Sunday, July 12, 2026


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Sherpa legend Kami Rita conquers Mt. Everest peaks for the 29th time, setting a new record

KATHMANDU, Nepal. Renowned climbing guide Kami Rita has once again etched his name in the annals of mountaineering history by summiting Mount Everest for the 29th time, setting a new record, expedition organizers confirmed on Sunday.

Kami Rita, accompanied by fellow climbers, reached the 8,849-meter (29,032-foot) pinnacle at 7:25 a.m. local time, as reported by Mingma Sherpa of Seven Summits Treks, the expedition organizer. Described as in good health, Kami Rita began his descent to lower camps shortly after the successful ascent.

Last year, Kami Rita had already secured the record with two climbs, a feat he repeated within a week, further solidifying his legacy as one of Everest’s most accomplished climbers. His friendly rivalry with fellow Sherpa guide Pasang Dawa, who boasts 27 successful ascents of the mountain, has captivated the climbing community.

Since his inaugural ascent in 1994, Kami Rita has consistently tackled Everest’s challenging terrain, embodying the resilience and expertise of Sherpa guides crucial for the safety and success of climbers from around the world.

Born into a family of Sherpa guides, Kami Rita’s passion for mountaineering extends beyond Everest, having conquered several other towering peaks including K2, Cho Oyu, Manaslu, and Lhotse.

With favorable weather conditions reported on the mountain, climbers have been seizing the opportunity to summit Everest, joining the ranks of those who reached the peak just days prior. Hundreds more climbers are expected to attempt the climb throughout the month, supported by both foreign permits and the expertise of local Sherpa guides.

As the climbing season unfolds, Kami Rita’s extraordinary achievement serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of mountaineers and the enduring allure of the world’s highest peak.

Pioneer of genetically modified pig kidney transplant dies after almost 2 months

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BOSTON. Richard “Rick” Slayman, the first recipient of a genetically modified pig kidney transplant, has passed away nearly two months after undergoing the groundbreaking procedure, his family and Massachusetts General Hospital announced on Saturday.

Slayman, 62, received the transplant at Massachusetts General Hospital in March, marking a significant milestone in medical science. Surgeons had initially anticipated the pig kidney to function for at least two years.

Expressing deep sorrow, the transplant team at Massachusetts General Hospital conveyed their condolences to Slayman’s family, emphasizing that there were no indications that his passing was linked to the transplant itself.

Hailing from Weymouth, Massachusetts, Slayman made history as the first living person to undergo this innovative procedure. Previously, pig kidneys had been transplanted into brain-dead donors on a temporary basis. While two men received heart transplants from pigs, both succumbed within months.

Slayman’s medical journey began in 2018 when he underwent a kidney transplant at the same hospital. However, complications arose last year, necessitating his return to dialysis. When his condition worsened, doctors proposed the pioneering pig kidney transplant as a potential solution.

In a heartfelt statement, Slayman’s family expressed gratitude to his medical team, acknowledging their tireless efforts that granted them precious additional time with Rick.

“Their enormous efforts leading the xenotransplant gave our family seven more weeks with Rick, and our memories made during that time will remain in our minds and hearts,” the statement read.

The family underscored Slayman’s motivation to undergo the surgery, not only for his own benefit but also to instill hope in the thousands of individuals awaiting transplants worldwide.

“Rick accomplished that goal and his hope and optimism will endure forever,” the statement continued.

Xenotransplantation, the practice of using animal cells, tissues, or organs to treat human patients, has faced numerous challenges in the past due to immune system rejection. Recent advancements, including genetic modifications in pigs to make their organs more compatible with humans, have sparked renewed hope in the field of transplantation.

With over 100,000 people on the national transplant waiting list, predominantly kidney patients, Slayman’s journey underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions to save lives. Despite his passing, his legacy as a trailblazer in medical science will continue to inspire future advancements in organ transplantation.

Matinding init sa 36 na lugar, suspendido ang F2F classes sa ilang lugar ngayong Lunes

Sa ulat ng Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), 36 lugar sa bansa ang nasa banta ng matinding init na may heat index na itinuturing na “dangerous” ngayong Lunes, ika-13 ng Mayo.

Sa Aparri, Cagayan, posibleng umabot sa 47°C ang heat index, habang maaaring sumampa ito sa 46°C sa mga lugar tulad ng Dagupan City, Pangasinan; Tuguegarao City, Cagayan; Roxas City, Capiz; at Guiuan, Eastern Samar.

Nasa 45°C naman ang inaasahang heat index sa Laoag City, Ilocos Norte; ISU Echague, Isabela; at Iloilo City, Iloilo.

Dagdag pa ng PAGASA, maaaring maranasan ang 44°C na heat index sa Bacnotan, La Union; San Jose, Occidental Mindoro; Puerto Princesa City, Palawan; Cuyo, Palawan; at Dumangas, Iloilo.

Samantala, posibleng magkaroon ng 43°C na heat index sa Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Pasay City, Metro Manila; MMSU, Batac, Ilocos Norte; Baler (Radar), Aurora; Aborlan, Palawan; Virac (Synop), Catanduanes; Catarman, Northern Samar; Catbalogan, Samar; at Butuan City, Agusan Del Norte.

Maaari rin daw maramdaman ang 42°C na heat index sa Science Garden Quezon City, Metro Manila; Sinait, Ilocos Sur; NVSU Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya; Iba, Zambales; Casiguran, Aurora; Cubi Pt., Subic Bay Olongapo City; Ambulong, Tanauan Batangas; Daet, Camarines Norte; Masbate City, Masbate; CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur; Siquijor, Siquijor; Tacloban City, Leyte; Borongan, Eastern Samar; Dipolog, Zamboanga Del Norte; at Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Del Sur.

Nitong Linggo, iniulat ng PAGASA na umabot sa 49°C ang heat index sa Aparri, Cagayan, na lampas sa kanilang inaasahang 46°C na ipinahayag noong Mayo 11.

Dahil sa matinding init, suspendido ang face-to-face classes sa ilang lugar ngayong Lunes, ika-13 ng Mayo, 2024. Pinapayuhan ang mga paaralan sa mga lugar na apektado na magpatuloy sa asynchronous classes o alternative learning modalities. Sa Metro Manila, Malabon City, Muntinlupa City, Pasay City, at Valenzuela City ay ilan sa mga lugar na apektado ng suspensyon ng mga klase, kasama na ang ilang mga probinsya at paaralan tulad ng Bulacan, Umingan, Pangasinan, at University of Caloocan City (UCC).

Civilians flee as Russia resumes offensive in Northeast Ukraine

VILCHA, Ukraine. Thousands of civilians are fleeing from Russia’s renewed ground offensive in Ukraine’s northeast, as towns and villages face relentless artillery and mortar fire, officials reported on Sunday.

The escalating battles have led to the withdrawal of at least one Ukrainian unit in the Kharkiv region, conceding more territory to Russian forces along less fortified settlements in the contested “gray zone” bordering Russia.

By Sunday afternoon, the town of Vovchansk, with a prewar population of 17,000, became a focal point of the conflict. Volodymyr Tymoshko, the head of the Kharkiv regional police, confirmed Russian forces’ proximity to the town, deploying heavy weaponry including tanks, signaling Moscow’s aggressive approach.

Witnesses reported plumes of smoke rising from Vovchansk as evacuation efforts raced against time to relocate residents, predominantly elderly, out of harm’s way.

Governor Oleh Syniehubov stated that over 4,000 civilians have fled the Kharkiv region since Moscow’s offensive began on Friday, with heavy fighting continuing along the northeast front line. Russian forces have targeted 27 settlements in the past 24 hours alone.

Analysts suggest that Russia aims to exploit ammunition shortages before anticipated Western supplies arrive at the front line. Ukrainian soldiers allege that Moscow is employing tactics to exhaust Ukrainian troops and firepower, pinning them in the northeast while advancing in other strategic areas.

This resurgence in hostilities follows Russia’s intensified attacks in March, targeting energy infrastructure and settlements, laying the groundwork for a major offensive.

Meanwhile, in the Russian city of Belgorod near the border, a 10-story apartment block collapsed, injuring at least 19 people. Russian authorities attributed the incident to Ukrainian shelling, though Ukraine has not commented.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized halting Russia’s offensive as a priority, affirming ongoing counteroffensive operations in seven villages around the Kharkiv region.

Russian claims of capturing five villages on the Ukraine-Russia border have not been independently confirmed by Ukrainian authorities. However, Ukrainian units acknowledge forced retreats in some areas, with Russian tactics mirroring previous battles in other regions.

The recent gains by Russian forces, including the capture of strategic villages, have been deemed “tactically significant” by analysts. The conflict, marked by fluctuating territorial control, has seen Ukraine’s army repelling Russian advances in the past.

In the war’s early stages, Russia attempted to seize Kharkiv but retreated after a month. Ukraine’s subsequent counterattack in 2022 demonstrated its capability to resist Russian aggression, garnering international support for its defense efforts.

Konsehala at mister, arestado sa Raid ng CIDG; 23 pekeng pulis sumalisi sa pagnanakaw

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NAIC, Cavite. Nahuli ang isang aktibong konsehala at ang kanyang mister, at dalawa pang kasama dahil sa illegal na pag-iingat ng mga armas sa kanilang tahanan sa Brgy. Timalan, Balsahan, sa bayang ito sa isang operasyon ng PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

Kinilala ang mga inaresto na sina Maria Theresa B. Puno, 58-anyos, konsehala ng Naic, Cavite; ang asawa niya na si Joselito M. Puno, 59; at ang dalawang kasama na sina Jerone Gabelo, 36, at Jonard Crispo Adan, 35.

Ang operasyon ay isinagawa bandang 3:00ng hapon ng CIDG at Naic Police, bitbit ang search warrant na inisyu ni Judge Glenda Mendoza-Ramos, Executive Judge, RTC Branch 36 ng Calamba City, dahil sa paglabag sa RA 10591 o Comprehensive Law on Firearms. Sa raid, narekober ang iba’t ibang uri ng mga baril, magazines, at mga bala.

Ngunit habang nasa kustodya ng pulisya ang konsehala at mister, may sumalisi at pumasok sa kanilang bahay ng pagpapanggap na mga pulis alas-7 ng gabi. Hinanap nila ang “Mrs. Puno” at nang hindi nila ito makita, agad nilang ninakawan at sinira ang mga gamit ng pamilya bago sila tumakas. Kabilang sa mga ninakaw ay isang susi ng Toyota Grandia, susi ng Mitsubishi Montero Sport, mamahaling speaker, drum set, Brand New Aircon, DSLR M50 Canon camera, at isang bag na naglalaman ng P500,000.

Ang mga suspek, pawang sibilyan lamang, ay naaresto at sinampahan ng mga kaso tulad ng robbery, malicious mischief, threat, at usurpation of authority.

Narekober ng pulisya ang mga sasakyan na ginamit ng mga suspek sa krimen, pati na ang iba pang ari-arian na kanilang natangay.

Israeli forces launch ground offensive in Northern Gaza, intensifying conflict

CAIRO. Israeli forces pushed into eastern Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip early on Sunday, following a night of intense aerial and ground assaults that left 19 dead and dozens wounded, as confirmed by health officials. The death toll in Israel’s military operation has now surpassed 35,000 Palestinians, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian crisis in the besieged enclave.

The current wave of violence was triggered by a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in a significant loss of life and hostages, according to Israeli sources. The ongoing conflict has claimed the lives of 620 Israeli soldiers thus far.

Jabalia, the largest of Gaza’s historic refugee camps housing over 100,000 Palestinians, has been a focal point of the latest Israeli offensive. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, Israel’s military spokesperson, stated that the incursion aims to thwart Hamas’s efforts to rebuild its military infrastructure in the area. Hagari also confirmed the elimination of approximately 30 Palestinian militants in Gaza City’s Zeitoun district.

Residents of Jabalia described the relentless bombardment, expressing fear and uncertainty as the conflict intensifies. Saed, a 45-year-old resident, conveyed via a chat app, “The new incursion forces many families to evacuate. War is restarting, this is how it looks in Jabalia.”

The Israeli Defense Forces reported successful interception of two rockets launched from the vicinity of Rafah, a city bordering Egypt, without causing any injuries or damage. However, rocket fire from Gaza continued, prompting air raid sirens in the Israeli city of Ashkelon, signaling the militants’ capability to launch attacks despite the prolonged conflict.

In a separate incident, tanks and bulldozers reportedly engaged in a gunfight with Hamas fighters on the outskirts of Deir Al-Balah city. Tragically, an airstrike in Deir Al-Balah claimed the lives of two doctors, a father, and his son.

As the violence escalates, the humanitarian situation worsens, with thousands of families fleeing from areas under heavy military pressure. Tamer Al-Burai, a resident from Gaza, described witnessing the devastation, lamenting the lack of international intervention to halt the conflict. “No ceasefire, no U.N. decision, no hope,” he remarked.

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri reiterated Cairo’s commitment to mediate between Israel and Hamas, urging both parties to demonstrate flexibility in pursuit of a resolution.

Women’s inclusion in ‘naked festival’ reflects changing dynamics of male-centric Japanese traditions

TOKYO. Dating back over 1,200 years, the “hadaka matsuri,” or naked festival, epitomizes Japanese masculinity in a unique spectacle. Across Japan, even amidst the winter chill, thousands of men shed their clothes, retaining only a delicate white loincloth, as they congregate around local shrines. The aim? To maneuver closer to a man embodying the role of “shin-otoko,” or god-man, believed to ward off misfortune.

While this ritual underscores Japan’s deep reverence for tradition and cultural heritage, its exclusion of women underscores a stark reality: gender inequality persists in Japanese society. Despite advancements in various sectors, men continue to dominate top positions in politics and prestigious private firms, with Japan ranking 125th in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index.

However, amidst these challenges, the declining population in Japan has sparked a transformative shift. As the number of male participants dwindles in the naked festival, symbolic changes emerge. In February, the Konomiya Shrine, host to Japan’s oldest naked festival, welcomed 41 women to participate for the first time, marking a significant departure from tradition.

Mikiko Eto, emerita professor specializing in gender politics at Hosei University, noted the pragmatic necessity behind this decision, driven by the shortage of male participants. This move signifies a broader societal shift, where the aging population necessitates greater female participation in various spheres, including the labor market.

As Japan grapples with demographic challenges, the workforce is expected to halve by the turn of the century if current fertility rates persist. The government and businesses alike are reevaluating traditional gender roles, striving to create more inclusive environments and alleviate the burdens placed on women.

While there have been notable strides, including women assuming leadership roles in prominent organizations, gender representation in politics and management remains disproportionately low. Experts emphasize the need for innovative policies and cultural shifts to dismantle entrenched biases and stereotypes that hinder women’s advancement.

The inclusion of women in the naked festival and other traditionally male-dominated arenas symbolizes a broader societal reckoning with gender norms in Japan. Yet, the journey towards genuine gender equality remains ongoing, requiring sustained efforts to address systemic barriers and foster inclusive environments.

Solar storm produces spectacular light shows across Northern Hemisphere

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CAPE CANAVERAL. Florida. An extraordinary solar storm hitting Earth has ignited stunning displays of color across the skies of the Northern Hemisphere, captivating observers early Saturday. The event, marked by vibrant Northern Lights, has so far caused no immediate disruptions to power or communications infrastructure.

The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a rare severe geomagnetic storm warning after a solar outburst reached Earth on Friday afternoon, arriving earlier than anticipated. The effects of this celestial phenomenon, known as the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis, are expected to persist throughout the weekend and possibly into the following week.

In the United Kingdom, where the Northern Lights were prominently visible, many captured the mesmerizing spectacle and shared images on social media platforms. Reports indicate sightings as far south as London and southern England.

Chris Snell, a meteorologist at the Met Office, the UK’s weather agency, described widespread sightings across the country, with reports and photographs pouring in from other European locations including Prague and Barcelona.

While NOAA issued alerts to operators of power plants and spacecraft, as well as to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), experts reassured the public that the majority of individuals would not be directly affected by the storm.

Rob Steenburgh, a scientist with NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, emphasized that while the storm could extend the visibility of the Northern Lights to regions as far south as Alabama and Northern California in the United States, the display may manifest as splashes of greenish hues rather than the dramatic curtains of color typically associated with the phenomenon.

Steenburgh recommended using phone cameras to capture the aurora, as they are better equipped to capture light than the naked eye. Mike Bettwy, operations chief for the prediction center, encouraged sky watchers to snap pictures, suggesting that a delightful surprise might await them.

While the solar storm is not anticipated to reach the intensity of the historic event in 1859, which prompted auroras in central America, experts cautioned that it could still pose risks to high-voltage transmission lines and satellite systems, potentially disrupting navigation and communication services on Earth.

Despite potential disruptions, NASA assured that the solar storm posed no serious threat to astronauts aboard the International Space Station. However, precautions were taken to monitor increased radiation levels, and sensitive instruments on science satellites may be temporarily deactivated to prevent damage.

Philippines dispatches ships to disputed atoll where China is constructs “artificial island”

MANILA. Tensions in the South China Sea escalate as the Philippines announced on Saturday the deployment of ships to a contested area, accusing China of constructing what it terms “an artificial island” in the midst of a maritime dispute.

According to a statement from the office of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the Philippine coast guard has dispatched a vessel to monitor alleged illegal activities by China, involving the creation of an artificial island. Additionally, two other vessels have been placed in rotational deployment in the area.

Commodore Jay Tarriela, spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard, disclosed during a forum that there had been reports of “small-scale reclamation” activities at the Sabina Shoal, known as Escoda by Manila, with China being identified as “the most probable actor.”

As of now, the Chinese embassy in Manila has not provided a response to the Philippine allegations, which have the potential to further strain bilateral relations.

In a separate development, the Philippine national security adviser recently called for the expulsion of Chinese diplomats following allegations of a leaked phone conversation between a Chinese admiral and a Filipino counterpart regarding the maritime dispute.

For over a year, China and the Philippines have been engaged in intense confrontations over their conflicting territorial claims in the South China Sea, a crucial waterway through which $3 trillion worth of trade flows annually. China asserts sovereignty over nearly the entire area, disregarding claims by the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled against Beijing’s claims, stating they lacked legal basis under international law.

China’s extensive land reclamation efforts in the South China Sea, which involve the construction of military facilities, have drawn widespread concern in Washington and across the region.

According to Tarriela, a Philippine vessel has been stationed at the Sabina Shoal to monitor and document the alleged dumping of crushed corals, amidst the presence of numerous Chinese ships, including research and navy vessels. This move comes in response to the discovery of dead and crushed coral formations, sparking concerns over potential environmental damage.

The Philippine coast guard plans to conduct investigations with marine scientists to ascertain whether the coral piles are a natural phenomenon or a result of human intervention. Additionally, it intends to maintain a continuous presence at Sabina Shoal, a strategic point for Philippine vessels resupplying troops stationed on a grounded warship at the Second Thomas Shoal, where Manila and Beijing have frequently clashed in maritime encounters.

The situation remains tense as both countries navigate the complexities of their territorial disputes in the South China Sea, with implications extending beyond their borders.

Lalaki pinatay ng live-in partner habang natutulog

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LEGAZPI CITY, Albay. Hindi na nagising ang isang mister matapos saksakin ng kanyang live-in partner habang ito’y natutulog sa duyan sa labas ng kanilang tahanan sa Purok-5, Brgy. San Francisco, lungsod na ito.

Kinilala ang biktima na si Alvin, 56 anyos, na nagtamo ng malalalim na saksak sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng katawan na kanyang ikinamatay. Samantala, ang suspek naman na si Teresa, 39, na kasintahan ng biktima, ay kasalukuyang nasa kustodya ng mga awtoridad.

Ayon sa ulat, nag-ugat ang trahedya mula sa pagseselos ni Alvin sa aktibidad ng kanyang kasintahan sa social media, partikular sa kanyang pakikipag-chat sa ibang lalaki sa Facebook. Lumabas pa sa imbestigasyon na nagkaroon ng alitan ang magkasintahan matapos dumalo sa isang inuman sa kanilang lugar.

Hanggang makauwi ang dalawa ay inaway pa rin ni Alvin ang kanyang kasintahan at sinuntok pa sa mukha at nagbabala na papatayin niya ito kapag nahuling may kalaguyo.

Hindi nakipagtalo si Teresa. Maya maya pa ay lumabas ang lalaki at humiga sa duyan sa labas ng kanilang bahay.

Nang matiyak ni Teresa na tulog na ang kanyang kasintahan,  kumuha siya ng mahabang kutsilyo sa kusina saka nilapitan at inundayan ng sunud-sunod na saksak si Alvin hanggang sa mahulog ang bangkay sa duyan.

Matapos ang pagpatay sa live-in partner, kusang sumuko ang babae sa rumespondeng mga barangay tanod at kay Brgy Chairman Ronaldo Aringo at sila na ang nagturn-over sa mga pulis kasama ang kutsilyong ginamit sa krimen.

Sinubukan pang isinugod sa Legazpi City Hospital ang biktima pero idineklarang dead-on-arrival.

Inihahanda na ngayon ang kasong murder laban sa nakakulong na live-in partner.