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Kerwin Espinosa at 2 pang katao sugatan sa pamamaril sa Leyte campaign rally

Venus L Peñaflor
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Kerwin Espinosa at 2 pang katao sugatan sa pamamaril sa Leyte campaign rally

MAYNILA. Sugatan si self-confessed drug lord at tumatakbong alkalde ng Albuera, Leyte na si Roland ‘Kerwin’ Espinosa matapos pagbabarilin ng hindi pa nakikilalang salarin habang nasa gitna ng kanyang kampanya nitong Huwebes.

Ayon sa ulat, nangyari ang insidente sa loob ng gymnasium sa Barangay Tinag-an habang naghihintay si Espinosa ng pagkakataong makapagsalita sa isang campaign rally. Nakaupo umano siya nang biglang pagbabarilin ng isang armadong lalaki na hinihinalang nasa kisame ng gusali.

Tinamaan si Espinosa sa tagiliran at agad isinugod sa isang ospital sa Ormoc City. Dalawa pa ang nadamay sa pamamaril, kabilang ang isang menor de edad, ayon sa pulisya.

Sa inisyal na imbestigasyon, posibleng “the gunman accessed the ceiling area to carry out the attack,” ayon sa isang opisyal na tumangging magpabanggit ng pangalan dahil nagpapatuloy pa ang imbestigasyon.

Nakahanda na raw magsalita si Espinosa sa harap ng mga taga-suporta nang mangyari ang insidente. “He was already in position to deliver his speech when the shots were fired,” dagdag ng source.

Hindi pa malinaw ang motibo sa likod ng pamamaril at wala pang nahuhuling suspek sa ngayon. Patuloy ang masusing imbestigasyon ng mga awtoridad upang matukoy ang pagkakakilanlan ng salarin at ang totoong layunin sa krimen.

Si Espinosa ay isa sa mga kontrobersyal na personalidad na unang pumutok sa publiko noong administrasyong Duterte, matapos umaming sangkot siya sa operasyon ng ilegal na droga.

Patuloy ang pagbabantay ng publiko sa magiging takbo ng kaso habang nananatiling kritikal ang isyu ng seguridad sa panahon ng halalan.

Trump escalates U.S.-China trade war with 145% tariff, sparking global market turmoil

Venus L Peñaflor
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Trump escalates U.S.-China trade war with 145% tariff, sparking global market turmoil

WASHINGTON/BRUSSELS/BEIJING. Global markets plunged Thursday following U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest escalation in the trade war with China, as the administration raised effective tariffs on Chinese imports to a staggering 145%, prompting fears of retaliatory action from Beijing and a wider global economic fallout.

Stocks and oil prices tumbled, with the S&P 500 closing 3.5% lower, the Nasdaq down 4.3%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average falling by 2.5%. Oil prices slumped over 3%, while analysts warned of a possible recession if the trade standoff deepens.

Trump had announced a temporary 90-day pause on new tariffs for dozens of countries on Wednesday, bringing brief relief to world markets. But he simultaneously intensified pressure on China, increasing tariffs beyond the previously reported 125% by adding a 20% penalty tied to China’s alleged role in fentanyl production.

“This has gone from a disorderly selloff to hopefully back to more of an orderly selloff because recession risk is much, much higher now than it was a couple weeks ago,” said Adam Hetts, global head of multi-asset at Janus Henderson in Denver.

China’s Retaliation and Warning

Beijing responded swiftly, raising its tariffs on U.S. goods to 84%, effective Thursday. Chinese officials condemned the U.S. actions, describing them as “threats and blackmail.”

“China is willing to resolve differences through consultation and negotiation, but if the U.S. insists on its own way, China will fight to the end,” said Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao in a statement via the state-run Xinhua News Agency.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson He Yongqian also reaffirmed China’s stance, stating that dialogue must be “based on mutual respect.”

In Hong Kong, the Foreign Ministry’s local office was more direct. “We must solemnly tell the U.S.: a tariff-wielding barbarian who attempts to force countries to call and beg for mercy can never expect that call from China,” wrote spokesperson Huang Jingrui in an op-ed published by the South China Morning Post. “If the U.S. is truly sincere about starting a dialogue with China, it should ‘immediately rectify its wrong practices and adopt the right attitude of equality, respect and mutual benefit.’”

Seeking New Allies, Facing Hesitant Partners

While China attempts to rally support, many nations remain wary. Australia, which has had past disputes with Beijing, declined to align with China.

“We speak for ourselves, and Australia’s position is that free and fair trade is a good thing,” said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. “We engage with all countries, but we stand up for Australia’s national interest and we stand on our own two feet.”

India reportedly rebuffed China’s offer of cooperation, and Russia—often seen as Beijing’s closest partner—was notably excluded from Trump’s new tariffs.

Meanwhile, the U.S. reached an agreement with Vietnam to begin formal trade negotiations. According to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, more than 75 countries have expressed interest in establishing trade frameworks with Washington. “Once we go through the queue and settle with these countries,” Bessent said, “it will present more favorable terms.”

Trump expressed optimism about a potential deal with China, despite the heightened tensions. “I’m sure that we’ll be able to get along very well,” he told reporters. “In a true sense he’s been a friend of mine for a long period of time, and I think that we’ll end up working out something that’s very good for both countries,” he said of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

EU Pauses Retaliatory Tariffs Amid Caution

The European Union decided to pause its planned counter-tariffs on $23 billion worth of U.S. goods, which were set to go into effect next week in response to Trump’s earlier tariffs on steel and aluminum. However, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned: “If negotiations are not satisfactory, counter-tariffs could be reinstated.”

Von der Leyen posted on X, “We want to give negotiations a chance,” but emphasized that the EU would remain firm if its interests are not protected.

In a separate diplomatic push, Chinese Premier Li Qiang held talks with von der Leyen, pledging to strengthen China-EU trade and industrial cooperation. Commerce Minister Wang also held a video call with EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčović, condemning the U.S. tariffs as “a typical act of unilateralism, protectionism and economic bullying.”

Global Markets React

While U.S. markets suffered, Asian and European stocks initially rallied on Wednesday following Trump’s temporary pause. Japan’s benchmark index jumped over 9%, Germany’s DAX rose by 7.5%, and France’s CAC 40 gained 7.2%. The U.K.’s FTSE 100 climbed 5.4%.

However, by Thursday, U.S. futures turned negative. The S&P 500 futures were down 0.4%, and Dow Jones futures edged 0.2% lower.

Despite the market volatility and a rising chance of recession—estimated at 45% by Goldman Sachs—Bessent downplayed investor anxiety, saying, “I don’t see anything unusual.”

Tariffs Persist, Uncertainty Remains

The average U.S. import duty is now the highest in over a century, according to a report by the Yale Budget Lab. Tariffs on Canada and Mexico remain in place unless those countries comply with U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) rules of origin, particularly regarding fentanyl-related goods.

With the U.S. trade policy now shifting to country-by-country negotiations, many nations, particularly those in Southeast Asia like Vietnam and Cambodia, face difficult choices. Having benefited from shifts in manufacturing away from China, they are now caught in the crossfire of U.S. tariffs while having limited alternative buyers.

Trump’s move to increase tariffs on China and pause others may narrow the global trade conflict into a more focused showdown—but it remains to be seen how China will further respond. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian warned: “The U.S. cannot win the support of the people and will end in failure.”

Bagong call center ng Comelec para sa Halalan 2025, pormal nang binuksan

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Bagong call center ng Comelec para sa Halalan 2025, pormal nang binuksan

MAYNILA. Pormal nang binuksan ng Commission on Elections (Comelec) ang National Technical Support Center (NTSC), isang bagong pasilidad na magsisilbing call center hub para sa darating na 2025 national at local elections. Layunin nitong tumanggap ng mga tanong, alalahanin, at teknikal na isyu mula sa mga botante sa loob at labas ng bansa.

Sa isinagawang walkthrough ngayong linggo, binigyang-diin ni Comelec Chairman George Garcia ang kahalagahan ng NTSC sa pagpapatatag ng proseso ng halalan. “Lahat ng presinto, paaralan, canvassing centers, at repair hubs ng komisyon ay matatanggap at malalaman dito,” ani Garcia.

Itinatakda rin ng NTSC ang malinaw na protocol para sa mas mabilis na serbisyo: “Dapat masasagot ang isang tawag sa loob ng limang segundo,” ayon kay Garcia. Bahagi ito ng inisyatiba ng Comelec na tiyakin ang episyente at maagap na tugon sa anumang suliranin sa panahon ng halalan.

Tinatayang nasa 900 personnel ang itinalaga para sa operasyon ng NTSC. Bukod sa teknikal na tulong, inaasahan din silang magsilbing gabay para sa mga botante at mga guro na gaganap ng papel sa halalan.

Bilang karagdagang tungkulin, magsisilbi rin ang NTSC bilang monitoring center para sa online voting at counting system ng mga overseas Filipino voters—isang hakbang na bahagi ng digital transformation ng Comelec upang mas mapalawak ang partisipasyon ng mga Pilipino sa ibang bansa.

Batay sa tala ng Comelec, mahigit 36,000 overseas Filipino workers ang nakapag-enroll na sa pre-voting enrollment system para sa 2025 elections.

Sa kabuuan, tinatayang aabot sa 69.6 milyon ang rehistradong botante para sa halalan sa Mayo 2025. Sa bilang na ito, 68.4 milyon ang nasa loob ng bansa habang 1.2 milyon ang overseas voters.

Patuloy ang paghahanda ng Comelec upang matiyak ang isang maayos, ligtas, at transparent na halalan sa pamamagitan ng makabagong solusyon tulad ng NTSC.

Ukraine claims over 150 Chinese mercenaries fighting for Russia in ongoing war

Venus L Peñaflor
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Ukraine claims over 150 Chinese mercenaries fighting for Russia in ongoing war

KYIV, Ukraine. Ukrainian officials revealed on Wednesday that over 150 Chinese nationals are allegedly fighting for Russia’s invading forces in Ukraine, expanding on earlier claims of Chinese mercenaries. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that two Chinese men had been captured while fighting alongside Russian troops on Ukrainian soil. This marks the first time Ukraine has reported the involvement of Chinese fighters in the war.

Zelenskyy stated, “We believe there are many more of them,” as he shared documents listing the names, passport numbers, and other personal details of 155 Chinese citizens allegedly involved in combat. These documents, which have not been independently verified, outline when the recruits arrived in Russia for military training and when they departed for service.

Ukrainian officials also noted that this number could rise as they continue to investigate Russia’s recruitment efforts. “More far side samples are required for testing and further unraveling,” said Zelenskyy in an email, referring to his team’s efforts to identify other foreign mercenaries.

In response to these allegations, China firmly rejected any involvement in recruiting mercenaries. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized that the Chinese government urges its citizens to avoid conflict zones and not engage in military operations, especially those involving foreign armies. “The Chinese government always asks Chinese citizens to stay away from conflict zones,” Lin stated at a press briefing.

While China has been a diplomatic ally to Russia, providing machinery and economic support during the war, there has been no evidence to suggest the Chinese government has directly facilitated military involvement. The situation has, however, raised tensions between the U.S. and China, with U.S. officials expressing concern over China’s role in enabling Russia’s military efforts.

U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce called the reports of Chinese mercenaries “disturbing,” describing China as a major enabler of Russia’s war by supplying critical dual-use goods such as machinery and microelectronics. Bruce claimed that China provides nearly 80% of the materials Russia needs to sustain its war effort.

Keith Kellogg, the former U.S. special envoy to Ukraine and Russia, urged caution, suggesting that the reports may not yet fully reflect the situation. “Let’s sit back and see how this plays out because it could be volunteers,” Kellogg said, noting that Ukraine also has foreign volunteers fighting on its behalf.

Meanwhile, fighting continues to escalate along Ukraine’s eastern front. In the city of Kramatorsk in Donetsk, a massive drone attack injured a young girl and her family. Ukraine’s air force confirmed that 55 Russian Shahed drones were launched overnight, while Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed to have shot down 158 Ukrainian drones over several regions.

As both sides prepare for upcoming spring-summer campaigns, the war’s international implications continue to evolve, with increasing foreign involvement complicating diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire.

Moon’s far side appears drier than Earth-facing side, new findings suggest

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Moon’s far side appears drier than Earth-facing side, new findings suggest

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. Recent soil and rock samples from the moon’s far side suggest drier conditions compared to the side facing Earth, Chinese scientists reported on Wednesday. This discovery offers new insight into the moon’s composition, but the researchers have emphasized that further samples are necessary to paint a clearer picture of the lunar environment.

The findings, published in the journal Nature, come from soil collected by China’s Chang’e 6 spacecraft, which became the first to land on the moon’s far side last year. The spacecraft retrieved volcanic rock and dirt from the South Pole-Aitken basin, one of the solar system’s largest impact craters.

Sen Hu, a scientist from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, led the research and explained that his team received 5 grams of soil samples, from which 578 particles were selected for electron microscope analysis. The results indicated that the water abundance in the lunar samples was less than 1.5 micrograms per gram, a figure on the drier end compared to the 1 to 200 micrograms per gram typically found in samples from the moon’s Earth-facing side.

“We estimate the water abundance at less than 1.5 micrograms per gram,” Hu said. “This places it on the dry end of what’s been found in samples gathered from the moon’s near side over past decades.”

However, Hu noted that with only a small sample size, it remains uncertain how widespread this dry condition might be. “More far side samples are required for testing and further unraveling” the extent of water on the far side, he said in an email.

The researchers have proposed several possible explanations for this discrepancy. One theory suggests that the impact that created the South Pole-Aitken basin could have blasted water elements to the near side of the moon, leaving the far side drier. Alternatively, the vertical distribution of water may differ between the two hemispheres of the moon.

Despite the initial findings, the dryness of the far side is not expected to alter current lunar exploration plans. NASA’s Artemis program, aimed at sending astronauts to the moon’s south pole, is still on track. The south pole is believed to contain permanently shadowed craters filled with large amounts of ice, which could potentially be used for drinking, cooking, and even rocket fuel.

NASA plans to send four astronauts around the moon in 2024, with a lunar landing near the south pole expected no earlier than 2027. China, meanwhile, is also working towards its astronaut moon landing by 2030.

As scientists continue to explore the moon’s far side, these early findings contribute to the growing understanding of our closest celestial neighbor and its potential for future human exploration.

Bridging the digital divide: Edgardo Hernal’s mission to empower underprivileged Filipino youth

Venus L Peñaflor
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Bridging the digital divide: Edgardo Hernal’s mission to empower underprivileged Filipino youth

CHICAGO, IL. In a world where digital access can determine the trajectory of a young person’s future, one man, thousands of miles away, is making sure that no student gets left behind.

Edgardo Hernal, the chairman of the Chromebook Grant Project and a proud member of the Alpha Phi Omega (APO) Midwest Alumni Association based in Chicago, Illinois, is the driving force behind a life-changing initiative that provides Chromebooks to marginalized high school students in the Philippines.

What began as a modest dream to help a few students stay connected to online learning during the height of the pandemic has now grown into a full-fledged movement. Under Hernals’ leadership, the project has completed three waves of donations, distributing over 300 Chromebooks across underserved communities in the Mindanao and Luzon regions.

“Our goal is simple: to give hope through access,” Hernal says. “For many of these students, owning a personal computer was unthinkable. Now, they have a tool that connects them to learning, to opportunity, and to the future.”

As chairman, Hernal not only leads the project but also serves as the primary contact for many of the generous donors who make the initiative possible. His tireless efforts have garnered support from both local and international sources, fueling the expansion of the program and allowing the project to touch the lives of more students each year.

The Chromebook Grant Project is part of the broader outreach efforts of the APO Midwest Alumni Association, a group of Filipino professionals and APO members in the U.S. dedicated to service, camaraderie, and nation-building. While the association supports various programs—including medical missions and scholarship funds—the Chromebook Grant Project stands out for its direct impact on educational equity.

“It’s more than just a donation,” Hernal adds. “It’s an investment in the next generation of Filipino leaders, thinkers, and changemakers.”

Each wave of Chromebook distribution is thoughtfully planned, often working with local schools and community partners to identify the students who need them most. From rural towns in Zamboanga del Norte in Mindanao to public high schools in Northern Luzon, the recipients are often children of farmers, fisherfolk, or single mothers. students with potential, only needing a chance.

Though Hernal did not grow up in poverty, his deep commitment to service was shaped by his time in APO and his strong ties to the Philippines. “I’ve always believed that giving back is not just a duty, it’s a privilege. We are where we are because someone helped us along the way—and now we have the chance to do the same.”

With more waves planned and a growing number of supporters, the Chromebook Grant Project is a shining example of how diaspora communities can uplift their homeland, not just with donations but with heart.

Edgardo Hernal encourages those interested in joining the mission to make a donation or partner with the project. “Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to empowering Filipino youth and providing them with opportunities to succeed in a digital world,” he says.

The Chromebook Grant Project is part of the broader outreach efforts of the APO Midwest Alumni Association, a group of Filipino professionals and APO members in the U.S. dedicated to service, camaraderie, and nation-building.

Trump’s sudden tariff reversal sparks historic market rally

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Trump’s sudden tariff reversal sparks historic market rally

WASHINGTON. In a dramatic shift, U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced a temporary rollback of sweeping new tariffs he had just imposed on dozens of countries, a move that triggered one of the most historic market rallies since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs is informed by the Philippine Embassy in Yangon of the positive identification of the remains of a second confirmed Filipino victim of the powerful 7.7 earthquake which hit Myanmar last March 28,” according to the DFA statement.

The surprising about-face came less than 24 hours after the United States implemented a broad range of steep new tariffs on nearly all major trading partners. The initial announcement caused a wave of market volatility that wiped trillions of dollars from global equities and sent U.S. government bond yields surging — a reaction that appeared to prompt the president’s rethink.

“I thought that people were jumping a little bit out of line, they were getting yippy, you know,” Trump said to reporters, referencing a golf term.

Despite his earlier insistence that the tariffs were non-negotiable, Trump defended the sudden reversal as a demonstration of his strategic flexibility. “You have to be flexible,” he said.

However, the shift does not signal a complete retreat. A 10% blanket tariff on nearly all U.S. imports remains in place, and Trump is doubling down on pressure against China — announcing an increase in tariffs on Chinese imports from 104% to 125%, escalating the ongoing trade confrontation between the world’s two largest economies.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent claimed the pullback was part of a calculated strategy to push countries toward the negotiating table. “This was his strategy all along,” Bessent told reporters. “And you might even say that he goaded China into a bad position.”

Despite this, Trump acknowledged that the intense market reaction affected his decision. “China wants to make a deal,” he said. “They just don’t know how quite to go about it.”

The temporary 90-day freeze does not apply to duties on autos, steel, and aluminum, nor does it lift the 25% fentanyl-related tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods that don’t comply with the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). An indefinite exemption remains in place for USMCA-compliant goods.

The abrupt U-turn sent global stock markets soaring. The S&P 500 surged by 9.5%, bond yields fell from their earlier highs, and the U.S. dollar rebounded against safe-haven currencies.

Still, economic analysts warned the damage may be lasting. A Reuters/Ipsos survey found that three out of four Americans expect prices to rise in the coming months. Meanwhile, Goldman Sachs cut its recession probability from 65% to 45%, warning that the remaining tariffs could still drive an overall 15% increase in the average tariff rate.

“China is unlikely to change its strategy: stand firm, absorb pressure, and let Trump overplay his hand. Beijing believes Trump sees concessions as a weakness, so giving ground only invites more pressure,” said Daniel Russel, Vice President of International Security and Diplomacy at the Asia Society Policy Institute.

“Other countries will welcome the 90-day stay of execution — if it lasts — but the whiplash from constant zigzags creates more of the uncertainty that businesses and governments hate,” Russel added.

Behind the scenes, negotiations are ongoing. According to the White House, Trump has spoken with the leaders of Japan and South Korea, while a Vietnamese delegation met with U.S. officials on Wednesday to discuss trade concerns. More than 75 countries have reached out to Washington for clarification or exemptions.

Despite the White House previously calling reports of a tariff pause “fake news,” Trump hinted that he had been considering it for days. Earlier on Wednesday, he took to Truth Social to reassure investors:
“BE COOL! Everything is going to work out well. The USA will be bigger and better than ever before!”
Later, he added: “THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO BUY!!!”

While Trump’s strategy continues to draw criticism for its unpredictability, his supporters argue it reflects a hard-nosed approach to leverage and negotiation. Whether the markets — and America’s trading partners — can endure the uncertainty remains to be seen.

2 Pinoy, kinumpirma ng DFA na nasawi sa malakas na lindol sa Myanmar

Venus L Peñaflor
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2 Pinoy, kinumpirma ng DFA na nasawi sa malakas na lindol sa Myanmar

MAYNILA. Kinumpirma ng Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) nitong Huwebes, Abril 10, na dalawang Pilipino na ang nasawi sa tumamang magnitude-7.7 na lindol sa Myanmar noong Marso 28.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs is informed by the Philippine Embassy in Yangon of the positive identification of the remains of a second confirmed Filipino victim of the powerful 7.7 earthquake which hit Myanmar last March 28,” ayon sa pahayag ng DFA.

Ayon pa sa DFA, naipabatid na sa pamilya ng biktima ang malungkot na balita. Gayunman, sa paggalang sa kagustuhan ng pamilya, hindi na isinapubliko ang karagdagang detalye tungkol sa pagkakakilanlan ng ikalawang nasawi.

“Out of respect for the wishes of the family, the Department is unable to provide any further details,” dagdag ng ahensya.

Nauna nang kinilala ng DFA nitong Miyerkules ang unang Pilipinong nasawi sa trahedya na si Francis Aragon, 38-anyos, na nagtatrabaho bilang physical education teacher sa Myanmar. Isa si Aragon sa apat na overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) na napaulat na nawawala matapos gumuho ang kanilang condominium building sa Mandalay dulot ng matinding lindol.

Sa ngayon, dalawa pa sa mga nawawalang Pilipino sa Mandalay ang hindi pa rin natatagpuan. Patuloy naman ang pag-asa ng DFA na makakaligtas pa ang natitirang mga nawawala.

“We continue to hope for the best for the remaining two Filipinos still unaccounted for in Mandalay, Myanmar,” ayon pa sa DFA.

Patuloy ang koordinasyon ng embahada ng Pilipinas sa Yangon sa mga lokal na awtoridad sa Myanmar para sa search and rescue operations, at upang mabigyan ng suporta ang mga apektadong Pilipino sa nasabing bansa.

MANILA, Philippines — Kinumpirma ng Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) nitong Huwebes, Abril 10, na dalawang Pilipino na ang nasawi sa tumamang magnitude-7.7 na lindol sa Myanmar noong Marso 28.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs is informed by the Philippine Embassy in Yangon of the positive identification of the remains of a second confirmed Filipino victim of the powerful 7.7 earthquake which hit Myanmar last March 28,” ayon sa pahayag ng DFA.

Ayon pa sa DFA, naipabatid na sa pamilya ng biktima ang malungkot na balita. Gayunman, sa paggalang sa kagustuhan ng pamilya, hindi na isinapubliko ang karagdagang detalye tungkol sa pagkakakilanlan ng ikalawang nasawi.

“Out of respect for the wishes of the family, the Department is unable to provide any further details,” dagdag ng ahensya.

Nauna nang kinilala ng DFA nitong Miyerkules ang unang Pilipinong nasawi sa trahedya na si Francis Aragon, 38-anyos, na nagtatrabaho bilang physical education teacher sa Myanmar. Isa si Aragon sa apat na overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) na napaulat na nawawala matapos gumuho ang kanilang condominium building sa Mandalay dulot ng matinding lindol.

Sa ngayon, dalawa pa sa mga nawawalang Pilipino sa Mandalay ang hindi pa rin natatagpuan. Patuloy naman ang pag-asa ng DFA na makakaligtas pa ang natitirang mga nawawala.

“We continue to hope for the best for the remaining two Filipinos still unaccounted for in Mandalay, Myanmar,” ayon pa sa DFA.

Patuloy ang koordinasyon ng embahada ng Pilipinas sa Yangon sa mga lokal na awtoridad sa Myanmar para sa search and rescue operations, at upang mabigyan ng suporta ang mga apektadong Pilipino sa nasabing bansa.

A 10-carat blue diamond headlines $100M exhibition in Abu Dhabi

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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A 10-carat blue diamond headlines $100M exhibition in Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates. A stunning 10.57-carat blue diamond captivated gem enthusiasts and collectors alike as it took center stage at a high-profile exhibition in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, showcasing over $100 million worth of the world’s rarest and most valuable diamonds.

The gem, known as the “Bleu Royal,” is classified as a Fancy Vivid Blue — the highest possible color grading for blue diamonds by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Oval-shaped and internally flawless, the stone is among the largest of its kind ever to appear at a public display in the region.

The exhibition, hosted at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, features a curated selection of exceptional diamonds and colored gemstones from prestigious collections, including rare pinks, canary yellows, and vivid greens. Organized by Sotheby’s, the event aims to bring ultra-rare gems to a broader global audience while also highlighting Abu Dhabi’s growing presence in the international art and luxury market.

“This diamond is incredibly rare not just because of its size and clarity, but because vivid blue diamonds of this caliber are rarely seen outside of auctions or private vaults,” said Sotheby’s Middle East chairman, Katia Nounou Boueiz. “We are thrilled to present the Bleu Royal to the public in this extraordinary setting.”

The Bleu Royal was previously auctioned by Sotheby’s in Geneva in November 2023 for over $43.8 million. It was mounted in a ring setting and remains one of the most valuable blue diamonds ever sold at auction.

Aside from the Bleu Royal, other gems on display include:

  • A 15.3-carat Fancy Vivid Pink diamond, considered a sister stone to the famed Pink Star.
  • An 18-carat D-Flawless white diamond from Botswana, known for its unparalleled brilliance.
  • A 12.1-carat Fancy Intense Green diamond reportedly sourced from Brazil.

Collectors and high-profile visitors from across the Gulf region and beyond are expected to attend the limited-time exhibit, which runs until April 15.

Security around the exhibit is exceptionally tight, with 24-hour surveillance and strict access control measures in place.

The display marks a continued effort by the UAE to position itself not just as a global business and tourism hub but also as a premier destination for world-class art, culture, and high jewelry.

President Marcos leads Araw ng Kagitingan rites in Bataan

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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President Marcos leads Araw ng Kagitingan rites in Bataan

MANILA. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the 83rd Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) commemoration earlier today at the Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor) on Mount Samat in Pilar, Bataan, honoring the bravery of Filipino and American soldiers during World War II.

Marcos, alongside national and local officials, surviving veterans, and their families, participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the historic site. According to the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO),

“The President also delivered a speech reaffirming the government’s commitment to the welfare of the Filipino veterans.”

This year’s commemoration carried the theme: “Kabayanihan ng Beterano: Sandigan ng Kaunlaran ng Bagong Pilipinas” (Heroism of Veterans: The Foundation of the Development of the New Philippines).

Nationwide Tributes

The commemoration, which began on April 5, included various events such as the Freedom March from Bataan to Capas, a medical mission in Laguna, the Bataan Death March memorial in New Mexico, and a special film screening and student competitions.

A joint tribute was held at the Capas National Shrine, and the commemorative week will conclude with a sunset ceremony on April 11 at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, featuring a Eucharistic mass and veterans’ family testimonials. The “Faces of Valor” exhibit will run at the University of Santo Tomas from April 21 to 30.

Security Measures

To ensure safety, Central Luzon police and the AFP had implemented full security at Mount Samat, with PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo is confirming full deployment and crowd control measures in anticipation of the President’s attendance.

Calls for Modern Heroism

Vice President Sara Duterte called on Filipinos to draw inspiration from the courage shown during the Battle of Bataan:

“Sa Bataan, nagtagumpay ang mga Pilipino sa pag-asa at lakas nitong magpatuloy sa kabila ng hirap.”

“Ipagdiwang natin ang kanilang alaala sa pamamagitan ng pagbubuo ng isang bansang hindi na kailanman muling dadaan sa ganitong pagdurusa.”

Senate President Francis Escudero also paid tribute:

“Inaalala natin ang buhay ng mga Pilipinong nagbuwis ng kanilang sarili para sa kalayaan at dangal ng ating bayan.”

He urged Filipinos to become modern-day heroes through unity and compassion.

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