Wednesday, April 23, 2025


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E-bikes at tricycle ban sa NCR, iiral na sa Abril 15

Inaasahang simulan na sa Abril 15 ang patakarang magbabawal sa paggamit ng mga e-bikes, e-trikes, at tricycle sa mga national roads sa National Capital Region (NCR).

Kinumpirma mismo ni Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Romando Artes ang nasabing patakaran sa isang news briefing kamakailan lang.

“We will implement ito by April 15. But we will consider pa rin iyong ibang suggestions. Nag-aagree naman sila na kailangan i-regulate,” ayon kay Artes.

Dagdag pa ni Artes, sa isinagawang pulong sa mga stakeholders, malinaw na ang kanilang ipatutupad ay hindi isang lubos na ban. “Hindi naman pagbabawalan ang mga naturang behikulo na lumabas ngunit hindi lamang sila maaaring dumaan sa mga national roads, kung saan hindi naman talaga sila nararapat,” aniya.

Ayon sa MMDA, kabilang sa mga national roads na hindi maaaring daanan ng mga e-bikes, e-trikes, at tricycles ang mga sumusunod: Roxas Boulevard, Taft Avenue, SLEX, Shaw Boulevard, Ortigas Avenue, Magsaysay Blvd/Aurora Blvd., Quezon Ave./ Commonwealth Ave., A. Bonifacio Avenue, Rizal Avenue, Del Pan/Marcos Highway/McArthur Highway, Recto Ave­nue, Pres. Quirino Avenue, Araneta Avenue, Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue, Katipunan/C.P. Garcia, Southeast Metro Manila Expressway, Elliptical Road, Mindanao Ave­nue, at Marcos Highway.

Ipinunto rin ng MMDA na ang pagpapatupad ng regulasyon sa mga e-vehicles ay para sa kaligtasan ng mga driver, pasahero, at pedestrian.

Bilang ulat ng MMDA, noong 2023, apat na katao ang nasawi sa mga insidente ng road crash na kinasasangkutan ng e-bikes, habang 436 naman ang nasugatan at 468 ang nasirang ari-arian.

Paalala ng MMDA, ang mga lalabag sa patakaran ay papatawan ng multang P2,500.

Samantala, inihayag din ng MMDA na maglalabas ang Land Transportation Office (LTO) ng hiwalay na patakaran hinggil sa pag-require ng lisensiya at rehistro para sa mga driver ng e-bikes at e-trikes. Lahat ng e-vehicle na hindi rehistrado ay kanilang ipapa-impound.

Ukraine rebuffs Pope Francis calling for talks with Russia as Kremlin responds

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KYIV/MOSCOW. As tensions continue to mount in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, Pope Francis’s appeal for peace negotiations encounters a firm rebuff from Ukrainian authorities, sparking a contentious exchange of rhetoric.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy minced no words in dismissing the pontiff’s plea, accusing him of engaging in “virtual mediation,” a sentiment echoed by Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba who emphasized Ukraine’s resolute stance against capitulation. Kuleba’s reference to the historic failures of Pope Pius XII during World War II underlined the gravity of Ukraine’s position, urging the Vatican to stand unequivocally with the Ukrainian people.

In a rare departure, Pope Francis invoked the symbolism of the “white flag,” traditionally associated with surrender in conflict, as a call for negotiation and reconciliation. However, his words failed to sway Ukrainian leaders who reiterated their commitment to defending their sovereignty and national integrity.

Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, head of Ukraine’s Eastern Rite Catholic Church, echoed the sentiment of defiance, asserting Ukraine’s unwavering resolve in the face of adversity.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin responded with an offer of dialogue, indicating Russia’s readiness to engage in negotiations to resolve the conflict. Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for President Vladimir Putin, reiterated Russia’s willingness to pursue diplomatic solutions, lamenting Ukraine’s reluctance to consider peace talks.

However, Ukraine’s steadfast refusal to entertain negotiations underscores the deep-seated animosity and geopolitical complexities underlying the conflict. With both sides entrenched in their positions, prospects for a peaceful resolution remain elusive.

As the war in Ukraine rages on, Pope Francis’s call for dialogue resonates with a divided international community, prompting reflections on the enduring quest for peace amidst turmoil and strife. Yet, the road to reconciliation appears fraught with obstacles as Ukraine stands firm in its determination to resist Russian aggression, while the Kremlin seeks to assert its strategic interests in the region.

Kasabay ng Women’s Month, arestado ang 83 suspects na may kasong rape sa Calabarzon

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CALAMBA CITY, Laguna. Sa patuloy na pagsusumikap ng Philippine National Police (PNP) na tiyakin ang kaligtasan ng mga kababaihan, inilabas ng Region 4A Intelligence Division ang kanilang mga tagumpay sa nakaraang buwan. Ayon sa datos, matagumpay na naresolba ng kanilang tanggapan ang 83 kaso ng rape at 44 na kaso ng act of lasciviousness sa pamamagitan ng masigasig na pag-aresto sa mga sangkot sa mga krimeng ito.

Sa isang panayam kay Police Col. Vic Cabatingan, direktor ng intelligence ng Calabarzon police, ibinahagi niya na sa bisa ng mga warrant of arrest mula sa korte ay naisagawa nila ang pagtugis sa mga suspek sa tulong ng kanilang mga informant sa barangay upang mapabilis ang pag-aresto.

Binanggit din ni Cabatingan na hindi madaling gawain ang kanilang ginagawang pag-aresto lalo na’t may mga insidente na ang pamilya o asawa ng mga suspek ay hindi interesadong mag-file ng kaso.

Bukod sa mga naresolbang kaso ng rape, sinabi ni Cabatingan na 44 na kaso ng act of lasciviousness ang kanilang nairekord at nai-file sa korte. Karamihan sa mga suspek sa ganitong mga kaso ay mga kamag-anak o kaibigan ng mga biktima, na karamihan ay menor de edad.

Isa sa mga kasalukuyang kinakaharap na kaso ay ang pagproseso ng papel sa piskalya ng isang ama ng isang 15-taong gulang na babaeng biktima ng pang-aabuso. Ayon sa ulat, hinalay ng ama ang biktima ng apat na beses hanggang sa ito ay magbuntis at pinilit pang ipinalalaglag ang sanggol.

Nagbigay rin ng pahayag si Police BGeneral Paul Kenneth Lucas, direktor ng Calabarzon police, na patuloy ang kanilang operasyon laban sa mga krimeng may kinalaman sa pang-aabuso sa kababaihan. Dagdag pa niya na patuloy din ang kanilang 24/7 na pagmomonitor sa mga kaso ng karahasan laban sa mga babae at mga bata.

Sa kabuuan, siniguro ni General Lucas na hindi nila ipagwawalang-bahala ang kaligtasan at karapatan ng kababaihan at kabataan sa rehiyon. Anuman ang oras, ayon sa kanya ay handa silang ipagtanggol ang mga ito laban sa anumang uri ng pang-aabuso.

Israel tries to confirm possible killing of Hamas deputy military leader in Gaza

JERUSALEM/CAIRO. Israel is currently probing whether it successfully targeted Hamas’s deputy military leader in an airstrike conducted in Gaza, as announced by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). This development comes as hopes for a ceasefire diminish, particularly with the onset of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Marwan Issa, if confirmed dead, would mark the highest-ranking Hamas official slain by Israel in the past five months of conflict, which has ravaged the coastal enclave and claimed the lives of tens of thousands of Palestinians.

Issa, also known as the ‘Shadow Man’ for his elusive nature, was one of the key architects behind the October 7 attack on Israel, which ignited the conflict. He, along with two other top Hamas leaders, have been purportedly directing the militant group’s military operations since then.

During a briefing with reporters, IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari revealed that Israel targeted the Al-Nusseirat refugee camp in central Gaza based on intelligence suggesting Issa’s presence. Hagari stated that the strike, conducted in collaboration with Israel’s Shin Bet security service, targeted an underground compound where Issa and another Hamas commander responsible for weapons were believed to be located.

Hagari stated, “Beside them in the tunnel there were other terrorists,” while noting that Issa’s fate remained uncertain.

A Palestinian source confirmed that the strike hit a location where Issa was suspected to be hiding but couldn’t provide further details on his status.

Israeli cabinet minister Chili Tropper commented, “If indeed Marwan Issa was eliminated, who in many ways is Hamas’ military chief of staff, it’s a great achievement by the IDF and Shin Bet.”

Issa, alongside Mohammed Deif and Yahya Sinwar, has been on Israel’s “most wanted” list. His reported demise may complicate efforts to broker a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages. Nonetheless, Israel asserts that negotiations are ongoing through Egyptian and Qatari intermediaries.

The recent escalation dampened hopes for a ceasefire during Ramadan, which began on Monday. An Israeli airstrike on a house in Gaza City resulted in the deaths of 16 individuals and injuries to several others, as confirmed by Palestinian health officials.

In a separate incident, two Palestinians were killed in an airstrike on a house in the southern city of Khan Younis during the Ramadan fast-breaking. The IDF reported engaging in close combat and airstrikes in central Gaza, targeting sites used by Hamas militants.

Elsewhere, pro-Palestinian groups continued to assert their presence. Lebanon’s Hezbollah claimed to have launched drones at an outpost in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, while incidents were reported in Red Sea waters involving attacks on ships attributed to Yemen’s Houthis.

With inputs from agencies.

80 years after D-Day, WWII veteran finds love and plans wedding near beaches of liberation

BOCA RATON, Fla. As the world prepares to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of France from the Nazis, a remarkable love story unfolds. Harold Terens, a 100-year-old World War II veteran, and his fiancée, Jeanne Swerlin, 96, are set to tie the knot in a town near the beaches where U.S. troops landed on D-Day.

The couple, both widowed, radiate youthful affection as they discuss their impending nuptials. Terens, a former U.S. Army Air Forces corporal, reminisces about his first visit to France at the age of 20 shortly after D-Day. He affectionately describes Swerlin as “quite special,” while Swerlin, with a sparkle in her eye, declares Terens to be “amazing” and praises him as “the greatest kisser.”

Their paths to love were as diverse as their wartime experiences. Swerlin, a native of Brooklyn, found herself amidst the whirlwind of World War II as a high school student, collecting war souvenirs from soldiers. Terens, hailing from the Bronx, enlisted in 1942 and served as a radio repair technician, witnessing the horrors and heroism of the battlefield.

Terens recounts his harrowing experiences during and after D-Day, including helping repair planes and transporting prisoners. His journey took him through North Africa, Tehran, and eventually back to the United States after the Nazi surrender in 1945. He returned home, married his wife Thelma, and embarked on a life filled with family and career achievements.

Swerlin, on the other hand, navigated the challenges of wartime loss, becoming a full-time mother and eventually finding companionship with Sol Katz before his passing in 2019. It was Katz’s daughter who played matchmaker, introducing Swerlin to Terens in 2021.

Their love story unfolded gradually, with a chance encounter leading to a whirlwind romance. Despite initial indifference, a second meeting sparked undeniable chemistry, and Terens found himself head over heels in love.

Now, as they prepare for their wedding in June, the couple’s journey comes full circle, returning to France to commemorate the sacrifices of D-Day and celebrate their love in a historic chapel in the town of Carentan-les-Marais. Mayor Jean-Pierre Lhonneur, recognizing the significance of their union amidst the backdrop of American sacrifice, eagerly awaits the opportunity to officiate their wedding.

As the world honors the legacy of those who fought for freedom on D-Day, Harold Terens and Jeanne Swerlin stand as a testament to enduring love and the resilience of the human spirit, proving that even amidst the shadows of history, love knows no bounds.


Comelec at Miru System, pipirma sa kontrata para sa pagpapabilis ng eleksyon sa 2025

Pipirma ang Commission on Elections (Comelec) at ang Miru System ng South Korea ngayong umaga, Marso 11, para sa proyektong Full Automation System with Transparency Audit/Count (FASTrAC) na nakatakda sa 2025.

Ang pirmahan ng kontrata ay gaganapin sa Chairman’s Hall sa headquarters ng Palacio del Gobernador sa Intramuros, Maynila. Ang kontrata para sa automated election system (AES) sa 2025 ay nagkakahalaga ng P18 bilyon, ayon sa anunsyo ng Comelec noong Sabado.

Pinasalamatan ng Comelec ang joint venture ng Miru Systems Co Ltd, Integrated Computer Systems, St. Timothy Construction Corporation, at Centerpoint Solutions Technologies, Inc. (MIRU_ICS_STCC_CPSTI) para sa matagumpay na negosasyon.

Kasama sa pagpirma ng kontrata ang mga miyembro ng en banc ng Comelec, na pinangunahan ni Comelec Chair George Garcia kasama ang mga Commissioners na sina Socorro Inting, Marlon Casquejo, Aimee Ferolino, Rey Bulay, Ernesto Ferdinand Maceda Jr. at Nestor Celis.

Noong Pebrero 22, idineklara ng en banc ang MIRU_ICS_STCC_CPSTI bilang “Single calculated and Responsive Bid” sa bid offer na nagkakahalaga ng P17,988,878,226.55. Sinuri ng Comelec ang lahat ng legal, teknikal, at pinansyal na mga dokumento na isinumite ng kumpanya at itinuturing itong kwalipikado para sa proyektong ito.

Facebook and Instagram restored after global blackout

After a widespread outage lasting approximately two hours on Tuesday, Facebook and Instagram are back online, as confirmed by Meta, the parent company.

During the outage, which affected hundreds of thousands of users worldwide, individuals attempting to access the platforms encountered error messages and were unable to refresh their feeds.

Meta acknowledged the disruption and issued an apology to all affected users, stating that the technical issue had been resolved as swiftly as possible.

According to tracking website Downdetector, the outages were reported across multiple countries, highlighting the global impact of the disruption.

Meta’s platforms, Facebook and Instagram, boast billions of active monthly users worldwide, with Facebook alone boasting three billion users, while Instagram is anticipated to reach 1.4 billion users later this year.

Additionally, Threads, Meta’s platform rivaling Twitter, experienced similar outages during the incident. However, WhatsApp, another platform owned by Meta, remained unaffected.

This isn’t the first time Meta has encountered such a widespread outage. In 2021, the company faced a major disruption, with services including Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, and Instagram all going offline for nearly six hours. Mark Zuckerberg, the founder, issued an apology for the inconvenience caused during that incident.

With social media playing an integral role in daily communication and networking for billions of users globally, such outages serve as a reminder of the platforms’ significance and the impact of technical issues on their functionality.

Jerusalem’s Old City offers little festivity on the eve of Ramadan as the Gaza war rages

JERUSALEM. As the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan approaches, the usual festive atmosphere in Jerusalem’s Old City is notably absent. The labyrinthine streets leading to Al-Aqsa Mosque, one of Islam’s holiest sites, are eerily quiet, with many shops closed and decorations sparse. The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, now entering its sixth month, has cast a shadow over Ramadan preparations in this historic city.

Abu Mousam Haddad, a coffee stand owner near Damascus Gate, lamented, “This will be the black Ramadan.”

With more than 30,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza and widespread hunger, the mood for celebration is understandably muted. The conflict has dominated headlines and diverted attention from the usual fervor surrounding Ramadan.

Hamas, leveraging tensions around Al-Aqsa, has called on Palestinians to flock to the mosque during Ramadan, potentially setting the stage for further confrontations with Israeli forces. However, in light of the current climate of heavy Israeli security measures and crackdowns, the willingness of Palestinians to engage in such clashes remains uncertain.

Imad Mona, a bookshop owner, expressed concerns about Israeli police behavior during Ramadan, particularly regarding access to the Old City and Al-Aqsa. Israel has a history of imposing restrictions on Palestinian worshippers during religious holidays, often leading to clashes.

The Al-Aqsa compound sits atop the Temple Mount, a site of deep religious significance for both Muslims and Jews. It has long been a flashpoint for Israeli-Palestinian tensions, exacerbated by the decades-old conflict over Jerusalem.

Efforts to broker a Gaza ceasefire ahead of Ramadan have so far been unsuccessful, leaving many Palestinians in a state of uncertainty and apprehension. The Israeli government’s stance remains firm on continuing its military operations in Gaza, further complicating the situation.

The atmosphere in the Old City is not only subdued due to the conflict but also impacted by economic hardships resulting from a lack of tourists and local shoppers. Jihad Abu Salih, a sweets and pastry merchant, lamented the economic downturn, saying, “It’s not just my shop that is affected, but all the traders here, too.”

As Jerusalem braces for Ramadan against the backdrop of conflict and uncertainty, the hopes for peace and tranquility during this holy month seem increasingly distant.

AWOL na pulis, arestado sa extortion

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IMUS City, Cavite. Inaresto ang isang pulis na nasa ilalim ng “absent with official leave” (AWOL) status sa kasong pangingikil sa isinagawang entrapment operation ng pulisya sa sa lungsod na ito sa Cavite noong Biyernes ng hapon.

Ang suspek, na kinilala lamang sa alyas na Alvin at dating nakatalaga sa Imus City Police Station, ay nahaharap ngayon sa mga kasong “robbery extortion” at “usurpation of authority” matapos kasuhan sa Imus Provincial Prosecutor’s Office kahapon. Siya ay kasalukuyang nakakulong sa police custodial facility.

Batay sa ulat ng Imus City Police Station, humingi ng P30,000 ang suspek mula kay Christian Kuison bilang kapalit ng kanyang “affidavit of desistance” na may kaugnayan sa kasalukuyang kaso na isinampa ng nasabing pulis dahil sa paglabag sa RA 4136 at 10586 sa ilalim ng Article 151 ng Revised Penal Code o mas kilala bilang Land Transportation and Traffic Code noong Enero 28, 2024.

Sa ikinasang entrapment operation sa tapat ng MTC building, Old LTO compound sa Barangay Palico IV, Imus City, alas-2:30 ng hapon noong Biyernes, hindi na pumalag ang AWOL na pulis nang arestuhin siya ng pinagsanib na puwersa ng IMEG-Luzon Field Unit 4A at Provincial Intelligence Unit-Cavite.

Nakumpiska mula sa suspek ang tinanggap niyang boodle money na nagkakahalaga ng P25,000 na marked money na ginamit sa operasyon.

US military ship en route to Gaza to build port

A US military vessel is en route to the Middle East, carrying equipment to construct a temporary pier off the coast of Gaza, the army has confirmed.

The support ship, General Frank S Besson, embarked from a military base in Virginia on Saturday, following President Joe Biden’s announcement of US plans to construct a floating harbor to facilitate aid delivery to Gaza via sea.

The dire situation in Gaza has prompted this action, with the UN warning of an impending famine and reports of children dying from starvation due to difficulties in land and air aid deliveries.

The departure of the US ship occurred swiftly after Biden’s declaration, with US Central Command stating it left “less than 36 hours” post-announcement, carrying initial equipment to establish the temporary pier for vital humanitarian supply deliveries.

The Pentagon estimates it could take up to 60 days to complete the pier’s construction with the assistance of 1,000 troops, none of whom will disembark.

However, humanitarian organizations express urgency, emphasizing the immediate need for aid in Gaza.

Simultaneously, an aid ship laden with 200 tonnes of food is scheduled to depart from Larnaca, Cyprus, on Sunday afternoon, following the EU’s decision to open a new sea route directly from Cyprus to Gaza over the weekend.

The Open Arms ship, operated by the Spanish charity of the same name and stocked with food from the US charity World Central Kitchen, is poised to sail, although concerns remain about how aid will reach shore without a functioning port.

Oscar Camps, founder of Open Arms, revealed plans for a pier at the undisclosed destination point, constructed by the World Central Kitchen team, to receive aid shipments.

Israel has endorsed this ocean initiative, pledging to conduct security checks in Cyprus before allowing aid to proceed “in accordance with Israeli standards.”

The conflict in Gaza, initiated by Hamas attacks on Israel in October, has led to significant casualties and a burgeoning humanitarian crisis, prompting urgent appeals for assistance.

Amidst accusations of obstructing aid efforts, Israel refutes claims of using starvation as a weapon of war but faces mounting pressure to facilitate humanitarian access to Gaza’s beleaguered population.

The ongoing mission to establish a temporary pier signifies international efforts to address the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, where hundreds of thousands are at risk of food insecurity amidst escalating tensions.

The Open Arms aid ship has been ready to depart for weeks, the charity’s founder has said.