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Gatchalian-led majority kinilala ng CSC, 16 boto kailangan para sa impeachment ni VP Sara

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Gatchalian-led majority kinilala ng CSC, 16 boto kailangan para sa impeachment ni VP Sara

MAYNILA — Kinikilala na ng Civil Service Commission (CSC) at iba pang kaukulang awtoridad ang Gatchalian-led majority bloc sa Senado, ayon kay Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, na nagsabing dapat malinaw sa mga empleyado ng Upper House kung sino ang dapat sundin sa kasalukuyang liderato.

Sa panayam sa DZMM, sinabi ni Lacson na ang pagkilalang ito ng CSC, Malacañang, at Kamara sa liderato na pinangungunahan ni Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian ay nagpapakita na ang mga direktiba mula sa minority bloc ay maaaring magdulot lamang ng kalituhan sa institusyon.

Ayon kay Sen. Panfilo Lacson, malinaw na itinuturing ng mga pangunahing institusyon ng pamahalaan ang kasalukuyang pamunuan ng Senado, na aniya ay nagpapahina sa mga hakbang ng kabilang panig na pinamumunuan ni dating Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano.

Sinabi rin ni Lacson na nagiging sanhi ng kalituhan sa hanay ng mga kawani ng Senado ang mga magkasalungat na utos mula sa magkabilang panig ng Kamara.

16 boto kinakailangan para sa impeachment conviction

Samantala, nilinaw ni acting Senate President Win Gatchalian na kailangan ang 16 boto upang mahatulan at ma-convict si Vice President Sara Duterte sa impeachment trial, alinsunod sa itinakda ng 1987 Constitution.

Ayon kay Gatchalian, malinaw sa Article XI, Section 3(6) na kinakailangan ang two-thirds vote ng lahat ng miyembro ng Senado upang makapaghatol ng conviction. Dahil nakapirmi sa 24 ang bilang ng mga senador, nananatili aniya sa 16 boto ang kinakailangang threshold, anuman ang dumalo sa paglilitis.

Dagdag niya, hindi mababago ang bilang ng kinakailangang boto batay sa dami ng presenteng senador, kung sino ang namumuno sa impeachment court, o kung aling grupo ang mayorya sa Senado.

Sa kasalukuyan, binubuo ng 24 na senador ang Mataas na Kapulungan, kabilang ang mga kasapi ng magkakaibang bloke. Ilan sa mga mambabatas na tinutukoy sa mga ulat ay sina Sherwin Gatchalian, Kiko Pangilinan, at Chiz Escudero, habang kabilang din sa mga nabanggit sa komposisyon ng Senado sina Jinggoy Estrada at Ronald dela Rosa.

Itinakda ng impeachment court sa ilalim ng pamumuno ni Gatchalian ang pre-trial conference sa Hunyo 18, kung saan inatasan ang kampo ni Vice President Sara Duterte at ang House prosecution panel na magsumite ng kanilang pre-trial briefs sa Hunyo 15. Nakatakda naman umanong magsimula ang trial proper sa Hulyo 6, 2026.

Iminungkahi rin ni Gatchalian ang posibilidad na isang lawyer-senator ang mamuno sa impeachment trial, alinsunod sa umiiral na mga patakaran ng Senado. Sa ilalim ng tradisyon, ang Senate President ang namumuno sa impeachment court maliban kung ang Pangulo ng Pilipinas ang nililitis.

Bilang acting Senate President, iginiit ni Gatchalian na siya ang mangangasiwa sa impeachment proceedings laban kay Vice President Duterte habang nagpapatuloy ang mga paghahanda para sa paglilitis.

Bill Gates tells Congress Epstein used knowledge of affairs to pressure him

Venus L Peñaflor
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Bill Gates tells Congress Epstein used knowledge of affairs to pressure him

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates told members of Congress on Wednesday that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein attempted to pressure him by leveraging information about his extramarital affairs, while acknowledging that he underestimated the extent of Epstein’s criminal conduct when they associated on philanthropic matters.

In testimony before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, Gates said he never witnessed criminal behavior by Epstein and that his interactions with the financier were related to discussions about charitable initiatives and fundraising for the Gates Foundation.

“I did not fully understand the extent of Epstein’s crimes,” Gates said in an opening statement released ahead of his testimony. He added that Epstein sought to use information about his personal affairs, along with what Gates described as false claims, to persuade him to resume contact.

“These affairs had nothing to do with my interactions with Epstein, but they were painful for my family,” Gates said. “Epstein was working to use information about my infidelities, in addition to many lies that he layered on top, to pressure me to re-engage with him.”

The testimony comes as Congress continues its examination of the U.S. Justice Department’s handling of investigations and prosecutions involving Epstein and his longtime associate, Ghislaine Maxwell. The House committee is reviewing issues that include plea agreements, law enforcement actions, sex trafficking investigations, ethics concerns, and the release of government records related to the case.

Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer, a Republican from Kentucky, requested Gates’ appearance in a March letter seeking information about the billionaire’s contacts with Epstein.

According to documents released by the Justice Department earlier this year, Gates and Epstein met multiple times following Epstein’s 2008 conviction on a Florida state prostitution-related charge. Records indicate the discussions focused on philanthropy and efforts to expand Gates’ charitable work.

The documents also included photographs showing Gates with several women whose identities were redacted. Gates has previously maintained that his interactions with Epstein were limited to philanthropic discussions and has publicly stated that meeting with Epstein was a mistake.

A spokesperson for the Gates Foundation told Reuters that Gates “took responsibility for his actions” during a February town hall meeting with foundation employees. The foundation has also launched an external review of its past interactions with Epstein, according to statements released earlier this year.

Emails disclosed by the Justice Department reportedly showed communications between Epstein and Gates Foundation staff, further drawing scrutiny to the relationship.

Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to a Florida state felony prostitution charge and served 13 months in jail. In 2019, federal prosecutors charged him with sex trafficking minors. He pleaded not guilty and died in a New York jail later that year before standing trial. His death was officially ruled a suicide.

The broader congressional investigation follows the Justice Department’s release of millions of pages of records related to Epstein, shedding light on his connections to prominent figures in politics, business, finance, and academia.

Among those named in released records was President Donald Trump, who had social ties with Epstein during the 1990s and early 2000s. The release of the files has fueled renewed debate over government transparency and accountability in the handling of the Epstein investigation.

Former Attorney General Pam Bondi, who was dismissed by Trump in April, also faced criticism from some observers over her handling of matters related to the Epstein case. Critics alleged that decisions surrounding the release of information may have limited public scrutiny of individuals connected to Epstein.

Congressional investigators continue to review the government’s actions throughout the Epstein case as lawmakers seek answers regarding prosecutorial decisions, investigative procedures, and the broader response to allegations of sex trafficking and abuse.

Aftershocks humahadlang sa recovery matapos ang 7.8 na lindol sa Mindanao

Venus L Peñaflor
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Aftershocks humahadlang sa recovery matapos ang 7.8 na lindol sa Mindanao

GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Patuloy ang pagyanig sa southern Philippines na lalong nagpapahirap sa rescue at recovery operations matapos ang 7.8-magnitude na lindol noong Lunes na ikinamatay ng hindi bababa sa 45 katao, nag-iwan ng 17 nawawala, at nagpalikas sa libo-libong residente.

Sa General Santos City, isang partially collapsed na tatlong palapag na grocery store ang muling niyanig ng malakas na aftershock noong Miyerkules, dahilan upang magtakbuhan palabas ang nasa 30 rescuers kabilang ang mga bumbero at coast guard personnel. Ayon sa mga ulat, bumagsak pa ang ilang debris mula sa nakatagilid na gusali habang isinasagawa ang headcount sa mga nasa loob.

Isang safety officer ang nag-whistle at nagbigay babala upang agad na makalayo ang mga rescuer mula sa peligro.

“It was a strong aftershock and an alarm was immediately sounded so those inside and under the damaged building can run out for a headcount,” ayon kay Ressa Mia Tactaquin-Betoya, tagapagsalita ng mga bumbero na naghahanap pa rin sa isang nawawalang empleyado sa loob ng gusali.

Dagdag niya, mahalaga ang agarang paglikas ng mga tauhan dahil sa panganib ng karagdagang pagguho. “It was scary because we don’t want our rescuers to be harmed so the area must be secured before they can go back in,” aniya.

Ayon sa Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, higit 2,100 aftershocks na ang naitala mula noong pangunahing lindol, kabilang ang ilan na umabot sa magnitude 6.4 na sapat upang magdulot ng karagdagang pinsala at posibleng casualties.

Mahigit 25,000 katao ang pansamantalang nanunuluyan sa 45 evacuation centers sa takot na bumalik sa kanilang mga tahanan.

Ang lindol noong Lunes ay isa sa pinakamalalakas na tumama sa bansa sa nakalipas na kalahating siglo. Umabot sa 630 ang sugatan at mahigit 3,100 bahay, 29 kalsada, 11 tulay, at higit 100 government buildings ang napinsala.

Apektado rin ang operasyon ng General Santos International Airport na pansamantalang isinara para sa lahat ng commercial flights maliban sa government at military aircraft na nagdadala ng tulong at disaster response teams, ayon sa Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.

Tinatayang 6,000 pampublikong paaralan sa mga apektadong lugar ang kailangan pang masuri bago makapagbalik-eskuwela. Nangyari ang lindol sa unang araw ng klase matapos ang bakasyon, dahilan upang maraming estudyante ang kabilang sa mga nasugatan habang nasa flag ceremony.

Karamihan sa mga nasawi ay dahil sa bumagsak na debris at landslide sa General Santos at karatig na lalawigan ng Sarangani, South Cotabato, at Davao Occidental.

May naitalang isang nasawi matapos tangayin ng alon sa dagat kasunod ng lindol, kung saan umabot sa 1.4 metro ang taas ng tubig sa ilang bahagi ng baybayin. May mas maliliit na alon din na umabot sa Indonesia, Palau, at southern Japan bago tuluyang alisin ang tsunami warnings.

Samantala, pitong swimmers malapit sa General Santos ang tinangay ng malakas na agos matapos ang pagyanig. Tatlo ang nasagip ng coast guard, isa ang nakalangoy pabalik sa dalampasigan, isa ang nalunod, at dalawa pa ang patuloy na pinaghahanap.


US strikes Iran as Tehran fires back; Trump says Iran will ‘pay the price’ for stalled talks

EDGARDO HERNAL
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US strikes Iran as Tehran fires back; Trump says Iran will ‘pay the price’ for stalled talks

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The United States launched airstrikes against targets in Iran early Wednesday, prompting retaliatory attacks by Tehran against countries hosting American military forces in the Middle East, further straining efforts to end the months-long conflict.

U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Iran would “pay the price” for stalled peace negotiations, hours after Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan reported coming under Iranian fire. The latest exchange marked the second major flare-up this week, raising concerns about the durability of a two-month ceasefire that has repeatedly come under pressure.

Trump’s comments underscored the uncertainty surrounding diplomatic efforts. Earlier this week, he expressed optimism that an agreement to end the conflict could be reached within days. However, Wednesday’s escalation highlighted the continuing challenges facing negotiators.

Iran has remained defiant despite weeks of sustained military pressure. Analysts note that Tehran continues to view its ability to disrupt traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil and natural gas shipments, as a significant strategic advantage.

While both Washington and Tehran appear interested in ending the conflict, major obstacles remain. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has continued to advocate for broader objectives, including dismantling Iran’s nuclear program, weakening Iranian-backed militant groups, and increasing pressure on Iran’s governing system.

The conflict, which began after U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran on February 28, has had significant economic repercussions. Global energy prices have surged, with Brent crude oil climbing above $92 per barrel, representing an increase of more than 25 percent since hostilities began.

According to U.S. Central Command, American fighter jets targeted Iranian air defense systems, ground control facilities, and surveillance radar installations. Iranian authorities confirmed strikes near Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island but did not immediately disclose the extent of the damage.

U.S. military officials described the operation as a proportional response to recent attacks on American forces and international commercial vessels operating in regional waters.

Iranian officials vowed retaliation. Tehran later claimed responsibility for attacks targeting Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan.

Jordan reported intercepting five incoming missiles allegedly aimed at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, a facility known to host U.S. military aircraft, including F-35 fighter jets. Authorities said no casualties were reported. Bahrain and Kuwait also announced that incoming projectiles had been intercepted.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the U.S. strikes as a violation of Iranian sovereignty and reiterated Tehran’s right to self-defense during discussions with officials from Turkey and Saudi Arabia. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei later said Tehran would reassess its position on ongoing peace negotiations following the latest attacks.

The renewed hostilities came a day after a U.S. Army attack helicopter crashed near the Strait of Hormuz following a collision with an Iranian drone, according to a U.S. official familiar with the investigation. Both crew members were rescued and were not injured.

Despite the escalating conflict, diplomatic differences remain the primary obstacle to a settlement. The United States continues to demand that Iran surrender its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, which Washington views as a proliferation risk. Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful and has rejected the demand while seeking sanctions relief and the release of frozen assets.

Trump renewed pressure on Tehran through a social media post, accusing Iran of delaying negotiations and warning of consequences if an agreement is not reached.

Meanwhile, tensions have also intensified elsewhere in the region. Iran has maintained that any peace arrangement must address fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel, however, has continued military operations against Hezbollah positions.

The Israeli military reported conducting multiple strikes in southern Lebanon over the past day. Lebanese state media said an airstrike on a village east of Tyre killed at least six people.

Regional security concerns also extended to major shipping lanes. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center reported that armed personnel aboard a cargo vessel in the Gulf of Aden repelled an attack by gunmen operating from a small boat. No group immediately claimed responsibility, though Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have previously threatened to resume attacks on vessels linked to Israel.

Separately, maritime authorities reported a fire aboard a tanker in the Gulf of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz. One person was injured and two others were reported missing. The cause of the incident remains under investigation.

As military operations continue across multiple fronts, uncertainty remains over whether diplomatic efforts can prevent a broader regional conflict.

DOJ orders NBI task force probe into drowning deaths of two Ateneo basketball players

Venus L Peñaflor
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DOJ orders NBI task force probe into drowning deaths of two Ateneo basketball players

MANILA — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to create a special task force to investigate the deaths of two Ateneo de Manila University basketball players who drowned during a team-building activity in Aurora province.

The victims were identified as Rene Clert Baterbonia, 19, an incoming Ateneo Blue Eagles rookie, and Divine Adili, 21, a Nigerian student-athlete. Both were members of Ateneo’s men’s basketball program.

According to initial reports from police authorities, the incident occurred on June 8 in Dipaculao, Aurora, where the team was conducting a team-building activity. Authorities said the players were swept by strong currents while in the water. These findings remain preliminary and are subject to further investigation.

In a directive issued by the DOJ, the NBI was instructed to form a task force that will conduct a thorough and impartial inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The move effectively elevates the investigation to the national level alongside ongoing police inquiries.

Local police units under Police Regional Office 3 previously said there was no initial indication of foul play based on witness accounts gathered at the scene. However, investigators stressed that all aspects of the incident remain under review as evidence is still being collected.

Authorities are also examining the planning and safety conditions surrounding the activity, including supervision and risk management measures, as part of standard procedures in determining the full context of the incident.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group has likewise been assisting in the broader fact-finding efforts.

Ateneo de Manila University confirmed the deaths in an official statement and expressed grief over the loss of the two student-athletes. The university asked for privacy for the families and extended condolences to teammates, coaches, and the wider community.

The incident has drawn widespread reactions from the Philippine sports community, including expressions of sympathy from collegiate sports organizations, basketball stakeholders, and supporters.

While the incident has been widely referred to on social media as occurring in Baler, official reports identify Dipaculao as the specific municipality in Aurora province where the drowning took place.

The DOJ-led NBI task force and police investigators are expected to release further updates as the inquiry progresses.

This is a developing story.

Umakyat sa 38 ang nasawi sa magnitude 7.8 lindol sa Mindanao

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Umakyat sa 38 ang nasawi sa magnitude 7.8 lindol sa Mindanao

MAYNILA — Umabot na sa 38 ang bilang ng mga nasawi sa magnitude 7.8 na lindol na tumama sa Sarangani noong Lunes, ayon sa Office of Civil Defense (OCD).

Ayon sa OCD, nananatili sa apat ang bilang ng mga nawawala, habang pumalo na sa 478 ang bilang ng mga sugatan.

“Ito ang update natin as of 3 p.m. In terms of casualty, 38 na po ang reported dead casualty. Mayroon pa rin pong apat na missing, at 478 injured individuals,” pahayag ni Civil Defense Deputy Administrator for Administration Asec. Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV.

Batay sa ulat ng ahensya, pinakaapektado pa rin ang General Santos City at mga lalawigan ng Sarangani at South Cotabato, kung saan naitala ang pinakamaraming casualty, displacement, at pinsala sa mga bahay at imprastruktura.

“Most affected areas pa rin in terms of casualties, displacement, damage to houses and infrastructures ay General Santos City at ang mga probinsya ng Sarangani at South Cotabato,” dagdag ni Alejandro.

Samantala, umabot na sa mahigit P562.8 milyon ang tinatayang pinsala sa imprastruktura sa Davao Region at SOCCSKSARGEN, ayon sa OCD.

“So far ang reported sa atin ay P562.8 million ang infrastructure damages sa dalawang regions, Regions 11 and 12,” ani Alejandro.

Patuloy naman ang malawakang search, rescue at retrieval operations sa mga apektadong lugar.

“As of 3 p.m., may 2,784 personnel na ang naka-deploy mula sa Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, at Bureau of Fire Protection,” dagdag pa niya.

Ayon sa OCD, patuloy ang pag-validate ng mga ulat sa pinsala at posibleng madagdagan pa ang bilang ng mga biktima habang nagpapatuloy ang operasyon sa mga apektadong komunidad.

Eight crested ibises released in Japan decades after extinction

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Eight crested ibises released in Japan decades after extinction

HAKUI, Japan — Eight crested ibises were released into the wild in a north-central Japanese town, marking a significant conservation milestone decades after the species went extinct in the country.

The birds were set free during a ceremony in Hakui city in the Noto region, the last known area where the species was recorded in the wild. Residents and local officials observed as the ibises emerged from individual wooden cages and flew over the surrounding landscape.

Known locally as Toki, the crested ibis is native to East Asia and is distinguished by its white plumage, orange-pink wing feathers, and bright red facial markings.

The species disappeared from Japan’s main island of Honshu in the 1970s due to overhunting and habitat loss. The last native Japanese crested ibis died in 2003 on Sado Island.

Their reintroduction has been made possible through a decades-long captive breeding program supported by international cooperation, including breeding assistance from China. A successful captive breeding pair established in 1999 helped rebuild Japan’s population in controlled environments.

Since 2008, conservationists have gradually released the birds back into the wild. Current estimates place the wild population at around 500 individuals.

Officials said the latest release in Hakui also carries symbolic importance for the region, which is still recovering from a major earthquake in 2024.

Authorities continue to monitor additional birds scheduled for future releases as part of the ongoing restoration program.

The birds were set free during a ceremony in Hakui city in the Noto region, the last known area where the species was recorded in the wild. Residents and local officials observed as the ibises emerged from individual wooden cages and flew over the surrounding landscape.

Kenyan police disperse protests over US Ebola quarantine facility

Venus L Peñaflor
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Kenyan police disperse protests over US Ebola quarantine facility

NANYUKI, Kenya — Kenyan police fired tear gas and water cannon on Tuesday to disperse hundreds of protesters opposing the construction of a U.S.-backed Ebola quarantine facility at the Laikipia Air Base, a project that has drawn mounting legal and public opposition.

The planned 50-bed isolation unit, intended for Americans exposed to Ebola, has sparked anger among residents who accuse Washington of shifting the burden of managing exposure cases from outbreaks in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. Authorities have continued building the facility despite court orders halting further work.

Demonstrators gathered in multiple parts of Nanyuki, a town adjacent to the military base where the facility is being developed. Some waved Kenyan flags, while others carried placards rejecting the project. Police detained at least 10 people during the dispersal, according to a Reuters witness.

Tensions have escalated in the area following earlier protests in which two people were killed last week. Residents say uncertainty surrounding the project has disrupted daily life and affected tourism activity linked to nearby attractions, including Mount Kenya and wildlife conservancies.

Protesters also voiced political anger, directing chants at President William Ruto and accusing the government of ignoring public concerns. Authorities have defended the project as part of broader health preparedness efforts, though public communication remains limited.

A Kenyan High Court has twice ordered the government to halt construction and suspend operations at the site. The latest ruling required officials to disclose all agreements and operational protocols related to the facility within one week.

Legal representatives challenging the project said the deadline expired without compliance, raising further questions about government adherence to judicial directives.

The U.S. government has said the facility is intended for asymptomatic Americans exposed to the virus, with symptomatic patients to be treated elsewhere. Washington has also stated it is working with Kenyan authorities to address legal objections.

Despite the court orders, flight tracking data and diplomatic sources indicate continued movement of U.S. personnel and equipment into the area, while satellite imagery reviewed by Reuters shows expanded temporary structures within the air base.

The proposed site forms part of a broader U.S. Ebola response effort, even as Kenyan officials say the facility may also serve local and foreign nationals. The U.S. has separately committed $13.5 million to Kenya’s Ebola preparedness programs.

Authorities have not yet indicated whether construction will be suspended in compliance with court rulings, as legal and public opposition continues to intensify.

Mindanao earthquake kills 37, displaces over 32,000 as rescue operations continue

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Mindanao earthquake kills 37, displaces over 32,000 as rescue operations continue

GENERAL SANTOS, Philippines — Rescue teams in the southern Philippines continued searching damaged and collapsed structures on Tuesday, a day after a powerful offshore earthquake killed at least 37 people, injured nearly 500 others, and displaced more than 32,000 residents across affected provinces.

Authorities said only four people remained officially listed as missing, but warned that extensive structural damage in multiple towns and cities requires thorough inspection to ensure no victims remain trapped beneath debris.

The magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Mindanao on Monday morning, triggering panic across southern regions and forcing thousands into evacuation centers amid fears of a possible tsunami. Small tsunami waves were recorded, but only minor structural damage was reported in coastal areas, including several stilt houses in a village along the shoreline.

General Santos City, a major urban center with a population of more than 700,000, reported at least 13 fatalities linked to collapsed buildings and falling debris. Disaster officials also confirmed at least 18 deaths in Sarangani province, most of them caused by a landslide that buried homes in the town of Glan.

Additional fatalities were reported in South Cotabato, Davao Occidental, and Balut Island, according to the Office of Civil Defense.

Initial government assessments show widespread infrastructure damage, including approximately 2,500 houses and more than 100 government buildings and facilities across multiple provinces. The General Santos international airport remained closed for a second day, resulting in the cancellation of dozens of domestic flights, except those carrying humanitarian assistance.

Officials cautioned that aftershocks could further weaken already damaged structures. Schools and other public facilities with visible cracks remain closed pending safety inspections.

“We cannot force the immediate reopening of schools because we have to ensure the integrity of the buildings,” disaster official Rafaelito Alejandro said.

The earthquake originated at a depth of 33 kilometers along the Cotabato Trench, a known seismic zone. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said it was the strongest tremor in the region in decades, comparable to major historical earthquakes that have previously caused widespread devastation in the country.

The Philippines lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” making it highly vulnerable to earthquakes, volcanic activity, and tsunamis. The country also experiences frequent tropical storms, compounding risks for disaster-affected communities.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has deployed senior disaster response officials to coordinate search and rescue operations and oversee the distribution of relief goods and emergency shelter materials.

International partners, including the United States, France, Japan, and New Zealand, have expressed readiness to assist in ongoing response efforts.

Authorities said search and recovery operations will continue as structural assessments expand across affected provinces in the coming days.

U.S. pilots rescued after AH-64 Apache helicopter crash near Strait of Hormuz  

EDGARDO HERNAL
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U.S. pilots rescued after AH-64 Apache helicopter crash near Strait of Hormuz  

WASHINGTON/DUBAI — Two U.S. Army aviators were rescued after their AH-64 Apache attack helicopter went down near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, with U.S. officials confirming that both crew members survived without injuries.

According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the helicopter went down near the coast of Oman while patrolling regional waters on Monday. American rescue forces recovered the two soldiers within approximately two hours, and both were reported to be in stable condition.

President Donald Trump confirmed the successful rescue, telling reporters that the pilots were “fine” and that no injuries had been reported.

Military officials have not yet determined what caused the aircraft to go down. Investigators are examining whether the incident resulted from hostile action, mechanical failure, or another operational factor.

The rescue drew international attention because it involved a U.S. Navy Corsair unmanned surface vessel operated by Task Force 59, a Bahrain-based unit that integrates artificial intelligence and autonomous systems into maritime operations. The drone vessel located and assisted the crew before they were transferred to other rescue assets.

Defense analysts said the operation may represent one of the first known real-world military personnel recoveries conducted with the assistance of an autonomous surface vessel, highlighting the growing role of unmanned systems in search-and-rescue and combat-support missions.

The incident occurred near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints for global energy shipments and a region that has remained tense amid ongoing security concerns involving the United States, Iran, and regional allies.

CENTCOM said the cause of the helicopter incident remains under investigation. No official determination has been released regarding whether the aircraft was brought down by hostile fire or suffered a mechanical malfunction.

The episode comes as military activity remains elevated across the Middle East despite continuing diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing broader regional instability.

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