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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.

IDF confirms surrender of many Hamas members, citing leadership disconnect

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GAZA STRIP. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari has confirmed that a substantial number of Hamas members surrendered to troops in the Gaza Strip today. The surrendering members provided crucial intelligence information shedding light on the internal dynamics of the terrorist group amid the ongoing ground offensive.

According to Rear Adm. Hagari, the surrenders occurred in Shejaiya and Jabaliya, where the surrendered terrorists handed over weapons and equipment. Footage that leaked today supports these claims.

From the interrogations of the surrendered terrorists, important intelligence has emerged, revealing the challenging situation faced by operatives on the ground. Hagari explicitly mentioned that the Hamas leadership, spearheaded by Yahya Sinwar, seems to be out of touch with the grim reality, despite being updated on the details.

Operatives who surrendered expressed discontent, asserting that the Hamas leadership appears disconnected from the harsh conditions they face on the ground. Hagari emphasized a widespread sentiment among operatives that the leadership underground is indifferent to the well-being of the public in Gaza who are above ground, raising concerns even among the Hamas members.

Hagari underscored the strategic significance of the intelligence obtained through these interrogations, stating, “The intelligence that emerges from the interrogations creates more targets and aids us in the operational activity.”

“It is often necessary for terror suspects to hand over their clothes such that their clothes can be searched and to ensure that they are not concealing explosive vests or other weaponry,” the army told AFP.

Palestinian men after their surrender to troops in northern Gaza’s Jabaliya, on December 10, 2023. (Social media; used in accordance with Clause 27a of the Copyright Law)

Historic Mao Zedong-signed menu fetches $275,000 at auction

BOSTON. An official menu from a state banquet featuring the signature of former Chinese leader Mao Zedong has been sold for an impressive $275,000. The auction, conducted by Boston-based RR Auction on Wednesday, showcased a piece of history tied to a significant diplomatic occasion.

The auctioned menu, dated October 19, 1956, pertains to a state banquet held in Beijing, commemorating the first-ever state visit to China by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy. The fountain pen signatures on the menu include those of six influential Chinese statesmen, among them Mao Zedong and Premier Zhou Enlai. The banquet, celebrating the diplomatic engagement between China and Pakistan, featured a culinary fusion with delicacies such as “Consommé of Swallow Nest and White Agaric,” “Shark’s Fin in Brown Sauce,” and the renowned “Roast Peking Duck.”

Bobby Livingston, executive vice president at RR Auction, expressed the significance of possessing a menu signed by Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai, stating, “To hold a menu signed by Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai is to hold a piece of the past – a piece that tells a story of diplomatic engagement, cultural exchange, and the forging of friendships that have endured through the decades.”

The auction also featured other notable items, including a fully operational World War II-era Enigma coding machine, which fetched $206,253. A document signed by Thomas Edison related to a light bulb patent was sold for $22,154. Additionally, a check signed by Steve Jobs to Radio Shack, dated July 23, 1976, and payable for $4.01, was sold for $46,063. This check, from the same year Jobs and Steve Wozniak launched Apple in a Silicon Valley garage, offers a glimpse into the early days of the tech giant.

The auction not only celebrated the historical value of the Mao Zedong-signed menu but also highlighted the enduring fascination with artifacts that provide insights into pivotal moments in history and the lives of influential figures.