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Magsasaka, patay sa suntok ng kapitbahay

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TAGKAWAYAN, Quezon. Patay ang isang magsasaka matapos suntukin ng kanyang kapitbahay sa Sitio Looban, Barangay Mansalay dito, ayon sa ulat ng pulisya.

Ang biktima na kinilalang si Ginard Caña, 27 anyos, ay kinumpirmang dead on arrival sa ospital matapos ang insidenten. Ang pangunahing suspek, na kilala lamang sa alias na Michael, 41 anyos, ay boluntaryo namang sumuko sa mga awtoridad pagkatapos ng insidente.

Ayon sa initial findings ng pulisya, nag away ng dalawang lalaki sa hindi malinaw na dahilan, at nauwi ito sa matinding pagtatalo. Sa gitna ng mainitang pagtatalo, isang suntok ang inabot ni Ginard Caña mula kay Michael na nagdulot na pagkatumba sa magsasaka at bumagsak ang ulo nito sa sementadong kalsada.

Agad na isinugod ang biktima sa Maria Eleazar General Hospital, ngunit ito ay idineklarang dead on arrival dahil sa internal hemorrhage na ikinamatay ni Ginard.

Nahaharap na ngayon sa kaukulang kaso si Michael at nakapiit ito sa Tagkawayan Municipal Jail habang hinihintay ang resulta ng imbestigasyon.

Thousands flee widening Israeli assault in Central Gaza as military launches new strikes

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DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza has escalated, with thousands of Palestinian families fleeing the intensified ground offensive launched by the Israeli military. The latest strikes, targeting central and southern areas of Gaza, have resulted in dozens of casualties, according to Palestinian health officials.

On foot or using donkey carts loaded with their belongings, a continuous stream of people sought refuge in Deir al-Balah, a town that typically has a population of around 75,000. However, it is now overwhelmed by several hundred thousand people displaced from northern Gaza, which has been extensively damaged.

As existing U.N. shelters are already beyond capacity, the newly displaced residents resorted to setting up tents on sidewalks to endure the cold winter night. The majority crowded around the town’s main hospital, Al-Aqsa Martyrs, hoping for relative safety from Israeli airstrikes.

However, the reality is that no place in Gaza is entirely safe. Israeli offensives have pushed most of the population into areas like Deir al-Balah, Rafah, and a small rural region along the southern coastline. Unfortunately, these areas continue to be targeted by Israeli strikes, causing significant harm to homes filled with people.

The most recent wave of displacement stems from the targeting of several densely populated refugee camps in central Gaza as part of the ongoing Israeli ground assault. One of these camps, Bureij, faced intense bombardment throughout the night as Israeli troops moved in.

Rami Abu Mosab, who sought shelter in Bureij after fleeing his home in northern Gaza, described the situation as “a night of hell.” He reported the presence of warplanes overhead, along with gunfire and explosions from the camp’s eastern edge. Although a nearby home was hit, no one could reach the affected area.

Bureij camp, like other locations in Gaza, houses refugees from the 1948 war surrounding Israel’s creation and their descendants. Now, it resembles other densely populated neighborhoods, with residents fearing a fate similar to the destruction witnessed in northern Gaza.

In Khan Younis, just south of Deir al-Balah, Israeli shelling struck a residential building next to Al-Amal Hospital, resulting in at least 20 deaths and dozens more wounded, according to Health Ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qidra. The death toll is expected to rise, and footage from the scene depicted a tragic aftermath with torn bodies in the street.

Israel has justified its bombing campaign and ground offensive as necessary measures to dismantle Hamas and prevent a recurrence of the October 7 attack. The October incident saw militants breaking through Israel’s defenses, resulting in approximately 1,200 casualties—mostly civilians—and around 240 abductions, with an estimated 129 individuals still in captivity. Israel anticipates that achieving its objectives will take “many months.”

‘Parasite’ star Lee Sun-kyun found dead in Seoul park

SEOUL, South Korea. South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun, renowned for his stellar performance in the Oscar-winning film “Parasite,” was found dead at a car in a central Seoul park, according to South Korea’s emergency office.

Earlier in the day, police had reported discovering an unconscious Lee at an unidentified location in Seoul. However, local media, including Yonhap news agency, later confirmed that the actor was found lifeless in a car at a park in the South Korean capital. The report stated that Lee’s family had contacted authorities after he left home, leaving behind a message reminiscent of a suicide note.

The discovery of a charcoal briquette in the passenger seat of the vehicle added a grim detail to the incident. While the circumstances surrounding Lee’s death are still under investigation, the news has sent shockwaves through the nation and the global film community.

Lee Sun-kyun rose to international fame for his portrayal of the patriarch in Bong Joon-ho’s groundbreaking film “Parasite,” which won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2020. The actor had a prolific career in the South Korean entertainment industry, earning recognition for his roles in various television dramas, including “Coffee Prince (2007),” “Behind The White Tower,” “Pasta (2010),” and “My Mister (2018).”

In 2021, Lee further solidified his reputation by winning a Screen Actors Guild award for “cast in a motion picture” for his outstanding contribution to “Parasite.” His talent and versatility were further acknowledged when he received a nomination for Best Actor at the International Emmy Awards for his role in the sci-fi thriller “Dr. Brain” in the previous year.

Fans and colleagues alike are mourning the loss of this esteemed actor whose career spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on the South Korean entertainment industry and earning him acclaim on the global stage. As investigations into the circumstances of his untimely death unfold, the world remembers Lee Sun-kyun for his extraordinary contributions to cinema and television.

(With inputs from agencies).

Catholic bishops worldwide divided over Vatican’s same-sex blessings document

Catholic bishops from conservative nations are resisting the Vatican’s recent document, “Fiducia Supplicans,” which allows blessings for individuals in same-sex relationships, triggering a global divide within the Catholic Church. While some episcopal groups express concerns about ambiguity leading to confusion, others outright reject the document.

African nations, notably Zambia and Malawi, have emerged as vocal opponents to the implementation of the document. The Zambia Episcopal Conference issued a statement, highlighting the need to avoid pastoral confusion and adhere to local laws and cultural values. The declaration encouraged further reflection rather than immediate implementation in Zambia.

“Fiducia Supplicans” reasserted the Catholic Church’s stance on the sacrament of marriage, defining it as an “exclusive, stable, and indissoluble union between a man and a woman, naturally open to the generation of children.” It permitted “spontaneous” blessings for individuals in same-sex relationships seeking moral lives but explicitly stated that the union itself cannot be blessed.

In contrast, a majority of bishops in the United States and elsewhere endorsed the document, asserting its alignment with church teaching and tradition. However, critics argue that the guidelines are too ambiguous, leading to varied interpretations.

The Episcopal Conference of Malawi issued a directive against any blessings for same-sex unions, citing the potential for confusion among the faithful. Bishop Athanasius Schneider, from Kazakhstan, took a harsh stance, asserting that the document contradicts divine revelation and the long-standing doctrine of the Catholic Church. His sentiments were echoed by Metropolitan Archbishop Tomash Peta.

The Roman Catholic Bishops of Ukraine expressed understanding of the document’s alignment with the Church’s understanding of marriage but voiced concerns about potential confusion and misunderstandings. While critical, the Ukrainian bishops did not confirm whether they would allow the document’s implementation in their country.

“The document seeks to emphasize God’s boundless love for all people, sinners included, and in this regard to show that the Church does not reject these people, namely those with homosexual tendencies or even actions,” the Ukrainian conference stated. However, they expressed reservations about the document’s clarity in distinguishing between the person and their actions, highlighting the need for a merciful acceptance of individuals while disapproving of their perceived sins.

The global divide among Catholic bishops raises questions about the future of the Church’s stance on same-sex relationships and the potential impact on its diverse and widespread congregations.

DA: Sapat ang supply ng pagkain para sa pagsalubong sa Bagong Taon

Tiniyak ng Department of Agriculture (DA) na sapat na suplay ng mga pangunahing pagkain sa mga pamilihan sa bansa sa Bagong Taon.

Ayon sa DA, patuloy ang monitoring sa mga pamilihan upang masiguro ang sapat na suplay ng bigas, karne, gulay, isda, at prutas.

Ang DA, kasama ang mga tauhan ng Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) at mga Local Government Units (LGUs), ay naglalakbay sa mga pamilihan upang tiyakin na mayroong sapat na suplay ng pagkain para sa mamamayan. Ang hakbang na ito ay naglalayong mapanatili ang presyo ng mga produkto sa kabila ng mataas na demand sa holiday season hanggang sa pagsapit ng Bagong Taon.

Binabantayan ng DA ang malalaking palengke, kung saan isinasagawa ang masusing pagsusuri sa suplay at presyo ng mga pangunahing bilihin. Ang koordinasyon ng DA sa DTI at National Price Coordinating Council ay patuloy upang masiguro ang pagiging estable ng suplay at presyo ng lokal na mga produkto at upang maiwasan ang labis na pagpasok ng mga imported na kalakal sa pamilihan.

Sunog sa San Pablo City sa araw ng Pasko: Babae patay

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SAN PABLO CITY, Laguna. Naganap ang isang sunog sa Paulino St., Barangay VII-D, sa lungsod na ito noong araw ng Pasko na ikinamatay ng isang babae.

Kinilala ng Bureau of Fire Protection-San Pablo City ang biktima ngunit hindi papangalanan ng Tutubi News sa kahilingan ng pamilya. Ayon sa ulat, ang sunog ay nagsimula bandang alas-3 ng madaling araw.

Agad na tumugon ang kalapit na fire brigades, kabilang ang Seven Lakes Fire Volunteers kasama ang City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO).

Matapos ang mahigit dalawang oras na pagsusumikap, nakontrol ng mga bumbero ang sunog bandang alas-5:20 ng umaga. Subalit, sa kasawiang-palad, natagpuan ang labi ng biktima sa nasunog na bahay.

Si Senior Fire Officer 3 Jeffrey Calabia ang namahala sa pagkuha ng mga labi ng biktima. Gayunpaman, hindi pa natutukoy ng mga arson investigators ang eksaktong sanhi ng sunog at saklaw ng pinsala.

AI expert cautions against sharing secrets with chatbots like ChatGPT

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In this year’s Royal Institution Christmas lectures, Professor Mike Wooldridge of Oxford University is set to delve into the realm of artificial intelligence, warning users against confiding in chatbots like ChatGPT. According to Wooldridge, divulging personal information or engaging in heart-to-heart conversations with AI chatbots could have unintended consequences, as the information shared contributes to training future versions of the technology.

Users are advised to exercise caution, as Wooldridge emphasizes that expecting a balanced response from chatbots is unrealistic. The technology, he states, is designed to “tell you what you want to hear,” rather than providing objective or empathetic feedback.

Wooldridge’s lectures aim to address fundamental questions surrounding AI research and dispel myths surrounding the groundbreaking technology. Topics covered will include the mechanics of machine translation between languages and the inner workings of chatbots. One overarching question Wooldridge will explore is whether AI can ever truly replicate human-like qualities.

In an interview with the Daily Mail, Wooldridge dismissed the notion of AI possessing consciousness, empathy, or sympathy. He emphasized that AI has never experienced anything and is primarily programmed to provide responses that align with user preferences.

A sobering insight from Wooldridge warns users that anything shared with ChatGPT is likely to be incorporated into future iterations of the technology. Retrieving or retracting sensitive information becomes a near-impossible task once it enters the AI system, according to Wooldridge.

Throughout the lecture series, Wooldridge will be accompanied by prominent figures from the AI world, introducing “a range of robot friends” to showcase the capabilities and limitations of contemporary robots. The Royal Institution, which initiated the Christmas lectures in 1825, aims to engage and educate young people about science. The lectures have featured Nobel Prize winners, including William and Lawrence Bragg, Sir David Attenborough, Carl Sagan, and Dame Nancy Rothwell.

ChatGPT was contacted for comment but has not responded.

The Royal Institution Christmas lectures, broadcast on BBC Four and iPlayer, are scheduled for 26, 27, and 28 December at 8 pm.

‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’ makes a splash at the weekend box office before Christmas

The sequel “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” surged to the top of the box office charts. The DC and Warner Bros. superhero film, featuring Jason Momoa, earned an estimated $28.1 million during its opening weekend in 3,706 locations across North America. Projections suggest the film will reach around $40 million in domestic ticket sales by Monday.

Despite the introduction of several new releases, including “Migration,” “Anyone But You,” “The Iron Claw,” and “All of Us Strangers,” the pre-holiday box office remained comparatively subdued, with audiences possibly prioritizing other activities over cinema attendance.

The challenge for Hollywood and theaters was exacerbated by Christmas Eve falling on a prime weekend day. However, historical precedent from 2017, when “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” dominated the four-day charts with $71.5 million in its second weekend, offered a contrasting perspective.

On Christmas Day, new films, including the musical adaptation of “The Color Purple,” Michael Mann’s racing film “Ferrari,” and George Clooney’s rowing drama “The Boys in the Boat,” are expected to attract large crowds. The period between Christmas and New Year traditionally proves lucrative for movie theaters.

While “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” led the weekend box office, it faces tough competition to match the success of blockbuster holiday releases like “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” “Avatar,” and “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” Social media users noted that this weekend was initially slated for the release of Patty Jenkins’ “Rogue Squadron,” a Star Wars film.

Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for Comscore, commented on the unusual number of seven film openings within four days. The estimated production cost of “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” is around $200 million, excluding marketing and promotional expenses. Including international estimates of $80 million through Monday, the film is anticipated to achieve a $120 million global debut.

The success of “Aquaman 2” marks the end of a challenging year for DC superhero films, marked by disappointments like “Shazam! Fury of the Gods,” “The Flash,” and “Blue Beetle.” The studio is transitioning its slate to align with James Gunn’s vision for the future.

Warner Bros. secured the second spot at the box office with “Wonka,” earning an estimated $17.7 million over the weekend and $26.1 million by Monday. The studio is set to have a significant presence in the top five with the addition of “The Color Purple.”

Other notable performances at the box office included Illumination and Universal’s “Migration,” securing third place with an estimated $12.3 million, and A24’s “The Iron Claw,” which earned an estimated $5.1 million over the weekend.

As moviegoers continue to enjoy a variety of cinematic offerings during the holiday season, the industry anticipates robust box office figures, reinforcing the sentiment that this is a prosperous time for moviegoers. The top 10 reads like a “greatest hits” compilation of diverse cinema experiences.

Estimated ticket sales for the weekend:

  • “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” $28.1 million.
  • “Wonka,” $17.7 million.
  • “Migration,” $12.3 million.
  • “Anyone But You,” $6.2 million.
  • “Salaar: Part 1—Ceasefire,” $5.5 million.
  • “The Iron Claw,” $5.1 million.
  • “The Hunger Games: The Ballard of Songbirds & Snakes,” $3.2 million.
  • “The Boy and the Heron,” $3.2 million.
  • “Godzilla Minus One,” $2.7 million.
  • “Dunki,” $2.7 million.

Pope urges ceasefire in Gaza and release of Israeli hostages in Christmas Day message

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VATICAN CITY. In his annual Christmas Day address, Pope Francis appealed for an end to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the immediate release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. The Pope, speaking to a crowd of thousands at St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, also called for increased humanitarian aid to address the “desperate situation” in the war-torn region.

The hostilities between Israel and Hamas erupted on October 7 when Hamas militants launched an attack on Israel, resulting in the death of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of around 240 individuals. Hamas claims that over 20,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli airstrikes.

Expressing deep concern for both Israeli and Palestinian victims, Pope Francis said, “I bear in my heart the sorrow of the victims of the abominable attack of 7 October, and I reiterate my urgent appeal for the liberation of those still being held hostage. I plead for an end to the military operations with their appalling harvest of innocent civilian victims, and I call for a solution to the desperate humanitarian situation through an opening to the provision of humanitarian aid.”

According to Israeli authorities, 132 hostages remain in captivity in Gaza, while others have been released or rescued.

Addressing global conflicts, Pope Francis also called for peace in Ukraine, which has been embroiled in a conflict with Russia for nearly two years. He expressed hope for political and social stability in Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen, countries facing prolonged periods of war and unrest.

The pontiff extended his prayers for peaceful resolutions in other troubled areas, including tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan, various regions in Africa, and the Korean Peninsula.

Additionally, Pope Francis emphasized the plight of millions of migrants worldwide, referring to those who lost their lives “in odysseys undertaken in desperation and in search of hope” as “the little Jesuses of today.”

As the Pope’s message resonates globally, attention turns to international efforts aimed at fostering peace and stability in the regions afflicted by conflict.

Vulnerable population urged to wear face masks despite ‘mild’ JN.1 COVID-19 subvariant

Experts are urging individuals in the vulnerable population including the elderly, immunocompromised, and those with comorbidities, to continue wearing face maskas the Philippines detects cases of the COVID-19 Omicron subvariant JN.1. Despite the initial assessment that JN.1 causes a “mild type” of coronavirus and does not lead to more severe disease, health authorities emphasize the importance of additional protection.

Dr. Rontgene Solante, chief of the Adult Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Unit in San Lazaro Hospital, reassured the public that there is no need to panic, stating, “In terms of the concern, yes, we have to monitor the cases, but it’s (JN.1) not expected to form a more severe form of COVID-19.” Dr. Solante highlighted that continuous monitoring of cases is necessary.

The Department of Health (DOH) reported 18 cases of the JN.1 subvariant, all of whom have already recovered. Meanwhile, CNN International noted that JN.1 is the predominant cause of COVID-19 infections in the United States, constituting 44.2% of all cases.

While vaccines remain effective against severe outcomes of COVID-19, Dr. Solante emphasized the uncertainty regarding their efficacy against the Omicron subvariant. Therefore, he stressed the importance of the vulnerable population wearing face masks in public spaces for added protection.

Health expert Dr. Tony Leachon supports the idea of making face masks mandatory, particularly as the Philippines witnessed a 50% increase in COVID-19 cases from December 12 to 18, with the Department of Health (DOH) recording 2,725 new cases during that period.

Health authorities continue to emphasize the importance of preventive measures, including vaccination, face mask-wearing, and maintaining proper hygiene practices to curb the spread of COVID-19, especially among the vulnerable segments of the population.