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

Home Blog Page 253

Jeep nanuwag, 2 patay at 2 kritikal

0

NAGCARLAN, Laguna. Dalawa ang pumanaw habang dalawang nasa kritikal na kondisyon matapos mabangga ng isang pampasaherong jeep ang isang grupo ng mga naglalakad, isang tricycle, at E-bike sa Barangay Bambang, Nagcarlan, Laguna kahapon ng hapon.

Ang mga nasawi ay kinilalang sina Henry Audije, 45 anyos, at Sandra Arevalo, 22 taong gulang, kapwa mga residente ng Poblacion, Nagcarlan. Samantalang nasa kritikal na kalagayan naman ang dalawang sugatan na sina Trisha Mae Al Albor, 22 anyos, at Bryle Kristoff Pesidas, 13 taong gulang, parehong taga-Barangay Tuy, Rizal Laguna.

Ayon sa report ni Police Major Raymond Ayon, hepe ng Nagcarlan Municipal Police Station, ang aksidente ay naganap bandang 5:45 ng hapon kung kailan nagkaroon ng mechanical failure ang pampasaherong jeep na minamaneho ni Dario Baldivia, 50 anyos, residente ng nasabing bayan. Nawalan ito ng preno at nasagsaan ang naglalakad na si Audije.

Pagkatapos ng makasagasa, binangga naman ng jeep ang isang E-bike kung saan kasakay ang batang si Pesidas at pangatlo ay binangga nito ang tricycle na may sakay na tatlong estudyante na nagtamo ng malalang pinsala.

Agad namang tinulungan ng mga nakasaksi ang mga biktima at dinala sa pinakamalapit na ospital. Dalawa sa mga biktima ang dead on arrival habang tinutugunan ang iba pang sugatan.

Nakakulong na ngayon sa himpilan ng pulisya si Baldivia habang isinasagawa ang masusing imbestigasyon upang malaman ang buong detalye ng aksidente. Ang lokal na pamahalaan ay nagsagawa na rin ng koordinasyon upang mabigyan ng tulong ang mga pamilya ng mga nasawi at mga naapektuhan ng trahedya.

Arnold Schwarzenegger detained at German airport over luxury watch and EU tax

0

MUNICH, Germany. Hollywood actor and former governor Arnold Schwarzenegger found himself detained at Munich airport on Wednesday after allegedly failing to declare a luxury watch he planned to auction for charity. The incident led to an investigation into potential tax evasion as the watch was intended for sale within the European Union (EU).

EU regulations dictate that individuals arriving with “cash or certain valuable items” exceeding €10,000 (£8,580) must declare them. Schwarzenegger, however, reportedly was not asked to fill out a declaration form, according to a source cited by CBS News, the BBC’s US partner.

The actor, also known for his political career and climate change advocacy, faced a three-hour detention. The customs authorities launched an investigation into the alleged tax violation, complicating the situation for Schwarzenegger.

To resolve the matter, the 76-year-old had to pay the required tax. However, the process was not without challenges. Initially, a card machine malfunctioned, and then it was discovered that the nearest bank was closed, and ATM withdrawal limits were insufficient. Schwarzenegger had to wait for a new card machine brought by customs officials.

Despite the hiccups, the actor’s spokesman characterized the airport incident as “a total comedy full of errors, but which would make a very funny police film.” An image published by German tabloid Bild showed Schwarzenegger smiling and posing with a box for the watch, labeled “For Austria.”

The watch in question, custom-made for the Terminator star by luxury watchmaker Audemars Piguet, is of significant value, with timepieces from the brand often fetching hundreds of thousands of dollars. Schwarzenegger intended to auction the watch at a fundraising dinner for The Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative in Kitzbuhel, Austria, approximately 89 km (55 miles) from Munich, scheduled for later that Thursday.

The event, hosted at the five-star Stanglwirt hotel, was set to feature a range of items for auction, including “artworks, signed exhibits, and experiences from the worlds of sports and film.” A listing for the watch, obtained by Bild, indicated that it was one of only 20 in existence and featured “an image of Arnold in his iconic pose with the words ‘Arnold Classic’.” The starting price for bids was set at €50,000.

Explosion at Thai firework factory claims 23 lives; remains of victims taken to Thai Temple as families provide DNA for identification

0

MUEANG SUPHAN BURI, Thailand. An explosion at a firework factory north of Bangkok in Suphan Buri province has claimed the lives of around 20 individuals, with authorities indicating that no survivors have been found. The incident occurred mid-afternoon on Wednesday, leaving the site in ruins and prompting a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause.

Provincial governor Nattapat Suwanprateep stated, “We cannot tell whether all the workers were killed. The officials are entering the site to investigate. They have not found any survivors.” Preliminary reports put the death toll at 20, with numerous others injured.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, currently attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, received a briefing on the explosion and called for a swift investigation. His office emphasized the need for enforcing the law to its fullest extent if negligence was identified as the cause.

Rescue workers faced the grim task of recovering the remains of the 23 apparent victims the day after the blast. The factory, located in a rural area, sustained severe damage, making it challenging to determine the exact number of casualties.

Families and friends of the victims gathered at a temple where remains were stored, providing DNA samples to aid identification. However, uniformed local officials attempted to limit interactions with reporters, while grieving individuals openly wept.

Deputy governor Don Samitakestarin confirmed a death toll of 23, not expected to rise. National police chief Torsak Sukvimol, overseeing police operations in Suphan Buri, reported 22 bodies found and one person considered missing but presumed dead. The cause of the blast remains undetermined, and forensic science will be crucial in piecing together the events leading to the explosion.

The factory, which produced small fireworks to scare away birds, had met the legal requirements for operation. A prior explosion in November 2022 resulted in one death and three serious injuries, but it did not prevent the factory from obtaining a new permit.

The remains of the victims were taken to Wat Rong Chang, a Buddhist temple in the provincial capital, Mueang Suphan Buri, awaiting confirmation of their identities. The government pledged maximum compensation of 300,000 baht ($8,400) per affected household.

The 16 women and seven men presumed dead include workers and family members of the factory’s owner. Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsutin, present in Suphan Buri, announced plans to brief Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on ways to improve weak interagency cooperation at the upcoming Cabinet meeting. The incident follows a similar explosion at a fireworks warehouse in southern Thailand last July, underscoring the need for enhanced safety measures in the industry.

AI takes center stage at Davos: Opportunity, risk, and the glitterati’s fascination

DAVOS, Switzerland. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as the foremost buzzword among world leaders and corporate luminaries gathered at the World Economic Forum’s prestigious annual meeting in Davos. Last year’s remarkable strides in generative AI have captivated the global elite, who are now exploring ways to harness its potential while addressing the associated risks.

In a notable debut, OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, has become a focal point at Davos, drawing rock star-like attention, closely followed by his supporter, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. The geopolitical significance of AI resonates, with world leaders from China to France openly discussing its implications and challenges.

The leadership turbulence within OpenAI, a prominent chatbot maker in the AI landscape, has not gone unnoticed at Davos. Altman, who faced a sudden firing and subsequent reinstatement last year, expressed a commitment to establishing a robust board. He emphasized a potential restructuring of the company’s unique governance, governed by a nonprofit entity.

The term “AGI” or artificial general intelligence, denoting AI surpassing human capabilities, was a focal point of Altman’s discussion on technology and humanity during a panel at Davos. Nadella underscored the importance of good governance and stability in OpenAI’s operating model.

As AI gains geopolitical prominence, leaders from China to Europe are staking their positions on its responsible development. The European Union has introduced comprehensive AI rules ahead of a crucial election year, citing AI-powered misinformation and disinformation as significant risks to global democracy.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang acknowledged AI as a “double-edged sword” and called for human control over machines. China seeks increased communication and cooperation on global AI governance. Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen sees AI as a substantial opportunity if used responsibly, highlighting the EU’s efforts in adopting AI rules and fostering innovation.

The Davos Promenade and main conference center were adorned with the omnipresent “AI” as consulting firms and tech giants showcased AI advancements. Sessions at the AI House delved into the technical aspects of AI, emphasizing its potential impact on life and work.

Generative AI systems, exemplified by technologies like ChatGPT and Google’s Bard, were celebrated for their ability to rapidly produce creative content. Microsoft’s Nadella expressed optimism about AI driving economic growth, foreseeing its role as a general-purpose technology.

Business leaders at Davos predict AI will automate mundane tasks, enhance productivity, and transform various industries. However, concerns about job displacement were raised, with a PwC survey indicating that 14% of CEOs anticipate staff layoffs due to the rise of generative AI.

The discussions also touched on the sexier aspects of AI, with Meta’s chief AI scientist, Yann LeCun, emphasizing the need for diverse control over AI development. LeCun warned against AI domination by a few Silicon Valley giants, envisioning a more inclusive approach to serve global diversity in languages, cultures, and values.

Pirmahan sa Cha-cha, nasa 600 munisipalidad at siyudad na

0

Nakatanggap na ang Commission on Elections (Comelec) ng halos 600 na munisipalidad at siyudad mula sa buong bansa para sa “People’s Initiative (PI)” na naglalayong isagawa ang Charter Change o Cha-cha.

“Sa ngayon, as of this time, mga kulang-kulang 600 na na municipalities and cities and again patuloy ‘yung pagka-classify namin kung ‘yang mga municipalities na ‘yan and cities ay belonging to a particular district or what. Ongoing po ang ginagawa naming ‘yan,” ayon kay Comelec Chairman George Garcia.

Ang lokal na tanggapan ng Comelec ay patuloy na tumatanggap ng mga form para sa mga pirma, habang sinusuri ng pangunahing opisina ng Comelec kung aling mga legislative district kabilang ang mga munisipalidad at siyudad.

“We will definitely look into each and every signature. Meaning, we will have to compare the signatures doon sa mga record na mayroon kami, ‘yung Voter’s Registration Record at Election Day Computerized Voter’s List,” dagdag pa ni Garcia.

Sa pagsusuri sa “signature pages”, itinanong sa mga botante kung pabor sila na amyendahan ang Article 17, Section 1 ng 1987 Constitution. Ito’y sa pamamagitan ng pagpayag sa lahat ng miyembro ng Kongreso na sama-samang bumoto sa panukalang mga pag-amyenda sa isang constituent assembly.

Ayon sa 1987 Constitution, maaaring magpanukala ng pag-amyenda ang taumbayan sa ilalim ng people’s initiative kung may petisyon mula sa 12% ng kabuuang bilang ng rehistradong botante. Kinakailangan na may representasyon ang bawat legislative district na aabot sa 3% ng rehistradong botante.

Kapag naabot na ang angkop na bilang ng lagda, kinakailangang maghain ng petisyon ang mga proponent ng PI para sa amyendahan ng Konstitusyon. Dito masusing susuriin ang mga isinumiteng mga pirma upang tiyakin ang kahalagahan at legalidad ng mga ito.

Kaugnay nito, kinuwestiyon ng minority bloc sa Senado ang pagsisigasig ni Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri sa pagrerebyu ng 1987 Constitution na nililimatahan sa economic provisions na kautusan ng Palasyo sa Kongreso.

Kapwa nagkaisa sina Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III at Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros sa pagkuwestiyon kay Zubiri sa pagsusulong ng charter change.

Sa pagkuwestiyon kay Zubiri, sinabi ni Pimentel na pawang “knee-jerk reaction” sa inilalakong “peoples’ initiatives ang ginawa ng lider ng Senado sa paghahain ng Resolution of Both Houses No 6 na naglalayong rebyuhin ang 1987 Constitution.

“The filing of RBH 6 was in contrast to the previous Senates’ adamant stand against Charter amendments,” ayon kay Pimentel.

“Nasindak kami doon sa people’s initiative? That must be knee jerk reaction. Relax lang, tingnan natin, when the dust settles makita mo na wala, there’s no need to have reacted that way,” giit ni Pimentel sa phone interview.

Ngunit, pinabulaanan ni Zubiri ang obserbasyon ni Pimentel sa pagsasabing nagkaroon ng konsultasyon sa economic team ng Palasyo kasama ang chief executive kaya isusulong ang pagrebyu sa economic provision ng 1987 Constitution.

“Hindi nasindak ang Senado sa PI but after consultations with the economic team, together with the President, [we found] that most of the investment pledges to the country are pending due to the several cases filed with the Supreme Court on the constitutionality of the PSA law… No other reason but that,” ayon kay Zubiri.

 Kasabay nito, binalaan naman ni Hontiveros ang kasamahan sa Senado na maghinay-hinay sa landasin na tutunguhin ng charter change.

“I am strongly, with all due respect, cautioning my colleagues: the ChaCha journey is treacherous, impractical, divisive, and unwise. Why are we attempting to solve our economic problems by creating another problem?,” giit ni Hontiveros.

“ChaCha can be transformative, but NOT when it is triggered by multiple hidden agendas, power struggle, and in-group bickering,” ayon pa kay Hontiveros.

Tulad ni Pimentel, nagugulumihanan si Hontiveros kung bakit biglang gumulong at ipinipilit ngayon sa taumbayan ang charter change.

“Kung foreign investments lang din naman ang nais natin, mas mabuti kung palakasin muna natin ang loob ng mga mamumuhunan dito sa atin. We need to build confidence in governance by eliminating corruption and improving our business environment, not by creating more instability through ChaCha,” aniya.

Israeli airstrike claims 16 lives in southern Gaza; no update on whether medicines reached hostages yet

0

RAFAH, Gaza Strip. A devastating Israeli airstrike targeted a residential home in the southern Gaza town of Rafah, claiming the lives of 16 individuals, half of whom were children, according to medics who reported the incident early Thursday. The strike is part of an ongoing military campaign in Gaza, where civilians have been urged to seek refuge in designated areas.

Despite international efforts to provide humanitarian aid, concerns arise regarding the distribution of medicines to hostages held by Hamas. As part of a deal brokered by France and Qatar, medicines entered the territory on Wednesday, but there is no confirmation on whether they have reached the dozens of hostages with chronic illnesses.

The conflict, triggered by Hamas’ attack on October 7, has entered its 100th day, with Israel pursuing a goal of dismantling the militant group that has governed Gaza since 2007 and securing the release of numerous captives. This prolonged military campaign has escalated tensions in the region, posing a threat of further conflicts.

The toll on Gaza’s population has been severe, with over 24,000 Palestinians killed, 85% of the 2.3 million residents displaced from their homes, and a quarter of the population facing starvation, as reported by the United Nations. Israeli evacuation orders have led hundreds of thousands to seek shelter in southern Gaza, where UN-run facilities are overwhelmed, and large tent camps have emerged.

Despite the influx of displaced civilians, Israel continues its strikes on what it claims to be militant targets across Gaza, resulting in civilian casualties, including women and children. Dr. Talat Barhoum at Rafah’s el-Najjar Hospital confirmed the death toll from the recent strike, with dozens more reported wounded. Heart-wrenching scenes of grieving relatives were captured in Associated Press footage from the hospital.

Mahmoud Qassim, a relative of some of the victims, expressed the tragic irony of the situation, stating, “They were suffering from hunger, they were dying from hunger, and now they have also been hit.”

Compounding the crisis, Gaza has experienced a five-day outage of internet and mobile services, marking the longest disruption during the conflict, according to the internet access advocacy group NetBlocks. The ongoing communication blackout hampers rescue efforts and complicates obtaining real-time information about the latest strikes and casualties. The situation remains critical, with the international community facing the urgent task of addressing the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.

Pimentel kay Marcos: Hinay-hinay sa mga pahayag sa foreign policy

0

Pinag-iingat ni Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel si Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sa pagbibigay ng pahayag tungkol sa foreign policy ng bansa matapos ang pagbatikos ng China sa kanyang pagbati kay Taiwan President Lai Ching-te.

Ayon kay Pimentel, dahil tayo ay sumusunod sa One China Policy, mahalaga na patuloy nating sundin at kilalanin ang ito. “Yes, mag-ingat. Also because we (PH) chose to adhere to the one China policy. That’s our own decision hence our actions must match our official positions,” pahayag ni Pimentel.

Ipinaliwanag ni Pimentel na ang pagpapasya ng gobyerno ng Pilipinas na sumunod sa One China Policy ay isang sariling desisyon kaya’t dapat na ang mga aksyon natin ay naaayon dito.

Tinukoy pa ni Pimentel na pagdating sa bilateral relations at mga isyu sa People’s Republic of China, ang Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) ang dapat sumagot, habang ang Manila Economic and Cultural Office o MECO naman ang maaaring gamitin sa pagtalakay ng mga usapin na may kaugnayan sa Taiwan.

Nauna dito, ipinatawag ng foreign ministry ng China ang ambassador ng Pilipinas sa bansa matapos ang pagbatikos sa pagbati ni Marcos kay Taiwan President Lai Ching. Nagbabala rin ang China sa Pilipinas na “not to play with fire” o huwag makipaglaro sa apoy matapos ang pangyayari.

Ang naging pagtutok ng mga opisyal sa DFA at MECO ay isang hakbang na maaaring magsilbing gabay para mapanatili ang maayos na ugnayan sa gitna ng mga bansa sa kabila ng kontrobersiya.

Pope Francis affirms sexual pleasure as a gifr from God but urges caution against pornography

0

VATICAN CITY. Pope Francis emphasized that “sexual pleasure is a gift from God,” urging Catholics to appreciate this aspect of human existence while cautioning against the pitfalls of pornography. The pontiff addressed the issue during a catechesis dedicated to the “vice of lust” at his general audience in Saint Peter’s Square on Wednesday.

In his remarks, Pope Francis acknowledged the sanctity of sexual pleasure but expressed concern about its degradation due to the prevalence of pornography. He noted that “satisfaction without a relationship can generate forms of addiction,” highlighting the importance of cherishing love and maintaining meaningful connections.

“We must defend love,” declared the pope, acknowledging that triumphing over the challenges posed by lust can be a lifelong endeavor. The statement seemed to be a response to recent controversies involving sexually explicit content authored decades ago by the Vatican’s head of doctrine, Víctor Manuel Fernández.

Conservative critics were stirred last week when a book featuring explicit content written by Fernández resurfaced. The Argentinian cardinal, a close associate of Pope Francis, is known for his past work with sexually charged themes. Responding to the recent scandal, Fernández stated, “I would certainly not write [that] now,” distancing himself from his earlier writings.

In 2022, Pope Francis warned against the perils of digital pornography during a discussion with seminarians about the dangers of social media. Acknowledging the prevalence of the issue, he remarked, “It is a vice that so many people have. So many laymen, so many laywomen, and also priests and nuns. The devil enters from there.”

The pope’s stance on the matter aligns with his previous efforts to address challenges posed by modern technology and its impact on morality. In late 2020, the Vatican found itself in an awkward situation when Pope Francis’s official Instagram account “liked” a photo of the Brazilian model Natalia Garibotto. The Vatican clarified that the “like” was not from the Holy See, prompting an inquiry into the incident.

Laguna excels with 67 medals at 2023 National Batang Pinoy

STA. CRUZ, Laguna. The Province of Laguna emerged triumphant at the recently concluded Philippine Sports Commission’s National Batang Pinoy, clinching an impressive total of 67 medals during the week-long event held in Metro Manila from December 16 to 22, 2023.

Laguna’s medal haul included 20 gold, 20 silver, and 27 bronze medals, showcasing the province’s diverse talent across multiple sports. The Muaythai Team, led by Coach Preciosa Ocaya-Delarmino, played a pivotal role in this success, contributing a substantial 15 gold, 13 silver, and 9 bronze medals to Laguna’s overall tally.

The provincial contingent also demonstrated excellence in Badminton, Karatedo, Pencak Silat, Wrestling, Taekwondo, Cycling, Arnis, Athletics, and Table Tennis, underscoring the province’s commitment to fostering a well-rounded and competitive young athlete community.

Governor Ramil L. Hernandez and the Provincial Government of Laguna (PGL) threw their unwavering support behind the athletes, with the Provincial Sports and Games Development Office (PSGDO) fielding an impressive 225 competitors in the youth-oriented competition. Over 18,000 athletes from 190 local government units (LGUs) in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao participated in the event, making it one of the most extensive gatherings of young talents in the country.

Compared to their 2022 performance, where they secured 51 medals – 20 gold, 15 silver, and 16 bronze, Laguna’s 2023 medal tally showcased a significant improvement, winning 5 more silver and 11 more bronze medals. This earned them the 4th Overall Championship, with Quezon City, Pasig, and Baguio securing the 3rd, 2nd, and 1st places respectively in the 2022 national finals, where more than 80 cities and provinces took part.

The final overall medal tally for the 2023 Batang Pinoy is yet to be released by the Philippine Sports Commission. Despite the delays, Mr. Mario C. Tobias, In-Charge of Office (ICO) for PSGDO, confirmed that medalists and their coaches can anticipate cash incentives from PGL early this year. This gesture aims to recognize their hard work, dedication, and outstanding achievements in bringing honor to the province of Laguna on the national stage.

Medicine shipment en route to Gaza amid ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict

0

RAFAH, Gaza Strip. A shipment of essential medicines for hostages held by Hamas is making its way to Gaza. The breakthrough comes as France and Qatar mediated the first agreement between Israel and the militant group since the weeklong cease-fire in November.

The medicines, which have arrived in Egypt, are currently en route to the Gaza border. A senior Hamas official disclosed that for each box designated for the hostages, an additional 1,000 boxes would be sent in for the broader Palestinian population. The comprehensive deal also entails the delivery of humanitarian aid to residents of the besieged coastal enclave.

This agreement unfolds more than 100 days into a conflict that displays no signs of resolution, contributing to heightened tensions across the Middle East. Recent days have witnessed a complex web of strikes and counterstrikes extending from northern Iraq to the Red Sea and from southern Lebanon to Pakistan.

Despite facing one of the deadliest military campaigns in recent history, Palestinian militants continue to resist in various parts of Gaza. Approximately 85% of the narrow coastal territory’s 2.3 million people have fled their homes, and the United Nations reports that a quarter of the population is currently experiencing starvation.

Israel has expressed its commitment to dismantling Hamas, aiming to prevent a recurrence of the October 7 attack that triggered the current conflict. During that incident, militants breached Israel’s border defenses, infiltrating several communities, resulting in the deaths of around 1,200 people, predominantly civilians, and the capture of approximately 250 individuals.

As part of its promise, Israel has pledged to return more than 100 hostages still held inside Gaza. This commitment follows Hamas releasing most women and children captives in late November, exchanged for Palestinians imprisoned in Israel. However, Hamas has stated that it will not release any more hostages until a permanent cease-fire is established—a prospect Israel and its top ally, the United States, have ruled out. The situation remains highly complex, with the international community closely monitoring developments in the ongoing conflict.