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Philippine Coast Guard strengthens cooperation with Germany on law enforcement and anti-piracy training

Venus L Peñaflor
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Philippine Coast Guard strengthens cooperation with Germany on law enforcement and anti-piracy training

MANILA. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Federal Republic of Germany have announced an enhanced collaboration on law enforcement, anti-piracy training, and person-to-person exchange. The development was revealed by PCG Commandant CG Admiral Ronnie Gil L Gavan, following the courtesy visit of Germany’s Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, Her Excellency Annalena Baerbock.

During the discussions, Admiral Gavan outlined three key areas of cooperation. Firstly, Germany will increase its support for the development of drones for the Philippine Coast Guard. The donation of at least four additional drones is expected to enhance the PCG’s operational capabilities. These drones will be employed in various tasks, including search and rescue operations, marine pollution response, and improving maritime domain awareness in critical areas such as the West Philippine Sea and Benham Rise.

The second focus is on expanding training opportunities to enhance the skills of Coast Guard personnel. Germany will play a vital role in providing advanced training to further strengthen the capabilities of the Philippine Coast Guard.

Lastly, there will be an increased emphasis on person-to-person exchange to deepen the relationship between Germany and the PCG. This initiative aims to foster a stronger bond and collaboration between the two entities.

Admiral Gavan highlighted the importance of having the support of major economies in maintaining a rules-based peace and order globally. While joint patrols in the West Philippine Sea were not specifically discussed during the courtesy visit, Admiral Gavan did not rule out the possibility of pursuing this capability-building initiative in the future.

As part of the visit, Minister Baerbock was briefed on the regular operations of the PCG and had the opportunity to tour the BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301), gaining insights into how offshore patrol vessels contribute to the performance of Coast Guard functions.

The strengthened cooperation underscores the commitment of both the Philippines and Germany to maritime security and promoting peace and stability in the region. The PCG looks forward to utilizing the new resources and training opportunities provided by Germany to enhance its capabilities in safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests.

Israel defends itself at UN’s top court amid genocide allegations

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Israel defends itself at UN’s top court amid genocide allegations

THE HAGUE, Netherlands. Israel faced accusations of committing genocide against Palestinians at the United Nations’ highest court, where the country asserted that its actions in Gaza were a legitimate defense against Hamas militants. The case, initiated by South Africa, marked one of the most significant before an international court, prompting Israel to send a high-level legal team to present its defense.

Israeli legal advisor Tal Becker, speaking at The Hague’s Palace of Peace, emphasized that the conflict was a “war it did not start and did not want.” The accusations from South Africa were dismissed as hypocritical, with Israel arguing that the war in Gaza was a response to Hamas’ October 7 attack, which resulted in the death of approximately 1,200 people and the hostage-taking of around 250.

Israel concentrated on detailing the brutality of the October 7 attacks during the hearings, presenting video and audio evidence. Becker described the incidents, alleging that Hamas militants “tortured children in front of parents and parents in front of children, burned people, including infants alive, and systematically raped and mutilated scores of women, men, and children.”

South Africa sought an immediate halt to Israeli military operations in Gaza, but a decision on this request is expected to take weeks. The full case could extend over years, and compliance with any court orders remains uncertain.

While the hearings concluded, International Court of Justice (ICJ) President Joan E. Donoghue stated that the court would rule on the urgent measures request “as soon as possible.” Israel, known for boycotting international tribunals, deemed this case significant, fearing potential negative impacts on the country’s international standing.

Becker dismissed the accusations as crude and attention-seeking, stating, “We live at a time when words are cheap in an age of social media and identity politics.” He argued that if there were genocidal acts, they were perpetrated against Israel, pointing to Hamas’ “proudly declared agenda of annihilation.”

The case involves more than 23,000 reported deaths in Gaza during Israel’s military campaign, according to the Health Ministry in the Hamas-run territory. South Africa contends that this amounts to genocide and is part of decades of Israeli oppression against Palestinians.

As the court weighs the request for urgent measures, potential non-compliance by Israel could lead to U.N. sanctions, with the possibility of a U.S. veto. The case reflects the deep-rooted conflict in one of the world’s most challenging geopolitical scenarios, prompting demonstrations outside the court by pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian groups.

The case also touches on the national identities of both Israel and South Africa, with historical comparisons drawn to events such as the Holocaust and South Africa’s apartheid era. The ICJ, which adjudicates disputes between nations, has never before held a country responsible for genocide, coming closest in a 2007 ruling related to the Srebrenica massacre.

Protesters waving flags and pictures of the hostages kidnapped during the Oct. 7 Hamas cross-border attack in Israel, attend a protest outside the International Court of Justice in The Hagues, Netherlands, Friday, Jan. 12, 2024. The United Nation’s top court opened hearings Thursday into South Africa’s allegation that Israel’s war with Hamas amounts to genocide against Palestinians, a claim that Israel strongly denies. (AP Photo/Patrick Post)

Landslide sa NIA project: isa ang patay, 2 malubha

Roy Tomandao
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Landslide sa NIA project: isa ang patay, 2 malubha

LILIW, Laguna. Patay ang isang construction worker at dalawa pang trabahador ang nasa kritikal na kondisyon matapos matabunan ng gumuhong riprap project ng National Irrigation Administration (NIA) sa Barangay Calumpang, Liliw, Laguna, nitong Huwebes ng hapon.

Ang nasawi ay kinilalang si Eddie Dela Cueva, residente ng Purok 6, Barangay Calumpang, Liliw, Laguna. Ayon sa mga awtoridad, si Dela Cueva ay kasalukuyang nagtatrabaho sa proyektong itinataguyod ng NIA para sa pagpapabuti ng kalsada sa lugar.

Batay sa inisyal na pagsisiyasat, lumambot ang lupa sanhi ng sunud-sunod na pag-ulan sa nakalipas na mga araw, na pinaniniwalaang naging sanhi ng pagguho ng lupa sa proyekto. Ang nasabing riprap project ay bahagi ng programa ng NIA para sa mas epektibong irrigation system sa rehiyon.

Sa kasalukuyang, dalawang construction worker ang nasa kritikal na kalagayan at ginagamot sa pinakamalapit na ospital.

Kaugnay nito nagpaabot ng pakikiramay si Mayor Juanito Mendoza ng Liliw, at nananawagan para sa agarang imbestigasyon upang alamin ang mga sanhi ng trahedya upang maiwasan ang mga katulad na aksidente sa hinaharap.

Samantala, kasabay ng pakikiramay ng NIA sa pamilya ng nasawi, nangako sila na magsasagawa ng masusing imbestigasyon hinggil sa pangyayari.

US and UK launch retaliatory strike on Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen

Venus L Peñaflor
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US and UK launch retaliatory strike on Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen

WASHINGTON. The U.S. and British militaries launched a substantial retaliatory strike against Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen. The operation involved airstrikes on more than a dozen Houthi sites using Tomahawk missiles and fighter jets from warships, submarines, and aircraft. The strikes targeted various locations, including command-and-control nodes, munitions depots, launching systems, production facilities, and air defense radar systems.

President Joe Biden stated that the strikes aimed to demonstrate that the U.S. and its allies would not tolerate the continuous Houthi attacks on the Red Sea. The decision followed diplomatic efforts and careful consideration, with Biden emphasizing the need to protect U.S. personnel, civilian mariners, and international commerce from Houthi threats.

Associated Press journalists in Yemen reported hearing explosions in Sanaa, Hodieda, Taiz, and Dhamar. This military response marked the first from the U.S. since the start of the Israel-Hamas war and came after a final warning to the Houthis to halt attacks on commercial ships.

The Houthi attacks temporarily ceased after the warning, but on Tuesday, they fired a significant barrage of drones and missiles, prompting the U.S. and British response. The coordinated strikes involved the Royal Air Force and other allies, including the Netherlands, Canada, and Bahrain.

The international community, including Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Korea, the U.S., and the U.K., issued a joint statement aiming to de-escalate tensions in the Red Sea. However, they emphasized a commitment to defending lives and protecting commerce in the crucial waterway. Russia requested an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting on the strikes.

The Houthis, who claim their attacks aim to counter Israel’s actions in Gaza, warned of retaliation. The strikes reportedly hit multiple locations, and the Houthis later reported casualties.

While the U.S. expects the strikes to degrade Houthi capabilities, officials anticipate possible Houthi responses. The decision to strike involved military options presented to President Biden after the Tuesday attacks, leading to the directive to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

The U.S. had refrained from immediate retaliation in recent months, considering the fragile truce in Yemen and regional stability concerns. However, escalating attacks on international shipping prompted the coalition warning and the creation of Operation Prosperity Guardian to enhance security in the Red Sea and surrounding areas. The Red Sea, including the Suez Canal and Bab el-Mandeb Strait, is a vital shipping lane, handling about 12% of global trade.

The largest great ape to ever live went extinct because of climate change, study finds

Venus L Peñaflor
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The largest great ape to ever live went extinct because of climate change, study finds

WASHINGTON. An ancient species of great ape, Gigantopithecus blacki, believed to be the largest known to scientists, likely faced extinction due to climate change that altered its habitat and food sources, according to a study published in the journal Nature.

Standing at an impressive 10 feet tall (3 meters) and weighing up to 650 pounds (295 kilograms), Gigantopithecus blacki once inhabited the forested plains of China’s Guangxi region. Researchers, including Renaud Joannes-Boyau from Australia’s Southern Cross University, suggest that the colossal size of these great apes may have contributed to their vulnerability during periods of food scarcity.

“It’s just a massive animal – just really, really big. When food starts to be scarce, it’s so big it can’t climb trees to explore new food sources,” explained Joannes-Boyau.

The study, led by scientists from various institutions, utilized pollen and sediment samples from Guangxi’s caves, along with fossilized teeth. Analysis revealed a decline in fruit production approximately 600,000 years ago, coinciding with an increase in dry seasons. The giant apes, which survived on vegetarian diets comprising fruits and flowers, gradually faced a shortage of their preferred food sources.

Zhang Yingqi of China’s Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, a co-author of the study, noted that the giant apes adapted by consuming less nutritious foods such as tree bark and reeds. Over time, these changes in diet likely contributed to their decline.

The extinction of Gigantopithecus blacki is estimated to have occurred between 215,000 and 295,000 years ago, a period during which the researchers speculate the species gradually succumbed to the changing environment.

The study sheds light on a relatively mysterious period in the great ape family’s evolutionary history. Fossil records indicate that between 2 million and 22 million years ago, numerous great ape species inhabited Africa, Europe, and Asia. However, today, only gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos, orangutans, and humans remain.

Rick Potts, director of the Human Origins Program at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, who was not involved in the study, remarked that while the emergence of the first humans is traced back to Africa, the exact continent where the great ape family originated remains uncertain. The study underscores the impact of environmental changes on ancient species and highlights the vulnerability of large, specialized animals when faced with shifts in their ecosystems.

Hindi pabor ang DA na magtakda ng SRP sa bigas

Venus L Peñaflor
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Hindi pabor ang DA na magtakda ng SRP sa bigas

Tinututulan ng Department of Agriculture (DA) ang panukalang magpatupad ng suggested retail price (SRP) sa bigas.

Ayon kay Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, hindi mainam na magtakda ng fixed na presyo sa bigas sa ngayon dahil sa volatile at fluctuating na presyo ng bigas at iba pang agricultural products sa pandaigdigang merkado, lalo na sa Thailand at iba pang mga bansa, dulot ng epekto ng El Niño.

“We’re not doing it. Prices of rice and other agricultural products in international markets like Thailand and other countries are volatile and fluctuating due to El Niño. Hence, we’re not suggesting to control prices at the moment,” ayon sa pahayag ni Secretary Laurel.

Ang panukalang lagyan ng SRP ang mga agrikultura produkto ay batay lamang sa mga available remedies na itinatakda ng Price Act. Ang nasabing batas ay nagbibigay kapangyarihan sa DA na ma-stabilize ang presyo ng mga produktong agrikultura at inputs, kabilang na ang presyo ng bigas, isda, karne, at abono sa panahon ng mga emergency.

Sa kabila nito, sinabi ni Secretary Laurel na nagtatrabaho ng doble oras ang kanilang ahensiya upang matiyak na ang suplay ng agricultural products, lalo na ng bigas, ay sapat kahit na may banta ng epekto ng El Niño sa sektor ng agrikultura.

Astronomers trace origin of powerful and mysterious radio signal to rare galactic cluster

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Astronomers trace origin of powerful and mysterious radio signal to rare galactic cluster

NEW ORLEANS. Astronomers have made a groundbreaking discovery by tracing the origin of one of the most powerful and distant fast radio bursts (FRBs) ever recorded to an extraordinary group of galaxies. This unexpected finding may provide crucial insights into the mysterious cosmic phenomena that have baffled scientists for years.

The intense radio signal, designated FRB 20220610A, was first observed on June 10, 2022, and traveled an astonishing 8 billion light-years to reach Earth. FRBs are brief, millisecond-long bursts of radio waves with unknown origins. Since the discovery of the first FRB in 2007, these enigmatic flashes have continued to perplex astronomers as they emanate from various points across the universe.

FRB 20220610A, lasting less than a millisecond, was four times more energetic than previously detected FRBs, equivalent to the energy released by our sun over 30 years, as reported in an initial study published in October.

To trace the origins of this powerful burst, astronomers utilized the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) radio telescope in Western Australia and the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope in Chile. The observations led them to a unique celestial structure initially thought to be a single irregular galaxy or a trio of interacting galaxies.

Further examination, using images from the Hubble Space Telescope, revealed that FRB 20220610A originated from a compact group of at least seven galaxies closely situated, fitting inside the Milky Way galaxy. These galaxies, possibly in the process of merging, form an exceptional and dense structure known as a compact group.

Lead study author Alexa Gordon, a doctoral student at Northwestern University, stated, “Without the Hubble’s imaging, it would still remain a mystery as to whether this FRB originated from one monolithic galaxy or from some type of interacting system.”

Astronomers speculate that the interaction of galaxies in this compact group, potentially triggering bursts of star formation, may have contributed to the occurrence of the fast radio burst.

The discovery challenges previous observations linking FRBs primarily to isolated galaxies, as FRB 20220610A is associated with a compact group, a rare occurrence in the study of these cosmic events.

Astronomers hope that further investigations into the origins of FRBs will shed light on the underlying causes of these mysterious phenomena, contributing to a deeper understanding of the universe. As technology advances, researchers anticipate more sensitive methods for detecting FRBs, providing opportunities to discover additional bursts at even greater distances.

The findings were presented at the 243rd meeting of the American Astronomical Society in New Orleans, where scientists emphasized the importance of studying various environments to unravel the mysteries surrounding fast radio bursts.

Itinalaga si House deputy speaker Ralph Recto bilang kalihim ng Department of Finance

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Itinalaga si House deputy speaker Ralph Recto bilang kalihim ng Department of Finance

Kinumpirma sa isang pahayag kahapon ni dating Batangas 6th District Representative Vilma Santos-Recto na si House Deputy Speaker Ralph Recto ang itinalaga bilang bagong Kalihim ng Department of Finance (DOF).

Inaasahan ang kanyang pormal na panunumpa sa Biyernes ng hapon sa isang oath-taking ceremony sa Malacañang.

Walang ibinigay na karagdagang detalye si Santos-Recto hinggil sa appointment, ngunit inaasahan na magiging mahalaga ang papel ni Recto sa pagtahak ng gobyerno tungo sa economic recovery at fiscal management.

Samantalang ito ay kinumpirma ng kanyang asawa, wala pang opisyal na pahayag ang Presidential Communications Office (PCO) ukol sa pagpapatunay sa nasabing pagtatalaga.

Ang pagtatalaga kay Recto bilang Kalihim ng DOF ay inaasahan ding magdudulot ng positibong pagbabago sa ilalim ng administrasyon, papalitan niya ang nagretirong DOF Secretary Benjamin Diokno.

UN court hears South Africa genocide case against Israel

Venus L Peñaflor
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UN court hears South Africa genocide case against Israel

THE HAGUE. The International Court of Justice (ICJ), the United Nations’ top court, is currently reviewing a case brought forth by South Africa, accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. The submission also calls for the court to order Israel to cease its military operations in the region.

While the ICJ will only provide an opinion on the genocide allegation, stressing that it is not a criminal trial, the case has attracted widespread attention. Israel vehemently denies the accusations, labeling them as “baseless.”

Outside the ICJ’s Peace Palace in The Hague, Dutch police struggled to maintain order as Palestinian and Israeli supporters clashed. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators, waving flags, called for a ceasefire, while Israeli supporters displayed images of hostages still held in Gaza.

South Africa presented its case on Thursday, asserting that Israel’s actions aim to destroy a substantial part of the Palestinian national, racial, and ethnic group. The submission outlines allegations of killing Palestinians, causing them harm, and imposing conditions intended to bring about their physical destruction.

Israel is set to present its defense on Friday, justifying its actions as responses to Hamas’s attacks on October 7. South Africa’s Justice Minister Ronald Lamola argued in court that no attack justifies breaches of the Genocide Convention, to which Israel is a signatory.

The ICJ, although its rulings are theoretically binding, lacks enforceability. In 2022, a similar order to Russia to suspend military operations in Ukraine was ignored.

The term “genocide” under international law involves acts with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. The ICJ cannot prosecute individuals for crimes like genocide, but its opinions hold weight with the UN and other international institutions.

While South African President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the ongoing violence in Gaza, Israeli President Isaac Herzog dismissed the accusations as “atrocious and preposterous.” The ICJ’s ruling on South Africa’s request for Israel to halt its military campaign could come swiftly, but a final decision on the genocide allegation may take years. The historical context of South Africa’s opposition to Israel draws parallels with its own struggle against apartheid.

Meta to hide sensitive content on Instagram and Facebook feeds of teens

Venus L Peñaflor
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0
Meta to hide sensitive content on Instagram and Facebook feeds of teens

SAN FRANCISCO. Meta announced on Tuesday its plans to conceal inappropriate content related to suicide, self-harm, and eating disorders from teenagers’ accounts on Instagram and Facebook. The social media giant, headquartered in Menlo Park, California, stated in a blog post that it aims to provide safe and age-appropriate experiences for teens on its platforms.

While Meta already avoids recommending “age-inappropriate” content to teenagers, the company has now decided not to display such material in their feeds, even if it is shared by accounts they follow. Meta emphasized its commitment to ensuring that teens can engage in safe digital experiences.

Teen users, whose age during sign-up was accurately provided, will have their accounts subjected to the most restrictive settings on both Instagram and Facebook. Additionally, they will be restricted from searching for terms that might pose harm.

Meta highlighted the complexity of certain content topics, such as ongoing struggles with thoughts of self-harm, acknowledging their importance in destigmatizing these issues. However, the company recognized that such content might not be suitable for all young people, leading to the decision to remove it from teens’ experiences.

This announcement from Meta coincides with ongoing legal challenges as dozens of U.S. states accuse the company of contributing to the youth mental health crisis. Lawsuits allege that Meta knowingly designed features on Instagram and Facebook to addict children to its platforms.

Critics argue that Meta’s recent measures fall short of addressing the broader concerns. Josh Golin, executive director of the children’s online advocacy group Fairplay, commented, “If the company is capable of hiding pro-suicide and eating disorder content, why have they waited until 2024 to announce these changes?” Despite the criticism, Meta remains committed to enhancing safety measures for its younger user base.

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