Tuesday, August 11, 2026


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Princess Kate issues apology over controversial family photo editing

LONDON. Princess Kate of Wales issued a formal apology on Monday regarding a manipulated family photograph released by the palace, which inadvertently stirred confusion and speculation about her well-being instead of allaying concerns.

The photo, featuring Kate alongside her children, was intended to reassure the public amid ongoing speculation about the princess’s health following recent surgery. However, concerns over digital manipulation prompted five major news agencies, including The Associated Press, to retract the image, exacerbating online rumors.

In a social media statement, Kate expressed regret over the confusion caused by the edited photograph, stating, “Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing.” She extended her apologies for any misinterpretation the image may have caused.

The palace clarified that the photo was captured by Prince William and released by Kensington Palace on Sunday to coincide with Mother’s Day in Britain. Notably, it marked the first official photograph of Kate since her abdominal surgery nearly two months ago.

“Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months,” Kate conveyed her gratitude on social media, adding, “Wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day.”

While there was no implication of the photo being fabricated, The Associated Press retracted its publication due to discrepancies discovered upon closer examination. Notably, inconsistencies in the alignment of Princess Charlotte’s left hand were detected, prompting the retraction in line with AP’s stringent photo standards.

The manipulated family photograph of Princess Kate released by the palace.

DTI nagdeklara ng price freeze sa Region 4B dahil sa tagtuyot

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Sa gitna ng nararanasang tagtuyot, magpapatupad ang Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) ng price freeze sa Region 4B o MIMAROPA (Oriental at Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, at Palawan) upang maprotektahan ang mamamayan sa mataas na presyo ng pangunahing bilihin.

Ayon sa DTI, isa sa mga lugar na naapektuhan ng direktibang ito ay ang Bulalacao at Mansalay sa Oriental Mindoro.

Ipinaliwanag ng DTI na nagdeklara ng state of calamity ang dalawang bayan matapos masalanta ng tagtuyot ang kanilang mga taniman, na dulot ng El Niño phenomenon.

Mahigpit na ipinatutupad ng ahensya na hindi maaaring magtaas ng presyo ng mga pangunahing bilihin sa loob ng dalawang buwan sa mga nabanggit na lugar.

Flash floods and landslides claim 26 lives on Sumatra Island

PADANG, Indonesia. The aftermath of torrential rains on Indonesia’s Sumatra island has left a trail of destruction, with at least 26 people dead and 11 others still missing due to flash floods and landslides, according to officials on Monday.

The catastrophe unfolded as monsoon rains deluged nine districts and cities in West Sumatra province since Thursday, leading to rising rivers and inundated regions. The situation turned dire late Friday when a significant mudslide triggered by the heavy downpour breached a river, unleashing devastation upon mountainside villages in the Pesisir Selatan district.

Rescue operations faced considerable challenges, grappling with power outages, severed bridges, and roads rendered impassable by thick layers of mud and debris, as reported by the National Disaster Management Agency.

Abdul Muhari, spokesperson for the agency, confirmed the grim toll, stating that rescuers had recovered additional bodies primarily from the hardest-hit areas in Pesisir Selatan and the neighboring Padang Pariaman district, elevating the death toll to 26. Landslides buried at least 14 houses, while two villagers sustained injuries, and 11 individuals remained unaccounted for as search efforts continued.

The monsoon onslaught submerged over 37,000 houses and structures in West Sumatra province alone, causing the loss of at least three houses to flash floods and damage to 666 others. Infrastructure bore the brunt of the calamity, with 26 bridges, 45 mosques, and 25 schools suffering damage, while 13 roads and two irrigation systems were destroyed. Furthermore, vast swathes of agricultural land, encompassing 113 hectares of rice fields and 300 square meters of plantations, succumbed to the deluge.

The relentless fury of heavy rains, triggering landslides and flash floods, underscores the perpetual threat faced by Indonesia, an archipelago nation comprising over 17,000 islands. Millions of residents inhabit mountainous terrains or reside in close proximity to floodplains, making them particularly vulnerable to the vagaries of nature’s wrath.

‘Oppenheimer’ crowned best picture at Oscars

LOS ANGELES. At the 96th Academy Awards, “Oppenheimer,” a gripping biopic, clinched the coveted title of best picture, marking a departure from tradition by honoring a widely seen, big-budget studio film. Christopher Nolan, long overlooked by the Oscars, finally received his due recognition with an impressive haul of seven awards for his blockbuster biopic, including best director.

“Oppenheimer,” a three-hour saga delving into the complexities of J. Robert Oppenheimer’s journey in creating the atomic bomb, resonated deeply with audiences amidst a backdrop of geopolitical turmoil. Cillian Murphy, who portrayed Oppenheimer, expressed the film’s relevance, stating, “For better or worse, we’re all living in Oppenheimer’s world.”

The Oscars, typically a night of glitz and glamour, took on a more somber tone this year as it unfolded against the backdrop of ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. Films like “20 Days in Mariupol” and “The Zone of Interest” brought geopolitics to the forefront, reflecting the tumultuous times we live in.

Emma Stone’s win for best actress added a touch of excitement to the evening, with her stirring performance in “Poor Things” solidifying her status as a leading actress of her generation. However, the night was not without its controversies, as protests over the war in Gaza disrupted the usual festivities.

Christopher Nolan’s long-awaited victory resonated deeply with the filmmaker, who reflected on cinema’s profound impact over the past century. “We don’t know where this incredible journey is going from here,” Nolan remarked, “…to know that you think that I’m a meaningful part of it means the world to me.”

Despite the overshadowing of war and unrest, the Oscars also celebrated triumphs in filmmaking, including Jonathan Glazer’s poignant win for best international film with “The Zone of Interest,” shedding light on the ongoing struggles for justice and humanity.

In the wake of challenges facing the film industry, the unexpected success of “Oppenheimer” and “Barbie” provides a glimmer of hope, reminding Hollywood of the power of storytelling to transcend tumultuous times. As the night came to a close, the spotlight may have dimmed, but the resonance of these cinematic achievements reverberated far beyond the Dolby Theatre, offering a moment of solace amidst the storm.

Oscars 2024: Full List of Winners at the 96th Academy Awards. Below is the comprehensive rundown of Oscar recipients at the 96th Academy Awards held on Sunday, showcased during a live, televised event from Hollywood.

Best Picture

  • “Oppenheimer”

Best Actor

  • Cillian Murphy, for his role in “Oppenheimer”

Best Actress

  • Emma Stone, for her portrayal in “Poor Things”

Best Director

  • Christopher Nolan, for his work on “Oppenheimer”

Best Supporting Actor

  • Robert Downey Jr., for his performance in “Oppenheimer”

Best Supporting Actress

  • Da’Vine Joy Randolph, for her role in “The Holdovers”

Best Adapted Screenplay

  • “American Fiction”

Best Original Screenplay

  • “Anatomy of a Fall”

Best Animated Feature Film

  • “The Boy and the Heron”

Best Animated Short

  • “War is Over! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko”

Best International Feature

  • “The Zone of Interest,” representing the United Kingdom

Best Documentary Feature

  • “20 Days in Mariupol”

Best Documentary Short

  • “The Last Repair Shop”

Best Original Score

  • “Oppenheimer”

Best Original Song

  • “What Was I Made For?,” featured in “Barbie”

Best Sound

  • “The Zone of Interest”

Best Production Design

  • “Poor Things”

Best Live Action Short

  • “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar”

Best Cinematography

  • “Oppenheimer”

Best Makeup and Hairstyling

  • “Poor Things”

Best Costume Design

  • “Poor Things”

Best Visual Effects

  • “Godzilla Minus One”

Best Film Editing

  • “Oppenheimer”

With inputs from egencies.

E-bikes at tricycle ban sa NCR, iiral na sa Abril 15

Inaasahang simulan na sa Abril 15 ang patakarang magbabawal sa paggamit ng mga e-bikes, e-trikes, at tricycle sa mga national roads sa National Capital Region (NCR).

Kinumpirma mismo ni Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Romando Artes ang nasabing patakaran sa isang news briefing kamakailan lang.

“We will implement ito by April 15. But we will consider pa rin iyong ibang suggestions. Nag-aagree naman sila na kailangan i-regulate,” ayon kay Artes.

Dagdag pa ni Artes, sa isinagawang pulong sa mga stakeholders, malinaw na ang kanilang ipatutupad ay hindi isang lubos na ban. “Hindi naman pagbabawalan ang mga naturang behikulo na lumabas ngunit hindi lamang sila maaaring dumaan sa mga national roads, kung saan hindi naman talaga sila nararapat,” aniya.

Ayon sa MMDA, kabilang sa mga national roads na hindi maaaring daanan ng mga e-bikes, e-trikes, at tricycles ang mga sumusunod: Roxas Boulevard, Taft Avenue, SLEX, Shaw Boulevard, Ortigas Avenue, Magsaysay Blvd/Aurora Blvd., Quezon Ave./ Commonwealth Ave., A. Bonifacio Avenue, Rizal Avenue, Del Pan/Marcos Highway/McArthur Highway, Recto Ave­nue, Pres. Quirino Avenue, Araneta Avenue, Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue, Katipunan/C.P. Garcia, Southeast Metro Manila Expressway, Elliptical Road, Mindanao Ave­nue, at Marcos Highway.

Ipinunto rin ng MMDA na ang pagpapatupad ng regulasyon sa mga e-vehicles ay para sa kaligtasan ng mga driver, pasahero, at pedestrian.

Bilang ulat ng MMDA, noong 2023, apat na katao ang nasawi sa mga insidente ng road crash na kinasasangkutan ng e-bikes, habang 436 naman ang nasugatan at 468 ang nasirang ari-arian.

Paalala ng MMDA, ang mga lalabag sa patakaran ay papatawan ng multang P2,500.

Samantala, inihayag din ng MMDA na maglalabas ang Land Transportation Office (LTO) ng hiwalay na patakaran hinggil sa pag-require ng lisensiya at rehistro para sa mga driver ng e-bikes at e-trikes. Lahat ng e-vehicle na hindi rehistrado ay kanilang ipapa-impound.

Ukraine rebuffs Pope Francis calling for talks with Russia as Kremlin responds

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KYIV/MOSCOW. As tensions continue to mount in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, Pope Francis’s appeal for peace negotiations encounters a firm rebuff from Ukrainian authorities, sparking a contentious exchange of rhetoric.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy minced no words in dismissing the pontiff’s plea, accusing him of engaging in “virtual mediation,” a sentiment echoed by Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba who emphasized Ukraine’s resolute stance against capitulation. Kuleba’s reference to the historic failures of Pope Pius XII during World War II underlined the gravity of Ukraine’s position, urging the Vatican to stand unequivocally with the Ukrainian people.

In a rare departure, Pope Francis invoked the symbolism of the “white flag,” traditionally associated with surrender in conflict, as a call for negotiation and reconciliation. However, his words failed to sway Ukrainian leaders who reiterated their commitment to defending their sovereignty and national integrity.

Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, head of Ukraine’s Eastern Rite Catholic Church, echoed the sentiment of defiance, asserting Ukraine’s unwavering resolve in the face of adversity.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin responded with an offer of dialogue, indicating Russia’s readiness to engage in negotiations to resolve the conflict. Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for President Vladimir Putin, reiterated Russia’s willingness to pursue diplomatic solutions, lamenting Ukraine’s reluctance to consider peace talks.

However, Ukraine’s steadfast refusal to entertain negotiations underscores the deep-seated animosity and geopolitical complexities underlying the conflict. With both sides entrenched in their positions, prospects for a peaceful resolution remain elusive.

As the war in Ukraine rages on, Pope Francis’s call for dialogue resonates with a divided international community, prompting reflections on the enduring quest for peace amidst turmoil and strife. Yet, the road to reconciliation appears fraught with obstacles as Ukraine stands firm in its determination to resist Russian aggression, while the Kremlin seeks to assert its strategic interests in the region.

Kasabay ng Women’s Month, arestado ang 83 suspects na may kasong rape sa Calabarzon

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CALAMBA CITY, Laguna. Sa patuloy na pagsusumikap ng Philippine National Police (PNP) na tiyakin ang kaligtasan ng mga kababaihan, inilabas ng Region 4A Intelligence Division ang kanilang mga tagumpay sa nakaraang buwan. Ayon sa datos, matagumpay na naresolba ng kanilang tanggapan ang 83 kaso ng rape at 44 na kaso ng act of lasciviousness sa pamamagitan ng masigasig na pag-aresto sa mga sangkot sa mga krimeng ito.

Sa isang panayam kay Police Col. Vic Cabatingan, direktor ng intelligence ng Calabarzon police, ibinahagi niya na sa bisa ng mga warrant of arrest mula sa korte ay naisagawa nila ang pagtugis sa mga suspek sa tulong ng kanilang mga informant sa barangay upang mapabilis ang pag-aresto.

Binanggit din ni Cabatingan na hindi madaling gawain ang kanilang ginagawang pag-aresto lalo na’t may mga insidente na ang pamilya o asawa ng mga suspek ay hindi interesadong mag-file ng kaso.

Bukod sa mga naresolbang kaso ng rape, sinabi ni Cabatingan na 44 na kaso ng act of lasciviousness ang kanilang nairekord at nai-file sa korte. Karamihan sa mga suspek sa ganitong mga kaso ay mga kamag-anak o kaibigan ng mga biktima, na karamihan ay menor de edad.

Isa sa mga kasalukuyang kinakaharap na kaso ay ang pagproseso ng papel sa piskalya ng isang ama ng isang 15-taong gulang na babaeng biktima ng pang-aabuso. Ayon sa ulat, hinalay ng ama ang biktima ng apat na beses hanggang sa ito ay magbuntis at pinilit pang ipinalalaglag ang sanggol.

Nagbigay rin ng pahayag si Police BGeneral Paul Kenneth Lucas, direktor ng Calabarzon police, na patuloy ang kanilang operasyon laban sa mga krimeng may kinalaman sa pang-aabuso sa kababaihan. Dagdag pa niya na patuloy din ang kanilang 24/7 na pagmomonitor sa mga kaso ng karahasan laban sa mga babae at mga bata.

Sa kabuuan, siniguro ni General Lucas na hindi nila ipagwawalang-bahala ang kaligtasan at karapatan ng kababaihan at kabataan sa rehiyon. Anuman ang oras, ayon sa kanya ay handa silang ipagtanggol ang mga ito laban sa anumang uri ng pang-aabuso.

Israel tries to confirm possible killing of Hamas deputy military leader in Gaza

JERUSALEM/CAIRO. Israel is currently probing whether it successfully targeted Hamas’s deputy military leader in an airstrike conducted in Gaza, as announced by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). This development comes as hopes for a ceasefire diminish, particularly with the onset of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Marwan Issa, if confirmed dead, would mark the highest-ranking Hamas official slain by Israel in the past five months of conflict, which has ravaged the coastal enclave and claimed the lives of tens of thousands of Palestinians.

Issa, also known as the ‘Shadow Man’ for his elusive nature, was one of the key architects behind the October 7 attack on Israel, which ignited the conflict. He, along with two other top Hamas leaders, have been purportedly directing the militant group’s military operations since then.

During a briefing with reporters, IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari revealed that Israel targeted the Al-Nusseirat refugee camp in central Gaza based on intelligence suggesting Issa’s presence. Hagari stated that the strike, conducted in collaboration with Israel’s Shin Bet security service, targeted an underground compound where Issa and another Hamas commander responsible for weapons were believed to be located.

Hagari stated, “Beside them in the tunnel there were other terrorists,” while noting that Issa’s fate remained uncertain.

A Palestinian source confirmed that the strike hit a location where Issa was suspected to be hiding but couldn’t provide further details on his status.

Israeli cabinet minister Chili Tropper commented, “If indeed Marwan Issa was eliminated, who in many ways is Hamas’ military chief of staff, it’s a great achievement by the IDF and Shin Bet.”

Issa, alongside Mohammed Deif and Yahya Sinwar, has been on Israel’s “most wanted” list. His reported demise may complicate efforts to broker a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages. Nonetheless, Israel asserts that negotiations are ongoing through Egyptian and Qatari intermediaries.

The recent escalation dampened hopes for a ceasefire during Ramadan, which began on Monday. An Israeli airstrike on a house in Gaza City resulted in the deaths of 16 individuals and injuries to several others, as confirmed by Palestinian health officials.

In a separate incident, two Palestinians were killed in an airstrike on a house in the southern city of Khan Younis during the Ramadan fast-breaking. The IDF reported engaging in close combat and airstrikes in central Gaza, targeting sites used by Hamas militants.

Elsewhere, pro-Palestinian groups continued to assert their presence. Lebanon’s Hezbollah claimed to have launched drones at an outpost in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, while incidents were reported in Red Sea waters involving attacks on ships attributed to Yemen’s Houthis.

With inputs from agencies.

80 years after D-Day, WWII veteran finds love and plans wedding near beaches of liberation

BOCA RATON, Fla. As the world prepares to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of France from the Nazis, a remarkable love story unfolds. Harold Terens, a 100-year-old World War II veteran, and his fiancée, Jeanne Swerlin, 96, are set to tie the knot in a town near the beaches where U.S. troops landed on D-Day.

The couple, both widowed, radiate youthful affection as they discuss their impending nuptials. Terens, a former U.S. Army Air Forces corporal, reminisces about his first visit to France at the age of 20 shortly after D-Day. He affectionately describes Swerlin as “quite special,” while Swerlin, with a sparkle in her eye, declares Terens to be “amazing” and praises him as “the greatest kisser.”

Their paths to love were as diverse as their wartime experiences. Swerlin, a native of Brooklyn, found herself amidst the whirlwind of World War II as a high school student, collecting war souvenirs from soldiers. Terens, hailing from the Bronx, enlisted in 1942 and served as a radio repair technician, witnessing the horrors and heroism of the battlefield.

Terens recounts his harrowing experiences during and after D-Day, including helping repair planes and transporting prisoners. His journey took him through North Africa, Tehran, and eventually back to the United States after the Nazi surrender in 1945. He returned home, married his wife Thelma, and embarked on a life filled with family and career achievements.

Swerlin, on the other hand, navigated the challenges of wartime loss, becoming a full-time mother and eventually finding companionship with Sol Katz before his passing in 2019. It was Katz’s daughter who played matchmaker, introducing Swerlin to Terens in 2021.

Their love story unfolded gradually, with a chance encounter leading to a whirlwind romance. Despite initial indifference, a second meeting sparked undeniable chemistry, and Terens found himself head over heels in love.

Now, as they prepare for their wedding in June, the couple’s journey comes full circle, returning to France to commemorate the sacrifices of D-Day and celebrate their love in a historic chapel in the town of Carentan-les-Marais. Mayor Jean-Pierre Lhonneur, recognizing the significance of their union amidst the backdrop of American sacrifice, eagerly awaits the opportunity to officiate their wedding.

As the world honors the legacy of those who fought for freedom on D-Day, Harold Terens and Jeanne Swerlin stand as a testament to enduring love and the resilience of the human spirit, proving that even amidst the shadows of history, love knows no bounds.


Comelec at Miru System, pipirma sa kontrata para sa pagpapabilis ng eleksyon sa 2025

Pipirma ang Commission on Elections (Comelec) at ang Miru System ng South Korea ngayong umaga, Marso 11, para sa proyektong Full Automation System with Transparency Audit/Count (FASTrAC) na nakatakda sa 2025.

Ang pirmahan ng kontrata ay gaganapin sa Chairman’s Hall sa headquarters ng Palacio del Gobernador sa Intramuros, Maynila. Ang kontrata para sa automated election system (AES) sa 2025 ay nagkakahalaga ng P18 bilyon, ayon sa anunsyo ng Comelec noong Sabado.

Pinasalamatan ng Comelec ang joint venture ng Miru Systems Co Ltd, Integrated Computer Systems, St. Timothy Construction Corporation, at Centerpoint Solutions Technologies, Inc. (MIRU_ICS_STCC_CPSTI) para sa matagumpay na negosasyon.

Kasama sa pagpirma ng kontrata ang mga miyembro ng en banc ng Comelec, na pinangunahan ni Comelec Chair George Garcia kasama ang mga Commissioners na sina Socorro Inting, Marlon Casquejo, Aimee Ferolino, Rey Bulay, Ernesto Ferdinand Maceda Jr. at Nestor Celis.

Noong Pebrero 22, idineklara ng en banc ang MIRU_ICS_STCC_CPSTI bilang “Single calculated and Responsive Bid” sa bid offer na nagkakahalaga ng P17,988,878,226.55. Sinuri ng Comelec ang lahat ng legal, teknikal, at pinansyal na mga dokumento na isinumite ng kumpanya at itinuturing itong kwalipikado para sa proyektong ito.