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Zelensky and Trump to meet in Florida after weeks of intensified peace talks

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Zelensky and Trump to meet in Florida after weeks of intensified peace talks

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Florida on Sunday as his capital, Kyiv, continued to face assaults from Russian missiles and drones, a stark reminder that attacks would persist even amid accelerated peace negotiations.

The 1 p.m. ET meeting at Mar-a-Lago between Zelensky and President Donald Trump, announced just two days in advance, aims to resolve outstanding issues in the original 28-point peace plan proposed by Trump last month, which Ukraine has since revised to 20 points. U.S. envoys have been working intensively to finalize a proposal acceptable to both Ukraine and Russia.

Trump, who has been in Palm Beach since December 20, will interrupt his holiday break for the meeting. The session was arranged following an hourlong phone call last week between Zelensky and Steve Witkoff, Trump’s foreign envoy, and Jared Kushner, the president’s son-in-law involved in finalizing the peace agreement.

Earlier this month, Trump said he did not see value in meetings with Zelensky or European allies unless a deal was close, signaling the advanced stage of negotiations. U.S. officials have reported significant progress, with one noting that 90% of the terms have been settled—a figure Zelensky confirmed Friday.

“It isn’t easy. No one is saying that it will be 100% right away, but nevertheless, we must bring the desired result closer with every such meeting, every such conversation,” Zelensky said.

The remaining 10% remain contentious, including land concessions needed to end the nearly four-year war. Russia has maintained its maximalist demands, including control of the entire eastern Donbas region.

Zelensky, however, has not ruled out concessions entirely and said any peace plan would go to a referendum if Russia agrees to a ceasefire, as Ukraine’s constitution requires voter approval for border changes.

U.S. officials have offered “thought-provoking” ideas to break the deadlock, including creating an “economic free zone” in eastern Ukraine.

Another unresolved issue is the Russia-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe’s largest. Zelensky proposed it be operated as a joint enterprise between the U.S. and Ukraine, with 50% of the electricity going to Ukraine and the remainder allocated by the U.S.

Russia will not attend Sunday’s meeting, and it remains uncertain whether Moscow is willing to agree to an immediate ceasefire. Trump has often identified both Ukraine and Russia as obstacles to peace.

A day before the meeting, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated:

“If Kyiv is not willing to resolve the matter peacefully, Russia will accomplish all the aims of the special military operation by military means,” according to Russian state media TASS.

Overnight from Friday to Saturday, Russia launched 519 drones and 40 missiles at Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. Zelensky noted that while Russian officials are engaged in peace talks, ongoing attacks speak for themselves.

U.S. officials are hopeful Sunday’s meeting will be productive after a week of intensive efforts between U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators, though no specific outcome has been cited. Zelensky said he aims to finalize a framework to end the conflict, including detailed security guarantees from the U.S. to prevent further Russian aggression post-war.

Security guarantees similar to NATO’s Article 5 were developed over two days of talks in Berlin with European, Ukrainian, and U.S. officials. They would provide deterrence, deconfliction mechanisms, and monitoring for a future peace deal, outlining consequences for Russia in case of violations.

“This is the most robust set of security protocols they have ever seen. It is a very, very strong package,” a senior U.S. official said, without detailing the commitments. Trump is reportedly prepared to present the U.S.-backed security guarantees to Congress, described as the “platinum standard” for Washington’s support.

Trump believes Moscow can accept the guarantees. Officials also indicated Russia has shown openness to Ukraine joining the European Union as part of a peace agreement.

Unlike previous meetings, no European leaders are expected to attend Sunday’s session. In August, European leaders rushed to the White House to accompany Zelensky after a February Oval Office session with Trump had turned tense.

Speaking to Politico on Friday, Trump said he expects the meeting to “go good,” but cautioned that Zelensky “doesn’t have anything until I approve it.”

Ukraine has been pushing for the meeting since October. European officials view the dynamic between the U.S. and Ukraine as productive, but acknowledge the outcome of any meeting with Trump is unpredictable.

“There is no low-risk scenario with Trump,” a NATO official said.

DPWH leaks: VP Sara isinasangkot sa umano’y P1B insertion

Venus L Peñaflor
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DPWH leaks: VP Sara isinasangkot sa umano’y P1B insertion

MAYNILA — Dapat umanong isama sa imbestigasyon ng Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) si Vice President Sara Duterte kaugnay ng umano’y P1 bilyong “insertion” sa budget ng Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Ito ang pahayag ni House Deputy Minority Leader at ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio matapos lumabas ang tinaguriang “DPWH leaks,” na naglalaman umano ng mga dokumentong nag-uugnay kay Vice President Duterte, Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte, dating Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, at iba pang matataas na opisyal sa mga alokasyon ng DPWH noong administrasyon ni dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte.

Ayon kay Tinio, hindi umano maaaring “magmalinis” ang Bise Presidente sa isyu ng pagsisingit ng pondo sa DPWH budget. Aniya, may mga proyektong umano’y ipinasok si Duterte sa ahensiya noong siya ay alkalde pa ng Davao City na dapat ding panagutan at siyasatin.

“Sa wakas, may lumabas na ring impormasyon mula sa DPWH tungkol sa mga alokasyon at singit sa budget sa panahon ng Duterte administration. Hindi pwedeng magmalinis si Vice President Sara Duterte dahil meron din siyang maraming singit na proyekto sa DPWH bilang dating mayor ng Davao na dapat niyang panagutan at dapat ding imbestigahan,” pahayag ni Tinio.

Batay sa ulat, may 16 line items na tinatayang nagkakahalaga ng P1 bilyon ang mga proyektong hiniling umano ni Vice President Duterte na maisama sa 2020 DPWH budget noong siya ay mayor pa ng Davao City.

Hiwalay pa umano ito sa P51 bilyong alokasyon na sinasabing napunta kay Rep. Paolo Duterte, na ayon kay Tinio ay una nang kinumpirma ng yumaong DPWH Undersecretary Cathy Cabral.

Dagdag pa ng mambabatas, hindi na umano kataka-taka kung malaki ang nakuhang alokasyon ng pamilya Duterte at ilang opisyal ng Malacañang, kabilang si Roque, noong nasa poder ang administrasyon ni dating Pangulong Duterte. Sa panahong ito, aniya, nagsimula ang tinawag niyang “walang kapantay na pandarambong” sa DPWH budget.

“Totoong nagsimula ang walang kapantay na pandarambong sa DPWH budget sa panahong ito kaya dapat lang na saklawin ng imbestigasyon ang mga taong 2016 hanggang 2022 at panagutin din ang mga opisyal sa panahong iyon,” ayon pa kay Tinio.

Ang mga impormasyong ito ay nagmula umano sa “DPWH leaks,” na binubuo ng mga dokumentong naglalaman ng listahan ng mga proponent o sponsor ng mga proyektong isinasama sa budget proposal ng ahensiya.

Nabatid na pawang road projects ang tinutukoy na line items, kung saan 15 ang matatagpuan sa Davao City at isa sa Davao del Sur. Mayroon din umanong 16 line item projects na iniuugnay kay Rep. Paolo Duterte na nagkakahalaga ng P764 milyon, kung saan 14 ang sinasabing naisama sa General Appropriations Act (GAA).

Samantala, dalawang proyekto umano sa apat ang nakapangalan kay Roque, na nagkakahalaga ng tig-P2 milyon bawat isa at matatagpuan sa Ifugao, Batangas, Cavite, at Laguna.

Sa ngayon, wala pang pahayag si Vice President Duterte at si Roque kaugnay ng isyu.

Sa panig ni Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, mariin nitong itinanggi ang alegasyon at iginiit na walang ghost projects sa Davao City. Ayon sa kanya, lahat ng proyekto mula 2020 hanggang 2022 ay naiimplementa nang maayos, all accounted, at sinertipikahan mismo ng DPWH bilang kumpleto na.

Massive highway pileup in Japan leaves 2 dead, 26 injured as holiday travel begins

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Massive highway pileup in Japan leaves 2 dead, 26 injured as holiday travel begins

TOKYO — A large-scale traffic accident involving at least 67 vehicles on a snow-covered expressway in Japan left two people dead and 26 others injured late Friday, as the country entered its year-end holiday travel period, authorities said.

According to the Gunma prefectural highway police, the multi-vehicle pileup occurred on the Kan-etsu Expressway in the town of Minakami, about 160 kilometers northwest of Tokyo. The crash began when two trucks collided, blocking sections of the roadway.

Vehicles approaching from behind were unable to stop due to the slippery, snow-covered surface, triggering a chain reaction that quickly escalated into one of the region’s largest highway accidents in recent years.

Police said a fire broke out at the rear of the pileup, eventually engulfing around 20 vehicles. Some were completely destroyed by the flames. Firefighters extinguished the blaze approximately seven hours later.

Authorities confirmed that a 77-year-old woman from Tokyo died while riding in a passenger car. Another victim, whose body was severely burned, was later recovered from the driver’s seat of a truck that had been consumed by fire. Of the 26 people injured, five were reported to be in serious condition.

The accident occurred as warnings for heavy snowfall were in effect across parts of Japan, coinciding with the start of year-end and New Year holiday travel for many residents.

Sections of the Kan-etsu Expressway remained closed as of Saturday for police investigation, debris removal, and road cleaning operations.

SLEX at STAR Tollway, magpapatupad ng dagdag-singil sa toll simula Enero 1, 2026 — TRB

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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SLEX at STAR Tollway, magpapatupad ng dagdag-singil sa toll simula Enero 1, 2026 — TRB

MAYNILA — Magkakabisa ang bagong adjusted toll rates sa South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) at Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR) Tollway simula Enero 1, 2026, matapos itong aprubahan ng Toll Regulatory Board (TRB).

Ayon sa TRB, layon ng ipatutupad na toll rate adjustments na matiyak ang tuloy-tuloy na operations, maintenance, at improvements ng dalawang pangunahing expressway upang makapaghatid ng mas ligtas, mas mabilis, at mas maginhawang biyahe sa mga motorista.

Mga bagong toll rate sa SLEX

Alabang to Calamba

  • Class 1 – P126
  • Class 2 – P253
  • Class 3 – P379

Ito ay katumbas ng dagdag na P10, P21, at P31 para sa Class 1, 2, at 3 vehicles, ayon sa pagkakasunod-sunod.

Calamba to Sto. Tomas

  • Class 1 – P34
  • Class 2 – P68
  • Class 3 – P102

Para sa bahaging ito, ang pagtaas ng toll ay P3, P5, at P8 para sa Class 1, 2, at 3 vehicles.

Mga bagong toll rate sa STAR Tollway

Sto. Tomas to Lipa (Section 1)

  • Class 1 – P60
  • Class 2 – P119
  • Class 3 – P179

Sa Section 1, ang dagdag-singil ay P5, P9, at P14 para sa Class 1, 2, at 3 vehicles.

Lipa to Batangas (Section 2)

  • Class 1 – P53
  • Class 2 – P106
  • Class 3 – P159

Para naman sa Section 2, tataas ang toll ng P4, P8, at P12 para sa Class 1, 2, at 3 vehicles.

Muling iginiit ng TRB na ang mga ipinatupad na toll rate hikes ay mahalaga upang mapanatili at mapabuti ang kalidad ng serbisyo, kaligtasan, at imprastraktura ng SLEX at STAR Tollway sa mga susunod na taon.

Thailand and Cambodia sign new ceasefire to end border fighting

Venus L Peñaflor
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Thailand and Cambodia sign new ceasefire to end border fighting

BANGKOK — Thailand and Cambodia formalized a new ceasefire agreement on Saturday to halt weeks of fighting along their shared border over disputed territories. The agreement, signed by Defense Ministers Tea Seiha of Cambodia and Nattaphon Narkphanit of Thailand at a border checkpoint, took effect at noon local time (0500 GMT) and calls for a halt to military movements and airspace violations for military purposes.

Only Thailand has conducted airstrikes in recent days, including strikes in Cambodia as recently as Saturday morning, according to the Cambodian Defense Ministry. The deal also stipulates that, after the ceasefire holds for 72 hours, Thailand will repatriate 18 Cambodian soldiers it has held since July, a major demand of Cambodia.

Hours after signing, Thailand’s Foreign Ministry lodged a protest after a Thai soldier suffered a permanent disability from stepping on an anti-personnel land mine, which Thailand claims was planted by Cambodian forces.

The new agreement builds on previous ceasefires, including a July deal brokered by Malaysia and supported by U.S. pressure under former President Donald Trump, and an October agreement formalized at a regional meeting in Malaysia. Despite these earlier deals, minor cross-border violence and propaganda continued, escalating in early December into widespread fighting.

Thai officials report 26 soldiers and one civilian killed since December 7, along with 44 civilian deaths. Cambodia has not released military casualty figures but confirmed 30 civilians killed and 90 injured. The fighting has displaced hundreds of thousands on both sides.

“Today’s ceasefire also paves the way for displaced people living in border areas to return to their homes, work in the fields, and allow children to resume their studies,” Cambodia’s Defense Minister Tea Seiha said after the signing.

The agreement includes provisions for joint humanitarian demining operations, adherence to international agreements on land mines, resumption of border demarcation measures, and cooperation to suppress transnational crimes, including online scams that have targeted victims worldwide. Both sides also committed to refraining from spreading false information.

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, a key mediator in the original ceasefire, said the new agreement “reflects a shared recognition that restraint is required, above all in the interest of civilians.”

Despite the agreement, Thailand remains cautious. Defense Ministry spokesperson Surasant Kongsiri emphasized that the 72-hour ceasefire is a test of Cambodia’s commitment to peace, stating that the safe return of civilians would signal a stabilized situation and pave the way for the repatriation of Cambodian prisoners.

“However, if the ceasefire does not materialize, this would indicate a lack of sincerity on the Cambodian side to create sure peace,” Kongsiri added.

CFO strengthens ties with global Filipino community to boost nation-building efforts

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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CFO strengthens ties with global Filipino community to boost nation-building efforts

MANILA — The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) is placing diaspora engagement at the forefront of its programs, aiming to deepen partnerships with more than 10 million Filipinos living and working abroad.

CFO Secretary Dante Francis Ang II emphasized that overseas Filipinos are not just economic contributors but essential partners in nation-building. “Successful Filipinos abroad are more inclined to help Filipinos locally,” Ang said during a media forum Monday. He added that migration allows Filipinos to “earn a higher return on their educational capital and contribute to the country once they have become successful.”

Among the agency’s key initiatives is BaLinkBayan, which provides overseas Filipinos with access to online government services, investment and entrepreneurship opportunities, volunteer programs, skills and technology transfer, and migration and development mainstreaming.

The LINKAPIL program, which includes the Balikturo initiative, brings Filipino teachers based in the United States back home to teach during visits. The CFO is also expanding partnerships with the Department of Science and Technology through the Balik Scientist Program.

Other efforts focus on financial literacy, diaspora philanthropy, return and reintegration programs, and hometown development investments. The Diaspora to Development (D2D) program, a priority initiative, connects global Filipinos with grassroots projects across the country.

To reach second- and third-generation migrants seeking to reconnect with their roots, the CFO is updating its digital platforms and enhancing collaboration with Filipino associations abroad. The agency said these steps are part of its mission to “modernize diaspora engagement” and align initiatives with the administration’s broader development agenda.

Ang highlighted that the renewed approach underscores not only the economic impact of the diaspora, such as remittances, but also their growing influence in diplomacy, global networks, innovation, arts, culture, and community leadership.

The CFO plans to continue consulting overseas Filipino communities as it rolls out new programs, aiming to turn sustained engagement with global Filipinos into “a strategic national asset.”

Times Square to feature patriotic ball drop, kicking off U.S. 250th birthday celebrations

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Times Square to feature patriotic ball drop, kicking off U.S. 250th birthday celebrations

NEW YORK CITY — As the ball drops on New Year’s Eve in Times Square, it will shine in red, white, and blue, welcoming 2026 and marking the start of nationwide celebrations for the United States’ upcoming 250th birthday.

This year’s Times Square event will include patriotic touches, such as a second confetti drop, offering a preview of the hundreds of events and programs planned across the country to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

“I’m telling you right now, whatever you’re imagining, it’s going to be much more than that,” said America250 Chair Rosie Rios, who leads the bipartisan commission established by Congress in 2016 to oversee the semiquincentennial anniversary. “It’s going to be one for the ages, the most inspirational celebration this country and maybe the world has ever seen.”

Rios and her team collaborated with the Times Square Alliance and One Times Square, the building from which the ball is dropped, to enhance this year’s ceremonies. A second ball drop is also planned for July 3, the eve of the nation’s birthday, marking the first Times Square ball drop outside of New Year’s Eve in 120 years.

The Times Square ball tradition began in 1907, when immigrant metalworker Jacob Starr created the original 700-pound, 5-foot-diameter iron-and-wood ball with 100 light bulbs. The current Constellation Ball, unveiled last year, measures 12 feet in diameter and weighs nearly 12,000 pounds. The only years without a ball drop were 1942 and 1943, when wartime “dimouts” replaced the ceremony with a moment of silence and chimes from the base of One Times Square.

This New Year’s Eve will also mark the official launch of America Gives, a national service initiative under America250, aiming to make 2026 the largest year of volunteer hours in U.S. history.

Following New Year’s, America250 will join the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, with a float titled “Soaring Onward Together for 250 Years”, featuring three oversized bald eagles representing the nation’s past, present, and future.

“We want to ring in this new year from sea to shining sea,” Rios said. “This has to be community-driven, grassroots. We’re going from Guam to Alaska, from Fairbanks to Philadelphia, and everything in between.”

President Donald Trump has also announced the Freedom 250 initiative to coordinate additional events for the semiquincentennial celebrations.

Rios emphasized the broad scope of planned activities from fireworks displays and statewide potlucks to student contests and citizen oral histories — as an opportunity to unite a politically divided nation. “If we can find something for everyone … having those menus of options that people can pick and choose how they want to participate, that’s how we’re going to engage 350 million Americans,” she said.

At least 15 injured in a knife and chemical attack at a Japan factory

Venus L Peñaflor
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At least 15 injured in a knife and chemical attack at a Japan factory

TOKYO — At least 15 people were injured after a man carried out a knife and chemical attack at a tire factory in central Japan on Friday, authorities said. The suspect was arrested at the scene, and no motive has been disclosed.

According to the Fujisan Nanto Fire Department, eight workers were stabbed at a Yokohama Rubber Co. factory in the city of Mishima, Shizuoka prefecture, west of Tokyo. Five of the stabbing victims were reported to be in serious condition and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Further details on their injuries were not immediately available.

Seven other people were hospitalized after being exposed to a chemical believed to be bleach, which the suspect allegedly threw during the attack, fire officials said.

Shizuoka prefectural police identified the suspect as a 38-year-old man and said he was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. Investigators did not immediately release additional information, including whether the suspect was an employee of the factory.

Japan’s Asahi newspaper, citing investigators, reported that the suspect was carrying a survival knife and was wearing what appeared to be a gas mask at the time of the attack.

Authorities said the situation was brought under control shortly after the incident. An investigation is ongoing.

Japan enforces strict gun control laws and is generally known for low levels of violent crime. However, the country has seen several high-profile knife attacks in recent years, raising concerns about public safety in workplaces and other public spaces.

Palasyo nagduda sa ‘Cabral files’; Leviste iginiit na authentic ang mga dokumento

Venus L Peñaflor
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Palasyo nagduda sa ‘Cabral files’; Leviste iginiit na authentic ang mga dokumento

Nagpahayag ng pagdududa ang Malacañang sa umano’y mga leaked na dokumento ng Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), na tinawag nitong walang “probative value,” habang iginiit naman ni Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste na authentic ang tinaguriang “Cabral files.”

Noong Huwebes, inilabas ni Leviste ang panibagong set ng mga dokumento na aniya’y ibinigay sa kanya ng yumaong DPWH Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral. Nilalaman umano ng mga ito ang buod ng alokasyon ng DPWH kada distrito, lalawigan, at rehiyon mula 2023 hanggang 2026.

Ayon kay Palace Undersecretary Claire Castro, nananatiling kuwestiyonable ang tinatawag na Cabral lists o DPWH leaks dahil wala umanong patunay na nagmula ang mga ito sa DPWH.

“Unless the documents come from DPWH, we could not give the alleged ‘Cabral files’ or any list from an unknown source any probative value. It is nothing but hearsay and can be treated as mere fabricated documents,” pahayag ni Castro.

Dagdag pa niya, wala ring makapagsasabi na ang mga proyektong nakasaad sa mga dokumento ay aktuwal na naipatupad.

Binigyang-diin ni Castro na nasa kampo ni Leviste ang burden of proof upang patunayan ang authenticity ng mga dokumento. “He has started bragging about them, so it is his responsibility to prove their authenticity… We are not even aware if what he is in possession of are mere altered or fabricated documents,” ani Castro.

Sa kabilang panig, iginiit ni Leviste na nakuha niya ang mga dokumento mismo mula kay DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon. Sa isang Zoom press conference, sinabi ni Leviste na mapapahiya umano si Castro kapag kinumpirma ni Dizon at ng iba pa ang authenticity ng mga file na kanyang inilabas.

“I got the documents after Usec. Cabral had a phone call with [DPWH] Secretary Vince. And I talked with Secretary Vince about this being released to the public. And Sec. Vince said he agrees,” ani Leviste. Dagdag pa niya, inaasahan umano niyang ilalabas ni Dizon ang mga dokumento noong Setyembre at ipapasa rin sa Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) at sa Office of the Ombudsman.

Sinabi rin ng mambabatas na naipakita na niya ang Cabral files sa ICI at sa Office of the Ombudsman noong Nobyembre, bago pa ang biglaang pagpanaw ni Cabral noong Disyembre 19.

“I showed the list to the ICI and the Ombudsman… So it should not be said why am I only doing this now after the death of Usec. Cabral,” paliwanag ni Leviste, na idinagdag na matapos nito ay nagkaroon ng panawagan na ilabas na ang mga dokumento at tuluyang naipasa sa Ombudsman.

Tinutulan din ni Leviste ang naunang pahayag ni DPWH Secretary Dizon na hindi umano pinahihintulutan ang mga mambabatas na magmungkahi ng mga proyektong popondohan sa ilalim ng National Expenditure Program (NEP) o ng panukalang national budget para sa 2026.

Bilang patunay, ipinakita ni Leviste ang screenshot ng isang Viber group chat na may petsang Hunyo 10, na umano’y ipinadala sa kanya ng House appropriations committee. Nakasaad dito ang paalala sa pagsusumite ng hard at soft projects para sa fiscal year 2026, kabilang ang alokasyong “P150 million infrastructure for district rep, P160 million infrastructure for party list rep, P30 million soft for district and party list rep.”

“Aminin na natin ang widely documented fact na bawat congressman ay pwedeng mag-insert ng P150 million sa NEP,” ani Leviste, sabay sabing siya mismo ay nagsumite ng mga proyekto na kalauna’y lumabas sa NEP, kabilang ang mga multi-purpose buildings para sa mga paaralan sa kanyang distrito.

Wala pang pahayag ukol dito ang panig ni House appropriations committee chairperson Mikaela Suansing kaugnay ng usapin.


Trump says U.S. struck Islamic State targets in Nigeria following attacks on Christians

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Trump says U.S. struck Islamic State targets in Nigeria following attacks on Christians

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — President Donald Trump said the United States carried out airstrikes against Islamic State-linked militants in Nigeria, describing the operation as a response to attacks targeting Christians in the West African nation.

In a Christmas evening post on his social media platform, Trump said U.S. forces launched what he called a “powerful and deadly” strike against Islamic State elements operating in Sokoto state. He did not provide details on the targets hit or the extent of damage caused.

A U.S. Defense Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity because details have not been publicly released, said the strikes were conducted in coordination with Nigerian authorities and were approved by the Nigerian government.

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the cooperation, saying it involved intelligence sharing and strategic coordination conducted in a manner “consistent with international law, mutual respect for sovereignty, and shared commitments to regional and global security.”

Trump said the airstrikes targeted militants “who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians.” Nigerian officials and security analysts, however, have repeatedly stressed that the country’s prolonged security crisis affects both Christians—who are predominant in the south—and Muslims, who form the majority in the north.

“Terrorist violence in any form, whether directed at Christians, Muslims or other communities, remains an affront to Nigeria’s values and to international peace and security,” the Nigerian Foreign Ministry said.

Nigeria is battling multiple armed groups, including at least two with links to the Islamic State. These include the Islamic State West Africa Province, an offshoot of Boko Haram operating mainly in the northeast, and the lesser-known Lakurawa group, which has gained prominence in northwestern states such as Sokoto.

Security analysts said the U.S. strikes may have targeted Lakurawa, which has expanded its operations over the past year, launching attacks on remote communities and security forces while using forested areas spanning multiple states as hideouts.

“Lakurawa is a group that is actually controlling territories in Nigeria, in Sokoto state and in other states like Kebbi,” said Malik Samuel, a Nigerian security researcher at Good Governance Africa. He said the group’s growth has been fueled by the limited presence of state authorities and security forces in vulnerable areas.

Nigeria’s government has previously rejected claims that violence in the country is directed solely at Christians, noting that extremist attacks have claimed victims across religious lines.

Last month, Trump ordered the Pentagon to begin planning for potential military action in Nigeria, citing what he described as persecution of Christians. The U.S. State Department has since announced visa restrictions on Nigerians and their family members accused of involvement in attacks on Christians, and recently designated Nigeria a “country of particular concern” under the International Religious Freedom Act.

Trump said U.S. defense officials had carried out “numerous perfect strikes” and warned that the United States “will not allow Radical Islamic Terrorism to prosper.”

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation with about 220 million people, is nearly evenly divided between Christians and Muslims. Beyond Islamist extremism, the country faces a complex mix of security challenges, including farmer-herder conflicts, communal violence, ethnic rivalries, secessionist movements, and criminal gangs.

While the U.S. military presence in Africa has declined in recent years, Trump has continued to apply diplomatic and military pressure as Nigeria grapples with repeated attacks on schools, churches, and villages affecting both Christian and Muslim communities.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a post on X late Thursday that the president had been clear in condemning the killing of Christians in Nigeria. He added that U.S. forces were “always ready,” noting the strikes took place on Christmas, and thanked the Nigerian government for its support and cooperation.

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