Sunday, April 27, 2025


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Israel returns over 80 Palestinian bodies to Gaza amid continued military strikes

GAZA STRIP. Israel has returned the bodies of more than 80 Palestinians to Gaza following its ongoing military offensive, while airstrikes on Monday resulted in the deaths of at least 18 more people, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.

Yamen Abu Suleiman, director of the Palestinian Civil Emergency Service in Khan Younis, expressed concerns over the origins of the bodies, questioning whether they were exhumed from cemeteries or were “detainees who had been tortured and killed.” He criticized the lack of information provided by Israel regarding the identities and causes of death, calling the situation “a war crime, a crime against humanity.”

The bodies are set to be examined to determine their identities and causes of death before being interred in a mass grave near Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. The Gaza government media office reported that Israel had sent 89 bodies, describing them as “bones and decomposed bodies in an inhumane manner,” and accused Israeli forces of “stealing” 2,000 bodies from cemeteries since October 7.

There was no immediate response from the Israeli military regarding the body returns. Historically, Israel has stated that bodies are returned only after confirming they are not Israeli hostages held by Hamas since the October 7 attack on Israel.

No Ceasefire Agreement

In Jerusalem, the Israeli Hostages Families Forum questioned why the transfer of Palestinian bodies occurred without a ceasefire agreement with Hamas. The forum’s statement emphasized that a comprehensive deal could facilitate the return of both living hostages and deceased individuals for proper burial.

In southeast Khan Younis, residents reported ongoing Israeli aerial and tank shelling, including in areas under evacuation orders due to alleged militant activity. An Israeli airstrike on Monday killed eight Palestinians in a vehicle near Khan Younis.

The Israeli military confirmed on Monday that it had targeted Abdel-Fattah Al-Zriei, who was reportedly involved in Hamas’ weapons manufacturing department. The strike, which occurred on Sunday, also killed Zriei’s mother in Deir Al-Balah, central Gaza.

According to Israeli sources, 1,200 people were killed in Hamas’ attack on southern Israel, and 250 were taken hostage. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that at least 39,550 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli military campaign, with the majority being civilians. Israel has reported around 330 soldier fatalities and estimates that about one-third of the Palestinian deaths are fighters.

Movie Review: Harold and the Purple Crayon – a beloved book comes to life with a familiar twist

The beloved 1955 children’s classic, Harold and the Purple Crayon, has leaped from the pages of Crockett Johnson’s iconic picture book to the big screen, almost seven decades after its initial release. This film adaptation offers a fresh, three-dimensional take on Harold’s whimsical world, but how does it fare as a feature-length movie?

The film kicks off with a brief animated sequence that brings the book’s charming illustrations to life. However, after just a minute, the story swiftly diverges from the original narrative. The film’s narrator informs us that Harold’s adventures are far from over, introducing an adult Harold (voiced by Zachary Levi) who, while still wearing his childhood onesie, ventures out of his animated existence alongside his purple crayon companions, Moose and Porcupine.

As Harold and his friends cross into the “Real World” through a crayon-drawn door, they land in Providence, Rhode Island, where Harold is bewildered by the complexities of reality. Their quest to find the book’s narrator, the “old man,” leads them into a series of comedic and endearing situations reminiscent of characters like Amy Adams’ in Enchanted and Will Ferrell’s in Elf. Harold’s naive interactions with the real world are both amusing and somewhat predictable.

Zooey Deschanel portrays Terry, a disenchanted “real world” woman who is initially skeptical of Harold and Moose’s antics. As the mother of imaginative young Mel (Benjamin Bottani), Terry reluctantly takes in the quirky duo after a series of humorous mishaps, including a car accident involving Harold and Moose.

Director Carlos Saldanha, known for his work on the Ice Age and Rio franchises, infuses the film with vibrant visuals and lighthearted humor. The highlight of the movie is the imaginative animation that blends seamlessly with live-action, allowing Harold to create fantastical scenes with his crayon in the real world. From a dragon-lizard hybrid pet to a plane flying over Rhode Island, the film’s creativity shines through.

The plot introduces a familiar antagonist in librarian Gary (Jemaine Clement), who seeks to exploit the crayon’s powers for personal gain. His attempt to resurrect a failed fantasy book for revenge provides some conflict but ultimately leads to a heartfelt lesson about empathy. Gary’s desire to find a place where he belongs resonates with Harold’s own journey, culminating in a redemptive moment.

While Harold and the Purple Crayon might tread familiar territory, its nostalgic charm and imaginative visuals offer a refreshing reminder of the book’s enduring appeal. Despite the film’s conventional plot and predictable elements, its ability to inspire creativity makes it a worthwhile watch for audiences of all ages.

The film, a Columbia Pictures release, is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association for mild action and thematic elements. It runs for 92 minutes and receives a modest two stars out of four.

Pope Francis accepts resignation of Cardinal Sean O’Malley as archbishop of Boston at age 80

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VATICAN CITY. Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Cardinal Sean O’Malley on Monday, who has served as the archbishop of Boston. At the age of 80, O’Malley, a key figure in addressing clergy sexual abuse, steps down from one of the most influential Catholic archdioceses in the United States. In his place, Pope Francis appointed Bishop Richard Henning of Providence, Rhode Island, to lead the archdiocese.

The Vatican announcement did not address O’Malley’s other significant role as the pope’s principal adviser on combating clergy sexual abuse, where he heads the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors. It is expected that O’Malley will continue in this position until a successor is appointed.

Cardinal O’Malley was appointed to the Boston archdiocese by St. John Paul II in 2003, during the height of the clergy sexual abuse scandal that was brought to light by an investigation from the Boston Globe. This scandal led to the resignation of Cardinal Bernard Law in December 2002.

At 80, O’Malley is five years past the typical retirement age for bishops. His successor, Richard Henning, 59, has served as the bishop of Providence since last year. Pope Francis has expressed high regard for O’Malley, selecting him as a founding member of his core advisory group, known as the C9. In this role, O’Malley, a Franciscan friar, has been instrumental in advising the pope on child protection and contributing to the reform of the Vatican’s bureaucracy.

O’Malley’s relationship with Pope Francis has not been without tension. In 2018, he issued a strong rebuke after the pope dismissed abuse claims made by Chilean survivors. This response prompted Pope Francis to apologize and initiate an investigation into the Chilean abuse scandal.

More recently, O’Malley’s commission identified “serious problems” in the handling of the case of Rev. Marko Rupnik, an ex-Jesuit artist. This led Pope Francis to order a reopening of the case.

As Cardinal O’Malley retires from his role as archbishop, his contributions to the Church’s efforts to address sexual abuse and reform its practices remain significant.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigns; interim government to take over

DHAKA. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned on Monday amidst unprecedented violence and unrest, marking a dramatic turn in the country’s political landscape. In a televised address, Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman announced Hasina’s resignation and the formation of an interim government.

Reports indicate that Hasina, 76, was transported via military helicopter with her sister and has reportedly arrived in Agartala, Tripura, India, although these details could not be immediately confirmed by Reuters.

The resignation follows weeks of intense protests sparked by student demonstrations against reservation quotas in government jobs, which escalated into widespread calls for Hasina’s removal. The protests, which began last month, have resulted in at least 250 deaths and thousands of injuries.

General Zaman stated, “The country is going through a revolutionary period,” and assured the public that justice would be served for those affected by the violence. “I promise you all, we will bring justice to all the murders and injustice. We request you to have faith in the army of the country. I take full responsibility and I assure you not to get disheartened,” he said.

Zaman, who assumed his position as army chief on June 23, urged the public to refrain from further violence and return to peaceful means. “I request you all to be a little patient, give us some time and together we will be able to solve all the problems,” he added.

In Dhaka, jubilant crowds poured into the streets, celebrating Hasina’s departure. Protesters stormed Hasina’s official residence, Ganabhaban, and looted items from the heavily fortified building. Some demonstrators climbed atop a statue of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Hasina’s father, and vandalized it.

The violence intensified over the weekend, with nearly 100 people killed in clashes on Sunday, surpassing previous records for a single day. The clashes led to an indefinite nationwide curfew starting Sunday evening and a three-day general holiday beginning Monday. The death toll included at least 13 police officers, marking the highest single-day fatalities from recent protests.

Reports also indicate ongoing attacks and vandalism targeting government buildings, ruling party offices, and police stations. Violence has spread to 39 of the country’s 64 districts, prompting Bangladesh Railway to suspend all services indefinitely and garment factories to close.

Amidst the chaos, retired military officers have called for a political resolution, criticizing Hasina’s government for its handling of the crisis. Human rights groups and critics have accused the government of excessive force against protesters, a claim that Hasina and her ministers have denied, labeling the protesters as “terrorists” aiming to destabilize the nation.

790 litro ng langis at 5 sako ng debris, nakolekta sa Bataan

MAYNILA. Iniulat ng Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) na nakolekta nila ang kabuuang 790 litro ng oil-water mixture at limang sako ng kontaminadong debris mula sa MV Mirola 1 na sumadsad sa Bataan.

“As of today, 05 August 2024, the PCG recovered 790 liters of oil-water mixture and five sacks of contaminated oil debris using absorbent pads,” ayon sa ipinalabas na update ng PCG noong nakaraang araw.

Ayon sa PCG, patuloy ang kanilang oil recovery at containment operations sa barko, gayundin ang pagmo-monitor sa mga oil spill booms upang maiwasan ang pagkalat ng langis.

Matatandaang noong Hulyo 31 nang sumadsad ang MV Mirola 1 sa karagatang sakop ng Sitio Quiapo, Barangay Biaan, Mariveles, Bataan, kaya’t agad na nagsimula ang PCG ng oil recovery operations.

Bukod dito, tinutugunan din ng PCG ang pagtagas ng langis mula sa mga motor tankers na MT Terranova, na may lulang 1.4 milyong litro ng industrial fuel oil, at MT Jason Bradley na may 5,500 litro ng diesel.

3 Barko na Lumubog sa Bataan, Iniimbestigahan sa ‘Oil Smuggling’

Kasabay ng mga operasyon, sinabi ng PCG na iniimbestigahan na ang tatlong barko na responsable sa oil spill sa Bataan dahil sa posibleng pagkakasangkot sa oil smuggling o “paihi” sa ibang barko habang nasa dagat.

Ayon kay PCG National Capital Region (NCR)-Central Luzon spokesperson Lieutenant Commander Michael John Encina, inaalam ng kanilang investigating team ang totoong dahilan ng pagkakasadsad ng MT Terranova, MT Jason Bradley, at MV Mirola 1.

Sa sistemang “paihi,” ang langis mula sa malaking barko ay ililipat sa mas maliit na sasakyang-dagat sa dagat upang maiwasan ang pagbabayad ng buwis.

Sinabi ni Encina na maingat silang nakikipag-ugnayan sa ibang ahensya para sa karagdagang tulong at kapag may resulta na, ilalabas nila ito upang maging transparent sa publiko tungkol sa sanhi ng insidente.

Ayon kay Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez, tinitingnan ng Department of Justice (DOJ) ang posibleng “conspiracy” na maaaring nagdulot sa kamakailang sakuna sa dagat na kinasasangkutan ng tatlong barko na nag-leak ng libu-libong litro ng gasolina sa Manila Bay.

Sinabi ni Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla noong Biyernes na tinitingnan ng DOJ ang posibilidad ng pagsasampa ng class suit laban sa mga responsable sa oil spill, at nabanggit din niyang ang tatlong sasakyang-dagat ay “magkakaugnay,” ngunit hindi pa nagbibigay ng karagdagang detalye.

Sa gitna ng imbestigasyon ng PCG’s Marine Casualty Investigation Team, tiniyak ni Encina na sisiguraduhin nilang hindi makakatakas ang mga responsable sa oil spill. Ang mga kumpanya ng mga barkong ito ay nakikipagtulungan sa mga awtoridad matapos ang tatlong magkakahiwalay na insidente.

IDF uncovers massive Hamas tunnel designed for vehicles near Gaza-Egypt border

GAZA STRIP. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have uncovered a substantial Hamas tunnel near the Gaza-Egypt border, revealing an unusual feature: it appears to have been constructed for vehicle passage. The tunnel, located along the Philadelphi Corridor—a strategic area seized by Israel in May 2024—stands out due to its size and design.

The IDF reported that the tunnel, measuring 9 feet in height, is situated less than 328 feet from the border fence. Photos of the structure show a concrete-fortified underpass with enough clearance for a combat vehicle to pass through. The IDF is currently dismantling the tunnel and investigating other similar underground routes found in the area.

“At this stage, the troops are continuing with the investigation and neutralization of the underground tunnel route, as well as other large-scale routes that were found,” said an IDF spokesperson. “The IDF will thoroughly destroy all the underground infrastructure on the Philadelphi Corridor and will act with determination to prevent their formation in the future.”

While the IDF did not confirm whether the tunnel extends into Egypt, elite units have been searching for smuggling routes and claim to have demolished dozens over recent months. The destruction of Hamas’s extensive network of tunnels has been a key objective of Israel’s ongoing military offensive in Gaza.

The tunnel network, often referred to as Gaza’s “metro,” is believed to stretch 310 miles and contain up to 5,700 shafts. This expansive system has complicated efforts to capture top Hamas leaders and rescue hostages. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has noted that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar is thought to be hiding “10 storeys underground.”

The complexity and depth of the tunnels, reinforced with iron and concrete, have created a challenging and hazardous environment for Israeli forces. Officials estimate that dismantling the network could take years, a timeframe that may conflict with international pressure to end the nearly 10-month conflict, which has resulted in over 39,500 Palestinian deaths according to Gazan authorities.

An IDF assessment from July 2024 revealed that many of Gaza’s tunnels remain in a “good functioning state,” particularly in Rafah, while repairs have already begun in Khan Younis.

PINOY YAN: Double-gold Olympic feat changed Carlos Yulo and his world

I have stopped glamorizing the legal profession in the Philippines for two decades now and have celebrated the closed disbarment cases of Gadon et al. in recent years. But I guess I will not stop glamorizing the life of Carlos Edriel “Caloy” Poquiz Yulo.

His double-gold Olympic performance is a cause for celebration and consciousness. He changed himself first, and then his world.

The writings on the wall of social media are touching. Journ and comm colleagues penned the two-day masterful gymnastic events on their walls and converted the name Carlos Yulo into the more famed Michael Jordan of Philippine sports. 

If the crawling MJ hugged the ball on the floor (niyakap ng naglulupasay) because his father was gone to celebrate one of the most unforgettable NBA finals wins in Chicago, Caloy embraced the world of bitterness and joy in the Paris Olympics where every move is more romanticized, every second, every drop of tears or sweat in real time unlike the pre-Internet age. 

“Pilipinas, bakit ang hirap mong mahalin?” ang anong ng makabagong henerasyong pati ang palakasan ay may mga nagpapalakas na trapo (traditional politicians). But Yulo was unperturbed before contesting the world’s greatest athletes. After? Gagawin niya ang lahat ng pagrespeto sa nakatatanda – at sa mga nanggugulang. He will show all respect to elders. It is over, he has got two golds. He and Ate Hidilyn Diaz, a fellow Olympic gold medalist, are happy. Iyon ang “importantaceous.”

Studied at a public elementary school in Manila, helped by strangers to study at Adamson High, and now Yulo is the one helping the countrymen who are flooded by the harsh weather to breathe on the top of the building or the roof of the house to reflect: Expensive extra rice is unavoidable but there is a side dish that Yulo’s heart is golden in their hearts, knowing that the boy understands their depressed state so he worked hard and promised to fulfill the dream of winning gold for the country.

Sumusungit na ang panahon mula sa kalawakan sa panahong napakapangit ng sitwasyon at napapatanong ang marami kung may gobyerno pa ba, subalit patuloy na lumaban, lalaban, susubukang mag-ala Carlos Yulo sa kalsada, sa gym, sa ilalim ng puno, sa mall, sa bahay-bahayan sa lupang hindi kanila, sa pampang, sa kawalan.

Kung mala-ilog man ang luha na hindi makamtan ang pangarap, ang mahalaga’y hindi kasing dumi at baho ng ilog sa harap o likod-bahay. This is the world Carlos Yulo shares with us. He is willing to extend his already outstretched legs and arms. But be aware of, though you cannot see, the winds beneath the wings of this Falcon from San Marcelino in Ermita.

Be very, very conscious. Caloy the hero will make things happen for the Philippines. Not the trapos. Huwag silang papormahin. Turn a deaf ear to their promises. Except for Carlos Yulo. Siya lang ang papormahin.

I would venture to say sa basketball, huwag din silang papormahin.

Recall the 22-strong Team Philippines delegation. They are the best batch of world-class athletes thus far. It was widely believed that light-flyweight boxer Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco, according to twice retired sportswriter Recah Trinidad and the late Chino Trinidad, was robbed of the gold medal decades ago in Atlanta, Georgia, USA during the Summer Olympics gold-or-silver final ring match.

Oppressed race then and now! But like the regimented athletic lives of Onyok, Hidilyn, and now Carlos Yulo, we are to count our blessings, including God-given challenges for the country to move forward.

“I’m so overwhelmed. I’m feeling grateful for having (these medals) and for God. He protected me, as always,” Yulo was quoted by olympics.com as saying. Amen.

Philippines and Germany pledge to finalize defense agreement within the year

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MANILA. The Philippines and Germany have pledged to finalize a defense cooperation agreement within the year, underscoring their commitment to upholding an international rules-based order as tensions escalate in the South China Sea.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and his Philippine counterpart, Gilberto Teodoro, met in Manila to discuss enhancing their nations’ military ties. This meeting marks the first visit by a German defense minister since the two countries established diplomatic relations 70 years ago.

The agreement aims to strengthen long-term relations between their armed forces, expanding training, and bilateral exchanges, and exploring new opportunities for armaments cooperation and joint projects. Pistorius emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “This ruling remains valid, without any exceptions. It is our obligation to strengthen the maritime border and we are living up to it.”

Recent months have seen a sharp increase in confrontations between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea, with accusations from Manila that Chinese vessels intentionally rammed Philippine navy boats, resulting in serious injuries to a Filipino sailor. China has denied these allegations, asserting its actions were lawful and professional.

The South China Sea, a crucial maritime trade route with over $3 trillion in ship-borne trade passing through annually, is claimed by China as its own, overlapping areas also claimed by Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia. The 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague invalidated Beijing’s claims, a decision China continues to reject.

Teodoro noted that the Philippines, in its efforts to modernize its military for enhanced external defense, is considering Germany as a potential supplier of advanced capabilities in areas such as command and control, anti-access aerial denial, and maritime and aerial domains.

China has expressed concern over the increasing military collaborations between NATO members and Asian countries like Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines. In a related move, Germany recently joined the U.S.-led United Nations Command in South Korea, becoming the 18th member of a coalition responsible for overseeing the heavily fortified border with North Korea and pledging to defend South Korea in case of conflict.

Pistorius reassured that Germany’s actions are aimed at preserving a rules-based order and ensuring freedom of navigation, rather than targeting any specific nation. “Germany’s commitments and engagements in the region are not directed against anybody,” he said. “Instead, we are focusing on maintaining rules-based order, securing freedom of navigation, and protecting trade routes.”

Teodoro reiterated that the Philippines does not seek confrontation with China, but maintains that the primary cause of conflict in the South China Sea is China’s “illegal and unilateral attempt to appropriate most if not all of the South China Sea.”

To de-escalate tensions, Manila recently reached a provisional arrangement with Beijing regarding resupply missions in the disputed waters, though details of the deal remain undisclosed.

Des Moines’ chicken parade sparks changes in poultry regulations

DES MOINES, Iowa. In an unusual twist, a parade of chickens has led to potential changes in how Des Moines will regulate backyard poultry. On Monday, passionate chicken enthusiasts took to the streets, marching from the Statehouse to City Hall with their feathered friends in tow.

The parade was organized by Ed Fallon, who felt that the city’s proposed restrictions on chickens were an overreaction. The current proposal, which has received preliminary approval from the city council, aims to reduce the number of chickens allowed from 30 to 12 and to ban roosters, which have been a source of noise complaints in some neighborhoods. Fallon argued that these restrictions were disproportionate, given that only three complaints about chickens were filed between January 2020 and June 2024.

City Manager Scott Sanders has taken note of the poultry protest and announced that changes to the proposed regulations might be on the horizon. In a statement released Friday, Sanders suggested that there is room to amend the proposal to “better serve the whole community,” including those who keep chickens.

Assistant City Manager Malcolm Hankins has been tasked with drafting an amendment to address these concerns. “After listening to Council Member concerns at the July 22 Council meeting, we believe there is a better path forward for an amendment to this ordinance at a later date,” Hankins said.

The revised rules are expected to allow roosters but will introduce a licensing system for chickens and establish a process for managing those that become a nuisance. This shift aims to balance the needs of chicken owners with community concerns, ensuring that the new regulations are both fair and practical.

Nino Salukvadze announces retirement after historic 10 Olympic appearances

CHATEAUROUX, France. Nino Salukvadze, the pioneering pistol shooter from Georgia, has announced her retirement from competitive shooting, concluding a remarkable career that spanned 36 years and 10 Olympic Games.

Salukvadze, 55, has been a fixture at the Summer Olympics since her debut in Seoul in 1988 when she competed under the Soviet Union banner. Her participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics made her the first female athlete to compete in 10 Olympics.

Reflecting on her career, Salukvadze noted the evolution of the Games, which have become more competitive and professionalized over the years. “The competition is tougher than ever,” she said, acknowledging the significant changes she has witnessed throughout her career.

Despite considering retirement after her debut Games, where she won gold and silver medals at just 19, and facing financial struggles in the 1990s in newly independent Georgia, Salukvadze remained in the sport. She had initially announced her retirement after the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 but decided to compete once more in Paris to honor her father and coach, Vakhtang.

“He was my mentor not only in sports but also in life. He was a wise man,” Salukvadze told The Associated Press. “He never asked for anything in his life. We had the kind of relationship where we understood each other just with our eyes.” She recounted his encouragement to give sports another try: “‘If you quit sports, you can’t come back. Just try,’” she remembered him saying. “It was the only favor he asked me for his whole life. I thought he perhaps wouldn’t be able to ask again. I gathered all my strength, for his sake.”

Vakhtang Salukvadze passed away earlier this year at the age of 93 but lived to see his daughter qualify for the Paris Olympics. In her final events, Salukvadze placed 38th in the 10-meter air pistol and 40th in the 25-meter pistol, failing to advance to the finals.

Salukvadze’s last Olympic medal was a bronze at the 2008 Beijing Games, the first Olympic medal for an independent Georgia. Her podium embrace with Russian silver medalist Natalia Paderina was seen as a gesture for peace amid the backdrop of war between Georgia and Russia.

Although Salukvadze is retiring from competition, she remains involved in the sport as a coach at her shooting club in Georgia and as a vice president of the national Olympic committee.

Her historic achievement was recognized by the International Olympic Committee, with IOC President Thomas Bach sending his congratulations. The International Shooting Sport Federation is also planning an event to honor Salukvadze’s unparalleled Olympic career.

Reflecting on her achievements, Salukvadze recalled the indescribable joy of winning Olympic gold as a teenager in 1988, a feeling she still cherishes. “Even now, I can evoke these feelings in myself in the same way, feel it just the same,” she said.