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Hamas rejects Israeli offer for 7-day truce and hostage release in Gaza

Venus L Peñaflor
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Hamas rejects Israeli offer for 7-day truce and hostage release in Gaza

CAIRO. Hamas, the Palestinian militant group governing Gaza, has reportedly turned down an Israeli proposal for a seven-day truce in the Gaza Strip, coupled with the release of around 40 hostages, including women, children, and elderly male hostages in need of urgent medical care. According to Egyptian officials cited by the Wall Street Journal, the rejected offer also included a temporary cessation of air and ground operations by Israel, allowing increased aid into the coastal territory.

Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, another Iran-backed terror organization participating in the negotiations for the first time, conveyed to Egyptian mediators that Israel must halt its offensive in the Strip before any potential deal discussions. Additionally, Islamic Jihad insisted that Israel release all Palestinian prisoners in exchange for all remaining hostages, estimated to be around 100 individuals.

Israel has stated that it will not suspend its military campaign, considering this condition a non-negotiable starting point for talks. The rejection by Hamas is seen by Egyptian officials as a strategic move to extract further concessions from Israel, rather than a failure in the ongoing negotiations.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Egyptian intelligence officials discussed the offer with Hamas politburo chief Ismail Haniyeh, who arrived in Cairo on Wednesday. Haniyeh’s visit is his second since the brutal October 7 onslaught initiated by Hamas, which triggered the ongoing conflict.

Hamas leaders have publicly stated that they will only consider releasing hostages in exchange for a permanent ceasefire. However, recent reports suggest that discussions for another short-term truce to release additional hostages may be progressing. The October 7 attack by Hamas involved thousands of gunmen entering Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 casualties and the abduction of around 240 hostages, mostly civilians.

As of now, it is believed that 129 hostages remain in Gaza, with the Reuters news agency reporting “intensive” talks for a ceasefire and hostage release brokered by Qatar and Egypt. While the U.S. President, Joe Biden, stated that there is no expectation of an imminent hostage deal, his administration continues to push for a resolution. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that the main obstacle to an agreement is Hamas, which has not adhered to the terms of the previous ceasefire. Despite international calls for an end to the conflict, Blinken urged attention to be directed toward Hamas’s actions and the need for the group to cease hostilities for a peaceful resolution.

Dalawang salvage victim nakita sa Rizal

Arman B. Cambe
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Dalawang salvage victim nakita sa Rizal

Dalawang bangkay na may mga bakas ng salvage ang natagpuan sa magkahiwalay na lugar sa lalawigan ng Rizal, ayon sa ulat ng pulisya kahapon.

Unang natagpuan ang bangkay ng isang lalaki sa bakanteng lote sa Golden Leaf Subdivision, Barangay San Isidro, Rodriquez, Rizal, pasado alas-8:00 ng umaga. Sa kasalukuyan, iniimbestigahan pa ng pulisya ang pagkakakilanlan ng biktima, ngunit may hinala sila na maaaring pinatay ito sa ibang lugar at doon lamang tinapon upang mailigaw ang imbestigasyon.

Ang ikalawang bangkay, na kinilalang si alyas Michael, ay natagpuan sa kahabaan ng Road 31 kanto ng Road 27, Cogeo Village, Barangay Bagong Nayon, Antipolo City, dakong alas-5:50 ng umaga. Isang tricycle driver ang nakakita sa bangkay habang pauwi. Kasama dito ang isang basyo ng kalibre 9mm baril na matagpuan 2 metro ang layo mula sa pinagtagpuan ng bangkay.

Patuloy ang imbestigasyon ng pulisya upang malaman ang motibo sa likod ng mga krimen at ang pagkakakilanlan ng mga posibleng suspek. Nanawagan naman ang lokal na kapulisan sa mga residente na may impormasyon hinggil sa insidente na makipag-ugnayan sa kanilang himpilan upang mapabilis ang paglutas ng kaso.

NASA announces inclusion of foreign astronaut in future moon landing

EDGARDO HERNAL
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NASA announces inclusion of foreign astronaut in future moon landing

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. NASA and the White House revealed on Wednesday a groundbreaking agreement to include an international astronaut in the upcoming U.S. moon missions, marking a significant step toward global cooperation in space exploration.

Vice President Kamala Harris, leading the National Space Council’s third gathering under the Biden administration in Washington, made the announcement without specifying the nationality of the international astronaut or the country they would represent. A NASA spokeswoman clarified later that crew assignments for lunar-landing missions would be determined closer to the launch, with no commitments made to any specific country at this time.

For decades, NASA has welcomed international astronauts on various space missions. Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen is slated to orbit the moon alongside three U.S. astronauts approximately a year from now. However, the upcoming mission is set to achieve a historic milestone—the first lunar touchdown by astronauts in over half a century, projected to take place no sooner than 2027, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office.

The Apollo program of the 1960s and 1970s, which included all 12 moonwalkers, was exclusively composed of U.S. citizens. The current moon exploration initiative by NASA, named Artemis after Apollo’s mythological twin sister, signals a new era of inclusivity with international participation.

Jeremy Hansen expressed his appreciation during the National Space Council meeting, stating, “Including international partners is not only sincerely appreciated but is urgently needed in the world today.”

NASA has consistently emphasized the importance of global collaboration in space exploration, establishing the Artemis Accords in 2020 alongside the U.S. State Department. The accords aim to promote responsible behavior not only at the moon but also in all aspects of space activities. Representatives from all 33 countries that have signed the accords were expected to attend the space council’s meeting in Washington.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted the success of past international collaboration in space, citing the Webb Space Telescope—a joint effort involving the U.S., Europe, and Canada. Notably absent from the Artemis Accords are Russia and China, the only countries other than the U.S. to have launched their citizens into orbit.

During the meeting, Vice President Harris also unveiled new policies addressing the safe use of space, addressing concerns such as the climate crisis and the escalating issue of space debris. The 2021 anti-satellite missile test by Russia, which added over 1,500 potentially hazardous pieces of orbiting debris, prompted calls from Blinken and others for nations to cease destructive testing.

Umakyat sa 22% ang positivity rate ng COVID sa NCR

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Umakyat sa 22% ang positivity rate ng COVID sa NCR

Umakyat sa 22% ang seven-day positivity rate ng COVID-19 sa National Capital Region (NCR), mula sa 16% noong nakaraang Disyembre 12, ayon sa ulat ng OCTA Research nitong Huwebes.

Binigyang-diin ni OCTA Research Fellow Dr. Guido David na ang kasalukuyang trend sa positivity rate ay nagpapakita ng posibleng pagtaas ng kaso ng COVID-19 sa mga susunod na linggo. Ang positivity rate ay naglalarawan ng porsyento ng mga isinailalim sa COVID testing na nagpopositibo sa sakit.

“The current trajectory suggests that peak infections in Metro Manila will occur next week,” ani Dr. David, ngunit idinagdag na “this can still change.”

Inihayag din ni Dr. David na nasa 22% ng aktibong kaso ng COVID-19 sa buong bansa ang may severe at critical na kundisyon, habang ang 63% ay mild o asymptomatic.

Sa kabila nito, nananatiling mababa ang case fatality rate sa bansa na nasa 0.34%, kung saan isa sa 300 kaso ng COVID-19 ang nagiging sanhi ng kamatayan.

Sa panig ng Department of Health (DOH), tumaas ng 50% ang bilang ng mga bagong kaso ng COVID-19 sa nakalipas na linggo. Gayunpaman, nilinaw ni DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa sa panayam ng ANC na bagaman at lumalaki ang bilang ng kaso, hindi pa rin puno ng mga pasyente ang mga ospital.

“Our cases in the hospitals are not increasing. Even if our numbers of Covid-19 are reportedly higher, our hospitals are not yet getting filled up with cases of Covid-19,” saad ni Secretary Herbosa.

Sinabi rin niya na ang kasalukuyang sitwasyon ay dapat patuloy na bantayan at ituring na hamon sa lahat upang mapanatili ang kalusugan ng publiko.

Israeli forces expose major Hamas command center in Gaza City amid cease-fire negotiations surge

Venus L Peñaflor
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Israeli forces expose major Hamas command center in Gaza City amid cease-fire negotiations surge

JERUSALEM. In a significant development, the Israeli military announced on Wednesday that it had uncovered a major Hamas command center in the heart of Gaza City. This discovery is considered a serious blow to the Islamic militant group as international pressure mounts on Israel to de-escalate its ongoing military offensive in the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli army revealed that it exposed the hub of an extensive underground network utilized by Hamas to facilitate the movement of weapons, militants, and supplies across the Gaza Strip. The destruction of these tunnels has been a key objective of Israel’s military offensive.

This revelation coincided with the arrival of Hamas’ top leader in Egypt for talks aimed at brokering a temporary cease-fire and negotiating a new agreement for the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

Despite international calls for a cease-fire, Israeli leaders have reiterated their commitment to the two-month-old offensive, launched in response to a cross-border attack by Hamas in October that resulted in the death of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of 240 others.

The extensive offensive has inflicted widespread devastation in northern Gaza, resulting in the deaths of nearly 20,000 Palestinians and displacing approximately 1.9 million people, constituting nearly 85% of the population.

Hamas militants have recently demonstrated fierce resistance against Israeli ground troops, maintaining their stronghold in southern Gaza and continuing daily rocket attacks into Israel.

While the United States, Israel’s closest ally, has affirmed Israel’s right to self-defense, Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a strong statement urging Israel to reduce the intensity of its operations. Blinken emphasized the need for “more targeted operations” focused on specific Hamas targets, including leaders and the tunnel network, with the aim of minimizing harm to civilians.

The Israeli military, in a rare move, escorted local reporters to Palestine Square in Gaza City, showcasing what it claims to be the epicenter of Hamas’ tunnel network. Military commanders asserted that they had uncovered offices, tunnels, and elevators used by top Hamas leaders. Videos were released showcasing underground facilities, including a wheelchair allegedly belonging to Hamas’ military commander, Mohammed Deif, who has not been seen in public for years.

Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the army’s chief spokesman, stated that a vast underground complex had been located, used routinely by Hamas during emergencies and the beginning of the conflict. He indicated that the tunnels extended across Gaza and reached major hospitals, although these claims could not be independently verified.

Hagari also revealed that Israel was winding down its operations in northern Gaza but acknowledged a significant misstep in the mistaken shooting of three Israelis held hostage. An investigation found that a military search dog with a body camera had captured audio of the hostages shouting for help in Hebrew five days before the shooting. The recording was not reviewed until after the hostages were killed.

The Israeli military’s current focus is on southern Gaza, where it believes Hamas leaders are hiding. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed in a video statement, “We will continue the war until the end. It will continue until Hamas is destroyed, until victory. Whoever thinks we will stop is detached from reality.”

Camp Vicente Lim Press Corps, nagtaguyod ng medical at dental mission

Kevin Pamatmat
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Camp Vicente Lim Press Corps, nagtaguyod ng medical at dental mission

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna. Ginanap ang medical at dental mission sa Camp Vicente Lim covered court sa temang “Maayos na Kalusugan, Ngayong Kapaskuhan,” na itinaguyod ng Camp Vicente Lim Press Corps (CVLPC) sa pangunguna ng pangulo nito na si Daniel Castro.

Nagpasalamat si Castro sa mga kasamahan at opisyal na nagbigay suporta mula sa pagpaplano hanggang sa pagpapatupad ng proyekto. Aniya, “Buong suporta ang ibinigay ng mga opisyal at lahat ng miyembro ng CVLPC.”

Binigyang-pugay si Castro kay Police Regional Office 4-A, sa pamumuno ni PBGEN Paul Kenneth T. Lucas, at kay PLTCOL Chitadel Gaoiran sa pagpili ng Camp Vicente Lim na maging venue ng proyektyo. Kasama sa mga major partners ang Philippine Red Cross Laguna Chapter, Lingap Leads Foundation, Tooth Family at 402ndA MC RMFB 4A at RMDU 4A na nagbigay-tulong at sumuporta.

Sa mensahe ni PBGen. Lucas na ipinihatid ni PLTCOL Gaoiran, nagpasalamat siya sa pamunuan ang mga kasapi ng CVLPC sa kanilang dedikasyon na makatulong sa pamamagitan ng medical at dental services projects. “Ang inyong pagdalo ay nagpapakita na ang miyembro ng media at ang kapulisan ay may mabuting ugnayan hindi lamang sa pagsugpo ng kriminalidad kundi maging sa adhikaing makatulong sa ating mga mamamayan,” ayon sa mensahe.

Dagdag pa ni PBGen. Lucas, “Ang pagkakaroon ng malusog na pangangatawan ay ang isa sa pinakamagandang regalo na ating natanggap sa taong ito. Kaya tunay na ‘Health is Wealth!'”

Hinikayat niya ang patuloy na suporta sa mga programa ng Philippine National Police at ang pagtutulungan ng lahat para sa kapayapaan at kaunlaran ng bansa.

“Makakaasa ang taong bayan, na ang Police Regional Office 4A at ang Camp Vicente Lim Press Corps ay handang maglingkod at sumuporta sa ikabubuti ng mga mamamayan hindi lamang SA Brgy. Mayapa, kundi sa buong nasasakupan ng CALABARZON,” ang pagtatapos ng heneral.

Pilipinas, handa sa posibleng pagpasok ng COVID-19 subvariant JN.1

Venus L Peñaflor
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Pilipinas, handa sa posibleng pagpasok ng COVID-19 subvariant JN.1

Kasalukuyang nasa mataas na pag-iingat ang Pilipinas dahil inaasahang papasok na ang bagong COVID-19 subvariant na JN.1, na kamakailan lamang natukoy sa ibang bansa, partikular sa mga bansang nasa rehiyon ng Amerika.

Ayon kay Dr. Rontgene Solante, Pangulo ng Philippine College of Physicians, may pangangambang posibleng pumasok ng JN.1 subvariant sa bansa. Binigyang-diin niya ang kahalagahan ng maingat na pagmamatyag mula sa pamahalaan, lalung-lalo na mula sa Department of Health (DOH), upang maiwasan ang posibleng pag-usbong ng mga kaso.

ibang bansa na kalapit natin and then wala tayong restrictions sa travel so most likely in due time puwedeng nandito na rin yan,” sabi ni Solante.

Batay sa unang datos, may mga katangian ang JN.1 na katulad ng Delta subvariant na maaaring magdulot ng mas matinding sakit. Tinukoy ng World Health Organization (WHO) ang JN.1 bilang isang “variant of interest,” na nagpapahiwatig ng posibleng pagbabago sa kakayahan nitong kumalat, severity, o vaccine effectiveness. Gayunpaman, hindi ito itinuturing na agarang panganib sa kalusugan.

Sa kabila ng pagtaas ng mga bagong kaso ng COVID-19, iginiit ni Solante na hindi ito dapat maging dahilan upang mag-panic ng publiko. Ipinapaliwanag niya na ito ay bunga ng inaasahang pagtaas ng kaso sa mga sakit sa baga tuwing taglamig at ang hindi pagsunod ng marami sa health protocols.

Binigyang-diin ni Solante ang kahalagahan ng patuloy na pagsunod sa mga health guidelines, pagsusumikap na makakuha ng pagbabakuna, at pagsasagawa ng mahigpit na kontrol sa border upang maibsan ang posibleng epekto ng JN.1 subvariant sa Pilipinas. Ang DOH ay maingat na nagmamasid sa sitwasyon at handa nang magsagawa ng kinakailangang hakbang upang mapanatili ang kalusugan ng publiko.

Colorado supreme court disqualifies Trump from 2024 state ballot over insurrection involvement

Venus L Peñaflor
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Colorado supreme court disqualifies Trump from 2024 state ballot over insurrection involvement

DENVER, Colorado. In a groundbreaking decision on Tuesday, the Colorado Supreme Court declared former President Donald Trump ineligible to appear on the state’s 2024 presidential primary ballot. The court cited the US Constitution’s insurrection clause, asserting that Trump’s involvement in the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol amounted to insurrection.

The 4-3 ruling, the first of its kind, sets the stage for a potential legal showdown in the nation’s highest court. Colorado’s decision marks the inaugural instance of a presidential candidate being deemed unqualified under the rarely invoked provision that prohibits insurrectionists from holding office.

The court’s majority, composed entirely of justices appointed by Democratic governors, stated, “A majority of the court holds that Trump is disqualified from holding the office of president under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment.”

Trump’s campaign has expressed confidence in appealing the decision to the US Supreme Court. Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for the campaign, said, “We have full confidence that the US Supreme Court will quickly rule in our favor and finally put an end to these un-American lawsuits.”

While the ruling specifically impacts the state’s Republican primary scheduled for March 5, its implications could extend to the general election on November 5. Election forecasters categorize Colorado as safely Democratic, making it likely that Joe Biden would carry the state regardless of Trump’s eligibility.

Advocacy groups and anti-Trump voters, who have mounted several legal challenges under section 3 of the 14th Amendment, view the decision as a victory. This constitutional provision, enacted after the American Civil War, aimed to prevent former Confederates from returning to power.

Richard Friedman, a law professor at the University of Michigan, commented, “He took an oath to preserve, protect and defend the constitution of the United States. And then he did what he could to subvert the lawful processes for electing our president.”

If the US Supreme Court upholds the Colorado decision, questions arise about whether the determination would be nationwide or applicable only to individual states.

The Colorado Supreme Court overturned a district court judge’s ruling, pausing its decision until January 4 to allow for appeals. The case was brought by a group of Colorado voters, supported by the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (Crew).

Ronna McDaniel, the Republican National Committee chairwoman, labeled the decision as “election interference” and expressed eagerness to fight for a victory. Meanwhile, a Colorado GOP candidate, Ramaswamy, pledged to withdraw from the primary, urging other candidates to do the same unless Trump is permitted on the ballot.

Similar lawsuits in Minnesota and New Hampshire were dismissed on procedural grounds, while a case in Michigan is awaiting a decision by the state’s supreme court.

Laguna triumphs as sole CALABARZON Province awarded SGLG 2023

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Laguna triumphs as sole CALABARZON Province awarded SGLG 2023

CITY OF MANILA. The Province of Laguna, under the leadership of Governor Ramil L. Hernandez, has been bestowed with the prestigious 2023 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). The award ceremony took place on 13 December 2023 at the Manila Hotel in Ermita.

Laguna stands out as the exclusive recipient of the SGLG within the CALABARZON Region, marking a significant achievement for the province. The DILG recognized Laguna’s exceptional efforts in embracing the theme of this year: “Leveraging Local Actions towards Inclusive and Resilient Governance.” The SGLG award underscores the province’s unwavering dedication to transparency, integrity, and efficient service delivery in local governance.

The province showcased its excellence in ten crucial areas of public service, attaining commendable standards in (1) Financial Administration, (2) Disaster Preparedness, (3) Social Protection and Sensitivity, (4) Health Compliance and Responsiveness, (5) Sustainable Education, (6) Business-Friendliness and Competitiveness, (7) Safety, Peace & Order, (8) Environmental Management, (9) Tourism, Heritage Development, Culture and the Arts, and (10) Youth Development.

Laguna’s triumph in securing the SGLG award for three consecutive years in 2016, 2017, and 2018 had already earned the province a place in the SGLG Hall of Fame. The recent recognition reaffirms Laguna’s steadfast commitment to maintaining robust and effective local governance practices, setting a commendable example for other regions to emulate.

Governor Hernandez expressed his gratitude for the honor, acknowledging the collective efforts of the local government and the citizens of Laguna. He emphasized that the SGLG award is a testament to the province’s dedication to advancing the welfare of its constituents and ensuring sustainable development.

The SGLG recognition serves as both a commendation for past achievements and a challenge for Laguna to persist in its pursuit of excellence in local governance, contributing to the overall progress and prosperity of the region.

US-led naval coalition launches Operation Prosperity Guardian to safeguard Red Sea shipping from Houthi attacks

Venus L Peñaflor
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US-led naval coalition launches Operation Prosperity Guardian to safeguard Red Sea shipping from Houthi attacks

WASHINGTON, D.C. In response to escalating attacks from Yemen’s Houthi rebels on merchant shipping in the southern Red Sea, the United States has announced the establishment of an enhanced naval protection force. The initiative, named Operation Prosperity Guardian, aims to safeguard the strategic waterway and address the recent surge in Houthi attacks.

While the United Kingdom has pledged participation, notable absentees from the coalition include Arab nations Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The absence of these key players raises concerns about the effectiveness of the maritime security effort.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the necessity of Operation Prosperity Guardian in light of the “recent escalation in reckless Houthi attacks originating from Yemen.” Other countries joining the effort include Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles, and Spain.

However, the immediate impact of this coalition on securing the Red Sea, through which around 50 merchant ships transit daily between the Suez Canal and destinations in Asia and Europe, remains uncertain.

In response to the ongoing security challenges, Danish shipping company Møller–Maersk announced it would reroute its ships around Africa and the Cape of Good Hope, a journey taking at least 10 days longer. The situation continues to be monitored closely, with expectations for a resolution allowing a return to the Suez Canal and the Red Sea.

Several shipping companies, including BP, OOCL, Hapag-Lloyd, and the Mediterranean Shipping Co., have previously altered their routes or suspended traffic due to security concerns.

The Houthi rebels, aligned with Iran, initially targeted Israeli shipping with long-range missile attacks, which were largely intercepted. However, their tactics shifted a month ago with the dramatic seizure of the British-owned cargo ship Galaxy Leader in a helicopter raid. Attacks on merchant tankers in the Bab el-Mandeb strait have since intensified.

The US military reported a recent attack on the Swan Atlantic tanker, carried out by a drone and an anti-ship ballistic missile launched from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. Despite limited damage and no injuries, the attacks underscore the persistent threat to commercial shipping.

Operation Prosperity Guardian will see the participation of HMS Diamond, a British destroyer, alongside three US destroyers. The absence of Egypt and Saudi Arabia in the coalition raises concerns about its effectiveness, with heightened tensions in the Arab world contributing to their non-participation.

Analysts, such as Farea Al-Muslimi from Chatham House, expect Houthi attacks to persist, posing a challenge to commercial shipping in the Red Sea. The delicate balance between protecting shipping routes and avoiding an escalation of the conflict remains a central concern

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