Monday, July 13, 2026


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Big-time drug pusher na kilala sa bansag na’Tatay’ huli sa P680K na shabu

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GEN. TRIAS CITY, Cavite. Arestado ang isang suspek na big-time drug pusher sa ilalim ng buy-bust operation na isinagawa sa Pasong Camachille 2, lungsod na ito.

Ayon sa ulat, ang naarestong suspek na 54-anyos na kilala sa alyas na “Tatay” ay residente ng Brgy. Santiago, Gen. Trias City, Cavite, at isa sa mga nasa listahan ng mga High Value Individual (HVI) ng pulisya.

Sa koordinasyon ng Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) ng Cavite-PPO at Gen. Trias Police, nagsagawa ang mga awtoridad ng buy-bust operation bandang 1:00 kahapon ng madaling araw.

Nang dumating ang suspek sa pinagkasunduang lugar sakay ng kaniyang Mitsubishi Pajero na may plakang YFG 199, nagkaroon sila ng transaksyon kasama ang poseur buyer. Matapos magkapalitan ng droga at pera, agad na dinakip ng mga pulis ang suspek.

Narekober mula sa operasyon ang isang plastic sachet na may 100 gramong shabu na nagkakahalaga ng P680,000, pati na rin ang boodle money na ginamit sa operasyon.

Israel asserts self-defense as West calls for restraint

JERUSALEM/CAIRO. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed Israel’s determination to defend itself amidst escalating tensions with Iran, stating, “I want to make it clear – we will make our own decisions, and the State of Israel will do everything necessary to defend itself.”

The statement came as Western powers, including the United States, European Union, and G7 nations, voiced concerns over the recent exchange of attacks between Israel and Iran. In response to Iran’s direct missile and drone strikes, purportedly in retaliation for an Israeli airstrike in Syria, Western nations are contemplating tighter sanctions on Iran, aimed at de-escalating the situation.

Netanyahu met with German and British foreign ministers, David Cameron and Annalena Baerbock respectively, acknowledging their support while emphasizing Israel’s prerogative to act in its own defense.

David Cameron remarked, “It is now apparent Israel planned to retaliate for the Iranian missile and drone strikes,” indicating a growing understanding of Israel’s intentions.

Annalena Baerbock warned against further escalation, stressing that it would serve no one’s interests, including Israel’s security, the hostages held by Hamas, or the civilian populations affected by the conflict.

The recent hostilities come amidst ongoing clashes between Israel and Iran-backed groups across the Middle East, exacerbating the already volatile situation in the region. The Gaza war, initiated by Hamas attacks on Israel, has claimed numerous lives and resulted in widespread destruction.

Efforts to negotiate a ceasefire have been hampered by persistent violence and differing demands. While Israel has indicated willingness to discuss a pause in hostilities to free hostages, Hamas insists on a truce leading to an end to the conflict.

As diplomatic efforts continue, concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza mount. Despite some improvements in aid access, aid agencies warn that current supplies are insufficient to prevent a humanitarian disaster, particularly with the looming threat of famine.

With tensions escalating and the possibility of further retaliation, the international community remains on edge, hoping for a swift resolution to prevent further loss of life and mitigate the humanitarian crisis in the region.

With inputs from agecies.

NASA is seeking for faster and cheaper alternatives to bring Mars samples to Earth

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. NASA announced Monday that its plan to retrieve samples from Mars and bring them back to Earth is currently suspended until a faster and more cost-effective method can be identified, according to space agency officials.

The endeavor to collect soil and rocks from Mars has long been a priority for NASA, but the project’s timeline has continuously shifted as costs soared. A recent independent review estimated the total cost between $8 billion to $11 billion, with a projected arrival date of 2040, a decade later than initially anticipated.

Expressing concern over the extensive costs and delays, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson emphasized the need for alternative approaches. He called upon private industry and NASA’s centers to collaborate on reimagining the project, aiming to prevent the depletion of funds for other scientific endeavors amidst across-the-board budget cuts.

“We want to get every new and fresh idea that we can,” Nelson stated during a news conference.

Since its landing in 2021 at Mars’ Jezero Crater, NASA’s rover Perseverance has successfully collected 24 core samples in tubes, with the objective of gathering over 30 samples to investigate potential traces of ancient Martian life.

The space agency’s objective is to transport at least some of the collected samples to Earth by the 2030s, with a budget not exceeding $7 billion. This necessitates the development of a spacecraft capable of retrieving the tubes from Mars and launching them off the planet, followed by rendezvous with another spacecraft tasked with delivering the samples to Earth.

Nicky Fox, NASA’s science mission chief, refrained from speculating on the timeline or the number of samples to be returned, emphasizing that such details would be outlined in proposed solutions.

“We’ve never launched from another planet, and that’s actually what makes Mars sample return such a challenging and interesting mission,” Fox remarked.

The analysis of pristine Martian samples in terrestrial laboratories is crucial for scientists to confirm any indications of microscopic life from billions of years ago when water once flowed on the planet. These samples will inform NASA’s decisions regarding future astronaut missions to Mars in the 2040s, Nelson noted.

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, previously spearheaded the sample project but experienced significant layoffs earlier this year due to budget constraints. Nelson is now soliciting proposals from across the agency, envisioning a more decentralized approach for the revamped program.

NASA anticipates receiving proposals by late fall.

Halaga ng piso bumagsak laban sa US dollar, P57:$1

Sa gitna ng lumalalang tensyon sa Gitnang Silangan, bumagsak ang halaga ng piso ng Pilipinas laban sa dolyar ng Estados Unidos, na umaabot sa P57:$1 nitong Martes.

Ang lokal na pera ay nagtala ng pagbagsak na 19.2 sentimo, na nagdulot ng pagtigil sa P57:$1 mula sa katapusan ng Lunes na nasa P56.808:$1.

Ang ganitong pagbaba ay itinuturing na pinakamasama mula noong Nobyembre 22, 2022, nang umabot ito sa P57.375:$1.

Ang pinakahuling pangyayari ay nagaganap sa kasagsagan ng mga tensyon sa Gitnang Silangan, kasunod ng paglunsad ng mga paputok na drone ng Iran at pagpapaputok ng mga missile sa Israel noong nakaraang Sabado. Ang mga ito ay nagpapataas ng posibleng banta sa mas malalimang alitan sa rehiyon.

“The gauge of the US dollar closed at new 5.5-month highs amid geopolitical risks or increased tensions in the Middle East, after top Israeli military officials signaled possible response/retaliation to Iran’s weekend drone and missile attacks on Israel that were foiled over the weekend,” ayon kay Michael Ricafort, pangunahing ekonomista ng Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC).

Binanggit din ni Ricafort ang magandang performance ng data sa retail sales sa Estados Unidos, na maaaring magbaba sa posibilidad ng Federal Reserve na ibaba ang kanilang mga rate, kasabay ng pinakabagong mga senyales mula sa kanilang mga opisyal.

Ang pagdepreciate ng piso ay naganap habang ang lokal na stock barometer ay bumagsak sa bagong apat na buwang mababang antas. Ang Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) ay bumaba ng 157.46 puntos o 2.40% sa 6,404.97, habang ang mas malawak na All Shares index ay bumaba ng 68.26 puntos o 1.96% sa 3,409.

Nagpalitan ang may hawak ng mahigit sa 15.822 bilyong shares, na may halagang P6.997 bilyon. Namuno ang mga Decliner laban sa mga advancers, 154 sa 41, habang 45 na isyu ang nanatiling hindi nagbabago.

Ang PSEi ay bumaba na ng halos 0.7% year-to-date, na nagpapakita ng pagbaba sa karamihan ng nakamit nito para sa taon.

Copenhagen stock exchange engulfed in flames as historic Spire collapses

COPENHAGEN. A devastating fire tore through Copenhagen’s Old Stock Exchange on Tuesday, consuming its iconic spire in a scene reminiscent of the Notre-Dame Cathedral blaze in Paris in 2019.

Emergency responders, staff from the Danish Chamber of Commerce, including CEO Brian Mikkelsen, and concerned citizens scrambled to salvage precious artifacts from the historic building as flames ravaged its structure.

In a heart-wrenching moment, a video captured the spire collapsing, breaking in half as it plummeted to the ground beside a fire truck.

“Everybody is crying at the Danish Chamber of Commerce right now. It’s their workplace, but also their history,” Mikkelsen expressed to reporters, visibly shaken. “It’s our cultural heritage that I’m looking at. It’s 400 years that have shaped Danish cultural history and the society we live in today.”

The National Museum of Denmark dispatched 25 personnel to assist in evacuating cultural treasures and artworks, while firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the blaze.

Locals are desperately trying to salvage paintings as emergency services flock to the historic building as flames continue to spread.

“We are saving everything we possibly can,” Copenhagen fire department chief Jakob Vedsted Andersen affirmed.

Among the rescued items were paintings by renowned Danish artist Peder Severin Kroyer, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the devastation.

The Old Stock Exchange, characterized by its distinctive spire adorned with intertwined dragon tails, had been undergoing renovations at the time of the fire, complicating firefighting efforts.

Despite parts of the roof collapsing and the fire spreading to multiple floors, there were no reported injuries. However, the cause of the blaze remained unclear.

In a poignant reflection, Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen likened the incident to Notre-Dame, acknowledging the deep significance of the Borsen to the community.

As thick smoke billowed over the city and sirens blared, the Royal Life Guards assisted in securing valuables, while onlookers, like schoolteacher Elisabeth Handberg and software engineer Thor Koustrup, expressed their sorrow and disbelief.

Amidst the tragedy, an outpouring of support emerged, with Chamber of Commerce CEO Mikkelsen receiving numerous offers of assistance.

The fire not only threatened the architectural heritage of Copenhagen but also stirred national sentiment, with Culture Minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt emphasizing the profound loss to Denmark’s identity.

As investigations continue, the city grapples with the aftermath of a devastating blaze that has left a historic landmark in ruins.

Stabbed Sydney bishop is a TikTok sensation and controversial preacher beloved by his community

SYDNEY. Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel, known for his captivating presence on social media platforms like TikTok, found himself at the center of a terrifying incident during a church service streamed live from Sydney on Monday. The bearded clergyman, beloved by a global audience, was stabbed, alongside other worshippers, in what authorities suspect to be a terrorist attack driven by religious extremism.

While Bishop Emmanuel, 53, commands a significant following with his charismatic sermons from the Assyrian Christ The Good Shepherd Church, he has also courted controversy with his outspoken views on various societal issues.

Donning dark robes and wielding a large cross, Bishop Emmanuel’s sermons range from Biblical teachings to impassioned criticisms of topics such as homosexuality, COVID vaccinations, Islam, and even U.S. President Joe Biden’s election.

Despite his popularity on platforms like TikTok, where he boasts a youthful fanbase and was honored by YouTube for surpassing 100,000 subscribers in 2023, Bishop Emmanuel has faced considerable backlash and online trolling.

The attack on Monday unfolded as a male teenager brandishing a knife assaulted the bishop and worshippers during a sermon. Video footage circulating online captured the assailant condemning Emmanuel’s remarks about Islam while being subdued by the congregation.

Reflecting on the bishop’s contentious rhetoric, local resident Manuka, 20, remarked, “He’s not saying your religion is rubbish, he’s just proving them wrong and very well articulated to the point where it gets under their skin … the only way you can bring him down is through physical violence.”

In the wake of the incident, sentiments of fear and outrage rippled through the community, particularly among Christians from regions like Syria, Iraq, Egypt, and Lebanon, who have sought refuge in the area due to religious persecution in their homelands.

“We’ve been persecuted for generations,” expressed Chris, a resident. “Enough is enough, a priest can’t be touched. I’m not speaking about retaliation but the Australian government must play a role so no persecution is tolerated.”

Amidst the turmoil, there’s a staunch defense of Bishop Emmanuel’s character, with individuals like Mary Anoya, 17, emphasizing that his words have often been misconstrued and taken out of context.

As investigations into the attack continue, the incident underscores broader concerns about religious tolerance and safety within the community, leaving many grappling with the aftermath of violence in a place of worship.

Marcos makes largest drug bust yet, emphasizes zero casualties

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MANILA. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. lauded the police for their seizure of the largest haul of methamphetamine in years on Tuesday, underlining the operation’s lack of casualties as a subtle critique of his predecessor’s deadly anti-drug campaign.

Authorities confiscated nearly 1,630 kilograms (1.8 tons) of methamphetamine on Monday from a van at a checkpoint in Alitagtag town, Batangas province, south of Manila. The driver was apprehended, with ongoing intelligence operations aimed at capturing other suspects, officials disclosed without further details.

Dubbed locally as shabu, the potent stimulant held a street value exceeding 13 billion pesos ($228 million), officials confirmed.

Addressing reporters in Alitagtag, where he showcased the seized drugs, Marcos emphasized, “This is the biggest shipment of shabu that we’ve seized, but not one person died. No shots were fired and nobody was injured because we operated slowly.”

He added, “This should be the approach in the drug war for me, and the most important objective is to stop the smuggling of illegal drugs into the Philippines,” noting that the recently confiscated drugs originated from abroad.

Since assuming office in mid-2022, Marcos has pledged to continue the anti-drug campaign initiated by his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, albeit with a different approach that prioritizes rehabilitating drug addicts.

During Duterte’s tenure, more than 6,000 suspected drug dealers, mostly from impoverished backgrounds, were reported killed in clashes with law enforcement. The high death toll drew condemnation from Western nations, including the United States, and triggered an ongoing investigation by the International Criminal Court for potential crimes against humanity.

Although Marcos’ administration has reported considerably fewer drug suspect killings, human rights organizations remain concerned about continued violence and urge cooperation with the ICC to probe killings under Duterte’s presidency and his tenure as mayor of Davao city.

Negosyante, hinoldap at binaril sa Laguna, patay

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SINILOAN, Laguna. Binaril at napatay ang isang 65-anyos na babaeng negosyante matapos siyang holdapin ng dalawang hindi pa nakikilalang lalaki kahapon sa Barangay Mendiola, bayang ito.

Ang biktima ay kinilalang si Lydia Susondocillo ay residente ng nabanggit na barangay. Ayon sa ulat na natanggap ni Police Col. Gauvin Yamashita Unos, direktor ng Laguna Police Provincial Office, ang insidente ay naganap habang biktima ay sakay ng tricycle na minamaneho ng kanyang pamangkin na si Jay R Susondocillo.

Batay sa imbestigasyon ng pulisya, galing ang biktima sa kanyang tindahan sa palengke nang bigla silang harangin ng isang motorsiklo na may dalawang armadong kalalakihan. Agad bumaba ang mga suspek at tinutukan ng baril ang biktima, habang pilit na inaagaw ang kanyang dala-dalang bag na naglalaman ng mahigit sa 300,000 libong piso.

Tumanggi ang negosyante na ibigay ang bag kaya binaril siya ng mga holdaper at ang kanyang pamangkin bago tumakas ang mga ito sakay ng kanilang motorsiklo patungo sa direksiyon ng Sta. Maria, Laguna.

Agad na dinala ng mga nagdaraang motorista ang mga biktima sa General Cailles Hospital sa Pakil, Laguna, subalit sa kasamaang-palad, ang ginang ay idineklarang dead on arrival, samantalang ang kanyang pamangkin ay sugatan.

Hanggang sa ngayon, patuloy pa rin ang imbestigasyon ng pulisya upang matukoy at mabigyan ng hustisya ang mga pangyayari.

Israeli war cabinet delays third meeting on Iran’s attack until Wednesday

JERUSALEM. Israel’s war cabinet, tasked with deciding on a response to Iran’s unprecedented direct attack, postponed its scheduled third meeting from Tuesday to Wednesday. Western allies are considering swift new sanctions against Tehran in hopes of deterring Israel from escalating the situation further.

Military chief of staff Herzi Halevi had vowed to respond to Iran’s barrage of over 300 missiles, cruise missiles, and drones launched at Israeli territory on Saturday night. However, he provided no specifics regarding the planned response.

Despite causing minimal casualties and damage, thanks to Israel and its allies’ air defenses and countermeasures, the attack has raised concerns about the escalation of violence stemming from the six-month-long Gaza conflict. There is now an increased risk of a full-blown war between longstanding adversaries Iran and Israel.

Iran initiated the attack in retaliation for an airstrike on its embassy compound in Damascus on April 1, which was attributed to Israel. However, Iran has since indicated that it considers the matter closed.

An Israeli government source disclosed that the war cabinet’s Tuesday session had been rescheduled for Wednesday, without offering further details.

President Joe Biden informed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the weekend that the United States, Israel’s primary ally, would not participate in any Israeli counterstrike. Instead, alongside European allies, the U.S. is striving to bolster economic and political sanctions against Iran to dissuade Israel from retaliating massively.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz stated that he is spearheading a diplomatic effort, reaching out to 32 countries to urge them to impose sanctions on Iran’s missile program and follow the U.S. in designating its Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen affirmed that the U.S. would utilize sanctions, in collaboration with allies, to disrupt Iran’s “malign and destabilizing activity.” She anticipates additional sanctions against Iran to be announced in the coming days.

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell announced that some member states have proposed expanding sanctions against Iran. This expansion could encompass restrictions on the supply of Iranian drones to Russia, extending to the provision of missiles and deliveries to Iranian proxies in the Middle East.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock revealed that several EU members have pledged to reconsider extending sanctions. She plans to visit Israel shortly to discuss strategies for preventing further escalation.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasized to Netanyahu during a Tuesday call that escalating tensions in the Middle East serve no one’s interests and would only exacerbate insecurity in the region. He urged for calm and reasoned action.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani warned that Iran would retaliate to any Israeli counterattack swiftly, stating that Iran would not wait “another 12 days” to respond.

The prospect of Israeli retaliation has sparked concern among Iranians already grappling with economic hardship and increased social and political restrictions since major protests in 2022-23.

Since the Gaza conflict began in October, skirmishes have erupted between Israel and Iran-aligned groups in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iraq.

The recent escalation prompted at least a dozen airlines to cancel or reroute flights, with Europe’s aviation regulator advising caution in using Israeli and Iranian airspace.

Iran’s attack over the weekend caused limited damage in Israel, injuring a 7-year-old girl. Most of the missiles and drones were intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome defense system, with assistance from the U.S., Britain, France, and Jordan.

In Gaza, where over 33,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli offensive, according to Gaza health ministry figures, Iran’s action was met with approval.

Israel commenced its campaign against Hamas, the Iranian-backed Palestinian militant group governing Gaza, following militant attacks on Israel in October that resulted in numerous casualties and hostages.

The situation remains tense as diplomatic efforts continue to avert further escalation in the region.

The coffee you enjoy in the morning could be ancient, dating back hundreds of thousands of years

Ever sipped on that morning coffee and wondered about its age? Turns out, it could be as ancient as 600,000 years old. Researchers have delved into the genetic history of the beloved Coffea arabica, shedding light on its remarkable journey from wild origins to global coffee cups.

Driven by a quest to safeguard coffee plants from pests and climate shifts, scientists constructed a family tree for Coffea arabica by analyzing genes from coffee plants worldwide. Their findings revealed that this iconic species emerged around 600,000 years ago, through the natural crossbreeding of two other coffee species, long before human intervention.

Victor Albert, a biologist at the University at Buffalo and co-leader of the study, emphasized the significance of this discovery, stating, “In other words, prior to any intervention from man.”

The story of arabica coffee traces back to its wild origins in Ethiopia, but its journey to prominence began in Yemen during the 1400s when it was first roasted and brewed. The legendary tale of Indian monk Baba Budan smuggling seven raw coffee beans from Yemen to India in the 1600s set the stage for coffee’s global conquest.

Today, arabica coffee dominates 60% to 70% of the global coffee market, prized for its smooth and sweet flavor profile. It’s the choice brew for coffee giants like Starbucks, Tim Horton’s, and Dunkin’ Donuts, while the remaining market share is claimed by robusta, a stronger and more bitter variety.

To unravel arabica coffee’s ancestry, researchers scrutinized genomes of its parent species, Coffea canephora and Coffea eugenioides, along with over 30 arabica plants, including specimens dating back to the 1700s. This comprehensive analysis, including contributions from Nestlé, offers crucial insights into the genetic makeup of arabica varieties, paving the way for enhanced crop protection.

Arabica’s tumultuous journey through millennia, marked by population fluctuations and environmental challenges, underscores its vulnerability to diseases like coffee leaf rust, causing significant economic losses annually. By identifying genetic traits associated with disease resistance, researchers aim to fortify the resilience of arabica coffee plants against future threats.

Fabian Echeverria, an adviser at the Center for Coffee Research and Education at Texas A&M University, hailed the study’s contribution to understanding and safeguarding the future of coffee cultivation.

As we delve deeper into arabica’s past and present, we uncover invaluable insights crucial for preserving the health of coffee plants and ensuring that our cups remain brimming with this beloved elixir for many mornings to come.