Tuesday, June 16, 2026


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Bangkay ng dinukot na mag livein partner natagpuan sa Laguna

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ALAMINOS, Laguna. Natagpuan sa isang construction site sa bayang ito noong Sabado ang mga labi ng mag-live-in partner na dinukot sa Lucena City, Quezon.

Ayon sa Lucena City Police, kinilala at kinumpirma ng mga kaanak batay sa tattoo at iba pang palatandaan na ang dalawang bangkay ay ang nawawalang magkasintahan.

Kilala ang mga biktima na sina Loloy Sagala, 50-anyos, mula sa Barangay Marketview, at ang kanyang live-in partner na si Annvel Alvelez, 40 anyos, na tubong Bohol. Ayon sa pahayag ng pulisya, sakay sila ng isang kulay asul na motorsiklo sa Barangay Road noong Biyernes ng hapon. Ayon sa saksi na nang sila ay makarating sa Del Maro Resort sa Barangay Ibabang Iyam, Lucena City, hinarang sila ng isang kulay puting van at sapilitang isinakay.

Batay sa ulat ng Alaminos Police sa Laguna, natagpuan ang mga bangkay sa TR4 Road sa Barangay San Miguel alas-7:20 ng umaga noong Sabado.

Ang dalawang biktima ay parehong nakatali ang kamay sa likuran at ang kanilang mga ulo ay nakabalot sa packaging tape nang matagpuan.

Patuloy pa ang imbestigasyon ng Alaminos at Lucena Police hinggil sa krimen na ito.

Pope Francis takes unprecedented action in removing conservative bishop from Tyler, Texas

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ROME. In an unprecedented move, Pope Francis has ordered the removal of Bishop Joseph Strickland of Tyler, Texas, a prominent conservative prelate who has been an outspoken critic of the pontiff and a symbol of the growing polarization within the U.S. Catholic hierarchy. The Vatican issued a one-line statement on Saturday, announcing that Francis had “relieved” Bishop Strickland of the pastoral governance of Tyler and appointed the bishop of Austin as the temporary administrator.

Bishop Strickland, 65, gained notoriety for his strong conservative views and active presence on social media, where he has criticized Pope Francis and has emerged as a leading figure in the doctrinal disputes within the U.S. Catholic Church. Earlier this year, the Vatican initiated an investigation into Strickland’s governance of the diocese amid reports of complaints from priests and laypeople in Tyler.

The Vatican investigators, Bishop Dennis Sullivan of Camden, N.J., and retired Bishop Emeritus Gerald Kicanas of Tucson, Ariz., conducted a thorough inquiry into all aspects of the governance and leadership of the diocese, according to Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, the head of the church in Texas. Following the investigation, a recommendation was made to Pope Francis that the continuation of Bishop Strickland in office was deemed “not feasible.”

Strickland, who had been critical of Pope Francis on various fronts, including the pontiff’s recent discussions on the future of the Catholic Church that addressed issues such as LGBTQ+ inclusion, has refused to resign voluntarily. He claimed that he was given a mandate to serve as bishop in 2012 by the late Pope Benedict XVI and couldn’t abdicate that responsibility.

One of the reported reasons for Strickland’s removal, as quoted by the conservative website LifeSiteNews, was his refusal to implement Pope Francis’ 2021 restrictions on celebrating the old Latin Mass. This move by Francis has been a contentious issue among traditionalist Catholics opposed to the pontiff’s more progressive agenda.

The decision to remove Strickland has sparked immediate outcry among some conservatives and traditionalists, who considered him a leading voice countering Pope Francis’ progressive reforms. Michael J. Matt, editor of the traditionalist newspaper The Remnant, described Francis’ action as “total war,” accusing the pontiff of attempting to bury fidelity to the Church of Jesus Christ.

The diocese of Tyler, in a statement, acknowledged Strickland’s removal but affirmed its commitment to its mission of sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Incoming temporary administrator Bishop Joe Vásquez expressed his intention to travel to the diocese in the coming weeks to assess the needs of the priests, staff, and lay faithful during this transition period.

The rare move by Pope Francis to directly intervene in the removal of a bishop highlights the ongoing doctrinal tensions within the U.S. Catholic Church, with the pontiff addressing concerns about the conservative wing that has found support in the doctrinaire papacies of St. John Paul II and Benedict XVI. Strickland, associated with more conservative bishops and figures, had backed conspiracy theories and criticized Pope Francis’ recent efforts to make the Church more inclusive.

In a statement Saturday, Strickland remained steadfast in his decision, stating, “I feel very much at peace in the Lord and the truth that he died for.” The Vatican’s move to remove a bishop without a voluntary resignation is a rare occurrence, and its implications for the larger U.S. Catholic hierarchy remain to be seen.

DA: Mag ingat sa pagbili ng frozen meat sa wet market

Nag abiso ang Department of Agriculture (DA) sa publiko hinggil sa posibleng panganib ng mga frozen meat na ibinebenta sa mga wet market dahil sa posibleng kontaminasyon ng mga bacteria.

Sa mga mamimili, itinuturo ng DA na suriin ang tatak ng National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) upang masiguro ang kaligtasan ng pagkain.

Bilang karagdagan, nagbigay ng babala si Agriculture Undersecretary Deogracias Victor Savellano sa mga nagtitinda at nagbebenta ng frozen meat sa mga wet market. Ayon kay Savellano, dahil sa kakulangan ng mga facility para sa refrigeration at kawalan ng kaalaman ng mga vendor, maaaring magkaroon ng kontaminasyon at bacteria sa karne, na maaaring magdulot ng panganib sa kalusugan ng tao.

Upang tugunan ito, plano ng DA na makipagtulungan sa Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) upang alisin ang mga mapanganib na frozen products sa public wet markets.

Ayon sa DA Administrative Order 6-2012, mahigpit na ipinagbabawal ang pagbebenta ng frozen meat sa mga wet market, at ito ay pinapayagan lamang sa mga hotel, restaurant, at supermarket na may sapat na refrigeration facilities at kaalaman sa wastong paghawak ng mga frozen products.

Sa kabilang banda, iniimbestigahan din ng DA ang mataas na presyo ng manok sa merkado kahit na bumababa na ang farmgate prices.

Israel extends evacuation offer for Gaza hospital infants amid ongoing conflict

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GAZA/JERUSALEM. Israel’s military has declared its readiness to evacuate infants from Gaza’s largest hospital, Al-Shifa, amid reports of intense fighting nearby. However, Palestinian officials claim that people within the hospital, including newborns, remain trapped. The ongoing conflict has led to power outages, posing a significant risk to the well-being of patients.

Al-Shifa and other hospitals in northern Gaza, focal points of Israel’s month-long offensive against Hamas, are struggling to cope with the increasing number of casualties from Israeli bombardments. While Israel’s military spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, stated their willingness to assist in evacuating infants from Al-Shifa, Gaza health ministry spokesman Ashraf Al-Qidra highlighted the lack of information about a safe mechanism for the evacuation.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to worsen, with hospitals facing challenges in providing adequate care due to shortages of medicine, food, and water. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported difficulties in another hospital, Al-Quds, emphasizing the dire circumstances with limited access.

As Israel renews evacuation calls for three hospitals in northern Gaza, including Al-Shifa, residents in the conflict zone are facing increased challenges. The ongoing fighting, coupled with power outages, has left hospitals overwhelmed and inaccessible to those in need.

The conflict has prompted evacuations into Egypt, with 80 foreigners and several injured Palestinians crossing into the country. Aid delivery into Gaza remains minimal, exacerbating the already dire conditions for residents. Reports indicate that disease is spreading among evacuees in overcrowded shelters with limited resources.

Despite international efforts, the conflict persists, with Hamas claiming destruction of Israeli military targets, and Israel reporting casualties among its soldiers. The situation remains critical, with ongoing clashes, evacuations, and concerns about the welfare of civilians caught in the crossfire.

Olive oil boom fuels crime wave: Thieves chainsaw century-old trees in Mediterranean heist surge

SPATA, Greece. A surge in olive oil prices, driven partly by a two-year drought in Spain, has unleashed a wave of criminal activity across the Mediterranean. In olive-growing heartlands of Greece, Spain, and Italy, thieves exploit soaring prices through warehouse break-ins, oil dilution, and falsification of shipping data. However, the most alarming trend is the rise of gangs using chainsaws to plunder heavily laden branches and entire century-old trees from unguarded groves.

Konstantinos Markou, a grower outside Athens, recounts the loss of a 150-year-old tree among the 15 stolen on his neighbor’s land. The thefts not only mean fewer olives for struggling growers dealing with high production costs and climate change challenges but also create a significant dent in the historical olive groves.

Farmers, grappling with increased production costs and the impact of climate change, are now dealing with the additional challenge of olive theft. Italian growers are urging police to form an agriculture division, Greek farmers seek the return of a rural police division phased out in 2010, and a Spanish company develops olive-shaped tracking devices to catch thieves.

The thefts are not only financial but also cause long-term harm to the trees, forcing some growers to harvest early and accept lower yields. The situation has become dire, with farmers lamenting the need for night patrols to protect their fields.

Amid the disruption in the global olive oil market due to a two-year drought in Spain, benchmark prices in Spain, Greece, and Italy for extra virgin oil have more than tripled since 2019. Consumers are feeling the impact, with prices soaring in Greece from $8 to as much as $15 for a 1-liter bottle of extra virgin oil.

The crimes extend beyond olive theft, with thieves becoming increasingly brazen in Italy, snatching tractors and expensive equipment along with olives. The economic damage is described as “enormous,” and farmers are calling for increased protection against the escalating felony.

As olive growers navigate a turbulent market, they are left not only to contend with economic challenges but also to safeguard the very history represented by their ancient trees, now at risk due to this unforeseen criminal wave.

Konstantinos Markou, an olive grower, patrols his own grove, in Peania suburb, east of Athens, Greece. Across the Mediterranean, warm winters, massive floods, and forest fires are hurting a tradition that has thrived for centuries. Olive oil production has been hammered by the effects of climate change, causing a surge in prices of southern Europe’s healthy staple. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)

BIR: Online sellers, sisingilin ng 1 porsyentong buwis simula sa Disyembre

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Sa mga nagtitinda online, maaaring mapatawan na ng 1 porsyento na withholding tax ang kanilang kita simula sa darating na buwan ng Disyembre, ayon sa plano ng Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

Ayon kay BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr., kasalukuyang isinasapinal ang patakaran para sa pagpapatupad ng 1 porsyento na withholding tax sa kalahati ng gross remittances ng mga nagtitinda sa online platforms.

Ang withholding tax ay bahagi ng buwis na kinakaltas sa kita ng negosyo at isinusumite sa gobyerno.

“Ang target namin ay sana, maipatupad ito sa Disyembre… o sa pinaka-late ay Enero ng 2024,” sabi ni Lumagui.

Inilinaw ni Lumagui na para maging epektibo ang pagkolekta ng withholding tax mula sa online sellers, kinakailangan na ang operator ng online platforms o marketplaces ay rehistrado sa BIR bago ma-accredit sa kanilang mga platforms.

Binigyang-diin ni Lumagui na ang hakbang na ito ay ginagawa upang maitama ang proseso ng buwis, gaya ng ginagawa ng traditional businesses na nagbabayad ng withholding tax.

“Hopefully, we will get an estimate of the entire universe of online transactions,” dagdag pa ni Lumagui.

Biden and Xi’s high-stakes summit: Navigating the nuances of diplomacy

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WASHINGTON. As President Joe Biden prepares to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco, the significance lies not just in the agenda but in the minutiae of diplomatic protocol. Every detail, from the greeting to the seating arrangement, carries weight in this diplomatic dance between two global powers.

China’s meticulous attention to etiquette, coupled with the delicate balance of U.S.-China relations, transforms seemingly trivial matters into meaningful considerations. Senior administration officials describe the planning as “pretty intense,” emphasizing the need to navigate cultural, political, and logistical intricacies.

The meeting, shrouded in secrecy, adds pressure as both sides haggle over basics like meeting duration, room entry sequence, and even the choice between a table or easy chairs. The plan is to allocate ample time for in-depth discussions, echoing Biden’s lengthy meeting with Xi last year before the G-20 summit in Bali.

Xi’s first U.S. visit in six years adds another layer of complexity. While APEC offers a more informal setting, logistics remain challenging, with both sides vying for symbolic gestures that project dignity and respect.

Analysts speculate on Xi’s team’s desire for a separate summit, emphasizing venue and extended talks. Even flowers and the weather may be pivotal, as Chinese culture ascribes meaning to such choices. Security concerns persist, and personal interactions, such as a joint walk or a shared meal, could shape public perception.

In the realm of U.S.-China relations, where every move matters, the upcoming summit holds not only diplomatic but cultural significance. As the world watches, the nuanced choreography of Biden and Xi’s meeting will reverberate far beyond the Bay area.

Posibleng nationwide ban sa TikTok dahil sa cyber espionage, tinutukan ng NSC

Malaki ang posibilidad na ipatupad ang nationwide ban sa social media platform na TikTok kung mapapatunayang may koneksyon ito sa cyber espionage. Ayon kay National Security Council (NSC) Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya, kasalukuyang isinasagawa ang imbestigasyon sa utos ni National Security adviser Eduardo Año.

Ang NSC ay sumusunod sa mga hakbang ng Estados Unidos, India, at Canada na nagpatupad na ng ban sa TikTok dahil sa national security concerns. “Ang pinag-aaralan po namin ngayon ay kung gaano kalaking banta ang TikTok sa ating pambansang seguridad,” ayon kay Malaya.

Dagdag pa niya, ang Chinese company na Bytedance, na nagmamay-ari ng TikTok, ay kinakailangang makipagtulungan sa kanilang gobyerno batay sa batas nito. “May mga features ang apps na pwedeng gamitin para malaman ang galaw ng gumagamit, tulad ng location at online behavior, na maaaring magdulot ng kompromiso sa ating pambansang seguridad,” paliwanag ni Malaya.

Sa kabila nito, nagpapatuloy ang imbestigasyon ng NSC sa state personnel na konektado sa militar, pulis, at iba pang mga security agency. Hinihingi rin ng task force ang pahayag ng TikTok sa Pilipinas at position paper para sagutin ang alegasyong “espionage.”

Tiniyak ni Malaya na matatapos ang imbestigasyon sa susunod na buwan at maghahanda sila ng rekomendasyon kay Año. Samantalang, iniulat ni Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar na nagpatupad na ang military ng hakbang ukol sa paggamit ng TikTok.

Gaza’s Shifa hospital plunges into darkness amid escalating conflict

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DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip. The intensity of the conflict between Israel and Hamas has reached a critical juncture, casting a shadow over Gaza’s largest hospital, Shifa Hospital. As Israel’s attacks persist, the last generator at Shifa runs out of fuel, prompting a dire situation for patients and medical staff.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, rebuffs calls from Western allies to do more to safeguard Palestinian civilians, asserting that Shifa Hospital serves as Hamas’ primary command post. Israeli authorities claim militants are using civilians as human shields and have constructed elaborate bunkers beneath the hospital, allegations vehemently denied by Hamas and Shifa staff.

Reports from Shifa indicate a grim reality: casualties, including a premature baby, due to the halt in medical services caused by the lack of electricity. Director Mohammed Abu Selmia paints a harrowing picture, describing Israeli troops shooting at anyone outside or inside the hospital, impeding movement within the compound.

The veracity of the claim that Israeli troops are the sole source of fire remains unverified independently. The Israeli military, responding to reports of firing into the Shifa courtyard, states that troops are engaged in fighting Hamas in the vicinity, emphasizing efforts to prevent harm to civilians.

As the conflict enters its second month, international pressure mounts for a ceasefire. French President Emmanuel Macron calls for an immediate halt to hostilities, asserting there is “no justification” for Israel’s ongoing bombing. The United States, while defending Israel’s right to protect itself, pushes for temporary pauses to allow wider aid distribution in the besieged territory.

However, Israel has only agreed to brief daily evacuation windows, allowing civilians to flee the northern combat zone to the south. Over 150,000 civilians have fled the north during these periods, seeking refuge from the relentless violence. A new evacuation window is announced, allowing civilians to use central and coastal roads for safer passage.

Yet, concerns deepen as fighting encroaches on densely populated neighborhoods in Gaza City, bringing hospitals closer to the frontline. Shifa Hospital, a haven for thousands of civilians in recent weeks, witnesses a mass exodus after nearby strikes. Despite the attempts to evacuate, thousands remain in the north, seeking shelter in hospitals and overcrowded U.N. facilities.

Casualties on both sides continue to rise, with over 11,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and minors, reported killed since the conflict’s onset. The Health Ministry in Hamas-controlled Gaza, which does not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths, reports over 2,700 people missing, possibly trapped or dead under rubble.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken outlines fundamental principles for a post-war Gaza, emphasizing no forcible displacement of Palestinians, no use of Gaza as a platform for launching terrorism, and a commitment to Palestinian-led governance. Blinken’s principles reveal a divergence from Israel’s security-centric approach.

Internationally, leaders seek a cohesive strategy for Gaza’s future. Saudi Arabia hosts discussions, initially intended as separate gatherings but merged due to escalating violence. The aim is to expedite the decision-making process in response to the worsening humanitarian crisis.

As the conflict rages on, hospitals like Shifa become battlegrounds, amplifying the urgency for a ceasefire and humanitarian intervention. The toll on civilians, infrastructure, and the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, leaving the world on edge and in search of a sustainable resolution.

Landmark surgery: World’s first whole eye transplant offers hope

NEW YORK. In a groundbreaking medical achievement, surgeons at NYU Langone Health have successfully performed the world’s first whole eye transplant on Aaron James, a 46-year-old man from Hot Springs, Arkansas. James, who suffered severe facial injuries and lost one eye in an accident with high-voltage power lines, underwent the unprecedented surgery last May.

The surgery aimed to improve the cosmetic results of a face transplant by replacing the missing eye, supporting the transplanted eye socket, and lid. Although it’s too early to determine if James will regain vision, the dual transplant has shown promising cosmetic results, with James recovering well.

While corneal transplants are common for treating certain types of vision loss, transplanting the entire eye, including the eyeball, its blood supply, and the optic nerve, represents a significant advancement in the quest to cure blindness. Dr. Eduardo Rodriguez, NYU’s plastic surgery chief leading the transplant, emphasized that the goal is not to restore sight, but the procedure brings scientists one step closer.

Contrary to initial concerns about the donated eye shrinking, recent examinations revealed it to be healthy and full of fluid. Researchers are closely monitoring James’ progress, analyzing brain scans that detected signals from the injured optic nerve, offering insights into the healing process.

The surgery has generated excitement in the scientific community, validating years of animal experiments. Dr. Jeffrey Goldberg, chair of ophthalmology at Stanford University, praised the audacity of the NYU team in aiming for optic nerve repair and hopes the transplant will spur further research in regrowing the optic nerve.

Aaron James, who faced extensive facial injuries and multiple reconstructive surgeries following the accident, expressed optimism about the surgery’s potential benefits. His wife, Meagan James, highlighted the impact on his quality of life, emphasizing his determination to regain sensory experiences.

Face transplants, let alone those involving an entire eye, remain rare and risky. James’ case marks only the 19th face transplant in the U.S. and the fifth performed by Dr. Eduardo Rodriguez. The surgery involved additional complexity, including the injection of special stem cells from the donor to spur optic nerve repair.

As James continues his recovery, researchers anticipate further insights into the healing process of eye transplants, potentially paving the way for advancements in the field.