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China executes 11 members of a gang behind a billion-dollar criminal empire in Myanmar

EDGARDO HERNAL
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China executes 11 members of a gang behind a billion-dollar criminal empire in Myanmar

BEIJING — China has executed 11 members of the notorious Ming family criminal gang, who operated mafia-style scam centers in Myanmar and killed workers who tried to escape, Chinese state media reported Thursday.

The Ming family was among the so-called “four families” of northern Myanmar crime syndicates accused of running hundreds of compounds involved in internet fraud, prostitution, and drug production, with some members holding prominent positions in local government and militia aligned with Myanmar’s junta.

According to Xinhua News Agency, the 11 individuals were sentenced to death in September after being found guilty of crimes including homicide, illegal detention, and fraud. Two defendants appealed, but the case was upheld by China’s Supreme People’s Court, the country’s highest judicial authority.

The gang, led by Ming Xuechang, was long associated with the infamous Crouching Tiger Villa compound in Kokang, an autonomous region on Myanmar’s border with China. At its peak, the group reportedly employed 10,000 people to carry out scams and other criminal operations, according to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.

The capital of Kokang, Laukkaing, became the center of a multibillion-dollar scam industry in lawless areas of Myanmar, where trafficked workers were forced to run sophisticated online fraud schemes targeting strangers.

After years of complaints from relatives of trafficked workers and growing international media scrutiny, Beijing launched a crackdown on the compounds in 2023. In November of that year, China issued arrest warrants for the family members, accusing them of fraud, murder, and human trafficking, offering rewards between $14,000 and $70,000 for their capture.

Ming Xuechang, who had also served as a Myanmar state parliament member, later committed suicide while in custody, Chinese state media reported. Among those executed Thursday were his son, Ming Guoping, a leader in the junta-aligned Kokang Border Guard Force, and his granddaughter, Ming Zhenzhen. They were allowed to meet close relatives before their execution, Xinhua reported.

The Ming family gang also conspired with another syndicate leader, Wu Hongming, who was executed, to intentionally kill, injure, and illegally detain scam workers, resulting in the deaths of 14 Chinese nationals, according to Xinhua.

In one October 2023 incident, four people were killed when gang members allegedly opened fire on scam workers during a transfer under armed guard after learning that police planned a raid of the compound.

Scamming gangs in Southeast Asia are estimated to steal over $43 billion annually, according to the United States Institute of Peace. In Myanmar, scam compounds have thrived in areas saturated with corruption and lawlessness, and criminal syndicates have taken advantage of nearly five years of civil war to expand their operations.

A spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, when asked about the executions, said Beijing would continue to intensify efforts to “eradicate the scourge of gambling and fraud.”

Nagbabala ang PDEA laban sa “Peyote” cactus na naglalaman ng mapanganib na hallucinogen

Arman B. Cambe
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Nagbabala ang PDEA laban sa “Peyote” cactus na naglalaman ng mapanganib na hallucinogen

MAYNILA — Naglabas ng matinding babala ang Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) sa publiko kaugnay ng paglaganap at umano’y online na bentahan ng tinatawag na “Peyote,” isang uri ng cactus na naglalaman ng mescaline, isang malakas na hallucinogenic substance na mahigpit na ipinagbabawal sa ilalim ng batas ng Pilipinas.

Ayon kay PDEA Director General Isagani Nerez, ang Peyote, na may scientific name na Lophophora williamsii, ay kabilang sa mga cactus na natural na tumutubo sa mga disyertong sa hilagang Mexico at timog-kanlurang Estados Unidos. Kilala ito sa maliit at bilugang anyo, kulay bluish-green, at walang tinik, na madalas napagkakamalang ornamental plant.

Ngunit iginiit ng PDEA na ang naturang halaman ay naglalaman ng mescaline, isang psychoactive compound na maaaring magdulot ng seryosong epekto sa kalusugan at pag-iisip ng gumagamit.

“Users may experience intense nausea, vomiting, dilation of pupils, headaches, muscle weakness and loss of motor coordination,” ani Nerez.

Batay sa datos ng mga internasyonal na pag-aaral at drug enforcement agencies, ang mescaline ay nakaaapekto sa central nervous system at nagdudulot ng matitinding guni-guni, ilusyon, at pagbabago sa persepsyon ng espasyo at oras. Ang mga epektong ito ay maaaring tumagal ng 6 hanggang 12 oras, depende sa dami at paraan ng paggamit.

Maaaring kainin ang Peyote nang sariwa o tuyo, gilingin at ilagay sa kapsula, o ihalo sa sigarilyo kasama ng cannabis o tabako. Sa ilang kaso, ginagawa rin itong tsaa o inumin matapos pakuluan ang pinatuyong bahagi ng cactus.

“When abused, mescaline can cause varying degrees of illusions, hallucinations, a distorted sense of body, and altered perception of space and time, effects that can lead to accidents, self-harm, and unpredictable behavior,” paliwanag pa ni Nerez.

Sa Pilipinas, ang mescaline ay itinuturing na mapanganib na droga sa ilalim ng Republic Act 9165 o ang Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Ipinagbabawal ang pagtatanim, pag-iingat, pagbebenta, pamamahagi, at paggamit ng Peyote o anumang produktong naglalaman ng mescaline.

Saklaw din ito ng 1971 United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances, na nag-uutos sa mga kasaping bansa na kontrolin at supilin ang produksyon at kalakalan ng naturang sangkap.

Sa ilang katutubong komunidad sa North America, ang Peyote ay tradisyunal na ginagamit sa mga ritwal na panrelihiyon at espiritwal. Gayunman, binigyang-diin ng PDEA na walang ganitong legal na konteksto sa Pilipinas at ang anumang anyo ng bentahan o paggamit nito ay labag sa batas.

“The public must understand that ‘Peyote’ is not an ornamental plant but a source of dangerous drugs… We urge the public to immediately report any sightings or suspected sale of this deadly plant in their localities,” dagdag ni Nerez.

Hinikayat ng ahensya ang publiko na makipag-ugnayan sa pinakamalapit na tanggapan ng PDEA o sa mga lokal na awtoridad upang i-report ang sinumang sangkot sa ilegal na pagbebenta o pamamahagi ng Peyote, lalo na sa mga online platform.

Narrative and shedding light on the silence

DC Alviar
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Narrative and shedding light on the silence

How to avoid accountability? Use silence’s message! 

Words are not the only things that matter. Their absence may become the message itself, especially in politics. Not brought out nor addressed, they may have more implications than the words written and spoken. This is the lens we may use to understand two separate but related issues in our government: the recruitment of relatives into the office of the now-hiding Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, and the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) apparent lack of follow-through on the issue of Taragis’ April Fool’s Day prank in 2024. 

Both cases demonstrate how institutions employ messages, delays, and silence to enforce their interpretations of accountability. In Bato’s case, the legal defense is clear. Under the Civil Service Commission (CSC) rules and the Administrative Code, appointment of relatives to confidential and coterminous positions in the offices of elected officials is allowed. They prove that nothing illegal happens. In political communication, however, the absence of CSC’s broader statement about higher standards of ethical hiring is not merely neutral but also becomes a form of strategic silence deliberately done to avert conflict with other branches of government. The lack of words is rather a choice not to offer guidance or more profound insight to congresspersons and the public. That type of silence becomes a message in itself (“We won’t talk unless we clearly violate any law”). Shoutout to strategic silence, an issue is framed, limiting its discussion to legal boundaries and shunning meaningful debate about governance and ethics. 

This dynamic is even clearer in Taragis’ prank. In April 2024, DTI announced that the takoyaki store operations may be suspended if it is proven that the publicity stunt had no permit from the regulatory agency.  

It’s good to see an instant assertiveness on DTI’s part when it said that it is taking action against an infraction but 21 months later, there has been no clear action or public update on the matter. In political comm, delay becomes a kind of message.  

No timeline, no urgency. A non-issue. It is not taken seriously. It gives the impression that no accountability will be taken. 

Not releasing an update is not simply a lack of information. It is communication behavior that signals a possible avoidance of controversy, or an avoidance of delay in dealing with the implications of actions. 

Both cases are anchored in what political comm calls legality framing, or the framing of an issue based solely on what the law allows. In Bato’s case, the legal basis is provided with an exemption for relatives to hold exempted positions. In the Taragis-DTI case, the framework is provided that can be suspended based on regulations. 

When messaging revolves solely around legality and is not accompanied by ethics framing — questions of morality, accountability, and public trust — there is a huge disconnect. It is not enough for the public to know that something is legal if it seems unjust, unfair, or does not reflect good governance.

It is not enough to ask who has the legal authority. In political comm, questions arise: Who is reporting? Who is asking the questions? Who is providing the context? If institutions choose to remain silent, their silence is not neutral. It is a possible statement of avoiding accountability. And if the media does not illuminate the silence, if it does not get to the root of the issue and allows those institutions to languish in the absence of light, the press becomes complicit in the diffusion of accountability. In a democratic society, accountability is not just based on the law. It is shaped by the narrative. 

And the narrative chooses who will speak and who will be held accountable. When the answers are unclear, the question should not only be who is accountable, but also who is exposing the lack of accountability, and who is shedding light on the silence. 

Too bad, there’s no Taragis follow-up story. It’s also a shame that press people (not all) seem to be bored  or nababato with Bato and his “kamag-anak incorporated” into the Senate.

Starmer, Xi call for deeper UK-China ties as Trump disrupts global relations

Venus L Peñaflor
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Starmer, Xi call for deeper UK-China ties as Trump disrupts global relations

BEIJING — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday called for a “strategic partnership” to strengthen ties between their countries amid mounting uncertainty and turbulence in global relations.

Although neither leader mentioned U.S. President Donald Trump by name, their remarks reflected concern over disruptions to the post-Cold War international order.

“In the current turbulent and ever-changing international situation … China and the U.K. need to strengthen dialogue and cooperation to maintain world peace and stability,” Xi told Starmer at the start of their meeting in Beijing.

China’s state broadcaster CCTV reported that Xi stressed that “major powers” must adhere to international law, warning that the world could otherwise descend into a “jungle” — a statement widely seen as an indirect reference to recent global tensions.

Starmer, for his part, underscored the need for collaboration on shared challenges. “Working together on issues like climate change, global stability during challenging times for the world is precisely what we should be doing,” he said.

The two leaders met for 80 minutes, twice the scheduled time, at the Great Hall of the People, signaling a bid to reset relations after years of strained ties. Diplomatic friction has stemmed from allegations of Chinese espionage in Britain, Beijing’s support for Russia in its war in Ukraine, and China’s curbs on freedoms in Hong Kong, the former British colony returned to Chinese sovereignty in 1997.

Starmer is the first British prime minister to visit China in eight years.

“China-U.K. relations experienced twists and turns in previous years, which was not in the interests of either country,” Xi said, according to Chinese media.

Downing Street said Britain was seeking “a consistent, long-term, and strategic partnership that will benefit both countries.”

After the talks, Starmer told reporters the discussions had made “really good progress.”

“The relationship is in a good place, a strong place,” he said.

Trade, Investment and Diplomatic Challenges

Starmer’s four-day visit, which includes a stop in Shanghai, China’s financial hub, has produced a series of business and government agreements. Among them are lower Chinese tariffs on Scotch whisky and a 30-day visa-free travel arrangement for British tourists and business visitors.

The trip also comes amid controversy in the U.K. over the approval of a large new Chinese Embassy in London, a move welcomed by Beijing but criticized by some British officials and rights groups who fear it could facilitate espionage and intimidation of dissidents.

“Good things often come with difficulties,” Xi said. “As long as it is the right thing to do in accordance with the fundamental interests of the country and its people, leaders will not shy away from difficulties and will forge ahead bravely.”

Human rights concerns also loomed over the visit. It follows the recent conviction in Hong Kong of Jimmy Lai, a former newspaper publisher and British citizen, under a national security law imposed by Beijing after the 2019 pro-democracy protests.

Starmer said he raised human rights issues during his talks with Xi, describing their exchange as a “respectful discussion.”

He reiterated his commitment to balancing national security with diplomatic and economic engagement. “I made a promise 18 months ago when we were elected into government, that I would make Britain face outward again,” Starmer said. “Because as we all know, events abroad affect everything that happens back in our home countries, from prices on the supermarket shelves to how secure we feel.”

Economic Focus

Starmer’s Labour government has faced pressure to boost economic growth and ease a cost-of-living crisis, and he has identified China as a potential source of trade and investment.

More than 50 U.K. business executives and leaders of major cultural organizations joined the delegation, as Britain seeks to expand access for its professional and financial services in China and attract Chinese investment at home.

Among the deals announced was a commitment by pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca to invest $15 billion in China through 2030. The two governments also agreed to conduct a “feasibility study” as a preliminary step toward a potential services agreement.

The visit comes as many governments look to diversify trade relationships amid disruptions to global commerce. On Thursday, Vietnam and the European Union upgraded their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, days after the EU and India announced a free trade agreement.

“At a moment when the international rules-based order is under threat from multiple sides, we need to stand side by side as reliable and predictable partners,” European Council President Antonio Costa said during a visit to Hanoi.

Starmer is the fourth leader of a U.S. ally to visit Beijing this month, following visits by the leaders of South Korea, Canada and Finland. Germany’s chancellor is expected to travel to China next month.

In separate meetings, Starmer also spoke with Zhao Leji, chairman of China’s National People’s Congress, and Premier Li Qiang, who said efforts to improve relations had been “widely welcomed” in both countries.

Addressing the U.K.-China Business Council, Starmer described his goal as building “a more sophisticated relationship fit for these times.”

“I would like to echo a Chinese phrase, which I think captures the essence of what I’m talking about: pursue common goals whilst reserving differences,” he said. “That’s what we are working together to achieve.”

Pinagtibay ng SC ang desisyong nagpapawalang-bisa sa Articles of Impeachment laban kay VP Sara Duterte

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Pinagtibay ng SC ang desisyong nagpapawalang-bisa sa Articles of Impeachment laban kay VP Sara Duterte

MAYNILA — Pinagtibay ng Supreme Court (SC) ang naunang desisyon nito na nagdeklara na unconstitutional ang Articles of Impeachment laban kay Vice President Sara Duterte, ayon kay court spokesperson Atty. Camille Ting noong Huwebes.

“By a unanimous vote of all those participating, the SC En Banc denied with finality the motion for reconsideration filed by the House of Representatives which sought to reverse the decision… that declared the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte as unconstitutional,” pahayag ni Ting sa isang press briefing.

Dagdag pa niya, “It affirmed that the fourth impeachment complaint transmitted to the Senate on February 5, 2025 was already barred by the Article XI, Section 3, Subsection 5 of the Constitution.”

Ang 50-pahinang resolution ay promulgated noong Enero 28 at isinulat ni Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen. Ayon kay Ting, naka-leave si Associate Justice Maria Filomena Singh habang hindi naman lumahok sa botohan si Associate Justice Benjamin Caguioa.

Sinabi ng spokesperson na ang resolution ay immediately executory sa oras na maihatid ito sa lahat ng partido.

“No further pleadings will be allowed,” aniya.

Noong Hulyo 2025, nagpasya ang SC na ang Articles of Impeachment ay barred ng one-year rule sa ilalim ng Article XI, Section 3, paragraph 5 ng Constitution. Ipinahayag din ng mga mahistrado na nilalabag ng mga articles ang karapatan ni Duterte sa due process.

Tatlong impeachment complaints ang inihain laban kay Duterte noong Disyembre 2024, na pawang may kaugnayan sa alegasyon ng misuse of confidential funds. Ang ikaapat na impeachment complaint ang inendorso ng mahigit isang-katlo ng mga mambabatas ng House of Representatives at kalaunang ipinadala sa Senate bilang Articles of Impeachment.

Nag-file ang House of Representatives ng motion for reconsideration, iginiit na ang pag-archive ng unang tatlong reklamo ay ginawa matapos maipadala ang ikaapat na reklamo sa Senate, kaya umano hindi pa nagsisimula ang one-year ban.

Sa desisyon nito, nilinaw ng SC na ang unang tatlong impeachment complaints na inihain sa ilalim ng first mode ay hindi nailagay sa Order of Business sa loob ng kinakailangang 10 session days. Ipinaliwanag din ng Korte na ang “session days” para sa layunin ng impeachment complaint ay hindi nangangahulugang legislative session days.

Ayon sa SC, ang session day para sa Article XI ay tumutukoy sa isang calendar day kung kailan nagsasagawa ng session ang House.

“What I can say is this decision of the court made sure that the constitutional rights are still protected in impeachment proceedings and it actually expedited the proceedings with its interpretation of session days,” pahayag ni Ting.

Muling iginiit ng SC ang doktrina sa Gutierrez v. House of Representatives, at binigyang-diin na ang impeachment complaint na inihain sa ilalim ng first mode ay itinuturing na initiated para sa layunin ng one-year ban kapag:

  • ang isang properly verified and endorsed impeachment complaint ay nairefer sa Committee on Justice;
  • ang isang properly verified and endorsed impeachment complaint ay hindi nailagay sa Order of Business ng House of Representatives sa loob ng 10 session days, o nairefer sa Committee on Justice matapos itong mailagay sa Order of Business sa loob ng tatlong session days; at
  • walang Articles of Impeachment na naipadala sa Senate bago mag-adjourn sine die ang House of Representatives.

Bukod dito, kinilala ng SC ang kapangyarihan ng House na mag-promulgate ng sarili nitong Rules on Impeachment.

Ayon sa Korte, ang Section 2 ng House Rules ay kasalukuyang nag-aatas ng referral sa Committee on Justice kapag ang reklamo ay inihain sa ilalim ng second mode o kapag inendorso ng hindi bababa sa isang-katlo ng mga miyembro ng House.

Gayunman, binigyang-diin ng SC na ang second mode ay nakasaad sa Article XI, Section 3, Subsection 4 ng Constitution, kung saan sapat na ang endorsement ng hindi bababa sa isang-katlo ng mga miyembro ng House upang maipadala ang Articles of Impeachment sa Senate.

“Class of its own”

Sinabi rin ng High Court na ang due process sa impeachment proceedings sa yugto ng initiation ay sui generis o “a class of its own.”

“This due process requirement is a class of its own because it does not demand an administrative hearing or a mandatory referral of the impeachment complaint to the Committee on Justice,” ayon sa desisyon.

Tinukoy din ng SC na ang Doctrine of Operative Fact, na maaaring magpawalang-bisa ng isang batas o executive act ngunit panatilihin ang mga epekto nito, ay hindi maaaring gamitin upang bigyang-katwiran ang isang unconstitutional act.

Ito ay tugon sa argumento na ang desisyon ay dapat lamang ilapat sa mga susunod na impeachment complaints dahil ang agarang aplikasyon nito ay “would simply be unfair.”

“Thus, the doctrine of operative fact is not a tool to legitimize noncompliance with rules, regulations, laws, or the Constitution, or to validate unlawful or unconstitutional acts,” saad ng Korte.

“It can only be invoked by the party who acted in good faith, and cannot be used by a party directly responsible for the commission of an illegal or unlawful act,” dagdag pa nito.

Bilang pangwakas, iginiit ng SC na bagama’t ang impeachment ay isang makapangyarihang demokratikong proseso laban sa korapsyon, maaari rin itong abusuhin.

“The rule of law that does justice is our lodestar. Justice includes accountability. Justice also includes fairness. Without fairness, there is abuse. This fairness is what our democracy is all about,” pahayag ng Korte.

“There is a right way to do the right thing at the right time. That is inherent in the rule of law, that is inherent in the rule of justice,” dagdag nito.

India says Nipah Virus outbreak contained as Asian countries tighten screenings

EDGARDO HERNAL
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India says Nipah Virus outbreak contained as Asian countries tighten screenings

NEW DELHI — Indian authorities announced they have contained a Nipah virus outbreak after confirming two cases in West Bengal, prompting several Asian countries to reinforce health screenings and airport surveillance for travelers arriving from India.

India’s Health Ministry said Tuesday that the two cases were detected since December, and that all identified contacts totaling 196 individuals had been quarantined and tested, all of whom yielded negative results. “The situation is under constant monitoring, and all necessary public health measures are in place,” the ministry added.

Nipah is a zoonotic virus first identified during a 1990s outbreak in Malaysia. It can be transmitted through fruit bats, pigs, or human-to-human contact. The virus can cause high fever, convulsions, and vomiting, and currently has no vaccine; treatment is limited to supportive care to manage symptoms. The World Health Organization estimates its fatality rate at 40% to 75%, making it far deadlier than COVID-19.

While there have been no reported cases outside India, several Asian countries implemented or reinforced airport screening as a precaution after early media reports suggested a surge in case reports that authorities described as “speculative and incorrect.”

In Indonesia and Thailand, screening at major airports includes health declarations, temperature checks, and visual monitoring. Thailand’s Department of Disease Control installed thermal scanners at arrival gates for direct flights from West Bengal at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Myanmar’s Health Ministry advised against nonessential travel to West Bengal and urged travelers to seek immediate medical care if symptoms develop within 14 days of arrival. Fever surveillance introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic has been intensified for passengers from India, with laboratory testing and medical supplies ready.

Vietnam’s Health Ministry directed local authorities to reinforce food safety practices and increase monitoring at border crossings, health facilities, and communities. Meanwhile, China reported enhanced disease prevention measures in border areas, including risk assessments, increased training for medical staff, and expanded testing and monitoring capabilities.

Historically, Nipah outbreaks in India occurred in West Bengal in 2001 and 2007, while recent cases have largely emerged in Kerala. A major outbreak in 2018 killed at least 17 people in Kerala.

South Korea’s former first lady sentenced to 20 months in prison for corruption

Venus L Peñaflor
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South Korea’s former first lady sentenced to 20 months in prison for corruption

SEOUL — Kim Keon-hee, wife of ousted South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, was sentenced on Wednesday to 20 months in prison for corruption, as her husband awaits a verdict on a high-profile rebellion charge that could carry the death penalty or life imprisonment.

Seoul Central District Court found Kim guilty of receiving luxury gifts, including a Graff diamond necklace and a Chanel bag, from the Unification Church in exchange for promises of political favors. “Being closest to a president, a first lady can exert significant influence on him and is a symbolic figure who represents the country together with a president,” the court said in a televised verdict. “But the defendant exploited her position to seek personal gains.”

Through her lawyers, Kim said she would “humbly accept” the court’s view and “apologizes again to everyone for causing concerns.”

The sentencing marks a dramatic fall from grace for the presidential couple, who have been jailed separately for months following Yoon’s controversial martial law decree in December 2024. The decree led to Yoon’s impeachment and eventual removal from office. Yoon was handed a five-year prison term this month for defying authorities’ detention efforts and related charges. Investigators confirmed Kim was not involved in her husband’s martial law enforcement.

The 20-month prison term was a surprise to many after independent counsel Min Joong-ki sought a 15-year sentence on three charges, including stock price manipulation, political funding violations, and accepting bribes. The court acquitted Kim on two other charges due to insufficient evidence.

Min’s team said it cannot accept the ruling and plans to appeal to a higher court. The liberal Democratic Party, which led Yoon’s ouster, criticized the verdict as sending the wrong signal that “abuse of power like Kim Keon-hee’s can be tolerated.”

Kim’s lawyer, Choi Ji-woo, argued the investigation was politically motivated, describing the sentence as “relatively high” while thanking the court for the verdict. He said the defense team would consider whether to appeal. Kim has been in detention since August, after the Seoul court issued an arrest warrant citing a risk she might destroy evidence.

During Yoon’s presidency, Kim was embroiled in a series of scandals that damaged the conservative leader’s approval rating and provided ammunition to political rivals. Many observers speculated Yoon declared martial law to shield his wife from investigation. However, after a six-month probe into the decree, independent counsel Cho Eun-suk’s team found no evidence that Kim’s legal troubles influenced Yoon’s actions. The investigation concluded Yoon planned martial law to consolidate power and eliminate political opponents.

The ruling against Kim comes about three weeks before the court delivers a verdict on Yoon’s rebellion charge. Prosecutors have sought the death penalty, citing his martial law declaration as an act of rebellion. South Korea has maintained a de facto moratorium on executions since 1997, making life imprisonment or a lengthy sentence more likely.

Yoon’s martial law declaration on December 3, 2024, aimed to neutralize “anti-state forces” and “North Korea sympathizers,” according to him. Troops and police were deployed to encircle the National Assembly, but thousands of protesters gathered and lawmakers—including members of Yoon’s ruling party blocked the decree. Yoon was later impeached by the National Assembly, arrested by prosecutors, and formally removed from office following a Constitutional Court ruling.

DOH: Mataas na awareness sa Nipah Virus imbes na travel restrictions

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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DOH: Mataas na awareness sa Nipah Virus imbes na travel restrictions

MAYNILA — Hinikayat ng Department of Health (DOH) sa pamamagitan ng Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) ang publiko at mga frontliner na palakasin ang kamalayan hinggil sa Nipah Virus (NiV) sa halip na magpatupad ng mga paghihigpit sa paglalakbay, kasunod ng mga naitalang kaso sa West Bengal, India.

Ayon kay DOH spokesperson Asec. Albert Domingo, nagpadala na ang BOQ ng impormasyon at mga materyales sa edukasyon tungkol sa NiV sa lahat ng Points of Entry (PoE) sa bansa, kabilang ang mga paliparan at pantalan.

“Ang pagtuklas ng mga kumpirmadong kaso ng Nipah Virus (NiV) sa tao sa West Bengal, India ay isang kamakailang pangyayari na sinusubaybayan sa pandaigdigang antas,” pahayag ni Domingo. “Walang mga internasyonal na rekomendasyon para sa mga paghihigpit sa paglalakbay.”

Dagdag pa niya, “Ang DOH Bureau of Quarantine ay nananatiling mapagmatyag at inirerekomenda ang mas mataas na kamalayan sa halip na paghihigpit sa paggalaw ng mga manlalakbay.”

Binigyang-diin ni Domingo na nananatiling bukas ang mga border ng Pilipinas at patuloy ang mga hakbang sa border screening, kabilang ang online health declaration bago bumiyahe, thermal scanning pagdating, at sinanay na obserbasyon ng mga tauhan sa mga biyahero upang maprotektahan ang publiko laban sa posibleng pagpasok ng sakit.

“Sa pamamagitan ng pagtuon sa pagtuturo sa publiko at pagtiyak na handa ang mga frontliner ng paliparan at daungan, ang DOH BOQ sa pakikipagtulungan sa iba pang mga kasosyo sa kalusugan ay makakatulong na maiwasan ang pagpasok at pagkalat ng anumang potensyal na banta ng sakit,” aniya.

Ayon pa sa DOH, ipinakalat na sa lahat ng istasyon ng BOQ ang mga detalye tungkol sa NiV, kabilang ang mga karaniwang sintomas tulad ng lagnat, sakit ng ulo at paghihirap sa paghinga, mga paraan ng pagkahawa gaya ng direktang pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga nahawaang paniki, baboy o kontaminadong prutas, at mga hakbang sa pag-iwas.

Sa India, kinumpirma ng mga awtoridad ang dalawang kaso ng NiV, habang mahigit 100 close contacts ang mahigpit na minomonitor. Dahil dito, inanunsyo ng mga karatig-bansa tulad ng Thailand at Malaysia ang paghihigpit sa kanilang airport screening procedures.

“The ministry remains vigilant against the risk of cross-border transmission following sporadic infections in several other countries,” pahayag ng Malaysia’s health ministry.

Nauna nang sinabi ng DOH na handa ang Pilipinas na tumugon sakaling matukoy ang NiV sa bansa at ipinatutupad na ang 2023 guideline sa pagharap sa naturang virus.

Ayon sa World Health Organization, ang NiV ay isang zoonotic virus na maaaring maipasa mula sa kontaminadong pagkain o sa pagitan ng mga tao. May tinatayang 40% hanggang 75% mortality rate ang virus, at karaniwang naipapasa mula sa mga infected animals patungo sa tao sa pamamagitan ng malapit na pakikipag-ugnayan o pagkain ng infected meat.

One month after Iran unrest, Middle East braces for possible U.S. strike

Venus L Peñaflor
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One month after Iran unrest, Middle East braces for possible U.S. strike

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iranian officials reached out to governments across the Middle East on Wednesday as concerns mounted over the possibility of a U.S. military strike, one month after nationwide protests in Iran triggered a sweeping and deadly crackdown.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have both indicated they will not allow their airspace to be used for any military action against Iran. However, the United States has deployed the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and several guided-missile destroyers to the region, assets capable of launching strikes from the sea.

U.S. President Donald Trump has not publicly confirmed whether he intends to authorize the use of force, but he has drawn what he described as two “red lines”: the killing of peaceful demonstrators and the potential mass execution of detainees. Activists said Wednesday that at least 6,221 people have been killed since the protests began, a toll the Associated Press has been unable to independently verify due to Iran’s extended internet shutdown.

“Hopefully Iran will quickly ‘Come to the Table’ and negotiate a fair and equitable deal, NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS, one that is good for all parties,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. Referring to U.S. strikes carried out in June, he added: “The next attack will be far worse!”

Inside Iran, state-run media, which now refers to protesters as “terrorists,” remains the primary source of information for many after Tehran cut off access to the global internet nearly three weeks ago. Satellite-based connections, including Starlink, have allowed limited footage and reports to reach activists abroad, fueling public anxiety as the country’s economy continues to deteriorate.

“I feel that my generation failed to give a better lesson to younger ones,” said Mohammad Heidari, a 59-year-old high school teacher in Tehran. “The result of decades of teaching by my colleagues and me led to the death of thousands, and maybe more injured and prisoners.”

Regional diplomacy intensified as Egypt’s Foreign Ministry said its top diplomat, Badr Abdelatty, held separate calls with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, seeking to “work toward achieving calm” and prevent further regional instability. Iranian state media quoted Araghchi as saying third-party mediators had also made contact. The White House did not immediately comment.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, reiterating that the kingdom would not permit its airspace or territory to be used for military operations against Iran. The UAE has made a similar pledge. Both countries host U.S. forces and have previously faced attacks linked to regional conflicts, including a 2019 strike that briefly halved Saudi oil production and missile and drone attacks on the UAE in 2022 claimed by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

Qatar, home to the U.S. military’s largest base in the region at Al Udeid Air Base, confirmed that its prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, held calls with Araghchi and Iranian security official Ali Larijani. Details of those discussions were not disclosed.

Iran launched missiles at Al Udeid in June after the United States sent warplanes to strike Iranian nuclear enrichment sites following a 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran.

“Our position is exactly this: Applying diplomacy through military threats cannot be effective or constructive,” Araghchi told reporters outside a Cabinet meeting. “If they want negotiations to take shape, they must abandon threats, excessive demands, and the raising of illogical issues. Negotiations have their own principles: they must be conducted on an equal footing, based on mutual respect, and for mutual benefit.”

Human Rights Activists News Agency, a U.S.-based group that tracks unrest in Iran, reported Wednesday that its verified count of 6,221 deaths includes at least 5,858 protesters, 214 government-affiliated forces, 100 children, and 49 civilians who were not demonstrating. The group said more than 42,300 people have been arrested. It verifies reports through a network of activists inside the country.

Iran’s government has placed the death toll at 3,117, saying 2,427 were civilians and security forces and labeling the remainder “terrorists.” In past episodes of unrest, authorities have been accused of underreporting casualties.

The scale of the violence surpasses that of any protest movement in Iran in decades, evoking comparisons to the turmoil of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

The demonstrations began on Dec. 28 after a sharp fall in the value of Iran’s currency, the rial, and rapidly spread nationwide. They were met with a forceful response that has only gradually come into clearer focus as Iran endures what officials and activists describe as the most comprehensive internet blackout in its history.

On Wednesday, Iran also announced the execution of Hamidreza Sabet, who was convicted of spying for Israel. His death marked the 13th execution of an alleged Israeli spy since the June conflict.

Medical mission para sa San Pablo, inilipat sa Cavite

Venus L Peñaflor
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Medical mission para sa San Pablo, inilipat sa Cavite

Limang araw na libreng surgical mission sana ang papawi ng sakit at magdugtong ng buhay ng mga mahihirap na pasyente sa San Pablo City. Marami sa kanila ang walang kakayahang magbayad man lang ng sibida. Lalo pa nga para sa operasyon, optical, dental, at iba pang serbisyo.

Sa kasamaang palad, hindi natuloy ang medical-surgical-dental mission.

Ang Glendale Korean Adventist Medical Mission Team ay isang propesyonal at maaasahang grupo na bahagi ng tradisyon ng Korean Adventist medical missions. May mahigit isang siglo na ang kasaysayan ng Adventist medical work sa Korea, at ang mga misyon tulad nito ay karaniwang binubuo ng mga lisensyadong doktor, nurses, at iba pang health professionals na sanay sa international outreach. Kahit nabulilyaso ang kanilang misyon sa San Pablo dahil sa regulasyon, malinaw na ang grupo ay may kakayahan at malasakit na maghatid ng ligtas at maayos na medical service.

Sari-sari ang mga dahilan na lumutang kung bakit naekis ang medical outreach. May mga nagbubunton ng sisi sa LGU. Pinulitika daw. Isang executive assistant daw ni Mayor Najie Gapangada ang nagkulang kaya pumapalpak ang STP pero wala namang bitbit na ebidensya o resibo. May umuugong ding tsisimis na kapatid ni Vice Mayor Colago ang presidente ngayon ng San Pablo Medical Society kaya ang hugot ay ‘alam na this.”

Pati nga ang walang connect na punda at kumot sa LGU Hotel ay napagdiskitahan pa talaga.

Sa statement ng San Pablo Medical Society, ipinaliwanag nila na hindi pinayagan ang mga Korean doctors na magsagawa ng serbisyo o mag-share ng kanilang expertise dahil wala silang Special Temporary Permit (STP). Ito ‘yung dokumentong nagbibigay ng legal na pahintulot para sa mga foreign medical practitioners na magsagawa ng operasyon o medical activities sa Pilipinas. Tama naman. Mahalaga talaga ang STP dahil sinisiguro nito na ang mga foreign doctors ay sumusunod sa batas, ligtas ang mga pasyente, at may pananagutan kung may aberya. Ito daw ang dahilan kung bakit hindi sila pinayagan.

Sa madaling salita, nauwi sa kontrobersiya ang mabuting intensyon ng misyon. Ayon sa mga ulat at vlogs, ang mga dokumento para sa proyekto ay isinampa sa San Pablo Medical Society noong Enero 7. May sapat pa naman yatang panahon para tulungan at gabayan ang team sa paggawa ng STP, pero nanatiling mahigpit ang komite at tila hindi nag-alok ng alternatibo.

Dahil dito, ang misyon ay hindi nag push through sa San Pablo. Ang mga pasyenteng mahihirap na sana’y nakinabang sa libreng medical consultation, pediatrics, internal medicine, OB-Gyne, dermatology, mental health coaching, dental care, optical services, hanggang sa simpleng operasyon ay nadismaya.

May mga lumabas pang rumor na ilang matatagal nang doktor ang tumutol dahil ang limang araw na libreng operasyon ay maaaring makaapekto sa kanilang kita. Hindi kayang tunawin ito ng apdo kung paniniwalaan. Dahil kung totoo ito, mas pinili ng ilan ang sariling bulsa kaysa sa kapakanan at pangangailangan ng mga mahihirap na pasyenteng kababayan. Hindi naman siguro sila ganoon kaburaot.

E di waw. Nakakuha ba agad sila ng STP para sa Silang. Ganoon kabilis? Sana ol.

Sa kabutihang-palad, itutuloy ang misyon sa Silang, Cavite sa tulong ng STAMP (Southern Tagalog Association of Medical Practitioners), isang organisasyong kinabibilangan din ng San Pablo Medical Society. Libu-libo ang makikinabang sa libreng serbisyo doon mula January 27–30, 2026, kasama ang cataract surgery, lipoma/cyst removal, dental extractions, vision screening, at marami pang iba. Ang mga serbisyong ito dapat ay para sa San Pableño pero napadpad sa ibang lugar. Dahil dito, halo halo ang pakiramdam na umiral. Nanghinayang, nalungkot, nagalit at nasaktan ang lokal na komunidad ng Sanpy.

Hindi laging nasusukat sa papel o regulasyon ang taos na serbisyo sa komunidad. Nasasalamin ito sa pagtutulungan, malasakit, at tapang na ilagay ang kapakanan ng mahihirap bago ang lahat. Sana sa susunod, ang San Pablo Medical Society pati ang LGU ay maging katuwang at maging supportive at seryoso sa mga proyektong ganito.

Mahalaga ang buhay, kapakanan at pangangailangan ng mahihirap kaysa sa bulsa ng iilan o reputasyon ninuman. Hindi ito dapat nahahadlangan ng personal na interes o bureaucracy.

Hindi na siguro natin malalaman ang tunay na ugat kung bakit nagkaribok ang misyon sa San Pablo. Tiyak na walang aamin sa pagkakamali, pagkukulang o kalabisan. Diyos lang ang makakaalam kung ano ang totoo. Siya na lamang ang maghusga.

Whatsoever you do to the least of my brethren, that you do unto Me” – Matthew 25:40

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