Wednesday, May 13, 2026


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Bagong batas sa Philippine Passport nilagdaan ni PBBM

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.

Blood test shows promise in colon cancer screening, study finds

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A recent study published on Wednesday showcased promising results for a blood test aimed at detecting colon cancer, offering a potential new avenue for screening against one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths.

The innovative test targets DNA fragments released by tumor cells and precancerous lesions. While already available for purchase in the U.S. at $895, it awaits approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with limited coverage by insurers. Guardant Health, the test’s manufacturer, anticipates an FDA decision later this year.

In the study, the blood test successfully identified 83% of colon cancers, although it detected very few precancerous growths compared to colonoscopies, which remain the gold standard for colon cancer screening. While colonoscopies not only detect tumors but also prevent the disease by removing precancerous polyps, many individuals are deterred by the inconvenience of the procedure, including time off work and rigorous bowel preparation.

Offering a convenient alternative, annual stool tests allow individuals to send samples to a lab for analysis. Dr. Douglas Corley of Kaiser Permanente emphasized the importance of providing choices in screening methods to improve overall participation rates.

Despite recommendations for screening in healthy adults aged 45 to 75, current screening rates fall short of targets set by health organizations. Guardant Health recommends its blood test, named Shield, every three years, with follow-up colonoscopies required for abnormal results.

The study, sponsored by Guardant and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, involved over 7,800 participants who underwent both colonoscopies and blood tests. While the blood test detected 83% of colon cancers, it missed 17%, comparable to stool-based tests.

However, false alarms were noted, with the blood test falsely suggesting colon cancer in 10% of cases where colonoscopies revealed no abnormalities, potentially causing anxiety and additional procedures.

Further research is needed to ascertain the test’s specificity and its potential to detect other cancers, according to Dr. Corley.

Colon cancer ranks as the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. and the third worldwide, underscoring the urgency for effective screening methods. Dr. William Grady of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center highlighted the potential impact of increased screening on reducing cancer-related deaths.

In a related study, an updated version of the Cologuard stool test, which also identifies DNA fragments, demonstrated improved performance in minimizing false alarms, offering hope for more efficient screening methods.

Dr. Nabil Mansour of Baylor College of Medicine welcomed the addition of blood tests as a screening option, emphasizing the importance of providing patients with diverse choices to enhance screening accessibility and effectiveness.

Russians cast ballots on day 2 of an election preordained to extend President Vladimir Putin’s rule

On the second day of voting, Russians across the country participated in an election expected to solidify President Vladimir Putin’s grip on power for another six years. With no significant challengers, Putin appears poised to extend his rule despite facing accusations of stifling dissent and cracking down on opposition voices.

The election unfolds amid a backdrop of severe suppression of independent media and rights groups, with notable opposition figure Alexei Navalny’s recent death in an Arctic prison further highlighting the government’s ruthless tactics. Many other critics find themselves either imprisoned or forced into exile.

Facing only token rivals from Kremlin-friendly parties, Putin has capitalized on a narrative framing his actions, including the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, as necessary measures to safeguard Russia against perceived Western threats.

While officials reported smooth voting processes, incidents of vandalism at polling stations have marred the proceedings. Several instances, including a firebombing and attempts to contaminate ballot boxes with green liquid, echo past attacks on Navalny, underscoring the persistent tensions surrounding dissent in Russia.

In response to the vandalism, Russian lawmakers are considering stricter measures, proposing new legislation that could lead to severe sentences, including up to eight years in prison, for election saboteurs.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s unrest spilled over into Russian territory once more, with drone and missile attacks hitting deep within the country. Reports also emerged of an armed group attempting to breach Russia’s border from Ukraine, further exacerbating regional tensions.

In the midst of these developments, violence erupted along the Russian-Ukrainian border, resulting in casualties in the Russian city of Belgorod. Regional authorities responded swiftly, ordering the closure of shopping centers and schools as a precautionary measure.

Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding the election, Putin’s dominance in Russian politics appears unshaken as voters cast their ballots against a backdrop of uncertainty and geopolitical tension.

3 lalaking sakay ng tricycle, patay matapos rataratin ng bala

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SAN ILDEFONSO, Bulacan. Patay agad ang tatlong kalalakihan matapos umanong pagbabarilin ng mga hindi nakikilalang salarin.

Sa ulat ng pulisya, ang tatlong biktima ay sakay ng kanilang tricycle nang sila’y biglang pinagbabaril sa Purok 7, Brgy. Basuit, sa nabanggit na bayan, bandang alas-6:10 ng umaga kahapon, Marso 16.

Ang kanilang tricycle ay hinabol pa ng mga suspek hanggang sa maabutan at pagbabarilin ito na agad nilang ikinamatay, pahayag ng mga awtoridad.

Narinig ng ilang residente ang mga putok ng baril habang sila’y namimitas ng kanilang pananim.

Dumating ang mga pulis sa lugar at nakita sa loob ng tricycle ang mga used electrical wires, ayon pa rin sa report.

Hinihinala na pagnanakaw ng kable ng kuryente ang hinihinalang motibo ng krimen. Gayon pa man, patuloy pa rin ang imbestigasyon ng mga pulisya upang alamin ang buong katotohanan sa likod ng insidente.

Cease-fire talks with Israel and Hamas are expected to resume Sunday in Qatar

CAIRO. Hopes for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas are reignited as negotiations are expected to resume in Qatar, potentially as soon as Sunday, according to Egyptian officials.

The anticipated talks mark a significant development as both Israeli officials and Hamas leaders prepare to engage in indirect negotiations for the first time since the commencement of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. International mediators had aimed to secure a six-week truce before the onset of Ramadan earlier this week. However, Hamas remained steadfast in its demand for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza, a condition Israel had previously rejected.

In recent days, there have been notable gestures from both sides to revive the stalled negotiations, which had never fully ceased.

Hamas presented mediators with a new proposal for a three-stage plan designed to bring an end to the hostilities. According to two Egyptian officials familiar with the discussions, the first stage of the proposed plan entails a six-week cease-fire, during which 35 hostages – including women, the elderly, and the ill – held by militants in Gaza would be released in exchange for 350 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Additionally, Hamas would release at least five female soldiers in exchange for 50 prisoners, including those serving lengthy sentences on terror charges, for each soldier. Israeli forces would withdraw from key roads in Gaza, permit displaced Palestinians to return to the devastated northern Gaza, and facilitate the unrestricted flow of aid to the region.

The dire humanitarian situation in northern Gaza has drawn international attention, with the United Nations Children’s Agency reporting that nearly one in three children under the age of two in the isolated area suffer from acute malnutrition.

The second phase of the proposed plan involves the declaration of a permanent cease-fire, with Hamas committing to release the remaining Israeli soldiers held hostage in exchange for additional prisoners. In the final phase, Hamas would relinquish the bodies it holds in exchange for Israel lifting the blockade of Gaza and initiating reconstruction efforts.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the proposal as “unrealistic” but agreed to dispatch Israeli negotiators to Qatar for further discussions. The talks, initially scheduled to resume Sunday afternoon, may be postponed to Monday, as indicated by the Egyptian officials.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s office approved military plans to target Rafah, the southernmost town in Gaza, where a significant portion of the displaced Palestinian population sought refuge following the conflict’s escalation. Despite warnings from the United States and other nations about the potential humanitarian repercussions, Israel intends to proceed with the operation aimed at dismantling Hamas strongholds in the area.

As tensions persist, casualties continue to mount on both sides. The Gaza Health Ministry reported that at least 31,553 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict, with civilians, particularly women and children, bearing the brunt of the violence.

In response to the urgent humanitarian needs in Gaza, international efforts are underway to deliver aid to the beleaguered population. A ship carrying 200 tons of humanitarian supplies, organized by the aid group World Central Kitchen, docked in northern Gaza after inaugurating a sea route from Cyprus. Additionally, Germany has joined other countries in conducting airdrops of aid over Gaza, while the United States has announced plans to construct a pier to facilitate aid delivery.

As the region grapples with the devastating consequences of prolonged conflict, the resumption of cease-fire talks offers a glimmer of hope for a much-needed reprieve from the violence and suffering endured by civilians on both sides of the conflict.

Squid Game actor O Yeong-su found guilty of sexual harassment, plans appeal

South Korea. O Yeong-su, renowned for his role in the hit Netflix series Squid Game, has been convicted of sexual harassment by a court in South Korea. The 79-year-old actor received an eight-month suspended prison sentence from the Seongnam branch of the Suwon District Court.

The charges stem from allegations of sexual harassment dating back to 2017, to which O Yeong-su pleaded not guilty. However, the court found him guilty on two counts of sexual harassment and mandated his attendance in a sexual violence treatment program.

Addressing reporters outside the court, O Yeong-su expressed his intention to appeal against the decision, stating, “I plan to appeal against the decision.” He has seven days to initiate the appeal process, failing which the ruling will stand.

The controversy surrounding the sexual harassment allegations led to O Yeong-su withdrawing from an upcoming film in South Korea, according to Reuters news agency. Despite this setback, the veteran actor gained global recognition for his portrayal of Oh II-nam in Squid Game.

O Yeong-su’s performance in the series earned him the prestigious Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor in Television in 2022, making him the first South Korean to receive the accolade. Squid Game, set in South Korea, captivated audiences with its gripping narrative of individuals grappling with debt and participating in life-threatening challenges for a chance at a lucrative prize.

The success of Squid Game prompted Netflix to launch a real-life adaptation titled Squid Game: The Challenge, although without the deadly consequences depicted in the series.

The conviction of O Yeong-su underscores the ongoing efforts to address issues of sexual harassment and misconduct in the entertainment industry, even as his appeal signals a potential legal battle ahead.

Tanim-bala?’ Hinarang ang mag-asawang pasahero sa NAIA dahil sa nakitang bala sa bag

Muntik nang hindi matuloy ang biyahe ng mag-asawa matapos umanong makitaan ng isang bala ang kanilang bag sa inspection sa Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Ayon sa ulat, sinabi ng misis na si “Charity” na papunta sila ng kaniyang asawa sa Thailand noong Enero nang bigla raw silang tawagin ng mga empleyado sa final security check sa NAIA dahil may nakita umano sa kanilang bag na naka-plastik na isang bala.

“Magkaiba po ‘yung bala at saka sabi ko: ‘Hindi po ako gumagamit ng mga ganiyang bala. Magaganda po ‘yung bala ko’,” ani Charity sa GMA News.

Ayon pa kay Charity, bago pa man ang naturang pagharang sa kanila ay nakaramdam na raw siya ng hindi pangkaraniwang pangyayari sa airport nang mag-withdraw siya ng pera.

“Ang daming nagtatanong, naka-civilian sila. May mga bumabangga sa akin,” aniya.

Samantala, itinanggi naman ng Office for Transportation Security (OTS) na bumalik na ang modus na “tanim-bala” sa airport.

“Tanim-bala is a thing of the past. We can always present all available data, pictures and video para mapasinungalingan namin yung sinasabi nila,” giit ni OTS Officer-in-Charge Jose Briones sa GMA News.

Ayon pa kay Briones, posible umanong sa mag-asawa talaga ang naturang bala dahil gumagamit daw ang mga airport ng automated system para ma-screen ang mga gamit ng mga pasahero.

“Kapag ‘yung bag ay may suspicious item, ‘yung computer, ‘yung machine na mismo ang magse-separate ng bag niya and then that baggage will be subjected for baggage inspection. That’s the only time na hahawakan ‘yan ng baggage inspector natin. Lumalabas sa atin (na sa kaniya), kasi nasa bag niya eh,” aniya.

Pinanindigan naman ni Charity na hindi sa kanila ang balang nakita sa kanilang bag.

“Hindi. Kasi meron po kaming license. At the same time, sinong sira-ulong gun owner ang magdadala sa loob ng airport na naka-plastic pa ‘yung bala? Anong gagawin ko doon?” saad ni Charity.

Sa kabila ng pangyayari, pinayagan naman umanong sumakay ng eroplano at hindi na sinampahan ng kaso ang mag-asawa.

“Hindi, especially kung 1 or 2 pieces lang, kasi marami namang nagdadala niyan. Sa paniniwala ng iba, it is anting-anting. Daily, nakaka-encounter kami ng ganitong incident,” ayon kay Briones.

Ex-boyfriend, arestado sa kasong sextortion

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CAVITE CITY. Inaresto ng PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) ang isang maintenance crewman dahil sa paglabag sa ‘Safe Spaces Act’, at ‘Violence against Women and Children (VAWC) Act’.

Kinilala ni ACG Cyber Response Unit Chief PCol. Jay Guillermo ang suspek na si Patrick Contreras Bocalbos, 23, residente ng Brgy.Fatima 1-K, Dasmariñas City, Cavite na nahuli kagabi sa entrapment operation ng Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit (RACU) 4A sa loob ng Apartelle, sa Brgy. Salitran 2, sa nabanggit na siyudad.

Ayon kay Guillermo, nag-ugat ang operasyon sa reklamo ng 32-taong gulang na biktima, na dating karelasyon ng suspek.

“Ang biktima ay nagsampa ng reklamo laban sa kanyang dating kasintahan dahil sa pang-aabuso nito sa social media,” pahayag ni Guillermo.

Batay sa reklamo, ikinalat ng suspek sa social media ang mga maseselang larawan at video ng biktima, at nagbanta na patuloy itong gagawin hangga’t hindi siya pumayag ang biktima na makipagtalik.

“Matapos ang mahabang imbestigasyon, nakapag-ugnay ang ating ahensya ng mga ebidensya at napatunayan na sangkot si Bocalbos sa nasabing krimen,” dagdag pa ni Guillermo.

Ang arestadong suspek ay dinala sa Dasmariñas City Police Station, para kasuhan ng paglabag sa ‘Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009’; at Article 286 ng Revised Penal Code o ‘Grave Coercion’, kaugnay ng mga unang­ nabanggit na kaso.

“Mahigpit na ipinapakita ng ating kapulisan ang kanilang pagtugon sa mga kaso ng sekstorsyon at pang-aabuso sa online platforms. Mahalaga ang kaligtasan at proteksyon ng ating mga mamamayan laban sa ganitong uri ng krimen,” diin ni Guillermo.

First vessel to navigate a new maritime path nears Gaza’s coast carrying 200 tons of aid

WADI GAZA, Gaza Strip. A vessel laden with 200 tons of vital aid neared the shores of Gaza on Friday, aiming to establish a new sea route from Cyprus, offering a lifeline to ease the humanitarian crisis gripping the region amidst ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

The ship, under the stewardship of the Spanish aid organization Open Arms, embarked from Cyprus on Tuesday, towing a barge loaded with essential supplies provided by World Central Kitchen, the renowned charity founded by celebrity chef José Andrés. The vessel came into view off the coast of Gaza on Friday morning, signaling a beacon of hope for the besieged enclave.

Pressure has mounted on Israel to facilitate greater access for aid into Gaza, with the United States joining other nations in resorting to airdrops to reach the isolated population. Recognizing the limitations of such measures, aid agencies have called for the establishment of secure corridors for land convoys, a plea accentuated by the challenges posed by military restrictions and the absence of Hamas-run authorities on the streets.

Despite the hurdles, efforts persist to alleviate the dire conditions in Gaza. World Central Kitchen, which has been operating 65 kitchens across Gaza, serving a staggering 32 million meals since the onset of the conflict, underscores the urgency of the situation. Linda Roth, a spokesperson for World Central Kitchen, outlined the contents of the aid shipment, which includes staples like rice, flour, lentils, beans, tuna, and canned meat.

The distribution of aid is particularly targeted at the northern region of Gaza, which bore the brunt of Israel’s initial offensive and has since faced severe restrictions on access. The shipment, though a fraction of the required aid, is envisioned as a precursor to larger deliveries in the future.

Cyprus’ Foreign Minister, Constantinos Kombos, disclosed plans for a follow-up mission, with a second vessel poised to depart for Gaza once the current aid is unloaded and distributed. However, the timing of this endeavor hinges on the smooth execution of the initial delivery.

Amidst these humanitarian efforts, the grim reality of the conflict persists. The Palestinian Health Ministry reported a tragic incident involving an attack near an aid distribution point in northern Gaza, claiming the lives of 20 individuals and injuring 155 others. Conflicting narratives emerged, with Israeli forces attributing the violence to Palestinian gunmen, while the Health Ministry pointed to Israeli shelling as the cause.

Despite the challenges and the toll of the conflict, the arrival of aid vessels and the ongoing relief operations offer a glimmer of hope amidst the tumultuous landscape of Gaza.

Pope Francis affirms no plans to retire despite criticism and health challenges

VATICAN CITY. Pope Francis has firmly stated that he has no intention of resigning and assures that he is not facing any health issues that would necessitate such a step. In a forthcoming memoir titled “Life: My Story Through History,” due for publication on Tuesday, coinciding with the 11th anniversary of his papal inauguration, the 87-year-old pontiff reveals his determination to see through his “many projects.”

In excerpts published by the Italian daily Corriere della Sera on Thursday, Francis, alongside Italian journalist Fabio Marchese Ragona, reflects on pivotal moments of his life intertwined with global events such as World War II, Argentina’s military dictatorship, and internal affairs within the Vatican. These experiences, he explains, have shaped his perspectives and priorities during his papacy.

Addressing concerns about his health and critiques from conservative factions, Pope Francis acknowledges the speculation surrounding the continuity of his pontificate. Such discussions have been amplified since the unprecedented retirement of Pope Benedict XVI in 2013.

Despite grappling with bouts of bronchitis, flu, and other ailments during the winter, as well as undergoing surgeries, Pope Francis maintains that resignation is not on his agenda. He underscores the permanence of the papal role while acknowledging the existence of a letter of resignation in the Vatican’s Secretariat of State, to be activated only in the event of a severe physical impediment.

Expressing gratitude for his current state of health, Pope Francis dismisses any notion of imminent resignation, affirming his commitment to his duties. He confronts criticisms head-on, acknowledging resistance to his reform agenda within the Vatican, particularly from those resistant to change.

In the memoir, he reiterates recent decisions, including permitting Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples, defending his actions as rooted in love and inclusivity. While acknowledging dissent among conservative quarters, he maintains that such differences do not undermine the Church’s doctrine.

Affirming his stance on civil unions while upholding the sanctity of traditional marriage, Pope Francis emphasizes the importance of embracing marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals, within the Church’s fold.

With his memoir poised to be released, Pope Francis’s reflections offer insight into his unwavering resolve amid challenges, both within and outside the Vatican, as he continues to navigate the complexities of his papacy.