Tuesday, July 14, 2026


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SITG, itinalaga sa Quezon double murder case

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LUCENA CITY, Quezon. Itinalaga na ng binuong Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) ang imbestigasyon sa pamamaslang sa isang babaeng Hapon at sa kanyang inang Pilipino sa Tayabas City, Quezon noong nakaraang buwan.

Ayon sa Quezon Police Provincial Office (QPPO) nitong Linggo, ito ay resulta ng paunang pagsisiyasat ng Tayabas City Police Office sa nasabing kaso.

Ang mga biktima ay kinilalang sina Mai Motegi, 26, at Lorry Litada, 54, isang overseas Filipino worker sa Japan.

Nagpahayag naman si Police Regional Office-4 chief Brig. Gen. Paul Kenneth Lucas na patas ang ipatutupad na imbestigasyon ng SITG sa kaso.

Hinikayat din ni Lucas ang publiko na makipagtulungan sa mga awtoridad upang makamit ang katarungan para sa dalawang biktima.

Nauna dito ay sumuko sa Pio Duran, Albay ang itinuturing na person of interest na si Ligaya Oliva Pajulas, kapatid ni Lorry at tiyahin ni Mai.

Nasa kustodiya na ngayon ng Tayabas Police Station si Pajulas.

Naitala na ang pagkawala ng mag-ina noong Pebrero 21, ayon kay Tayabas Police chief, Lt. Col. Bonna Obmerga.

Maalala na natagpuan ang bangkay ng mag-ina sa isang hukay malapit sa tahanan ni Pajulas sa Bella Vita Subd., Barangay Isabang, Tayabas, noong Marso 14.

US and Japan spearhead UN resolution against nuclear weapons in outer space

UNITED NATIONS. The United States and Japan are taking a significant step forward at the United Nations by co-sponsoring a resolution aimed at urging all nations to refrain from deploying or developing nuclear weapons in space, announced U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield on Monday.

Addressing a U.N. Security Council meeting, Thomas-Greenfield emphasized the gravity of the issue, stating, “Any placement of nuclear weapons into orbit around the Earth would be unprecedented, dangerous, and unacceptable.”

The move to propose the resolution comes in the wake of recent White House confirmation that Russia has acquired a concerning anti-satellite weapon capability, although it has not been operationalized yet.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, however, assured later that Moscow has no intentions of stationing nuclear weapons in space, asserting that the country’s space capabilities are in line with those of the U.S.

The Outer Space Treaty, which has been ratified by approximately 114 countries including the United States and Russia, explicitly prohibits the deployment of nuclear weapons or any other weapons of mass destruction in orbit, as well as the stationing of weapons in outer space through any means.

Thomas-Greenfield stressed the importance of all treaty parties committing to the ban on nuclear and other destructive weapons, urging non-party member states to join without delay.

She expressed the United States’ readiness to collaborate with other Security Council members to build consensus around the resolution.

However, Russia’s Deputy U.N. Ambassador Dmitry Polyansky dismissed the proposal, labeling it as “yet another propaganda stunt” by the U.S. He criticized the resolution as “very politicized” and “divorced from reality,” arguing that it lacked input from experts and was not discussed at relevant international forums.

Outside the Security Council, Thomas-Greenfield emphasized the U.S.’s commitment to enhancing compliance with the ban on nuclear weapons in space. She expressed willingness to engage with treaty parties to explore measures ensuring the detection of nuclear weapons deployed in orbit.

Additionally, Thomas-Greenfield reiterated the U.S.’s willingness to engage in bilateral arms control discussions with Russia and China without preconditions.

However, Polyansky accused the West of attempting to strategically undermine Russia and insisted that any interaction would only be possible if the U.S. and NATO reassessed their stance towards Russia.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres underscored the escalating risk of nuclear warfare, emphasizing the urgent need for global cooperation. He referenced the movie “Oppenheimer,” which depicted the devastating consequences of nuclear weapons, warning against the prospect of a nuclear doomsday.

“Humanity cannot survive a sequel to Oppenheimer,” Guterres cautioned.

Putol na katawan ng lalaki, natagpuan sa Calax

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SILANG, Cavite. Ipinag utos ni Police BGeneral Paul Kenneth Lucas, direktor ng Police Regional Office Calabarzon, ang agarang imbestigasyon hinggil sa natagpuang katawan ng tao sa isang expressway sa Cavite na walang ulo, kamay, at paa.

Batay sa ulat na natanggap ng PNP Region 4 Intelligence Division, nakita ng ilang motorista ang katawan sa bahagi ng Barangay Kaong, Silang, Cavite, bandang 6:00 ng gabi kahapon.

Ayon kay Police Captain Connie Susmerano, ang katawan na walang ulo ay natagpuan sa may daang patubig ng expressway sa nabanggit na lugar. Ito ay nakabalot sa itim na garbage bag, at ang tanging tanda sa katawan ay isang tattoo sa kaliwang dibdib na may tatak na “Hasmin” at yinyang logo.

Sa pagsusuri ng mga pulis sa bangkay, natukoy na ang biktima ay isang lalaki at may maputing kutis. May mga sugat ito sa buong katawan at inaalam pa kung ito ay sinaksak o binaril.

Ayon sa mga awtoridad, malaki ang posibilidad na ang katawan ay itinapon lamang sa expressway upang iligaw ang imbestigasyon ng pulisya.

Masusing imbestigasyon ang kasalukuyang isinasagawa upang kilalanin ang biktima at mahanap ang mga suspek sa likod ng pagpatay.

Netanyahu agrees to send Israeli delegation to Washington for talks on the Rafah operation

WASHINGTON. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to dispatch a team of officials to Washington for discussions regarding a prospective operation in Rafah. The decision follows a call between Netanyahu and U.S. President Joe Biden on Monday, marking their first interaction in over a month amid escalating disagreements over the handling of the Gaza conflict and humanitarian concerns.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan confirmed the upcoming talks, stating that they will involve military, intelligence, and humanitarian experts from both sides. The discussions are expected to focus on Israel’s proposed operation in the southern city of Rafah, which aims to target Hamas following a deadly attack by the militant group on October 7.

Despite Israel’s intentions, the White House has expressed skepticism towards a major ground operation in Rafah, emphasizing the need to avoid exacerbating civilian casualties and worsening the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Sullivan reiterated Biden’s stance against such an operation, emphasizing the importance of targeting Hamas while minimizing civilian harm.

The call between Biden and Netanyahu also comes amidst criticism from Republicans in Washington and Israeli officials over remarks made by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who called for Israel to hold new elections and criticized Netanyahu’s handling of the conflict. Biden refrained from endorsing Schumer’s call but acknowledged the concerns raised in his speech.

The Biden administration has emphasized the necessity for Israel to present a credible plan ensuring the safety of innocent Palestinian civilians before proceeding with any operation in Rafah. However, Israel has yet to provide such a plan, according to White House officials.

Netanyahu, in a statement following the call, underscored Israel’s commitment to achieving its goals in the conflict, including eliminating Hamas and ensuring Gaza’s non-threatening status to Israel. He made no direct mention of the tensions surrounding the proposed operation in Rafah.

Meanwhile, a new report warns of an imminent famine in northern Gaza, where a significant portion of the population is experiencing severe hunger. The report underscores the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis and avoiding further escalation of the conflict, which could push Gaza’s population further towards starvation.

Despite the challenges in the relationship between the two allies, the White House acknowledges Israel’s efforts in degrading Hamas. Sullivan revealed that an Israeli operation last week successfully targeted Hamas’ third in command, Marwan Issa.

President Biden’s frustration with Netanyahu’s handling of the conflict was evident in previous remarks, where he emphasized the need for a coherent strategy to address humanitarian concerns while targeting militant groups. Biden has also announced measures to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza, including the establishment of a temporary pier and air-dropping aid supplies.

The ongoing conflict, which erupted following Hamas-led militants’ attacks on southern Israel, has resulted in significant casualties and displacement. Both sides are now engaged in diplomatic efforts to find a resolution to the crisis while navigating complex geopolitical dynamics in the region.

In a separate development, Netanyahu has asserted that a ground incursion is necessary to eradicate Hamas in Rafah. Netanyahu’s statement comes in response to a call from the White House to reassess strategies concerning the Gaza border city, which is currently densely populated with displaced Palestinians.

During a briefing with lawmakers on Tuesday, Netanyahu emphasized that he had conveyed to Biden the Israeli government’s unwavering determination to eliminate Hamas forces in Rafah. He asserted, “We are determined to complete the elimination of these (Hamas) battalions in Rafah, and there’s no way to do that except by going in on the ground.”

Sa pagdiriwang ng World TB Day, inaasahang may ambag lahat

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Sa panahong kailangang kailangan nang masugpo ang tuberculosis, saka pa dumami ang mga kaso nito sa Pilipinas. Sapat ba ang ginagawa ng DOH ukol dito? Nakikiisa ba sa kanila ang mga tao at mga organisasyon? May malaking kinalaman ang ugali sa usapin.

Marapat ulitin: Panahon nang sugpuin – zero case kung maaari – ang TB.

Nakapupukaw ng atensyon ang dalawang balita kamakailan: Susi sa paggaling sa TB ang kalusugang pangkaisipan at umabot na sa pagkabahala ang DOH sa pagdami ng kaso ng sakit na ito.

Tayo naman dito sa Tutubi News Magazine mula 2021, naipabatid ng mga masisigasig kong kasamahan para sa kamalayan ng madlang mambabasa ang inilabas ng BIR na talaan ng gamot sa kanser, TB, atbp na exempted sa VAT; ang update ng FDA ukol rito at iba pang kahanay na impormasyon mula sa Senate committee on finance; ang Collaborative Research Call for Tuberculosis (CORE TB); at pagbanggit sa TB sa ilan pang mahahalagang usaping pangkalusugan.

“As of December 31, 2023, our new cases numbered 612,534. So, that’s about 549 cases per (a) hundred thousand population. That’s higher than in 2022,” diin ni Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa sa press conference noong Huwebes. Tanda niya noong 2022 na merong 439 kaso ng TB sa 100,000 katao ang nai-log sa bansa.

Sinusubukan pa lamang ng mga Pilipinong malagpasan ang pandemyang COVID-19, lumolobo naman ang bilang ng mga tinatamaan ng sakit na TB. (Herbosa 2024)

Naatasan mismo ng Pangulo ang Kalihim na tugunan ang lumalalang sitwasyon gamit ang whole-of-society approach sa pakikilahok ng academe, development partners, at pribadong sektor. May pag-usad naman. Maging ang artificial intelligence (AI) ay nagagamit na sa mas mabilis na pag-alam kung merong TB ang pasyenteng ine-xray. Pinaigting na rin ang pag-uugnayan sa pagitan ng mga organisasyon at pamahalaan hinggil sa pangangalap at pagbibigay ng datos, sa pananaliksik, at sa pagpapabatid ng mahahalagang impormasyon sa publiko.

Dati nang hiniling na maparami ang community mobilizers na ang mga kalahok ay natatanong kung sino sa kanila ang maaaring maging community mobilizers, “with some key points: that there is no ‘ideal’ community mobilizer; that they put premium on attitudes, behaviors, and skills; and that they are committed to the community mobilization process.” (Mega Scene 2019)

Matapos opisyal na masertipikahan ng Guinness World Records ang Kagawaran ng Kalusugan sa Lungsod ng Maynila sa larangan ng paggawa ng pinakamalaking imahe ng baga gamit ang pinagsama-samang tao, muling binigyan ng kaukulang pansin ang tamang kamalayan sa sakit na TB at tuluyan nang mapahinto ang stigma o anumang pagtuligsa sa taong may sakit nito.

Ayon kay TBPeople Philippines founder Eloisa “Louie” Cepeda-Teng, nakapagpapalala rin ang diskriminasyon sa mga pasyente ng TB na humaharap na nga sa mga negatibong karanasan. Naiintindihan niya ito bilang mananagumpay sa sakit at kinalauna’y naging aktibo sa adbokasiya laban sa TB at malalimang nakikipag-ugnayan sa lokal at pandaigdigang samahan para labanan ang sakit na ito. (Team Asia 2021; SBS Australia 2015; GFAN 2015; TBPeople n.d.)

Siyam na taon ang nakalilipas nang hangaan ng mga kasamahan sa mundo ang mabuting pakikisama ni Louie, isang dating arkitekto, lalo na ang pagpapasimuno nila sa magagandang hangarin na may kalakip na aksyon nang maimbitahan sa International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Asia-Pacific regional conference sa Sydney.

Sa paglagda nila sa isang kasunduan sa Manila Standard nitong Pebrero, kabilang sa nais ng organisasyong TBPeople ay maipalaganap ang mga mensahe ng pag-asa at katatagan sa mga pasyente gamit ang mga hashtag na #TibayNgBayanihangPinoy, #TBFreePH, at #YesWeCanEndTB.

Meron din palang kababayan nating napapagastos nang malaki sa kakulangan ng tamang impormasyon sa libreng gamutan. Sa isang pag-aaral noong 2022, lumalabas na meron mga pasyenteng naglalabas sa sarili nilang bulsa ng halagang aabot sa 30,000 piso sa kabila ng libreng serbisyo para mapagaling ang sakit nilang TB.

Nahaharap din sa pagkabalisa ang mga pasyente at may mga manggagamot na tanggap ang katotohanang may pagkukulang sila sa aspeto ng kalusugang pangkaisipan ng mga ginagamot sa TB.

Para rin daw isang “copandemic” na maihahalintulad sa mga taong dinapuan ng human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) ang pagkakasakit ng mga tao sa TB. May mga pag-aaral ding 3-6 beses na magkakaroon ng mental health disorders ang mga may sakit sa TB kumpara sa mga wala.

Ibig sabihin, ayon kay Secretary Herbosa, mapipigilan ang pagpapagamot sa hindi sakop na barangay kundi sa kung saan naninirahan ang isang “pinaninidirihan” (undesirable) kung walang takot, stigma o pagtuligsa ng mga kapitbahay sa pasyente.

Natumbok ng DILG website ang tamang punto ng pagdiriwang ngayong Linggo, Marso 24: “The theme of World TB Day 2024 – ‘Yes! We can end TB!’ – conveys a message of hope that getting back-on-track to turn the tide against the TB epidemic is possible through high level leadership, increased investments and faster uptake of new World Health Organization recommendations.”

Dahil nabanggit ang lideratong “high level”, idagdag na lang natin ang isang payo: Alamin ng sinumang nagmamalasakit sa kapwa Pilipino ang tamang kaalaman kung paano makatutulong sa paglaban sa sakit na TB. Katulad ng naitalakay sa taas, hindi kailangan ng pera sa pagiging matulungin dahil sapat na ang pagpapataas ng kaalaman sa pagtulong.

FDA nagbabala laban sa kontaminadong cancer treatment solution na Methotrexate

Naglabas ng babala ang Food and Drug Administration (FDA) nitong Lunes, Marso 18, tungkol sa paggamit ng Methotrexate 100 milligram/milliliter (mg/ml) na solusyon para sa intramuscular (IM) at intravenous (IV) injection.

Ayon sa pahayag ng FDA, ang Methotrexate, na gawa ng Bruck Pharma Private Limited ng India at ipinamahagi ng Nelpa Life Sciences, Inc. sa bansa, ay isang mahalagang gamot sa paggamot ng kanser at iba pang malalang sakit na hindi nasasagot ng pangkaraniwang gamot.

Ngunit natuklasan ng FDA ang malubhang isyu ng kontaminasyon sa isang batch ng gamot na may code na I23J001A, kung saan natagpuan ang “Pseudomonas aeruginosa,” isang mapaminsalang uri ng bacteria.

Binigyang-diin ng ahensya ang panganib na dulot ng Pseudomonas aeruginosa sa dugo, na maaaring magresulta sa seryosong komplikasyon at kamatayan.

Pinapayo rin ng FDA na sa mga pasyenteng may mahinang immune system, mahalagang magkaroon ng maingat na pagsusuri sa kalidad ng gamot upang maiwasan ang anumang problema sa kontaminasyon.

Dahil sa tindi ng sitwasyon, ipinag-utos ng FDA ang agarang paghinto sa paggamit at pagbibigay ng lahat ng available na batch hanggang sa susunod na abiso.

Hinimok din ng ahensya ang mga drug establishment na ipatupad ang mahigpit na pamamahala sa panganib at pagtugon sa mga paglabag sa kaligtasan ng mga gamot.

China’s military and state media condemn U.S. over Reuters SpaceX spy satellite report

BEIJING. The Chinese military and state-run media have launched scathing criticisms against the United States, alleging a threat to global security in the wake of a recent Reuters report revealing Elon Musk’s SpaceX involvement in constructing hundreds of spy satellites for a U.S. intelligence agency.

According to the Reuters report published on Friday, SpaceX’s Starshield unit is engaged in developing a satellite network under a classified $1.8 billion contract with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). The report, citing five sources familiar with the program, sparked a swift and stern response from China.

In a statement issued on Sunday, a social media account affiliated with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) denounced the SpaceX program as a display of “shamelessness and double standards” by the United States, particularly in light of Washington’s accusations against Chinese tech companies. The account, Junzhengping, with 1.1 million followers on social media platform Weibo, urged U.S. companies to refrain from assisting in what it termed as “evil” actions.

“All countries worldwide should be vigilant and protect against new and even bigger security threats created by the U.S. government,” the statement read, underlining China’s concerns over potential repercussions of the satellite project.

Wang Yanan, chief editor of Aerospace Knowledge, voiced similar apprehensions, labeling the SpaceX satellite initiative as “a challenge to global security and stability.” In an interview with The Global Times, a Chinese state-controlled newspaper, Wang emphasized the likelihood of increased sensitivity and escalation of international tensions due to the United States’ intensified intelligence reconnaissance efforts.

Elon Musk, whose other ventures include electric vehicle maker Tesla with significant operations in China, was not explicitly mentioned in the official statements. Neither Junzhengping nor the Global Times referenced Musk or Tesla.

While the NRO acknowledged its mission to develop space-based surveillance systems in response to the Reuters report, it declined to comment on the extent of SpaceX’s involvement. Likewise, SpaceX, the world’s largest satellite operator, remained silent despite multiple requests for comment regarding the contract.

It’s worth noting that the planned Starshield network is distinct from Starlink, SpaceX’s expanding commercial broadband constellation aimed at providing near-global internet coverage. Chinese researchers within the PLA have reportedly studied the deployment of Starlink in the Ukrainian conflict over the past two years, raising concerns about its potential risks to China.

In light of these developments, China has expressed intentions to commence the construction of its own satellite constellations, signaling a growing space rivalry between the two global powers.

At the time of reporting, Space X, NRO, and the Pentagon had not responded to requests for comment on China’s reaction to the contract, indicating a potential escalation of tensions in the space domain.

Morocco reports first 294 metric tons of legal cannabis harvest

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RABAT. Morocco has reported its first legal cannabis harvest of 294 metric tons in 2023, marking a significant milestone after the country approved the cultivation and export of cannabis for medicinal and industrial purposes, announced the cannabis regulator ANRAC.

The harvest was carried out by 32 cooperatives comprising 430 farmers across 277 hectares in the northern Rif mountain areas of Al Houceima, Taounat, and Chefchaouen, ANRAC disclosed in an email to Reuters.

Despite the long-standing tradition of cannabis cultivation in the region, officially, recreational cannabis use remains illegal in Morocco. However, in practice, it has been tolerated. The legalization initiative aims to improve farmers’ incomes and shield them from the influence of drug traffickers who have long dominated the illegal cannabis trade.

The move towards legalization also seeks to capitalize on the growing global market for legal cannabis. ANRAC revealed that Morocco awarded 54 export permits last year, highlighting the country’s ambition to tap into this lucrative industry.

ANRAC further disclosed that efforts are underway to expand the legal cannabis sector, with the establishment of two operational cannabis transformation units and plans for two more pending equipment. Additionally, 15 cannabis products are currently undergoing authorization processes for medicinal use.

Morocco’s embrace of legal cannabis signifies a strategic shift aimed at curbing illegal trade while harnessing the economic potential of the cannabis industry, aligning with global trends towards legalization and regulation.

Pastor na nanutok ng baril sa road rage, nakulong na

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RODRIGUEZ, Rizal. Inaresto ng mga pulis ng Rodriguez Municipal Police Station ang isang 59-anyos na pastor matapos ang insidente ng road rage noong Marso 16, kung saan siya ay bumunot ng baril at nagbanta sa isa pang motorista, ayon sa ulat ng Rizal Police Provincial Office (Rizal PPO).

Kinilala ng pulisya ang suspek na si “Genaro,” isang residente ng Rodriguez, Rizal.

Batay sa imbestigasyon ng pulisya, habang binabaybay ng biktimang isang 44-anyos na call center agent ang kanyang motorsiklo sa Mayon Avenue Extension, sila ay muntik nang magbanggaan ng sasakyan na minamaneho ni Genaro na isang Hyundai Veloster. Dahil dito, bumaba ang suspek sa kanyang sasakyan at bumunot ng baril at tinutukan ang biktima.

Pagkatapos na itutok ang baril sa biktima, tumakas si Genaro papunta sa direksyon ng Sub-urban Village sa Barangay San Juan.

Ayon sa ulat, agad humingi ng tulong sa pulisya ang biktima na humantong sa pag-aresto kay Genaro sa isinagawang follow-up operation.

Natagpuan sa suspek ang isang .45 caliber pistol na may dalawang magazine at 39 piraso ng live ammunition.

Nakakulong na ngayon ang suspek sa Rodriguez Municipal Police Station at nahaharap sa mga kasong Grave Threat at paglabag sa RA 10591 o Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

Gaza braces for famine by May, warns U.N. backed report

A dire prediction looms over the north of the Gaza Strip as a U.N.-backed report warns of an impending famine between now and May, following months of devastating conflict that have ravaged the Palestinian territory, claiming thousands of lives and severing crucial supply lines.

According to the report released by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) on Monday, the number of individuals facing “catastrophic hunger” across the besieged enclave has surged to 1.1 million, representing approximately half of its population.

The report states, “Famine is now projected and imminent in the North Gaza and Gaza Governorates and is expected to become manifest during the projection period from mid-March 2024 to May 2024.”

This assessment, endorsed by various U.N. agencies, regional bodies, and aid organizations, coincides with mounting international pressure on Israel to permit more humanitarian assistance into Gaza, home to 2.3 million people.

On Monday, the European Union accused Israel of exacerbating the crisis and employing starvation as a tactic of war, allegations vehemently denied by Israel, which asserts that its operations target militant groups like Hamas and not civilians.

The current figure of individuals at risk of catastrophic hunger in Gaza nearly doubles the count reported in December, signaling a deepening humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the ongoing conflict.

The IPC’s analysis paints a bleak picture, projecting that unless there is a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas and an expansion of aid access, famine will become an inescapable reality.

“From mid-March to mid-July, in the most likely scenario and under the assumption of an escalation of the conflict including a ground offensive in Rafah (city), half of the population of the Gaza Strip (1.11 million people) is expected to face catastrophic conditions,” the IPC cautioned.

While Israel has articulated plans for an offensive in Rafah, situated along the southern border with Egypt, it remains engaged in mediation efforts aimed at securing a potential ceasefire.

The report emphasizes that famine remains preventable if decisive actions are taken, urging an immediate ceasefire coupled with a substantial increase in humanitarian and commercial access to Gaza’s population.

“All efforts must be made to ensure the provision of food, water, medicines, and protection of civilians, as well as to restore and provide health, water, and sanitation services, and energy,” the report stressed.