Wednesday, April 23, 2025


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Philippines rejects China’s maritime proposals, citing contrary national interests

MANILA. The Philippine foreign ministry declared on Tuesday that it had received numerous maritime-related proposals from China, but asserted that they could not be entertained as they conflicted with the Southeast Asian nation’s national interests.

Recent months have witnessed escalating tensions between Manila and Beijing over disputed waters in the South China Sea. In a recent incident, the Philippines accused the China Coast Guard of firing water cannons at one of its vessels engaged in a resupply mission in the region, resulting in injuries to four navy personnel.

The latest proposal from China insisted on actions that would imply acknowledgment of China’s control and administration over the Ayungin Shoal, a proposition that the Philippines cannot entertain without contravening constitutional or international law, stated the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in a statement.

The DFA’s response came following a Manila Times article quoting an unnamed “ranking Chinese official” alleging that Beijing’s attempts to normalize the situation in the South China Sea were met with inaction by the Philippine government.

“We were, therefore, surprised by China’s disclosure of sensitive details of our bilateral discussions,” the DFA expressed, emphasizing the Philippines’ sincere and good-faith approach to confidential negotiations.

According to reports, China presented 11 concept papers proposing management strategies for the Second Thomas Shoal and addressing fishing issues around the Scarborough Shoal. However, these proposals did not align with the Philippines’ interests, as per the Manila Times.

Despite a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration refuting China’s expansive claims, Beijing persists in asserting its sovereignty over the South China Sea Islands, reiterating on Tuesday that China and the Philippines have no territorial disputes in the region.

In response, the Philippine DFA clarified that it did not disregard China’s proposals, indicating that it submitted counter-proposals. However, China’s subsequent counter-proposals failed to reflect the Philippines’ interests, particularly regarding the South China Sea.

With inputs from agencies.

PNP nagbabala laban sa dumaraming kaso ng ‘hijack profile’

Naglabas ng babala ang Philippine National Police (PNP) nitong Martes para sa mga netizens tungkol sa pagbibigay ng personal na impormasyon online at pag-click sa mga malicious website links.

Ito ay matapos na magtala ang PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) ng 178 kaso ng “hijack profile” o identity theft mula Nobyembre 2023 hanggang Pebrero 2024 – kung saan ang 89 kaso ay naitala lamang noong Pebrero.

Sa “hijack profile scam,” nagaganap ang hindi awtorisadong pag-access sa partikular na social media account. Kapag napasok na ng hacker ang account, nagpapadala ito ng mensahe sa mga contacts ng may-ari ng account at karaniwang humihingi ng financial assistance sa ilalim ng pagpapanggap.

Ginagamit ng mga scammer ang iba’t ibang paraan upang mabuksan ang profile, tulad ng phishing, hacking o social engineering techniques, na labag sa Section 4 (a) (1) Illegal Access, (b) (2) Computer-related Fraud, at (3) Computer-related Identity Theft ng Republic Act 10175 o Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Ayon kay ACG chief Maj. Gen. Sidney Hernia, mahalaga na gamitin ng mga netizens ang malakas at kakaibang mga password para sa kanilang online accounts, gamitin ang multi-factor authentication, mag-ingat sa pag-click sa mga links o pag-download ng mga attachments mula sa hindi kilalang sources, at regular na i-monitor ang kanilang mga online accounts para sa anumang kahina-hinalang aktibidad.

“If you suspect that your profile has been hijacked, immediately report it to the platform or service provider, take steps to secure your account, and notify relevant authorities to avoid potential legal liabilities that may arise from unauthorized access or misuse of your online identity, pahayag ng opisyal.

Dagdag pa ni Hernia, dapat iwasan din ng mga netizens ang pagbabahagi ng personal na impormasyon online at tiyakin na may “https://” sa URL kapag naglalagay ng sensitibong impormasyon sa mga website.

“By following these tips and staying vigilant, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to cyber identity theft. Always be proactive in managing your online presence and protecting your personal information,” dagdag niya.

Sa patuloy na pagdami ng mga kaso ng hijack profile, mahalaga ang pagbibigay ng babala mula sa PNP upang maprotektahan ang mga netizens laban sa posibleng panganib sa online na mundo.

Payag ang DepEd sa suspensiyon ng F2F classes dahil sa matinding init

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Binigyang-linaw ng isang opisyal ng Department of Education (DepEd) na maaaring suspindihin ang face-to-face classes sa mga lugar na apektado ng El Niño phenomenon.

Ayon kay DepEd Assistant Secretary at Deputy Spokesperson Francis Bringas, “Last year meron nang situation na ganito at nakapag-issue na tayo ng directive para sa mga field offices na maaa­ring mag-suspend ng face to face classes…kung sobrang init na talaga ang nararamdaman sa kanilang mga school.”

Ang pahayag na ito ay kaugnay sa pag-anunsiyo ni Bacolod Mayor Albee Benitez ng suspensiyon ng face-to-face classes sa lahat ng pampubliko at pribadong paaralan, kasunod ng forecast ng PAGASA ng mataas na heat index nitong Marso 11 at 12.

Sa isang panayam sa teleradyo, iginiit ni Bringas na ang DepEd ay nagbibigay ng awtoridad sa mga lokal na pamahalaan at paaralan na magdesisyon hinggil sa suspensiyon, base sa heat index forecast ng PAGASA.

“Yung PAGASA meron silang ginagamit na scale at ‘pag umaabot na sa scale na masyado nang mainit, kinakailangan na nilang mag-suspend,” dagdag pa niya.

Kapag suspendido ang face-to-face classes, automatic na ipatutupad ng mga paaralan ang modular distance learning scheme.

Sa kabila ng hamon ng init, tiniyak ni Bringas na ang DepEd ay patuloy na nagmamasid at nagbibigay ng suporta upang mapanatili ang kaligtasan at kalidad ng edukasyon ng mga mag-aaral sa bansa.

Humanitarian aid ship sets off from Cyprus for Gaza

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Early on Tuesday, a ship carrying nearly 200 tons of food departed from a port in Cyprus, embarking on a pioneering endeavor to establish a new sea route for delivering aid to Gaza, where a dire humanitarian crisis looms.

The charity vessel, Open Arms, was spotted setting sail from Larnaca port in Cyprus, towing a barge loaded with essential supplies including flour, rice, and protein. Operated by a Spanish charity of the same name, the ship’s destination upon arrival in Gaza has not been publicly disclosed.

The ambitious mission, primarily financed by the United Arab Emirates, is spearheaded by the US-based charity World Central Kitchen (WCK), with logistical support from the Spanish organization. Jose Andres, founder of WCK, and Erin Gore, its chief executive officer, articulated the vision behind the initiative, stating, “Our goal is to establish a maritime highway of boats and barges stocked with millions of meals continuously headed towards Gaza.”

This effort stands distinct from a US proposal to construct and manage a floating pier near the Gaza coast, facilitating the swift distribution of humanitarian assistance. The collaborating charities are committed to delivering aid directly to Gaza, which has been subjected to isolation since Israel launched an offensive in response to an October 7 attack by Hamas.

Given the lack of port infrastructure, WCK disclosed plans to construct a makeshift landing jetty in Gaza, utilizing materials salvaged from demolished buildings and rubble. Additionally, the organization revealed preparations to dispatch another 500 tonnes of aid accumulated in Cyprus to augment relief efforts in Gaza.

Babae itinumba ng barangay kagawad sa Batangas, manhunt operation isinasagawa

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SAN JUAN, Batangas. Patay ang isang babae matapos pagbabarilin ng tatlong beses ng isang barangay kagawad ng Lipa City, Batangas noong Sabado sa bayang ito.

Kinilalang ang biktima na si Marilyn Escartin Peña, 51, ng San Juan, Batangas na tinamaan sa mukha at katawan ng mga bala at namatay agad sa insidente.

Nagsasagawa ngayon ng manhunt operation ang pulisya laban sa suspek na kinilalang alyas “Joey” at residente ng Brgy. Pag-Olingin East, Silangan, Lipa City, Batangas.

Batay sa inisyal na imbestigasyon, nangyari ang pamamaril ng 4:38 ng hapon sa Brgy. Pag-Olingin West. Ayon sa CCTV footage, lumapit ang suspek sa biktima at sunud-sunod na binaril ito. Bagamat nakatakbo pa ang biktima, hinabol siya ng pamamaril ng suspek hanggang sa bumagsak at mamatay.

Sinabi ni PLt. Col. Rix Villareal, hepe ng Lipa City Police Station, na tatlong beses tinamaan ng bala ang biktima sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng katawan.

Nakausap din ni Police Capt. Ricardo Cuevas, Chief Operations Officer ng Lipa City Police Station, ang driver ng motorsiklo na ginamit ng suspek, at ibinunyag na isa itong barangay official.

Hanggang ngayon, hindi pa malinaw ang motibo sa pagpatay habang patuloy pa rin ang imbestigasyon. Ang suspek ay taga-Brgy. Pag-Olingin East samantalang ang krimen ay nangyari sa Brgy. Pag-Olingin West.

Natagpuan sa crime scene ang isang .45 caliber na baril, na gagamiting ebidensya sa kasong ito.

Ramadan commences across a significant portion of Asia, following a day after the Middle East

As the Muslim holy month of Ramadan commences, marked by fasting from dawn to dusk, much of Asia welcomed its arrival on Tuesday, a day after many Middle Eastern nations embarked on their fasts.

In the Islamic lunar calendar, months commence only upon the sighting of the new moon, resulting in slight variations of a day or two in the start date.

While nations like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Syria, Sudan, and the United Arab Emirates declared the beginning of Ramadan early Monday, countries across the Asia-Pacific, including Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Singapore, commenced the fast on Tuesday due to the failure to sight the crescent moon the previous night. Similarly, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran, and Jordan also initiated Ramadan on Tuesday.

Throughout Ramadan, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual intercourse from sunrise until sunset, with even a tiny sip of water or a puff of smoke deemed enough to nullify the fast. Evenings witness gatherings of family and friends for festive feasts.

The fasting aims to draw the faithful closer to God while reminding them of the plight of the less fortunate. Observers are expected to strictly adhere to daily prayers, engage in heightened religious contemplation, and avoid gossip, conflict, or cursing during this sacred month.

In Indonesia, where 90% of the 277 million-strong population practices Islam, celebrations range from colorful torchlight parades to cleaning family graves and preparing elaborate pre-dawn breakfasts and post-sunset meals known as “iftars.” Each region in the archipelago has its unique way of marking the onset of Ramadan.

The government set Tuesday as the start of the holiday after teams from over 100 regions failed to sight the new moon on Sunday. Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas announced the timing late Sunday evening.

Mosques overflowed with devotees offering the evening prayers known as “tarawih” on Monday night. At Jakarta’s Istiqlal Grand Mosque, the largest in Southeast Asia, tens of thousands of worshippers congregated shoulder-to-shoulder.

Businesses also anticipate a bustling period. Hotels, restaurants, and cafes prepare special Ramadan promotions, while shoppers flock to shopping centers for Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan.

In Malaysia, Ramadan Spurs Call to Curb Food Waste

In Malaysia, mosques commenced preparations for “bubur lambuk,” a traditional porridge dish distributed for free during Ramadan. However, critics urged moderation in iftar feasts.

The Consumers’ Association of Penang reported a 20% increase in food waste during Ramadan, with approximately 90,000 tonnes discarded across the country last year.

Mohideen Abdul Kader, president of the association, emphasized the need to avoid wasteful spending during Ramadan, especially considering the dire situation of over 2 million starving Palestinians.

Rozman Abdul Rahman, a security guard, pledged to minimize food waste by preparing only enough to break the fast each day. He emphasized the spiritual benefits of Ramadan, despite the challenges it presents.

In the Philippines, the Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta’ (BDI) announced the official commencement of Ramadan in various regions of Mindanao. Emran Mohamad, BDI executive director, urged the Muslim community to abide by the declaration regarding the start of Ramadan by Bangsamoro Mufti Sheikh Abdulrauf Guialani.

With inputs from agencies.

Princess Kate issues apology over controversial family photo editing

LONDON. Princess Kate of Wales issued a formal apology on Monday regarding a manipulated family photograph released by the palace, which inadvertently stirred confusion and speculation about her well-being instead of allaying concerns.

The photo, featuring Kate alongside her children, was intended to reassure the public amid ongoing speculation about the princess’s health following recent surgery. However, concerns over digital manipulation prompted five major news agencies, including The Associated Press, to retract the image, exacerbating online rumors.

In a social media statement, Kate expressed regret over the confusion caused by the edited photograph, stating, “Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing.” She extended her apologies for any misinterpretation the image may have caused.

The palace clarified that the photo was captured by Prince William and released by Kensington Palace on Sunday to coincide with Mother’s Day in Britain. Notably, it marked the first official photograph of Kate since her abdominal surgery nearly two months ago.

“Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months,” Kate conveyed her gratitude on social media, adding, “Wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day.”

While there was no implication of the photo being fabricated, The Associated Press retracted its publication due to discrepancies discovered upon closer examination. Notably, inconsistencies in the alignment of Princess Charlotte’s left hand were detected, prompting the retraction in line with AP’s stringent photo standards.

The manipulated family photograph of Princess Kate released by the palace.

DTI nagdeklara ng price freeze sa Region 4B dahil sa tagtuyot

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Sa gitna ng nararanasang tagtuyot, magpapatupad ang Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) ng price freeze sa Region 4B o MIMAROPA (Oriental at Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, at Palawan) upang maprotektahan ang mamamayan sa mataas na presyo ng pangunahing bilihin.

Ayon sa DTI, isa sa mga lugar na naapektuhan ng direktibang ito ay ang Bulalacao at Mansalay sa Oriental Mindoro.

Ipinaliwanag ng DTI na nagdeklara ng state of calamity ang dalawang bayan matapos masalanta ng tagtuyot ang kanilang mga taniman, na dulot ng El Niño phenomenon.

Mahigpit na ipinatutupad ng ahensya na hindi maaaring magtaas ng presyo ng mga pangunahing bilihin sa loob ng dalawang buwan sa mga nabanggit na lugar.

Flash floods and landslides claim 26 lives on Sumatra Island

PADANG, Indonesia. The aftermath of torrential rains on Indonesia’s Sumatra island has left a trail of destruction, with at least 26 people dead and 11 others still missing due to flash floods and landslides, according to officials on Monday.

The catastrophe unfolded as monsoon rains deluged nine districts and cities in West Sumatra province since Thursday, leading to rising rivers and inundated regions. The situation turned dire late Friday when a significant mudslide triggered by the heavy downpour breached a river, unleashing devastation upon mountainside villages in the Pesisir Selatan district.

Rescue operations faced considerable challenges, grappling with power outages, severed bridges, and roads rendered impassable by thick layers of mud and debris, as reported by the National Disaster Management Agency.

Abdul Muhari, spokesperson for the agency, confirmed the grim toll, stating that rescuers had recovered additional bodies primarily from the hardest-hit areas in Pesisir Selatan and the neighboring Padang Pariaman district, elevating the death toll to 26. Landslides buried at least 14 houses, while two villagers sustained injuries, and 11 individuals remained unaccounted for as search efforts continued.

The monsoon onslaught submerged over 37,000 houses and structures in West Sumatra province alone, causing the loss of at least three houses to flash floods and damage to 666 others. Infrastructure bore the brunt of the calamity, with 26 bridges, 45 mosques, and 25 schools suffering damage, while 13 roads and two irrigation systems were destroyed. Furthermore, vast swathes of agricultural land, encompassing 113 hectares of rice fields and 300 square meters of plantations, succumbed to the deluge.

The relentless fury of heavy rains, triggering landslides and flash floods, underscores the perpetual threat faced by Indonesia, an archipelago nation comprising over 17,000 islands. Millions of residents inhabit mountainous terrains or reside in close proximity to floodplains, making them particularly vulnerable to the vagaries of nature’s wrath.

‘Oppenheimer’ crowned best picture at Oscars

LOS ANGELES. At the 96th Academy Awards, “Oppenheimer,” a gripping biopic, clinched the coveted title of best picture, marking a departure from tradition by honoring a widely seen, big-budget studio film. Christopher Nolan, long overlooked by the Oscars, finally received his due recognition with an impressive haul of seven awards for his blockbuster biopic, including best director.

“Oppenheimer,” a three-hour saga delving into the complexities of J. Robert Oppenheimer’s journey in creating the atomic bomb, resonated deeply with audiences amidst a backdrop of geopolitical turmoil. Cillian Murphy, who portrayed Oppenheimer, expressed the film’s relevance, stating, “For better or worse, we’re all living in Oppenheimer’s world.”

The Oscars, typically a night of glitz and glamour, took on a more somber tone this year as it unfolded against the backdrop of ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. Films like “20 Days in Mariupol” and “The Zone of Interest” brought geopolitics to the forefront, reflecting the tumultuous times we live in.

Emma Stone’s win for best actress added a touch of excitement to the evening, with her stirring performance in “Poor Things” solidifying her status as a leading actress of her generation. However, the night was not without its controversies, as protests over the war in Gaza disrupted the usual festivities.

Christopher Nolan’s long-awaited victory resonated deeply with the filmmaker, who reflected on cinema’s profound impact over the past century. “We don’t know where this incredible journey is going from here,” Nolan remarked, “…to know that you think that I’m a meaningful part of it means the world to me.”

Despite the overshadowing of war and unrest, the Oscars also celebrated triumphs in filmmaking, including Jonathan Glazer’s poignant win for best international film with “The Zone of Interest,” shedding light on the ongoing struggles for justice and humanity.

In the wake of challenges facing the film industry, the unexpected success of “Oppenheimer” and “Barbie” provides a glimmer of hope, reminding Hollywood of the power of storytelling to transcend tumultuous times. As the night came to a close, the spotlight may have dimmed, but the resonance of these cinematic achievements reverberated far beyond the Dolby Theatre, offering a moment of solace amidst the storm.

Oscars 2024: Full List of Winners at the 96th Academy Awards. Below is the comprehensive rundown of Oscar recipients at the 96th Academy Awards held on Sunday, showcased during a live, televised event from Hollywood.

Best Picture

  • “Oppenheimer”

Best Actor

  • Cillian Murphy, for his role in “Oppenheimer”

Best Actress

  • Emma Stone, for her portrayal in “Poor Things”

Best Director

  • Christopher Nolan, for his work on “Oppenheimer”

Best Supporting Actor

  • Robert Downey Jr., for his performance in “Oppenheimer”

Best Supporting Actress

  • Da’Vine Joy Randolph, for her role in “The Holdovers”

Best Adapted Screenplay

  • “American Fiction”

Best Original Screenplay

  • “Anatomy of a Fall”

Best Animated Feature Film

  • “The Boy and the Heron”

Best Animated Short

  • “War is Over! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko”

Best International Feature

  • “The Zone of Interest,” representing the United Kingdom

Best Documentary Feature

  • “20 Days in Mariupol”

Best Documentary Short

  • “The Last Repair Shop”

Best Original Score

  • “Oppenheimer”

Best Original Song

  • “What Was I Made For?,” featured in “Barbie”

Best Sound

  • “The Zone of Interest”

Best Production Design

  • “Poor Things”

Best Live Action Short

  • “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar”

Best Cinematography

  • “Oppenheimer”

Best Makeup and Hairstyling

  • “Poor Things”

Best Costume Design

  • “Poor Things”

Best Visual Effects

  • “Godzilla Minus One”

Best Film Editing

  • “Oppenheimer”

With inputs from egencies.