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Palestinians flee northern Gaza as Israel orders 1 million to evacuate ahead of expected ground attack

Venus L Peñaflor
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Palestinians flee northern Gaza as Israel orders 1 million to evacuate ahead of expected ground attack

JERUSALEM. In an unprecedented move, Israel’s military issued an evacuation order for approximately 1 million Palestinians in northern Gaza on Friday. This order came ahead of an anticipated ground invasion aimed at targeting the ruling Hamas militant group. As the exodus began, the United Nations expressed grave concern over the massive displacement, which accounts for nearly half of Gaza’s population, and called on Israel to reconsider its decision.

The scenes in northern Gaza were filled with families and individuals frantically departing their homes in cars, trucks, and even donkey carts, laden with essential belongings and blankets. They were heading towards the southern part of the besieged territory. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes relentlessly pounded neighborhoods in southern Gaza, causing widespread destruction and chaos.

Hamas, the group responsible for launching a shocking and brutal attack on Israel nearly a week ago, which has resulted in the firing of thousands of rockets, urged residents to remain in their homes. They labeled the evacuation order as “psychological warfare” designed to undermine the unity of the Palestinian people. However, many Palestinians hesitated to leave their homes, as safety was far from guaranteed anywhere in the small territory due to constant bombardment by Israeli airstrikes. Furthermore, Gaza has been suffering from shortages of food, water, and medical supplies, compounded by a near-complete blackout of electricity.

Nebal Farsakh, a spokesperson for the Palestinian Red Crescent in Gaza City, emotionally stated, “Forget about food, forget about electricity, forget about fuel. The only concern now is just if you’ll make it, if you’re going to live.”

According to the Gaza Health Ministry, the week-long conflict has resulted in approximately 1,800 casualties in the territory, with more than half of them being children or women. Hamas’ initial assault on Israel last Saturday claimed over 1,300 lives, predominantly civilians, while the Israeli government reported that roughly 1,500 Hamas militants were killed during the fighting.

The ongoing hostilities have had far-reaching repercussions, with tensions escalating across the region. In recent days, Israel has exchanged fire with Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group, prompting concerns of a broader conflict. Nevertheless, as of now, the situation along that border remains relatively calm.

Hamas claims Israel’s intensive Gaza bombardment results in deaths of 13 hostages, including foreigners

Venus L Peñaflor
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Hamas claims Israel’s intensive Gaza bombardment results in deaths of 13 hostages, including foreigners

In the midst of escalating tensions in the Middle East, Hamas has reported that Israel’s relentless bombardment of the Gaza Strip has resulted in the tragic deaths of 13 hostages, among them foreigners. The hostage crisis adds further complexity to an already volatile situation in the region.

Weekly Muslim prayers on Friday triggered protests across the Middle East, while Jerusalem’s Old City remained a hotbed of unrest. The Islamic endowment responsible for managing the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, a flashpoint holy site in the city, announced that Israeli authorities had imposed a ban on Palestinian men under the age of 50 from entering the area.

The current crisis was ignited by Hamas’ attack, which saw their fighters carrying out a brutal assault that resulted in hundreds of casualties in southern Israel. Additionally, the group seized approximately 150 individuals, taking them as hostages to Gaza.

Hamas claims that Israel’s unrelenting airstrikes over the past day have resulted in the tragic deaths of 13 of the hostages. Although Hamas stated that foreigners were among the deceased, it did not provide information regarding their nationalities.

In response to these allegations, Israeli military spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari categorically denied Hamas’ claims, stating to Al-Jazeera Arabic, “We have our own information and do not believe the lies of Hamas.”

Israel announced on Thursday that it would prohibit the entry of supplies into Gaza until Hamas releases the hostages, further intensifying an already dire humanitarian situation in the besieged territory. The international community remains deeply concerned about the escalating crisis and its impact on innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.

Breaking story: Israel orders evacuation of 1.1 million people from northern Gaza, UN warns of humanitarian consequences

Venus L Peñaflor
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Breaking story: Israel orders evacuation of 1.1 million people from northern Gaza, UN warns of humanitarian consequences

JERUSALEM. Israel’s military has issued a directive for the evacuation of the northern part of Gaza, which is home to 1.1 million people, roughly half of the territory’s population, within the next 24 hours, according to a U.N. spokesperson.

This significant development has raised concerns of a potential ground offensive, although the Israeli military has not confirmed such a move yet. On Thursday, they announced preparations were underway, but a final decision remained pending.

The evacuation order comes amid Israel’s ongoing offensive against Hamas militants. U.N. spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric described the directive as “impossible” due to its potential “devastating humanitarian consequences.”

Israel had previously carried out extensive airstrikes in Gaza and had prepared for a possible ground invasion. They stated that the complete blockade of the territory would persist until Hamas militants released approximately 150 hostages taken during a violent incursion over the weekend.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Israel and the shipment of U.S. weapons have provided support for Israel’s response to Hamas’ attacks, even as international aid groups have raised concerns about a deepening humanitarian crisis. Israel has cut off the supply of essential goods and electricity to Gaza’s 2.3 million people and has blocked the entry of supplies from Egypt.

Lt. Col. Richard Hecht, an Israeli military spokesperson, revealed that forces are gearing up for a ground operation if political leaders give the order. However, such an operation in densely populated Gaza could lead to higher casualties on both sides.

Hamas’ attack on Saturday and subsequent attacks have resulted in over 1,300 casualties in Israel, including 247 soldiers, a toll not seen in decades. The Israeli bombardment has claimed the lives of more than 1,530 people in Gaza, with Israel asserting that around 1,500 of the casualties in Israel were Hamas militants.

As Israel continues airstrikes on Gaza, Hamas militants have launched thousands of rockets into Israel. Concerns are mounting that the conflict could escalate across the region, with Syrian state media reporting that Israeli airstrikes have disrupted two Syrian international airports.

The relentless assault on Gaza, involving approximately 6,000 munitions, has left Palestinians fleeing their homes in search of safety. Tragically, a strike in the Jabaliya refugee camp resulted in the collapse of a residential building where families were taking shelter, leading to at least 45 fatalities, including 23 individuals under the age of 18.

The number of people displaced due to airstrikes surged by 25% in a single day, reaching 423,000 out of a population of 2.3 million. Most sought refuge in U.N.-run schools, with families forced to limit their meals and face shortages of basic necessities.

The situation in Gaza has deteriorated rapidly, with hospitals overwhelmed by an influx of wounded individuals and supplies running low. Without electricity, hospitals risk becoming incapable of treating patients, further exacerbating the crisis.

Israel’s decision to seal off the territory has left the Egypt-Gaza crossing at Rafah as the sole entry and exit point. However, airstrikes on Rafah have halted its operations, impeding the flow of aid and fuel into Gaza.

Israel has employed a new tactic of targeting entire neighborhoods, rather than individual buildings, stating that these decisions are based on intelligence related to Hamas activities. Israel is focusing on eliminating Hamas’ senior leadership, according to military spokesperson Lt. Col. Richard Hecht.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to “crush” Hamas after the group’s incursion into Israel’s south, resulting in mass casualties, including children and civilians. Amid widespread grief and demands for retaliation, Israel is facing pressure to dismantle Hamas instead of confining it to Gaza.

In a video released by civilian Hamas figures, the group defended its actions and lamented the civilian deaths in Gaza caused by Israeli airstrikes. Nevertheless, they stopped short of the bravado displayed in a video released earlier by Hamas’s military wing during the initial attacks.

Israel is in a state of mourning, with numerous funerals held for victims of the attacks. Public anger over the Israeli military’s surprise attack is mounting, with criticism directed at the government’s handling of the situation.

As the conflict escalates, concerns grow about its potential impact on the region. The international community closely watches the evolving situation as diplomacy and efforts to mitigate the humanitarian crisis remain essential.

Bodies of the Abu Rayash family killed in Israeli shelling are loaded on the truck at Edwin Hospital in Rafah, Gaza strip, Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023. (AP Photo/Hatem Ali)

AP contributed to this story.

Sony’s innovative access controller for PlayStation revolutionizes gaming for individuals with disabilities

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Sony’s innovative access controller for PlayStation revolutionizes gaming for individuals with disabilities

SAN MATEO, Calif. Paul Lane, a passionate gamer, uses his mouth, cheek, and chin to navigate and control his virtual car in the thrilling “Gran Turismo” racetrack on the PlayStation 5. This unique method of gaming has been his go-to for the past 23 years, ever since a car accident left him with limited use of his fingers.

Playing video games has historically posed challenges for individuals with disabilities, primarily because the standard controllers for gaming consoles like PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo can be incredibly difficult, or even impossible, for those with limited mobility to operate. The inability to partake in gaming isn’t merely the loss of a cherished pastime; it can also deepen social isolation, a challenge already prevalent among the disabled community.

In a move to address this issue, Sony has introduced the Access controller for PlayStation, developed in consultation with accessibility experts and individuals like Lane. This controller represents the latest addition to the accessible-controller market, a realm encompassing contributions from large companies like Microsoft to innovative startups and even hobbyists equipped with 3D printers.

“I was heavily involved in sports before my injury,” shared Cesar Flores, 30, who has been using a wheelchair since a car accident eight years ago and also provided input to Sony regarding the controller. “I wrestled in high school, played football. I lifted weights and did all these little things. And even though I can still train in certain ways, there are physical activities that I can’t participate in anymore. When I play video games, it serves as a reminder that I’m still human. It tells me that I’m still one of the guys.”

Instead of relying on traditional controllers, Lane, who is 52 years old, switches to the Access controller, a round, customizable device that can be placed on a table or wheelchair tray. It can be configured in numerous ways, tailored to the specific needs of the user, including button and thumbstick customization, programming special controls, and linking two controllers to function as one. Lane steers his “Gran Turismo” car around the digital racetrack using the back of his hand on the controller.

He explained, “I have a unique gaming style, so it’s comfortable for me to use both hands when I play. To achieve this, I need to position the controllers in a way that allows me to use them without interfering with each other. Not only is it fantastic to be able to control the controllers, but the fact that this controller is ready to use right out of the box is great.”

Lane, along with other gamers, has collaborated with Sony since 2018 to help design the Access controller. The objective was to create a controller that could be adapted to cater to a wide range of requirements, rather than focusing on specific disabilities.

“Show me a person with multiple sclerosis, and I can show you someone who may have hearing or visual impairments or motor impairments,” said Mark Barlet, founder and executive director of the nonprofit AbleGamers. “So thinking in terms of a single disability label is not the way to go. It’s about the experience that players need to bridge the gap between a game and a controller that’s not designed for their unique perspective.”

Barlet’s organization has been advocating for gamers with disabilities for nearly two decades and provided assistance to both Sony and Microsoft in the development of accessible controllers. He noted that, with the advent of social media, gamers have been able to amplify their message and engage directly with creators, which was not possible in the past.

“In the past five years, I’ve seen the game accessibility movement evolve from indie studios working on a few features to major games that can be played by individuals who are blind,” he remarked. “It’s been an astonishing transformation in just five years.”

Microsoft, in a statement, expressed its encouragement for the positive reception of its Xbox Adaptive controller when it was introduced in 2018, highlighting the industry-wide push for increased accessibility.

The Access controller will be available worldwide starting on December 6, with a price of $90 in the United States.

Alvin Daniel, a senior technical program manager at PlayStation, explained that the device was designed with three key principles to maximize its adaptability to various players. First, the player does not need to physically hold the controller to use it. It can be positioned flat on a table, wheelchair tray, or mounted on a tripod, providing flexibility for different user scenarios. It was crucial for the controller to fit on a wheelchair tray because if it were to fall off, a player with limited mobility might be unable to retrieve it without assistance. Durability was also a priority to ensure the controller could withstand incidents like being run over by a wheelchair.

Second, pressing the buttons on the Access controller is considerably easier compared to a standard controller. The kit includes button caps in various sizes, shapes, and textures, allowing users to experiment with reconfiguring the controller to suit their needs. The third principle is the customization of thumbsticks, which can be adapted to the preferences of the user.

Since the Access controller can be operated with significantly less agility and strength than a standard PlayStation controller, it has the potential to be a gamechanger for another emerging demographic: aging gamers who may be grappling with ailments like arthritis.

Daniel remarked, “The last time I checked, the average age of a gamer was in their forties. And I have every expectation, speaking for myself, that they’ll want to continue to game, just as I’ll want to continue to game because it’s a source of entertainment for us.”

After his accident, Lane refrained from gaming for seven years. For someone who started playing video games as a young child on the Magnavox Odyssey, released in 1972, this hiatus left a significant void in his life.

Resuming gaming, even with the limitations of a standard controller, felt like being reunited with a long-lost friend. Lane acknowledged the positive social impact of gaming, how it brightened his outlook, and how it was a reminder that he was still part of a community despite his physical limitations.

“Everything changes,” he said. “The more you take away from us, the more isolated we become. Having gaming and the opportunity to game at an advanced level, to be able to play again, is like a reunion. It’s like reuniting with a close friend.”

The socially and culturally aware ‘Klasmeyt’

DC Alviar
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The socially and culturally aware ‘Klasmeyt’

It is said that the UAAP and NCAA member schools do not need much further marketing of their respective universities and colleges as active memberships in the two mother leagues are enough. Is that true?

No. It is good to note, though, that in the very depths of aspirations of and for young people, such aspirations have to be echoed and supported by professionals and educational institutions. First off, meet the myth:

University Athletic Association of the Philippines’ Adamson, Ateneo, FEU, La Salle, NU, UE, UP, and UST, and National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Arellano, Benilde, EAC, JRU, Letran, Lyceum, Mapua, Perpetual, San Beda, and San Sebastian may be the two major leagues of Filipino student-athletes today, but what they achieve are purely athletic. It has benefited thousands of student-athletes for decades, yet they do not comprise much of the student population. In other words, they have the starring role while the ordinary students are only out to support their campus stars. These stars — some superstars and household names when they graduate – continue to shine on the ordinary students and they all wanted to be associated with the starring role and championship runs of these athletes. Period. All things considered, is university life one that is inclusive daily? Not really. But it depends on many things, especially in the culture across campuses.

The student majority opinion is that: sana all. (Sometimes it is spelled “sene el” or “China oil” but it is a mere jargon used first by the young and also later by the not-so-young in wishing that everyone get the same benefit, treatment, or luck.)

Naglalambing, and not necessarily complaining, students call for and always try to demand inclusivity. Too general. Make it EDI or equity, diversity, and inclusion. Let us study the case of the “Klasmeyt Culture.”

When one is inside or near that one campus along San Marcelino Street in Ermita, every student calls another “classmate.” Check out their SMS or social media convo, chances are they call themselves “klasmeyt.” If one correctly spells it as “classmate,” the other feels there is something that creates a barrier. If “klasmeyt” is chatted instead, a sense of belonging is instantly felt. The chat becomes a reunion (an online reunion, how is that?) and their meetings become exchanges of passion and goals. Narratives of these and other “at home” students can be heard here. Professional basketball player Rodney Brondial adds: Fans call him “klasmeyt” and he gamely responds with words like “Oh, yes.” It is his acknowledgment of their commonality (i.e., they both belong to/come from the same campus) and he gets much-needed cheers and innermost support from mga klasmeyt (classmates, even if what they only mean is they are schoolmates).

Not only the cherished greetings, that culture of klasmeyt is a “movement… (in recognition of) the inherent worth and dignity of every individual and extending a hand of friendship, support, and acceptance,” which is why they finally unveiled it on October 11. They created some space on the internet for this movement not just for inclusivity, but also for competence, character, and charity. It is because they see and feel the need to expand the effort exerted by the government and private sector meant for social transformation. This time, however, it is not just “kasama ka sa pag-unlad,” but also “klasmeyts tayong lahat.” Philippine sociology calls it the challenge of modernity (David, n.d.). It is not a mere challenge for the mass media to be of help in the inclusivity call because practically all Filipinos have a newfound culture that goes beyond communicating what needs to be communicated, especially with students from diverse backgrounds. Our day-to-day tasks and, therefore, practical accomplishments mostly taken for granted, should unite us. Maki-klasmeyt or join a key sector of young people who treat classmates, schoolmates, and the already refined (instead of “educated”) people with equity and diversity, and inspire others to study life and work inclusively.

Desperation in Gaza deepens as Israel demands hostage release amid blockade of vital aid

Venus L Peñaflor
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Desperation in Gaza deepens as Israel demands hostage release amid blockade of vital aid

JERUSALEM. The Israeli military launched a relentless wave of airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, positioning itself for a possible ground invasion, and declared that the full blockade of the region, which has left Palestinians in dire need of food, fuel, and medicine, would remain in place until Hamas militants release approximately 150 hostages taken during a gruesome weekend incursion.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit, coupled with shipments of U.S. weaponry, effectively gave Israel the green light to intensify its retaliation in Gaza following Hamas’ deadly attack on civilians and soldiers. However, international aid organizations warned of a worsening humanitarian crisis. Israel halted the delivery of basic necessities and electricity to Gaza’s 2.3 million inhabitants and prevented the entry of supplies from Egypt.

Israeli Energy Minister Israel Katz stated on social media, “Not a single electricity switch will be flipped on, not a single faucet will be turned on, and not a single fuel truck will enter until the Israeli hostages are returned home.”

Lt. Col. Richard Hecht, an Israeli military spokesperson, revealed on Thursday that forces were “preparing for a ground maneuver” if political leaders give the order.

A ground offensive in Gaza, a densely populated area ruled by Hamas, measuring only 40 kilometers (25 miles) in length, would likely result in even higher casualties on both sides due to brutal house-to-house combat.

Hamas’ attack on Saturday resulted in the deaths of over 1,300 people in Israel, including 247 soldiers – a death toll unseen in Israel for decades. In the following Israeli bombardment, more than 1,530 people in Gaza were killed, according to authorities on both sides. Israel claimed that around 1,500 Hamas militants were killed inside Israel, with hundreds of casualties in Gaza being Hamas members. Thousands have been injured on both sides.

While Israel has pounded Gaza from the air, Hamas militants have fired thousands of rockets into Israel. Amid concerns that the conflict might spread throughout the region, Syrian state media reported that Israeli airstrikes on Thursday shut down two Syrian international airports.

The relentless onslaught on Gaza, which the military said has involved 6,000 munitions thus far, left Palestinians running through the streets, carrying their belongings, and seeking safety.

A strike on Thursday afternoon in the Jabaliya refugee camp brought down a residential building where families sought shelter, resulting in at least 45 casualties, according to Gaza’s Interior Ministry. At least 23 of the deceased were under the age of 18, including a month-old child.

The home belonged to the al-Shihab family and was filled with relatives who had fled bombings in other areas. Neighbors reported that a second house was struck at the same time, but the exact toll was not immediately known. The Israeli military did not respond immediately to a request for comment.

“We can’t flee because anywhere you go, you are bombed,” said one neighbor, Khalil Abu Yahia. “You need a miracle to survive here.”

By Wednesday night, approximately 340,000 people – roughly 15% of Gaza’s population – had fled their homes. Most crowded into U.N.-run schools, while others stayed with relatives or even strangers.

Families were forced to reduce their meals to one per day, said Rami Swailem, a 34-year-old lecturer at al-Azhar University, who had 32 relatives seeking shelter in his home. Water stopped flowing to the building two days ago, and they have been rationing the remaining water in a rooftop tank.

Gaza’s sole power station ran out of fuel on Wednesday and shut down, leaving only lights powered by scattered private generators.

Hospitals, overwhelmed by a continuous influx of wounded patients and running out of supplies, have only a few days’ worth of fuel left before their power is cut off, according to aid officials.

“Without electricity, hospitals risk turning into morgues,” warned Fabrizio Carboni, regional director of the International Committee of the Red Cross. Equipment such as newborn incubators, kidney dialysis machines, X-ray machines, and more, all rely on power.

Ambulance crews transporting bodies to Gaza’s largest hospital, Shifa, found no more space available in the morgue. Dozens of full body bags were lined up in the hospital’s parking lot. Health officials reported that fourteen healthcare facilities have been damaged in airstrikes.

With Israel imposing a blockade on the region, the only way in or out is through the crossing with Egypt at Rafah. However, Egypt’s Foreign Ministry stated that airstrikes on Rafah have prevented it from operating. Egypt has been attempting to persuade Israel and the United States to allow aid and fuel to pass through the crossing.

Israel has adopted a new tactic of leveling entire neighborhoods, rather than targeting individual buildings. Hecht, the military spokesperson, stated that targeting decisions were based on intelligence regarding locations used by Hamas and that civilians were given warnings.

“Right now, we are focused on taking out their senior leadership,” Hecht explained. The military indicated that the strikes have targeted Hamas’ elite Nukhba forces, including command centers used by the fighters in Saturday’s attack, as well as the home of a senior Hamas naval operative used for weapon storage.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to “crush” Hamas following the militants’ incursion into the country’s south on Saturday, where they killed hundreds of people, including children in their homes and young people at a music festival. Netanyahu claimed that Hamas’ atrocities included beheading soldiers and raping women, allegations that could not be independently verified immediately.

As grief and calls for vengeance sweep across the Israeli public, the government faces immense pressure to topple Hamas rather than continuing to contain it in Gaza.

In a video released on Thursday, civilian Hamas figures defended the group’s actions and lamented the civilian deaths in Gaza resulting from six days of Israeli airstrikes. The video conveyed a somber tone and lacked the bravado of a recording broadcast by Hamas’s military wing on Saturday, which hailed “the greatest battle” as the massacres were still taking place.

Basem Naim, a former Hamas government minister, claimed that in the “swift collapse” of the Israeli military on Saturday, “chaos prevailed and civilians found themselves in the middle of the confrontation.” This claim contradicts numerous videos and survivor accounts of Hamas militants deliberately targeting and killing civilians in Israel.

Naim added that there would be no action taken to free the 150 captives held in Gaza while Israel’s operation continued.

Funerals continued across Israel, and families of French-Israeli citizens who have been missing since the attack made emotional appeals for information.

“We don’t know if she is dead, if she is in Gaza. We don’t know anything. We haven’t heard anything,” said Doron Journo, whose 24-year-old daughter, Karin Journo, disappeared on Saturday.

Growing anger over Israeli military and intelligence failures in the surprise attack is being directed at Netanyahu’s far-right government, which has been pushing for a contentious legal overhaul that has divided the country and affected the military.

In what appears to be the first admission of fault from a government member, Israeli Education Minister Yoav Kisch told Israeli news outlet Ynet: “We are responsible. I, as a member of the government, am responsible. We were dealing with nonsense.”

Israel’s public diplomacy minister resigned, marking the first crack in Netanyahu’s government since the conflict began.

In four previous conflicts, Hamas remained firmly in control of the territory it has governed since 2007. Israel has mobilized 360,000 reservists, deployed forces near Gaza, and evacuated tens of thousands of residents from nearby communities. A new war Cabinet, including a long-time opposition politician, was sworn in on Thursday to oversee the conflict.

A senior Hamas official, Saleh Al-Arouri, warned on Thursday that any Israeli invasion of Gaza “will turn into a disaster for its army,” asserting that the group is prepared to respond.

Blinken’s visit underscored American support for Israel’s retaliation.

“You may be strong enough on your own to defend yourselves, but as long as America exists, you will never have to,” Blinken said after a meeting with Netanyahu in Tel Aviv.

Blinken also indicated that he told Netanyahu it was “so important to take every possible precaution to avoid harming civilians.”

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is expected to visit Israel on Friday.

7 pulis sa Cavite sinibak sa serbisyo matapos ang kontrobersyal na insidente

Arman B. Cambe
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7 pulis sa Cavite sinibak sa serbisyo matapos ang kontrobersyal na insidente

IMUS CITY, Cavite. Ipinasibak na ng Philippine National Police (PNP) si Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda, Jr. ang pitong pulis matapos ang kontrobersyal na insidente na kinasasangkutan nila. Ito ay kaugnay sa kanilang pagsalakay sa tahanan ng isang retiradong guro sa lungsod na ito noong Agosto 7, 2023.

Ayon kay PNP Public Information Office chief PCol. Jean Fajardo, pirmado na ni Gen. Acorda ang desisyon na pagsibak sa mga sumusunod na pulis: SSgt. Jesus Alday, SSgt. Julius Barbon, SSgt. Emil Buna, Cpl. Jenerald Cadiang, Cpl. Lew Amando Antonio, Pat. Reymel Czar Reyes, at Pat. Rene Mendoza. Natukoy na sila ay “guilty” sa anim na kaso ng grave misconduct, dalawang kaso ng less grave misconduct, isang kaso ng grave irregularity in the performance of duty, grave dishonesty, at conduct unbecoming of a police officer.

Binibigyan pa ng 10 araw ang pitong pulis para mag apela sa desisyon na ito. Gayunpaman, sila ay sasailalim pa rin sa pre-charge investigation kaugnay ng kaso ng neglect of duty sa ilalim ng command responsibility. Bukas naman sa kasong ito ang Chief of Police at Deputy Chief of Police ng Imus Police.

Nag-ugat ang kaso mula sa pagsalakay ng mga pulis sa tahanan ng retiradong guro na si Rebecca Caoile, 67 anyos, sa Barangay Alapan 1-A. Nahuli sa CCTV footage ang mga pulis na nagbibitbit ng mga gamit mula sa bahay ng biktima, kabilang ang mga gulong at rim ng motorsiklo, laptop, at halos P80,000 na pera.

Matatandaan na wala silang dalang search warrant o arrest warrant nang isagawa ang operasyon. Dahil dito, isinampa ang kaso ng robbery laban sa mga pulis.

Ang hakbang na ito ay nagpapakita ng pagtutok ng PNP sa pagpapanagot sa mga kapulisan na lumalabag sa batas at nagbibigay din ito ng babala sa mga pulis na sumunod sa tamang proseso at respetuhin ang karapatan ng mga mamamayan.

NASA unveils largest-ever asteroid sample, promising clues to the solar system’s origins

Venus L Peñaflor
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NASA unveils largest-ever asteroid sample, promising clues to the solar system’s origins

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. NASA proudly displayed its groundbreaking first-ever asteroid samples, recently delivered to Earth by a spacecraft. The samples consist of a mosaic of black dust and rubble, making it the most substantial asteroid material ever returned to our planet.

Initially, scientists had expected to collect just a cupful of asteroid material, but the exact quantity extracted from the carbon-rich asteroid known as Bennu, situated nearly 60 million miles (97 million kilometers) from Earth, remains uncertain. This is due to the fact that the main sample chamber remains sealed and unopened, as per officials during an event held at the Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Lead scientist of the mission, Dante Lauretta from the University of Arizona, explained that the analysis process has been deliberate and meticulous. Nevertheless, it has already begun to yield valuable scientific insights.

NASA’s Osiris-Rex spacecraft gathered these samples three years ago from the surface of Bennu. Last month, the spacecraft completed a flyby of Earth, delivering the sealed capsule containing the samples. Notably, the amount collected was far greater than the mere teaspoon or so that Japan managed to bring back from two previous missions.

The external edge of the internal sample chamber was observed to be scattered with black dust and particles, as reported by Lauretta. He emphasized that there is still an abundance of “extraterrestrial material” waiting to be examined. These samples are priceless as they constitute preserved building blocks from the early stages of the solar system’s formation.

Although attendees at the celebration held at the Johnson Space Center could only view photos and videos, the actual asteroid pieces were stored behind locked doors in a newly established lab at the space center. Access was restricted to scientists in protective gear.

In addition to carbon, the asteroid debris is found to contain water in the form of water-bearing clay minerals, as highlighted by Lauretta and other experts. These minerals may have played a pivotal role in delivering water to Earth billions of years ago, ultimately rendering our planet habitable.

One of the primary objectives of the $1 billion seven-year mission was to gain insights into the formation of the solar system, with a particular focus on Earth. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson underscored the significance of this mission, stating, “You can’t get more exciting than that.”

In 2020, Dante Lauretta and his team experienced an unfortunate setback when the lid of the sample container became jammed just days after the spacecraft collected the material. The container had vacuumed up such a large number of pieces from Bennu that small rocks had become lodged under the lid, preventing it from sealing properly and causing some pieces to drift into space.

As a result of this incident, scientists could not provide an accurate measurement of the material returning to Earth. However, they had estimated approximately 250 grams, roughly equivalent to a cupful, before the capsule’s successful landing in the Utah desert on September 24. A precise measurement will only be possible once the main sample container is opened, a process expected to take place within the next two weeks.

The material showcased during the event was mostly overflow from when the container lid was stuck open, before everything could be sealed inside the return capsule. The largest visible rocks were less than an inch (2.5 centimeters) in size.

Francis McCubbin, NASA’s astromaterials curator, noted that the team already has a considerable amount of sample material to work with, even without accessing the main sample container.

Once the samples are properly archived, they will be distributed to researchers around the world for analysis. A substantial portion will be retained for future investigations when advanced technology becomes available.

In a related development, NASA has another spacecraft prepared for launch from a Florida launch pad later this week. This spacecraft is set to explore a rare metallic asteroid named Psyche, although no samples will be collected or returned.

Experts: PH intel agency at Comelec, biktima rin ng cyberattack

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Experts: PH intel agency at Comelec, biktima rin ng cyberattack

MAYNILA. Dalawang ahensya pa ng gobyerno ang naging biktima ng data breaches, kasunod ng mga kamakailang cyber attack sa Philippine Statistics Authority at Philippine Health Insurance Corp., ayon sa mga technology experts.

Ayon sa pahayag ni PH Data Ethics founder Dominic Vincent Ligot, ang ransomware attacks sa mga nabanggit na ahensya ng pamahalaan ay malinaw na gawa ng mga cybercriminal upang magnakaw. Ang mga matagumpay na ransomware attempts ay karaniwang inilalalathala sa mga dark web blogs upang ipagyabang.

“I-a-attack nila ‘yung system mo tapos maniningil sila… Ito nasingil namin, ito hindi,” pahayag ni Ligot sa isang panayam.

Ayon kay Ligot, may pangalawang uri ng hacker na nais lamang ipakita ang kahinaan ng cybersecurity system ng isang ahensiya. Itinuro niya na ang PSA data breach ay maaaring isang gawain ng “second type of hacker,” lalo na’t wala namang ransom na hinihingi.

Maliban sa PSA, ayon kay Ligot, may dalawang pang ahensya ng gobyerno na biktima rin ng mga cybercriminal. “May dalawa pang ahensya na hindi pa naisisiwalat. Pabayaan na natin ang mga ahensya na sila ang mag-anunsyo. Sila ay mga pangunahing ahensya,” dagdag pa ni Ligot.

Isinama ni Ligot sa mga datos na umano’y na-leak sa dark web ang mga confidential documents mula sa National Intelligence Coordinating Agency at mga emails mula sa mga opisina ng pamahalaan.

Binanggit rin niya ang mga naunang insidente ng high-profile hackings, kabilang ang pagnanakaw ng 77 milyong rekord mula sa website ng Commission on Elections noong 2016. Karaniwan ding target ng mga cybercriminal ang mga website ng mga lokal na pamahalaang bayan.

Dagdag pa ni Ligot, ang ulat ukol sa hacking incident ng PhilHealth ay dahil diumano sa nag-expire na anti-virus at security software. “Ang sabi hindi raw lumusot sa procurement ‘yung approval. Iniisip ko, parang napaka-tragic naman kung ‘yun ang rason. Hindi lang na-approve ‘yung procurement ng anti-virus mo, ngayon naikalat na ‘yung data ng taumbayan,” ani Ligot.

Gayunpaman, hindi nagustuhan ni Ligot ang tila bahagyang pagkabahala lamang ni PhilHealth President at Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. hinggil sa Medusa ransomware hack. “Sorry na lang to PhilHealth pero on the day of the release, mismong presidente nila nagsabi: ‘Tignan na lang natin kung ano ang lalabas.’ Kumbaga, tila hinahamon pa nila si Medusa, feeling nila bina-bluff lang ni Medusa ‘yung release. Wag po tayong ganun. Let’s treat these things seriously,” saad ni Ligot.

Nabanggit din ni Ligot na maaaring na-leak ang mga data records tulad ng mga emails, birthdays, passwords, at mga numero ng telepono.

Musk’s X cracks down on Hamas-linked accounts, faces scrutiny amid Israel-Hamas conflict

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Musk’s X cracks down on Hamas-linked accounts, faces scrutiny amid Israel-Hamas conflict

LONDON. Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, has taken extensive measures to remove hundreds of Hamas-linked accounts and either remove or label thousands of pieces of content since the outbreak of the conflict involving the militant group’s attacks on Israel, as stated by the CEO of the company formerly known as Twitter.

Linda Yaccarino provided an overview of X’s efforts to combat illegal content proliferating on the platform. Her response came following a request from a prominent European Union official earlier this week, seeking information on how X is complying with the EU’s stringent new digital regulations during the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

“X is proportionately and effectively evaluating and addressing identified fake and manipulated content during this continuously evolving and shifting crisis,” Yaccarino mentioned in a letter to European Commissioner Thierry Breton, the digital enforcer of the 27-nation bloc.

The conflict has brought an inundation of photos and videos to social media platforms, depicting the devastation, including harrowing footage of Hamas fighters holding terrified Israelis hostage. Simultaneously, users have been posting false claims and misrepresenting videos from unrelated events.

The platform’s dynamics have shifted since Musk’s acquisition last year. Changes include allowing accounts that subscribe to X’s blue-check service to earn money if their posts go viral, creating a financial incentive to share content that garners the most attention. Additionally, X’s workforce, including its content moderation team, has been significantly reduced.

These changes now collide with the EU’s Digital Services Act, which became effective in August. The legislation obliges social media companies to intensify their content monitoring efforts on their platforms, particularly concerning illegal content like terrorist material or hate speech, under the threat of substantial fines.

Yaccarino emphasized, “There is no place on X for terrorist organizations or violent extremist groups, and we continue to remove such accounts in real-time, including proactive efforts.”

X has undertaken measures to “remove or label tens of thousands of pieces of content,” Yaccarino stated. She also highlighted the existence of 700 unique Community Notes, a feature enabling users to add their fact-checks to posts, all related to the attacks and unfolding events.

The platform has been swift in its response and has acted diligently and objectively in addressing takedown requests from law enforcement agencies worldwide, including over 80 such requests from EU member states, according to Yaccarino.

Following Musk’s acquisition of Twitter and its subsequent renaming, experts have observed that the platform has not only become less reliable but actively promotes false information. A study commissioned by the EU has found that it ranks as the poorest-performing platform concerning online disinformation.

Rival social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook are also grappling with a deluge of unverified rumors and misinformation related to the Middle Eastern conflict, perpetuating the challenge that arises each time a significant news event captures global attention.

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