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Naka-Code White Alert ang mga ospital sa MM sa Traslacion 2026

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Naka-Code White Alert ang mga ospital sa MM sa Traslacion 2026

MAYNILA — Itataas ng Department of Health (DOH) ang Code White Alert sa mga pagamutan sa Metro Manila at mga karatig-lugar bilang paghahanda sa idaraos na Traslacion 2026 sa Biyernes, Enero 9.

Ayon kay Health Assistant Secretary at DOH Spokesperson Dr. Albert Domingo, layon ng naturang alerto na matiyak ang kahandaan ng mga ospital na pinatatakbo ng ahensya sa anumang uri ng emerhensiyang maaaring mangyari sa kasagsagan ng tradisyunal na prusisyon para sa pista ng Poong Nazareno.

Magpapakalat ang DOH ng humigit-kumulang 200 miyembro ng health emergency response teams na ide-deploy sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng ruta ng Traslacion sa oras ng pinakamasidhing aktibidad. Nilinaw ni Domingo na maaari pang madagdagan ang bilang ng mga health responder depende sa magiging pangangailangan sa araw ng prusisyon.

Mahigpit ding pinaalalahanan ng DOH ang mga debotong may karamdaman sa puso at paghinga, mga buntis, matatanda, at mga bata na iwasan ang pakikilahok sa Traslacion upang maiwasan ang posibleng panganib sa kalusugan.

Pinayuhan naman ang mga debotong lalahok sa prusisyon na magdala ng mga identification card, sapat na tubig, at maintenance medication, gayundin ang pagsusuot ng maluluwag at komportableng kasuotan.

Inirekomenda rin ni Domingo ang pagsusuot ng face mask at pagdadala ng alcohol at hand sanitizer bilang proteksyon laban sa posibleng pagkalat ng sakit. Dagdag pa niya, mas mainam na iwasan ang pagdadala ng mahahalagang gamit na maaaring mawala sa gitna ng siksikan sa prusisyon.

Maduro captured, held in Brooklyn jail as Trump claims U.S. will ‘run’ Venezuela

Venus L Peñaflor
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Maduro captured, held in Brooklyn jail as Trump claims U.S. will ‘run’ Venezuela

CARACAS, Venezuela — Deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro arrived in the United States late Saturday to face criminal charges after being captured in a surprise nighttime military operation that President Donald Trump said would allow Washington to temporarily “run” Venezuela and exploit its vast oil resources.

Maduro landed at a small airport in New York hours after U.S. forces extracted him and his wife, Cilia Flores, from their residence inside a military base in Caracas. Venezuelan authorities denounced the operation as an “imperialist attack,” while U.S. officials said the couple faces charges linked to a narco‑terrorism conspiracy.

The operation followed months of secret planning and an intensified U.S. pressure campaign against Maduro, marking the most aggressive American effort to force regime change since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Legal experts immediately questioned the lawfulness of the action, which was carried out without congressional authorization.

Venezuela’s vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, demanded Maduro’s release and declared him the country’s legitimate leader, even as Venezuela’s high court later ordered her to assume the role of interim president under the country’s constitution. Rodríguez earlier said she had no intention of taking power.

Rodríguez said some Venezuelan civilians and military personnel were killed during the operation, though she did not provide figures. Trump said several U.S. troops were injured but none were killed.

Speaking hours after the capture, Trump said the United States would move quickly to stabilize Venezuela, repair its oil infrastructure, and sell “large amounts” of oil to other countries. The administration framed the operation as part of its campaign to curb drug trafficking into the United States, while Trump openly highlighted potential gains in oil access and geopolitical influence.

“We’re going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,” Trump said at a news conference at Mar‑a‑Lago. He described the raid as an “extremely successful operation” and warned it should serve as a deterrent to those who threaten U.S. interests.

Maduro and senior members of his administration were first indicted in 2020 on narco‑terrorism conspiracy charges. On Saturday, the U.S. Justice Department released a new indictment against Maduro and Flores, portraying his government as a “corrupt, illegitimate” regime sustained by drug trafficking that allegedly funneled cocaine into the United States. Washington does not recognize Maduro as Venezuela’s president.

In recent months, the U.S. military expanded its presence in the region and targeted vessels suspected of transporting narcotics in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. Last week, the CIA carried out a drone strike on a docking area believed to be used by Venezuelan drug cartels, the first known direct U.S. strike on Venezuelan territory since the campaign began in September.

The raid took place 36 years to the day after U.S. forces captured Panamanian leader Manuel Antonio Noriega in 1990. Trump said U.S. forces disabled much of Caracas’ power grid as they moved in to seize Maduro.

Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said U.S. forces had rehearsed the operation for months, studying Maduro’s routines in detail. “We think, we develop, we train, we rehearse,” Caine said. “Not to get it right, but to ensure we cannot get it wrong.”

Residents reported at least seven explosions in Caracas early Saturday as aircraft flew low over the city. Maduro’s government accused the United States of striking civilian and military facilities and urged citizens to protest. Venezuelan state television broadcast pro‑Maduro messaging and images of supporters rallying in the capital.

U.S. restrictions on airspace around Venezuela and parts of the Caribbean expired early Sunday, a sign that further immediate large‑scale military action was unlikely, according to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.

Under Venezuelan law, Rodríguez would succeed Maduro, but she insisted on state television that Maduro remained president. “There is only one president in Venezuela,” she said, “and his name is Nicolás Maduro Moros.”

Maduro has ruled since 2013, following the death of Hugo Chávez. His 2018 reelection was widely criticized after opposition parties were barred from participating. In the 2024 election, authorities loyal to the ruling party declared Maduro the winner, though opposition groups said evidence showed he lost by a wide margin.

Reactions in Venezuela were sharply divided. Some residents protested Maduro’s capture, while others celebrated. In Caracas, Mayor Carmen Meléndez joined demonstrators calling for Maduro’s return. Elsewhere in the city, streets remained largely empty.

“How do I feel? Scared, like everyone,” said Caracas resident Noris Prada. “Venezuelans woke up scared. Many families couldn’t sleep.”

In Doral, Florida, home to the largest Venezuelan community in the United States, crowds waved Venezuelan flags, ate street food, and chanted “Liberty” in celebration.

International concern mounted over the legality of the operation. “There are a number of international legal concepts which the United States might have broken by capturing Maduro,” said Ilan Katz, an international law analyst.

Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.‑born pontiff, called for an end to violence and urged respect for Venezuela’s sovereignty during his Sunday blessing. The United Nations Security Council, acting on an emergency request from Colombia, scheduled a meeting Monday to discuss the U.S. operation.

In Washington, lawmakers from both parties raised objections, noting that Congress had not authorized the use of military force. Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said he had seen no evidence justifying the action and demanded an immediate briefing on the administration’s legal rationale and plans for regional stability.Maduro Now Held at Brooklyn Jail

After landing in New York, Maduro and Flores were taken into federal custody and transported to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, a federal jail where they are awaiting court proceedings on the narco‑terrorism and related charges they face in the Southern District of New York. MDC Brooklyn has held numerous high‑profile inmates and has drawn attention for its troubled reputation, including past reports of violence, poor conditions, and internal criticism, though authorities say recent improvements have been made.

World reacts to U.S. capture of Nicolás Maduro

Venus L Peñaflor
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World reacts to U.S. capture of Nicolás Maduro

International leaders reacted swiftly on Saturday after President Donald Trump confirmed U.S. military strikes in Venezuela and announced the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. Several countries, including U.S. adversaries and neighboring nations, condemned the operation, while others called for de-escalation and expressed concern for the safety of their citizens in the Latin American nation.

Colombia, which shares a border with Venezuela, called for urgent de-escalation. The Colombian government said it had implemented measures to protect civilians, maintain stability along the border, and address potential humanitarian and migration needs. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel described the operation as a “criminal US attack” and called for an immediate response from the international community. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva referred to the U.S. actions as a “serious affront” to Venezuela’s sovereignty, warning that the strikes and the capture of Maduro “cross an unacceptable line” and threaten “the preservation of the region as a zone of peace.”

Iran condemned the U.S. operation, calling it a “flagrant violation of the national sovereignty and territorial integrity” of Venezuela. Russia also strongly criticized the strikes, describing them as “an act of armed aggression against Venezuela.” The Russian government emphasized the importance of dialogue to prevent further escalation and stressed that Venezuela must be allowed to determine its own destiny without destructive or military interference from outside forces. Moscow further supported calls for an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council.

European nations have likewise expressed concern. EU diplomat Kaja Kallas stated that the EU is “closely monitoring the situation” and called for restraint, while emphasizing that the safety of EU citizens in Venezuela is a top priority. Italy, Belgium, and Spain underscored the need to respect international law and the UN Charter, with Spain offering mediation to help achieve a peaceful resolution. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged all countries to uphold international law and clarified that the U.K. was not involved in the operation. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the legal classification of the U.S. intervention as “complex” and said more time is needed before issuing an official position, while stressing the importance of ensuring an orderly political transition in Venezuela.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised President Trump for his “bold and historic leadership on behalf of freedom and justice,” commending the decisive action and bravery of U.S. soldiers.

The U.S. operation in Venezuela and the reported capture of Maduro have triggered widespread international reactions, highlighting concerns over national sovereignty, the safety of foreign nationals, and regional stability. While supporters of the strikes frame them as decisive action for regional security, critics warn that military intervention risks escalating tensions, undermining international law, and creating further instability in Latin America. The situation underscores the delicate balance between pursuing strategic objectives and respecting the sovereignty and legal rights of nations.

Mas malamig na panahon damang-dama sa Luzon dahil sa Amihan — PAGASA

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Mas malamig na panahon damang-dama sa Luzon dahil sa Amihan — PAGASA

MAYNILA — Ramdam sa maraming bahagi ng Luzon ang mas malamig na panahon nitong mga nakaraang araw, ayon sa ulat ng PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration).

Ayon sa ahensya, ang patuloy na impluwensiya ng Amihan (Northeast Monsoon) ang pangunahing sanhi ng mas malamig at tuyong simoy ng hangin, partikular sa Northern at Central Luzon. Sa mga mataas na lugar gaya ng Baguio City, umabot ang mga pinakamababang temperatura sa 14.6°C, samantalang sa mga kalapit na upland areas ng Benguet, bumaba sa 12–13°C ang mga early morning readings.

Sa Calabarzon, kabilang ang San Pablo City, naramdaman ang bahagyang paglamig, lalo na sa mga umaga at gabi. Ayon sa pinakahuling regional readings, ang morning lows sa San Pablo City ay nasa 22–25°C, habang ang hapon ay umaabot sa 28–30°C. Bagaman hindi kasing lamig ng Northern Luzon, naramdaman pa rin ang epekto ng Amihan sa buong rehiyon.

Paliwanag ng PAGASA, ang ganitong pattern ay normal sa kasagsagan ng Amihan season, na karaniwang tumatagal mula Nobyembre hanggang Marso o Abril. Malaki ang epekto nito sa mga elevated at hilagang lugar, habang ang mga lowland areas tulad ng Metro Manila at bahagi ng Visayas at Mindanao ay mas banayad ang lamig sa umaga at gabi.

Dagdag pa ng ahensya, ang patuloy na pag-ulan sa ilang bahagi ng Calabarzon ay dulot ng shear line at Amihan, kaya inaasahan ang maulap na kalangitan at mga isolated na showers sa mga susunod na araw.

Para sa pinakahuling regional forecasts at weather advisory, inirerekomenda ng PAGASA ang regular na pagsubaybay sa kanilang opisyal na website at social media channels.

BYD overtakes Tesla as world’s top EV maker amid Tesla’s Falling sales

Venus L Peñaflor
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BYD overtakes Tesla as world’s top EV maker amid Tesla’s Falling sales

NEW YORK — Tesla has relinquished its title as the world’s best-selling electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer as global competition, expiring U.S. tax incentives, and political controversies surrounding CEO Elon Musk contributed to a second consecutive year of declining sales.

The company delivered 1.64 million vehicles in 2025, down 9% from 2024. Chinese rival BYD, which sold 2.26 million vehicles last year, now leads the global EV market.

The sales slump marks a striking reversal for Tesla, which once overtook legacy automakers with larger resources and helped cement Musk’s status as the world’s richest person. Sales were further affected by the phase-out of a $7,500 U.S. tax credit for EV buyers at the end of September 2025.

For the fourth quarter, Tesla reported deliveries of 418,227 vehicles, below analysts’ revised target of 440,000, according to FactSet. Tesla shares fell 2.6% to $438.07 on Friday, although the stock ended the year up roughly 11% as investors continue to bet on Musk’s long-term vision.

To revive sales, Tesla introduced more affordable versions of the Model Y and Model 3 in October. The stripped-down Model Y is priced just under $40,000, while the new Model 3 costs under $37,000. Analysts expect these models to improve Tesla’s competitiveness in China and Europe.

Despite declining vehicle sales, Musk has shifted focus to autonomous driving, robotaxis, and AI-powered robots for homes and factories. Tesla began limited robotaxi operations in Austin in June, initially with safety monitors and later testing without them. The company plans to expand the service to multiple cities in 2026, competing with established players like Waymo and navigating regulatory challenges.

Tesla remains under several federal safety investigations, and in California, the company risks a temporary suspension of its license to sell vehicles after a judge ruled it had misled customers about safety features. “Regulatory is going to be a big issue,” said Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives. “We’re dealing with people’s lives.”

Musk aims to enable hundreds of thousands of Tesla vehicles to operate autonomously by the end of 2026 and plans to launch production of the AI-powered Cybercab without a steering wheel or pedals. To retain Musk’s focus, Tesla’s board approved a potentially massive new pay package in November, recently upheld by the Delaware Supreme Court, reversing a previous decision that had denied a $55 billion award.

With Musk also preparing to take SpaceX public later this year, analysts speculate he could become the world’s first trillionaire.

Tesla loses title as world’s biggest electric vehicle maker as sales fall for second year in a row.

P633 bilyong ‘hard, soft, at shadow pork’ tinukoy sa 2026 national budget

Venus L Peñaflor
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P633 bilyong ‘hard, soft, at shadow pork’ tinukoy sa 2026 national budget

MAYNILA — Nagbabala ang mga watchdog group na mahigit P633 bilyon sa P6.793 trilyon na 2026 national budget ang posibleng mauwi sa korapsyon o patronage politics kung hindi ito masasailalim sa masusing pagbabantay o ma-veto ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Ito ang inihayag ng People’s Budget Coalition at ng Roundtable for Inclusive Development ilang araw bago ang nakatakdang paglagda ng Pangulo sa pambansang budget.

Sa liham na ipinadala kay Pangulong Marcos, sinabi ng mga grupo na ang panukalang 2026 national budget ay naglalaman ng tatlong uri ng pork hard, soft, at shadow pork na anila’y nangangailangan ng mahigpit na pagsusuri at aktibong pagbabantay ng publiko.

Ayon sa mga watchdog, ang tinatawag na “hard pork” ay tumutukoy sa humigit-kumulang P180 bilyon na mga proyektong pang-imprastraktura na may panganib na maulit o ma-overprice. Kabilang dito ang mga kalsada, tulay, at flood control projects na, ayon sa grupo, ay “nahuhubog ng diskresyong pulitikal sa halip na ng maayos at makatwirang pagpaplano.”

Sa halip na tuluyang i-veto ang mga naturang proyekto, iminungkahi ng mga grupo na buksan ang mga ito sa citizen monitoring o aktibong partisipasyon ng publiko.

Bilang halimbawa, binanggit nila ang Bantay Bisto Proyekto, isang inisyatibang isinasagawa katuwang ang Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) at iba pang organisasyong panlipunan. Layunin nitong ilantad sa publiko ang mahahalagang detalye ng mga proyekto, kabilang ang gastos, kontratista, lokasyon, dokumentasyon ng larawan, at mga obserbasyong isinusumite ng mga boluntaryong tagamasid.

Iminungkahi rin ng mga watchdog na ang mga proyektong pang-imprastraktura na nagkakahalaga ng higit P600 bilyon sa ilalim ng isang executive order ay mapasailalim sa isang multi-sektoral at pinopondohang mekanismo ng citizen monitoring.

Para naman sa “soft pork,” na inilalarawan bilang mga programang may malawak na diskresyon ng mga pulitiko, nanawagan ang mga grupo na ang P210 bilyong pondo para sa ayuda ay gawing mga programang nakabatay sa karapatan at may malinaw na alituntunin.

Ayon sa kanila, ang pagpapatupad ng mga programang ito ay dapat nakabatay sa malawak na konsultasyon sa mga propesyunal sa kalusugan at mga eksperto sa social protection.

Samantala, ang P243 bilyon sa unprogrammed appropriations ay inilarawan ng mga grupo bilang “shadow pork,” na anila’y dapat i-veto dahil sa “limited transparency and legislative scrutiny.”

Mas kakaunti ang biktima ng paputok ngunit mas malala ang pinsala — DOH

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Mas kakaunti ang biktima ng paputok ngunit mas malala ang pinsala — DOH

MAYNILA – Mas mababa ang bilang ng mga firework-related injuries (FWRIs) ngayong 2025 kumpara noong 2024, ngunit mas malubha ang mga pinsalang tinamo ng mga biktima, ayon sa Department of Health (DOH).

Sa panayam sa Dobol B TV nitong Sabado, sinabi ni DOH spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo na posibleng lumampas sa 500 ang kabuuang bilang ng FWRIs ngayong taon, batay sa paunang tala. Aniya, bukod sa 235 insidenteng naitala hanggang Enero 1, Huwebes, may mahigit 300 kaso pa ang sumasailalim sa validation.

Ipinaliwanag ni Domingo na kahit umabot sa “more or less” 500 ang FWRIs, mas mababa pa rin ito kumpara sa 803 kaso na naitala noong 2024.

Gayunman, binigyang-diin ng opisyal na mas seryoso ang mga pinsalang tinamo ng mga biktima ngayong taon.

“Generally, mukhang mas mababa ‘yung bilang pero para bang mas intense ‘yung mga sugat. Siguro ‘yun ang titingnan nang mas malalim na analysis,” ani Domingo.

Ayon sa DOH, itinuturing ang mga biktima ng FWRIs bilang “burned without amputation” o “burned with amputation.” Kasama rin sa talaan ang mga nagkaroon ng pinsala sa mata at mga naapektuhan ang baga dahil sa paputok o fireworks.

Dagdag pa ni Domingo, karamihan sa mga biktima ng FWRIs ay mga menor de edad.

“Consistent pa rin eh. Karamihan ng mga naputukan ay menor de edad,” aniya.

Tungkol naman sa mga nasawi dahil sa paputok, binanggit ng DOH ang kaso ng isang 12-anyos na batang lalaki na agad nasawi matapos sumabog ang paputok sa Tondo, Maynila noong Disyembre 28.

Samantala, sa mga namatay dahil sa ligaw na bala, sinabi ni Domingo na may isang kumpirmadong kaso na sa ngayon, habang lima pa ang isinasailalim sa validation.

Trump claims US has captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Trump claims US has captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro

CARACAS, Venezuela — The United States carried out what it described as a “large-scale strike” on Venezuela early Saturday and claimed that President Nicolás Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country in a dramatic overnight operation, marking an unprecedented escalation in Washington’s months-long campaign against the Maduro government.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced the operation on social media hours after multiple explosions were reported in Caracas and other areas, saying Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, had been seized in coordination with U.S. law enforcement. Trump said the strikes were conducted “successfully” and scheduled a news conference later Saturday.

The legal basis for the military action, including whether Congress was consulted in advance, was not immediately clear. The operation drew comparisons to the 1990 U.S. invasion of Panama that resulted in the arrest of then-leader Manuel Antonio Noriega.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said Maduro and Flores would face criminal charges in the United States following an indictment in New York. In a social media post, Bondi said the couple would “soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts.” Maduro was indicted in 2020 on narco-terrorism conspiracy charges, though it was previously unknown that Flores had also been indicted.

In Venezuela, the government accused the United States of attacking civilian and military installations, calling the strikes an “imperialist attack” and urging citizens to take to the streets. Explosions and low-flying aircraft were reported in the capital, sending residents fleeing outdoors as blasts lit up the night sky. At least seven explosions were reported, and the attack reportedly lasted less than 30 minutes.

With Maduro’s whereabouts unconfirmed, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez said Venezuelan authorities had no proof that the president and first lady were in U.S. custody.

“We do not know the whereabouts of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores,” Rodríguez said in a statement. “We demand proof of life.”

Under Venezuelan law, Rodríguez would assume power if Maduro were incapacitated or removed, though there was no confirmation that a transfer of authority had taken place.

Maduro last appeared publicly on Friday on state television during a meeting with a Chinese delegation in Caracas.

The strike followed months of escalating U.S. pressure on Venezuela, including a buildup of American forces near South America and repeated attacks on boats accused of drug trafficking in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. Last week, U.S. intelligence was reportedly behind a drone strike on a Venezuelan docking area believed to be linked to drug cartels, the first known direct U.S. operation on Venezuelan soil in recent months.

The Trump administration has said at least 35 boat strikes have been carried out, resulting in a minimum of 115 deaths. Trump has described the campaign as part of an “armed conflict” with drug cartels, framing the operations as necessary to curb the flow of illegal drugs into the United States.

U.S. Senator Mike Lee of Utah said Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed him on the operation and confirmed that Maduro had been arrested by U.S. personnel to face trial in the United States. The White House, however, did not immediately respond to questions about where Maduro and Flores were being taken.

In Caracas, conditions remained tense. Armed individuals and members of a civilian militia loyal to the ruling party were seen patrolling some neighborhoods, while other parts of the city remained largely deserted hours after the attack. Power outages were reported in parts of the capital, though traffic continued to move.

Video footage verified by The Associated Press showed tracer fire, smoke, and repeated explosions illuminating the night sky over Caracas and an unidentified coastal city. Smoke was seen rising from a military base hangar in the capital, and at least one military installation reportedly lost power.

“The whole ground shook. This is horrible,” said Carmen Hidalgo, a 21-year-old office worker who was returning from a birthday gathering when the explosions began. “We heard explosions and planes. We felt like the air was hitting us.”

Venezuela’s government declared a “state of external disturbance,” saying Maduro had ordered the implementation of all national defense plans — a move that allows authorities to suspend certain civil liberties and expand the role of the armed forces.

The U.S. Embassy in Venezuela, which has been closed since 2019, issued an online advisory urging American citizens in the country to shelter in place. The Federal Aviation Administration also warned U.S. pilots that airspace over Venezuela and nearby Curaçao was closed due to ongoing military activity.

Officials at the Pentagon and U.S. Southern Command did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Members of Congress from both parties have previously raised objections to U.S. military actions linked to anti-drug operations near Venezuela, noting that Congress has not authorized the use of military force in the region.

International reaction was swift. Cuba and Iran condemned the strikes, with Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel calling them a “criminal attack” and urging the international community to respond. Argentine President Javier Milei, a close ally of Trump, praised the reported capture of Maduro, declaring, “Long live freedom, damn it!”

As of Saturday evening, key questions remained unanswered, including the full scope of the U.S. operation, the status of Venezuela’s leadership, and whether further military actions are planned.

Sparklers on champagne bottles blamed in deadly Swiss bar fire

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Sparklers on champagne bottles blamed in deadly Swiss bar fire

CRANS-MONTANA, Switzerland — A devastating fire at a bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana on New Year’s Day has claimed 40 lives and left 119 others injured, authorities confirmed, as investigations point to sparklers placed on champagne bottles as the likely cause.

Valais Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud said Friday that preliminary findings indicate the sparklers were moved too close to the ceiling, sparking a blaze that quickly engulfed the establishment. “Everything leads us to think that the fire started from sparkling candles—or sparklers—which were put on bottles of champagne [that were] moved too close to the ceiling. From that, a blaze began very quickly,” Pilloud said.

Officials are examining multiple factors, including the materials used inside the bar, its fire safety measures, capacity limits, and the number of patrons present at the time of the fire. Pilloud also noted that prosecutions may follow if negligence is determined. “If that is the case, and if those people are still alive, there will be a case opened against them,” she said.

One of the bar’s owners told local media that the venue had undergone three inspections over the past decade and complied with all regulations.

Authorities are still working on the formal identification of the 40 victims, with police commander Frédéric Gisler emphasizing that “that is our priority.” Many of the injured remain in critical condition, and Mathias Reynard, president of the Valais region, said they “are still fighting to live.”

Of those injured, 113 have been formally identified, including 71 Swiss citizens, 14 French, 11 Italians, and four Serbs, among others. Identification of six additional victims is ongoing, with officials warning that numbers may still change.

Approximately 50 of the injured are being transferred or will soon be moved to specialized burn treatment centers across Europe, Reynard said. Among them is 19-year-old French footballer Tahirys Dos Santos, who sustained severe burns and has been airlifted to Germany for treatment, according to his club FC Mertz.

Relatives of those missing remain anxious for updates. Among them is 16-year-old Italian national Achille Barosi, who entered the bar shortly after 1:30 a.m. on New Year’s Day to retrieve his jacket and phone and has not been heard from since. His aunt, Francesca, told BBC World Service that “we don’t know if he’s still alive,” adding that her nephew was an accomplished painter enrolled in an art school in Milan.

Authorities are using Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) procedures to confirm the identities of those killed. A specialized team of forensic experts, doctors, dentists, and investigators is collecting data to ensure accurate identification.

The tragedy has shaken the international community and cast renewed attention on fire safety practices in entertainment venues, with local authorities pledging a thorough investigation to prevent similar disasters in the future.

At 59, ‘King Kazu’ presses on as world’s oldest professional footballer

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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At 59, ‘King Kazu’ presses on as world’s oldest professional footballer

TOKYO — Age continues to defy Kazuyoshi Miura.

Turning 59 this February, Miura, widely known in Japan as “King Kazu,” is set to embark on his record 41st professional season after signing with third-division J-League club Fukushima United on loan from Yokohama FC.

The move was announced this week, marking another chapter in a career that has spanned four decades, multiple continents, and generations of football fans. Miura spent the 2025 season on loan with fourth-division side Atletico Suzuka, where he made seven appearances but did not score.

Despite limited minutes in recent seasons, Miura’s continued presence in professional football remains unmatched. He holds the distinction of being the oldest active professional footballer in the world, a title he has carried for several years as he continues to renew short-term contracts and accept loan stints.

Miura’s journey began far from home. He made his professional debut in 1986 with Santos FC in Brazil, the legendary club once headlined by Pelé, after moving abroad as a teenager to pursue his football dream. His career later took him to Italy, Croatia, Australia, and Portugal, before he became a central figure in the rise of Japanese football.

When the J-League was launched in 1993, Miura emerged as one of its first superstars, helping popularize the sport in Japan at a time when baseball dominated the national spotlight. He scored 55 goals in 89 appearances for the Japan national team during the 1990s and became a symbol of the country’s growing football identity, even though he was controversially left out of Japan’s squad for the 1998 World Cup.

In 2017, at age 50, Miura set a global milestone by becoming the oldest player to score in a professional match, surpassing a long-standing record held by England legend Stanley Matthews.

While Miura’s role today is largely symbolic and mentoring in nature, his influence endures. Coaches and teammates have repeatedly cited his professionalism, training discipline, and passion for the game as invaluable to younger squads.

As he joins Fukushima United for another season, Miura continues to challenge conventional limits of age in elite sport, proving that, for “King Kazu,” retirement remains a distant idea.

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