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Israeli troops withdraw from Shifa Hospital in Gaza after two-week raid

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip. Israel’s military concluded its two-week-long raid on Gaza’s largest hospital, Shifa Hospital, marking the end of a significant chapter in the ongoing conflict. The operation, which the Israeli military described as a major battlefield victory resulting in the elimination of approximately 200 militants and the capture of hundreds more, has left a trail of destruction and raised concerns about civilian casualties.

Palestinian residents, emerging from the aftermath of the raid, reported the departure of Israeli troops, lamenting the devastation left behind. Bassel al-Hilou, speaking to The Associated Press, described a grim scene, saying, “There was a massacre in my uncle’s house. The situation was indescribable.”

The raid on Shifa Hospital came amid mounting frustrations within Israel, evident in the tens of thousands protesting against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday. Demands for a more decisive action to secure the release of dozens of hostages held in Gaza reached a crescendo, marking the largest anti-government demonstration since the conflict’s inception.

Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the top military spokesperson, defended the operation, asserting that Hamas and Islamic Jihad had established their main northern headquarters within the hospital compound. He detailed days of intense combat, accusing Hamas of utilizing hospital wards as defensive positions and launching mortar rounds from within the compound.

The toll of the raid on civilians remains a contentious issue. While the military denies targeting non-combatants, Palestinian sources allege civilian casualties and accuse Israeli forces of reckless endangerment. The raid has also exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation, with the UN health agency reporting over 20 patient deaths and a severe strain on medical resources.

Despite the withdrawal from Shifa Hospital, the conflict’s broader implications continue to unfold. The war, which erupted on October 7, has left a devastating toll on both sides, with Gaza’s Health Ministry reporting over 32,000 Palestinian casualties. The humanitarian crisis looms large, with significant portions of Gaza’s population displaced and facing food shortages.

The departure from Shifa Hospital does not signal an end to Israel’s military campaign. Prime Minister Netanyahu has reiterated his commitment to continue the offensive until Hamas is dismantled and all hostages are freed. However, mounting pressure, both domestically and internationally, complicates the path forward, with allied countries cautioning against further escalation.

‘Freemasonry’ magdaraos ng 3-araw na Annual Communication

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Nagpapahayag ng malakihang pagpupulong ang mga opisyal at miyembro ng Freemasonry, The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines.

Ayon sa ulat, ang 106th Annual Communication o ANCOM ng mga Mason ay nakatakdang ganapin sa Abril 25-27, 2024 sa Clark, Pampanga.

Ang 106th ANCOM, na may tatlong araw na kaganapan, ay itinuturing na pinakamalaking pagtitipon ng mga Mason. Inaasahan na dadaluhan ito ng humigit-kumulang na 10,000 kasapi mula sa 436 Lodges at 63 Masonic Districts sa bansa.

Kabilang sa mga rehistradong kalahok ang mga opisyal at kasapi mula sa ibang bansa; mga kinatawan mula sa Appendant Bodies, Allied Masonic Degrees, at Sojourner Clubs; kasama rin ang mga kapamilya at kaibigan ng mga Mason.

Ang ANCOM, na ginaganap tuwing ikaapat na Huwebes ng Abril taun-taon, ay isang mahalagang bahagi ng tradisyon ng mga Mason. Dito nagkakaroon ng pagkakataon ang mga Freemasons na talakayin ang mga “values and principles” na mahalaga sa kanilang kapatiran.

Bukod dito, ito rin ay isang pagkakataon para sa mga kasapi na higit pang maunawaan ang kanilang organisasyon, makilala ang iba pang mga kapatid na Mason, at maging saksi sa mga pangyayari na huhubog sa kinabukasan ng Grand Lodge of the Philippines sa sesyon ng plenaryo.

Ang Freemasonry ay isang kapatirang kapisanan na may mga pinagmulan sa mga samahan ng mga stonemasons mula pa noong middle ages. Layunin nito ang magbigay ng sistema ng moral at etikal upang mapaunlad ang sarili, makibahagi sa komunidad, at makisali sa lipunan.

Ang internasyonal na samahang ito, na may mga lohiya sa iba’t ibang bansa, ay may mahalagang papel sa kasaysayan at kultura ng iba’t ibang lipunan.

Itinatag ang Grand Lodge of the Philippines noong ika-19 ng Disyembre 1912, 111 taon na ang nakalilipas.

Philippines enhances maritime security as China tension rises

MANILA. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has issued directives to bolster the country’s maritime security efforts in response to escalating tensions, particularly in disputed areas of the South China Sea.

In an order signed on Monday and disclosed on Sunday, President Marcos instructed his government to enhance coordination on maritime security, citing “serious challenges” to territorial integrity and peace. While not explicitly naming China, the move follows a series of maritime confrontations and disputes in the South China Sea.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not provide immediate comment in response to Reuters’ request for clarification on Sunday.

The South China Sea, a vital route for global commerce valued at over $3 trillion annually, is claimed almost entirely by China. However, these claims overlap with those of several Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that China’s claims lacked legal basis.

Recent tensions peaked when China utilized water cannon to disrupt a Philippine resupply mission to the Second Thomas Shoal, where Filipino soldiers guard a warship intentionally grounded on a reef 25 years ago.

President Marcos emphasized the ongoing challenges faced by the Philippines in safeguarding its territorial integrity and ensuring the safety of its citizens in maritime areas.

The president pledged to implement countermeasures against what he termed as “illegal, coercive, aggressive, and dangerous attacks” by China’s coastguard.

In response to the escalating tensions, President Marcos has expanded and reorganized the government’s maritime council. The revamped National Maritime Council now includes additional key officials, such as the national security adviser, solicitor general, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency chief, and the South China Sea task force.

Moreover, the order underscores an expanded role for the military in maritime affairs, with the Armed Forces of the Philippines named among the agencies supporting the council.

The National Maritime Council, with its expanded membership, will serve as the central body responsible for formulating strategies to ensure a unified and coordinated approach to the Philippines’ maritime security and domain awareness.

President Marcos has also augmented the number of agencies supporting the council, now totaling 13, to include institutions such as the space agency and the University of the Philippines’ Institute for Maritime Affairs and the Law of the Sea.

Pope overcomes health concerns to lead Easter mass in St. Peter’s Square

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ROME. Pope Francis presided over Easter Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square, defying health setbacks, rallying thousands of worshippers and issuing a heartfelt plea for peace amidst global turmoil.

Overcoming a bout of respiratory issues that had plagued him through the winter, Pope Francis led around 30,000 faithful in Easter celebrations. The pontiff, who had recently undergone a 2½-hour nighttime Easter Vigil, appeared in good spirits despite his health struggles.

“Peace is never made with weapons, but with outstretched hands and open hearts,” Pope Francis declared from the loggia overlooking the square, receiving applause from the crowd below, which braved blustery conditions.

The Vatican reported that around 30,000 people attended the Mass, with many more lining the Via della Conciliazione boulevard leading to St. Peter’s Square. Despite a gust of wind knocking over a religious icon on the altar just feet from the pope at the service’s start, the event proceeded smoothly.

Easter Mass, a cornerstone of the liturgical calendar, commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ following his crucifixion. Following the Mass, Pope Francis traditionally delivers his “Urbi et Orbi” blessing, addressing global challenges.

This year, Pope Francis focused his thoughts on conflict zones, particularly Gaza and Ukraine. He appealed for a ceasefire in Gaza and a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, emphasizing the plight of children affected by war.

“In calling for respect for the principles of international law, I express my hope for a general exchange of all prisoners between Russia and Ukraine: all for the sake of all!” Pope Francis urged.

He also urged for the release of prisoners taken from Israel on Oct. 7, stressing the humanitarian need for ceasefire and access to aid for Palestinians.

For weeks leading up to Easter, Pope Francis had minimized public appearances to conserve his health. However, his decision to preside over Easter Sunday Mass proved successful, demonstrating his resilience and commitment to his duties.

Acorda, retirado na: Peralta, itinalagang PNP OIC

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MANILA. Nagretiro nakahapon, Marso 31 si dating hepe ng Philippine National Police na si Benjamin Acorda Jr., kasabay nito ay itinalagang officer-in-charge ng Philippine National Police si Police Lt. Gen. Emmanuel B. Peralta.

Sa seremonya ng change of command at retirement honors para kay Acorda sa PNP Grandstand, Transformation Oval sa Camp Crame ngayong araw ng Lunes alas-9 ng umaga, nakatakdang isagawa ang pagpapalit sa puwesto.

Si Peralta ay naglingkod bilang Deputy Chief for Administration (TDCA) ng PNP at dating hepe ng Directorial Staff. Isa rin siyang dating Director ng Operations (DO) at naging Director ng PNP Directorate for Human Resource and Doctrine Development (HRDD).

Bukod dito, naglingkod din siya bilang Regional Director ng Police Regional Office (PRO) 1 o Ilocos Region at bilang Provincial Director ng Cotabato Police Provincial Office (PPO).

Sa pagretiro ni Peralta sa Agosto 24, sa pag-abot ng kanyang retirement age na 56-anyos, tiniyak niyang ipagpapatuloy ang magandang imahe ng PNP at patuloy at ang mahusay na paglilingkod sa publiko.

Fierce clashes rages in Gaza amid renewed truce negotiations

CAIRO. Violence escalated in Gaza as Israeli airstrikes claimed the lives of 77 Palestinians within the past 24 hours, according to health authorities on Sunday. The surge in hostilities coincided with Egypt hosting a fresh round of talks aimed at brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza’s ruling Hamas faction.

An Israeli military strike targeted a command center allegedly housing a senior Islamic Jihad militant within the grounds of Al-Aqsa Hospital in central Gaza. The military claimed precision in its targeting, emphasizing efforts to minimize civilian casualties. However, Palestinian sources reported casualties, including four fatalities and injuries to several others, including five journalists.

Negotiations, facilitated by Qatar and Egypt, have intensified, focusing on a proposed six-week halt to Israel’s offensive in exchange for the release of hostages held by Hamas since the October attack. However, Hamas seeks broader concessions, including an end to hostilities and the withdrawal of Israeli forces, which Israel rejects, insisting on dismantling Hamas’s military infrastructure.

Amidst the talks in Cairo, Hamas opted not to participate, awaiting clarification on a purported new offer from Israel. Meanwhile, Israeli forces continued military operations in Gaza, blockading hospitals and conducting airstrikes in various regions, including Khan Younis and Gaza City.

Residents in affected areas described scenes of devastation, with homes destroyed and civilian infrastructure damaged. Many Gazans, already facing dire humanitarian conditions, expressed desperation for an end to the conflict, fearing further escalation and loss of life.

The Israeli military maintained its stance, asserting operations aimed at targeting armed militants and their infrastructure. However, accusations of targeting civilian areas and medical facilities persist, with Hamas and medical personnel denying armed presence within hospitals.

As negotiations continue, Hamas presses for the return of displaced Palestinians and demands for basic humanitarian aid. Amidst international scrutiny, the World Court recently ordered Israel to ensure access to essential food supplies for Gaza’s population.

The situation remains tense as both sides navigate complex negotiations amidst escalating violence, leaving civilians caught in the crossfire and grappling with the devastating consequences of the conflict.

4,000-year-old red lipstick vial unearthed in Iran

Archaeologists have made a remarkable discovery in southeastern Iran, unearthing a small stone vial containing what is believed to be ancient red lipstick, shedding light on cosmetics dating back almost 4,000 years.

Reported in the journal Scientific Reports in February, the find represents a significant milestone, possibly marking the earliest documented instance of lipstick in history.

The analysis revealed that over 80% of the cosmetic sample consisted of minerals capable of producing a deep red hue, predominantly hematite, along with traces of manganite and braunite, complemented by waxy substances derived from organic materials.

Lead study author Massimo Vidale, an archaeologist from the University of Padua, Italy, remarked that while the possibility of alternative uses exists, the homogeneity of the red coloration, the specific compounds employed, and the vial’s design strongly indicate its application on lips.

Vidale expressed surprise at the rarity of ancient red cosmetics in archaeological records, speculating on possible reasons for their scarcity. Joann Fletcher, a professor of archaeology at the University of York, echoed Vidale’s sentiments, emphasizing the ambiguity surrounding the vial’s precise function.

While acknowledging the plausibility of the artifact being lipstick, Laurence Totelin, a professor of ancient history at Cardiff University, highlighted the ingredients’ dual usage in medicinal preparations, underscoring the complexity of interpreting ancient artifacts.

Despite the uncertainties, the discovery offers a glimpse into ancient beauty practices, challenging conventional notions of cosmetic history and prompting further inquiry into the diverse cultural expressions of antiquity.

Nagbabala ang PAGASA sa ‘dangerous heat index’ sa 10 lugar ngayong araw

Nagbabala ang Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) sa inaasahang pagtaas ng heat index sa 10 lugar sa bansa ngayong araw, Marso 31.

Batay sa forecast ng PAGASA na inilabas nitong Marso 30, alas-5 ng hapon, ang heat index na maaaring umabot sa ‘dangerous level’ ay nasa 42°C hanggang 51°Celsius.

Ayon sa PAGASA, ang heat index ay tumutukoy sa sobrang init ng panahon kung saan ang temperatura ay maaring maging delikado. Ang mga temperatura na nasa pagitan ng 42°C hanggang 51°C ay maituturing na nasa ‘danger level’.

Maaaring magkaroon ang mga tao ng heat cramps, heat exhaustion, at maging ng heat stroke sa labis na pagkabilad sa init ng araw.

Kabilang sa mga lugar na may posibilidad ng mataas na heat index ay ang National Capital Region, Batac, Ilocos Norte; Aparri, Cagayan; Aborlan, Palawan; Iloilo City, Dumangas, Iloilo; Butuan City na pawang nasa 42°C; Dagupan City, Pangasinan at Catarman, Samar na parehong nasa 43°C.

Kaugnay nito, pinapayuhan ng PAGASA ang publiko na bawasan o iwasan ang mga outdoor na gawain, uminom ng maraming tubig, magdala ng payong at sombrero, magsuot ng maluluwag na damit, at hangga’t maaari ay manatili sa mga lugar na may lilim.

Ipinapayo rin ng PAGASA sa mga netizens na iwasan ang pag-inom ng mainit na inumin tulad ng tsaa, kape, soda, at alak, dahil ito ay maaaring magdagdag sa init ng katawan.

Patuloy na mag-ingat at sundin ang mga payo ng PAGASA upang maiwasan ang mga epekto ng matinding init ng panahon.

Japanese authorities investigate Kobayashi factory over supplement-related deaths

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TOKYO. Japanese health officials conducted a search at a Kobayashi Pharmaceutical factory in Osaka on Saturday following reports of five deaths possibly linked to dietary supplements containing red yeast rice, an official disclosed.

The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, in collaboration with the City of Osaka, undertook the inspection at the factory responsible for manufacturing supplements containing “Beni-Koji” red yeast, suspected of causing adverse health effects, the ministry official stated.

Footage from news broadcasts depicted officials entering the factory premises, with indications that the ministry may extend its search to other associated sites. The factory, which ceased production in December due to aging infrastructure, had been the subject of closure, as reported by Japanese media.

Efforts to reach representatives of the Osaka-based company for comment were unsuccessful. Yuko Tomiyama, head of Kobayashi’s investor relations, conveyed to public broadcaster NHK the company’s commitment to addressing the issue earnestly and cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.

Kobayashi disclosed on Friday its investigation into a possible correlation between the supplements and kidney-related health issues following reports of renal ailments associated with their consumption.

According to the company, as of Thursday evening, 114 individuals had been hospitalized and five fatalities recorded after using the supplements, which were marketed for their purported ability to reduce cholesterol levels.

Kobayashi indicated it is assessing the financial implications of the recent developments.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi expressed dissatisfaction with the company’s delayed response, noting on Tuesday that it was regrettable for Kobayashi to take two months before disclosing the health impacts of its products.

In response to reports of kidney problems, the company initiated a recall of products containing Beni-Koji in recent days. These products are also distributed in markets such as China, where a case of acute renal failure linked to Kobayashi products was reported in Taiwan, according to Japanese media.

A Chinese consumer association advised individuals to refrain from using affected products, citing concerns about the potential risks associated with Kobayashi’s products, state media reported on Friday.

Beni-Koji, which contains Monascus purpureus, a red mold utilized as a coloring agent in certain foods, was found to contain puberulic acid, a potent antibacterial and antimalarial compound derived from blue mold that can be toxic, in a batch of the products implicated in health complaints, Japanese media disclosed.

Taal Volcano, nagbuga ng record-high na sulfur dioxide

LAUREL, Batangas. Naitala na nagbuga ang Taal Volcano sa Batangas ng pinakamataas na dami ng sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas sa taong 2024, ayon sa ulat ng mga eksperto ng Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). Ang pagsabog na ito ay nangyari kamakailan lamang.

Batay sa mga datos ng Phivolcs, umabot sa 18,638 metriko toneladang SO2 gas ang inilabas ng bulkan mula sa kanyang bunganga noong Huwebes Santo. Ito ay mas mataas kumpara sa karaniwang average na 10,331 metriko tonelada kada araw na ibinubuga ng Taal Volcano ngayong taon.

Gayunpaman, walang naitalang volcanic smog o vog sa mga aktibidades ng bulkan. Ayon sa Phivolcs, ang katamtamang hangin ay nakapigil sa accumulation ng SO2, kaya’t wala itong naobserbahang smog sa Taal Caldera sa buong araw.

Ang Taal Volcano ay matatagpuan sa Taal Lake sa Batangas, mga 50 kilometro ang layo sa timog ng Metro Manila. Ito ay itinuturing na pangalawang pinakamalakas na bulkan sa bansa, kung saan huli itong pumutok noong Marso 26, 2022.

Sa kasalukuyan, mahigpit ang pagmomonitor ng Phivolcs sa anumang kaganapan sa aktibidad ng Taal Volcano upang masiguro ang kaligtasan ng mga residente sa paligid nito.