bilang kapalit ng kalayaan ng biktima sa Plaridel, Bulacan, kamakalawa ng gabi.

Sa loob lamang ng 24-oras, nasagip ang Grade 7 student na dinukot sa Hagonoy, Bulacan, habang naaresto ng pulisya ang tatlong suspek na kinilalang sina Maryrose Medina, 42, alyas “Elmarie”, ina ng binatilyong biktima, Eleonor Bolosco ng Brgy. Menzyland, at Adrian Cortez, security guard ng Brgy. Mojon, Malolos City, Bulacan.

Sa inisyal na imbestigasyon at salaysay ng amang negosyante na hindi pinangalanan, umalis ang kanyang anak at nagpunta sa kanyang kaklase bandang alas-3:00 ng hapon nitong Abril 4. Ayon sa ama, hindi na bumalik ang anak at isang hindi nagpakilalang indibiduwal ang tumawag sa kanyang telepono at nanghihingi ng P3 milyon bilang ransom para pakawalan ang biktima.

Matapos makatanggap ng tawag ang ama ng biktima mula sa hinihinalang kidnapper, agad siyang dumulog at humingi ng saklolo sa Hagonoy Municipal Police Station. Napag alaman na naibaba naman sa P550,000 ang ransom matapos na magkatawaran.

Kasunod nito, bandang alas-10:40 ng gabi nitong Abril 5, nagsagawa ng operasyon ang Provincial Intelligence Unit ng Bulacan sa pangunguna ni PLt. Col. Jesus Manalo, Anti-Kidnapping Group Luzon Field Unit, at Hagonoy Police Station sa pamumuno ni PLt. Col. Aldrin Thompson para sa rescue operations.

Matapos maibigay ang P550,000 ransom, agad sinundo ng kanilang family driver ang biktima sa isang fast food chain sa bayan ng Plaridel kasabay ng pagkakaaresto sa mga suspek. Narekober ng mga awtoridad sa operasyon ang P550,000 ransom money at black Chevrolet SLX na ginamit ng mga suspek.

Sinasabing puwersahang ginamit ang biktima ng kanyang ina, katuwang ang dalawang kasabwat, at palabasin na dinukot para ipatubos at makapaghiganti umano ito sa kanyang negosyanteng mister.

Israel recovers body of hostage in Gaza, cease-fire talks set to resume

CAIRO. Israel’s military announced on Saturday that they had retrieved the remains of a 47-year-old farmer who had been held captive in Gaza, as negotiators gear up for another round of discussions on brokering a cease-fire and securing the release of remaining captives, six months into the conflict.

Elad Katzir’s body was found by Israel’s army, with suspicions that he was killed in January by militants affiliated with Islamic Jihad during an attack that occurred on October 7th. This attack resulted in over 1,200 casualties and around 250 individuals being taken as hostages. Katzir was abducted from Nir Oz, a border community that bore some of the heaviest losses.

The recovery of Katzir’s body has intensified pressure on Israel’s government to secure the release of the remaining hostages, prompting thousands to gather in Tel Aviv demanding action and even early elections. Families of the hostages have expressed deep concerns about the passage of time, with at least 36 hostages confirmed dead and only about half of the initial number released.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s approach to the situation has divided Israelis, with recent large-scale protests in central Jerusalem against the government’s handling of the crisis.

Meanwhile, inside Gaza, the toll of Israel’s offensive continues to mount, with tens of thousands dead and over a million Palestinians displaced. The U.N. humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths labeled the situation as reaching a “terrible milestone” after six months of conflict, warning of the looming threat of famine.

Negotiations for a cease-fire are slated to resume on Sunday, with the involvement of a Hamas delegation and the arrival of CIA Director Bill Burns to Egypt as part of U.S. President Joe Biden’s efforts to broker peace.

Hamas has insisted on linking the end of hostilities to the release of hostages, proposing a phased approach that would involve the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails and the return of displaced individuals to northern Gaza, alongside increased aid.

Recent Israeli airstrikes resulting in the deaths of humanitarian workers have sparked international condemnation, with calls for increased protection of civilians and aid workers in the region.

As the conflict continues, the toll on Gaza’s health infrastructure is becoming increasingly dire, with hospitals like Shifa and Nasser severely damaged, exacerbating an already strained health system.

With Gaza’s population seeking refuge in cities like Rafah, fears of a potential ground offensive by Israel persist, raising concerns both locally and internationally.

IRRI unveils breakthrough in low and ultra-low glycemic index rice

LOS BAÑOS, Laguna. In a bid to address the escalating diabetes cases worldwide, researchers from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), a CGIAR Research Center, have unveiled the genes responsible for low and ultra-low glycemic index (GI) in rice. This groundbreaking discovery offers the potential to transform widely consumed rice varieties into low and ultra-low GI options for refined white rice, using conventional breeding techniques. This development maintains grain quality and ensures high yields.

During the opening ceremony of the 6th International Rice Congress, the initial batch of ultra-low GI rice samples derived from the Samba Mahsuri x IR36ae crossbreed was formally presented to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.

Expressing gratitude for the congress, Marcos emphasized the significance of advancements like ultra-low GI rice in promoting rice industry development globally and particularly in the Philippines.

Previously, IRRI had identified two low GI Philippine varieties, IRRI 147 and IRRI 125, which were released in the Philippines as salt-tolerant options. Clinical studies showed that IRRI 147 had a GI value of 55, while IRRI 125 had a GI value of 51.1.

With diabetes reaching epidemic proportions, the necessity for healthier food options is paramount. Many commonly cultivated rice varieties have high GI levels, ranging from 70 to 92, which is concerning for individuals with diabetes.

IRRI categorizes GI levels as ultra-low below 45, low between 46 and 55, intermediate from 56 to 69, and high at 70 and above. The newly discovered ultra-low GI rice boasts a GI level of 44, with translucent grains.

In 2019, IRRI identified significant marker-trait associations for distinguishing between intermediate and high GI varieties. Now, IRRI has defined the genetics for low and ultra-low GI rice, developing pre-breeding lines with these characteristics in high-yielding backgrounds.

Dr. Nese Sreenivasulu, Head of IRRI’s Consumer-driven Grain Quality and Nutrition Research Unit, highlighted the opportunity this discovery presents to develop rice varieties that meet consumer health needs and preferences.

The breakthrough stems from collaborative efforts between IRRI scientists at the global headquarters in the Philippines and the IRRI South Asia Regional Centre in India. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the latter with the goal of fostering research partnerships across regions.

Dr. Leo Sebastian, Undersecretary for Rice Industry Development at the Department of Agriculture, expressed support for further research on low GI rice and its potential incorporation into Philippine varieties.

IRRI’s Interim Director General, Dr. Ajay Kohli, emphasized the health benefits and market potential of these research breakthroughs. Collaborative efforts between IRRI and PhilRice aim to make ultra-low GI rice varieties available in the market within two years.

Passenger fined for urinating in cup at Sydney Airport

SYDNEY. A passenger has been fined for urinating in a cup during a delay in deplaning after landing at Sydney Airport, sparking public attention after the incident came to light months later.

According to officials, the incident occurred last December after a 3-hour Air New Zealand flight from Auckland. The 53-year-old man was fined 600 Australian dollars ($395) for offensive behavior in February.

The incident gained traction when a passenger from the same row, identified only as Holly, reported the behavior to the air crew. Holly, accompanied by her 15-year-old daughter, described how the man in the window seat urinated in a cup while they were awaiting deplaning.

Holly recounted the experience, stating that the plane had been grounded for about 20 minutes, waiting for a terminal gate, when she heard the unmistakable sound of the passenger urinating. She further mentioned that the man appeared to be intoxicated and accidentally spilled urine on a flight attendant as he exited the plane.

Australian Federal Police confirmed the incident, stating that the passenger was removed from the plane for “urinating into a cup while in his seat.” However, the airline, Air New Zealand, declined to comment on the specific incident. They did mention their policy of banning disruptive passengers, including those intoxicated, with a monthly average of between five to ten customers facing such consequences.