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Putin’s state visit to China highlights strengthening ties during Ukraine conflict

Venus L Peñaflor
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Putin’s state visit to China highlights strengthening ties during Ukraine conflict

BEIJING. Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing on Thursday for a two-day state visit, underscoring the deepening alliance between Russia and China. This visit comes as Moscow continues its aggressive campaign in Ukraine, increasing its economic reliance on China.

In an interview with Chinese media ahead of his visit, Putin expressed openness to dialogue regarding the conflict in Ukraine. “We are open to a dialogue on Ukraine, but such negotiations must take into account the interests of all countries involved in the conflict, including ours,” he told Xinhua News Agency.

The timing of Putin’s visit coincides with a significant Russian offensive in Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv region, which began last week and has forced nearly 8,000 people to flee. This escalation is part of a broader push in the Donetsk region, as Ukraine’s military awaits new supplies from the United States.

“We have never refused to negotiate,” Putin reiterated. “We are seeking a comprehensive, sustainable, and just settlement of this conflict through peaceful means.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has maintained that any negotiations must include the restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, the withdrawal of Russian troops, the release of all prisoners, a tribunal for those responsible for the aggression, and security guarantees for Ukraine.

China, while claiming neutrality, has supported Russia’s narrative that the invasion was provoked by the West. Despite this, China proposed a peace plan in 2023, which the West and Ukraine rejected. Putin has praised the plan, suggesting it could lay the groundwork for future diplomatic processes.

During the visit, Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to discuss their comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation. The Kremlin’s statement indicated that they would explore new directions for cooperation and exchange views on pressing international and regional issues.

This visit is part of a broader effort by China and Russia to challenge the U.S.-led Western democratic order. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized the importance of the Russia-China alliance in establishing a multipolar global order.

“Moscow and Beijing play a major balancing role in global affairs,” Lavrov stated. “The Russian president’s forthcoming visit to China will strengthen our joint work.”

As the war in Ukraine extends into its third year, Russia has turned increasingly to China, diverting energy exports and relying on Chinese technology to circumvent Western sanctions. The military ties between the two nations have also strengthened, with joint drills and cooperation in defense technologies.

Putin previously acknowledged sharing advanced military technologies with China, significantly enhancing its defense capabilities. Notably, Russia has assisted China in developing an early warning system for ballistic missile launches, a technology previously exclusive to Russia and the U.S.

The visit marks a pivotal moment in the Russia-China relationship, reinforcing their united front against Western influence and highlighting their strategic and economic interdependence amidst ongoing global tensions.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico survives assassination attempt

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico survives assassination attempt

BANSKA BYSTRICA, Slovakia. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is recovering after being shot in an assassination attempt on Wednesday. Initially in critical condition, Fico is now stable and no longer in a life-threatening situation, according to government officials.

The 59-year-old prime minister was shot five times as he exited a government meeting in Handlova. “I was very shocked … fortunately as far as I know the operation went well – and I guess in the end he will survive … he’s not in a life-threatening situation at this moment,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Environment Minister Tomas Taraba to the BBC’s Newshour.

One bullet passed through Fico’s stomach and another hit a joint. After undergoing surgery in Banska Bystrica, he was reported to be stable. Defence Minister Robert Kalinak detailed that Fico suffered “serious polytrauma” from multiple gunshot wounds.

Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok confirmed the political motivation behind the attack, which occurred soon after an April presidential election won by Fico’s ally, Peter Pellegrini. The shooter, identified as a 71-year-old man, stunned the nation with his actions, prompting widespread condemnation.

The shooting has shocked Slovakia, a NATO and EU member with little history of political violence. Leaders worldwide, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Joe Biden, have expressed their outrage and condemnation.

“This assassination (attempt) was politically motivated and the perpetrator’s decision was born closely after the presidential election,” Sutaj Estok said.

Fico, who returned to power last October, has shifted policies rapidly, attracting both domestic and international criticism. His government has scaled back support for Ukraine, sought to weaken corruption punishments, and is overhauling the RTVS public broadcaster amid calls to protect media freedom.

Following the attack, Fico was rushed to a local hospital before being airlifted to Banska Bystrica due to the severity of his condition. A Reuters witness reported hearing shots as Fico exited a building to greet a crowd. Police quickly apprehended the shooter.

The suspect, reportedly a former security guard and author, held a legal gun license. His son expressed disbelief over his father’s actions.

The Slovak opposition, including the Progressive Slovakia party, has called for restraint to prevent further escalation of tensions. Parliament suspended its sessions indefinitely after the incident.

Fico, a long-standing figure in Slovak politics, has been a polarizing leader, often shifting between pro-European and nationalistic stances. He was previously forced to resign in 2018 amid mass protests following the murder of journalist Jan Kuciak, which highlighted deep societal divisions.

President Zuzana Caputova and international leaders have urged for calm and unity in the wake of the attack, emphasizing the need for stability and peace in Slovakia during this tumultuous time.

Carwash station ni Kap, ginamit na shabu den ng 2 tauhan

Arman B. Cambe
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Carwash station ni Kap, ginamit na shabu den ng 2 tauhan

BACOOR CITY, Cavite. Arestado ang dalawang carwash boy matapos mahuling humihithit ng shabu sa loob ng isang kuwarto sa carwash station na pag-aari ng kapitan ng barangay, kahapon ng madaling araw sa Guerrero St, Ken Carwash, Brgy. Salinas 2, lungosd na ito.

Kinilala ang dalawang suspek sa mga alyas na John at Felimon, na kapwa empleyado ni Brgy. Chairman Mark Anthony Guerrero Torno ng Brgy. Salinas 2, Bacoor City.

Ayon sa imbestigasyon ng pulisya, 12:30 ng madaling araw nang makita ng isang tauhan ni Kap. Torno ang dalawang suspek sa loob ng isang kuwarto ng carwash station habang bumabatak ng shabu.

Nauna dito, tinawag ni Kapitan ang dalawang suspek upang sila ay kausapin. Dahil hindi sila makita sa labas, nagtungo ang isa sa mga tauhan ni Kap sa kuwarto na kanilang tinutuluyan, sa pag-aakalang nagpapahinga lamang ang mga ito.

Subalit nang buksan ang pinto, nahuli ng tauhan ang dalawang suspek sa aktong gumagamit ng shabu.

Agad na kinompronta ng tauhan ang dalawang suspek at isinama sa barangay hall at ipinasa sa pulisya.

Narekober ang mga drug paraphernalia at mga plastic sachet na may lamang shabu sa loob ng kwarto.

Gaza conflict escalates, Israel questions presence of armed men at UN site

Venus L Peñaflor
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Gaza conflict escalates, Israel questions presence of armed men at UN site

CAIRO/JERUSALEM. Israeli forces engaged in intense clashes with militants across Gaza on Wednesday, notably in the southern city of Rafah, previously considered a safe haven for civilians, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict that has claimed the lives of tens of thousands of Palestinians.

Tensions between Israel and the United Nations escalated as the Israeli military sought clarification regarding footage showing armed individuals near vehicles belonging to the UN Palestinian relief agency. Additionally, India was coordinating efforts to repatriate the body of a UN staff member killed in Rafah due to tank fire, as confirmed by the global body.

Despite warnings from Israel’s key ally, the United States, to exercise restraint to avoid civilian casualties, Israeli forces have continued operations in the eastern part of Rafah, targeting what they claim to be four Hamas battalions.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated the U.S. stance, emphasizing the need for a clear plan for Gaza’s future, rejecting both Israeli occupation and Hamas governance. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded by stressing the necessity of dismantling Hamas before discussing post-war arrangements.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant publicly challenged Netanyahu’s approach, advocating for an alternative administration for Gaza. Netanyahu countered, asserting that eliminating Hamas is a prerequisite for any such transition.

Escalating Toll

The recent offensive has resulted in a significant death toll, with over 35,000 Palestinians killed, according to Gaza health officials. Tuesday saw the highest single-day casualty count in weeks, with at least 82 fatalities reported.

In retaliation for Hamas’ October 7 attack, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people and the abduction of 253, Israel has intensified its offensive in Gaza.

Challenges Amidst Clashes

In response to the escalating conflict, ceasefire negotiations mediated by Qatar and Egypt have reached an impasse. Hamas is demanding a permanent cessation of hostilities, while Netanyahu’s government insists on continuing military operations until Hamas is eradicated.

As the violence persists, the UN is conducting an investigation into the death of an international staff member, killed in Rafah. Additionally, aid workers continue to face grave risks, with 254 killed since the onset of the conflict, including 191 UN personnel.

The situation remains tense, with no immediate resolution in sight as both sides dig in their heels amidst mounting casualties and international scrutiny.

Meralco: Tataas ang singil sa kuryente ngayong Mayo

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Meralco: Tataas ang singil sa kuryente ngayong Mayo

MAYNILA. Asahan ng mga kustomer ng Manila Electric Company (Meralco) ang mas mataas na bayarin sa kuryente ngayong Mayo. Ito ay kasunod ng pagtaas ng generation charges dahil sa bumababang supply ng kuryente sa gitna ng matinding init ng panahon.

Sa abiso ng Meralco, sinabi nitong tataas ang singil ng 46.21 centavos kada kilowatt-hour (kWh), mula P10.9518 per kWh noong Marso, patungong P11.4139 per kWh ngayong Mayo. Nangangahulugan ito ng karagdagang P92 sa bayarin ng mga residential customer na kumokonsumo ng 200 kWh.

Ayon sa Meralco, ang pagtaas na ito ay dulot ng pagtaas ng generation charges na umakyat ng 44.55 centavos per kWh. Idinagdag pa ng kumpanya na mas mataas ang gastos mula sa Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) at Power Supply Agreements (PSAs).

Bukod dito, nakapagtala rin ng net increase na 1.66 centavos per kWh ang transmission charges, taxes, at iba pang charges. Sinabi rin ng Meralco na nanatiling hindi nagbabago ang kanilang distribution charge sa P3.60 per kWh mula pa noong Agosto 2022.

“We are appealing to our customers to refrain from flying kites and picking fruits near power lines since these can cause power interruptions and accidents,” ani Joe Zaldarriaga, Meralco vice president at head ng Corporate Communications, sa parehong abiso.

Pinangangasiwaan ng Meralco ang konstruksyon, operasyon, at maintenance ng electric distribution systems sa mga lungsod at munisipalidad ng Bulacan, Cavite, Metro Manila, at Rizal, maging sa ilang lugar sa mga lalawigan ng Batangas, Laguna, Pampanga, at Quezon.

Para sa karagdagang impormasyon at updates, bisitahin ang opisyal na website ng Meralco o ang kanilang social media pages.

Thousands celebrate in Seoul’s Lotus Lantern Festival ahead of Buddha’s birthday

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Thousands celebrate in Seoul’s Lotus Lantern Festival ahead of Buddha’s birthday

SEOUL, South Korea. Despite the rain, the streets of Seoul were filled with joy and color as thousands gathered for the annual Lotus Lantern Festival, celebrating the upcoming birthday of Buddha.

On Saturday, holding umbrellas and pink paper lotus flowers, festival-goers braved the weather to participate in Yeon Deung Hoe, a tradition that dates back over 1,000 years and was recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2020. Organizers anticipated a turnout of around 50,000 people for the evening parade, a highlight of the festival featuring an array of illuminated floats.

Starting at Seoul’s Dongguk University, the parade wound its way to Jogyesa Temple, where thousands of colorful lanterns adorned the grounds, forming the phrase “It’s peaceful just the way it is,” visible from the air. Participants, dressed in raincoats, carried illuminated pink lotus lanterns and flowers, while others paraded with large, intricate floats depicting baby Buddhas, the Four Heavenly Kings, and mythical creatures like tigers, elephants, and a massive dragon. Even beloved cartoon characters such as Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and Lucy made an appearance.

“The festival spreads the enlightenment of Buddhism to the world,” said one of the organizers. “It’s a time for reflection and celebration, bringing the community together.”

Buddha’s birthday, which will be celebrated on Wednesday, is a national holiday in South Korea. On this day, many temples offer free meals and tea to visitors, and festivities continue with traditional games and art performances in temple yards and parks.

The Lotus Lantern Festival not only honors Buddhist traditions but also showcases the cultural heritage of South Korea, drawing both locals and tourists to experience the vibrant and spiritual atmosphere of the celebrations.

Buddhist monks walk in a lantern parade during the Lotus Lantern Festival, ahead of the birthday of Buddha at Dongguk University in Seoul, South Korea, Saturday, May 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

U.S. and China initiate high-level talks on AI in Geneva

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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U.S. and China initiate high-level talks on AI in Geneva

GENEVA. Top envoys from the U.S. and China convened in Geneva on Tuesday for closed-door discussions aimed at addressing the benefits and risks associated with AI technology, in a move reflecting the global importance of artificial intelligence.

The talks, initiated by Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping late last year, mark the beginning of a bilateral dialogue between the two largest economies in the world. This dialogue is crucial as AI technology rapidly evolves, impacting various sectors such as trade, culture, politics, national security, and defense.

Leading the American delegation were senior White House and State Department officials. This meeting offers a rare glimpse into Beijing’s typically reserved stance on AI, according to U.S. technology experts.

Jason Glassberg, co-founder of Casaba Security and an expert on AI threats, described the meeting as a foundational step. “What’s most important right now is that both sides realize they each have a lot to lose if AI becomes weaponized or abused,” Glassberg said in an email. “All parties involved are equally at risk. Right now, one of the biggest areas of risk is with deepfakes, particularly for use in disinformation campaigns. This is just as big of a risk for the PRC as it is for the U.S. government,” he added, referring to the People’s Republic of China.

The choice of Geneva for the meeting, while not immediately explained, underscores the city’s role as a hub of diplomacy and international institutions. The International Telecommunications Union (ITU), a U.N. agency based in Geneva, is set to host its annual “AI for Good” conference later this month, highlighting the city’s relevance in the field of AI.

This meeting represents the first under an intergovernmental dialogue on AI agreed upon during a multi-faceted summit between Xi and Biden in San Francisco six months ago. The U.S. government has been proactive in establishing guidelines for AI development, aiming to balance fostering innovation with mitigating potential risks.

Western experts suggest that China has maintained a cautious approach to AI applications, especially given their potential use in military and surveillance operations under the ruling Communist Party. U.S. officials indicated their intention to discuss methods to mitigate AI risks, including creating voluntary commitments with leading AI companies and requiring safety tests for AI products.

As the world’s geopolitical landscape shifts, these talks between the U.S. and China are seen as critical in shaping the future governance and ethical use of AI technology.

Kharkiv opens Ukraine’s first underground school to shield kids from war

Venus L Peñaflor
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Kharkiv opens Ukraine’s first underground school to shield kids from war

KHARKIV, Ukraine. In a small, unassuming white concrete box on the pavement lies the entrance to Ukraine’s first underground school, a purpose-built bunker designed to protect children from Russian drone and missile attacks.

On Monday, children descended into this new subterranean sanctuary for their first day of school. Greeted by two smiling teachers at the steel door, students and their parents made their way down a concrete staircase, through a blast door, and into the secure bunker six meters (20 feet) below ground.

Hundreds of children began lessons this week in Kharkiv’s primary school 155. Despite the lack of windows, the brightly lit classrooms and lime green and white painted hallways create a cheerful environment. This innovative school, designed with safety as a priority, aims to ensure that education continues uninterrupted amidst the ongoing conflict.

Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city located near the Russian border, has been under constant attack since the early days of Moscow’s invasion. The renewed intensity of fighting and frequent airstrikes have made traditional schooling untenable, pushing most children to learn at home via computers. However, for some, the chance to attend classes in person is a welcome change.

“My daughter, a third grader, could hardly wait to come, dress up for the occasion, meet her friends that she missed very much,” said Marina Prikhodko, mother of 9-year-old Masha and 6-year-old Oleksii. “For my son, a first grader, it’s like a festive day, a chance to meet his classmates in real life, not online.”

Despite the ongoing conflict, Prikhodko remains resolute. “Yes, it is scary,” she said. “But whatever happens, life goes on and we have to try and live here and now, every day.”

The school, which currently enrolls 300 pupils, is expected to expand to accommodate two daily shifts of 450 students each. “We need to make sure that both teachers and students get accustomed to the school, and hopefully from Sept. 1 there will be a full complement of students,” said Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov.

At the school’s opening, many students wore traditional Ukrainian embroidered shirts, known as “vyshyvanky,” to celebrate. Children of all ages mingled in the hallways and sat behind desks in spacious, windowless classrooms. Lunch consisted of burgers and juice boxes, adding a touch of normalcy to their extraordinary schooling experience.

“It’s like day and night,” said headmaster Ihor Voznyi, contrasting the new school with the conditions pupils faced previously. “Our schools do not have bomb shelters. There are basements, underground spaces which are totally unsuited to conduct any teaching. The spaces here are designed to provide quality, modern spaces.”

This innovative educational initiative represents a beacon of hope and resilience for Kharkiv’s children, ensuring their right to education remains intact even in the face of war.

Ukrainian children return to school in underground metro station.

Indonesian rescuers race against time after flash floods that killed at least 52

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Indonesian rescuers race against time after flash floods that killed at least 52

TANAH DATAR, Indonesia. Rescuers are meticulously searching through rivers and the debris of ruined villages to recover bodies and locate survivors in the aftermath of severe flash floods on Indonesia’s Sumatra Island. The disaster, triggered by monsoon rains and a landslide of mud and cold lava from Mount Merapi, has claimed at least 52 lives as of Tuesday.

The deluge struck late Saturday night, breaching riverbanks and devastating mountainside villages across four districts in West Sumatra province. The floodwaters swept away 79 homes and inundated hundreds of other buildings, displacing more than 3,300 residents who are now in temporary government shelters.

“The flash floods have left a trail of destruction,” said Abdul Muhari, spokesperson for the National Disaster Management Agency. “Rescue teams are working tirelessly to find survivors and recover the bodies of those who perished.”

The National Search and Rescue Agency confirmed that 52 bodies have been recovered from the mud and rivers, predominantly in the heavily affected districts of Agam and Tanah Datar. Rescuers are still searching for 20 individuals who remain missing.

Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency has warned of further downpours in the coming days, heightening the risk of additional extreme rainfall until next week. In response, the National Disaster Management Agency is set to implement weather modification techniques to mitigate further rainfall and prevent more flash floods.

“We will start cloud seeding tomorrow to reduce the rain during this emergency response period,” said Suharyanto, head of the National Disaster Management Agency. He noted that the emergency response efforts are scheduled to continue until May 25.

Television footage has shown rescue personnel using a variety of tools, including jackhammers, circular saws, and even their bare hands, as they dig through the mud and debris in Agam district. Roads have been transformed into muddy rivers, and villages are buried under layers of mud, rocks, and uprooted trees.

In Tanah Datar district, around the Anai Valley Waterfall, rescuers are concentrating their efforts on locating four people from a group of seven who were swept away in their cars. “Three bodies were found on Monday, but we are still searching for the other four,” said Abdul Malik, head of the Search and Rescue Office in Padang.

“With many missing and some remote areas still unreachable, the death toll is likely to rise,” Malik added.

Indonesia frequently experiences landslides and flash floods due to heavy rainfall, particularly in mountainous regions or near floodplains. This latest disaster comes just two months after similar floods and landslides in West Sumatra killed at least 26 people and left 11 others missing.

Mount Marapi, a particularly active volcano, erupted unexpectedly late last year, resulting in the deaths of 23 climbers. The volcano, which has been active since January 2024, is among over 120 active volcanoes in Indonesia, a country situated on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” known for its seismic activity and frequent volcanic eruptions.

16-anyos na dalagita, ginahasa at pinatay sa park sa Batangas

Arman B. Cambe
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16-anyos na dalagita, ginahasa at pinatay sa park sa Batangas

TANAUAN CITY, Batangas. Hinalay at pinatay ang isang 16-anyos na dalagitang at natagpuang duguan at wala nang buhay sa madamong bahagi ng isang parke sa lungsod na ito, kamakalawa ng gabi.

Sa ulat ng Tanauan Police, ang biktimang itinago sa pangalang Ann, isang helper sa kantina, ay residente ng Poblacion Malvar, Batangas City.

Ayon sa imbestigasyon, nag-aalala ang ina ng biktima nang hindi ito nakauwi at hindi nagpapadala ng mensahe o text, bagay na hindi karaniwang ginagawa ng dalagita. Dahil dito, nagpasya ang ina na i-track ang cellphone ng anak at nadiskubre niyang nasa Soledad Park sa Brgy. Darasa, Tanauan City ito.

Agad na humingi ng tulong sa mga barangay officials ang ina, at nang puntahan nila ang lugar, natagpuan nila ang duguang bangkay ng biktima na wala nang saplot pang-ibaba.

Patuloy pa rin ang imbestigasyon ng pulisya upang matukoy ang salarin sa karumal-dumal na krimen.

“Patuloy kaming nagsasagawa ng masusing imbestigasyon upang mabigyan ng hustisya ang biktima at mahuli ang may sala,” pahayag ng Tanauan Police.

Ang insidenteng ito ay nagdulot ng labis na takot at pangamba sa komunidad. Patuloy na hinihikayat ang sinumang may impormasyon ukol sa insidente na makipag-ugnayan sa mga awtoridad upang mapabilis ang pagresolba ng kaso.

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