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Philippines calls for expulsion of Chinese diplomats as South China Sea dispute heightens

Venus L Peñaflor
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Philippines calls for expulsion of Chinese diplomats as South China Sea dispute heightens

MANILA. Tensions in the South China Sea reached new heights on Friday as the Philippines’ national security adviser urged the expulsion of Chinese diplomats following an alleged leak of a phone conversation with a Filipino admiral.

Eduardo Ano asserted that the Chinese embassy in Manila had engaged in orchestrated acts of disseminating disinformation, misinformation, and malinformation aimed at sowing discord. Ano emphasized that such actions could not go unpunished without serious repercussions.

In response, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian labeled Ano’s comments as provocative and demanded that Chinese diplomats be allowed to carry out their duties without obstruction. “China solemnly requests the Philippine side to effectively safeguard the normal performance of duties by Chinese diplomatic personnel,” Lin stated during a regular press briefing in Beijing.

The office of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and the foreign ministry have yet to issue statements regarding the matter.

The escalating tensions stem from a series of confrontations in disputed areas of the South China Sea over the past year. The Philippines, backed by support from the United States and other allies, has increased its activities in waters contested by China.

Ano’s call for the expulsion of diplomats follows a recent news report alleging a leaked phone call between a Chinese diplomat and a Filipino admiral. The transcript, published by the Manila Times, purportedly shows the admiral conceding to concessions with China regarding activities in the disputed Second Thomas Shoal.

While Reuters could not verify the contents of the transcript, Ano asserted that the individuals involved in recording the alleged conversation must be removed from the country immediately.

In response to Ano’s allegations, Lin reiterated China’s stance on the situation at the Second Thomas Shoal, emphasizing the release of “relevant communications” between the two countries. However, specifics regarding the content and timing of these communications were not disclosed.

The dispute over the Second Thomas Shoal dates back to Manila’s maintaining a small military presence aboard the Sierre Madre since 1999 to reinforce its territorial claim. China has repeatedly claimed that the Philippines agreed to remove the ship, a claim denied by Manila.

Manila-based political analyst Julio Amador supported the call for diplomatic expulsions, highlighting China’s disregard for diplomatic norms and trust. “Diplomacy is based on trust, yet China is trying to make it look like all meetings between its diplomats and Philippine government representatives are negotiations with binding results,” Amador commented.

As tensions continue to escalate, the expulsion of diplomats adds a new dimension to the longstanding dispute, underscoring the challenges in managing territorial claims and diplomatic relations in the South China Sea region.

Ginang na notoryus na magnanakaw, arestado sa Batangas

Arman B. Cambe
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Ginang na notoryus na magnanakaw, arestado sa Batangas

LIPA CITY, Batangas. Arestado ang isang ginang matapos pumasok sa restricted area ng ospital sa lungsod na ito kamakailan.

Sa kasalukuyan, nakakulong sa lock-up cell ng Lipa City Police Station ang suspek na hindi pa matukoy ang tunay na pagkakakilanlan dahil sa iba’t ibang identification card nitong ginagamit.

Batay sa ulat ng Lipa City Police Station, napuna ng isang doktor na pumasok ang suspek sa ‘restricted area’ ng ospital kaya agad tinawag ng security guard.

Tinanong ng mga guwardiya ng ospital ang suspek ngunit hindi ito nakasagot kaya dinala na ito sa himpilan ng pulisya.

Nadiskubre na ang suspek ang responsable sa pananalisi sa mga ospital at klinika sa Antipolo, Baguio, Muntinlupa City, Quezon City, Cavite, Batangas, Pangasinan at Tarlac.

Umabot na sa 40 doktor ang biktima ng suspek sa nakalipas na 3-taon na natangayan ng pera at mga gamit sa ospital.

Nakunan din ng CCTV ang iba pang insidente ng pagnanakaw ng suspek tulad ng pagkuha nito ng pitaka ng isang doktor at mabilis na pag-withdraw ng pera.

Ayon sa pulisya, ang modus operandi ng suspek ay ang magpanggap bilang pasyente, kamag-anak ng pasyente, o kaya’y medical staff.

Bukod sa kasong theft, nahaharap ngayon ang suspek sa kasong paglabag sa Article 281 o Trespassing at Art. 178 sa paggamit ng pekeng pangalan at pagtatago ng tunay na pangalan.

Heavy clashes in Rafah force mass exodus, aid routes blocked

Venus L Peñaflor
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Heavy clashes in Rafah force mass exodus, aid routes blocked

RAFAH, Gaza Strip. The southern Gaza city of Rafah has become a battleground as intense fighting between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants rages on, leading to the closure of vital aid crossings and the displacement of over 100,000 civilians, a United Nations official reported on Friday.

Plans for a full-scale Israeli invasion of Rafah seem to be temporarily on hold amid strong opposition from the United States, which has threatened to withhold arms. However, a limited incursion initiated earlier in the week risks exacerbating Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.

Simultaneously, heavy clashes have erupted in northern Gaza, where Hamas militants have regrouped despite previous Israeli offensives.

Over a million Palestinians have sought refuge in Rafah, crowding into U.N.-run shelters and makeshift camps. The city serves as a lifeline for essential supplies, including food, medicine, and fuel.

Georgios Petropoulos, an official from the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Rafah, highlighted the dire situation, stating that approximately 110,000 people have fled the city. Food and fuel supplies are dwindling, and access to medical assistance and humanitarian aid is severely restricted.

Petropoulos expressed concerns about the safety of humanitarian workers in the midst of ongoing fighting, emphasizing the urgent need for supplies to assist displaced individuals.

Israeli forces have seized control of the Rafah crossing with Egypt, halting the flow of crucial goods and services. The nearby Kerem Shalom crossing, Gaza’s primary cargo terminal, remains inaccessible due to continued hostilities.

In Rafah, Israeli troops engage in close-quarters combat with Palestinian militants, resulting in heavy artillery exchanges and gunfire. The military claims to have targeted militant tunnels and eliminated combatants through both ground operations and aerial strikes.

Hamas, meanwhile, has launched attacks targeting Israeli positions, including mortar rounds aimed at the Kerem Shalom crossing. Despite Israeli assertions that Rafah is a stronghold of Hamas, the group continues to resist Israeli incursions.

The conflict in Gaza has claimed thousands of lives and displaced tens of thousands more, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. Efforts to broker a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages have faltered, with Hamas demanding guarantees for an end to the war and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

As the situation in Gaza remains precarious, international efforts to mitigate the crisis and find a lasting resolution continue to face significant challenges.

Villa Tomasa-Alona Kew Hotel Resort takes action against Panglao mayor

Roy Tomandao
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Villa Tomasa-Alona Kew Hotel Resort takes action against Panglao mayor

BOHOL CITY. The management of Villa Tomasa-Alona Kew Hotel Resort has initiated legal proceedings against Panglao, Bohol Mayor Edgardo “Boy” Arcay and his associates. The resort alleges harassment and other charges related to the forced cessation of its operations on April 16, 2024.

The resort’s legal team wasted no time in filing criminal and civil cases against the accused, submitting the lawsuits to the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor of Bohol City of Tagbilaran on April 26, merely a week after the troubling takeover incident.

According to the resort’s legal representatives, the victims of these alleged illegal actions have taken a firm stand for justice. They emphasize that any attempt to enter into agreements concerning the resort without their knowledge will be met with legal action.

Furthermore, the management asserts that individuals considering purchasing the property should beware, as they maintain a valid option to buy with a right of first refusal. Any cooperation with the dispossession could result in criminal liability.

Expressing profound dismay, the management of Villa Tomasa-Alona Kew Hotel Resort condemns the use of excessive force during the takeover, which left nearly 300 employees traumatized and countless tourists shocked.

Despite repeated attempts to secure a business permit, the resort faced continual denial, exacerbating their plight. They now appeal to government agencies such as the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to intervene in this matter urgently.

The management’s plea for justice extends beyond the resort owners; they seek to safeguard the livelihoods of their employees, emphasizing that four years remain on their five-year lease agreement.

The sudden closure of one of Bohol’s premier resorts has sent ripples of disappointment throughout the local community and the broader tourism industry. Panglao, known for its tranquil ambiance, is now fraught with uncertainty, leaving both businesses and patrons disheartened.

As legal proceedings unfold, the spotlight remains fixed on this contentious dispute, underscoring the challenges faced by businesses in navigating the complex landscape of local governance and property rights.

25 lugar dadanas ng mapanganib na heat index ngayong Biyernes!

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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25 lugar dadanas ng mapanganib na heat index ngayong Biyernes!

Nagbabala ang PAGASA hinggil sa delikadong heat index na posibleng maranasan sa 25 na lugar sa bansa ngayong Biyernes.

Batay sa heat index forecast ng weather bureau, maaaring umabot sa 42°C hanggang 45°C ang init sa mga sumusunod na lugar:

45°C

  • Virac (Synop), Catanduanes

44°C

  • Dagupan City, Pangasinan
  • Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
  • Roxas City, Capiz

Nasa 43°C ang inaasahang temperatura sa mga sumusunod na lugar:

  • San Jose, Occidental Mindoro
  • Guiuian, Silangang Samar

Samantalang sa 42°C naman ang init sa:

  • NAIA, Pasay City, Manila
  • Iba, Zambales
  • CLSU Muñoz, Nueva Ecija
  • Cubi Point, Subic Bay, Olongapo City
  • Sangley Point, Cavite
  • Infanta, Quezon
  • Alabat, Quezon
  • Aborlan, Palawan
  • Cuyo, Palawan
  • Legazpi, Albay
  • Masbate City, Masbate
  • CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur
  • Mambusao, Capiz
  • Iloilo City, Iloilo
  • Dumangas, Iloilo
  • Catarman, Northern Samar
  • Catbalogan, Samar
  • Tacloban City, Leyte
  • Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte

Ang Baguio City at Benguet State University, La Trinidad sa Benguet ay nananatiling may pinakamababang heat index na 27°C.

Ayon sa PAGASA, ang heat index mula 42°C hanggang 51°C ay nasa danger level na. Ito ay nagdudulot ng panganib ng heat exhaustion, heat cramps, at heat stroke para sa mga taong labis na nae-expose sa init.

Dahil dito, pinayuhan ng ahensya ang publiko na bawasan ang panlabas na aktibidad, uminom ng sapat na tubig, at magsuot ng light-colored na damit upang maiwasan ang mga sakit na dulot ng sobrang init ng panahon.

Philippine military chief alleges China of ‘covert manipulation campaign’

Venus L Peñaflor
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Philippine military chief alleges China of ‘covert manipulation campaign’

MANILA. The Philippines’ military chief, Romeo Brawner, leveled serious allegations against China on Wednesday, following reports in a local newspaper suggesting a clandestine agreement between a Filipino vice admiral and Beijing aimed at easing tensions in the South China Sea.

The Manila Times published what it claimed to be a transcript of a phone conversation wherein a Philippine admiral purportedly acquiesced to China’s proposal for a “new model” of operations, involving reduced Philippine naval presence in resupply missions to troops stationed at the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, along with prior notification to Beijing about such missions.

While Reuters has not independently verified the contents of the reported phone conversation, The Manila Times cited January as the date of the conversation and attributed the transcript to a “ranking Chinese official,” whose identity remains undisclosed.

The Second Thomas Shoal has remained a focal point of tensions, witnessing numerous confrontations between China’s coast guard and Philippine vessels over the past year, exacerbating strained relations between the two nations. Despite China’s calls for the Philippines to avoid the area, Manila has steadfastly maintained its presence.

In response to the allegations, Military Chief Romeo Brawner dismissed the reported transcript as part of a “malign influence effort” orchestrated by the Chinese Communist Party. He cautioned against placing undue significance on such claims, emphasizing the ease with which transcripts can be manipulated and audio recordings falsified, particularly with advancements in technology such as deep fakes.

The Chinese embassy in Manila has not issued any official response to the transcript published by The Manila Times, nor to Brawner’s statement.

The unfolding situation underscores the ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, with both regional and global implications, as neighboring countries navigate complex territorial disputes in one of the world’s most strategically significant maritime regions.

Trump’s lawyer grills Stormy Daniels in trial over denial of sexual encounter

Venus L Peñaflor
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Trump’s lawyer grills Stormy Daniels in trial over denial of sexual encounter

NEW YORK. Donald Trump’s defense attorney pressed adult film actress Stormy Daniels on Thursday regarding statements she made in 2018, denying any sexual relations with the former U.S. president. This pivotal moment unfolds at the heart of the first criminal trial involving a former American head of state.

Daniels’ vivid testimony earlier in the week detailing a sexual encounter with Trump in a Lake Tahoe hotel suite in 2006 held jurors spellbound, reigniting public interest in the more salacious aspects of Trump’s presidency from 2017 to 2021, as he pursues a White House comeback bid this year.

Defense attorney Susan Necheles presented jurors with two signed statements from 2018 in which Daniels denied engaging in an affair with Trump. These statements were made while Daniels was bound by a non-disclosure agreement brokered by Trump’s former attorney, Michael Cohen, in exchange for $130,000 to remain silent about the alleged encounter prior to the 2016 election.

Daniels, under cross-examination, disavowed these statements, asserting, “Let’s be clear, I did not write this. It was given to me, and I was told that I had to sign it.”

Keith Davidson, Daniels’ attorney at the time, testified earlier in the trial, suggesting that the statements were carefully crafted to technically deny an affair while not specifically addressing individual encounters.

Trump, aged 77, faces 34 counts of falsifying business records related to Cohen’s payment to Daniels. He maintains his innocence, vehemently denying any sexual liaison with the adult film star.

As a Republican contender vying to unseat Democratic President Joe Biden in the upcoming November election, Trump portrays the trial as a politically motivated attack aimed at derailing his campaign.

During Tuesday’s proceedings, Trump’s legal team challenged Daniels’ credibility, eliciting admissions of past falsehoods from her, including her refusal to pay Trump over $500,000 resulting from a failed defamation lawsuit.

Necheles questioned Daniels on Thursday about her decision to accept Cohen’s payment in exchange for silence, despite her prior assertions of a desire to publicly share her story. Daniels cited safety concerns, asserting that preserving a paper trail offered better protection for herself and her family.

Prosecutors argue that Trump’s efforts to conceal the payment tainted the 2016 election by withholding crucial information from voters.

While Daniels’ testimony provides insight into the case, its impact on voters already familiar with allegations of Trump’s sexual impropriety remains uncertain. Trump’s legal team attempted to downplay its significance, claiming Daniels’ testimony was needlessly inflammatory.

Trump’s reaction to Daniels’ testimony on Tuesday, characterized by frustration and an outburst in court, resulted in a warning about potential witness intimidation from Justice Juan Merchan, who has since fined Trump $10,000 for discussing trial details outside the courtroom.

This trial, perceived as the least significant of Trump’s legal battles, faces uncertainty, with other cases delayed for various reasons, including legal challenges and court proceedings.

A federal case in Washington alleging Trump’s attempt to overturn the 2020 election results remains stalled by the Supreme Court, while another federal case in Florida accusing Trump of mishandling classified information awaits resolution of legal objections raised by his defense team. Additionally, a state case in Georgia accusing Trump of election interference is on hold pending an appeals court decision regarding prosecutorial conduct.

As the trial progresses, it continues to draw intense scrutiny, offering a glimpse into the legal challenges confronting a former U.S. president.

14-anyos na anak, 2 taon na halos araw araw ay ginagahasa ng ama

Arman B. Cambe
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14-anyos na anak, 2 taon na halos araw araw ay ginagahasa ng ama

Arestado ang isang ama na isinumbong na halos araw-araw ay nagpapahirap at umaabuso sa kanyang 14-anyos na anak sa loob ng dalawang taon.

Nabigyan ng hustisya ang inabusong anak matapos niyang ireklamo ang kanyang ama sa National Bureau of Investigation’s (NBI) Violence Against Women and Children Division. Tinukoy lang ang ama na si alyas “Jay.”

Ayon kay Yehlen Agus, hepe ng NBI-VAWCD, matapos ang medical examinations, lumabas na may mga sugat sa ari ng biktima na siyang ebidensya ng pag-abuso.

Sa salaysay ng biktima, nabunyag na una siyang ginahasa ng kanyang tiyuhin noong 2022. Ngunit, kahit na ito ay isinumbong niya sa kanyang ama, hindi raw siya tinulungan. Sa halip, ang ama mismo ang sumunod na umabuso sa kanya at tuwing umaalis ang kanyang ina ay ginagawa ito sa kanya.

Walang pangamba, inamin ni “Jay” ang kanyang mga kasalanan. “Natukso rin ako sa ginawa niya… Ginaya ko po,” aniya.

Kasalukuyang nakapiit si “Jay” at nahaharap sa kaso ng statutory rape na isinampa ng NBI sa Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office. Samantala, iniimbestigahan na rin ang kanyang bayaw dahil sa kaugnay na pang-aabuso.

Sa pangangalaga ng Department of Social Welfare and Development, nasisiguro ang kapanatagan ng biktima habang sumasailalim sa kinakailangang counseling.

Ang insidenteng ito ay nagbibigay-diin sa kahalagahan ng pagpapatupad ng batas at pagpapalakas ng proteksyon para sa mga kababaihan at kabataan laban sa anumang anyo ng karahasan at pang-aabuso.

Ukrainian gymnast leads the EU team in carrying the Paris Olympic torch, in a sign of support

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Ukrainian gymnast leads the EU team in carrying the Paris Olympic torch, in a sign of support

MARSEILLE, France. Ukrainian gymnast Mariia Vysochanska took center stage in Marseille on Thursday, leading a contingent of European athletes carrying the torch for the Paris Olympics through the vibrant streets, in a poignant gesture of solidarity for her war-torn homeland.

The torch relay in Marseille marked the commencement of an 11-week odyssey across France leading up to the Olympic Games’ opening ceremony on July 26. The atmosphere crackled with excitement as the bustling streets of Marseille erupted in cheers for the procession of torchbearers, including renowned athletes like basketball star Tony Parker and former soccer player Basile Boli.

The pinnacle moment for Ukraine unfolded at noon when a group of 27 athletes and para-athletes representing each EU member state joined the relay in honor of Europe Day on May 9. Forming a guard of honor, they welcomed Vysochanska, a decorated athlete who clinched two gold medals at the 2020 European Championships and competed in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

“It is very hard to put all the emotions I experience into words,” expressed the 21-year-old athlete. “I feel pride and incredible happiness that Ukraine became the 28th country to carry the flame with EU countries, and that the captain has honored me by letting me carry the Olympic flame.”

Following the torch handover, the European collective received a warm welcome from French Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, underscoring France’s increasing support for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict.

“We are doing a lot to make sure that they (Ukrainian athletes) can prepare in the best possible conditions at a time where they face that terrible war of aggression, and we want to really express that we support them the best we can,” stated Oudéa-Castéra.

For Vysochanska, the event carries personal significance as her father has been engaged in combat since 2015, amid Russia’s aggression and the subsequent armed conflict in eastern Ukraine. Her father’s participation in the prolonged battle for Donetsk airport, where he sustained a head injury, resonates deeply with Ukraine’s resilience.

Moreover, Vysochanska’s involvement reflects Ukraine’s aspirations to align with the European Union, with accelerated talks on accession underway since last year.

The International Olympic Committee’s decision in March to bar Russian and Belarusian athletes from the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony due to the ongoing conflict further underscores the geopolitical tensions surrounding the games. Any athletes from these countries are required to undergo a stringent vetting process to compete under a neutral banner.

Lalaki pinatay ng ka-eyeball sa Cavite

Arman B. Cambe
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Lalaki pinatay ng ka-eyeball sa Cavite

BACOOR CITY, Cavite. Iniimbestigahan ngayon ng pulisya ang insidente ng pamamaril na ikinamatay ng isang lalaki sa Daungan, Brgy. Talaba 2, lungsod na ito, kamakalawa ng umaga.

Ayon sa mga ulat, ang biktima na kilala lamang sa alyas na Mac, ay binaril at agad namatay sa lugar. Siya ay tubong Brgy. Zapote 3, Bacoor City. Nagpaalam sa pamilya ang biktima na may kakatagpuing kausap.

Nangyari ang insidente bandang alas-10:30 ng umaga habang papunta sa takdang tagpuan ang biktima. Bigla na lamang umanong dumating ang suspek at walang anu-ano’y pinagbabaril ang biktima.

Matapos tiyakin na patay na ang biktima, agad na tumakas ang suspek na dala ang armas na ginamit sa krimen.

Hanggang sa kasalukuyan, patuloy ang imbestigasyon ng pulisya upang matukoy ang motibo at mahanap ang salarin sa likod ng krimen na ito.

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