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U.S. military’s X-37B space plane embarks on secret mission expected to last years

Venus L Peñaflor
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U.S. military’s X-37B space plane embarks on secret mission expected to last years

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Florida. The U.S. military’s secretive X-37B space plane lifted off on Thursday, launching into another enigmatic mission projected to extend over the course of several years.

The miniaturized space shuttle, reminiscent of NASA’s retired shuttles but only a quarter of their size at 29 feet (9 meters) in length, soared into the skies aboard SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket from the renowned NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. Delays of more than two weeks were encountered due to technical glitches, underscoring the intricacies of the highly classified mission.

This marks the seventh mission for the X-37B, a reusable unmanned vehicle that has been orbiting since its maiden voyage in 2010, accumulating over 10 years in space. Crafted by Boeing, the X-37B carries out its operations without the need for human presence, utilizing an autonomous landing system.

The classified payload on board comprises experiments shrouded in secrecy, continuing the tradition of previous missions. Officials from the newly established U.S. Space Force remained tight-lipped about the details, declining to disclose the duration of the current orbital test or specifics of the onboard experiments, except for a NASA initiative aimed at assessing the impact of radiation on materials.

Unlike traditional spacecraft, the X-37B takes off vertically, akin to a rocket, but lands horizontally, resembling an airplane. The dual-capable vehicle is designed to orbit at altitudes ranging from 150 miles to 500 miles (240 kilometers to 800 kilometers) above Earth’s surface.

Within a former space shuttle hangar at Kennedy Space Center, two X-37Bs are stationed, prepared for their clandestine missions. The secretive nature of these operations has led to widespread speculation about the true objectives of the X-37B program, with experts and enthusiasts alike eagerly awaiting morsels of information regarding the purpose and outcomes of this latest mission.

As the X-37B disappears into the vastness of space, the duration and nature of its mission remain veiled in secrecy, leaving the world to ponder the mysteries that unfold above.

Malacañang: Enero 2 hindi deklaradong Holiday

Venus L Peñaflor
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Malacañang: Enero 2 hindi deklaradong Holiday

Hindi naglabas si Pangulong Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ng proklamasyon na nagdedeklara sa Enero 2, Martes, bilang isang espesyal na araw na walang pasok. Kinumpirma ito ng Presidential Communications Office sa gitna ng paghihintay sa posibleng pahayag hinggil sa Enero 2 bilang karagdagang special non-working holiday.

“Wala po,” ani Presidential Communications Cheloy Garafil bilang sagot sa maraming tanong mula sa mga mamamahayag sa Malacañang.

Nauna dito, idineklara ni Marcos ang Disyembre 26, ang araw pagkatapos ng Pasko, bilang isang espesyal na araw na walang pasok sa buong bansa. Layunin ng deklarasyon na pasiglahin ang domestic tourism at bigyan ang mga pamilya ng mas mahabang oras na magsama.

Natatandaan na noong 2022, pinagtibay ng administrasyong Marcos ang “holiday economics” sa pamamagitan ng Proclamation No. 90. Ang nasabing proklamasyon ay nag-a-adjust sa mga pambansang pista opisyal upang lumikha ng mga long weekend, na naglalayong hikayatin ang domestic travel at itaas ang turismo sa bansa.

Health facilities on high alert as Department of Health implements “Code White” for New Year celebrations

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Health facilities on high alert as Department of Health implements “Code White” for New Year celebrations

In preparation for the upcoming New Year festivities, the Department of Health (DOH) has issued a directive, placing all public and private health facilities on a “Code White” alert until January 4, 2024. This precautionary measure is aimed at ensuring the readiness of hospitals to handle potential health-related incidents during the holiday season.

The “Code White” alert signifies a heightened state of preparedness, mandating health facilities to bolster their resources, particularly in emergency and operating rooms, with a specific focus on provisions for trauma patients. Hospitals are instructed to stock up on essential medicines and supplies to meet the anticipated surge in patient admissions. The triage system will also undergo enhancements to streamline the assessment and prioritization of cases.

To facilitate swift and efficient care, the DOH has mandated that additional resources, including x-ray plates, laboratory requirements, and other essential items, be readily available without imposing out-of-pocket expenses on the victims. The directive is aligned with the commitment to prioritize the health and well-being of the public during the holiday season.

DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “Under orders of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the DOH and all hospitals and health facilities will be ready for all untoward incidents this Christmas and New Year season.” The directive underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and health of citizens during the celebratory period.

In addition to reinforcing resources, the DOH has allocated extra funds and deployed additional staff to be on standby for potential surges in medical emergencies. This proactive approach is designed to address any unforeseen health crises promptly.

As part of the preventive measures, the DOH has also issued a public advisory urging individuals to refrain from using firecrackers and to avoid driving after consuming alcoholic beverages. These precautions align with the broader goal of fostering a safe and healthy environment for all citizens as they usher in the New Year.

With the implementation of “Code White,” the Department of Health aims to mitigate health-related risks and ensure the swift and effective response of health facilities during the New Year revelries, reflecting a commitment to the well-being of the community.

Palestinians flee to southern Gaza as Israel escalates offensive in central regions

Venus L Peñaflor
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Palestinians flee to southern Gaza as Israel escalates offensive in central regions

RAFAH, Gaza Strip. Amid Israel’s intensified offensive in the central Gaza Strip, tens of thousands of Palestinians have poured into the southern town of Rafah, seeking refuge from the ongoing bombardment. Hospital officials reported dozens killed on Friday as Israel’s air and ground campaign against Hamas continues to displace a staggering 85% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents.

The United Nations stated that the influx of displaced people into Rafah, already densely populated, reached around 100,000 in recent days. The ongoing conflict has left Palestinians grappling with a sense of nowhere being safe, as Israeli-designated safe areas have also come under attack.

Arriving in Rafah by trucks, carts, and on foot, those unable to find space in overwhelmed shelters have resorted to building tents along roadsides. Juliette Touma, director of communications at UNRWA, described the situation, stating, “People are using any empty space to build shacks. Some are sleeping in their cars, and others are sleeping in the open.”

Israel’s expanding campaign, focusing on urban refugee camps in central Gaza, has already flattened much of the north. The camps of Bureij, Nuseirat, and Maghazi have become the new epicenter of the conflict, witnessing Israeli warplanes and artillery leveling buildings.

The southern city of Khan Younis is also embroiled in intense fighting, with Israel targeting it under the belief that Hamas leaders are hiding there. Rocket fire from militants persists, particularly aimed at Israel’s southern regions.

The death toll in Gaza has climbed to over 21,500, with a significant number being women and children. The humanitarian crisis has left a quarter of Gaza’s population facing starvation.

Israeli officials have rebuffed international calls for a cease-fire, citing their determination to dismantle Hamas and secure the release of more than 100 hostages taken during the October 7 attack that triggered the current conflict. The military reports 168 soldiers killed since the ground offensive began.

Despite Israel urging central Gaza residents to move south, even Rafah has not been spared. A strike on Thursday destroyed a residential building, claiming at least 23 lives.

The city of Rafah, along the border with Egypt, has seen a massive influx of displaced people. However, the continuous attacks have raised concerns about the safety of these areas.

As the conflict persists, civilians continue to bear the brunt of the violence, prompting calls for Israel to take more precautions to spare civilians and allow for increased aid delivery. The U.S., even as a close ally, has urged Israel to enhance measures to protect civilians.

The toll on civilians was starkly illustrated by an Israeli strike on the Maghazi camp, which killed at least 106 people, according to hospital records, making it one of the deadliest incidents in the war. Israel, in a rare acknowledgment, stated that the wrong munition was used in the strike, leading to “a regrettable mistake.” The military expressed regret for the unintended harm caused to additional uninvolved civilians and pledged to learn from the incident.

Lisensya ng taxi driver sa nag-viral na overcharging sa turista, sinuspinde ng LTO

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Lisensya ng taxi driver sa nag-viral na overcharging sa turista, sinuspinde ng LTO

Pinatawan ng 90-day preventive suspension ng Land Transportation Office (LTO) ang lisensya ng isang taxi driver sa nag-viral na video habang naniningil ng P10,000 na pamasahe sa isang dayuhang turista sa Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Sa ipinalabas na show-cause order (SCO) ng LTO kay Chief Vigor D. Mendoza II, tinukoy na nilabag ng taxi driver ang tatlong probisyon ng Joint Administrative Order 2014-01, partikular sa labis na paniningil, kawalang-galang at pagmamataas sa mga pasahero, at paglabag sa prangkisa.

“Sa patnubay ni Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista, nakikipag-ugnayan na kami ngayon sa Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board sa mga sanction na maaaring ipataw sa operator ng taxi,” pahayag ni Mendoza.

Ayon sa LTO, nagsagawa sila ng imbestigasyon gamit ang CCTV footage na naging susi upang makilala ang taxi. Natagpuan ang sasakyan sa parking area ng taxi company sa Valenzuela City. Ayon sa operator, nagbakasyon ang driver sa probinsiya matapos mag-viral ang video.

Dagdag pa ni Mendoza, hindi nagreport sa trabaho ang driver mula nang huli siyang magpakita noong Disyembre 19 para i-remit ang kanyang kinita sa may-ari ng taxi. Pinaniniwalaang nagtatago siya, at ngayon ay nakikipag-ugnayan na ang LTO sa Philippine National Police at sa lokal na mga tanggapan upang matukoy ang kinaroroonan ng driver.

“Nakikipag-ugnayan na kami ngayon sa Philippine National Police at sa aming mga lokal na tanggapan para mahanap ang lalaking ito. Hindi tayo papayag na palampasin na lang ang ginawa niya dahil nagdulot ito ng kahihiyan sa ating bansa, at sa lahat ng Pilipino,” ani Mendoza.

Sa una nang pahayag ni Secretary Bautista, pinagbawalan na ang buong fleet ng taxi company na mag-operate sa NAIA.

Russia unleashes massive aerial barrage on Ukraine, leaving dozens dead and widespread destruction

Venus L Peñaflor
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Russia unleashes massive aerial barrage on Ukraine, leaving dozens dead and widespread destruction

KYIV, Ukraine. Russia launched a staggering 122 missiles and 36 drones on various Ukrainian targets, resulting in the deaths of at least 24 civilians and leaving more than 130 people injured. Ukrainian officials declared it as the most extensive aerial attack since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Ukraine’s military chief, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, reported that the Ukrainian air force successfully intercepted the majority of the ballistic and cruise missiles, along with the Shahed-type drones, during the overnight assault. Air Force commander Mykola Oleshchuk characterized it as “the most massive aerial attack” since the invasion began.

According to records from the Ukrainian air force, the previous largest assault occurred in November 2022 when Russia launched 96 missiles. This recent attack surpassed that number, marking a grim escalation in the conflict. Analysts had warned of a potential increase in Russia’s missile strikes during the winter months.

The ongoing winter weather has slowed down the fighting along the front line, following Ukraine’s unsuccessful summer counteroffensive. Ukrainian officials have urged Western allies to provide additional air defenses to protect against such aerial attacks, expressing concerns about war fatigue affecting international support.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned the massive attack, emphasizing the need for global action in support of Ukraine. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba echoed these sentiments, calling for heightened awareness of Ukraine’s urgent needs.

The 18-hour onslaught targeted six cities, including Kyiv, resulting in extensive damage and casualties. Reports of deaths and injuries poured in from across the country, with a maternity hospital, apartment blocks, and schools among the damaged structures.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia employed a wide variety of weapons, including ballistic and cruise missiles, during the attack. Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Yurii Ihnat noted that Russia seemed to deploy nearly all available weaponry, excluding submarine-launched Kalibr missiles.

The grim toll included casualties in cities such as Dnipro, Odesa, Lviv, Kyiv, and Kharkiv. In Dnipro, a maternity hospital was affected, resulting in five deaths and 20 injuries. Odesa saw falling drone wreckage causing a fire in a residential building, leading to two deaths and 15 injuries. Lviv experienced casualties and damage to schools and a kindergarten due to a drone attack.

The Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, faced several waves of missile launches, with over 30 missiles intercepted. The attacks sparked fires, including one at a warehouse in the Podil district, where three people lost their lives.

The mayor of Kharkiv, Ihor Terekhov, reported at least three waves of aerial attacks, resulting in one fatality and numerous injuries. The attack included S-300 and Kh-21 missile launches.

As the international community grapples with the shocking scale of the attack, Ukrainian officials are calling for increased support to counter the escalating threat posed by Russia.

Pinirmahan ni Marcos Jr. ang mga batas na magtatatag ng college of medicine sa ilang state universities

Venus L Peñaflor
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Pinirmahan ni Marcos Jr. ang mga batas na magtatatag ng college of medicine sa ilang state universities

Nilagdaan ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ang mga panukalang batas na magtatakda ng pagtatatag ng College of Medicine sa ilang state universities sa bansa, ayon sa opisyal na pahayag noong Disyembre 20.

Kabilang sa mga tinutukoy na state universities na makikinabang sa nasabing batas ay ang mga sumusunod:

  • College of Medicine sa Benguet State University sa La Trinidad, Benguet (RA 11970)
  • Southern Luzon State University sa Lucban, Quezon (RA 11971)
  • University of Eastern Philippines sa Catarman, Northern Samar (RA 11972)
  • Visayas State University sa Baybay, Leyte (RA 11974)

Sa bisa ng mga batas na ito, maaari nang maglaan ang mga nabanggit na state universities ng Doctor of Medicine Program, kasama ang isang Integrated Liberal Arts and Medicine Program. Layunin nito na bumuo ng isang grupo ng propesyonal na manggagamot na makakatulong sa pagpapalakas ng sistema ng pangangalagang pangkalusugan ng bansa.

Dagdag pa rito, nilagdaan din ni Pangulong Marcos ang RA 11973, na itatag ang Bicol University-College of Veterinary Medicine sa Ligao City, Albay. Layunin ng nasabing kolehiyo na magtaguyod ng propesyonal na mga doktor ng beterinaryo na may kakayahan sa pag-iwas, pagsusuri, paggamot, at kontrol ng mga sakit ng hayop, maging ang mga terrestrial at aquatic na hayop.

Bukod dito, ipinagkaloob ni Pangulong Marcos ang conversion ng San Isidro Satellite campus ng Leyte Normal University (LNU) sa isang regular na campus, na tatawaging “LNU-San Isidro Campus,” ayon sa RA 11968. Samantalang sa ilalim naman ng RA 11969, ginawang regular na campus ang Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU)-Bagac Extension Campus sa Bagac, Bataan, na tatawaging “BPSU-Bagac Campus.”

Ang mga nasabing batas ay magiging epektibo 15 araw matapos ang opisyal na paglathala sa Official Gazette o sa isang pahayagan na may pangkalahatang sirkulasyon.

DA: Mahigit na 500,000 MT ng imported rice inaasahang darating sa Disyembre at Pebrero

Venus L Peñaflor
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DA: Mahigit na 500,000 MT ng imported rice inaasahang darating sa Disyembre at Pebrero

Inaasahang darating sa bansa ang mahigit na 500,000 metriko toneladang imported na bigas mula Disyembre hanggang Pebrero, ayon kay Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary Roger Navarro, Officer-in-Charge for Operations.

Hindi magkukulang sa suplay ng bigas ang Pilipinas dahil sa inaasahang dagdag na shipment ng imported na bigas. Ayon kay Navarro, aabot sa 76,000 metriko tonelada ng bigas mula sa Taiwan at India ang inaasahang darating bago matapos ang Disyembre 2023 at sa simula ng Enero 2024.

“Natanggap namin ang mga ulat na may mga 100,000 toneladang imported na bigas na dumating na sa bansa. Ito ay bahagi ng 495,000 metriko toneladang ipinromisa ng mga may permit na mag-import kay Secretary Tiu Laurel,” ani Navarro.

Ayon sa opisyal, nagsimula nang dumating sa bansa ang mga inangkat na bigas ng pribadong sektor, na umaabot sa kalahating milyong metriko tonelada, bilang bahagi ng hakbang upang mapanatiling estable ang supply ng bigas sa gitna ng paghahanda sa posibleng masamang epekto ng El Niño phenomenon.

Samantala, nai-deliver na ang unang batch ng donasyo ng Taiwan na naglalaman ng 20,000 bags, katumbas ng 1,000 metriko tonelada ng bigas, bago mag-Pasko.

Sa huling linggo ng Disyembre hanggang unang bahagi ng Enero, inaasahang darating naman ang 75,000 metriko toneladang bigas mula sa India. Noong Hulyo, ipinagbawal ng India ang pag-export ng non-basmati na puting bigas upang palakasin ang kanilang domestic supply at mapanatili ang presyo nito. Ngunit noong Oktubre, muli itong inaprubahan ng India, kabilang ang Pilipinas, para sa pag-export ng 1 milyong metriko tonelada ng bigas.

Mandatory face masks tinutulan ng Tagaytay LGU

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Mandatory face masks tinutulan ng Tagaytay LGU

Tinanggihan ng lokal na pamahalaan ng Tagaytay ang suhestyon na gawing obligatory ang pagsusuot ng face masks sa mga pampublikong lugar sa gitna ng lumalalang mga kaso ng COVID-19 at flu-like illnesses.

“Kahit may bagong strain, wala pa kami doon, dahil malakas ang hangin eh. I don’t think sa experience namin, not that strict pagdating sa face mask,” pahayag ni Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino sa isang televised briefing.

Mahigit kalahating milyong turista ang namasyal sa Tagaytay noong Pasko at inaasahan na mas marami pa sa Bagong Taon.

“Last Christmas more than 500,000 yung estimate na pumasok sa amin dahil grabe po, puno ang mga restaurants and hotels, rooms, bed and breakfast, inns,” ayon kay Tolentino.

Samantala, sinabi ng alkalde na patuloy niyang ipatutupad ang firecracker ban sa Tagaytay.

“Kahapon lang tinurn down ko yung 3 requests from hotels for fireworks display. Ayaw talaga namin. May ina-allow kami na ordinary days, kapag may requests, during weddings. So far wala namang nag-aapply for weddings,” aniya.

DOH reports 88 fireworks-related injuries, warns public on deadly watusi

Venus L Peñaflor
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DOH reports 88 fireworks-related injuries, warns public on deadly watusi

The Department of Health (DOH) has reported a total of 88 fireworks-related injuries as of early Thursday, with an alarming 13 new cases emerging. Among the new cases is a 4-year-old boy from Calabarzon who inadvertently swallowed a watusi firecracker.

According to the DOH, twelve of the new incidents occurred either at home or in public spaces, involving 10 males with ages ranging from five to 49 years old. Notably, 69% of the recent injuries resulted from active involvement in handling fireworks, while 42% were attributed to the use of illegal fireworks.

An overwhelming 96% of the reported cases took place in domestic settings, predominantly affecting males engaged in the handling of firecrackers.

The DOH issued a stern warning to the public regarding the ingestion of watusi, emphasizing its potential fatality. “Children often mistake them for candy due to their size and color,” the DOH cautioned.

In the case of the 4-year-old from Calabarzon, who swallowed a watusi, the DOH expressed concern as the child’s parents and family remain unreachable. Urging them to return to the hospital for proper medical attention, the DOH highlighted the delayed onset of symptoms in watusi poisoning, emphasizing the risk of death.

“There are now eighty-eight fireworks-related injuries (FWRI) overall, with three out of every ten cases coming from NCR (31, 35%),” the DOH revealed. Following NCR in rank as to the number of cases are Central Luzon (11, 12%), Ilocos Region (10, 11%), Bicol Region (5, 6%), Davao Region (5, 6%), and Soccsksargen (5, 6%).

Identifying the primary culprits, the DOH listed Boga, 5-Star, Kwitis, Piccolo, Pla-Pla, Whistle Bomb, and Luces as the top-ranked fireworks responsible for almost seven out of every ten (68%) FWRI cases. Illegal fireworks were implicated in about six out of every ten cases (52, 59%).

The DOH stressed the importance of seeking immediate medical attention for those who have ingested watusi. As first aid measures, the DOH advised against inducing vomiting but recommended administering 6-8 raw egg whites for children and 8-12 raw egg whites for adults to counter the immediate absorption of poisonous chemicals.

Additionally, for cases involving particles of firecrackers or fireworks in the eyes, the DOH recommended washing with clean water for a minimum of 15 minutes. Affected skin should be washed immediately, and contaminated clothes should be changed. In cases of inhalation, individuals are advised to breathe in clean open space air and seek medical assistance promptly, the department emphasized.

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