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

Arman B. Cambe
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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
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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
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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
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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.

Japan PM Kishida to resign as scandals become overwhelming

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Japan PM Kishida to resign as scandals become overwhelming

TOKYO. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has announced that he will step down in September, concluding a three-year term overshadowed by political scandals and paving the way for a new leader to tackle the challenges of rising prices.

“I will continue to do everything I can as prime minister until the end of my term in September,” Kishida stated during a televised press conference on Wednesday. He also confirmed that he would not seek re-election as the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leader, signaling the start of a leadership contest that will determine the next prime minister of Japan, the world’s fourth-largest economy.

Kishida’s decision to resign comes after a series of scandals that eroded public support, including the party’s controversial ties to the Unification Church and unrecorded political donations at LDP fundraising events. These revelations significantly impacted his standing within the party and among the public.

Michael Cucek, a professor specializing in Japanese politics at Temple University in Tokyo, commented on the situation, saying, “He’s been a dead man walking for quite some time. There was no way to add up the numbers so that he would get reelected.”

The incoming LDP leader will face a daunting task of unifying a divided ruling party while addressing critical issues such as the rising cost of living, escalating geopolitical tensions with China, and the potential return of Donald Trump as U.S. president in 2025.

Kishida, Japan’s eighth-longest-serving post-war leader, played a pivotal role in leading the country out of the COVID-19 pandemic through extensive stimulus spending. He also appointed Kazuo Ueda as the head of the Bank of Japan (BOJ) to end his predecessor’s aggressive monetary stimulus policies.

In July, the BOJ unexpectedly raised interest rates as inflation surged, leading to stock market instability and a sharp decline in the yen. According to Shoki Omori, chief Japan desk strategist at Mizuho Securities in Tokyo, “Kishida’s departure could mean tighter fiscal and monetary conditions depending on the candidate. In short, risk-assets, particularly equities, will likely be hit the most.”

Breaking from traditional policies, Kishida also shifted focus away from corporate profit-driven trickle-down economics, implementing strategies aimed at boosting household incomes, including wage hikes and promoting share ownership.

As Japan prepares for a new era of leadership, the challenges ahead will test the resilience of the nation’s political and economic frameworks.

Iran rejects European leaders’ appeal to avoid retaliation following Hamas leader’s killing

Venus L Peñaflor
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Iran rejects European leaders’ appeal to avoid retaliation following Hamas leader’s killing

Iran has firmly rejected a request made by three European nations urging the country to avoid any retaliatory actions that could further escalate tensions in the region. The call, which Iran described as an “excessive request,” was made by the leaders of Britain, France, and Germany in a joint statement on Monday.

The European leaders specifically urged Iran and its allies to refrain from responding to the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last month, an act for which Iran has held Israel responsible.

In their statement, the European leaders also voiced their support for ongoing mediation efforts led by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, aimed at brokering an agreement to end the Israel-Hamas conflict. These talks are set to resume on Thursday. Additionally, they called for the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas and the unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Mediators have been working for months to secure a three-phase plan that would see Hamas release the remaining hostages captured during its October 7 attack in exchange for the release of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel, and for Israel to withdraw from Gaza.

As the conflict continues into its eleventh month, the Health Ministry in Gaza reports that the Palestinian death toll has reached nearly 40,000.

Alice Guo, sinibak na ng Ombudsman bilang mayor

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Alice Guo, sinibak na ng Ombudsman bilang mayor

MAYNILA. Opisyal nang sinibak sa puwesto ng Office of the Ombudsman si suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo matapos mapatunayang guilty sa kasong grave misconduct.

Ayon sa 25-pahinang resolusyon na pirmado ni Ombudsman Samuel Martires, bukod sa pagkakatanggal sa puwesto, hindi na rin makukuha ni Guo ang kanyang retirement benefits at disqualified na rin siya para muling makapuwesto sa gobyerno.

Matatandaang nauna dito ay inirekomenda ng Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) ang preventive suspension ni Guo dahil sa diumano ay koneksyon niya sa mga iligal na aktibidad ng Philippine Offshore Gaming Operation (POGO) sa Bamban.

Ayon kay DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos, “gumawa kami ng task force para imbestigahan ang mga alegasyon laban kay Mayor Guo.”

Bukod dito, nagsagawa rin ng hiwalay na imbestigasyon ang Commission on Elections (Comelec) at National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) kaugnay sa tunay na pagkakakilanlan ni Guo.

Carlos Yulo receives hero’s welcome and lifetime perks after 2 Paris Olympics golds

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Carlos Yulo receives hero’s welcome and lifetime perks after 2 Paris Olympics golds

MANILA. Carlos Yulo, who achieved a historic feat by winning two gold medals at the Paris Olympics, returned home to an extraordinary hero’s welcome on Tuesday. The 24-year-old’s triumphs in the men’s floor exercise and vault marked the largest Olympic victory by a Filipino athlete in history.

Yulo’s achievements were celebrated with a national tribute planned by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who expressed immense pride in Yulo’s accomplishments. “Filipinos all over the world stood united, cheering and rooting for you,” Marcos said. “No words can express how proud we are of you, Caloy. You have achieved GOLD for the Philippines, not once, but twice!”

Upon his arrival in Manila, Yulo and fellow Filipino Olympians were greeted by a sea of flag-waving admirers. Fans reached out for handshakes and selfies as the athletes made their way to the Malacañang Palace, where Marcos would present them with medals and cash gifts.

The reception for Yulo has been nothing short of lavish, with a combined total of over 58 million pesos (approximately $1 million) pledged in cash and gifts by government officials, business tycoons, and leading Philippine corporations. Among the rewards are a condominium unit, a resort house south of Manila, and free lunch buffets for life, as well as free pizzas and ice cream from prominent companies.

Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, renowned for his eight-division world championships and rags-to-riches story, also vowed to present Yulo with a generous cash reward.

A grand parade celebrating Yulo and his fellow athletes is scheduled for Wednesday, expected to draw thousands of spectators. The parade will pass near Yulo’s childhood neighborhood, where he first trained in gymnastics at a local public gym. Rodrigo Frisco, a 74-year-old relative, shared his excitement: “I’ll welcome him with a hug and we’ll jump together in joy. Who would believe that these narrow alleys and small houses would produce a champion?”

This wave of national pride comes on the heels of weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz’s historic gold medal win at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, marking the first-ever Olympic gold for the Philippines.

Man who died in hotel roof helicopter crash had no prior flying experience in Australia

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Man who died in hotel roof helicopter crash had no prior flying experience in Australia

WELLINGTON, New Zealand. The man who died when a helicopter he was flying crashed onto the roof of a hotel in Cairns, Australia, was a ground crew member with Nautilus Aviation, not a licensed pilot for the company. The incident, which occurred on Monday, has raised significant questions about how the aircraft came to be airborne.

According to Nautilus Aviation, the individual, whose name has not been disclosed, held a helicopter pilot’s license in New Zealand but had no prior flying experience in Australia and was not authorized to operate the company’s helicopters. The company confirmed that the flight was unauthorized and the helicopter had been “misappropriated.”

The crash took place at the DoubleTree Hilton in Cairns, a popular tourist hotel, resulting in the evacuation of around 400 people. The helicopter burst into flames upon impact. Two hotel guests were briefly hospitalized for smoke inhalation, but no other injuries were reported.

Queensland Police Service Acting Chief Superintendent Shane Holmes stated that the crash is believed to be an isolated incident, with no ongoing public safety threat. Authorities are currently investigating how the helicopter was able to take off from Cairns Airport and the circumstances surrounding the unauthorized flight.

The man had recently been promoted to a ground crew position at another Nautilus Aviation base and had attended a social event with colleagues to mark his new role prior to the crash. The company emphasized that the flight was not sanctioned and stressed that their operations adhere to strict safety protocols.

Cairns Airport CEO Richard Barker assured that a review of security measures revealed no breach of airport fences or access points. “The airport operates under a federally approved, multi-layered transport security program,” Barker said.

The crash occurred in a busy tourist area of Cairns, which is currently experiencing peak holiday season activity.

Tom Cruise pulls off breathtaking Olympic finale stunt

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Tom Cruise pulls off breathtaking Olympic finale stunt

Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise delivered a jaw-dropping performance at the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics on Sunday night, rappelling down from the Stade de France roof.

The crowd erupted in cheers as the “Mission: Impossible” actor, clad in a leather jacket and gloves, descended into the stadium while his compatriot H.E.R. provided a guitar-driven soundtrack.

The daring stunt marked the handover to Los Angeles, the host city of the 2028 Olympics. In a pre-recorded segment, Cruise embarked on a journey through Paris before jetting to the United States, where he unfurled the Olympic flag at the iconic Hollywood sign.

International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach hailed the Paris Games as “sensational,” praising athletes for their “simply amazing” performances.

“During all this time, you lived peacefully together under one roof in the Olympic Village. You embraced each other. You respected each other, even if your countries are divided by war and conflict. You created a culture of peace,” Bach said in his closing speech. “This inspired all of us and billions of people around the globe. Thank you for making us dream. Thank you for making us believe in a better world for everyone.”

Following his descent, Cruise accepted the Olympic flag from American gymnastics superstar Simone Biles before speeding off on a motorcycle. The pre-recorded sequence leading to Los Angeles featured a soundtrack by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who later delivered a live performance of their classic “Can’t Stop” on a Californian beach.

Other musical highlights included Billie Eilish and a collaboration between Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre. The latter, a Los Angeles native, was a frequent presence at the Games, which concluded with the United States topping the medal table.

Known for his death-defying stunts, Cruise has previously scaled the Burj Khalifa in Dubai and dangled from a plane during filming for the “Mission: Impossible” franchise.

Artistic director Thomas Jolly complemented Cruise’s performance with a cinematic segment featuring dancers assembling the Olympic rings. The mood shifted with an energetic performance by French band Phoenix, joined by enthusiastic athletes.

Cruise’s involvement had been widely speculated upon, with the actor spotted cheering on the US team at several events.

“It’s awesome,” he told Reuters. “Great stories, great athletes. It’s incredible what they do.”

Jolly was also responsible for the opening ceremony, a spectacular event featuring a parade of boats on the River Seine and a comeback performance by Celine Dion.

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