Monday, August 10, 2026


Your Daily News Update About CALABARZON and Beyond.
ISSN 2799-1911

Home Blog Page 421

The Philippines misses today’s solar eclipse spectacle

The Philippines will not witness the total solar eclipse slated for April 8 (today), according to the state weather bureau. This year’s eclipse path, spanning about 115 miles, will sweep across western Mexico, traverse several US cities including Dallas, Indianapolis, and Buffalo, before culminating in eastern Canada.

Astronomer Nico Mendoza from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) noted that solar eclipses occur approximately four times annually. However, due to the eclipse timing, it will coincide with nighttime in the Philippines, limiting visibility to regions westward.

PAGASA identified the next opportunity for a total solar eclipse in the Philippines on April 20, 2042, visible from Legazpi City. The bureau also debunked rumors of a three-day darkness, dismissing them as baseless and lacking scientific backing.

While most of the United States will witness a partial eclipse, airlines have seized the opportunity, with some offering flights scheduled to cross under the eclipse path. Delta, for instance, reported selling out seats for two special eclipse trips within 24 hours.

NASA underscored the importance of eye protection during the eclipse, emphasizing safety within the path of totality. Nonetheless, the agency highlighted various studies planned for the event, ranging from its effects on Earth’s atmosphere and animal behavior to its impact on human psychology.

“Eclipses have a special power,” remarked NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “They move people to feel a kind of reverence for the beauty of our universe.”

OCD: Drop, cover, hold drills hindi sapat laban sa lindol

Sinabi ng Office of Civil Defense (OCD) na hindi sapat ang pagsasanay sa “drop, cover, hold” ng publiko bilang paghahanda laban sa lindol.

Ayon kay OCD Administrator, Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, mas mahalaga pa rin ang pagkakaroon ng matibay na pundasyon ng mga gusali at pasilidad at ang pagsunod sa building code upang maiwasan ang pinsala mula sa lindol, lalo na ang kinatatakutang “Big One.”

“I will say it again, engineering solutions and com­pliance with the building code are the best preparedness measures for earthquakes,” ayon kay Nepomuceno.

Dahil dito, hinikayat ni Nepomuceno ang mga residente, lalo na sa Maynila, Caloocan, Las Piñas, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Parañaque, Pasay, Pasig, Quezon City, San Juan, Taguig, Valenzuela, at Pateros na maging mas maingat sa kanilang inspeksyon at pagmamanman sa mga gusali at imprastruktura.

Hindi rin pinapayagan ang pagtatayo ng mga istraktura sa mga no-build zone at landslide-prone areas.

Ipinaalala ni Nepomuceno na maraming gusali at bahay sa Metro Manila ang posibleng magtamo ng pinsala sa “Big One.”

Batay sa kanilang pagtaya sa biktima, maaaring umabot sa 30,000 hanggang 48,000 ang maaaring mamatay sa isang Lindol na may Lakas ng 7.2 sa West Valley Fault.

Idinagdag pa ni Nepomuceno na ang kanilang mga rekomendasyon ay hindi lamang para sa Metro Manila kundi pati na rin sa iba pang lungsod sa Luzon, Visayas, at Mindanao.

Ang West Valley Fault ay nagmumula sa Dingalan, Aurora sa hilaga at dumadaan sa mga lungsod ng Quezon, Marikina, Pasig, Makati, Parañaque, Taguig, at mga probinsya ng Laguna at Cavite.

J&J bolsters MedTech arm with $13B shockwave deal

Johnson & Johnson (J&J) is reinforcing its commitment to heart care by injecting approximately $13 billion into its MedTech business through a deal with Shockwave Medical, a specialist in technology aimed at opening clogged arteries.

Announced on Friday, the healthcare behemoth disclosed its plan to acquire Shockwave at a rate of $335 in cash per share. The total deal value encompasses cash acquired and has garnered approval from the boards of directors of both companies.

Established in 2009, Shockwave focuses on intravascular lithotripsy technology, utilizing sonic pressure waves to rupture calcium lesions in arteries, thereby restoring blood flow. This technique, akin to breaking up kidney stones, employs soundwave emitters inserted into angioplasty catheters to target calcified areas within arteries, particularly addressing coronary artery and peripheral artery disease.

Shockwave experienced a substantial revenue surge of 49% last year, reaching $730 million. J&J’s Chief Financial Officer, Joseph Wolk, emphasized to analysts that the market for this technology is still in its early stages of expansion, foreseeing growth opportunities both domestically and internationally, with projected annual sales anticipated to surpass $1 billion.

To fund the acquisition, J&J will utilize cash reserves and debt, with anticipated financing costs expected to impact adjusted earnings by 10 cents per share in the current year and by 17 cents in 2025, according to Wolk.

This deal follows J&J’s previous announcement over a year ago, wherein it revealed a $16 billion investment in acquiring Abiomed, another cardiovascular technology company. Both acquisitions are anticipated to fortify J&J’s MedTech division, one of the two remaining segments post the divestment of its consumer health division, known for brands like Band-Aid and beauty products.

The completion of J&J’s Shockwave deal remains contingent upon regulatory and shareholder approvals, with both companies aiming to finalize the acquisition by mid-year. Following the announcement, shares of J&J, headquartered in New Brunswick, New Jersey, saw a modest increase of 32 cents to $152.82, while Shockwave Medical Inc., headquartered in Santa Clara, California, surged over $5 to $325.50.

Mister nagbaril sa ulo matapos patayin ang asawa

0

CUENCA, Batangas. Pinagbabaril hanggang mapatay ng isang mister ang kanyang misis saka siya nagbaril sa ulo isang nakapanlulumong pangyayari sa bayang ito kamakalawa ng umaga.

Ang mag-asawa na kinilala lamang sa mga alyas na Elsa at Candido ay mga residente ng Brgy. Balagbag, Cuenca, Batangas.

Batay sa ulat ng pulisya, nagsimula ang trahedya matapos ang isang pagtatalo sa loob ng kanilang tahanan. Habang papauwi na sana ang mag-asawa at sakay na sa kanilang owner type jeep, biglang bumaba ng sasakyan ang ginang habang sumisigaw ng “tulungan ninyo ako at papatayin ako ng asawa ko!”

Habang tumatatkbo palayo si Elsa, pinagbabaril siya ng asawa sa likod bago ito nagbaril sa sentido.

Parehong dinala sa magkaibang ospital ang mag-asawa subalit wala ng nailigtas sa kanila. Natagpuan ng mga awtoridad sa lugar ng pinangyarihan ng krimen ang caliber 45 pistol.

China says it patrolled the South China Sea in response to US-led naval drills with allies

BEIJING. The Chinese military declared on Sunday that it had carried out air and sea patrols in response to what it perceives as provocative actions in the South China Sea, particularly referencing recent naval exercises conducted by the United States and its allies.

The announcement comes in the wake of a joint statement issued on Saturday by defense chiefs from the United States, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines, revealing plans for joint military exercises in the region aimed at upholding maritime law and freedom of navigation.

The South China Sea has been a focal point of territorial disputes, with China asserting expansive claims that are contested by several Southeast Asian nations. Recent tensions, particularly with the Philippines, have escalated, prompting increased military posturing in the area.

In a move perceived as a show of support for its allies, the United States has conducted joint patrols with the Philippines, drawing criticism from China, which accuses the U.S. of exacerbating tensions by interfering in regional disputes.

A spokesperson for the Chinese military’s Southern Theater Command issued a brief statement asserting control over activities that “disrupt the South China Sea” without directly mentioning the United States or the joint exercises.

Similarly, the joint statement by the U.S. and its allies did not explicitly mention China. However, it reiterated the parties’ commitment to a 2016 international arbitration ruling, which rejected China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea, emphasizing its binding legal status.

The escalating tensions in the region are expected to be a focal point of discussions as U.S. President Joe Biden prepares to host his Japanese and Philippine counterparts in a summit at the White House later this week.

111-year-old British man becomes world’s oldest man

111-year-old British man born the same year the Titanic sank is now world’s oldest man

At 111 years and 224 days old, John Alfred Tinniswood, hailing from England, has clinched the esteemed title of the world’s oldest living man. This announcement was made by Guinness World Records on Friday, following the passing of the former record holder, Juan Vicente Pérez, at the age of 114.

In an interview conducted by Guinness, Tinniswood, upon receiving his certificate, philosophically remarked, “You either live long or you live short, and you can’t do much about it.” Despite attributing his longevity to luck, Tinniswood shared a piece of advice on moderation in life, cautioning against excessive indulgence in any aspect, be it drinking, eating, or physical activity.

Born on August 26, 1912, in Liverpool, Tinniswood has witnessed the unfolding of history, having lived through two world wars, the Great Influenza, and the Covid-19 pandemics. Notably, he holds the record for being the oldest surviving male World War II veteran. It’s a remarkable coincidence that he was born in the same year as the sinking of the Titanic.

A devoted supporter of Liverpool Football Club, Tinniswood has experienced the highs and lows of his team’s achievements, witnessing all nineteen league title wins and all eight FA cup victories.

Presently, the great-grandfather resides in a care home located in the English seaside town of Southport. Care home manager Katie Howard expressed her admiration for Tinniswood, describing him as an “amazing individual with so many stories to tell.” She added that he enjoys keeping up with current events by reading the paper and listening to the radio.

Meanwhile, the title of the world’s oldest living woman is held by 117-year-old Maria Branyas Morera, who resides in Spain.

3.6M estudyante apektado ng suspension ng in-person classes dahil sa matinding init ng panahon

Mahigit tatlong milyong mag-aaral mula sa 14 na rehiyon ang apektado dahil sa suspensyon ng in-person classes dahil sa matinding init ng panahon.

Sa ulat ng Department of Education (DepEd), nakita na 5,288 paaralan ang nagdeklara ng paglilipat sa alternative delivery modes katulad ng online classes at modular learning. Apektado rito ang 3,648,472 estudyante.

Nauna nang nagpaalala ang DepEd sa mga paaralan at lokal na pamahalaan na may kapangyarihan sila na magdeklara ng suspensyon ng klase kung hindi angkop ang kasalukuyang panahon sa pag-aaral sa classroom.

“Given that DepEd supervises more than 47,000 schools nationwide, it is in the best interest of the learning community to have localized assessments for timely response and interventions to ensure the welfare of learners and personnel,” ayon sa pahayag ng DepEd nitong Martes, Abril 2.

Dutch woman, 28, to be euthanized due to mental illness after psychiatrist said it will ‘never’ get any better

0

A 28-year-old Dutch woman, Zoraya ter Beek, has chosen to end her life next month due to her enduring struggles with depression, autism, and borderline personality disorder. The decision comes after her psychiatrist conveyed that her condition was unlikely to improve, leaving her feeling hopeless despite her otherwise physically healthy state.

Residing in a quaint Dutch town near the German border, ter Beek, along with her boyfriend and two cats, inhabits a comfortable home. However, her internal battles have led her to conclude that life has become unbearable. Once aspiring to become a psychiatrist herself, ter Beek’s dreams were thwarted by her own mental health challenges, preventing her from completing her education or embarking on a career.

Speaking to The Free Press, ter Beek revealed her poignant perspective, encapsulated by a tattoo on her arm symbolizing a “tree of life” in reverse, signifying her perception of life’s decline rather than growth. “Where the tree of life stands for growth and new beginnings, my tree is the opposite,” she expressed, highlighting her profound sense of despair.

Ter Beek’s decision was solidified when her psychiatrist conveyed, “There’s nothing more we can do for you. It’s never gonna get any better,” an admission that left her with a stark realization of the permanence of her suffering.

As she prepares for her final moments, ter Beek plans to recline on her living room couch in silence, accompanied by her devoted boyfriend. Reflecting on the euthanasia process, she described a serene atmosphere created by the attending doctor, emphasizing the importance of a peaceful transition.

Following her passing, a euthanasia review committee will scrutinize the circumstances to ensure adherence to due care criteria, underscoring the meticulous regulatory framework surrounding euthanasia in the Netherlands.

In the absence of a traditional funeral, ter Beek’s ashes will be scattered in a forest, a symbolic gesture reflecting her desire for simplicity and her wish to spare her partner from the burden of tending to a grave.

Despite her resolute decision, ter Beek admits to harboring fears about the unknown realm of death, contemplating the uncertainty of what lies beyond.

The Netherlands, a pioneer in euthanasia legislation since 2001, continues to grapple with the ethical complexities of end-of-life choices, a debate mirrored in other countries where assisted dying laws are in place.

Theo Boerin, a healthcare ethics professor, offers insight into the evolution of Dutch euthanasia practices, noting a shift from viewing death as a last resort to it becoming a default option, a transformation that has sparked vigorous debate within the medical and ethical spheres.

Ter Beek’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the profound dilemmas posed by mental illness and euthanasia, igniting discussions about compassion, autonomy, and the boundaries of medical intervention in the face of enduring suffering.

US, Japan, Australia and Philippines to hold joint naval exercises in South China Sea

MANILA. The defense forces of the United States, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines are set to engage in maritime cooperative activities on April 7 in a concerted effort to uphold the principles of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. This announcement comes amidst growing concerns over China’s escalating assertiveness in the South China Sea.

The one-day exercises, slated to take place in Manila’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), will include communication activities and officer-of-the-watch maneuvers, according to statements from Philippines’ defense ministry spokesperson, Arsenio Andolong.

The participating vessels, including the littoral combat ship USS Mobile, Australian frigate HMAS Warramunga, and Japanese destroyer JS Akebono, will join two Philippine warships in the exercises, which are designed to strengthen interoperability among the armed forces of the four nations.

“They will go from south going to the north encompassing the boundary of western and northern command,” Andolong elaborated.

The joint statement emphasized the exercises as an opportunity to align armed forces’ doctrines, tactics, techniques, and procedures, underscoring the collective commitment to maritime security in the region.

Additionally, the four nations reiterated their support for the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal Award, regarding it as final and legally binding.

The timing of these maritime activities is noteworthy as it precedes a summit involving the leaders of Japan, the U.S., and the Philippines. Discussions during the summit are expected to address recent incidents in the South China Sea.

Since assuming office in 2022, Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has pursued closer ties with Western nations, particularly the U.S., while adopting a more assertive stance against perceived Chinese aggression, departing from his predecessor’s pro-Beijing stance.

Recent maritime confrontations between the Philippines and China, involving water cannon and verbal exchanges, have raised concerns about escalating tensions at sea.

The Chinese embassy in Manila has yet to respond to requests for comment on these joint naval exercises.

China’s expansive territorial claims in the South China Sea have been a source of contention among neighboring countries, including Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam. The strategic waterway sees the transit of goods worth $3 trillion annually, further highlighting the significance of ensuring stability and freedom of navigation in the region.

Ina dinukot ang sariling anak, humirit ng P3 milyong ransom

0

HAGONOY, Bulacan. Dinukot ng tatlong suspek ang 13-anyos na estudyante, kabilang ang kanyang ina, at humingi ng P3 milyong ransom bilang kapalit ng kalayaan ng biktima sa Plaridel, Bulacan, kamakalawa ng gabi.

Sa loob lamang ng 24-oras, nasagip ang Grade 7 student na dinukot sa Hagonoy, Bulacan, habang naaresto ng pulisya ang tatlong suspek na kinilalang sina Maryrose Medina, 42, alyas “Elmarie”, ina ng binatilyong biktima, Eleonor Bolosco ng Brgy. Menzyland, at Adrian Cortez, security guard ng Brgy. Mojon, Malolos City, Bulacan.

Sa inisyal na imbestigasyon at salaysay ng amang negosyante na hindi pinangalanan, umalis ang kanyang anak at nagpunta sa kanyang kaklase bandang alas-3:00 ng hapon nitong Abril 4. Ayon sa ama, hindi na bumalik ang anak at isang hindi nagpakilalang indibiduwal ang tumawag sa kanyang telepono at nanghihingi ng P3 milyon bilang ransom para pakawalan ang biktima.

Matapos makatanggap ng tawag ang ama ng biktima mula sa hinihinalang kidnapper, agad siyang dumulog at humingi ng saklolo sa Hagonoy Municipal Police Station. Napag alaman na naibaba naman sa P550,000 ang ransom matapos na magkatawaran.

Kasunod nito, bandang alas-10:40 ng gabi nitong Abril 5, nagsagawa ng operasyon ang Provincial Intelligence Unit ng Bulacan sa pangunguna ni PLt. Col. Jesus Manalo, Anti-Kidnapping Group Luzon Field Unit, at Hagonoy Police Station sa pamumuno ni PLt. Col. Aldrin Thompson para sa rescue operations.

Matapos maibigay ang P550,000 ransom, agad sinundo ng kanilang family driver ang biktima sa isang fast food chain sa bayan ng Plaridel kasabay ng pagkakaaresto sa mga suspek. Narekober ng mga awtoridad sa operasyon ang P550,000 ransom money at black Chevrolet SLX na ginamit ng mga suspek.

Sinasabing puwersahang ginamit ang biktima ng kanyang ina, katuwang ang dalawang kasabwat, at palabasin na dinukot para ipatubos at makapaghiganti umano ito sa kanyang negosyanteng mister.