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Filipino supply boat successfully delivers Christmas joy, outmaneuvering Chinese vessels

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A Filipino supply boat carrying Christmas presents for fishers, troops, and coastguard crews successfully evaded interception by Chinese vessels in the disputed South China Sea. The festive flotilla, initially shadowed and forced to turn back, saw a smaller supply boat, ML Chowee, slipping past Chinese vessels to deliver Christmas gifts.

Initially facing the threat of cancellation, the Christmas mission, organized by volunteers to bring joy to those in the South China Sea, encountered obstacles when shadowed and intercepted by four Chinese vessels, including navy ships and a coastguard ship.

Undeterred, the smaller supply boat managed to reach Lawak Island at 5 am on Monday, independent of the main convoy of about 40 festively decorated boats. Rafaela David, an organizer, expressed her joy at the successful delivery, with Christmas presents, including solar lamps, medicines, vitamins, toys, and traditional food packages, reaching their intended recipients.

“At the end of the day, that’s the most crucial aspect of the mission – that we are able to deliver the Christmas gifts,” said David, the president of the Akbayan party, part of the coalition that organized the trip.

Facing frustration and tears from some volunteers on the mother ship when the captain deemed it too dangerous to continue, organizers highlighted the decision was made after being shadowed by Chinese vessels, including navy ships and a coastguard ship.

China’s claim over the South China Sea, disputed by the Philippines, escalated tensions during the mission. The decision to divert attention with a larger festive flotilla while the critical supply boat took an alternative route proved successful.

The delivery follows a tense weekend marked by accusations of “unprovoked acts of coercion and dangerous manoeuvres” by Chinese vessels, resulting in damage to Filipino vessels and equipment. Organizers aimed to send a message of resilience against bullying and to support communities affected by overfishing and harassment.

Despite the challenges, volunteers are determined to continue similar missions in the future, emphasizing the normalization of Filipino presence in the West Philippine Sea.

Celestial finale: Year-end meteor shower extravaganza

It is time for the last major meteor shower of the year. One of the most active and reliable meteor showers, the Geminids regularly present about 120 meteors an hour when observed from a dark site.

And although they are visible from 4 to 20 December, they reach their peak on the night of 14 December.

The Geminids are also notable because they do not originate from a comet. Instead, they have been traced to Phaethon, a strangely active asteroid. This results in dust particles that are denser than most meteors and which have a tendency to break-up explosively into smaller fragments as they burn up in the atmosphere.

Helpfully, compared with other meteor showers, Geminids are rather slower moving, making them easier to spot, as they tend to persist for longer in the sky.

The chart shows the view looking east from London at 2100 GMT on 14 December. From the northern hemisphere, the Geminids are notable because they are often active before midnight, making them easily visible to even casual observers.

From the southern hemisphere, the radiant – the point in the sky where the meteors appear to originate and then radiate in all directions from this point – rises around midnight but never climbs high into the sky. This cuts down the number of visible meteors significantly.

The Geminid meteor shower, originating from asteroid 3200 Phaethon, will be active from December 4 to December 17, with its peak expected on December 15 (refer to Figure 8). During the zenith, Geminids are predicted to exhibit a nominal rate of approximately 150 meteors per hour. Visibility is optimal when the Gemini constellation rises above the eastern horizon around 07:13 p.m., showcasing particularly impressive displays around 02:00 a.m. when the radiant point is at its highest. Peak activity is projected for December 15 at 03:00 a.m., coinciding with the new moon, ensuring minimal interference from moonlight, as noted in the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration astronomical diary.

DOH: Kaso ng COVID-19 tumaas ng 36 porsyento

Nagpapatuloy ang pagtaas ng kaso ng COVID-19 sa bansa matapos makapagtala ang Department of Health (DOH) ng 1,821 bagong kaso mula Disyembre 5 hanggang 11. Ito ay mas mataas ng 36 porsyento kung ihahambing sa mga kaso noong Nobyembre 28 hanggang Disyembre 4.

Sa pambansang COVID-19 case bulletin, umabot na sa 260 ang average na bilang ng bagong kaso kada araw ngayong linggo. Sa mga bagong kaso, 13 ang may malubha at kritikal na karamdaman habang 13 na ang pumanaw na, kabilang ang anim na naitalang kaso noong Nobyembre 28 hanggang Disyembre 11.

Noong ika-10 ng Disyembre 2023, mayroong 228 na malubha at kritikal na pasyente na naka-admit sa mga ospital sa buong bansa dahil sa COVID-19.

Sa gitna ng patuloy na banta ng virus, pinaalalahanan ng DOH ang lahat na huwag maging kampante at boluntaryong magsuot ng face mask para mapanatili ang kalusugan at makaiwas sa ibang sakit.

Ang pagtutulungan ng bawat isa ay mahalaga upang mapababa ang kaso at protektahan ang komunidad laban sa COVID-19, ayon sa DOH.

Fairphone 5 redefines smartphones with 10-year lifespan and ethical excellence

The Fairphone 5, priced at £649 (₱45,198.64), is making waves as a trailblazer in the smartphone industry, presenting a paradigm shift towards longevity and sustainability. With an extraordinary promise of up to 10 years of software support, this device from Dutch smartphone company Fairphone is a testament to ethical manufacturing and repairability. The sleek OLED screen, now running at 90Hz for smooth scrolling, adds a touch of modernity to the phone. Powered by the Qualcomm QCM6490 chip, the Fairphone 5 delivers mid-range performance, ensuring a snappy experience for daily tasks and mild gaming.

Battery life, lasting approximately 36 hours between charges, combined with the capability for a quick 66-minute full recharge using a 30W or greater power adaptor, strikes a balance between usage and replenishment. Notably, the removable battery feature allows users to easily swap it out, providing an option for extended usage.

In terms of environmental responsibility, the Fairphone 5 excels with a five-year warranty, a modular design with 10 spare parts available for self-repair using a standard screwdriver, and a recycling program that offsets the equivalent weight of electronics (212g) for each phone sold, rendering it e-waste neutral. The device utilizes fair trade gold and silver, ethically sourced lithium and tungsten, and recycled materials, including aluminum, copper, indium, magnesium, nickel, plastic, rare earth elements, tin, and zinc.

Despite its commitment to ethical and sustainable practices, the Fairphone 5 does face some trade-offs. The camera, featuring dual 50-megapixel rear cameras and a 50MP selfie camera, presents challenges in low light conditions, lagging behind mainstream competitors in software optimization. The phone’s design, while solid and durable, may appear slightly bulkier compared to more contemporary models. Additionally, the absence of water submersion capabilities and a headphone socket, along with a somewhat hard-to-reach fingerprint scanner for left-handed users, are worth noting.

Comparing the Fairphone 5 to direct rivals, the £200 premium may seem steep initially. However, factoring in its exceptional longevity, low-cost repairs, and commitment to ethical practices, the Fairphone 5 emerges as a value-driven option for those seeking a smartphone that aligns with environmental and social responsibility. The Fairphone 5 not only sets a new standard in ethical and durable smartphones but also serves as a compelling choice for conscientious consumers looking to make a positive impact.

Isa sa gunmen sa N. Ecija bus shooting, arestado

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Nadakip ng mga pulis ang isa sa dalawang gunmen na pinainiwalaang kasangkot sa pamamaril sa magkalive-in partner sa loob ng isang bus sa Nueva Ecija noong nakaraang buwan.

Naaresto ang suspek noong Nobyembre 20, limang araw matapos ang insidente, ayon sa pahayag ng Central Luzon police nitong Martes. Iniharap ang suspek sa kasong pagpatay sa prosecutor’s office sa Nueva Ecija nitong Lunes, kung saan siya ay sinampahan ng dalawang kaso ng pagpatay.

Ang dalawang gunmen, kabilang ang isang hindi tinukoy na driver at ang anak ng babaeng biktima, ang pinaniniwalaang pumatay sa mga biktima habang sakay ng isang bus sa Barangay Minuli sa bayan ng Carranglan noong Nobyembre 15.

Anim na beses na binaril ang 60-anyos na babaeng biktima at kanyang 55-anyos na live-in partner ng dalawang lalaki.

Nauna dito, sinabi ng mga pulis na maaaring may motibo ang anak ng babaeng biktima na ipapatay ang dalawa. Ayon sa inisyal na imbestigasyon, naghain ng reklamong carjacking ang babae laban sa kanyang anak, ngunit itinanggi ng anak ang anumang kaugnayan sa insidenteng may kinalaman sa bus shooting, ayon sa mga awtoridad.

Ang kasong ito ay patuloy na iniimbestigahan ng pulisya upang matukoy ang buong kwento at mapagtibay ang motibo sa likod ng pag-atake sa loob ng bus sa Nueva Ecija.

Suicide bomber targets police station in northwest Pakistan, claiming 23 lives and injuring 32

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PESHAWAR, Pakistan. A devastating suicide bombing rocked northwest Pakistan early Tuesday, as a bomber detonated an explosive-laden vehicle at the gate of a police station. The attack resulted in the tragic loss of at least 23 officers, with 32 others sustaining injuries. The blast caused a section of the building to collapse, damaging nearby businesses and shops, shattering windows.

In response to the attack, the Pakistani military reported that six militants initiated gunfire, engaging in a prolonged shootout with security forces. The confrontation ultimately led to the death of all six attackers. The death toll is expected to rise as some officers remain in critical condition, according to authorities. The bodies of the deceased officers were transferred to a local hospital.

The targeted police station, Daraban in Dera Ismail Khan, is situated in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, bordering Afghanistan, and was engaged in intelligence-based operations against militants in collaboration with local police. Tehreek-e-Jihad Pakistan (TJP), a newly formed militant group believed to be linked to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claimed responsibility for the attack.

Mehrban Khan, a hotel owner near the scene, recounted the intensity of the assault, stating, “The police station was under attack. The army was under attack. There were many army soldiers killed and wounded.”

President Arif Alvi condemned the attack, expressing condolences to the victims’ families, emphasizing that the sacrifices made by security forces would not be in vain. Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti labeled the assault an act of “terrorism.”

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region has witnessed a surge in violence, with multiple deadly incidents this year. The Pakistani Taliban’s increased attacks on security forces since 2022 have raised concerns, with authorities highlighting the emboldening of insurgents living openly in Afghanistan since the Taliban assumed control in 2021. Despite being distinct entities, the TTP maintains close ties with the Afghan Taliban. Dera Ismail Khan, near South Waziristan, has been a focal point for anti-militant operations following the tragic attack on an army-run school in 2014, where over 150 people, predominantly schoolchildren, lost their lives.

27 Filipino mula sa Israel, ligtas na nakauwi

Nakabalik na sa bansa ang 27 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) mula sa Israel, na naglalaman ng ika-11 batch ng repatriates matapos magsimula ang labanan sa pagitan ng Israel at Hamas noong Oktubre.

Ang grupo, na kinabibilangan ng 25 caregivers at dalawang hotel staff, ay dumating sa Ninoy Aquino International Airport bandang 3:15 ng hapon sakay ng Etihad Airways flight EY424.

Sinalubong sila ng mga tauhan ng Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), at Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

Kasabay ng kanilang pagdating, nag-alok ang mga ahensiyang ito ng tulong sa mga repatriates, kabilang ang financial assistance na nagkakahalaga ng P50,000 bawat isa.

Layunin nito na makatulong sa kanilang mga pamilya upang makabangon at makabalik sa normal na pamumuhay.

AFP chief was aboard a ship harassed by China. Beijing accuses US of stirring trouble

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MANILA, Philippines. A dramatic escalation unfolded in the South China Sea over the weekend as the chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., revealed his firsthand experience of being aboard a supply boat harassed by Chinese forces. The incident has intensified the already contentious situation in the disputed waters, with Beijing firing back, accusing the United States of meddling without providing concrete evidence.

Amidst the successive days of heated confrontations, China’s assertiveness in claiming the South China Sea has come into sharp focus. Over 100 official Chinese and government-linked ships have surrounded the contested Second Thomas Shoal, raising concerns about potential repercussions on shipping and maritime activities.

Gen. Brawner, undeterred by China’s aggressive actions, emphasized the need for a diplomatic solution at a higher level. He described the encounters as “pure aggression,” detailing instances of water cannons and collisions. Despite the escalating tensions, he reaffirmed the commitment of Filipino forces to defend their territorial interests.

The U.S.-educated chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines joined navy personnel aboard the Unnaiza Mae 1, a supply boat delivering Christmas gifts and supplies to Filipino forces stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre. The Sierra Madre, despite its deteriorating condition, remains a symbol of the Philippines’ territorial claims.

China, in response to the incidents, accused the U.S. of encouraging the Philippines to provoke China for its own geopolitical purposes. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized that the maritime disputes were solely between the two countries, dismissing any third-party intervention.

The international community, including the U.S., Japan, the European Union, and others, has expressed support for the Philippines and raised concerns over the incidents. The U.S. State Department condemned China’s actions as “dangerous and unlawful,” renewing its commitment to defend Philippine forces if faced with an armed attack.

As tensions in the South China Sea continue to escalate, the world watches closely, mindful of the potential implications on regional stability and global maritime activities.

(with inputs from agencies)

What did you Google in 2023?: Unveiling 2023’s top Google searches, from ‘Barbie’ to the Israel-Hamas war

NEW YORK. Google has unveiled its annual “Year in Search” report, providing a snapshot of the world’s top internet searches in 2023. From global news events to pop culture phenomena, the list reflects the collective curiosity of millions of users worldwide.

Topping the charts in 2023 was the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, according to Google’s global data. The conflict dominated headlines and sparked widespread interest, drawing users to search for updates and insights. Following closely were queries related to the Titanic-bound submersible that imploded in June, and the devastating earthquakes that struck Turkey and Syria in February.

In the realm of individuals, Damar Hamlin, a safety with the NFL’s Buffalo Bills, claimed the title of Google’s top trending person for the year. Hamlin’s near-death cardiac arrest on the field during a January game and his subsequent triumphant comeback captured the public’s attention. Actor Jeremy Renner, who survived a serious snowplow accident early in 2023, followed closely behind. The late Matthew Perry and Tina Turner led search trends among notable figures who passed away.

Entertainment-wise, “Barbie” dominated Google’s movie searches in 2023, followed by the Barbenheimer co-pilot “Oppenheimer” and the Indian thriller “Jawan.” In the TV category, “The Last of Us,” “Wednesday,” and “Ginny and Georgia” emerged as the top three trending shows.

Musically, Yoasobi’s “アイドル (Idol)” claimed the spot of Google’s top trending song. Jason Aldean’s “Try That In A Small Town” and Shakira and Bizarrap’s “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53” followed in the rankings.

Beyond these highlights, Google’s 2023 global search trends encompass a wide range of topics. Bibimbap took the crown as the top trending recipe, while Inter Miami CF, the new home of Argentine soccer superstar Lionel Messi, led Google’s sports teams trends. In the U.S., users queried why eggs, Taylor Swift tickets, and sriracha bottles were so expensive, while “rizz,” recently named Oxford’s word of the year, gained attention as a trending slang term.

For more detailed insights, including country-specific lists and trends from previous years, Google’s “Year in Search” archive provides a comprehensive overview. The company compiled its 2023 search results from January 1 to November 27 of this year.

As 2023 concludes, Google is not alone in summarizing the year’s digital landscape. Other platforms, from Wikipedia to music streaming services, have also released their annual compilations. To commemorate its 25th birthday, Google has additionally released top search data “of all time” across various categories, showcasing enduring interests since 2004 when the company’s trend data first became globally available. Notable highlights include Beyoncé as the most-Googled Grammy winner, Cristiano Ronaldo as the highest-searched athlete, and the “Harry Potter” cast as the most-searched movie or TV ensemble.

Meralco, may bawas-singil sa kuryente ngayong Disyembre

Magpapatupad ang Manila Electric Company (Meralco) ng halos P0.80 kada kilowatt hour (kWh) na bawas-singil sa kuryente ngayong buwan ng Disyembre.

Ayon sa Meralco, inaasahan na magiging P79.61 sentimo kada kWh ang mababawas sa singil ng kuryente para sa mga konsumer. Ayon kay Joe Zaldarriaga, tagapagsalita ng Meralco, ito ay dulot ng pagbaba ng generation charges ng kanilang serbisyo.

Dagdag pa ni Zaldarriaga, nabawasan din ang transmission charges, Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), at Independent Power Producers (IPPs), na nagresulta sa mas mababang over-all rate para sa mga kumukonsumo ng kuryente.

Sa ulat, inaasahan na maging P11.2584/kWh na lamang ang bayarin para sa isang karaniwang sambahayan, mula sa dating P12.0545/kWh noong Nobyembre. Ibig sabihin nito, makakatipid ang mga tahanang kumukonsumo ng 200 kWh ng P159, P239 para sa 300 kWh, P318 para sa 400 kWh, at P398 para sa 500 kWh kada buwan.

Ang hakbang na ito ng Meralco ay inaasahang magbibigay ginhawa sa mga mamamayan, lalo na sa gitna ng mga paghahanda para sa kapaskuhan at mga gastusin sa panahon ng holiday season.