Saturday, May 23, 2026


Your Daily News Update About CALABARZON and Beyond.
ISSN 2799-1911

Home Blog Page 38

Kaanak ng drug war victims muling nasaktan habang umuusad ang kaso sa ICC

Venus L Peñaflor
-
0
Kaanak ng drug war victims muling nasaktan habang umuusad ang kaso sa ICC

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Muling nabuhay ang matinding dalamhati ng mga pamilya ng mga nasawi sa kampanya kontra droga ng administrasyong Duterte habang inilalahad ng Prosecution at ng Common Legal Representatives for Victims ang mga ebidensya sa harap ng Pre-Trial Chamber I ng International Criminal Court noong Martes.

Sa loob ng gallery ng ICC, kapansin-pansin ang emosyon nina Llore Pasco at Sheerah Escudero habang pinakikinggan ang mga argumento kung bakit dapat ituloy sa paglilitis ang tatlong bilang ng crimes against humanity na murder at attempted murder laban kay dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte.

Dalawang anak na lalaki ang nawala kay Pasco, sina Crisanto at Juan Carlos habang kapatid naman ang nawala kay Escudero, si Ephraim, na napatay noong 2017.

“Ito ay talagang tumagos sa aming mga puso,” umiiyak na pahayag ni Pasco matapos ang pagdinig. Aniya, nahirapan silang pigilan ang emosyon habang inilalahad ang mga detalye ng mga pagpatay. “Pigil ‘yung aming damdamin… na-overwhelm kami dahil para talaga ‘yun sa amin, sa mga biktima.”

Ayon kay Pasco, lalo siyang naapektuhan nang isa-isahin ng prosecution ang mga biktima at ang mga lugar kung saan natagpuan ang kanilang mga bangkay. Naalala niya ang noong makita ang kanyang dalawang anak sa Quezon City.

“Minsan may mga gabing hindi ka nakakatulog kasi sinisisi ko ‘yung sarili ko na siguro kung hindi ko sila pina-surrender, baka buhay pa,” dagdag niya.

Para naman kay Escudero, sariwa pa rin ang alaala ng pagkamatay ng kanyang kapatid nang ilahad ang mga detalyeng may pagkakatulad sa sinapit nito. Aniya, natagpuan ang kanyang kapatid na nakabalot ng packaging tape noong 2017.

“It reminded me of all the pain that we experienced,” ani Escudero, na aminadong nahirapan huminga at pigilan ang emosyon habang nagpapatuloy ang pagdinig.

Iginiit niya na hindi umano hiwa-hiwalay na insidente ang mga pagpatay kundi bahagi ng polisiya noon. “Mas naging malinaw sa amin na part talaga ito ng policy ni Duterte. Lalong naging matibay sa amin na siya talaga ang reason bakit nawala ang mga mahal namin sa buhay.”

Bagama’t hindi nabanggit sa pagdinig ang pangalan ng kanyang kapatid, naniniwala si Escudero na kabilang ito sa mga biktimang kinakatawan ng prosecution. Aminado siyang walang hatol ang makapagbabalik sa kanilang mahal sa buhay, ngunit umaasa silang uusad ang kaso sa ganap na paglilitis.

“Even if ma-convict si Duterte balang araw, ‘yung pain nandoon pa rin. Alam namin na hindi na nito maibabalik ang kapatid ko, pero we still want to push this to trial,” aniya.

Mariin ding tinutulan ng dalawang pamilya ang pahayag ng depensa, partikular ng counsel na si Nicholas Kaufman, na umano’y walang “criminal intent” si Duterte.

“Hindi totoo na walang criminal intent siya. Siya na mismo ang nagsabi kung gaano niya kagustong patayin ang mga taong ito,” diin ni Escudero.

“Sabi niya hindi naman daw intent to kill. Isipin ba ‘yung mga sinabi ni Duterte? Hindi pa ba ‘yun proof na talagang inutos niya?” dagdag ni Pasco.

Sa kabila ng sakit at hirap, pinili nilang saksihan ang bawat yugto ng pagdinig. Para kay Escudero, “yung pagpunta sa ICC is like witnessing a history.”

Nanawagan din sila laban sa pagkalat ng maling impormasyon kaugnay ng mga biktima at ng kaso. “Why would we experience such pain kung wala talagang namatay? We’re not faking everything,” ani Escudero.

Sa huli, nananatiling umaasa ang mga pamilya na magpapatuloy ang proseso at hahantong sa makatarungang paglilitis.

“Sana magkaroon na talaga ng katarungan… hangad din namin na magkaroon ng hustisya para sa lahat ng biktima,” pahayag ni Pasco.

With reports from GMA7

Trump breaks record with longest State of the Union

EDGARDO HERNAL
-
0
Trump breaks record with longest State of the Union

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump, who holds the record for the longest State of the Union (SOTU) address at 100 minutes, signaled that he may surpass that mark during his upcoming speech on Tuesday.

The annual address has steadily grown longer in recent years, fueled not only by expanded policy agendas but also by frequent interruptions from lawmakers, including applause and occasional heckling.

Speaking Monday, Trump said his address would focus on the U.S. economy, as affordability remains a top concern for Americans.

“We have a country that’s now doing well with the greatest economy we’ve ever had, most activity we’ve ever had,” Trump said. “I’m making a speech tomorrow night, and you’ll be hearing me say that. It’s going to be a long speech because we have so much to talk about.”

In 2025, Trump delivered approximately 9,906 words during his record-breaking SOTU, surpassing former President Joe Biden’s 2023 address by about 700 words. Before that, the record was held by President Bill Clinton, whose 2000 address ran more than 89 minutes.

Historically, some presidents submitted written messages to Congress instead of delivering speeches in person. Those written addresses often exceeded 10,000 words. During the Iran hostage crisis, former President Jimmy Carter submitted the longest written address in January 1981, totaling 33,667 words.

During his first term, Trump averaged about 80 minutes per SOTU, longer than Clinton’s previously noted 75-minute average. Since 1964, the median presidential address to Congress has lasted approximately 45 minutes, though durations have gradually increased over the decades.

Pangulong Marcos may napipisil ng panlaban sa 2028

Venus L Peñaflor
-
0
Pangulong Marcos may napipisil ng panlaban sa 2028

MAYNILA — Sinabi ni Ferdinand Marcos Jr. na mayroon na siyang mga kinokonsiderang posibleng pambato para sa 2028 presidential elections, ngunit tumanggi siyang pangalanan kung sino ang mga ito sa ngayon.

Ang pahayag ay ginawa ng Pangulo nang tanungin siya sa ginanap na ASEAN Editors and Economic Opinion Leaders Forum sa Fairmont Hotel sa Makati City.

Ayon kay Marcos, ang susunod na magiging lider ng bansa ay dapat may malawak na kaalaman sa ekonomiya upang makalikha ng mas maraming trabaho, mapababa ang inflation, at matiyak ang sapat na suplay ng pagkain. Aniya, mahalaga ring nakatuon ang magiging pinuno sa pagpapataas ng productivity, pagpapabuti ng kalidad ng edukasyon, pagpapalakas ng healthcare system, at pagsusulong ng mga polisiyang tunay na makatutulong sa pamumuhay ng mga Filipino.

“We are about nation-building. I didn’t hear that anymore. So we need to have nation builders, people who want to make Philippines better. People who actually love the Philippines and love Filipinos and want to make things better,” pahayag ng Pangulo.

Binigyang-diin din ni Marcos na mahirap itaas sa presidential level ang isang indibidwal na walang sapat na karanasan sa pulitika, dahil mahalaga ang pagkilala at tiwala ng publiko. Dagdag pa niya, mas tinitingnan ng taumbayan ang mga nasa gobyerno na aktibong nagtatrabaho, may kakayahan, at maituturing na “exceptional.”

Gayunman, nilinaw ng Pangulo na hindi pa siya magbibigay ng anumang pag-eendorso sa ngayon.

“Not soon. Timing is everything,” giit ni Marcos.

Sa kabila ng mga pahayag, nananatiling bukas ang usapin kung sino ang kanyang susuportahan sa darating na halalan sa 2028.

Mexican cartel clashes fuel worries ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

EDGARDO HERNAL
-
0
Mexican cartel clashes fuel worries ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

TAPALPA, Mexico — Escalating violence linked to cartel operations in western Mexico has sparked concern among residents and tourism-dependent communities just months before the country hosts matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In the mountain town of Tapalpa, Jalisco, 50-year-old shop owner Maria Dolores Aguirre fears the recent bloodshed could devastate local livelihoods. Her family’s corner store, operating for five decades, has long relied on steady tourism drawn to the town’s cobblestoned charm.

That sense of security was shattered when gunfire erupted and military helicopters hovered overhead during an operation that resulted in the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho,” leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

“It’s going to affect us. It’s collateral damage,” Aguirre said. “The government is going to have to have a lot of security. … The entire world just saw what happened and, of course, people are going to think twice about coming.”

Authorities said more than 70 people were killed during the operation to capture Oseguera Cervantes and in subsequent clashes. The cartel leader was among the most wanted criminals in Mexico and the United States. The U.S. Department of State had offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his arrest.

The White House confirmed that U.S. intelligence supported the Mexican military’s operation and praised the outcome. Oseguera Cervantes led one of Mexico’s fastest-growing criminal organizations, accused of trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine into the United States and orchestrating high-profile attacks on Mexican officials.

According to Mexican Defense Secretary Gen. Ricardo Trevilla, authorities tracked one of Oseguera Cervantes’ romantic partners to his hideout near Tapalpa. After a firefight in a wooded area, he and two bodyguards were seriously wounded, taken into custody, and later died en route to Mexico City.

The offensive comes amid mounting pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has demanded stronger action against cartels and warned of potential tariffs or unilateral measures if Mexico fails to curb criminal activity. Mexico’s government had hoped the high-profile operation would ease tensions, but uncertainty remains over possible retaliation from cartel factions.

Violence has also unsettled coastal areas, including the Pacific resort city of Puerto Vallarta, where reported reprisals triggered panic among visitors. Some flights were canceled amid security concerns, stranding travelers.

Steve Perkins, 57, was vacationing in Puerto Vallarta with his wife and friends when explosions and plumes of black smoke were visible from their hotel terrace. Their return flight to Oklahoma was canceled, forcing them to delay departure. After more than a decade of annual visits, Perkins said the couple does not plan to return.

“There’s a lot of Americans trapped here,” he said.

Back in Tapalpa, Aguirre’s 15-year-old son saw his classes suspended as tensions lingered. Residents remain uncertain whether the military or cartel elements currently control surrounding areas and whether the violence marks the end of a chapter or the start of renewed infighting.

“If they really did kill this leader, it could be that they fight between each other to win control or see who will lead it,” Aguirre said.

As Mexico prepares to welcome the world for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, communities across Jalisco, from mountain towns to beach resorts and the host city of Guadalajara, face mounting questions about security, stability, and the economic future tied to global tourism.

‘Flour war’ erupts in Greek seaside town as Lent begins

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
-
0
‘Flour war’ erupts in Greek seaside town as Lent begins

GALAXIDI, Greece — The quiet seaside town of Galaxidi transformed into a cloud of color and chaos on Clean Monday as residents and visitors revived its centuries-old “flour war,” marking the start of Lent in a uniquely exuberant fashion.

Along the town’s coastal promenade, revelers hurled bags of brightly dyed flour at one another, blanketing streets, buildings and participants in vivid reds, blues and yellows. Within hours, the waterfront was carpeted in powder, while those less inclined to join the fray watched safely from balconies above.

The annual spectacle takes place every Clean Monday, an important day in the calendar of the Greek Orthodox Church. The holiday signals the beginning of Lent, the 40-day fasting period leading to Easter, and traditionally marks the close of Greece’s carnival season — known locally as Apokries, which blends Christian observance with pre-Christian customs.

Local resident Panayiotis Paphilis said the tradition dates back to the 19th century, when Galaxidi was a thriving maritime hub. According to local accounts, sailors returning from Mediterranean trade routes, possibly inspired by similar festivities in Sicily, introduced the playful flour-throwing ritual around the early 1800s.

At the time, Galaxidi’s white-masted ships sailed extensively, bringing prosperity and outside influences to the town. However, the decline of sail-powered commerce and the town’s geographic isolation hemmed in by mountains and lacking a road connection until the 1960s — curtailed its maritime prominence. That same isolation, historians note, helped preserve distinctive traditions such as the flour war.

Today, Galaxidi’s population of about 1,700 swells as young visitors and tourists arrive to witness and join the messy celebration.

“We had a great time. We’ll come back,” said 28-year-old visitor Stephanos Kapetanakis, who traveled with friends to experience the event for the first time.

Elsewhere in Greece, Clean Monday is observed more quietly, often with kite flying and communal meals featuring shellfish and other seafood permitted during the Lenten fast. In Galaxidi, however, the day is defined by its riot of color and spirited participation.

Though the flour battle typically lasts only a few hours, its impact lingers in the powdered streets, stained clothing and the enduring sense of community that keeps the tradition alive.

As Lent begins across Greece, Galaxidi once again stands out for turning solemn preparation into a vibrant expression of heritage, history and local identity.

Revelers take part in the annual flour war marking the end of the Carnival season on Clean Monday in Galaxidi, about 200 kilometers (120 miles) west of Athens, Monday Feb. 23, 2026, starting the 40-day Christian Lent fast leading to Easter. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)

ICC prosecutor details alleged roles of dela Rosa, Lapeña, Danao, Aguirre in Duterte drug war

Venus L Peñaflor
-
0
ICC prosecutor details alleged roles of dela Rosa, Lapeña, Danao, Aguirre in Duterte drug war

THE HAGUE — An International Criminal Court prosecutor on Tuesday outlined the alleged roles of several former top Philippine officials in the implementation of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, telling judges they were part of a group that “controlled the executive” and key law enforcement agencies.

During the second day of the confirmation of charges hearing against Duterte before Pre-Trial Chamber I at the International Criminal Court, prosecutor Robynne Croft identified former Philippine National Police chief and now Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, former Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency chief Isidro Lapeña, former police official Vicente Danao, and former Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, among others, as alleged co-perpetrators.

Croft told the chamber that Duterte and his alleged associates “controlled the executive, they controlled the police, they controlled the [Philippine] Drug Enforcement Agency, the National Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Justice,” and used that authority to implement a plan to “neutralize alleged criminals through violent crimes.”

Duterte, who served as Philippine president from 2016 to 2022, is facing charges before the ICC related to alleged crimes against humanity in connection with his administration’s anti-narcotics campaign. The Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute in 2019, but the court has maintained jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed while the country was still a member.

Allegations of coordinated control

Croft argued that when Duterte assumed the presidency, he appointed allies from Davao City to key national posts in law enforcement and government, positions she described as central to the alleged common plan.

She cited video clips and public speeches in which Dela Rosa, as PNP chief, made strong statements against drug suspects, including remarks encouraging violent action. According to the prosecution, Dela Rosa oversaw approximately 180,000 police officers during his tenure.

Croft also referenced statements attributed to Lapeña, who led the PDEA, and Danao, who previously served as Davao City police chief and later headed the Manila Police District. The prosecutor alleged that these officials used their positions to carry out and sustain the anti-drug campaign.

Regarding Aguirre, Croft said that as Justice secretary, he exercised authority over the National Prosecution Service and allegedly ensured that only a limited number of cases involving low-level perpetrators were prosecuted, fostering what she described as a “climate of impunity.”

The named officials have either denied wrongdoing in previous public statements or declined to comment on the ongoing proceedings. Dela Rosa has not attended Senate plenary sessions since November 2025 amid reports of an ICC warrant. Earlier this year, he said he was waiting for “justice to emerge and take over.”

Data on police killings presented

Croft also presented findings from an expert witness specializing in political violence. According to the prosecution, the expert’s analysis showed that in the first 25 months of Duterte’s presidency, the number of suspects killed by police increased by 590% nationwide.

In Bulacan province, the prosecution said police killings rose by 1,600% after Duterte assumed office. Using a metric of police killings per 100,000 population, the expert reportedly concluded that the spike could be explained by what Croft described as a “widespread facility of extrajudicial executions.”

The defense has yet to present its response to these specific claims during the ongoing confirmation hearings.

Next steps in proceedings

The ICC formally read the charges against Duterte on Monday. Hearings are scheduled to continue on February 26 and 27.

At the close of the confirmation process, Pre-Trial Chamber I may decline to confirm the charges, request the prosecution to provide additional evidence or amend the charges, or confirm the charges and commit the case to trial before a Trial Chamber.

The outcome of the confirmation stage will determine whether Duterte will face a full trial before the ICC.

Tinitingnan ng DENR ang ‘Kalikasan Order’ vs operator ng Rodriguez landfill

Venus L Peñaflor
-
0
Tinitingnan ng DENR ang ‘Kalikasan Order’ vs operator ng Rodriguez landfill

LUCENA CITY — Pinag-aaralan ng Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) ang posibilidad ng paglalabas ng isang “Kalikasan Order” laban sa pribadong operator ng sanitary landfill sa Rodriguez, Rizal kasunod ng pagguho ng tambak ng basura na iniulat na ikinasawi ng isang tao at nag-iwan ng dalawa pang nawawala noong Pebrero 22.

Sa pahayag na ipinadala sa Inquirer, sinabi ni DENR Region IV-A Director Nilo Tamoria na sinusuri ng legal division ng central office ang pag-isyu ng administrative order laban sa International Solid Waste Integrated Management Specialist Inc. (ISWIMS), ang operator ng landfill sa Barangay San Isidro.

Ang “Kalikasan Order” ay isang administrative directive na inilalabas ng DENR upang palakasin ang pagpapatupad ng mga batas pangkalikasan. Maaaring maglaman ito ng mga utos para sa inspeksyon, pansamantalang pagsasara, pagpapatupad ng compliance measures, o iba pang hakbang upang tugunan ang mga paglabag sa environmental laws.

Ayon kay Tamoria, isa pang opsyon na pinag-aaralan ay ang paglalabas ng cease and desist order (CDO). Gayunman, nililinaw pa ng Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Legal Division kung ito ay ipatutupad lamang sa 15,000-square-meter na bahagi ng landfill o sa buong 50-ektaryang pasilidad.

Dagdag pa niya, kung ipasasara ang landfill, kinakailangang maghanap ng pinakamalapit na alternatibong disposal facility ang 13 munisipalidad sa Metro Manila na kasalukuyang nagtatapon ng basura sa naturang lugar.

Nauna nang sinabi ni Rodriguez Mayor Ronnie Evangelista na isang bangkay ang na-recover noong Linggo ng hapon, habang dalawa pa ang nananatiling nawawala. Sa ngayon, wala pang opisyal na pahayag ang ISWIMS hinggil sa insidente.

Samantala, iginiit ng grupong Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay) na tinatayang nasa 50 katao ang nawawala matapos ang pagguho noong Pebrero 20 sa Sitio 1B Harangan, Barangay San Isidro.

Ayon kay Mimi Doringo, secretary-general ng Kadamay, bandang alas-2 ng hapon nang mangyari ang insidente na umano’y nakaapekto sa halos 100 katao, kabilang ang mga mangangalakal ng basura sa loob ng pribadong landfill na pinamamahalaan ng ISWIMS.

“Kahapon kasi namin nalaman nang mga bandang alas-9, alas-10 ng umaga na may nangyaring pagguho sa landfill sa Rodriguez, Rizal,” ani Doringo.

Ibinahagi rin niya na dalawang batang magkapatid ang nakaligtas matapos matabunan ng basura nang mahigit isang oras.

“Yung isa, hanggang bewang yung basura sa kanya. Yung isa, hanggang leeg. Mabuti na lang daw na nakita sila nung ibang mga tao,” dagdag niya.

Bagama’t wala pa umanong kumpletong datos, sinabi ni Doringo na batay sa kanilang nakausap na mga pamilya, tinatayang nasa 50 katao ang hindi pa nakikita.

Inihayag din ng grupo na may ilang pamilya umanong inalok ng pera upang hindi magsalita tungkol sa insidente.

“May pumunta raw na abogado sa kanila kahapon tapos inaalok sila ng pera… iniisip nung mag-asawa, kung tatanggapin nila yung pera, parang tatabunan na lang yung buhay ng anak nila,” aniya.

Ayon pa sa kanya, may mga residente umanong natatakot magsalita dahil sa pangambang mawalan ng hanapbuhay, lalo’t marami sa halos 1,000 pamilya sa komunidad ang umaasa sa pamamasura at pangangalakal bilang pangunahing kabuhayan.

Nanawagan ang Kadamay at ang Bagong Alyansang Makabayan–Rizal ng agarang rescue at relief operations, malalim at transparent na imbestigasyon, at pananagutan ng operator ng landfill at ng lokal na pamahalaan kung may pagkukulang sa kaligtasan.

“Nananawagan kami sa lokal na pamahalaan ng Rodriguez na huwag hadlangan ang midya at mga residenteng nais maglabas ng impormasyon, magsagawa ng agarang rescue at relief operations, maglunsad ng malalim at transparent na imbestigasyon, at panagutin ang mga responsable sa proyektong naglantad sa panganib ang buhay at kabuhayan ng mga mamamayan,” ayon sa grupo.

Ayon sa ulat, walang kinatawan ng ISWIMS ang humarap sa media noong Pebrero 22 upang magbigay ng pahayag kaugnay ng kumakalat na video ng pagguho at sa ulat ng mga nawawala. Sinabi naman ng isang guwardiya sa landfill na walang pumapasok na kawani tuwing Sabado at Linggo.

Pinuntahan na umano ng Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) ng Rodriguez ang lugar ngunit tumangging magbigay ng komento at sinabing mas mainam na ang ISWIMS ang magsalita hinggil sa isyu.

Samantala, ayon sa pamunuan ng Barangay San Isidro, wala pa silang natatanggap na opisyal na ulat mula sa mga residente tungkol sa insidente.

House panel approves bill to abolish travel tax

Venus L Peñaflor
-
0
House panel approves bill to abolish travel tax

MANILA — The House Committee on Tourism has approved a bill seeking to abolish the Philippine travel tax, provided the measure includes a clear and sustainable funding mechanism for government programs that currently rely on the levy.

The panel, chaired by Eleandro Jesus Madrona, approved six proposals aimed at repealing the travel tax, which currently charges ₱2,700 for first-class passengers and ₱1,620 for economy travelers. House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos is among the authors of the measure.

Madrona directed the Committee Secretariat to prepare the committee report so it can be referred to the House Committees on Ways and Means and Appropriations to address the funding provision.

“Travel tax collections amount to roughly ₱8 billion annually and dropped to zero during the pandemic. In short, the revenue stream is volatile. And if we continue expanding exemptions, for example, exempting all economy passengers, practically nothing will be left to collect,” Madrona said. He added, “It may be better to establish a new funding scheme rather than continue relying on the travel tax.”

House Committee on Appropriations chairperson Mikaela Angela Suansing assured stakeholders that funding protections would be promptly addressed. “Given the criticality of the funds, we will work together to ensure those funds remain available. We hear you, and we understand the current structure,” Suansing said, adding that the committee would craft a mechanism responsive to the needs of different government agencies.

Currently, proceeds from the travel tax go to the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

TIEZA Chief Operating Officer Mark Lapid told lawmakers that approximately 96% of travel tax-paying passengers are economy class travelers, and around 90% of TIEZA’s operating budget comes from travel tax revenues. He also noted that 300 of TIEZA’s 1,025 employees could be affected if the tax is abolished without a replacement funding mechanism.

CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis said the commission does not oppose the abolition of the travel tax but appealed for continued funding for the Higher Education Development Fund (HEDF), which currently receives 85.6% of its funding from travel tax collections. “If the travel tax is repealed without a replacement revenue source, CHED’s HEDF will lose 85.6% of its funding. That is a structural loss directly affecting scholarships, research, and institutional upgrading,” Agrupis said.

The NCCA, which receives 10% of collections averaging ₱600 million to ₱700 million annually, also expressed conditional support, citing the need to sustain grants, heritage conservation programs, and cultural institutions nationwide.

Scrapping the travel tax has been identified as a priority by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC). Miro Quimbo, chair of the House Ways and Means panel, said abolishing the tax could generate as much as ₱22 billion in additional annual government income, noting the government stands to earn more once the levy is scrapped.

Mexico braces for violence after army kills leader of the powerful Jalisco cartel

EDGARDO HERNAL
-
0
Mexico braces for violence after army kills leader of the powerful Jalisco cartel

GUADALAJARA, Mexico — Several Mexican states canceled classes, and local and foreign governments urged citizens to stay indoors after widespread violence erupted following the army’s killing of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) leader.

Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” was killed during a shootout at his home in Jalisco while the Mexican military attempted to capture him. He was the head of one of the fastest-growing criminal networks in the country, notorious for trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine to the United States and for brazen attacks against government officials.

According to the Mexican Defense Department, Oseguera Cervantes was wounded in the Tapalpa operation and died while being flown to Mexico City. Four others were killed during the raid, while three, including Oseguera, were wounded and later died.

Following his death, cartel members launched violent attacks nationwide, including more than 250 roadblocks across 20 states and burning of vehicles. Authorities in Jalisco, Michoacan, and Guanajuato reported at least 14 additional deaths, including seven National Guard troops.

President Claudia Sheinbaum called for calm and said most roadblocks had been cleared by late Sunday. She was expected to address the situation during her daily press briefing.

The White House confirmed that the U.S. provided intelligence support for the operation and praised the Mexican military. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described El Mencho as a top target for both governments due to his role in trafficking fentanyl into the U.S.

The U.S. State Department had offered up to $15 million for information leading to his capture. In February 2025, the Trump administration designated the CJNG as a foreign terrorist organization.

The U.S. Embassy in Mexico advised personnel in eight cities and the state of Michoacan to shelter in place and work remotely, urging American citizens to do the same.

By Monday morning, Guadalajara began to see movement on the streets again, after the city was almost completely shut down on Sunday. Residents remained on edge, concerned about possible retaliation from the cartel and the risk of further violence following the death of one of the most wanted criminals in Mexico and the U.S.

Duterte, ‘pivotal’ sa libo-libong pagpatay, ayon sa ICC

Venus L Peñaflor
-
0
Duterte, ‘pivotal’ sa libo-libong pagpatay, ayon sa ICC

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Iginiit ng mga prosecutor ng International Criminal Court na naging “pivotal” o mahalaga ang papel ni dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte sa umano’y libu-libong extrajudicial killings kaugnay ng kanyang kampanya kontra droga.

Sa pagdinig ng pretrial sa The Hague nitong Lunes, sinabi ng mga tagausig na hinikayat umano ni Duterte ang mga death squad na magsagawa ng pagpatay gamit ang takot at pinansyal na gantimpala. Nahaharap ang dating pangulo sa tatlong bilang ng crimes against humanity kaugnay ng madugong anti-drug crackdown noong siya ay alkalde ng Davao City at kalaunan bilang pangulo ng bansa.

Ayon kay Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang, nagsagawa umano ang ilang pulis at hit squad members ng dose-dosenang pagpatay sa utos ng dating lider, bunsod ng pangakong pera o upang maiwasang sila mismo ang maging target. “For some, killing reached the level of a perverse form of competition,” ani Niang sa kanyang opening statement.

Nilinaw ng hukuman na ang pagdinig ay hindi pa ang aktuwal na paglilitis kundi bahagi ng proseso kung saan ilalatag ng prosekusyon ang kanilang ebidensiya. May 60 araw ang mga hukom upang magpasya kung sapat ang mga ito para ituloy ang paglilitis.

Sa panig ng depensa, sinabi ni lead counsel Nick Kaufman na nananatiling inosente si Duterte. “Duterte stands behind his legacy resolutely, and he maintains his innocence absolutely,” aniya sa tatlong-hukom na panel. Iginiit din ng depensa na “cherry-picked” umano ang mga pahayag ng dating pangulo at hindi ito sinadyang mag-udyok ng karahasan.

Hindi dumalo si Duterte sa pagdinig matapos niyang i-waive ang kanyang karapatang personal na humarap. Noong nakaraang buwan, pinasya ng mga hukom na siya ay fit to stand trial matapos maantala ang naunang pagdinig dahil sa pangamba sa kanyang kalusugan.

Sa Pilipinas, nagprotesta sa Metro Manila ang mga aktibista at kaanak ng mga nasawi sa kampanya kontra droga. Mahigit 100 kamag-anak ang nanood ng live broadcast ng pagdinig sa tatlong venue sa National Capital Region na inorganisa ng mga civic group.

“We’re hoping that the ICC, even if it’s thousands of miles away, will finally render justice to all these families,” ayon kay Randy delos Santos, volunteer sa isang charity shelter na nag-host ng viewing event. Ang kanyang 17-anyos na pamangkin ay napatay ng tatlong pulis sa isang umano’y drug raid noong Agosto 2017, isang insidenteng nagdulot ng matinding public outcry at nagresulta sa rare conviction ng mga sangkot na opisyal ng pulisya sa isang korte sa Maynila.

Samantala, kinuwestiyon ng ilang tagasuporta ni Duterte ang administrasyon ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. kaugnay ng pag-aresto at pagsuko sa dating pangulo sa ICC, na anila’y walang hurisdiksiyon matapos ang pagkalas ng Pilipinas sa korte. Kabilang sa mga kritiko ang anak ni Duterte na si Sara Duterte, na kasalukuyang bise presidente at naghayag kamakailan ng planong tumakbo sa pagkapangulo sa 2028.

Nag-ugat ang kaso nang ihayag ng ICC prosecutors noong Pebrero 2018 ang pagbubukas ng preliminary investigation sa madugong drug war. Makalipas ang isang buwan, inanunsiyo ng noo’y Pangulong Duterte ang pagkalas ng Pilipinas sa Rome Statute, ang kasunduang nagtatatag sa ICC, isang hakbang na ayon sa human rights groups ay pagtatangkang umiwas sa pananagutan.

Tinanggihan ng mga hukom ang mosyon ng kampo ni Duterte na ibasura ang kaso dahil umano sa kawalan ng hurisdiksiyon kasunod ng withdrawal ng bansa. Sa kanilang desisyon, binigyang-diin na hindi maaaring “abusuhin” ng mga estado ang kanilang karapatang umatras mula sa Rome Statute “to shield persons from justice in relation to alleged crimes that are already under consideration.” Nananatiling nakabinbin ang apela kaugnay nito.

Nagkakaiba-iba ang tantiya sa bilang ng mga nasawi sa ilalim ng drug war ni Dutertem, ula sa mahigit 6,000 ayon sa Philippine National Police, hanggang sa tinatayang aabot sa 30,000 batay sa ulat ng iba’t ibang human rights groups.

Habang nagpapatuloy ang proseso sa The Hague, nananatiling sentro ng pambansang diskurso ang usapin ng pananagutan, hurisdiksiyon, at ang epekto ng kampanya kontra droga sa libu-libong pamilyang Pilipino.

With reports from Associated Press

1...373839...826Page 38 of 826




Tutubi Digital News will shape up the way you stay up to date with the goings-on around Calabarzon, and the world. Tutubi is committed to keep you socially active. Tutubi updates on the Go!


Contact us:

info@tutubi.ph

Popular Posts

Popular category

PH News3538World News3446Asia1490Curiosity1035War Reports and Updates644

Developed by Tutubi News Magazine |Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions of Use | Cookie Policy | All rights reserved