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Preserving a legacy: Japan’s 172-year-old foundry revives traditional cast iron cookware

Venus L Peñaflor
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Preserving a legacy: Japan’s 172-year-old foundry revives traditional cast iron cookware

OSHU, Japan. Amid modern industrial techniques, Katsunori Suzuki stands as one of the few remaining artisans in Japan preserving the meticulous craft of handmade cast iron cookware. As president of the 172-year-old Oigen foundry, Kuniko Oikawa is determined to keep this traditional practice alive despite its high costs and the industry’s shift towards mechanization.

Suzuki, 59, has dedicated 40 years to mastering the art of creating cast iron cookware using the “tegome” method, or “hand stuffing.” This labor-intensive process involves forming molds from moist sand, which Suzuki meticulously tamps into an iron frame to achieve the precise density needed. Intricate designs are carved into the sand before molten iron, kept at a blistering 1,450 degrees Celsius (2,462 degrees Fahrenheit), is poured into the mold.

After cooling, the sand mold is broken apart with a hammer to reveal the cookware, which is then refined by removing excess iron. Crafting a single pot and lid takes Suzuki an entire day, followed by additional processes involving grinding, polishing, and baking to ensure rust resistance.

The traditional tegome method demands not only physical strength and dexterity but also a deep understanding of sand conditioning, adjusted for weather conditions. Each evening, Suzuki reconditions the sand for future use.

Kuniko Oikawa, the fifth president of the family-owned Oigen foundry, expressed her commitment to this dying art form. “The tegome method is considered inefficient and costly, and most foundries have abandoned it,” she noted. Despite this, Oikawa was inspired to revive the technique after discussions with a retired craftsman. The Oigen foundry, established in 1852 in Iwate prefecture, aims to honor its heritage by maintaining these age-old methods.

“We want to respect our predecessors who preserved the cast iron trade. We also think there is something new and creative about it,” Oikawa added. The foundry’s new brand, Mugu, launched in 2022, features high-end cast iron cooking pots designed by an artist with over 50 years at the Oigen foundry. Mugu pots are priced between $337 and $374, significantly higher than the $224 for the foundry’s most expensive machine-made pots.

Suzuki is also training Seksuk Suebsai, a Thai apprentice who began learning the tegome method in 2023. Together with a few other artisans, they craft the molds for the Mugu pots.

Oikawa emphasized the unique qualities of Mugu products, stating, “They are pure because they are made from the goodness of iron. I wanted to capture Iwate’s wilderness and climate in the iron, which is why we chose the local pronunciation of ‘mugu’ instead of ‘muku’.” The Mugu pots are available on the Mugu website and at the Oigen factory shop.

Craftsman Katsunori Suzuki uses a tool to make detailed designs as he makes a cast iron pot by hand at the Oigen foundry in Oshu, northeastern Japan, Thursday, May 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)
Oigen’s handmade pot called “Kuwagata II,” one of the “Mugu” series, is displayed at the company’s store at the factory in Oshu, northeast of Japan, Friday, May 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)

DA Chief: Hindi kailangan ang national state of calamity dahil sa ASF

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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DA Chief: Hindi kailangan ang national state of calamity dahil sa ASF

MAYNILA. Sinabi ni Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. na hindi kinakailangan ang deklarasyon ng national state of calamity sa kabila ng patuloy na pagkalat ng African Swine Fever (ASF) sa ilang bahagi ng bansa. Sa isang pahayag, siniguro ni Laurel na walang kakapusan ng suplay ng baboy sa mga susunod na buwan.

Ayon kay Laurel, ang mga lockdown na nauugnay sa ASF ay nakabatay sa antas ng sakahan. “Wala naman akong nakikitang perceived shortage. Kasi ang mangyayari ngayon, yung mga let’s say katulad sa mga munisipyong merong ASF, hindi naman total na ila-lockdown at walang lalabas,” ani Laurel sa mga mamamahayag sa sidelines ng pagdinig ng House Committee on Appropriations sa P200.2-bilyong panukalang budget ng Department of Agriculture para sa 2025.

Sinabi rin ni Laurel na hindi ipatutupad ng DA ang mahigpit na lockdown na ipinataw noong 2019 nang kumalat ang ASF sa ilang probinsya. “Puwede naman ‘yan lutuin. Ibang bansa nga, meron silang processing plants for infected animals para lutuin at ilata kasi safe naman,” dagdag pa niya.

Para sa mga apektadong hog raiser, magbibigay ang DA ng bayad-pinsala. Ang compensation ay magiging P4,000 para sa bawat culled na baboy at biik, P8,000 para sa mga katamtamang laki ng baboy, at P12,000 para sa malalaking baboy. Malaki itong pagtaas mula sa dating P5,000 na ibinibigay. “’Yun nga ang reason kung bakit tinaas namin at ni-nationalize namin ang indemnification, para talagang katayin na nila, i-surrender nila,” paliwanag ni Laurel.

Ayon kay Laurel, hindi maaapektuhan ang supply ng baboy dahil nagpapatupad din ang DA ng hog repopulation program at patuloy ang importasyon. “Hindi rin naman dapat maapektuhan ng ASF ang presyo ng baboy,” dagdag pa niya. Sinabi rin niya na walang epekto sa industriya ng processed meat ang ASF.

Sa tanong ukol sa posibilidad ng national state of calamity, sinabi ni Laurel, “No, no need. Ito ay naisalokal. Medyo kumakalat pero hindi kasing bilis.” Idinagdag niya, “And mas aware na kasi ang mga tao ngayon kasi nangyari na dati. Marami rin naman mga facilities may biosecurity. So hindi naman ibig sabihin ang buong munisipyo affected na. It’s still farm-based pa rin.”

Panghuli, inihayag ni Laurel na 10,000 doses ng ASF vaccine ang nakatakdang dumating sa bansa sa susunod na linggo at ipapamahagi ito sa mga hog raisers nang libre.

Philippines calls for China to de-escalate tensions after dangerous air incident over Scarborough Shoal

Venus L Peñaflor
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Philippines calls for China to de-escalate tensions after dangerous air incident over Scarborough Shoal

MANILA. The Philippines has urged China to de-escalate tensions in the South China Sea following what it described as a “very dangerous” incident involving Chinese aircraft near Scarborough Shoal. The incident occurred just days after both nations had agreed to better manage maritime disputes.

On Thursday, two Chinese aircraft executed a perilous maneuver and released flares in the path of Philippine Air Force planes conducting a routine patrol over the contested Scarborough Shoal, according to the Philippine military. China, however, disputed this account, asserting that its actions were professional and legal.

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro described the incident as part of a “continuous pattern” of Beijing asserting its claims and presence in the South China Sea. “It is a response we should be acclimated to,” Teodoro told reporters. He urged China to comply with international law and heed calls from the Philippines and other countries to “temper” its actions.

The Philippines’ National Security Council also called for China to “cease all forms of provocative and hazardous acts.” The Southern Theater Command of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army responded by accusing the Philippine aircraft of illegal intrusion despite repeated warnings.

China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea, including the Scarborough Shoal, have led to regional tensions and disputes with neighboring countries over exclusive economic zones. Beijing rejects the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which invalidated its broad claims under international law.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. condemned China’s actions on Sunday, with Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo stating that Manila will formally protest. Teodoro expressed hope that China would adhere to international law and de-escalate tensions. “They will stick to their narrative that we know there is no international support whatsoever. All they have on their side is brute force and strength and might,” he said.

Philippine military chief Romeo Brawner labeled the Chinese maneuvers as “very dangerous” but affirmed that the armed forces will continue patrolling waters within the country’s exclusive economic zone. “That is our right,” Brawner stated.

Despite recent tensions, Manila and Beijing reached a “provisional arrangement” last month to manage resupply missions to the ship at the Second Thomas Shoal, aiming to ease conflicts and manage their differences.

Helicopter crashes onto Australian hotel roof, pilot killed

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Helicopter crashes onto Australian hotel roof, pilot killed

CAIRNS, Australia. A helicopter crashed onto the roof of the luxury DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Cairns early Monday morning, resulting in the death of the pilot, authorities reported. The incident, which was captured on video, showed flames and smoke rising into the night sky.

The crash occurred around 1:50 a.m. near Cairns Esplanade, a popular waterfront area in the north Queensland city. Hundreds of guests and hotel staff were evacuated into the street as police established a cordon around the busy tourist area.

Charter company Nautilus Aviation, which owns the helicopter, stated that it was cooperating with officials investigating the “unauthorized use” of the aircraft. Witnesses described the helicopter as flying at high speed and very low over the water before the crash.

Veronica Knight, a visitor from Sydney, was on the esplanade when she saw the helicopter flying low and fast. “It was going full speed,” Knight told CNN. She observed the helicopter disappear from view, only to see it return and then crash into the hotel’s roof. Her video footage captured the orange glow of the flames and the smoke rising from the building, with sirens audible in the distance.

Police confirmed that the helicopter, which was the only occupant, was declared dead at the scene. The crash ignited a fire on the hotel’s roof, but there were no other injuries reported. Guests appeared “stunned” as they were evacuated, Knight noted.

DoubleTree by Hilton Cairns assured that all 421 adults, 50 children, and two staff members were safely evacuated. The hotel is arranging alternative accommodation for its guests and is cooperating with authorities in the ongoing investigation.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) and the forensic crash unit have been dispatched to the scene to collect evidence and conduct interviews. The ATSB is requesting any witnesses with photos or videos of the incident to come forward through their website.

Police have established an exclusion zone around the crash site and are urging the public to avoid the area.

Birador ng convenience stores, muling umatake sa Cavite

Arman B. Cambe
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Birador ng convenience stores, muling umatake sa Cavite

BACOOR CITY, Cavite. Sumalakay na naman ang mga hindi pa nakikilalang tirador sa mga convenience store sa lalawigan ng Cavite, na nagresulta sa pagnanakaw ng mahigit P100,000 mula sa isang sangay ng 7-Eleven sa Brgy. Molino 3, lungsod na ito noong tanghali ng Linggo.

Tatlong armadong kalalakihan ang hinihinalang sangkot sa pagnanakaw sa nasabing convenience store dakong 11:00 ng umaga. Ang mga suspek, na napag alamang may taas na 5’5 hanggang 5’7, ay nakasuot ng bonnet, puting t-shirt, long sleeves, at fatigue. Sa kanilang pagpasok sa tindahan, nagpanggap silang mga kustomer.

Ayon sa ulat ng pulisya, isang suspek ang nagsilbing lookout habang ang dalawa naman ay nagbanta gamit ang mga baril kina Roel Borres at Jayson Tabios, mga empleyado ng store. Ang mga biktima ay ini-lock ng mga suspek sa stock room habang tinatangay ang mahigit P100,000 na cash mula sa vault ng tindahan.

Matapos ang krimen, mabilis na tumakas ang mga suspek sakay ng isang kulay gray na kotse. Patuloy na nagsasagawa ng imbestigasyon ang mga awtoridad upang matukoy at mahuli ang mga suspek.

Hamas questions participation in upcoming Gaza ceasefire talks

Venus L Peñaflor
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Hamas questions participation in upcoming Gaza ceasefire talks

CAIRO. Palestinian militant group Hamas has cast doubt on its participation in upcoming ceasefire talks for Gaza, requesting that mediators present a plan based on previous agreements rather than engaging in new negotiations. This comes ahead of a scheduled meeting on August 15, called by leaders from the United States, Egypt, and Qatar.

The proposed talks, set to take place in either Cairo or Doha, aim to finalize a Gaza ceasefire and a deal for the release of hostages. While Israel has confirmed it will send negotiators, Hamas has expressed reservations about the new round of discussions.

Hamas stated, “The movement calls on the mediators to present a plan to implement what was agreed upon by the movement on July 2, 2024, based on (President Joe) Biden’s vision and the UN Security Council resolution.” The group criticized the mediators for pursuing additional negotiations, arguing that such efforts could “provide cover for the occupation’s aggression and grant it more time to continue its genocide against our people.”

The militant group also expressed frustration with Israeli actions, including the alleged assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last month—a claim Israel has neither confirmed nor denied.

President Joe Biden’s three-phase ceasefire proposal, outlined on May 31, has faced numerous challenges in its implementation. Efforts to broker a ceasefire-for-hostages deal have encountered persistent obstacles.

Recent developments have heightened fears of a broader regional conflict, particularly following the killings of Hamas leader Haniyeh and Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr, which have triggered threats of retaliation against Israel.

The ongoing conflict began on October 7, when Hamas fighters attacked southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the capture of over 250 hostages, according to Israeli reports. In response, Israeli airstrikes have claimed nearly 40,000 Palestinian lives in Gaza, according to local health authorities.

Movie review: ‘Good One’ – an indie gem that delivers emotional depth and authenticity

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Movie review: ‘Good One’ – an indie gem that delivers emotional depth and authenticity

In Theaters Friday — “Good One,” the impressive debut film by director Donaldson, offers a delicate yet powerful exploration of family dynamics through a three-day backpacking trip in India. The film, which hits theaters this Friday, is one of the year’s standout indie releases.

The story follows 17-year-old Sam (portrayed with remarkable depth by newcomer Lily Collias) whose perception of her father, Chris (played by James Le Gros), is irrevocably changed during the trip. The planned family getaway to the Catskills, intended to include Chris’s old friend Matt (Danny McCarthy) and his teenage son, quickly unravels when the son bails, leaving Sam with two disillusioned middle-aged men.

Donaldson masterfully focuses on Sam, whose expressive face reveals her unease and discontent with the sudden shift from a family vacation to a “boys’ trip” among the older men. Chris and Matt, both divorced and struggling with their life’s disappointments, openly discuss their failed relationships, including Sam’s mother. This candidness forces Sam to confront her father’s flaws and the reality of his imperfections.

The film’s acting is top-notch, with Le Gros embodying a meticulous camper obsessed with safety and McCarthy as a charming yet obnoxious failed actor. However, it’s Collias’s standout performance that truly anchors the film. Her portrayal of modern girlhood captures the dreaminess, awkwardness, and boredom of adolescence with striking authenticity.

Donaldson’s attention to detail, reminiscent of Kelly Reichardt’s style, is evident in every scene. The film captures subtle reactions and expressions that convey deep emotional truths. One notable choice is the portrayal of Sam dealing with her period discreetly, a quiet but powerful moment that adds to the film’s realism.

In a world dominated by high-stakes blockbusters, “Good One” stands out for its intimate examination of human experiences. The film’s focus on personal relationships and its understated portrayal of life’s challenges make it a memorable and impactful watch.

“Good One,” distributed by Metrograph Pictures, is rated R for language and has a running time of 90 minutes. It opens in limited theaters this Friday and is rated four stars out of four.

Filipino, ‘wikang mapagpalaya’ kung bakit wala namang kibo sa kahirapan

DC Alviar
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Filipino, ‘wikang mapagpalaya’ kung bakit wala namang kibo sa kahirapan

Sa pangunguna ng Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) at katuwang ang ilan pang ahensya ng pamahalaan tulad ng Kagawaran ng Edukasyon at mga pribadong institusyon, ipinagdiriwang ng bansa taon-taon ang Buwan ng Wika tuwing Agosto. Ang tema ng pagdiriwang ngayong taon ay “Filipino: Wikang Mapagpalaya.” Nais patingkarin ng okasyon ang Filipino bilang instrumentong nagpapalaya.

Tumutugon ang selebrasyon sa Proklamasyon Blg. 1041 s. 1997 na may pangunahing layuning iangat ang kamalayan ng mga mamamayan sa wika at kasaysayan nito.

Ama ng Wikang Pambansa si dating pangulong Manuel Luis Quezon. Nataong kapwa kapanganakan at kamatayan niya ay Agosto 19, 1878 at Agosto 1, 1944. Si Quezon at marami pang Pilipino ng mga sumunod na henerasyon ang gumamit ng wikang pambansa (kinalunan, Filipino at English ang mga opisyal na wika ayon sa Konstitusyon ng 1987) para maipalaganap ang mga usapin ng pagsasabansa ng Pilipinas, paglaban sa kahirapan, at pagkakaisa ng mga mamamayan tungo sa pagpapayabong ng mga wika, lalo na ang Filipino, at pambansang kaunlaran.

Nauna nang ipinagdiwang ang Buwan ng Panitikan (sa pangunguna ng National Commission for Culture and the Arts, National Book Development Board – Philippines, at KWF) noong Abril sa temang “Ang Panitikan at Kapayapaan” na may layuning magbigay-daan sa malayang pagtalakay sa halaga ng panitikan sa pagpapanatili at pagpapalaganap ng kapayapaan sa buong kapuluan. Batay sa simpleng pamantayan, naiparating sa mga tao ang katuturan ng panitikan. Bagama’t maiuugnay ang dalawang buwanang pagdiriwang sa isa’t isa, tahasan ang mga batas at memo sa pagkakahiwalay ng mga ito.

Kung ano ang dahilan kung bakit may pagbanggit tayo rito sa dalawa, heto: Parehong sobrang tayog ng mga pangarap natin at tayo rin ang nasasaktan sa di-pagkamit ng mga ito. Halimbawa, naiparating nga ang kahalagahan ng panitikan sa mga aspetong pagsasabansa at pangkapayapaan sa naunang okasyon, subalit hindi hitik ang pagkakaunawa ng mga mamamayan para masabing may kamalayan na sila sa paggamit ng panitikan para man lang sa layunin sa kapayapaan. Mabibilang sa mga daliri sa paa’t kamay ang mga alagad ng panitikan na nagpapalaganap ng usaping pangkapayapaan. Kalimitan, malalawak ang paksa ng mga materyal pampanitikan ngunit walang matinong kaugnayan sa mapayapang paraan ng pagbabago sa magugulong pook. Sa Marawi na isang lungsod sa katimugan ng bansa, iilan lamang sa 100,000 ang nakabalik sa lugar matapos ang limang buwang bakbakan ng militar at “mga kaaway ng batas”. May ilan pang localized conflicts sa iba’t ibang rehiyon, na kung susumahin, tuldok lang ang aktwal na ginampanan ng panitikan para maisangkapan ito sa pagbubuong muli ng mga nasirang lugar at pagbabalik sa tirahan ng mga naapketuhan.

Ligtas sabihing may papel na ginagampanan ang panitikan sa kapayapaan, ngunit dahil na rin sa mga maling prayoridad sa edukasyon, hindi na naiintindihan ang paggamit nito para isulong ang kapayapaan sa pangkalahatan. Natutugunan ang mga suliraing pangkapayapaan nang maayos, pero hindi sa paraang pampanitikan kundi sa mga proyektong pagpapaunlad ng conflict areas. Dapat maisa-isa ang mga tao at institusyong tuwirang gumagamit ng panitikan, nagpapalaganap nito, at nagpapalaganap ng kapayapaan gamit ito at, pagkatapos, punan sila ng programa na may kaukulang badget para kahit papaano, may dahilan silang pagsumikapan ang kanilang adbokasiya at mailinya na talaga ang panitikan sa layunin ng kapayapaan at pagpapaunlad.

Sa kasalukuyan namang pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Wika, wala pa ring direktang kaugnayan ito sa kalayaan. Kapag sinabing mapagpalaya ang wikang Filipino, saan natin hangad maging malaya? Sa sinasabi ng Deklarasyon ng mga Prinsipyo at Pang-Estadong Patakaran ng Saligang Batas na “free the people from poverty through policies that provide adequate social services, promote full employment, a rising standard of living, and an improved quality of life for all?” Ngunit maraming sablay mismo ang pamahalaan noon at ngayon sa pagpapalaya sa kahirapan ng marami sa ating mga kababayan. Merong social services kaso adequate o sumasapat ba? Naipo-promote ang paghahanap-buhay, pero kalimitan ba’y full employment o hindi? Merong pamantayan ng pamumuhay pero papataas ba ito? Merong kalidad na buhay para sa lahat? Ulit: sa lahat? OK siguro na may kalidad, pero sang-ayon sa konstitusyon, “improved quality.” Samantalang sa kalidad pa lamang ng mga niluluklok nating pinuno tuwing botohan, malayo na ang narating ng kabobohan sa paggamit ng kapangyarihang pumili ng mga ito at talagang mailagay sa balota ang mga karapat-dapat. Tinatalo sina Haydee Yorac at Chel Diokno na nakatamo ng matataas na edukasyon dito at sa labas ng bansa ng mga kandidatong walang tinapos na kurso sa kolehiyo sa panahong halos wala nang dahilan pa ang mga nakaluluwag sa buhay na hindi makatapos ng pag-aaral.

Sa sandaling pumalpak ang mga katulad ni Robinhood sa pwesto ng paglilingkod, wala nang pakialam ang mga nagluklok sa kanya. Dinamay lang ang iba. Kunsabagay, damay din ang maiiwang henerasyon ng kanilang mga apu-apuhan.

Mapagpalaya nga ba ang wika sa usapin ng kalayaan sa pamamahayag pati sa karapatang magpetisyon sa gobyerno para sa pagtugon sa mga hinaing? Sa pinairal na red-tagging – oo, pinairal ng anim na taon at hindi na pinaiiral kung pagbabatayan ang kamakailang desisyon ng Korte Suprema laban dito – at mga kahanay na pamamaraan ng pananakot (meron na ring nauwi sa pagpatay) at panggigipit, laganap ang pagbibingi-bingihan, pagmamaang-maangan, at pagbubulag-bulagan ng mga tao sa kahirapan, pang-aabuso ng mga maykapangyarihan, karahasan, at milyon hanggang bilyong pisong katiwalian sa pamahalaan.

Hindi malinaw kung bakit mapagpalaya ang wika at saang aspeto ito naging instrumento ng kalayaan ng makabagong panahon. Marahil, pagpapalagay lang ito. Sa iba, ilusyon ito. Gayunpaman, tama ito bilang hamon sa hinaharap. Kinalulugdan natin at sinusuportahan ang mga serye ng webinar o seminar, mga patimpalak sa sanaysay at iba pang sulatin, lalo na ang mga usaping may mga paksang katutubong wika sa pagpapaunlad ng edukasyon; Filipino sign language; sistematiko at makaagham na pananaliksik; paggamit ng IKSP o indigenous knowledge system and practices; at siyempre, fact checking o paglaban sa mga maling impormasyon at pamali-mali, gawa-gawa o mapanlinlang na naratibo.

Sa pagsulong ng panahon ng mga kabataan, patuloy natin silang itaguyod gamit ang karunungan at kaunawaan sa mahahalagang isyung panlipunan na may pinanghahawakang natural na sandata, ang wikang unti-unting magpapalaya sa kahirapan, karahasan, pang-aabuso ng mga maykapangyarihan, at korupsyon. Kung may wika, pero walang kibo sa mahahalagang usapin? Walang saysay iyon.

Philippines decries China’s air force actions as “illegal” and “reckless”

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Philippines decries China’s air force actions as “illegal” and “reckless”

MANILA. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has condemned recent actions by the Chinese air force in the South China Sea as “unjustified, illegal, and reckless.” This marks a significant escalation in tensions between Manila and Beijing over disputed maritime territories.

On Saturday, both Manila and Beijing accused each other of disrupting military operations around the Scarborough Shoal, a major flashpoint in the region. The incident, which took place on Thursday, saw two Chinese aircraft dropping flares in the path of a Philippine patrol aircraft. The Philippine military denounced these actions as “dangerous and provocative.”

In response, the Chinese military’s Southern Theatre Command accused the Philippines of “illegally intruding” into its airspace and disrupting its training exercises.

President Marcos has urged China to act responsibly both in maritime and aerial domains. He expressed his concern about potential instability in the region, stating in a statement posted on the social media platform X: “We have hardly started to calm the waters, and it is already worrying that there could be instability in our airspace.”

The Scarborough Shoal, a highly contested maritime feature, continues to be a source of tension over sovereignty and fishing rights. Chester Cabalza, president of the Manila-based think tank International Development and Security Cooperation, suggested that China’s actions could be a “show of force” linked to Manila’s participation in multi-nation drills aimed at promoting freedom of navigation and overflight. Cabalza warned, “After a series of gray zone tactics at sea, we may probably see dogfights up in the sky if China continues its growing antagonism in the Philippines’ air and defense zones.”

China claims nearly all of the South China Sea, a crucial maritime route for over $3 trillion in annual shipborne commerce. This includes areas also claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. Beijing has rejected a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which invalidated its expansive claims under international law.

The Chinese embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Austria’s chancellor calls for enhanced monitoring of messaging apps after thwarted terror Taylor Swift plot

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Austria’s chancellor calls for enhanced monitoring of messaging apps after thwarted terror Taylor Swift plot

VIENNA. Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer has called for increased powers for intelligence agencies to monitor messaging apps following a foiled ISIS-inspired suicide attack targeting a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna.

The plot, led by a 19-year-old, was discovered this week, leading to the cancellation of Swift’s three scheduled concerts at a soccer stadium. The planned attack, aimed at a crowd of thousands, prompted a reassessment of Austria’s strict regulations on communication surveillance.

Chancellor Nehammer, who is seeking re-election in the upcoming September 29 election, emphasized the need for technological upgrades to match the capabilities of extremists and organized crime. In an interview with Germany’s Bild newspaper, Nehammer stated, “We really need our agencies to be upgraded technically so they’re on an equal footing with terrorists, with organized crime, so we can combat them.”

He added, “It’s vital that messenger services like WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram can be decrypted for security authorities, under judicial oversight, while upholding the rule of law.”

Austria’s intelligence services were alerted to the attack by a foreign intelligence agency. Nehammer confirmed that the primary suspects have been apprehended, and additional arrests are expected as investigations continue into criminal networks. More ISIS supporters have also been identified, according to Nehammer.

The case has reignited the debate over Austria’s stringent monitoring regulations compared to other Western nations, highlighting ongoing concerns about national security and privacy.

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