Friday, April 25, 2025


Your Daily News Update About CALABARZON and Beyond.
ISSN 2799-1911

Home Blog Page 106

Israeli spy chief joins high-stakes new round of Gaza ceasefire talks

Venus L Peñaflor
-
0
Israeli spy chief joins high-stakes new round of Gaza ceasefire talks

DOHA/CAIRO. Israel’s spy chief David Barnea is set to meet with U.S. and Egyptian officials, alongside Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, in Doha for crucial talks aimed at brokering a ceasefire in Gaza. The discussions, which also include CIA Director Bill Burns and U.S. Middle East envoy Brett McGurk, come at a time of heightened tension following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31, which has sparked threats of retaliation from Iran.

The talks, which began on Thursday, are part of an international effort to end 10 months of intense fighting in Gaza and secure the release of 115 Israeli and foreign hostages. U.S. warships, submarines, and warplanes have been dispatched to the region to support Israel and deter any potential escalation, with Washington pushing for a ceasefire agreement to prevent a broader conflict in the Middle East.

Hamas officials have accused Israel of delaying negotiations but will not be present at Thursday’s meeting. However, mediators plan to consult with Hamas’ Doha-based negotiating team afterward. A source from the Israeli delegation confirmed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has granted some flexibility on several key issues, including the presence of Israeli troops in Gaza, the sequence of hostage releases, and restrictions on access to northern Gaza.

Despite the tensions, neither Israel nor Hamas appears to have entirely ruled out the possibility of reaching an agreement. Hamas, which has consistently opposed any U.S. or Israeli involvement in shaping the post-war landscape in Gaza, indicated through senior official Sami Abu Zuhri that the group remains committed to negotiations. Abu Zuhri emphasized the need for Israel to commit to a proposal Hamas agreed to in early July, which calls for a full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.

As the talks continue in Qatar, the situation on the ground remains dire. Israeli forces have been conducting operations in southern Gaza, targeting cities like Rafah and Khan Younis. The conflict, which has devastated Gaza, has resulted in the deaths of over 40,000 Palestinians and displaced nearly all of the 2.3 million residents.

“Enough is enough, we want to get back to our homes in Gaza City, every hour a family is getting killed or a house getting bombed,” said Aya, a 30-year-old resident sheltering with her family in Deir Al-Balah. “We are hopeful this time. Either it’s this time or never, I am afraid,” she shared via a chat app.

Meanwhile, in Tel Aviv, families of the hostages have taken to the streets, demanding decisive action. “To the negotiating team – if a deal is not signed today or in the coming days at this summit, do not return to Israel. You have no reason to return to Israel without a deal,” urged Yotam Cohen, whose brother Nimrod Cohen is among those held captive in Gaza.

The hostages were taken during a Hamas raid on southern Israel on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and triggered the current conflict in Gaza.

As tensions rise, the threat of further escalation looms large, particularly with the involvement of Iran. Tehran has warned that only a ceasefire in Gaza will prevent it from retaliating directly against Israel. The situation is further complicated by the potential involvement of Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militant group in southern Lebanon, which has vowed to retaliate after Israel’s recent assassination of senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr.

With both sides exchanging fire in recent months, the risk of a broader conflict remains high. Israel, while not officially confirming its involvement in Haniyeh’s assassination, continues to bolster its defenses with the support of U.S. military assets in the region. As the ceasefire talks continue, the world watches anxiously, hoping for a breakthrough that could prevent further bloodshed.

Movie review: “Daughters”: A Heartfelt journey of incarcerated fathers and the bonds they strive to mend

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
-
0
Movie review: “Daughters”: A Heartfelt journey of incarcerated fathers and the bonds they strive to mend

In the deeply moving documentary “Daughters,” directed by Natalie Rae and Angela Patton, a group of incarcerated fathers at a Washington, D.C., correctional facility are given a rare opportunity—a few precious hours to spend with their daughters. This emotional gathering, centered around the Daddy Daughter Dance program, brings fathers and daughters together for a brief but impactful afternoon of dancing, hugging, and laughter.

The documentary begins with a warning to the fathers that they are about to embark on an “emotional rollercoaster,” a prediction that proves to be painfully accurate. For some of these young girls, this will be their first time ever touching their father, while others haven’t seen their dads in years, reflecting a troubling trend in U.S. prisons where in-person visits have increasingly been replaced by video calls, with even the rare “in-person” visits often being conducted through plexiglass and a phone.

As “Daughters” unfolds, the question lingers: Should the interaction between incarcerated fathers and their children be so infrequent? This heart-wrenching documentary captures the fathers’ simple yet powerful plea: “We’re still fathers,” one of the men asserts, highlighting the fundamental humanity often overlooked in the prison system.

The film, which was awarded at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, also delves into the emotional preparations of the young girls for the big day. Aubrey, a spirited 5-year-old, exclaims, “When he says he loves me, I’m gonna say I love him more.” Her father, Keith, faces another seven years behind bars—a period of time that the bright but innocent Aubrey, still learning to count, cannot fully grasp.

Santana, 10, approaches the event with more complex feelings, determined not to cry. “The only reason he ain’t here is he wants to keep doing bad stuff,” she remarks, reflecting the anger and confusion that often accompany such relationships. Ja’Ana, 11, whose mother previously prevented her from seeing her father, admits, “I don’t remember nothin’ about my father, nothin’ at all.”

The day of the dance is captured with a dreamlike quality, as the fathers, dressed in suits and adorned with flowers, await their daughters’ arrival. The filmmakers emphasize the emotional weight of the moment with soft lighting and minimal sound, save for a few cries of “Daddy!” and some muffled sobs.

Inside the gym, the fathers and daughters engage in playful activities and dance together. While some find joy in reconnecting, for others, the emotional distance created by years of separation is too vast to bridge in just one afternoon. As the event concludes, and the girls must return home while their fathers head back to their cells, the farewell is inevitably heart-wrenching. The fathers sign pledges to remain in their daughters’ lives, a commitment that has shown promising results—95% of the fathers who participate in the program do not return to jail.

This summer has brought us two profoundly tender films about the lives of incarcerated individuals and their quest for redemption, with “Daughters” standing alongside the true-story-inspired drama “Sing Sing.” Through “Daughters,” viewers are invited to reflect on the cyclical nature of parental absence, often spanning generations, and the enduring hope for change.

The passage of time is a central theme in prison life, and “Daughters,” filmed over several years, powerfully captures this relentless march. The documentary’s emotional rollercoaster peaks with its poignant years-later epilogue: Aubrey, now 8, has not seen her father since the dance. When she is finally allowed to visit him, she fails to recognize him through the plexiglass. On the ride home, Aubrey no longer embodies the optimism she once radiated. This is a real-time tragedy, laid bare for all to witness.

“Daughters,” a Netflix release, is rated PG-13 for some thematic elements and language. The film runs for 107 minutes and earns a solid three out of four stars.

Sasagutin ng PCSO ang doctor’s professional fee ng mga pasyente sa ospital

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
-
0
Sasagutin ng PCSO ang doctor’s professional fee ng mga pasyente sa ospital

MAYNILA. Inanunsyo ng Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) na sasagutin na nila ang bayad sa doktor ng mga pasyenteng naka-confine sa mga ospital, simula sa katapusan ng Oktubre ngayong taon.

Ito ay matapos ang pakikipagpulong ni Speaker Ferdinand Romualdez kay PCSO General Manager Melquiades Robles at Philippine Medical Association (PMA) President Dr. Hector Santos Jr. noong Miyerkules.

“Nagpapasalamat tayo dito sa ating GM ng PCSO at sinagot niya po ang hinaing ng ating health care professionals lalo na dito sa isyu ng professional fees,” pahayag ni Romualdez.

Ayon kay Robles, ang coverage para sa professional fees ay magsisimula sa pagtatapos ng Oktubre upang mabawasan ang pinansyal na pasanin ng mga maysakit na naka-confine sa mga ospital. “All medical practitioners will (then) be covered by the government under the auspices of the charity agency under the auspices of the PCSO so that health care will be totally free,” aniya.

Dagdag pa ni Romualdez, malapit ng maisakatuparan ang pangarap ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. na magbigay ng libreng pagpapaospital para sa lahat ng Pilipino. “Libre ang health care para sa lahat ng Pilipino, ‘yun po ang ating nais, at ‘yun po ang sinabi ng ating Presidente Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.,” diin ni Romualdez.

Ang bagong hakbang na ito ay inaasahang magbibigay ng malaking ginhawa sa mga pasyenteng nangangailangan ng tulong medikal sa buong bansa.

New study reveals potential hidden ocean beneath Mars’ surface

EDGARDO HERNAL
-
0
New study reveals potential hidden ocean beneath Mars’ surface

A recent study suggests that Mars may be hiding an ocean’s worth of water beneath its red, dusty surface. According to findings published on Monday, seismic data from NASA’s Mars InSight lander indicate that underground water may be present in the Martian crust, potentially forming a global ocean.

The research, led by Vashan Wright of the University of California San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography, is based on seismic measurements collected by the InSight lander before it ceased operations two years ago. The lander detected over 1,300 marsquakes, and these seismic events provided crucial data for the study.

Wright’s team estimates that the water is likely located between seven to 12 miles (11.5 kilometers to 20 kilometers) beneath Mars’ surface. They believe this water may have seeped underground billions of years ago when Mars was home to rivers, lakes, and possibly oceans.

“Just because water still may be sloshing around inside Mars does not mean it holds life,” Wright clarified in an email. “Instead, our findings mean that there are environments that could possibly be habitable.”

The team used a combination of computer models and seismic data from InSight, including the speed at which seismic waves traveled through the Martian crust, to determine that underground water is the most likely explanation for their findings. The study was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

If the location of InSight at Elysium Planitia, near Mars’ equator, is representative of the entire planet, the underground water could be enough to fill a global ocean one to two kilometers deep, Wright said.

However, confirming the presence of this water and investigating any potential signs of microbial life would require drills and other specialized equipment. Although the InSight lander is no longer operational, scientists are continuing to analyze the data it collected from 2018 to 2022 to gain further insights into Mars’ interior.

Mars, which was likely wet and habitable over three billion years ago, is believed to have lost its surface water as its atmosphere thinned, turning the planet into the dry and dusty world we know today. Scientists theorize that much of this ancient water either escaped into space or remains buried beneath the surface.

Taylor Swift to return to London stage after terror threat

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
-
0
Taylor Swift to return to London stage after terror threat

Taylor Swift is set to make an emotional return to the stage in London on Thursday, resuming her record-breaking concert tour under heightened security measures after a foiled Islamic State-inspired attack led to the cancellation of her Vienna performances last week.

With 90,000 fans, known as “Swifties,” expected to fill Wembley Stadium each night, British authorities have assured the public that there is no indication that the Vienna incident will impact the London shows. However, security will be significantly tightened, with authorities taking no chances.

One major change for fans is the ban on “Tay-gating,” the practice of gathering outside Swift’s concerts without a ticket, which thousands of fans did earlier this summer in Munich. This measure aims to reduce potential vulnerabilities outside the venue, making it easier to control crowds.

Fans attending the Wembley shows must pass through metal detectors, and only small bags will be allowed inside the stadium. Items such as glass and metal containers, laptops, and umbrellas are strictly prohibited. “Anyone hanging outside the stadium will be moved on by security,” Wembley officials stated on their website.

Swift, 34, has previously spoken about her fears for her fans’ safety, especially in the wake of two attacks at music events in 2017—a mass shooting in Las Vegas and a suicide bombing at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England. These incidents prompted British authorities to rethink how they police major shows.

In 2019, Swift addressed these fears, saying, “We have to live bravely in order to truly feel alive, and that means not being ruled by our greatest fears.” Despite the dangers, Swift has continued to perform, bolstered by the support of her fans and the positivity that surrounds her performances.

Swift’s return to the UK follows a successful run of concerts in June, where she performed to sell-out crowds that included notable figures such as Prince William, two of his children, and then-Prime Minister Keir Starmer. London even created a special Taylor Swift-themed tube map featuring her song titles.

The “Cruel Summer” singer’s ‘Eras’ tour is on track to gross over $1 billion, making it the first concert tour to reach such a milestone. The tour spans 149 shows over two years, with the final performance scheduled in Canada this December.

Given recent events, Swift’s return to Britain is expected to be particularly poignant. On July 29, three young children were tragically killed at a Taylor Swift-inspired dance class in Southport, northern England. Swift expressed her heartbreak on Instagram, telling her 284 million followers that she was “completely in shock” over the “loss of life and innocence.”

While Swift has not publicly commented on the Vienna cancellations, security experts emphasize that British authorities have learned from past tragedies like the Manchester attack, which killed 22 people, including young children. Chris Phillips, former head of Britain’s National Counter Terrorism Security Office and now a security consultant for major events, noted that Wembley Stadium benefits from being a permanent venue with established security teams. “Wembley is as safe as you’re going to get,” he told Reuters.

Enhanced security measures at Wembley will include re-vetting staff, following reports that a suspect in the Vienna plot had secured a job providing services at the stadium there. “The insider threat is actually the most prevalent (…) because it has unfettered access,” said Noah Price, international academy director at security group G4S. Tim Gallagher, chief security officer with global investigations firm Nardello & Co, echoed this concern, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and monitoring access control logs.

Don Erickson, chief executive of the Security Industry Association, highlighted the balance between maintaining safety and ensuring a positive fan experience. “It’s balancing the safety and the security versus the fan experience,” he said. “But they’re not mutually exclusive; you can accomplish all of it.”

In a message to Swifties, Wembley officials advised fans to “read all the information provided and take note of what you can and can’t do. Don’t Shake It Off as not important.”

North Korea to reopen borders for foreign tourists in December

Venus L Peñaflor
-
0
North Korea to reopen borders for foreign tourists in December

SEOUL. North Korea is set to reopen its borders to international tourists in December 2024, starting with the northeastern city of Samjiyon, according to tour operators. This move signals the end of years of strict COVID-19 border controls and marks a significant step toward resuming broader tourism across the country.

Beijing-based Koryo Tours announced on Wednesday that they had received confirmation from their local partner in North Korea that tourism to Samjiyon, and likely the rest of the country, would officially resume in December. “Having waited for over four years to make this announcement, Koryo Tours is very excited for the opening of North Korean tourism once again,” the company said on its website. They added that their local partner would confirm specific itineraries and dates in the coming weeks.

International flights to and from North Korea resumed last year, and in February, a small group of Russian tourists made a private visit to the country. High-profile foreign officials, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, have also visited North Korea in recent months, further indicating the regime’s gradual reopening.

Despite these developments, North Korea has remained largely closed to international tourists since 2020. The upcoming reopening will begin with Samjiyon, a city near the Chinese border that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has described as a “socialist utopia.” The city has undergone extensive development in recent years, featuring new apartments, hotels, a ski resort, and commercial, cultural, and medical facilities.

In July, Kim Jong Un took action against several senior officials, either sacking or demoting them for their “irresponsible” handling of the Samjiyon project, underscoring the importance he places on this flagship initiative.

KTG Tours, another travel agency, also announced that tourists would be able to visit Samjiyon this winter, further confirming the anticipated reopening.

As North Korea prepares to welcome back foreign visitors, the world will be watching closely to see how the reclusive nation manages this significant step toward reopening its doors to the international community.

Trak ng LGU Sariaya, kinumpiska dahil sa ilegal na pagku-quarry

Arman B. Cambe
-
0
Trak ng LGU Sariaya, kinumpiska dahil sa ilegal na pagku-quarry

LUCENA CITY, Quezon. Kinumpiska ng Provincial Mining and Regulatory Board (PMRB) at Quezon Police Provincial Office (QPPO) ang isang dump truck na pinaniniwalaang pagmamay-ari ng Lokal na Pamahalaan ng Sariaya matapos mahuli sa ilegal na operasyon ng pagku-quarry sa lalawigan ng Quezon, sa kabila ng umiiral na moratorium.

Ayon sa ulat ng QPPO, ang nasabing dump truck ay may laman na 18 kubiko ng bato na hinihinalang kinuha mula sa paanan ng Mt. Banahaw. Ang mga bato ay para sana sa proyekto ng lokal na pamahalaan, ayon sa pahayag ng driver na si alyas San Pedro, 51, at pahinanteng si alyas Rodelito, parehong residente ng Barangay Sto. Cristo, Sariaya, Quezon.

Sinabi ni Col. Ledon Monte, hepe ng QPPO, na ang nasabing operasyon ay labag sa Executive Order No. 20 series of 2024 o “An Order Declaring a Moratorium on Quarry Operations in the Municipality of Sariaya” na ipinalabas ni Quezon Governor Angelina Tan noong Abril 29, 2024.

“Nahuli sila na walang maipakitang kaukulang permit para sa kanilang kargamento,” ayon kay Col. Monte. “Ito ay malinaw na paglabag sa kautusan ng gobernador.”

Samantala, agad namang pinabulaanan ni Sariaya Mayor Marcelo Gayeta na pagmamay-ari ng lokal na pamahalaan ang nasabing trak. Aniya, “Hindi pag-aari ng LGU Sariaya ang trak na pinigil ng PMRB at QPPO, at walang kaugnayan ang lokal na pamahalaan sa anumang ilegal na pagku-quarry sa paanan ng Mt. Banahaw.”

Hamas withdraws from Gaza ceasefire talks; Iran weighs retaliation against Israel

Venus L Peñaflor
-
0
Hamas withdraws from Gaza ceasefire talks; Iran weighs retaliation against Israel

CAIRO. Hopes for a negotiated ceasefire in Gaza have been dimmed as the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas announced on Wednesday that it will not participate in a new round of truce talks scheduled for Thursday in Qatar. The decision comes amid rising tensions in the region, with Iranian sources indicating that a ceasefire deal could prevent Iran from launching a direct attack on Israel.

Despite Hamas’ withdrawal, the United States remains optimistic that the indirect talks in Doha will proceed as planned. A ceasefire agreement is still considered possible, although U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has reportedly postponed a trip to the Middle East that was expected to begin on Tuesday, according to Axios.

Three senior Iranian officials have stated that only a ceasefire in Gaza would prevent Iran from retaliating directly against Israel for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on Iranian soil last month. The Israeli government has confirmed that it will send a delegation to Thursday’s talks, but Hamas has made it clear that it wants a concrete plan for implementing a proposal it accepted on July 2, rather than engaging in further negotiations.

“Hamas is committed to the proposal presented to it on July 2, which is based on the U.N. Security Council resolution and the Biden speech, and the movement is prepared to immediately begin discussion over a mechanism to implement it,” said Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri in an interview with Reuters. He added, “Going to new negotiation allows the occupation to impose new conditions and employ the maze of negotiation to conduct more massacres.”

Meanwhile, the conflict in Gaza shows no signs of abating. Residents of Khan Younis in the southern part of the strip reported that Israeli forces had blown up homes and intensified tank shelling in the eastern areas of the city center. Israel stated that it was responding to Hamas rocket fire towards Tel Aviv and had struck 40 military targets over 24 hours, including rocket launching pads and militants in central Gaza, Khan Younis, and western Rafah in the south.

Hamas and the Islamic Jihad have claimed responsibility for attacks on Israeli forces in several areas, while Palestinian health officials report that at least 14 people have been killed by Israeli strikes so far on Wednesday, mostly in the central and southern regions.

Fighting has also intensified in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where Israel said it had killed several militants. Hamas reported that its fighters were engaged in fierce clashes with Israeli forces in the area.

The potential ceasefire agreement is aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in Gaza and securing the release of Israeli hostages held in the enclave in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. However, significant disagreements remain between the two sides. Hamas insists on ending the war and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza as a precondition for releasing hostages, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that he will only agree to a pause in fighting to facilitate the return of hostages. Netanyahu has reiterated that the war will only end when Hamas is eradicated.

The conflict escalated dramatically after Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israeli communities around the Gaza Strip on October 7, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the capture of over 250 hostages, according to Israeli sources. In response, Israeli forces have devastated much of Gaza, displacing the majority of the population and causing around 40,000 deaths, according to the Palestinian health ministry. Israel reports that it has lost more than 300 soldiers, while Hamas rocket attacks on Israeli territory have continued.

In an effort to prevent further escalation between Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel, following the assassination of a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut’s southern suburbs last month, Amos Hochstein, a senior adviser to U.S. President Joe Biden, arrived in Beirut on Wednesday. Hochstein is scheduled to meet with Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and parliament speaker Nabih Berri, who leads the armed Amal movement, a Hezbollah ally that has also fired rockets at Israel.

“We are facing uncertain opportunities for diplomacy, which is now moving to prevent war and stop Israeli aggression,” Mikati said in a speech ahead of a cabinet meeting on Wednesday. He emphasized that discussions with Arab and Western leaders had intensified due to the gravity of the situation in Lebanon and the broader region.

Discovery of ancient Egyptian artifacts in 63 tombs reveals treasures from last dynasty

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
-
0
Discovery of ancient Egyptian artifacts in 63 tombs reveals treasures from last dynasty

CAIRO. A remarkable collection of artifacts from Egypt’s final dynasty has been unearthed in 63 tombs located in the Nile Delta region, officials announced on Monday. The discovery, which includes gold jewelry and other significant relics from the Late and Ptolemaic periods, is currently undergoing restoration and classification by experts.

Neveine el-Arif, spokesperson for the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, detailed that some of the newly found items might soon be showcased in one of Egypt’s museums. “The artifacts include exquisite gold pieces and jewelry, and we are excited about the possibility of displaying them to the public,” el-Arif said.

The discovery was made by an Egyptian archaeological mission affiliated with the Supreme Council of Antiquities at the Tell al-Deir necropolis in Damietta city, located in the Damietta governorate. The tombs, constructed from mud bricks, were reported last month to contain an array of valuable items, including statues, funerary amulets, and a pottery vessel with 38 bronze coins dating back to the Ptolemaic period.

The Ptolemaic dynasty, Egypt’s final ruling dynasty before it fell under Roman control, was established in 305 B.C. following Alexander the Great’s conquest of Egypt in 332 B.C. Ptolemy I, one of Alexander’s generals, became the founder of the dynasty, which concluded with Cleopatra.

In 2018, Egypt’s Egyptian Museum in Cairo hosted its first exhibition of Ptolemaic artifacts, displaying approximately 300 items from this historic era. The recent finds promise to offer even deeper insights into the rich heritage of Egypt’s last dynasty.

The tombs, constructed from mud bricks, were reported last month to contain an array of valuable items, including statues, funerary amulets, and a pottery vessel with 38 bronze coins dating back to the Ptolemaic period.

Philippines indicates potential review of agreement with China on South China Sea outpost

Venus L Peñaflor
-
0
Philippines indicates potential review of agreement with China on South China Sea outpost

MANILA. The Philippines announced on Tuesday that an agreement with China regarding resupply missions to troops stationed at a disputed shoal in the South China Sea may be subject to future review. This development follows recent tensions and confrontations between the two nations over maritime disputes.

In July, the two countries reached a “provisional agreement” aimed at preventing conflicts during resupply operations near the Second Thomas Shoal. This arrangement came after repeated Chinese interventions that had obstructed Philippine efforts to resupply troops aboard a navy ship intentionally grounded there 25 years ago. The Philippines successfully completed a resupply mission on July 27 under this agreement, which was commended by the United States.

However, tensions resurfaced following an incident on Thursday, when two Chinese aircraft reportedly released flares in the path of a Philippine military plane over the Scarborough Shoal. This incident has heightened regional concerns about the potential for further escalation.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro confirmed that the agreement with China, which pertains specifically to the Second Thomas Shoal, does not undermine the Philippines’ stance on the South China Sea and could be reviewed if necessary. “The review will be there. When that will be is subject to further discussion,” Lazaro told Reuters at a congressional hearing.

The Chinese foreign ministry responded by stating that their military “took necessary measures” and accused the Philippines of “infringing on China’s sovereignty.” The specific terms of the July 27 arrangement remain undisclosed, as both nations have agreed not to reveal details without mutual consent. The Philippine national security adviser noted last month that the exact conditions agreed upon were not clear, with differing accounts from both sides regarding the operation.

Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo emphasized that the country intends to honor the provisional agreement and expects China to do the same.

The Scarborough Shoal, a key fishing area within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, remains one of the most contested sites in Asia. China has maintained a significant presence there with coast guard and fishing boats, which the Philippines contends are largely operated by militia.

The Philippine Navy criticized China’s air force for “coercive, aggressive and deceptive” actions, highlighting the ongoing strain in diplomatic relations. Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad condemned the maneuvers as contrary to international law, noting that it was the first time Chinese aircraft had conducted such actions near a Philippine plane.

A video reportedly showing one of the Chinese jets flying alongside the Philippine aircraft before releasing flares was published by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, though Reuters could not independently verify the footage.

1...105106107...634Page 106 of 634




Tutubi Digital News will shape up the way you stay up to date with the goings-on around Calabarzon, and the world. Tutubi is committed to keep you socially active. Tutubi updates on the Go!


Contact us:

info@tutubi.ph

Popular Posts

Popular category

World News2634PH News2580Curiosity561Opinion345Science331

Developed by Tutubi Digital Marketing Solutions | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions of Use | Cookie Policy | All rights reserved