Thursday, August 13, 2026


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Japan, negdeklara ng unang monkeypox virus death

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TOKYO, Japan. Ipinahayag ng Ministry of Health sa Japan na namatay ang isang lalaking 30 anyos dahil sa mpox. Ito ang unang kaso ng pagkamatay sa bansa mula sa viral na sakit na dating tinatawag na monkeypox.

Ayon sa ministry, ang nabanggit na lalaki ay naninirahan sa Saitama Prefecture, hilaga ng Tokyo. Sinabi rin ng ministry na siya ay nahawahan din ng HIV virus at isang immunocompromised.

Ang mpox ay isang viral na impeksyon na nagdudulot ng mga sintomas tulad ng lagnat at pantal. Maraming pasyente ang may mga bahagyang sintomas at nagpapagaling nang natural. Ngunit sinasabing may panganib ng malubhang sakit ang mga bata, buntis na kababaihan, at mga taong mababa ang immunity.

Ang unang kaso ng mpox sa Japan ay kinumpirma noong Hulyo ng nakaraang taon. Ayon sa health ministry, 227 na kaso ang naitala hanggang Disyembre 3.

Ang virus ay maaaring maipasa sa tao sa pamamagitan ng pakikipag-ugnayan sa dugo o iba pang body fluids ng mga nahawahan, o mahabang exposure sa mga droplet sa malapit na distansya.

Hinimok ng health ministry ang mga tao na sundin ang pangunahing mga hakbang kontra impeksyon tulad ng pagsasanitize ng kanilang mga kamay, at kumunsulta sa mga medical institutions kung sila ay magkaroon ng lagnat, pantal, o iba pang sintomas ng mpox.

Ayon kay Professor Morikawa Shigeru ng Okayama University of Science, ang rate ng mortalidad para sa mga pasyenteng may mpox ay sinasabing mas mababa sa 1 porsyento.

Alamin ang mga uri ng bawal na paputok bago pumasok ang New Year 2024

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Bilang bahagi ng paghahanda para sa nalalapit na pagdiriwang ng Pasko at Bagong Taon, inilabas ng Philippine National Police (PNP) ang bagong listahan ng mga ipinagbabawal na paputok.

Ang impormasyon ay ipinarating ng kapulisan sa programa ng UNTV na “Sumbong N’yo, Aksyon Agad” nitong Martes, kung saan ipinaliwanag ang panganib na kaakibat ng paggamit ng ilang uri ng paputok. Narito ang ilan sa mga bawal na paputok:

  • Watusi
  • Piccolo
  • Poppop
  • Five star
  • Pla-pla
  • Lolo thunder
  • Giant bawang
  • Giant whistle bomb
  • Atomic bomb
  • Super lolo
  • Atomic triangle
  • Goodbye bading
  • Large-size judas belt
  • Boga
  • Kwiton
  • Goodbye Philippines
  • Goodbye Delima
  • Bin Laden
  • Hello Columbia
  • Mother Rockets
  • Coke-in-Can
  • Super Yolanda
  • Pillbox
  • Mother Rockets

Binigyang-diin ng PNP ang delikadong kalagayan ng mga tinatawag na “primary explosives,” na masyadong sensitibo at maaring sumabog sa simpleng kiskisan, pagkakabangga, o init. Paalala ng kapulisan, nagpapalit-palit ang pangalan ng iligal na paputok upang maiwasan ang pagkakakilanlan, ngunit pareho pa rin ang komposisyon ng mga ito.

Unang inilabas ng otoridad ang listahan ng mga ligal na paputok at pailaw, kasama ang mga sumusunod:

  • Baby rocket
  • Bawang
  • El Diablo
  • Judas’ belt
  • Paper caps
  • “Pulling of strings”
  • Sky rocket (kwitis)
  • Small “triangulo”
  • Butterfly
  • Fountain
  • Jumbo, regular, at special luces
  • Mabuhay
  • Roman Candle
  • Sparklers
  • Trompillo
  • Whistle device

Noong buwan ding ito, inilabas ng Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) ang listahan ng mga sertipikadong paputok upang gabayan ang mga mamimili sa pagpili ng ligtas na paingay ngayong Bagong Taon.

Sa tala ng Department of Health, umabot sa 300 ang kaso ng mga sugatang kaugnay ng paputok noong nakaraang New Year at holiday season. Patuloy na iniuudyok ng DOH ang publiko na iwasan ang paggamit ng paputok at sa halip ay gumamit ng mas ligtas na paraan ng pagdiriwang.

BOC sa publiko: Mag ingat sa parcel at love scams

Naglabas ng babala ang Bureau of Customs (BOC) nitong Miyerkules hinggil sa lumalalang mga parcel at love scams sa panahon ng kapaskuhan.

“Ingat po sa mga tawag, mensahe, o email na nagsasabing may hinihintay na package o parcel mula sa BOC at kinakailangan ng bayaran sa personal bank account o money remittance para ma-release ito,” pahayag ng BOC.

Dagdag pa, binabalaan ng BOC ang publiko tungkol sa posibleng panggagaya ng mga scammer, anila, “Nagpapanggap umanong foreigner o tauhan ng BOC ang mga scammer.”

Nagbigay rin ng paalala ang BOC sa publiko tungkol sa tamang paraan ng pagbabayad ng duties at tax, na kailangang bayaran sa BOC cashier o sa mga Authorized Agent Banks (AAB).

“Ang pagbabayad ng customs duties at taxes ay maaari lamang gawin sa BOC cashier o sa mga Authorized Agent Banks (AAB),” ayon sa pahayag ng BOC.

Dagdag pa ng ahensya, “Sa kaso ng pagiging biktima ng ganitong klase ng panloloko, i-check muna ang website para tiyakin kung akreditado ang nasabing courier o forwarder. “Maari rin po kayong makipag-ugnayan sa BOC para tiyakin kung lehitimo o pekeng impormasyon ang resibo, tracking number, at iba pang dokumentong inyong natanggap.”

Para sa karagdagang impormasyon, maaaring kontakin ang BOC sa landline na 8705-6000 at email na boc.cares@customs.gov.ph. Bisitahin ang opisyal na website ng BOC sa http://customs.gov.ph.

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.