RABAT. Morocco has reported its first legal cannabis harvest of 294 metric tons in 2023, marking a significant milestone after the country approved the cultivation and export of cannabis for medicinal and industrial purposes, announced the cannabis regulator ANRAC.
The harvest was carried out by 32 cooperatives comprising 430 farmers across 277 hectares in the northern Rif mountain areas of Al Houceima, Taounat, and Chefchaouen, ANRAC disclosed in an email to Reuters.
Despite the long-standing tradition of cannabis cultivation in the region, officially, recreational cannabis use remains illegal in Morocco. However, in practice, it has been tolerated. The legalization initiative aims to improve farmers’ incomes and shield them from the influence of drug traffickers who have long dominated the illegal cannabis trade.
The move towards legalization also seeks to capitalize on the growing global market for legal cannabis. ANRAC revealed that Morocco awarded 54 export permits last year, highlighting the country’s ambition to tap into this lucrative industry.
ANRAC further disclosed that efforts are underway to expand the legal cannabis sector, with the establishment of two operational cannabis transformation units and plans for two more pending equipment. Additionally, 15 cannabis products are currently undergoing authorization processes for medicinal use.
Morocco’s embrace of legal cannabis signifies a strategic shift aimed at curbing illegal trade while harnessing the economic potential of the cannabis industry, aligning with global trends towards legalization and regulation.
RODRIGUEZ, Rizal. Inaresto ng mga pulis ng Rodriguez Municipal Police Station ang isang 59-anyos na pastor matapos ang insidente ng road rage noong Marso 16, kung saan siya ay bumunot ng baril at nagbanta sa isa pang motorista, ayon sa ulat ng Rizal Police Provincial Office (Rizal PPO).
Kinilala ng pulisya ang suspek na si “Genaro,” isang residente ng Rodriguez, Rizal.
Batay sa imbestigasyon ng pulisya, habang binabaybay ng biktimang isang 44-anyos na call center agent ang kanyang motorsiklo sa Mayon Avenue Extension, sila ay muntik nang magbanggaan ng sasakyan na minamaneho ni Genaro na isang Hyundai Veloster. Dahil dito, bumaba ang suspek sa kanyang sasakyan at bumunot ng baril at tinutukan ang biktima.
Pagkatapos na itutok ang baril sa biktima, tumakas si Genaro papunta sa direksyon ng Sub-urban Village sa Barangay San Juan.
Ayon sa ulat, agad humingi ng tulong sa pulisya ang biktima na humantong sa pag-aresto kay Genaro sa isinagawang follow-up operation.
Natagpuan sa suspek ang isang .45 caliber pistol na may dalawang magazine at 39 piraso ng live ammunition.
Nakakulong na ngayon ang suspek sa Rodriguez Municipal Police Station at nahaharap sa mga kasong Grave Threat at paglabag sa RA 10591 o Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
A dire prediction looms over the north of the Gaza Strip as a U.N.-backed report warns of an impending famine between now and May, following months of devastating conflict that have ravaged the Palestinian territory, claiming thousands of lives and severing crucial supply lines.
According to the report released by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) on Monday, the number of individuals facing “catastrophic hunger” across the besieged enclave has surged to 1.1 million, representing approximately half of its population.
The report states, “Famine is now projected and imminent in the North Gaza and Gaza Governorates and is expected to become manifest during the projection period from mid-March 2024 to May 2024.”
This assessment, endorsed by various U.N. agencies, regional bodies, and aid organizations, coincides with mounting international pressure on Israel to permit more humanitarian assistance into Gaza, home to 2.3 million people.
On Monday, the European Union accused Israel of exacerbating the crisis and employing starvation as a tactic of war, allegations vehemently denied by Israel, which asserts that its operations target militant groups like Hamas and not civilians.
The current figure of individuals at risk of catastrophic hunger in Gaza nearly doubles the count reported in December, signaling a deepening humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the ongoing conflict.
The IPC’s analysis paints a bleak picture, projecting that unless there is a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas and an expansion of aid access, famine will become an inescapable reality.
“From mid-March to mid-July, in the most likely scenario and under the assumption of an escalation of the conflict including a ground offensive in Rafah (city), half of the population of the Gaza Strip (1.11 million people) is expected to face catastrophic conditions,” the IPC cautioned.
While Israel has articulated plans for an offensive in Rafah, situated along the southern border with Egypt, it remains engaged in mediation efforts aimed at securing a potential ceasefire.
The report emphasizes that famine remains preventable if decisive actions are taken, urging an immediate ceasefire coupled with a substantial increase in humanitarian and commercial access to Gaza’s population.
“All efforts must be made to ensure the provision of food, water, medicines, and protection of civilians, as well as to restore and provide health, water, and sanitation services, and energy,” the report stressed.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. left no room for ambiguity as he emphasized his nation’s stance amidst escalating tensions in the region. Characterizing the Philippines as the “front line” in the battle for regional peace, Marcos underscored the imperative of defending sovereignty against external threats, implicitly targeting China.
The South China Sea has emerged as a focal point of contention, with Beijing’s assertive actions drawing scrutiny and concern. Since assuming office, Marcos has pursued a strategy of fortifying alliances against China, recognizing the disparity in military capabilities between the Philippines and its neighbor.
Despite the Philippines’ efforts to rally support, Australia, like other regional powers, treads cautiously in navigating the geopolitical landscape. While Canberra acknowledges the significance of the South China Sea dispute, its delicate economic ties with Beijing temper its willingness to take a confrontational stance.
Collin Koh, a research fellow, highlighted Australia’s nuanced approach, emphasizing its desire to balance regional cooperation while avoiding entanglement in the rivalry between China and the United States. This sentiment was echoed by Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong’s announcement of substantial investments in maritime cooperation with ASEAN partners.
The recent visit of President Marcos to Australia has yielded notable agreements aimed at enhancing bilateral ties, particularly in areas such as maritime security and technological collaboration. However, analysts caution that Australia’s engagement with the Philippines remains primarily driven by economic interests rather than robust military alliances.
While Australia refrains from overtly challenging China’s actions, it actively strengthens its security alliances, notably through initiatives like the Quad and AUKUS. These partnerships signal Australia’s commitment to regional stability while carefully managing its relationship with China.
Despite the tensions simmering in the South China Sea, Australia remains cautious, mindful of the delicate balance between asserting its interests and avoiding escalation. As the region navigates complex geopolitical dynamics, Australia’s diplomatic maneuvering underscores the challenges of maintaining stability amidst competing interests.
Binalaan ng Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) ang publiko, partikular ang mga gumagamit ng vape, laban sa presensya ng cannabis (marijuana) oil cartridges na ginagamit na ngayon bilang vape aerosol sa bansa.
Kasunod ito ng pagkakasabat ng mga ahente ng Special Enforcement Service (SES) ng PDEA sa kabuuang 184 cannabis cartridges sa hiwalay na buy-bust operations sa Taguig City nitong Huwebes.
“Nakita namin na dumadami na ang paggamit ng cannabis oil cartridges sa ating bansa, lalo na sa mga gumagamit ng vape. Kaya naman mahigpit namin itong binabantayan,” pahayag ni Director General Wilkins Villanueva ng PDEA.
Nagresulta rin ang operasyon sa pagkakaaresto sa dalawang suspek.
Sa unang suspek, nakumpiska ang 164 cartridges ng marijuana oil, na nagkakahalaga ng P738,000 matapos silbihan ng search warrant sa kanyang tahanan sa Barangay Paglingon-Tipas, ayon sa ulat ng PDEA.
Sa ikalawang suspek naman, nadiskubre ang 20 cartridges na nagkakahalaga ng P90,000, sa Barangay Sta. Ana.
Ayon sa intelligence reports, ang cannabis oil cartridges ay galing sa California, United States, at dinala sa Pilipinas sa pamamagitan ng courier service na nasa cargos at balikbayan boxes.
“Worse, these highly-addictive aerosol could now be easily accessed by even students and other minors,” pahayag ng isang opisyal ng PDEA-SES.
Binigyang-diin ng PDEA-SES official na maaaring mahirap itong makilala sa unang tingin bilang karaniwang cartridge para sa vaping device.
“That’s why there is the danger that these could be liberally used to look like the normal vape aerosol,” dagdag niya.
Sa kabila nito, patuloy ang pagbabantay at pagpapatupad ng batas ng PDEA upang masiguro ang kaligtasan ng publiko laban sa ilegal na droga.
GRINDAVIK, Iceland. Iceland’s tumultuous geological activity continues as a volcano erupted once again on Saturday evening, marking the fourth eruption in just three months. The fiery display illuminated the night sky with vivid orange jets of lava.
The Icelandic Meteorological Office reported that the eruption created a fissure approximately 3 kilometers (nearly 2 miles) long between the Stóra-Skógfell and Hagafell mountains on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Warning signs had been evident for weeks, with accumulating magma beneath the surface indicating an imminent eruption.
As the volcanic activity intensified, hundreds of individuals were evacuated from the renowned Blue Lagoon thermal spa, a significant tourist attraction in Iceland. Despite the eruption, operations at Keflavik, Iceland’s primary airport, remained unaffected.
The eruption site lies a few kilometers northeast of Grindavik, a coastal town that witnessed its evacuation in November due to seismic activity. Subsequent eruptions in December and January threatened the town again, with defensive measures being tested against the flowing lava.
Geophysicist Magnús Tumi Guðmundsson emphasized the intensity of the latest eruption, noting its potential impact on the defensive barriers surrounding Grindavik. Despite the threat, Iceland, accustomed to volcanic activity due to its location above a volcanic hot spot in the North Atlantic, is adept at managing such situations.
While recent eruptions have not resulted in confirmed deaths, concerns remain high, with one worker declared missing after falling into a fissure caused by the volcanic activity.
Iceland’s geological dance with its fiery depths continues to captivate the world, reminding us of the island’s raw and dynamic nature.
TAYABAS CITY, Quezon. Sumuko sa mga awtoridad ang kapatid na babae na isa sa mga persons of interest sa pagkamatay ng mag-ina makaraang matagpuan ang kanilang bangkay sa isang bakanteng lote nitong Biyernes sa lungsod na ito.
Kasalukuyang nasa kustodiya ng Pio Duran Police Station ang suspek na si Ligaya Oliva Pajulas, nakatatandang kapatid ng biktimang si Lorry Litada, 56, at tiyahin ng anak nitong si Mai Motegi, 26, isang Japanese.
Ayon kay Police Major Darwin Sevilla, hepe ng Pio Duran Police Station, nakipag-ugnayan sa kanilang tanggapan ang anak na lalaki ni Ligaya upang isuko ang kanyang ina.
Matatandaang nitong Huwebes, natagpuan ang bangkay ng mag-ina sa isang bakanteng lote ilang metro ang layo mula sa tahanan ni Ligaya sa Bella Vita Subdivision, Barangay Isabang, Tayabas.
Nabatid na nagbabakasyon lamang sa bansa ang mag-ina na sina Lorry, isang OFW sa Japan, at Mai, ang kanyang anak.
Sa pahayag ng mga kaanak, noong Pebrero 20, 2024, hindi na nila makontak ang mag-ina na may dalang P5 milyon na pambayad sa property na kanilang nabili.
Napag-alamang huling nakita ang mag-ina noong March 9, 2024 sa tahanan ng suspek na si Ligaya.
Sa pinakahuling ulat, inamin na ni Ligaya ang pagpatay sa mag-ina, habang hindi pa natutukoy ang tatlong iba pang suspek.
Sa ulat nitong Linggo, inihayag ng Tayabas police na nasa kanilang kustodiya ang kapatid ng biktimang si Lorry.
Ayon sa salaysay ng suspek sa mga pulis, pinaslang niya, kasama ang tatlo pang suspek, kabilang dito ang kanyang asawa, ang mga biktima sa pamamagitan ng pagbugbog at pagsaksak sa mga ito hanggang malagutan ng hininga.
Kasalukuyang nasa ospital ang babaeng suspek matapos magtangkang magpakamatay nang malaman na natagpuan na ang mga bangkay ng mga biktima.
Nauna dito, nagbuo ang Police Regional Office Calabarzon at ang ang Quezon Provincial Police Office ng Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) upang imbestigahan ang mga pangyayari kaugnay ng nadiskubreng mga bangkay sa nabanggit na subdivision.
Ang SITG “MOTEGI” ay nagpulong para sa unang case cpnference noong Marso 15, 2024.
TEL AVIV, Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched a vehement counterattack on Sunday against mounting criticism from the United States amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas, asserting that the pressure would not deter Israel from achieving “total victory.”
In the face of recent admonitions from top U.S. officials, traditionally strong allies of Israel, Netanyahu remained resolute in his stance. President Joe Biden openly criticized Netanyahu for the high civilian casualties in Gaza, while Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called for a new election, alleging that Netanyahu had “lost his way.” Biden later expressed his support for Schumer’s stance.
Despite these criticisms, Netanyahu affirmed Israel’s unwavering commitment to its objectives. “No international pressure will stop us from realizing all of the goals of the war,” Netanyahu stated emphatically. “Eliminating Hamas, freeing all of our hostages, and ensuring that Gaza never again constitutes a threat to Israel.”
The prime minister also made it clear that Israel was prepared to proceed with its military plans, including an assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah. “We will operate in Rafah. This will take several weeks, and it will happen,” Netanyahu declared.
While the international scrutiny primarily targeted Netanyahu and his government, he framed it as a broader assault on Israel itself. His rhetoric underscored the gravity of the situation, emphasizing that halting the conflict prematurely would equate to conceding defeat.
Alon Pinkas, a former Israeli consul-general in New York, suggested that Netanyahu’s confrontational stance aimed to deflect potential blame if Israel failed to achieve its objectives. “He’s looking on purpose for a conflict with the U.S. so that he can blame Biden,” Pinkas commented.
The political dynamics at play were evident, with both sides leveraging the public discourse to their advantage. The Biden administration faced mounting pressure from progressive Democrats and Arab-American supporters to rein in Israel’s actions, while Netanyahu sought to demonstrate resilience in the face of international pressure, particularly from Israel’s staunchest ally.
Israel’s offensive has had devastating humanitarian consequences, displacing a significant portion of Gaza’s population and causing widespread suffering. The Gaza Health Ministry reported staggering casualty figures, with at least 31,645 Palestinians killed in the conflict, the majority of whom were women and children.
As tensions persist and the conflict escalates, the rift between Israel and its allies, particularly the United States, underscores the complex geopolitical landscape in the region. Netanyahu’s defiance signals a determination to pursue Israel’s strategic objectives, even in the face of mounting international criticism and humanitarian concerns.
Humanitarian aid is airdropped to Palestininas in Gaza City, Gaza Strip, on Sunday, March 17, 2024 (AP Photo)
LOS ANGELES. A devastating fire razed the Los Angeles residence of model and actor Cara Delevingne on Friday, leaving behind a trail of destruction and prompting a swift response from firefighters.
Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Nicholas Prange confirmed that one firefighter was hospitalized in fair condition with unspecified injuries, while another individual from the house suffered minor smoke inhalation.
Delevingne took to Instagram to address the incident after TMZ reported that the engulfed house in the Studio City neighborhood belonged to her. Currently performing in “Cabaret” on London’s West End, Delevingne was fortunately away from home at the time of the blaze.
Firefighters encountered intense flames at the two-story house upon arrival, with heavy fire engulfing the rear and subsequently spreading to the attic. Despite efforts to contain the blaze, the roof eventually collapsed, requiring over two hours to extinguish.
In a later Instagram post, Delevingne expressed gratitude to the firefighters and volunteers who responded to the emergency. She shared a poignant message, accompanied by a photo of her cats, assuring followers that her beloved pets were unharmed.
The residence, featured in a 2021 Architectural Digest profile, boasted unique elements including a costume room, a bathroom dedicated to David Bowie, and recreational areas like poker and billiard rooms, along with a ball pit.
Representatives for Delevingne have yet to provide a statement regarding the incident, and investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.
The 31-year-old British sensation gained fame as a fashion model before transitioning to acting, starring in notable films such as “Suicide Squad” (2016) and “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets” (2017). She has also graced television screens in series like “Only Murders in the Building” and “American Horror Story.”
Pinirmahan ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ang Republic Act (RA) 11983, o New Philippine Passport Act, upang mapadali ang pagproseso ng aplikasyon para sa passport sa bansa.
“RA 11983 was signed by Marcos on March 11, repealing RA 8239 or the Philippine Passport Act of 1996, aiming to develop a new generation of Philippine passports that are at par with international standards,” ayon kay Communication Secretary Cheloy Garafil.
Sa ilalim ng bagong passport law, sinabi ni Garafil na ang proseso para sa regular passports ay magiging “madaling ma-access” lalo na para sa mga senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), at overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
“The new passport law now authorizes DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) to provide offsite and mobile passport services in areas outside of the consular offices and foreign service posts. The new law mandates the DFA to accommodate the applications of regular passports by senior citizens, PWDs, pregnant women, minors aged 7 years and below, solo parents, OFWs, and individuals with emergency and exceptional cases,” dagdag pa ni Grafil.
Sa ilalim ng RA 11983, itinatag din ng batas ang isang electronic one-stop shop sa website ng DFA para sa mas mabilis na aplikasyon at pagkolekta at pagsusumite ng mga requirements.
“The new law mandates the DFA to accommodate the applications of regular passports by senior citizens, PWDs, pregnant women, minors aged 7 years and below, solo parents, OFWs, and individuals with emergency and exceptional cases,” dagdag pa ng opisyal.
“Under the new law, incumbent government officials and employees, as well as members of their families, may hold two passports simultaneously,” aniya.
Binigyang-diin naman ng RA 11983 ang mga probisyon at multa para sa “forgery, withholding, at improper use” ng mga pasaporte at iba pang travel documents, pati na ang mga hindi patas at diskriminatoryong gawain na ginagawa ng mga opisyal ng DFA.
Tinukoy ni Garafil na ang mga taong o entidad na walang legal na kapangyarihan na magkonfiska, magtago, o pigilin ang anumang pasaporte na inilabas ng DFA ay mahaharap sa habang hindi bababa sa 12 taon na pagkakakulong at multang hindi bababa sa P1 milyon ngunit hindi hihigit sa P2 milyon.
“For offenses relating to improper passport use and other travel documents, offenders will face 6 to 15 years of imprisonment and a fine of not less than P100,000 but not more than P250,000,” dagdag pa niya.
Para sa mga paglabag na may kaugnayan sa hindi wastong paggamit ng pasaporte at iba pang travel documents, ang mga lumabag ay haharap sa 6 hanggang 15 taong pagkakakulong at multang hindi bababa sa P100,000 ngunit hindi hihigit sa P250,000,” paliwanag ni Garafil.
Tungkol naman sa mga paglabag na may kaugnayan sa passport issuances, ang mga lumabag ay mahaharap sa 6 hanggang 12 taong pagkakakulong at multang hindi bababa sa P100,000 ngunit hindi hihigit sa P250,000.
“Ang bagong passport law ay magiging epektibo 15 araw matapos ang publikasyon, sa Official Gazette o sa pahayagan na may general circulation,” sabi ni Garafil.
Nakatakdang magsilbing daan ang bagong batas na ito upang mapadali at mapabilis ang proseso ng aplikasyon para sa passport ng mga mamamayang Pilipino, higit na nagbibigay ng proteksyon at kapanatagan sa bawat indibidwal na may layuning makalabas o makapasok sa bansa.
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