Sunday, May 24, 2026


Your Daily News Update About CALABARZON and Beyond.
ISSN 2799-1911

Home Blog Page 48

Philippines, Japan finalize updated tax treaty to strengthen cross-border economic ties

Venus L Peñaflor
-
0
Philippines, Japan finalize updated tax treaty to strengthen cross-border economic ties

MANILA — The Philippines and Japan have concluded formal negotiations to update their Double Taxation Convention (DTC), a move aimed at modernizing the tax framework governing income earned by citizens and residents of both countries, the Department of Finance (DOF) said Tuesday.

The talks, led by the DOF, were held from January 27 to 30 and resulted in the completion of the revised treaty after a single round of formal negotiations.

Finance Secretary Frederick Go said the agreement reflects the two nations’ shared commitment to deepening their long-standing economic partnership through a clearer and more equitable tax framework.

“As one of the Philippines’ most vital and enduring economic partners, the negotiation with Japan underscores our countries’ mutual commitment to strengthening partnership by providing a clear, modern, and equitable tax treaty framework,” Go said.

The updated DTC outlines how each country will impose taxes and grant credits for taxes already paid, helping ensure compliance with the tax laws of both jurisdictions. The DOF said the revised treaty is designed to support cross-border economic activity while protecting the integrity of both nations’ tax systems.

According to the department, the agreement will proceed through each country’s respective legal approval processes and will take effect 30 days after the exchange of diplomatic notes confirming ratification.

DOF-Revenue Operations Group Undersecretary Rolando Ligon said the renegotiation aligns the treaty with current international standards and strengthens measures to address tax evasion and avoidance.

“Through these renegotiations, we seek to align our Convention with contemporary international standards, promote certainty and fairness for taxpayers, and reinforce our shared commitment to combating tax evasion and avoidance,” Ligon said.

The update coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan this year, underscoring the broader context of enhanced bilateral cooperation.

Japan’s Minister for Economic Affairs Yokota Naobumi expressed optimism that the amended treaty would encourage greater Japanese investment in the Philippines.

“I sincerely hope that the amendment to the tax treaty will be concluded at an early stage and that this year will truly become one of significant progress in our bilateral relationship,” Yokota said.

The Philippine negotiating team included DOF-Revenue Operations Group Assistant Secretaries Dakila Elteen Napao and Euvimil Nina Asuncion, along with Bureau of Internal Revenue Deputy Commissioner for Legal Larry Barcelo and International Tax Affairs Division Chief Robbie Bañaga.

The Japanese delegation was led by Yokota and included Embassy of Japan Second Secretary Narita Akihiro, as well as officials from Japan’s Ministry of Finance Tax Bureau: Director for Tax Treaties and International Affairs Hisanaga Takuma, Deputy Directors Nishijima Hiromitsu and Tanaka Kyohei, and Section Chief Kawashima Ayaka.

Iran signals willingness to pursue ‘fair and equitable’ talks with U.S.

EDGARDO HERNAL
-
0
Iran signals willingness to pursue ‘fair and equitable’ talks with U.S.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday said he has instructed the country’s foreign minister to pursue what he described as “fair and equitable negotiations” with the United States, marking the clearest indication yet that Tehran is open to renewed diplomatic engagement as tensions with Washington remain high.

In a post on X written in both English and Farsi, Pezeshkian said the move followed “requests from friendly governments in the region” to respond to a proposal from U.S. President Donald Trump for talks. He said negotiations would proceed only in an environment “free from threats and unreasonable expectations,” and would be guided by “the principles of dignity, prudence, and expediency.”

The announcement represents a notable shift for the reformist president, who in recent weeks had warned that the political unrest and nationwide protests in Iran had moved beyond his control. The statement also signals apparent backing from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has previously dismissed direct negotiations with Washington.

Regional diplomacy efforts have reportedly intensified in recent days. Turkey is said to be working behind the scenes to host talks later this week, coinciding with a regional tour by U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. Foreign ministers from Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have also been invited to attend, according to a regional official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Washington has not formally confirmed that talks will take place. A semiofficial Iranian news agency reported Monday that Pezeshkian had ordered Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to begin negotiations, though the report was later deleted without explanation.

Late Monday, pan-Arab satellite channel Al Mayadeen aired an interview with Ali Shamkhani, a senior adviser to Khamenei and a member of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. Shamkhani said any engagement would likely begin indirectly and move to direct talks only if progress appeared achievable. He added that discussions would be limited to nuclear issues.

“Iran does not seek nuclear weapons, will not seek a nuclear weapon and will never stockpile nuclear weapons,” Shamkhani said, while emphasizing that Tehran expects reciprocal steps in return. He rejected the idea of transferring Iran’s enriched uranium abroad, a provision that was part of the 2015 nuclear agreement with world powers.

Iran has enriched uranium up to 60% purity, a level just short of weapons-grade. The International Atomic Energy Agency has said Iran is the only country enriching to that level without possessing nuclear weapons. Tehran has also declined IAEA requests to inspect nuclear sites damaged during a 12-day conflict with Israel in June.

“The quantity of enriched uranium remains unknown,” Shamkhani said, citing debris at bombed facilities that has not yet been cleared due to safety concerns.

Witkoff is expected to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior security officials during a visit to Israel, according to U.S. officials who spoke on condition of anonymity. Israel is expected to press for any agreement with Iran to include halting uranium enrichment, removing existing stockpiles, limiting ballistic missile development and ending support for regional proxy groups.

From the White House, President Trump said negotiations were ongoing but declined to outline any military thresholds. “I’d like to see a deal negotiated,” he told reporters. “If we can work something out, that’d be great. And if we can’t, probably bad things would happen.”

Former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, speaking at Dubai’s World Governments Summit, expressed skepticism, saying a lasting agreement was “unimaginable” under Iran’s current leadership.

Meanwhile, regional security concerns persist. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center reported Tuesday that a vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz was hailed by multiple small armed boats. The incident occurred in waters where Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has warned of recent naval drills. The ship continued its passage without further incident.

Whether the diplomatic signals from Tehran and Washington will translate into formal negotiations remains uncertain, as longstanding disagreements over Iran’s nuclear program and regional influence continue to pose significant obstacles.

Epstein files trigger political and royal scrutiny across Britain

Venus L Peñaflor
-
0
Epstein files trigger political and royal scrutiny across Britain

LONDON — The U.S. government’s release of more than three million documents linked to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein has intensified scrutiny of several prominent figures in British public life, raising new questions about the extent of his access to the country’s political leadership and royal circles.

Among those repeatedly referenced in the newly disclosed materials are former Prince Andrew, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, his former wife Sarah Ferguson, and former U.K. ambassador to the United States and House of Lords member Peter Mandelson. The disclosures have prompted renewed calls for accountability, including demands for testimony, resignations and official investigations.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has urged Mountbatten-Windsor to cooperate with a U.S. congressional inquiry into Epstein’s network, while Mandelson is facing pressure from senior political figures to step down from the House of Lords.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

Mountbatten-Windsor has long denied wrongdoing in connection with Epstein and has said he cut ties with the financier in 2010, following Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. However, previously released emails suggested the two remained in contact in 2011, undermining those claims.

The latest document release includes three undated photographs that appear to show Mountbatten-Windsor leaning over a woman or girl lying clothed on the floor, with her face redacted. No captions or contextual details accompanied the images, and the documents do not allege any criminal conduct related to them.

Mountbatten-Windsor has previously faced scrutiny over a 2001 photograph showing him with Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s former partner who was later convicted of child sex trafficking, and Virginia Giuffre, an Epstein accuser who died by suicide in April. In her posthumous memoir, Giuffre reiterated allegations that Mountbatten-Windsor sexually abused her when she was 17. He has denied all claims and settled a civil lawsuit with Giuffre in 2022 without admitting wrongdoing.

An email exchange from August 2010 included in the latest files shows Epstein inviting Mountbatten-Windsor to meet a “friend” in London. The royal responded that he would be “delighted to see her” and shared his contact details. The documents do not indicate any illegal activity.

U.S. lawmakers requested in November that Mountbatten-Windsor appear before the House Oversight Committee as part of its investigation into Epstein. On Saturday, Starmer publicly encouraged him to comply.

“Anybody who has got information should be prepared to share that information in whatever form they are asked to do that,” Starmer said. “You can’t be victim-centered if you’re not prepared to do that.”

The royal family has not issued a formal statement on the latest disclosures. Speaking at an event in Dubai, Prince Edward said it was important to “always remember the victims,” without commenting further.

Sarah Ferguson

Sarah Ferguson, Mountbatten-Windsor’s former wife and the Duchess of York, is also mentioned multiple times in the new files. While the documents do not allege criminal conduct, they include emails suggesting a close personal and financial relationship with Epstein.

In messages from 2009 and 2010, Ferguson expressed gratitude for Epstein’s support and assistance, including one email in which she thanked him for helping revive her professional opportunities. Another message appeared to reference financial difficulties, including a request for £20,000 to cover rent. It remains unclear whether Epstein provided the funds.

Previously released records showed that Epstein transferred $150,000 to Ferguson in 2001 after assisting her with the sale of share options related to her work with Weight Watchers.

The latest files also suggest Epstein explored using Ferguson to help rehabilitate his public image, with emails between Epstein and a crisis management firm discussing potential public statements attributed to her. A spokesperson for Ferguson previously said she regretted her association with Epstein. CNN reported it had sought further comment following the latest disclosures.

On Monday, Ferguson’s charity, Sarah’s Trust, announced it would suspend operations “for the foreseeable future,” according to the U.K.’s PA Media.

Peter Mandelson

Peter Mandelson, a senior Labour figure and former U.K. ambassador to the United States, resigned from the Labour Party on Sunday, saying he did not want to cause the party “further embarrassment.” He has been under scrutiny since U.S. lawmakers released a “birthday book” compiled for Epstein in 2003, which included a handwritten note from Mandelson describing Epstein as “my best pal.”

The newly released documents indicate Mandelson may have shared sensitive U.K. government tax policy information with Epstein while serving as business secretary in 2009. The files also include emails showing that Mandelson’s partner, Reinaldo Avila da Silva, received financial assistance from Epstein to support his education and living expenses.

Some lawmakers have called on Mandelson to refer himself to the House of Lords Commissioner for Standards, which investigates alleged breaches of conduct. Mandelson has been on leave from the House of Lords since February last year while serving as ambassador to Washington.

A Downing Street spokesperson said Starmer believes Mandelson should be stripped of his peerage, adding that the matter was being reviewed.

Police Review and Ongoing Fallout

London’s Metropolitan Police said it has received multiple reports alleging misconduct in public office linked to the document release. Police Commander Ella Marriott said the reports would be assessed to determine whether they meet the threshold for a criminal investigation.

The release of the Epstein files has renewed debate over transparency, institutional accountability and the influence of powerful individuals within British public life, with political leaders and law enforcement agencies now facing mounting pressure to address the implications of the disclosures.

Tig-dalawang impeachment complaint laban kay PBBM at VP Sara, umusad sa House Committee on Justice

Venus L Peñaflor
-
0
Tig-dalawang impeachment complaint laban kay PBBM at VP Sara, umusad sa House Committee on Justice

MAYNILA — Idineklara ng House Committee on Justice na “sufficient in form” ang dalawang impeachment complaint na inihain laban kay Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr., matapos ang botong 46 pabor, isang tutol, at isang abstention para sa unang reklamo, at 35 pabor, siyam kontra, at isang abstention para sa ikalawang reklamo.

Ayon kay Justice Committee Chairperson at Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro, ang unang reklamo ay inihain ni Atty. Andre de Jesus at inendorso ni House Deputy Minority Leader at Pusong Pinoy Partylist Rep. Jernie Jett Nisay.

“With 46 votes in favor, one vote against and one abstention, the chair declares the De Jesus complaint sufficient in form,” pahayag ni Luistro sa pagdinig ng komite.

Ang ikalawang reklamo, na inihain ng mga progressive groups at inendorso ng Makabayan bloc, ay kaparehong idineklarang sufficient in form matapos ang hiwalay na botohan.

“Tapos na, both complaints were declared sufficient in form. For tomorrow we will be moving to the determination of sufficiency in substance,” ani Luistro.

Ipinaliwanag ng mambabatas na ang sufficiency in form ay tumutukoy sa pagsunod ng reklamo sa mga formal requirements, kabilang ang pirma ng mga complainant, wastong endorsement, at panunumpa ng mga naghain. Nakaiskedyul na talakayin ng komite ngayong Martes kung ang dalawang reklamo ay sufficient in substance, na pagbobotohan din nang magkahiwalay.

Sa gitna ng pagdinig, nag-walk out si Manila 6th District Rep. Benny Abante matapos ipahayag ang kanyang pagtutol sa pagdedeklara ng sufficiency in form sa ikalawang reklamo, dahil sa kanyang pagdududa kung ang mga complainant ay mga nagbabayad ng buwis.

Samantala, dalawang magkahiwalay na impeachment complaint din laban kay Vice President Sara Duterte ang inihain sa Kamara nitong Lunes.

Ang unang reklamo ay isinampa ng mga dating mambabatas na sina dating ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. France Castro at dating Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares, at inendorso ng Makabayan bloc. Ayon kay Colmenares, kaugnay pa rin ito ng umano’y maanomalyang paggamit ng confidential funds ng Office of the Vice President.

“Today is the day. Napaaga dahil ‘yan ang epekto nung SC decision. Binago na naman nila ‘yung pag-calculate kung kelan matatapos ‘yung so called one-year bar kaya sa pagkaunawa natin, puwede na,” pahayag ni ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio, isa sa mga endorser ng reklamo.

Sa reklamo, inakusahan si Duterte ng betrayal of public trust kaugnay ng paggamit umano ng P612.5 million confidential funds ng Office of the Vice President at sa kanyang panunungkulan sa Department of Education mula Disyembre 2022 hanggang ikatlong quarter ng 2023. Kabilang din sa alegasyon ang pagsusumite ng liquidation report na umano’y naglalaman ng mga “pekeng” pangalan ng recipients, gaya ng “Mary Grace Piattos.”

“Yun pa rin, katulad ng pagwaldas sa 612.5 million na confidential fund nung siya ay bise presidente at secretary ng [Department of Education]. Kasama rito yung P125 million na naubos in 11 days nung December 2022,” ani Tinio.

Ang ikalawang impeachment complaint laban kay VP Duterte ay inihain nina Tindig Pilipinas convenor Kiko Aquino Dee, dating Peace Secretary Ging Deles, Fr. Flavie Villanueva, at iba pang youth at sectoral leaders. Inendorso ito nina ML Partylist Rep. Leila de Lima at Akbayan Reps. Perci Cendaña at Chel Diokno.

Isinama sa reklamo ang alegasyon ni Ramil Madriaga laban kay Duterte.

“No technicality or legal loophole will clear the VP of these charges. The VP must personally answer these cases of corruption and abuse of power. She has not escaped her day of reckoning, she has merely delayed it,” ani Cendaña.

Inihayag naman ni dating Gabriela Partylist Rep. Arlene Brosas na umaasa silang idedeklara ng Committee on Justice na sufficient in form and substance ang mga reklamo upang umusad ang pormal na deliberasyon.


Ipinapakita ng magkakahiwalay na hakbang ng House Committee on Justice sa mga reklamo laban sa Pangulo at sa Bise Presidente ang patuloy na pagsubok sa mga mekanismo ng pananagutan sa ilalim ng Konstitusyon. Habang nananatiling nasa yugto pa lamang ng pagsusuri sa porma at substansiya ang mga reklamo, inaasahang magiging mahalaga ang susunod na mga pagdinig sa pagtukoy kung ang mga alegasyon ay uusad sa mas malalim na proseso ng imbestigasyon at posibleng paglilitis sa Kamara at Senado.

Big names surface in latest Epstein files as U.S. Justice Department releases new documents

Venus L Peñaflor and EDGARDO HERNAL
-
0
Big names surface in latest Epstein files as U.S. Justice Department releases new documents

WASHINGTON — A new tranche of documents released by the U.S. Justice Department on Friday has brought renewed public attention to Jeffrey Epstein’s network of high-profile contacts, with records referencing figures from politics, business, entertainment, and sports. The disclosure comes more than 40 days after the Dec. 19 deadline set by the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a law passed by Congress and signed in November to mandate the release of federal materials related to Epstein’s activities.

The latest files, which are being independently reviewed by major news organizations, follow earlier releases that included emails, photographs, and travel references involving prominent individuals such as President Donald Trump, former President Bill Clinton, Mick Jagger, Woody Allen, and Larry Summers. None of those named in the records have been formally accused of criminal wrongdoing in connection with Epstein.

Former Prince Andrew

Among the newly released materials are photographs depicting Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, in close physical proximity to an unidentified woman. The images, which lack contextual details such as time and location, show both individuals fully clothed. Prince Andrew, brother of King Charles III and son of the late Queen Elizabeth II, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. He was stripped of royal titles and duties following public scrutiny of his association with Epstein.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged anyone with relevant information to cooperate with U.S. investigators, saying, “You can’t be victim-centered if you’re not prepared to share that information.” Prince Andrew has not responded to a request from members of the U.S. House Oversight Committee for a transcribed interview. His representatives have been contacted for comment.

Elon Musk

Emails dating back more than a decade suggest limited correspondence between technology entrepreneur Elon Musk and Epstein, including discussions about potential holiday visits to the Caribbean. In one 2012 exchange, Epstein asked how many people Musk would bring to his island by helicopter, to which Musk replied, “Probably just Talulah and me,” referring to his then-wife, Talulah Riley. Other messages referenced party invitations in St. Barts.

Musk stated on social media that he had “very little correspondence with Epstein” and declined repeated invitations to visit Epstein’s island or use his private aircraft, adding that emails could be misinterpreted by critics. CBS News has sought comment from Musk.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick

Emails show that Howard Lutnick, now U.S. Commerce Secretary, and his family coordinated travel to Epstein’s private island, Little Saint James, in 2012. Correspondence indicates Lutnick accepted a lunch invitation from Epstein during that period.

However, Lutnick has previously told the New York Post that he and his wife cut ties with Epstein in 2005 after an uncomfortable visit to Epstein’s New York townhouse. A Commerce Department spokesperson said Lutnick had limited interactions with Epstein in the presence of his wife and has never been accused of wrongdoing.

Steve Tisch

The documents include a series of 2013 emails between Epstein and New York Giants co-owner Steve Tisch that discuss women they had met. Some of the exchanges contain explicit language. Tisch told CBS News that he never visited Epstein’s island and regrets any association, stating that Epstein was “a terrible person.”

The NFL and the New York Giants have been contacted for comment.

Bill Gates

Two emails Epstein sent to himself in July 2013 contain unverified and disputed claims involving Bill Gates, including allegations of extramarital conduct and medical treatment. A spokesperson for Gates called the claims “absolutely absurd and completely false,” stating that the documents demonstrate Epstein’s efforts to defame Gates after failing to maintain a relationship with him.

The Wall Street Journal previously reported that Epstein attempted to leverage knowledge of a purported affair involving Gates and a Russian bridge player, a claim neither party has confirmed.

President Donald Trump

The newly released materials contain hundreds of references to President Trump. A 2009 deposition by Epstein’s former house manager states that Trump never stayed overnight at Epstein’s Palm Beach home and never received a massage there. Another message from 2012 suggests a possible invitation for Epstein to visit Mar-a-Lago, though it is unclear whether the trip occurred.

The Justice Department noted that some information in the documents about Trump is untrue. Trump said the files further exonerate him.

Steve Bannon

The release includes nearly two hours of video from an interview conducted by Steve Bannon, a former White House strategist, with Epstein. In the footage, Epstein refers to himself as a “tier one” offender, which he describes as the lowest category. Emails from late 2018 and early 2019 also reference Epstein gifting Apple watches to Bannon and his son.

Bannon has not yet responded to requests for comment.

Brett Ratner

Photographs in the files show filmmaker Brett Ratner seated with Epstein and two women. Ratner has previously denied allegations of sexual misconduct made against him in 2017. His production company has been contacted for comment.

Dr. Mehmet Oz

A 2004 transaction report shows Epstein paid for travel expenses totaling $1,592 for Dr. Mehmet Oz, now administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Epstein was later invited to an event where Oz was a speaker but declined. CMS has not responded to inquiries.

Kathryn Ruemmler

Emails from 2015 show Kathryn Ruemmler, former White House counsel under President Barack Obama and now chief legal officer at Goldman Sachs, expressing affection for Epstein in a private message. She later told the Wall Street Journal in 2023 that she regretted ever knowing him.

Woody Allen, Bill Clinton, and Jeff Bezos

The files reference text exchanges between Epstein and filmmaker Woody Allen in 2015 about a possible museum or White House visit. Allen has denied past allegations of abuse made by Mia Farrow.

An October 2009 email from publicist Peggy Siegal mentions that Bill Clinton and Jeff Bezos attended an after-party at Ghislaine Maxwell’s home. Clinton’s office has previously stated that his travel on Epstein’s plane in the early 2000s was related to Clinton Foundation work and included staff and security.

Analysis

The latest Epstein document release underscores the breadth of Epstein’s social and professional connections, but it also highlights the limits of transparency without clear legal context. Many of the records consist of emails, photographs, and unverified claims that reference well-known figures without establishing criminal conduct. As public interest intensifies, the challenge for investigators, journalists, and the public alike is to distinguish documented evidence from allegation and implication, ensuring that accountability, where warranted, is grounded in verified facts rather than association alone.

Son of Norway’s crown princess arrested on new charges ahead of rape trial

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
-
0
Son of Norway’s crown princess arrested on new charges ahead of rape trial

Oslo — Marius Borg Høiby, the 29-year-old son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, was arrested on Sunday evening on new charges just days before the start of his high-profile rape trial. Oslo police said Høiby is suspected of assault, making threats with a knife, and violating a restraining order, prompting authorities to request four weeks of pre-trial detention to prevent potential reoffending. The Oslo district court is expected to decide on his detention on Monday afternoon.

Høiby faces a total of 38 charges, including four counts of rape, domestic abuse of a former partner, and the illegal filming of several women without their consent. The trial is scheduled to begin on Tuesday and is expected to last for seven weeks. Høiby has denied the most serious accusations, including sexual abuse.

A police prosecutor, Andreas Kruszewski, said: “The Oslo police district can confirm that Marius Borg Høiby was arrested on Sunday evening and charged with bodily harm, making threats involving a knife, and breach of a restraining order. The police have requested four weeks of pre-trial detention due to the risk of reoffending. Beyond this, the police have no further comments at this time.”

Høiby’s arrest comes amid growing tension for the Norwegian royal family after Crown Princess Mette-Marit was linked to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Over the weekend, her name appeared nearly 1,000 times in newly unsealed files released by the U.S. Justice Department.

In response, Mette-Marit said the correspondence revealed “poor judgment” and expressed regret over her contact with Epstein, describing it as “simply embarrassing.” Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre noted that those mentioned in the files are expected to clarify the facts. The release of the documents does not imply wrongdoing.

The emails suggest that Mette-Marit and Epstein were in close contact between 2011 and 2014, years after Epstein’s guilty plea for charges including soliciting prostitution from a minor. The files show that Mette-Marit referred to Epstein as “very charming,” “soft-hearted,” and “such a sweetheart,” and that she stayed at his Florida home for four days in 2013 while he was away.

In a statement, the palace clarified that written contact with Epstein ended in 2014, after Mette-Marit felt he was attempting to leverage their relationship. She has expressed solidarity with Epstein’s victims and admitted responsibility for not checking Epstein’s background more closely.

Høiby was born from Mette-Marit’s previous relationship, prior to her marriage to Crown Prince Haakon in 2001, the future king of Norway. The unfolding case places both mother and son under intense international scrutiny as the legal process against Høiby begins.

Pilipinong mercenary na nirekrut ng Russia, bihag ngayon ng Ukraine

Venus L Peñaflor
-
0
Pilipinong mercenary na nirekrut ng Russia, bihag ngayon ng Ukraine

Maynila — Isang Pilipino mula sa Alcala, Pangasinan na umano’y lumaban para sa Russia ang kasalukuyang itinuturing na prisoner of war (POW) matapos mabihag ng mga puwersa ng Ukraine, ayon sa ulat na lumabas sa isang opisyal na proyektong Ukrainian at kinumpirma ng mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan ng Pilipinas.

Lumitaw sa Facebook page na “I Want to Live”—isang inisyatiba ng gobyerno ng Ukraine na humihikayat sa mga dayuhang mandirigma na sumuko, ang video ni Raymon Santos Gumangan noong Disyembre 8. Sa naturang video, ikinuwento ni Gumangan na siya ay nirekrut para sa trabahong may kinalaman sa logistics, ngunit nang makarating sa Russia ay naitalaga sa ibang tungkulin.

Batay sa salaysay, noong 2024 ay lumagda si Gumangan sa kontrata sa Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, na nagtalaga sa kanya bilang shooter sa 51st Parachute Regiment. Noong Setyembre ng parehong taon, diumano ay nasangkot siya sa mga opensiba sa Sumy region ng Ukraine, kung saan siya ay nabihag.

Kinumpirma ng pamilya ni Gumangan na nakatanggap sila ng abiso mula sa International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) hinggil sa kanyang pagkakadakip. Ayon sa kanyang kapatid na si Ronie, halos hindi na nila makilala si Gumangan sa video dahil sa malaking ang ipinayat nito.

Sinabi ng pamilya na dati siyang nagtatrabaho sa isang security agency sa Pilipinas at nag-apply online para sa trabahong logistics sa ibang bansa. Ayon sa anak niyang si Raymark, isang dayuhan ang tumulong sa kanyang ama upang makakuha ang trabaho sa Russia. Sa mga unang buwan, nakakausap pa umano ng pamilya si Gumangan at naibabalita ang kanyang kalagayan.

Ayon sa Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), wala sa kanilang database si Gumangan, gayundin sa Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). Dahil dito, nakikipag-ugnayan na ang DMW sa Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) upang matukoy kung paano siya nakalabas ng bansa at kung anong mga hakbang ang maaaring gawin para sa posibleng repatriation at konsular na tulong.

Noong nakaraang linggo, iniulat ng Ukrainian military intelligence na isang Filipinong mersenaryo ang namatay sa sagupaan sa pagitan ng mga puwersa ng Russia at Ukraine isang pahayag na muling nagbigay-diin sa lumalaking presensya ng mga dayuhang mandirigma sa nagpapatuloy na giyera.

Ayon sa international humanitarian law, kabilang ang Geneva Conventions, may karapatan ang mga POW sa makataong pagtrato at komunikasyon sa kanilang pamilya sa tulong ng ICRC. Patuloy namang hinihikayat ng DFA ang mga Pilipino na iwasan ang mga lugar ng giyera at sumunod sa mga travel advisory.

Habang nagpapatuloy ang imbestigasyon, nananatiling nakatutok ang mga awtoridad sa kalagayan ni Gumangan at sa mga legal at diplomatikong hakbang upang matiyak ang kanyang kaligtasan at karapatan bilang Pilipino sa gitna ng digmaan sa eastern Europe.

Rafah crossing reopens under ceasefire, offering limited passage for Gaza’s patients and returnees

EDGARDO HERNAL
-
0
Rafah crossing reopens under ceasefire, offering limited passage for Gaza’s patients and returnees

Cairo — Gaza’s Rafah border crossing with Egypt reopened Monday for restricted movement, marking a significant though largely symbolic step in the ongoing Israel-Hamas ceasefire as only a small number of Palestinians were permitted to travel and no commercial goods were allowed to pass.

An Egyptian official said authorities expected about 50 Palestinians to cross in each direction on the first day of operations. In the initial hours following the reopening, no travelers were observed entering or leaving Gaza. The move nonetheless raised cautious hope among thousands of Palestinians seeking medical evacuation, including an estimated 20,000 children and adults in need of urgent care, according to Gaza health officials.

State-run Egyptian media and an Israeli security official confirmed the reopening, speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on public comment.

A Lifeline for Medical Evacuations

For families such as that of Rajaa Abu Mustafa, the crossing represents a long-awaited chance for treatment abroad. Her 17-year-old son, Mohamed, was blinded in one eye last year while trying to obtain food from aid trucks east of Khan Younis.

“We have been waiting for the crossing to open,” Abu Mustafa said. “Now it’s opened and the health ministry called and told us that we will travel to Egypt for his treatment.”

Egyptian authorities said around 150 hospitals nationwide are prepared to receive Palestinian patients evacuated through Rafah. The Egyptian Red Crescent has also established “safe spaces” on the Egyptian side of the crossing to support evacuees.

Since the war began, Israel has barred Palestinian patients from seeking care in hospitals in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem — once a primary route for medical referrals unavailable in Gaza.

Continued Violence Amid Truce

Despite the reopening, violence continued across the coastal enclave. Gaza hospital officials reported that an Israeli navy vessel fired on a tent camp sheltering displaced people near the southern city of Khan Younis, killing a 3-year-old boy. The Israeli military said it was reviewing the incident.

According to Nasser Hospital, the strike occurred in the Muwasi coastal area, a designated tent camp zone. Gaza’s health ministry said more than 520 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since the ceasefire took effect on Oct. 10, including over 100 children, as cited by UNICEF. The ministry reports that total Palestinian deaths since the start of Israel’s offensive have surpassed 71,800, without distinguishing between civilians and combatants. United Nations agencies and independent experts have generally considered the ministry’s casualty data to be credible.

Oversight and Political Tensions

Under the ceasefire terms, Israel’s military controls the area between the Rafah crossing and Gaza’s main population centers. Israel and Egypt are jointly vetting travelers, with the crossing to be supervised by European Union border agents alongside a limited Palestinian presence. Officials said the number of travelers could increase if the system proves effective.

Egypt has repeatedly stressed that Rafah must remain open for both entry and exit, amid concerns that the crossing could be used to permanently displace Palestinians from Gaza.

Israeli forces seized control of the Rafah crossing in May 2024, citing efforts to prevent weapons smuggling by Hamas. The terminal was briefly reopened in early 2025 to allow limited medical evacuations during a previous truce.

A Step Into the Ceasefire’s Next Phase

The reopening follows Israel’s recovery of the remains of the last hostage in Gaza, a development that helped unlock progress on the crossing. It is also seen as a key milestone as the U.S.-brokered ceasefire moves into its second phase.

The truce, which paused more than two years of conflict that began with the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, initially called for a large-scale exchange of hostages and detainees, expanded humanitarian aid, and a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces.

The next phase is expected to be more complex, with provisions for establishing a new Palestinian governing committee in Gaza, deploying an international security force, disarming Hamas, and launching long-term reconstruction efforts all contingent on the ceasefire holding.

Asawang pulis sumuko sa QCPD kaugnay ng pagpatay sa lady cop at anak

Arman B. Cambe
-
0
Asawang pulis sumuko sa QCPD kaugnay ng pagpatay sa lady cop at anak

MAYNILA — Sumuko sa Quezon City Police District (QCPD) si Police Senior Master Sergeant (PSMS) John Mollenido kaugnay ng pagpaslang sa kanyang asawang si PSMS Diane Marie Mollenido at sa kanilang anak na si John Ysmael, matapos siyang ituro ng isa sa mga suspek sa krimen, ayon sa pulisya.

Batay sa ulat ng QCPD, isinagawa ang pagdakip sa mag-asawang Pia Katrina Panganiban, 29, at Christian Panganiban, 33, isang dating miyembro ng Philippine National Police (PNP), gayundin ang rider na si Gil Valdemoro Dy Jr., 41. Ang pagkakaaresto ay isinagawa matapos ang salaysay ni Pia, na diumano ay nagbigay ng mga bagong detalye hinggil sa insidente.

Ayon sa pahayag ni Pia, nakita umano niya sa pamamagitan ng video call si John Mollenido habang nagmamakaawa si Diane sa loob ng isang hideout, bago ito barilin. Sinabi rin niya na nakiusap siya na huwag idamay ang bata, subalit hindi umano ito pinakinggan.

Samantala, iginiit naman ni Dy na ang mag-asawang Panganiban ang responsable sa pagpatay sa mag-ina. Ayon sa kanyang salaysay, kasama ni Pia ang mga biktima nang dumating ang mga ito sa bahay hanggang sa maganap ang krimen.

Unang iniulat na nawawala ang mag-ina noong Enero 16 matapos huling makita si Diane na kasama si Pia sa pagbebenta ng kanyang Toyota Innova sa halagang P450,000. Makalipas ang isang linggo, natagpuan ang bangkay ni Diane sa isang creek sa Pulilan Bypass Road, Barangay Dulong Malabon, Pulilan, Bulacan, na may tama ng bala sa ulo. Noong Enero 29 naman natagpuan ang bangkay ni John Ysmael sa isang madamong calamansi farm sa Barangay Maluid, Victoria, Tarlac.

Nilinaw ni Atty. Cristobal Rimando, abogado ni John Mollenido, na hindi umano inaresto ang kanyang kliyente at sa halip ay boluntaryo itong sumuko sa pulisya.

Samantala, ang mag-asawang Panganiban at si Dy ay pormal nang kinasuhan ng double murder sa Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office, habang patuloy ang imbestigasyon ng mga awtoridad upang matukoy ang buong pangyayari at pananagutan ng mga sangkot sa kaso.

Iran’s supreme leader says any U.S. strike could trigger a regional war

Venus L Peñaflor
-
0
Iran’s supreme leader says any U.S. strike could trigger a regional war

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned on Sunday that any military strike by the United States would trigger a “regional war” in the Middle East, intensifying tensions amid threats from Washington over Tehran’s violent crackdown on nationwide protests.

The 86-year-old leader’s remarks represent the most direct warning so far, coming as the U.S. deployed the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and accompanying warships to the Arabian Sea following the bloody suppression of demonstrations across Iran.

Khamenei described the protests, which began on December 28 over the collapse of Iran’s rial currency and later evolved into a broader challenge to his rule, as “a coup.” Tens of thousands of demonstrators have reportedly been detained, with sedition charges carrying the death penalty—a major red line highlighted by President Donald Trump.

“The Americans must be aware that if they wage a war this time, it will be a regional war,” Khamenei said during a speech at his Tehran compound, marking the start of a multi-day commemoration of Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution.
“We are not the instigators… but if anyone shows greed and wants to attack or harass, the Iranian nation will deal a heavy blow to them,” he added.

Khamenei also criticized the U.S., accusing Washington of seeking control over Iran’s oil, gas, and mineral resources, “just as they controlled it before.” He reaffirmed the government’s hardline stance against demonstrators, claiming they attacked police, government centers, Revolutionary Guard facilities, banks, and mosques, even burning copies of the Quran.

The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists New Agency reports that over 49,500 people have been detained and at least 6,713 killed, mostly demonstrators, though the Associated Press has been unable to independently verify the figures due to Iran’s internet restrictions. Iranian authorities, as of January 21, reported a lower death toll of 3,117, including 2,427 civilians and security personnel, labeling the remainder as “terrorists.”

In a separate development, Iran’s parliament announced that all European Union militaries are now considered “terrorist groups,” a response to the bloc designating Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as a terror organization over its role in the crackdown. Lawmakers later chanted “Death to America!” and “Death to Israel!” during the session, as members donned Revolutionary Guard uniforms in solidarity with the force, which controls Iran’s ballistic missiles and answers directly to Khamenei.

President Trump has outlined two red lines for potential U.S. military action: the killing of peaceful protesters and the possible mass execution of detainees. He has also increasingly raised concerns over Iran’s nuclear program, noting that Tehran is engaging in talks to reach a “satisfactory” agreement, though he expressed uncertainty whether Iran would comply.

Meanwhile, Iran had planned live-fire military exercises on Sunday and Monday in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic passage for one-fifth of global oil trade, prompting warnings from the U.S. Central Command to avoid threatening American forces or commercial shipping.

“Some people think that [Iran would be emboldened if we don’t strike]. Some people don’t,” Trump said when asked about potential U.S. actions, signaling that Washington continues to weigh diplomatic and military options.

The standoff underscores growing volatility in the region as both sides signal readiness to defend national interests while the international community watches closely.

1...474849...826Page 48 of 826




Tutubi Digital News will shape up the way you stay up to date with the goings-on around Calabarzon, and the world. Tutubi is committed to keep you socially active. Tutubi updates on the Go!


Contact us:

info@tutubi.ph

Popular Posts

Popular category

PH News3538World News3446Asia1490Curiosity1035War Reports and Updates644

Developed by Tutubi News Magazine |Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions of Use | Cookie Policy | All rights reserved