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Tig-dalawang impeachment complaint laban kay PBBM at VP Sara, umusad sa House Committee on Justice

Venus L Peñaflor
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Tig-dalawang impeachment complaint laban kay PBBM at VP Sara, umusad sa House Committee on Justice

MAYNILA — Idineklara ng House Committee on Justice na “sufficient in form” ang dalawang impeachment complaint na inihain laban kay Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr., matapos ang botong 46 pabor, isang tutol, at isang abstention para sa unang reklamo, at 35 pabor, siyam kontra, at isang abstention para sa ikalawang reklamo.

Ayon kay Justice Committee Chairperson at Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro, ang unang reklamo ay inihain ni Atty. Andre de Jesus at inendorso ni House Deputy Minority Leader at Pusong Pinoy Partylist Rep. Jernie Jett Nisay.

“With 46 votes in favor, one vote against and one abstention, the chair declares the De Jesus complaint sufficient in form,” pahayag ni Luistro sa pagdinig ng komite.

Ang ikalawang reklamo, na inihain ng mga progressive groups at inendorso ng Makabayan bloc, ay kaparehong idineklarang sufficient in form matapos ang hiwalay na botohan.

“Tapos na, both complaints were declared sufficient in form. For tomorrow we will be moving to the determination of sufficiency in substance,” ani Luistro.

Ipinaliwanag ng mambabatas na ang sufficiency in form ay tumutukoy sa pagsunod ng reklamo sa mga formal requirements, kabilang ang pirma ng mga complainant, wastong endorsement, at panunumpa ng mga naghain. Nakaiskedyul na talakayin ng komite ngayong Martes kung ang dalawang reklamo ay sufficient in substance, na pagbobotohan din nang magkahiwalay.

Sa gitna ng pagdinig, nag-walk out si Manila 6th District Rep. Benny Abante matapos ipahayag ang kanyang pagtutol sa pagdedeklara ng sufficiency in form sa ikalawang reklamo, dahil sa kanyang pagdududa kung ang mga complainant ay mga nagbabayad ng buwis.

Samantala, dalawang magkahiwalay na impeachment complaint din laban kay Vice President Sara Duterte ang inihain sa Kamara nitong Lunes.

Ang unang reklamo ay isinampa ng mga dating mambabatas na sina dating ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. France Castro at dating Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares, at inendorso ng Makabayan bloc. Ayon kay Colmenares, kaugnay pa rin ito ng umano’y maanomalyang paggamit ng confidential funds ng Office of the Vice President.

“Today is the day. Napaaga dahil ‘yan ang epekto nung SC decision. Binago na naman nila ‘yung pag-calculate kung kelan matatapos ‘yung so called one-year bar kaya sa pagkaunawa natin, puwede na,” pahayag ni ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio, isa sa mga endorser ng reklamo.

Sa reklamo, inakusahan si Duterte ng betrayal of public trust kaugnay ng paggamit umano ng P612.5 million confidential funds ng Office of the Vice President at sa kanyang panunungkulan sa Department of Education mula Disyembre 2022 hanggang ikatlong quarter ng 2023. Kabilang din sa alegasyon ang pagsusumite ng liquidation report na umano’y naglalaman ng mga “pekeng” pangalan ng recipients, gaya ng “Mary Grace Piattos.”

“Yun pa rin, katulad ng pagwaldas sa 612.5 million na confidential fund nung siya ay bise presidente at secretary ng [Department of Education]. Kasama rito yung P125 million na naubos in 11 days nung December 2022,” ani Tinio.

Ang ikalawang impeachment complaint laban kay VP Duterte ay inihain nina Tindig Pilipinas convenor Kiko Aquino Dee, dating Peace Secretary Ging Deles, Fr. Flavie Villanueva, at iba pang youth at sectoral leaders. Inendorso ito nina ML Partylist Rep. Leila de Lima at Akbayan Reps. Perci Cendaña at Chel Diokno.

Isinama sa reklamo ang alegasyon ni Ramil Madriaga laban kay Duterte.

“No technicality or legal loophole will clear the VP of these charges. The VP must personally answer these cases of corruption and abuse of power. She has not escaped her day of reckoning, she has merely delayed it,” ani Cendaña.

Inihayag naman ni dating Gabriela Partylist Rep. Arlene Brosas na umaasa silang idedeklara ng Committee on Justice na sufficient in form and substance ang mga reklamo upang umusad ang pormal na deliberasyon.


Ipinapakita ng magkakahiwalay na hakbang ng House Committee on Justice sa mga reklamo laban sa Pangulo at sa Bise Presidente ang patuloy na pagsubok sa mga mekanismo ng pananagutan sa ilalim ng Konstitusyon. Habang nananatiling nasa yugto pa lamang ng pagsusuri sa porma at substansiya ang mga reklamo, inaasahang magiging mahalaga ang susunod na mga pagdinig sa pagtukoy kung ang mga alegasyon ay uusad sa mas malalim na proseso ng imbestigasyon at posibleng paglilitis sa Kamara at Senado.

Big names surface in latest Epstein files as U.S. Justice Department releases new documents

Venus L Peñaflor and EDGARDO HERNAL
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Big names surface in latest Epstein files as U.S. Justice Department releases new documents

WASHINGTON — A new tranche of documents released by the U.S. Justice Department on Friday has brought renewed public attention to Jeffrey Epstein’s network of high-profile contacts, with records referencing figures from politics, business, entertainment, and sports. The disclosure comes more than 40 days after the Dec. 19 deadline set by the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a law passed by Congress and signed in November to mandate the release of federal materials related to Epstein’s activities.

The latest files, which are being independently reviewed by major news organizations, follow earlier releases that included emails, photographs, and travel references involving prominent individuals such as President Donald Trump, former President Bill Clinton, Mick Jagger, Woody Allen, and Larry Summers. None of those named in the records have been formally accused of criminal wrongdoing in connection with Epstein.

Former Prince Andrew

Among the newly released materials are photographs depicting Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, in close physical proximity to an unidentified woman. The images, which lack contextual details such as time and location, show both individuals fully clothed. Prince Andrew, brother of King Charles III and son of the late Queen Elizabeth II, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. He was stripped of royal titles and duties following public scrutiny of his association with Epstein.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged anyone with relevant information to cooperate with U.S. investigators, saying, “You can’t be victim-centered if you’re not prepared to share that information.” Prince Andrew has not responded to a request from members of the U.S. House Oversight Committee for a transcribed interview. His representatives have been contacted for comment.

Elon Musk

Emails dating back more than a decade suggest limited correspondence between technology entrepreneur Elon Musk and Epstein, including discussions about potential holiday visits to the Caribbean. In one 2012 exchange, Epstein asked how many people Musk would bring to his island by helicopter, to which Musk replied, “Probably just Talulah and me,” referring to his then-wife, Talulah Riley. Other messages referenced party invitations in St. Barts.

Musk stated on social media that he had “very little correspondence with Epstein” and declined repeated invitations to visit Epstein’s island or use his private aircraft, adding that emails could be misinterpreted by critics. CBS News has sought comment from Musk.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick

Emails show that Howard Lutnick, now U.S. Commerce Secretary, and his family coordinated travel to Epstein’s private island, Little Saint James, in 2012. Correspondence indicates Lutnick accepted a lunch invitation from Epstein during that period.

However, Lutnick has previously told the New York Post that he and his wife cut ties with Epstein in 2005 after an uncomfortable visit to Epstein’s New York townhouse. A Commerce Department spokesperson said Lutnick had limited interactions with Epstein in the presence of his wife and has never been accused of wrongdoing.

Steve Tisch

The documents include a series of 2013 emails between Epstein and New York Giants co-owner Steve Tisch that discuss women they had met. Some of the exchanges contain explicit language. Tisch told CBS News that he never visited Epstein’s island and regrets any association, stating that Epstein was “a terrible person.”

The NFL and the New York Giants have been contacted for comment.

Bill Gates

Two emails Epstein sent to himself in July 2013 contain unverified and disputed claims involving Bill Gates, including allegations of extramarital conduct and medical treatment. A spokesperson for Gates called the claims “absolutely absurd and completely false,” stating that the documents demonstrate Epstein’s efforts to defame Gates after failing to maintain a relationship with him.

The Wall Street Journal previously reported that Epstein attempted to leverage knowledge of a purported affair involving Gates and a Russian bridge player, a claim neither party has confirmed.

President Donald Trump

The newly released materials contain hundreds of references to President Trump. A 2009 deposition by Epstein’s former house manager states that Trump never stayed overnight at Epstein’s Palm Beach home and never received a massage there. Another message from 2012 suggests a possible invitation for Epstein to visit Mar-a-Lago, though it is unclear whether the trip occurred.

The Justice Department noted that some information in the documents about Trump is untrue. Trump said the files further exonerate him.

Steve Bannon

The release includes nearly two hours of video from an interview conducted by Steve Bannon, a former White House strategist, with Epstein. In the footage, Epstein refers to himself as a “tier one” offender, which he describes as the lowest category. Emails from late 2018 and early 2019 also reference Epstein gifting Apple watches to Bannon and his son.

Bannon has not yet responded to requests for comment.

Brett Ratner

Photographs in the files show filmmaker Brett Ratner seated with Epstein and two women. Ratner has previously denied allegations of sexual misconduct made against him in 2017. His production company has been contacted for comment.

Dr. Mehmet Oz

A 2004 transaction report shows Epstein paid for travel expenses totaling $1,592 for Dr. Mehmet Oz, now administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Epstein was later invited to an event where Oz was a speaker but declined. CMS has not responded to inquiries.

Kathryn Ruemmler

Emails from 2015 show Kathryn Ruemmler, former White House counsel under President Barack Obama and now chief legal officer at Goldman Sachs, expressing affection for Epstein in a private message. She later told the Wall Street Journal in 2023 that she regretted ever knowing him.

Woody Allen, Bill Clinton, and Jeff Bezos

The files reference text exchanges between Epstein and filmmaker Woody Allen in 2015 about a possible museum or White House visit. Allen has denied past allegations of abuse made by Mia Farrow.

An October 2009 email from publicist Peggy Siegal mentions that Bill Clinton and Jeff Bezos attended an after-party at Ghislaine Maxwell’s home. Clinton’s office has previously stated that his travel on Epstein’s plane in the early 2000s was related to Clinton Foundation work and included staff and security.

Analysis

The latest Epstein document release underscores the breadth of Epstein’s social and professional connections, but it also highlights the limits of transparency without clear legal context. Many of the records consist of emails, photographs, and unverified claims that reference well-known figures without establishing criminal conduct. As public interest intensifies, the challenge for investigators, journalists, and the public alike is to distinguish documented evidence from allegation and implication, ensuring that accountability, where warranted, is grounded in verified facts rather than association alone.

Son of Norway’s crown princess arrested on new charges ahead of rape trial

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Son of Norway’s crown princess arrested on new charges ahead of rape trial

Oslo — Marius Borg Høiby, the 29-year-old son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, was arrested on Sunday evening on new charges just days before the start of his high-profile rape trial. Oslo police said Høiby is suspected of assault, making threats with a knife, and violating a restraining order, prompting authorities to request four weeks of pre-trial detention to prevent potential reoffending. The Oslo district court is expected to decide on his detention on Monday afternoon.

Høiby faces a total of 38 charges, including four counts of rape, domestic abuse of a former partner, and the illegal filming of several women without their consent. The trial is scheduled to begin on Tuesday and is expected to last for seven weeks. Høiby has denied the most serious accusations, including sexual abuse.

A police prosecutor, Andreas Kruszewski, said: “The Oslo police district can confirm that Marius Borg Høiby was arrested on Sunday evening and charged with bodily harm, making threats involving a knife, and breach of a restraining order. The police have requested four weeks of pre-trial detention due to the risk of reoffending. Beyond this, the police have no further comments at this time.”

Høiby’s arrest comes amid growing tension for the Norwegian royal family after Crown Princess Mette-Marit was linked to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Over the weekend, her name appeared nearly 1,000 times in newly unsealed files released by the U.S. Justice Department.

In response, Mette-Marit said the correspondence revealed “poor judgment” and expressed regret over her contact with Epstein, describing it as “simply embarrassing.” Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre noted that those mentioned in the files are expected to clarify the facts. The release of the documents does not imply wrongdoing.

The emails suggest that Mette-Marit and Epstein were in close contact between 2011 and 2014, years after Epstein’s guilty plea for charges including soliciting prostitution from a minor. The files show that Mette-Marit referred to Epstein as “very charming,” “soft-hearted,” and “such a sweetheart,” and that she stayed at his Florida home for four days in 2013 while he was away.

In a statement, the palace clarified that written contact with Epstein ended in 2014, after Mette-Marit felt he was attempting to leverage their relationship. She has expressed solidarity with Epstein’s victims and admitted responsibility for not checking Epstein’s background more closely.

Høiby was born from Mette-Marit’s previous relationship, prior to her marriage to Crown Prince Haakon in 2001, the future king of Norway. The unfolding case places both mother and son under intense international scrutiny as the legal process against Høiby begins.

Pilipinong mercenary na nirekrut ng Russia, bihag ngayon ng Ukraine

Venus L Peñaflor
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Pilipinong mercenary na nirekrut ng Russia, bihag ngayon ng Ukraine

Maynila — Isang Pilipino mula sa Alcala, Pangasinan na umano’y lumaban para sa Russia ang kasalukuyang itinuturing na prisoner of war (POW) matapos mabihag ng mga puwersa ng Ukraine, ayon sa ulat na lumabas sa isang opisyal na proyektong Ukrainian at kinumpirma ng mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan ng Pilipinas.

Lumitaw sa Facebook page na “I Want to Live”—isang inisyatiba ng gobyerno ng Ukraine na humihikayat sa mga dayuhang mandirigma na sumuko, ang video ni Raymon Santos Gumangan noong Disyembre 8. Sa naturang video, ikinuwento ni Gumangan na siya ay nirekrut para sa trabahong may kinalaman sa logistics, ngunit nang makarating sa Russia ay naitalaga sa ibang tungkulin.

Batay sa salaysay, noong 2024 ay lumagda si Gumangan sa kontrata sa Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, na nagtalaga sa kanya bilang shooter sa 51st Parachute Regiment. Noong Setyembre ng parehong taon, diumano ay nasangkot siya sa mga opensiba sa Sumy region ng Ukraine, kung saan siya ay nabihag.

Kinumpirma ng pamilya ni Gumangan na nakatanggap sila ng abiso mula sa International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) hinggil sa kanyang pagkakadakip. Ayon sa kanyang kapatid na si Ronie, halos hindi na nila makilala si Gumangan sa video dahil sa malaking ang ipinayat nito.

Sinabi ng pamilya na dati siyang nagtatrabaho sa isang security agency sa Pilipinas at nag-apply online para sa trabahong logistics sa ibang bansa. Ayon sa anak niyang si Raymark, isang dayuhan ang tumulong sa kanyang ama upang makakuha ang trabaho sa Russia. Sa mga unang buwan, nakakausap pa umano ng pamilya si Gumangan at naibabalita ang kanyang kalagayan.

Ayon sa Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), wala sa kanilang database si Gumangan, gayundin sa Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). Dahil dito, nakikipag-ugnayan na ang DMW sa Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) upang matukoy kung paano siya nakalabas ng bansa at kung anong mga hakbang ang maaaring gawin para sa posibleng repatriation at konsular na tulong.

Noong nakaraang linggo, iniulat ng Ukrainian military intelligence na isang Filipinong mersenaryo ang namatay sa sagupaan sa pagitan ng mga puwersa ng Russia at Ukraine isang pahayag na muling nagbigay-diin sa lumalaking presensya ng mga dayuhang mandirigma sa nagpapatuloy na giyera.

Ayon sa international humanitarian law, kabilang ang Geneva Conventions, may karapatan ang mga POW sa makataong pagtrato at komunikasyon sa kanilang pamilya sa tulong ng ICRC. Patuloy namang hinihikayat ng DFA ang mga Pilipino na iwasan ang mga lugar ng giyera at sumunod sa mga travel advisory.

Habang nagpapatuloy ang imbestigasyon, nananatiling nakatutok ang mga awtoridad sa kalagayan ni Gumangan at sa mga legal at diplomatikong hakbang upang matiyak ang kanyang kaligtasan at karapatan bilang Pilipino sa gitna ng digmaan sa eastern Europe.

Rafah crossing reopens under ceasefire, offering limited passage for Gaza’s patients and returnees

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Rafah crossing reopens under ceasefire, offering limited passage for Gaza’s patients and returnees

Cairo — Gaza’s Rafah border crossing with Egypt reopened Monday for restricted movement, marking a significant though largely symbolic step in the ongoing Israel-Hamas ceasefire as only a small number of Palestinians were permitted to travel and no commercial goods were allowed to pass.

An Egyptian official said authorities expected about 50 Palestinians to cross in each direction on the first day of operations. In the initial hours following the reopening, no travelers were observed entering or leaving Gaza. The move nonetheless raised cautious hope among thousands of Palestinians seeking medical evacuation, including an estimated 20,000 children and adults in need of urgent care, according to Gaza health officials.

State-run Egyptian media and an Israeli security official confirmed the reopening, speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on public comment.

A Lifeline for Medical Evacuations

For families such as that of Rajaa Abu Mustafa, the crossing represents a long-awaited chance for treatment abroad. Her 17-year-old son, Mohamed, was blinded in one eye last year while trying to obtain food from aid trucks east of Khan Younis.

“We have been waiting for the crossing to open,” Abu Mustafa said. “Now it’s opened and the health ministry called and told us that we will travel to Egypt for his treatment.”

Egyptian authorities said around 150 hospitals nationwide are prepared to receive Palestinian patients evacuated through Rafah. The Egyptian Red Crescent has also established “safe spaces” on the Egyptian side of the crossing to support evacuees.

Since the war began, Israel has barred Palestinian patients from seeking care in hospitals in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem — once a primary route for medical referrals unavailable in Gaza.

Continued Violence Amid Truce

Despite the reopening, violence continued across the coastal enclave. Gaza hospital officials reported that an Israeli navy vessel fired on a tent camp sheltering displaced people near the southern city of Khan Younis, killing a 3-year-old boy. The Israeli military said it was reviewing the incident.

According to Nasser Hospital, the strike occurred in the Muwasi coastal area, a designated tent camp zone. Gaza’s health ministry said more than 520 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since the ceasefire took effect on Oct. 10, including over 100 children, as cited by UNICEF. The ministry reports that total Palestinian deaths since the start of Israel’s offensive have surpassed 71,800, without distinguishing between civilians and combatants. United Nations agencies and independent experts have generally considered the ministry’s casualty data to be credible.

Oversight and Political Tensions

Under the ceasefire terms, Israel’s military controls the area between the Rafah crossing and Gaza’s main population centers. Israel and Egypt are jointly vetting travelers, with the crossing to be supervised by European Union border agents alongside a limited Palestinian presence. Officials said the number of travelers could increase if the system proves effective.

Egypt has repeatedly stressed that Rafah must remain open for both entry and exit, amid concerns that the crossing could be used to permanently displace Palestinians from Gaza.

Israeli forces seized control of the Rafah crossing in May 2024, citing efforts to prevent weapons smuggling by Hamas. The terminal was briefly reopened in early 2025 to allow limited medical evacuations during a previous truce.

A Step Into the Ceasefire’s Next Phase

The reopening follows Israel’s recovery of the remains of the last hostage in Gaza, a development that helped unlock progress on the crossing. It is also seen as a key milestone as the U.S.-brokered ceasefire moves into its second phase.

The truce, which paused more than two years of conflict that began with the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, initially called for a large-scale exchange of hostages and detainees, expanded humanitarian aid, and a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces.

The next phase is expected to be more complex, with provisions for establishing a new Palestinian governing committee in Gaza, deploying an international security force, disarming Hamas, and launching long-term reconstruction efforts all contingent on the ceasefire holding.

Asawang pulis sumuko sa QCPD kaugnay ng pagpatay sa lady cop at anak

Arman B. Cambe
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Asawang pulis sumuko sa QCPD kaugnay ng pagpatay sa lady cop at anak

MAYNILA — Sumuko sa Quezon City Police District (QCPD) si Police Senior Master Sergeant (PSMS) John Mollenido kaugnay ng pagpaslang sa kanyang asawang si PSMS Diane Marie Mollenido at sa kanilang anak na si John Ysmael, matapos siyang ituro ng isa sa mga suspek sa krimen, ayon sa pulisya.

Batay sa ulat ng QCPD, isinagawa ang pagdakip sa mag-asawang Pia Katrina Panganiban, 29, at Christian Panganiban, 33, isang dating miyembro ng Philippine National Police (PNP), gayundin ang rider na si Gil Valdemoro Dy Jr., 41. Ang pagkakaaresto ay isinagawa matapos ang salaysay ni Pia, na diumano ay nagbigay ng mga bagong detalye hinggil sa insidente.

Ayon sa pahayag ni Pia, nakita umano niya sa pamamagitan ng video call si John Mollenido habang nagmamakaawa si Diane sa loob ng isang hideout, bago ito barilin. Sinabi rin niya na nakiusap siya na huwag idamay ang bata, subalit hindi umano ito pinakinggan.

Samantala, iginiit naman ni Dy na ang mag-asawang Panganiban ang responsable sa pagpatay sa mag-ina. Ayon sa kanyang salaysay, kasama ni Pia ang mga biktima nang dumating ang mga ito sa bahay hanggang sa maganap ang krimen.

Unang iniulat na nawawala ang mag-ina noong Enero 16 matapos huling makita si Diane na kasama si Pia sa pagbebenta ng kanyang Toyota Innova sa halagang P450,000. Makalipas ang isang linggo, natagpuan ang bangkay ni Diane sa isang creek sa Pulilan Bypass Road, Barangay Dulong Malabon, Pulilan, Bulacan, na may tama ng bala sa ulo. Noong Enero 29 naman natagpuan ang bangkay ni John Ysmael sa isang madamong calamansi farm sa Barangay Maluid, Victoria, Tarlac.

Nilinaw ni Atty. Cristobal Rimando, abogado ni John Mollenido, na hindi umano inaresto ang kanyang kliyente at sa halip ay boluntaryo itong sumuko sa pulisya.

Samantala, ang mag-asawang Panganiban at si Dy ay pormal nang kinasuhan ng double murder sa Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office, habang patuloy ang imbestigasyon ng mga awtoridad upang matukoy ang buong pangyayari at pananagutan ng mga sangkot sa kaso.

Iran’s supreme leader says any U.S. strike could trigger a regional war

Venus L Peñaflor
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Iran’s supreme leader says any U.S. strike could trigger a regional war

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned on Sunday that any military strike by the United States would trigger a “regional war” in the Middle East, intensifying tensions amid threats from Washington over Tehran’s violent crackdown on nationwide protests.

The 86-year-old leader’s remarks represent the most direct warning so far, coming as the U.S. deployed the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and accompanying warships to the Arabian Sea following the bloody suppression of demonstrations across Iran.

Khamenei described the protests, which began on December 28 over the collapse of Iran’s rial currency and later evolved into a broader challenge to his rule, as “a coup.” Tens of thousands of demonstrators have reportedly been detained, with sedition charges carrying the death penalty—a major red line highlighted by President Donald Trump.

“The Americans must be aware that if they wage a war this time, it will be a regional war,” Khamenei said during a speech at his Tehran compound, marking the start of a multi-day commemoration of Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution.
“We are not the instigators… but if anyone shows greed and wants to attack or harass, the Iranian nation will deal a heavy blow to them,” he added.

Khamenei also criticized the U.S., accusing Washington of seeking control over Iran’s oil, gas, and mineral resources, “just as they controlled it before.” He reaffirmed the government’s hardline stance against demonstrators, claiming they attacked police, government centers, Revolutionary Guard facilities, banks, and mosques, even burning copies of the Quran.

The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists New Agency reports that over 49,500 people have been detained and at least 6,713 killed, mostly demonstrators, though the Associated Press has been unable to independently verify the figures due to Iran’s internet restrictions. Iranian authorities, as of January 21, reported a lower death toll of 3,117, including 2,427 civilians and security personnel, labeling the remainder as “terrorists.”

In a separate development, Iran’s parliament announced that all European Union militaries are now considered “terrorist groups,” a response to the bloc designating Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as a terror organization over its role in the crackdown. Lawmakers later chanted “Death to America!” and “Death to Israel!” during the session, as members donned Revolutionary Guard uniforms in solidarity with the force, which controls Iran’s ballistic missiles and answers directly to Khamenei.

President Trump has outlined two red lines for potential U.S. military action: the killing of peaceful protesters and the possible mass execution of detainees. He has also increasingly raised concerns over Iran’s nuclear program, noting that Tehran is engaging in talks to reach a “satisfactory” agreement, though he expressed uncertainty whether Iran would comply.

Meanwhile, Iran had planned live-fire military exercises on Sunday and Monday in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic passage for one-fifth of global oil trade, prompting warnings from the U.S. Central Command to avoid threatening American forces or commercial shipping.

“Some people think that [Iran would be emboldened if we don’t strike]. Some people don’t,” Trump said when asked about potential U.S. actions, signaling that Washington continues to weigh diplomatic and military options.

The standoff underscores growing volatility in the region as both sides signal readiness to defend national interests while the international community watches closely.

Iimbestigahan ng MARINA ang kakulangan ng life vest, posibleng overloading, pagpapalit ng barko sa Basilan ferry sinking

Venus L Peñaflor
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Iimbestigahan ng MARINA ang kakulangan ng life vest, posibleng overloading, pagpapalit ng barko sa Basilan ferry sinking

BASILAN — Magsasagawa ng masusing imbestigasyon ang Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) kaugnay ng mga alegasyon ng mga nakaligtas sa paglubog ng M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 sa karagatang sakop ng Basilan noong Lunes, kabilang ang kakulangan ng life vest, posibleng overloading, at umano’y pagpapalit ng barkong nakatalaga sa biyahe.

Sinabi ni MARINA Spokesperson Dir. Luisito delos Santos na kabilang sa mga tinutukoy na posibleng paglabag ang paggamit ng barkong hindi orihinal na nakatalaga para sa nasabing ruta at araw ng paglalayag.

“May mga violation na nakikita natin. Una, it appears na ’yung naka-assign na barko sa mga kababayan natin na luluwas sa araw na ’yun ay hindi talaga ’yun ’yung barko na sasakyan nila… Mukhang pinalitan,” pahayag ni delos Santos.
“Sinasabi namin ngayon, nakitaan ng mga matinding violation ang Aleson Shipping [Lines],” dagdag pa niya.

Ang M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 ay pagmamay-ari at pinatatakbo ng Aleson Shipping Lines, na kasalukuyang sumasailalim sa safety audit at imbestigasyon ng MARINA.

Sinabi rin ng opisyal na sisiyasatin ang mga ulat ng mga pasaherong umano’y walang sapat na life vest at may mga lalagyan ng life jacket na naka-lock.

“Kasama rin sa imbestigasyon natin ’yan [may ilang pasahero na walang life vest]… Ang nakakalungkot, ’yung mga paunang recount ng mga pasahero, may mga life vest kaso allegedly, naka-lock ang lagayan ng life vest,” ani delos Santos.

“Ang life vest ang pangunahing depensa natin lalo na kung nagkakaroon ng mga aberyang ganito… Ang nakakalungkot, walang bagyo tapos lumubog pa ’yung barko,” dagdag niya.

Ayon sa MARINA, ang bilang ng mga functional na life vest ay dapat laging tumutugma sa awtorisadong kapasidad ng pasahero ng barko. Kasama rin sa tinitingnan ang posibilidad ng overloading at kung tumugma ang talaan ng pasahero sa aktuwal na sakay ng sasakyang pandagat.

“’Yung authorized passenger capacity ng barko na sinakyan nila, titignan natin kung walang overloading. Kaso may ibang balitang lumalabas na allegedly napalitan ’yung barko na sasakyan ng ating mga kababayan,” paliwanag ng opisyal.

Patuloy namang nakikipag-ugnayan ang MARINA sa Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), na nagpapatuloy sa search and rescue operations para sa mga nawawalang pasahero at pamamahala sa insidente.

Batay sa paunang beripikasyon, sinabi ng MARINA na kumpleto at balido ang mga dokumento ng M/V Trisha Kerstin 3, at walang expired na papeles. Gayunman, binigyang-diin ni delos Santos na ang pangunahing isyu sa ngayon ay ang eksaktong bilang ng mga pasahero at ang pagsunod sa mga pamantayan sa kaligtasan.

“Per documents ng mga barko, valid ang documents ng barko. Walang expired. Ang nagiging isyu lang ngayon ay ’yung bilang ng mga pasahero,” aniya.

Ipinaliwanag din ng MARINA na bagama’t isinasagawa ang taunang inspeksiyon ng mga seagoing vessel, mahalaga pa ring panatilihin ng mga operator ang seaworthiness ng kanilang mga sasakyang pandagat sa pagitan ng mga audit.

“Pero ang tanong, after the inspection, after the audit hanggang sa susunod na pagbalik ng MARINA, na-me-maintain ba ng operators ang seaworthiness ng ating mga sasakyang pandagat? ’Yan ang nakakalungkot, lumalabas na marami ang pagkukulang ng ating operators,” ani delos Santos.

Nanawagan ang MARINA sa lahat ng operator ng mga pampasaherong barko na mahigpit na sundin ang mga patakaran sa kaligtasan upang maiwasan ang pag-uulit ng mga trahedyang katulad nito.

Rafah crossing in Gaza partially opens after nearly two years

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Rafah crossing in Gaza partially opens after nearly two years

GAZA CITY — The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt began a trial phase on Sunday, marking the first step toward reopening the passage that has been largely closed for nearly two years. The partial reopening allows a limited number of Palestinians to leave the war-torn enclave and completes the first phase of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement.

The crossing, controlled by Israel since May 2024, underwent preparatory work coordinated by the European Union, Egypt, and other parties involved in its management, according to Israel’s Coordinator for Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT). Officials clarified that the initial reopening will only permit a restricted number of residents to cross, with no specific timetable yet for full operations.

Ali Shaath, head of the Palestinian technocratic committee overseeing Gaza, stated on social media that the crossing would operate in both directions starting Monday. He described the move as a symbolic step, signaling that “Gaza is no longer closed to the future and to the world.”

Despite the partial opening, access remains tightly controlled. An Israeli security official reported that 150 Palestinians per day will be allowed to leave Gaza, while only 50 can enter. High costs for passengers reportedly reaching thousands of dollars for some, and strict security procedures mean only a small number of residents can realistically travel.

The full reopening of Rafah was a condition of the first phase of the U.S.-mediated ceasefire, which took effect in mid-October. Israel had previously refused to reopen the crossing until all hostages, both living and deceased, were returned. The final deceased hostage, Ran Givili, was returned last week, enabling the completion of the first phase of the 20-point ceasefire deal.

The U.S. announced the start of the second phase of the ceasefire two weeks ago, coinciding with the launch of the Board of Peace by President Donald Trump in Davos.

The partial reopening of Rafah represents a cautious but significant step toward easing the humanitarian situation in Gaza and restoring limited connectivity with the outside world.

DOH-BOQ: Wala pang natutukoy na kaso ng Nipah Virus sa Pilipinas

Venus L Peñaflor
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DOH-BOQ: Wala pang natutukoy na kaso ng Nipah Virus sa Pilipinas

MAYNILA — Tiniyak ng Bureau of Quarantine ng Department of Health (DOH-BOQ) nitong Sabado na wala pang naitatalang kaso ng Nipah virus sa Pilipinas, sa gitna ng pinaigting na pagbabantay sa mga international travelers na dumarating sa bansa.

Ayon kay BOQ Officer-in-Charge Dr. Roberto Salvador, 24/7 na ipinatutupad ang mahigpit na border surveillance at screening protocols sa lahat ng pantalan at paliparan. Nilagyan ang mga arrival concourse ng infrared thermal scanners upang agad matukoy ang mga pasaherong may mataas na temperatura.

“As of now, since the issue about Nipah [virus] rose, we haven’t monitored or intercepted the virus even from those arriving from the direct flight from India,” pahayag ni Salvador.

Dagdag niya, ang mga biyaherong nagmumula sa mga bansang may naiulat na kaso ng Nipah virus, kabilang ang India, ay sumasailalim sa karagdagang pagsusuri bilang bahagi ng enhanced monitoring measures ng ahensya.

Awtomatikong tutunog ang mga scanner kapag lumagpas sa 37.5 degrees Celsius ang temperatura ng pasahero. Mayroon ding mga spotter na manu-manong nagmamasid sa mga biyaherong maaaring may sugat o pantal.

Kapag kinakailangang i-refer para sa masusing obserbasyon, ang pasahero ay agad na dinadala sa mga itinalagang ospital ng DOH, kabilang ang Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM).

Nauna nang inihayag ni DOH spokesperson Dr. Albert Domingo na wala ring na-detect na kaso ng Nipah virus ang Epidemiology Bureau, bagama’t may naitala nang mga insidente ng naturang virus sa bansa noong 2014.

Samantala, iniulat ng health ministry ng India noong Martes na may dalawang kumpirmadong kaso ng Nipah virus sa kanilang bansa, habang 196 na close contacts ang nagnegatibo matapos sumailalim sa pagsusuri.

Patuloy na hinihikayat ng DOH ang publiko na manatiling kalmado, sumunod sa mga health advisory, at agad na magpatingin sa pinakamalapit na health facility kung makararanas ng mga sintomas pagkatapos bumiyahe mula sa ibang bansa.

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