MONTREAL, Canada. Isang masayang pagdiriwang ang nauwi sa trahedya matapos araruhin ng isang sasakyan ang mga dumalo sa isang street festival ng Filipino community sa Vancouver, Canada nitong Sabado, na nagresulta sa pagkasawi ng 11 katao, ayon sa ulat ng mga lokal na awtoridad.
Nauna nang iniulat ng Vancouver Police na siyam ang nasawi matapos sagasaan ng isang lalaki ang mga kalahok sa Lapu Lapu Festival. Sa pinakahuling update, nilinaw ng mga awtoridad na umakyat na sa 11 ang bilang ng mga namatay.
“A number of people have been killed and multiple others are injured,” pahayag ng mga pulis. “The driver is in custody.”
Ayon kay Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim sa X (dating Twitter), nagtipon ang mga miyembro ng Filipino community upang ipagdiwang ang Lapu Lapu Day nang mangyari ang insidente. Ang festival ay isinabay ngayong taon sa weekend bago ang eleksyon sa Canada.
“Our thoughts are with all those affected and with Vancouver’s Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time,” saad ni Sim.
Batay sa ulat ng Vancouver Police, naganap ang insidente bandang alas otso ng umaga nitong Sabado (0300 GMT Linggo) sa Sunset on Fraser neighborhood sa Vancouver.
“A lone suspect, subject male with one vehicle, drove through a crowded community event occurring near here. That male was taken into custody at the scene by the crowd. It was a Filipino community event,” ayon kay Vancouver Police interim chief Steve Rai.
“It would be unfair for me to speculate on exact numbers, as the victims were taken to multiple hospitals in the region,” dagdag pa niya.
Ang Lapu Lapu Day ay ipinagdiriwang sa Pilipinas bilang paggunita kay Lapulapu, ang bayaning pinuno na namuno sa mga mandirigmang Pilipino na tumalo kay Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan noong 1521.
Patuloy ang imbestigasyon ng mga awtoridad upang matukoy ang motibo ng suspek sa naganap na trahedya.
VATICAN CITY. The world said its final goodbye to Pope Francis on Saturday with a somber funeral held in St. Peter’s Square, following his passing on Easter Monday at the age of 88. As the first Latin American pope, Francis’ death has left a profound impact, drawing millions to mourn and reflect on his life and papacy.
Funeral Location and Details Pope Francis’ funeral took place in the historic St. Peter’s Square, where his coffin was placed for the public to pay their respects. Afterward, his body was moved to St. Mary Major Basilica, where he had wished to be buried in a simple, underground tomb. The basilica held special meaning for the pope, who had a deep devotion to the Virgin Mary, especially to the icon of Salus Populi Romani, located there. This icon was a focal point for his prayers before many of his foreign travels.
A Personal Farewell Though many had anticipated the pope would be buried within the Vatican, Pope Francis had requested in his will to be laid to rest at St. Mary Major. This basilica, with its spiritual significance, offered the pope comfort throughout his papacy, making it a fitting final resting place. The entombment was a private event that allowed those closest to him to pay their respects.
World Leaders Attend the Ceremony The funeral saw a global turnout, with many heads of state and dignitaries in attendance. U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and Prince William were among those present. This attendance underscores the global influence of Pope Francis, who was admired for his humility and outreach to the poor.
Why Young People Attended In an unexpected twist, young people, originally gathered in Rome for the canonization of Carlo Acutis, also took part in the funeral. The canonization ceremony was postponed after Pope Francis’ death, but many young pilgrims chose to stay in Rome for the papal funeral. While the event was filled with solemn reverence, some attendees captured moments on their phones, adding a sense of lightness amidst the mourning.
What Happens Next: The Election of a New Pope Following the pope’s death, the process of selecting a new pope begins. Cardinals will now enter the conclave, a sacred and secretive event where they vote for the next leader of the Catholic Church. Black smoke will indicate no decision has been made, while white smoke will signify the election of a new pontiff.
Pope Francis’ Enduring Legacy Pope Francis’ papacy was one of humility, simplicity, and profound care for the marginalized. He was known for eschewing the luxury associated with the papacy, choosing to live in the Vatican’s Domus Santa Marta and forgoing the grand Apostolic Palace. His calls for social justice, climate change action, and greater inclusivity, particularly for LGBTQ+ people, were central themes of his leadership. His first papal trip in 2013 to the island of Lampedusa to meet African migrants marked his commitment to the dignity of all people.
The Final Moments The night before his funeral, Pope Francis’ coffin was sealed by the Vatican’s camerlengo in the presence of senior cardinals. Inside the coffin, a bag containing coins minted during his papacy and a one-page document known as the “rogito” recounting his papacy were placed. The sealed coffin was then covered with a white cloth before being transported to its final resting place.
As the world mourns the loss of Pope Francis, his legacy of faith, humility, and dedication to social justice will continue to inspire people worldwide.
MANILA. The United States Marine Corps successfully deployed its land-based missile system, the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS), on Saturday during the ongoing Balikatan 2025 joint military exercise in Luzon.
The NMESIS system participated in the Maritime Key Terrain Security Operations (MKTSO) – North, one of the key components of the exercise, which is a collaboration between the United States and the Philippines. This marks a significant moment in enhancing the combined defense capabilities of both nations.
According to the Balikatan 2025 Combined Joint Information Bureau, the NMESIS is specifically “designed to target and deter hostile naval forces, enhance maritime domain awareness, and strengthen the defensive posture of the Philippines and the United States in securing key maritime areas.”
“The NMESIS provides the combined and joint force a flexible and expedient sea denial capacity, contributing to the collective defense of both countries,” the Bureau added, emphasizing the strategic value of this new deployment.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had previously confirmed that the United States would be deploying advanced defense systems to the Philippines, including the NMESIS missile system and high-tech unmanned surface vehicles, during the exercise. “These systems will enable US Forces and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to train together on using advanced capabilities to defend the Philippines’ sovereignty,” Hegseth stated.
The ongoing Balikatan 2025 exercises, which began on April 21, are set to continue until May 9, with roughly 17,000 troops involved. The exercises are designed to simulate a “full-scale battle scenario” as both countries bolster their military preparedness in response to Beijing’s assertive actions in the disputed South China Sea.
The deployment of the NMESIS underscores the growing military cooperation between the US and the Philippines, focusing on strengthening their maritime security and deterring any potential threats in the region.
VATICAN CITY. U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met privately inside a marble-lined Vatican basilica on Saturday, seeking to revive faltering efforts to end Russia’s war with Ukraine.
The two leaders, in Rome for the funeral of Pope Francis, sat closely together in St. Peter’s Basilica with no aides present. According to Zelenskiy’s office, the conversation lasted around 15 minutes, and images released by Kyiv and Washington showed them leaning in toward each other during the talks.
Zelenskiy described the meeting as potentially historic. In a post on Telegram, he wrote, “Good meeting. One-on-one, we managed to discuss a lot. We hope for a result from all the things that were spoken about.” He further emphasized, “The protection of the lives of our people. A complete and unconditional ceasefire. A reliable and lasting peace that will prevent a recurrence of war.” Zelenskiy added: “It was a very symbolic meeting that has the potential to become historic if we achieve joint results. Thank you, President Donald Trump!”
A White House spokesperson echoed Zelenskiy’s optimism, calling the conversation “very productive.”
This encounter marks the first time the two have met since a tense Oval Office meeting in February, when Trump accused Zelenskiy of “gambling with World War Three.” Since then, both sides have made efforts to reset ties, though tensions and differences have remained.
Following the funeral service for Pope Francis, Trump boarded Air Force One to depart Rome. During the flight, he posted a sharp message on Truth Social criticizing Russian President Vladimir Putin: “There was no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas, cities, and towns, over the last few days,” Trump wrote, referring to a Russian missile attack on a Kyiv apartment block that killed 12 people. He added, “It makes me think that maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war, he’s just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently, through ‘Banking’ or ‘Secondary Sanctions?’ Too many people are dying!!!”
Following Trump’s post, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham said the Senate was ready to move forward with bipartisan legislation imposing trade sanctions on countries buying Russian oil, gas, and other products. “The Senate stands ready to move in this direction and will do so overwhelmingly if Russia does not embrace an honorable, just, and enduring peace,” Graham posted on X (formerly Twitter).
During the funeral service at St. Peter’s Square, Trump and Zelenskiy joined other world leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron. A photograph released by Zelenskiy’s office showed the four leaders in a close huddle, with Macron’s hand resting on Zelenskiy’s shoulder.
Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who delivered the sermon at the funeral, recalled Pope Francis’s tireless calls for peace throughout his papacy. “War always leaves the world worse than it was before: it is always a painful and tragic defeat for everyone,” the cardinal said.
Despite the warm gestures, significant differences remain between Washington’s current proposals and Ukraine’s stance. According to documents from the latest shuttle diplomacy efforts obtained by Reuters, Washington is reportedly suggesting legal recognition of Crimea, annexed by Moscow in 2014, as Russian territory, a red line that Kyiv and its European allies refuse to cross.
Disagreements also persist over the timeline for lifting sanctions on Russia, the nature of security guarantees for Ukraine, and financial compensation for war damages.
Trump has warned that the U.S. could withdraw from peace negotiations if both Moscow and Kyiv fail to agree on a deal soon. Meanwhile, Zelenskiy continues to push for terms that ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty and long-term security.
The personal relationship between Trump and Zelenskiy has been rocky. While Trump has often criticized Zelenskiy for “foot-dragging” on peace talks, Zelenskiy has accused Trump of being caught in a “disinformation bubble” favoring Moscow.
Nevertheless, both leaders recognize the necessity of cooperation. Trump needs Zelenskiy’s support to broker a swift peace agreement, while Ukraine needs Trump’s influence to pressure Moscow for more favorable terms.
During the meeting in Rome, Zelenskiy once again eschewed formal attire, wearing a dark, buttoned-up shirt without a tie, paired with a military-style jacket — a style he has maintained since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022 to show solidarity with his troops.
As the world mourned the passing of Pope Francis, a pontiff known for advocating peace and dialogue, the Trump-Zelenskiy meeting offered a small glimmer of hope for progress in ending Europe’s bloodiest conflict in decades.
VATICAN CITY. Gathering in unity and reverence, world leaders, royalty, and thousands of faithful mourners filled St. Peter’s Square on Saturday to honor the life and legacy of Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88 following a stroke.
Presiding over the solemn funeral Mass, Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re praised the Argentine pope as “rich in human warmth and deeply sensitive to today’s challenges,” adding that Francis had “truly shared the anxieties, sufferings and hopes of this time.” In a powerful message against regression, the 91-year-old cardinal said Pope Francis was “attentive to the signs of the times and what the Holy Spirit was awakening in the Church.”
More than 250,000 mourners crammed the square and surrounding streets, while applause filled the air as Francis’ coffin, adorned with a large cross, was carried into the sunlit square by 14 white-gloved pallbearers.
In a moment of historic significance, U.S. President Donald Trump, who had previously clashed with Pope Francis over issues such as migration and climate change, was seen seated among dignitaries on one side of the coffin. Across from him sat the cardinals who will convene next month to elect the next pontiff, debating whether to continue Francis’ progressive vision or return to a more traditional papacy.
The funeral also offered a poignant backdrop for diplomacy: President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who had last met in a tense encounter in Washington, held a notably warmer discussion inside St. Peter’s Basilica. A White House official described it as a “very productive discussion,” while Zelenskiy called it a “good meeting.”
Heads of state from Argentina, France, Gabon, Germany, the Philippines, Poland, and the prime ministers of Britain and New Zealand, and royalty from Spain were present. Aerial images showed a vibrant mosaic of black, red, purple, and white garments, a visual testament to the global reach of the 1.4-billion-member Roman Catholic Church.
The funeral Mass, rich in ancient ritual and attended by about 4,000 priests, 400 bishops, and 250 cardinals, featured Latin hymns and prayers offered in Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese, and Arabic.
Many mourners camped out overnight or arrived before dawn to secure front-row places. Aurelie Andre, a pilgrim from France, shared her emotions: “When I arrived at the square, tears of sadness and also joy came over me. I think I truly realised that Pope Francis had left us, and at the same time, there is joy for all he has done for the Church.”
Following the Mass, St. Peter’s great bells tolled as Francis’ coffin was loaded onto an open-topped popemobile and driven through the streets of Rome. Crowds, estimated by police at around 150,000, lined the 5.5-km (3.4-mile) route to St. Mary Major Basilica. As the cortege passed Rome’s ancient monuments, well-wishers waved signs, threw flowers, and cried out, “Viva il papa!” and “Ciao, Francesco!”
In keeping with his lifelong commitment to humility and simplicity, Pope Francis had requested to be buried at St. Mary Major rather than in the Vatican, making him the first pope to be buried outside the Vatican in more than a century. The private burial ceremony marked the final farewell.
Skipping the traditional three-casket burial of cypress, lead, and oak, Francis chose a single zinc-lined wooden coffin. His final resting place bears only the simple inscription “Franciscus,” his name in Latin, and is adorned with a reproduction of the modest iron-plated cross he wore throughout his pontificate.
A formal Latin summary placed next to his body hailed him for leaving “a wonderful testimony of humanity, of a holy life and universal fatherhood.”
Pope Francis, the first non-European pontiff in nearly 13 centuries, spent his 12-year reign championing the poor, advocating for migrants, and urging the world to combat climate change. His death has set into motion an ancient and secretive process: a conclave to elect his successor, expected to begin no earlier than May 6.
As the Church prepares for a new chapter, the memory of Pope Francis’ remarkable life and transformative leadership will remain indelibly etched in the hearts of millions around the world.
Skipping the traditional three-casket burial of cypress, lead, and oak, Francis chose a single zinc-lined wooden coffin. Crowds, estimated by police at around 150,000, lined the 5.5-km (3.4-mile) route to St. Mary Major Basilica. As the cortege passed Rome’s ancient monuments, well-wishers waved signs, threw flowers, and cried out, “Viva il papa!” and “Ciao, Francesco!”
MAYNILA. Ipinahayag ng Commission on Elections (Comelec) na ipagbabawal ang pamimigay ng anumang uri ng ayuda mula Mayo 2 hanggang Mayo 12, 2025, kasabay ng 10-araw na election ban bago ang nakatakdang halalan sa Mayo 12.
Ayon kay Comelec Chairman George Garcia, saklaw ng pagbabawal ang mga programang nagbibigay ng tulong gaya ng Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), at Abot Kamay ang Pagtulong (AKAP) program. Tanging medikal at burial assistance lamang ang pinapayagan sa ilalim ng exemption.
Babala pa ni Garcia, ang mga lalabag sa nasabing kautusan ay posibleng maharap sa kaso. Aniya, ayon sa Omnibus Election Code, may kalakip na parusang pagkakakulong para sa mga lalabag sa mga election offense.
Samantala, hindi kasama sa ipinagbabawal ang P20 rice project ng Department of Agriculture. Nilinaw ng Comelec na pinapayagan itong ipagpatuloy ngunit dapat sundin ang itinakdang mga kondisyon, tulad ng pagbebenta ng subsidized na bigas sa mga pampublikong lugar at pagbibigay ng malayang access sa media upang masiguro ang transparency sa implementasyon.
In “April,” director Dea Kulumbegashvili delivers a shattering and uncompromising depiction of womanhood, grief, and isolation in a harsh, rural corner of Georgia. The film, which solidifies Kulumbegashvili’s status as one of Europe’s most essential filmmakers, is an unflinching exploration of societal cruelty and personal resilience.
A Bleak and Unforgiving World
Set in a remote provincial region of Georgia, “April” follows Nina (played by Ia Sukhitashvili), a seasoned obstetrician at the local hospital who endures a grueling and punishing existence. The film opens with a haunting delivery scene, shot from overhead, where a newborn is delivered but never cries. The sterile hospital hallways, unsettling silence, and graphic imagery of the stillbirth set the tone for a story steeped in sorrow.
Despite Nina’s experience with thousands of births, the tragedy prompts the grieving father to demand a police investigation. In a chilling confrontation, he accuses Nina of performing abortions in the village, calling her a “murderer” before spitting on her. Nina endures the moment in horrified silence, a recurring theme in “April” that underscores her internal anguish.
The Weight of Isolation
While abortion, legal yet fraught with stigma in Georgia, serves as a central theme, “April” delves far deeper into Nina’s loneliness and the systemic oppression she faces. Time and again, Kulumbegashvili places Nina in situations where her professional and personal gestures are minimized or brutally condemned.
One of the film’s most harrowing sequences involves a deaf-mute teenage girl (Roza Kancheishvili) undergoing a clandestine kitchen-table abortion after a mysterious rape. The scene, shot in static profile with half of Nina visible, is both intimate and devastating. The girl’s soft, mournful murmurs resonate throughout the film, contrasting starkly with a world where even cries of pain go unheard. As Kulumbegashvili poignantly illustrates, “only the storm cloud skies cry.”
A Director in Complete Control
“April” extends the promise of Kulumbegashvili’s acclaimed 2020 debut “Beginning” and has already garnered recognition as a prize-winner at the Venice Film Festival. Though its austere style and deliberate opacity may challenge some viewers, the film’s hypnotic intensity and unwavering control over its narrative make for an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Nina’s words are few but powerful. As she confronts an investigation into the stillbirth, she tells her superior, “Other than my job, I have nothing to lose.” Sukhitashvili’s masterful performance speaks volumes through her restrained expressions and yearning eyes, capturing the emotional weight of a woman trapped between duty and despair.
Cinematographer Arseni Khachaturan skillfully alternates between objective and subjective perspectives, often depicting Nina alone, driving through dark roads or searching for fleeting intimacy, or surrounded by men who scrutinize her every move. When Nina recounts the circumstances of the stillbirth, the camera adopts her viewpoint: three men seated in judgment, further highlighting the oppressive imbalance she faces.
A Haunting Visual Mystery
Interspersed throughout the film are enigmatic scenes of a faceless, humanlike figure with sagging, unformed skin, shifting slowly while breathing heavily. Is this a grotesque manifestation of Nina’s tortured soul? A symbolic representation of an adult fetus whose suffering remains unseen? Kulumbegashvili leaves these haunting images open to interpretation, adding another layer of depth to the film’s unsettling atmosphere.
Final Thoughts
“April” is a Metrograph Pictures release, unrated by the Motion Picture Association, with a runtime of 134 minutes. Presented in Georgian with English subtitles, the film earns a 3.5 out of 4 stars for its raw emotional power and uncompromising vision.
Though grimly spellbinding, “April” is an essential viewing experience, too often silenced
In preparation for the much-anticipated Visayas Area Business Conference (VABC) set for July 23–26, 2025, at the Leyte Academic Center in Palo, Leyte, the Visayas business community made a strategic move by actively participating in the 34th South Luzon Area Business Conference (SOLABC).
More than just a symbolic gesture, the presence of VABC organizers at SOLABC represented a deliberate effort to promote regional collaboration and strengthen ties among chambers under the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).
“This engagement is about building bridges, exchanging insights, and identifying areas of mutual interest that can lead to meaningful business partnerships,” said one of the VABC delegates. “We believe that fostering inter-regional collaboration is key to unlocking greater economic opportunities not just for our respective areas, but for the country as a whole.”
The initiative underscores the proactive approach of the Visayas chambers in ensuring the upcoming conference will be both inclusive and impactful. With the theme of sustainable and inclusive growth at its core, the VABC 2025 promises to be a platform for robust dialogue, policy advocacy, and private sector networking.
Organizers extended a warm invitation to all PCCI members from South Luzon, encouraging their participation in the Leyte conference. “Your presence will not only enrich the discussions but will also further strengthen our shared commitment to inclusive and sustainable business growth,” the VABC team emphasized.
As momentum builds for the VABC in July, the Visayas chambers reaffirm their role as vital players in promoting regional synergy and national economic progress.
VATICAN CITY. Royal figures, world leaders, and hundreds of thousands of mourners are expected to converge at St. Peter’s Square on Saturday to bid farewell to Pope Francis in a funeral that reflects both his profound influence and his desire for simplicity.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, a 91-year-old Italian prelate, will preside over the funeral Mass, which will begin at 10 a.m. (0800 GMT). Pope Francis, who led the Roman Catholic Church for 12 years, passed away after a papacy marked by compassion, bold reforms, and occasional controversy.
The Vatican confirmed that representatives from over 150 countries will attend, including U.S. President Donald Trump, who often disagreed with Francis over issues such as immigration. Other attendees include the presidents of Argentina, France, Gabon, Germany, Italy, the Philippines, Poland, and Ukraine, along with the prime ministers of Britain and New Zealand. European royals are also expected to join the global delegation.
In the past three days, approximately 250,000 people viewed the Pope’s body as it lay in state inside the majestic 16th-century St. Peter’s Basilica. On Saturday, his casket will be carried out through the basilica’s main doors into the square, where mourners will fill the cobblestone esplanade and the Via della Conciliazione.
A formal Latin summary of Pope Francis’ papacy placed beside his body read: “Francis left everyone a wonderful testimony of humanity, of a holy life and of universal fatherhood.”
As the first non-European pope in nearly 1,300 years, Pope Francis championed the poor and marginalized, and boldly challenged affluent nations to respond to the migrant crisis and climate change. However, his reformist agenda met resistance from traditionalists within the Church, particularly in his efforts to promote transparency and curtail opulence.
A Final Act of Simplicity
True to his lifelong commitment to humility, Pope Francis opted for a stripped-down funeral and burial. Unlike the elaborate, multi-casket interments of his predecessors, such as Pope John Paul II’s three-hour funeral, Saturday’s ceremony will last just 90 minutes.
He also rejected the centuries-old tradition of being entombed in three nested coffins made of cypress, lead, and oak. Instead, he was laid in a single zinc-lined wooden casket, which was sealed overnight.
In a break with Vatican custom, Francis will be buried not within the Holy See, but at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, about four kilometers from St. Peter’s. His tomb bears only a simple inscription: “Franciscus.” Above it hangs a replica of the modest, iron-plated cross he wore during his papacy.
The late pope’s funeral motorcade will pass through Rome one final time, giving the public a last opportunity to say goodbye. Italian authorities have launched an extensive security operation, closing city airspace and deploying anti-aircraft systems and patrol boats in one of the largest security mobilizations since the funeral of Pope John Paul II in 2005.
As Pope Francis is laid to rest, focus will shift to the election of his successor. The conclave of cardinals, cloaked in secrecy, may begin as early as May 6, though initial meetings are expected to occur before voting starts. Cardinals will assess the Church’s future direction, which remains mired in financial strain and internal division.
Pope Francis’ papacy may have ended, but his legacy, marked by humility, courage, and a call for unity, will continue to shape the Church and the world beyond.
MAYNILA. Nagpahayag ng matinding pag-aalala ang Malakanyang kaugnay ng ulat mula sa National Security Council (NSC) na may indikasyon umano ng pakikialam ng China sa nalalapit na halalang pambansa at lokal sa Mayo 2025.
Sa isang press briefing sa Palasyo, sinabi ni Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary at Palace Press Officer Claire Castro na sisimulan na ang mas malalim na imbestigasyon ukol sa nasabing isyu.
“Sa ngayon po, ang sinabi po sa atin ay pag-iimbestigahan pa po muna para malaman natin kung ano pa po ang mga detalye dito at kung ano po ang napapaloob sa mga ganitong klaseng pangyayari. So, ang iba pa pong mga detalye ay maaari po nating matanong or aming kakausapin muli ang National Security Council,” ani Castro.
Dagdag pa niya, ipinaabot na sa kaalaman ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ang ulat, at iginiit na kinakailangan ng “agaran, mas malalim na pag-imbestiga.”
Sa naunang pagdinig ng Senate Special Committee on Maritime and Admiralty Zones, inihayag ni NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya na may operasyon umanong isinasagawa ang Chinese state-sponsored actors sa Pilipinas na naglalayong impluwensyahan ang eleksyon.
“There are indications that information operations are being conducted… are Chinese state-sponsored in the Philippines and are actually interfering in the forthcoming elections,” pahayag ni Malaya.
Ayon sa kanya, layon ng mga operasyong ito na itaguyod ang mga kandidatong maka-China at siraan ang mga tumutuligsa sa Beijing.
“Yes, there are indications of that,” tugon ni Malaya nang tanungin kung may partikular na mga kandidato na sinusuportahan ang China.
Dagdag pa niya, may mga nakikita silang naratibo mula sa China na kaakibat ng mga mensahe mula sa mga “local proxies” sa Pilipinas, tulad ng mga komentaryo kaugnay ng Balikatan exercises. Aniya, inuulit ng mga lokal na kasabwat ang linya mula Beijing na ang nasabing military exercise ay “isang banta sa ating regional peace and stability.”
Kinumpirma rin ni Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Erwin Garcia ang mga natanggap nilang impormasyon ukol sa mga automated bot mula sa ibang bansa na ginagamit upang palakihin ang mga isyung tumutuligsa sa Comelec o sa halalan.
“Mayroon tayong natanggap na intelligence information coming from different agencies na kasama natin. Kahit ‘yung nakikita sa social media na tumutuligsa sa Comelec o sa proseso, naka-automatic bot po ‘yun. Ito ay nanggaling sa ibang bansa at hindi sa atin bansa. Pero may mga ginagamit dito upang masigurado na kung ano ima-magnify o palalakihin na isyu, ‘yun ang makikita ng sambayanan,” ani Garcia.
Sa kabila nito, tiniyak ni Garcia na ang darating na halalan sa 2025 ay magiging patas at tapat.
Samantala, mariing itinanggi ng China ang alegasyon ng pakikialam. Ayon kay Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun sa isang press conference noong Huwebes, Abril 24, “China follows the principle of non-interference in other countries’ domestic affairs. We have no interest in interfering in Philippine elections.”
Patuloy namang binabantayan ng mga awtoridad ang sitwasyon upang tiyaking hindi maaapektuhan ang integridad ng halalan.
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