Your Daily News Update About CALABARZON and Beyond.
ISSN 2799-1911

Home Blog Page 244

Iniimbestigahan ang 13 ang persons of interest sa pagpatay sa barangay chairman sa Laguna

0

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna. Tinukoy ng Special Investigation Task Group “Cogay” ang 13 indibiduwal bilang mga persons of interest kaugnay sa brutal na pagpatay kay Mario Jun Cogay, ang acting barangay chairman ng Canlubang sa lungsod na ito.

Ayon sa pahayag ni Police MSgt Jayson Paguio, isang imbestigador mula sa Calamba, kabilang sa mga ipinatawag ang apat na security ni Cogay, ang walong elected barangay councilmen, at ang hindi pa opisyal na proklamadong nanalong chairman na si Larry Dimayuga.

Nakapagbigay na ng affidavit ang 13 persons of interest sa task group, ayon kay Paguio.

Sa mensahe ni Laguna police director Col. Harold Depositar, nakalap ng Laguna PNP ang 60 kopya ng CCTV footages, at apat sa mga ito ang naeksamin na. “We are still conducting backtracking investigation and crime mapping sa crime site at doon nakita sa camera ang mga suspects na nakasakay sa motorsiklo,” pahayag ng mga imbestigador.

Ayon sa mga awtoridad, posibleng miyembro ng gun-for-hire syndicate at mga professional hitman ang mga pumatay kay Chairman Cogay dahil sa istilo at bilis ng execution na kanilang ginawa.

Nanawagan ang pamilya ni Cogay sa mga opisyal ng PNP Calabarzon para sa agarang resolusyon ng kaso at para mapanagot sa korte ang mga nasa likod ng pagpatay sa kanilang mahal sa buhay.

Si Cogay ay pinagbabaril noong Sabado ng madaling araw ng mga armadong kalalakihan habang nasa gate ng kanyang bahay sa Canlubang.

Samantalang, nag-alok ng kalahating milyong pisong pabuya si Calamba City Mayor Ross Rizal para sa sinumang makapagtuturo sa mga suspects sa likod ng nasabing krimen.

21 Israeli troops killed in deadliest attack since Gaza offensive commenced

0

JERUSALEM. In the most severe blow to Israel’s forces since the beginning of the Gaza offensive, Palestinian militants executed the deadliest single attack, claiming the lives of 21 soldiers, the military reported on Tuesday. This incident, a significant setback, may intensify calls for a cease-fire.

Hours later, the military disclosed that ground forces had encircled the southern city of Khan Younis, Gaza’s second-largest. While marking a substantial advance, the impact on achieving Israel’s central war goals — defeating Hamas and freeing hostages — remains uncertain, especially as cease-fire talks gain momentum.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mourned the soldiers, who died in an explosion triggered by a rocket-propelled grenade. Despite the setback, he pledged to press forward until “absolute victory,” revealing a growing division among Israelis on the feasibility of both crushing Hamas and securing the release of captives.

A senior Egyptian official revealed that Israel proposed a two-month cease-fire, suggesting the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel and the relocation of top Hamas leaders in Gaza to other countries. However, Hamas rejected the proposal, insisting on releasing no more hostages until Israel ends its offensive and withdraws from Gaza. Israel’s government declined to comment on the ongoing talks.

Egypt and Qatar, past mediators between Israel and Hamas, are working on a multistage proposal to bridge the gaps. Families of the hostages are urging Israel to negotiate with Hamas, emphasizing the urgency of bringing their relatives home alive.

The offensive, initiated after Hamas crossed the border on October 7, has resulted in over 1,200 casualties, with more than 250 people abducted. Despite a weeklong cease-fire in November leading to the release of over 100 hostages, the conflict continues to inflict widespread death and destruction, displacing 85% of Gaza’s 2.3 million population, leaving a quarter facing starvation. Iran-backed groups in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen have also attacked U.S. and Israeli targets in solidarity with the Palestinians.

The U.S. and Britain launched another round of strikes against Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who targeted international shipping in the Red Sea. Lebanon’s Hezbollah group reported firing rockets at a strategic military installation in northern Israel for the second time this month.

“One of the Hardest Days” for Israel

Israeli reservists, preparing explosives in the Maghazi refugee camp on Monday, suffered a tragic incident when a militant fired a rocket-propelled grenade at a nearby tank. The resulting blast triggered the explosives, causing two two-story buildings to collapse on the soldiers.

The death toll since the ground offensive began in late October has now reached at least 217 soldiers, including three killed in a separate event on Monday, according to the military. Prime Minister Netanyahu acknowledged on social media that it was “one of the hardest days” of the war but affirmed the commitment to continue the offensive.

“In this war, we are making big achievements, like the encircling of Khan Younis, and there are also very heavy losses,” he stated in a subsequent video message.

On Tuesday, Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that hospitals received the bodies of 195 people killed in Israeli strikes in the previous 24 hours, along with 354 wounded. The death toll in the strip has now reached 25,490 since the war began, with an additional 63,354 wounded. The ministry’s count does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.

Elon Musk envisions 1 billion humanoid robots by the 2040s

Renowned billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has taken to social media to echo a prediction by David Holz, founder of the artificial intelligence (AI) research lab Midjourney, foreseeing the presence of roughly 1 billion humanoid robots on Earth by the 2040s.

Holz’s bold forecast, shared in a recent post, also anticipates a staggering 100 billion robots, primarily of extraterrestrial origin, throughout the solar system by the 2060s. Musk, responding on X (formerly Twitter), expressed his agreement with the projection, stating, “Probably something like that, provided the foundations of civilization are stable.”

Musk’s electric vehicle company, Tesla, has been at the forefront of advancements in robotics, unveiling the Tesla Optimus, also known as Tesla Bot, at the AI Day event in August 2021. Musk asserted the potential significance of the humanoid robot, remarking that it could become more impactful than Tesla’s core vehicle business over time.

While presenting the prototype in October 2022, Musk revealed plans to manufacture millions of Optimus robots, each estimated to cost around $20,000. However, he acknowledged the robot’s limited capabilities at that stage and expressed caution about assigning it more complex tasks during its initial public appearance.

Acknowledging the ongoing refinement process, Musk stated, “There’s still a lot of work to be done to refine Optimus. I think Optimus is going to be incredible in five or 10 years.” In 2022, Musk conveyed his hope to bring the humanoid robot to market within three to five years, emphasizing its potential as an “extremely capable” machine once fully developed.

While the production of humanoid robots may not align directly with Tesla’s primary goal of accelerating sustainable energy, Musk sees the venture as broadening the company’s mission to contribute to making the future remarkable. In a statement to Reuters, Musk noted, “I think the mission does somewhat broaden with the advent of Optimus to – you know, I don’t know: making the future awesome.”

PNP Calabarzon: Sinibak na pulis na sangkot sa pagkawala ng beauty queen, hindi pa kinakasuhan

0

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna. Inalis na sa administratibong kaso si Police Major Allan De Castro, ang pulis na isinasangkot sa pagkawala ni Catherine Camilon, ayon kay Police Brigadier General Paul Kenneth Lucas, Direktor ng PNP Calabarzon.

Nilinaw ni General Lucas na wala pang opisyal na kasong isinasampa ang Prosecutors Office sa Batangas laban kay De Castro, at nasa preliminary investigation pa lang ang kasong ito.

Sa isang panayam kahapon, ipinaliwanag ni General Lucas na ang Prosecutors Office ang kasalukuyang nag-aaral kung may sapat na basehan para sampahan ng kaso si Police Major De Castro. Naging maugong ang balita tungkol sa diumano ay paglaya ni De Castro mula sa kulungan, ngunit mariing itinanggi ito ni General Lucas.

Tinukoy ni General Lucas na ang kasong administratibo na inihain laban kay Major De Castro ay kaugnay sa pagkawala ni Camilon. Ito ay pinagpasyahan ng Regional Internal Affairs Service ng PNP Calabarzon na tanggalin na sa serbisyo si De Castro bilang pulis.

Naalala na nawala si Catherine Camilon noong nakaraang taon, at itinuturing na karelasyon niya si Major Allan De Castro. Subalit, hindi pa rin malinaw ang pangyayari dahil hindi pa natutukoy kung buhay pa o patay na si Camilon.

Sa ngayon, patuloy ang pangangalap ng mga ebidensiyang magiging basehan ng kaso laban kay Major De Castro, ayon sa Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) ng Calabarzon.

Millions in India celebrate as Hindu temple inaugurated on controversial site, signaling political triumph for Modi

0

AYODHYA, India. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a controversial Hindu temple constructed on the site of a historic mosque in Ayodhya, marking a significant political victory for the populist leader. The temple, dedicated to Lord Ram, fulfills a longstanding demand by millions of Hindus and symbolizes a vision of reclaiming Hindu pride, according to Modi’s party and other Hindu nationalist groups.

The construction and opening of the temple have been met with mixed reactions. Supporters view it as a momentous occasion, celebrating the virtues of truth, sacrifice, and ethical governance associated with Lord Ram. Critics, however, accuse Modi of a hurried opening aimed at winning votes in the upcoming elections.

Modi, dressed in traditional attire, led the opening ceremony attended by nearly 7,500 people, including influential figures from various fields. The event was broadcast on a giant screen for those unable to attend, while a military helicopter showered flower petals over the venue.

The Prime Minister declared, “Our Lord Ram has arrived after centuries of wait,” and emphasized the temple as a symbol of a rising India breaking free from a “slave mentality.”

The ceremony, seen by some as the beginning of Modi’s election campaign, received widespread coverage across the nation. Live screenings, religious pamphlet distributions, and the closure of offices for half a day underscored the government’s efforts to turn the event into a national occasion.

Critics argue that the ceremony blurs the line between religion and state, with Modi’s fusion of religion and politics being unprecedented in India’s history. The use of the term “Ram Rajya,” which signifies just and ethical governance but has been co-opted by Hindu nationalists, further fuels concerns about the secular nature of the state.

The Ayodhya temple, situated at one of India’s most contentious religious sites, is expected to boost Modi’s chances of re-election by tapping into the religious sentiments of the majority Hindu population. The city itself has undergone significant transformation in preparation for the inauguration, with enhanced infrastructure and heightened security measures.

However, the temple’s history remains fraught, as it is built on the ruins of the 16th-century Babri Mosque, demolished in 1992 by Hindu mobs, triggering widespread riots that resulted in thousands of deaths. The Supreme Court’s decision in 2019 granted the site to Hindus, exacerbating tensions between religious communities.

The temple, with an estimated cost of $217 million, is spread over nearly 3 hectares and is built of pink sandstone. Despite the celebration, not all are rejoicing, as some Hindu religious authorities refused to attend, citing concerns about consecrating an unfinished temple, contrary to Hindu scriptures.

In response, neighboring Pakistan condemned the consecration, expressing worry over the potential threat to other mosques in India. The international community is urged to protect Islamic heritage sites and ensure minority rights are safeguarded amid growing disputes over historical religious sites in the country.

WHO director urges global pandemic treaty to prepare for potential “Disease X” threat

0

DAVOS, Switzerland. World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus has made a fervent appeal to countries worldwide to join the organization in signing a global pandemic treaty, aiming to fortify the world’s defenses against a potential future threat known as “Disease X.” Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday, Ghebreyesus stressed the urgency of reaching a pandemic agreement by May to collectively address what he referred to as a “common enemy.”

Disease X is a hypothetical viral placeholder that has not yet materialized but is speculated to be potentially 20 times deadlier than COVID-19. The World Health Organization added Disease X to its shortlist of pathogens in 2017, identifying it as a potential cause for a “serious international epidemic.”

Ghebreyesus asserted that while COVID-19 was the first instance of Disease X, it is crucial to prepare for future pandemics, considering the unpredictable nature of infectious diseases. “There are things that are unknown that may happen, and anything happening is a matter of when, not if, so we need to have a placeholder for that, for the diseases we don’t know,” he emphasized.

Reflecting on the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ghebreyesus highlighted the need for a system that can expand rapidly when required. He emphasized the importance of a shared international response through the proposed treaty, bringing together experiences, challenges, and solutions to enhance global preparedness.

“The pandemic agreement can bring all the experience, all the challenges that we have faced and all the solutions into one,” Ghebreyesus said. “That agreement can help us to prepare for the future in a better way.”

Ghebreyesus outlined potential preparedness responses, including the establishment of an early-warning system, organization of supply chains, and advancement in research and development for drug testing. Primary health care, particularly the effectiveness of contact tracing, was identified as a crucial aspect, given the challenges faced by wealthier nations during the COVID-19 crisis.

The Director-General emphasized the collective responsibility of the global community, stating, “This is a common global interest, and very narrow national interests should not come into the way.” Independent panels and experts have been working collaboratively, and a deadline for signing the treaty is set for May.

World leaders initially announced the negotiation and drafting of the treaty in March 2021, with the primary goal of fostering a comprehensive, all-encompassing approach to pandemics. This includes strengthening national, regional, and global capacities, enhancing international cooperation in areas such as alert systems, data-sharing, and the production and distribution of medical countermeasures.

While the Biden administration engaged in negotiations for the global pandemic treaty last year, critics, particularly from the GOP, expressed concerns about potential sovereignty issues. Representative Tim Burchett of Tennessee voiced skepticism, stating, “The World Health Organization pandemic treaty is very vague, it affects our sovereignty, and it could be exploited to tell Americans what kind of health care they need in the event of a global pandemic.”

CHED chairman: Hindi ko ipinatigil ang K-to-12 sa SUCs

Nilinaw ni Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairman J. Prospero de Vera III na hindi niya ipinag-utos ang pagpapahinto ng K-to-12 Program sa mga state universities at colleges.

“Nagsabi ang [Department of Education na] wala nang voucher. Kaya naman inisyu ko ang isa pang memorandum na nagsasaad sa mga pangulo ng [SUC], ‘Pumunta kayo sa inyong mga board ngayon dahil wala nang voucher. Wala nang legal na basehan para sa inyo na magkaruon ng Senior High,’” paliwanag ni De Vera sa isang public briefing noong Sabado, Enero 20.

Sinabi pa niya na dahil kinuha na ng DepEd ang pondo para sa SHS programs sa mga SUCs, wala nang kapasidad o pondo ang mga kolehiyo para patakbuhin ang nasabing mga programa.

Sa kabila nito, mayroon pa ring ilang SUCs ang nagdesisyon na ipagpatuloy ang mga programa gamit ang kanilang badyet para sa mga kasalukuyang estudyante.

Ang mga voucher naman para sa SHS students ay kalaunan ay ibinalik ng DepEd.

“Hindi pwedeng magbayad ng tuition dahil sabi ng konstitusyon, ang elementary at high school ay mandatory at libre. Hindi pwedeng singilin ang mga pampublikong high schools. Ang mga libreng pampublikong unibersidad ay libre rin, kaya hindi mo sila pwedeng singilin bilang isang Unibersidad. Hindi mo rin sila pwedeng singilin para sa high school, saan ka kukuha ng pera para sa sahod ng mga guro, para sa pasilidad, para sa edukasyon, at materyales ng mga mag-aaral?” ani De Vera.

“Ang DepEd ay nagpasya na ituloy ang voucher program para sa [Grade] 11 at 12, kaya mayroon nang pinagkukunan ng pera… Ang ibang SUCs, kahit bago pa ang pahayag ng DepEd, ay nagsabi na, ‘Gagamitin namin ang sarili naming pera para maituloy ang pag-aaral ng mga bata dahil tinanggap na namin sila,” dagdag pa ng opisyal.

Iginiit din niya na walang utos na paalisin ang mga kasalukuyang estudyante ng SHS at ang mga SUC na tumanggap sa kanila ay dapat na ipagpatuloy ang SHS education ng mga estudyante.

Samantala, iniisa-isa pa ng CHED ang posibilidad ng pagpapatupad ng partikular na SHS programs ng mga SUC bilang mga feeder schools.

“Wala pang legal na batayan diyan, pero pinag-aaralan pa natin kung paano ito gagawin para sa mga interesadong paaralan. Pero ito ay isang bagay na kailangan pag-usapan, at sinabi ko sa House Committee noong andun ako na ito ay isang bagay na pwede nating pag-usapan. Bukas tayo sa pag-uusap, pero ang SUCs ang dapat magsabi,” ayon pa kay De Vera.

6-legged spaniel “Ariel” successfully undergoes surgery to lead a normal four-legged life

LONDON. Ariel, a spaniel born with six legs, has undergone a groundbreaking surgical procedure to remove her extra limbs and is now joyfully adapting to life on four paws. The unique canine, named after the character from “The Little Mermaid” due to her flipper-like additional appendage, was discovered abandoned in a supermarket parking lot in Pembroke, Wales, last September.

The remarkable transformation took place at the Langford Vets Small Animal Referral Hospital, a part of the University of Bristol, where a team of veterinarians, led by Director Vicki Black, successfully performed the intricate operation on Thursday. Ariel’s surgery was necessitated by multiple birth defects, making her case exceptionally challenging.

Vicki Black expressed her satisfaction with Ariel’s progress, stating, “She is doing brilliantly.” The Langford Vets hospital, known for its commitment to continuous learning and innovation, took on the unprecedented challenge with enthusiasm, having never encountered a six-legged dog before.

“Ariel was a complicated little dog,” Black explained. “We are a center committed to career-long learning and are proud to innovate and treat pets like Ariel.” The surgery aimed to improve Ariel’s mobility and overall quality of life, removing the non-functional extra limbs that extended from her right hindquarter.

Ariel’s journey to recovery captured the hearts of many, and Greenacres Rescue played a crucial role in her rehabilitation. The rescue organization took her in, providing care and raising funds for the intricate surgical procedure.

The adorable spaniel, previously walking somewhat awkwardly with the additional limbs, was seen running through the grass outside the veterinary hospital on Saturday, displaying the determination and exuberance typical of any four-legged companion. As Ariel was discharged, she navigated the hospital lawn with the curiosity of a bird dog, nose to the ground, and leash in tow—now just like any other happy and healthy dog.

Ariel’s story serves as a testament to the dedication of veterinary professionals and the resilience of animals, demonstrating that with innovative care, even the most unique challenges can be overcome.

Barangay Hall sa Bulacan pinagbabaril: 3 patay

0

MEYCAUAYAN CITY, Bulacan. Patay ang tatlo habang isa ang sugatan matapos na umatake ang dalawang armadong lalaki at pinaulanan ng bala ang isang barangay hall, sa lungsod na ito, kamakalawa ng gabi.

Ayon kay P/Col. Relly Arnedo, Bulacan Provincial Police Director, naganap ang insidente bandang alas- 8:10 ng gabi sa gusali ng barangay hall ng Brgy. Bahay Pare.

Nakatanggap ng tawag ang istasyon ng pulis-Meycauayan mula sa mga taga-Brgy. Hall ng Bahay Pare na may nagaganap na barilan sa kanilang lugar.

Nang rumesponde ang mga pulis, inabutan nila ang dalawang suspek na pinauulanan ng bala ang barangay hall.

Agad na nagpaputo ang mga rumespondeng pulis na nagbunsod ng engkuwentro. Nakilala ang isa sa dalawang suspek na si Jerome Almorasa y Ballares

Napatay ng mga pulis ang dalawang suspek samantalang patay din ang isang barangay tanod na nakilalang si Rodolfo Santiago at nasugatan ang isang Marvin Rivera na nilalapatan pa ng lunas sa isang ospital.

Ayon kay Isagani Bargola Jr., tanod ng Brgy. Bahay Pare at testigo sa naganap na barilan, bigla na lamang umanong pinagbabaril ng dalawang suspek ang nasabing barangay hall sa hindi malamang dahilan.

Narekober ng mga pulis sa pinangyarihan ng insidente ang dalawang Cal .45 pistol at dalawang magazine.

Inaalam pa ng mga awtoridad ang motibo sa pamamaril ng dalawang suspek.