Wednesday, April 23, 2025


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Former Empress Michiko celebrates 90th birthday as she recovers from leg injury

TOKYO. Japan’s cherished former Empress Michiko marked her 90th birthday on Sunday as she continues to recover from a broken leg, according to officials from the Imperial Household Agency. The former empress received greetings from her family and palace staff during a quiet celebration at her residence in Tokyo.

Michiko, the first commoner to ascend to the role of empress in modern Japanese history, married then-Crown Prince Akihito in 1959 after their famous “tennis court romance.” Their marriage was groundbreaking, as Michiko Shoda, educated in Catholic schools, became a symbol of modernity in the traditionally rigid imperial family.

The couple retired after Emperor Akihito’s abdication in 2019, and their son, Emperor Naruhito, ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne with his wife, Empress Masako. Since stepping back from official duties, Michiko and Akihito have led a quiet life together, often seen taking daily walks in the palace gardens or hosting intimate gatherings focused on literature and music.

Palace officials reported that Michiko suffered a femoral fracture after a fall earlier in October and underwent surgery. She is undergoing daily rehabilitation sessions of about an hour each and is expected to use a wheelchair during her birthday celebration. Former Emperor Akihito remains deeply attentive to her recovery, frequently asking about her health.

Michiko has also expressed concern for those affected by the January 1 earthquake in Japan’s north-central Noto region, especially those impacted by additional flooding caused by heavy rains in September. Her empathy for the Japanese people has been a hallmark of her role as empress and continues in her retirement.

Known for her love of literature, Michiko shares a passion for reading with her husband. “She reads parts of a book aloud with His Majesty after breakfast as part of their daily routine,” palace officials said. Currently, they are reading a book chosen by Akihito about the Battle of Okinawa, one of the most brutal ground battles of World War II, fought in the name of his father, Emperor Hirohito.

Throughout their reign, Akihito and Michiko were known for modernizing Japan’s imperial family. They chose to raise their three children themselves, rather than relying entirely on palace staff, and often spoke directly to the public, creating a deep bond with the people. Their efforts to acknowledge the suffering caused by Japan’s wartime actions both within and outside the country earned them widespread respect.

As she celebrates her 90th year, Empress Michiko remains a beloved figure, admired for her warmth, grace, and dedication to both her family and her country.

Typhoon Kristine enters PAR, may affect search operations for missing Filipino crew in Japan

MANILA. Typhoon Kristine, the 11th weather disturbance of the year, entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Friday, according to PAGASA. The typhoon, internationally named Haishen, is not expected to cause significant damage in the Philippines but may complicate search efforts for survivors of the capsized ship Gulf Livestock 1 near Japan.

The typhoon is forecast to move towards southern Japan over the weekend. Its center was located 1,340 kilometers east of extreme Northern Luzon, packing winds of 185 kph and gusts up to 230 kph. No tropical cyclone wind signals are raised in the Philippines, but PAGASA warned of rough seas in Northern Luzon starting Friday night.

Meanwhile, Japan’s coast guard continues rescue operations for the Panama-registered Gulf Livestock 1, which issued a distress signal during Typhoon Maysak. Of the 43 crew members, 39 are Filipinos, and one survivor, Edwardo Sareno, has been rescued. Search efforts are ongoing for the remaining crew.

Typhoon Kristine is expected to exit PAR over the weekend and will intensify further as it heads towards Japan and the Korean Peninsula.

Israel escalates strikes in Gaza and Lebanon following Hamas leader’s death

BEIRUT. Israel has intensified its military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, launching airstrikes on Hezbollah’s intelligence headquarters in Beirut on Sunday, according to Israeli officials. The escalation follows the killing of Yahya Sinwar, a prominent Hamas leader, which has further heightened tensions in the region.

In Gaza, the aftermath of an Israeli airstrike on Beit Lahiya, in the northern part of the Palestinian territory, has left at least 87 people dead or missing. The Palestinian Health Ministry reported that rescue teams are still working to recover bodies from the rubble, but ongoing Israeli military operations and communication disruptions are complicating efforts. Israeli authorities are investigating the incident and questioned earlier casualty figures provided by Hamas’ media office.

This offensive marks one of the deadliest attacks in recent months and follows Israel’s increased military actions against both Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militant group in Lebanon. The airstrikes come amid growing speculation that Israel is attempting to prevent its regional rivals from regrouping as the U.S. elections approach, according to sources in the region.

The death of Yahya Sinwar had raised brief hopes for possible ceasefire negotiations, but Israel’s military actions have since intensified. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that he was the target of an assassination attempt by Hezbollah, which he described as “Iran’s proxy.” He noted that a drone was directed at his holiday home, but he was unharmed. In a phone call with former U.S. President Donald Trump, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel would act based on its own security interests.

Despite repeated efforts by the United States to mediate ceasefires in both Gaza and Lebanon, Israel has rejected these proposals, focusing instead on its ongoing military campaign.

Evacuations and Worsening Humanitarian Conditions

In the besieged Gaza Strip, Israeli strikes have caused widespread destruction. The offensive, which began on October 7, 2023, in response to a Hamas attack on Israel, has left much of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents homeless, while critical infrastructure such as hospitals and schools has been heavily damaged. Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee reported that over 5,000 Palestinians have evacuated the town of Jabalia, just south of Beit Lahiya, in response to the military’s operations to root out Hamas fighters.

The evacuation orders have sparked concerns among Palestinians that Israel’s military actions are aimed at displacing them from northern Gaza. However, Israeli officials have denied any such plans, insisting that the aim is to protect civilians and separate them from Hamas militants.

Amid the ongoing conflict, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen. U.N. Middle East peace envoy Tor Wennesland described the situation as “horrifying,” citing relentless Israeli strikes and a deteriorating humanitarian situation. He posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Horrifying scenes unfolding in Gaza, amidst conflict, relentless Israeli strikes & an ever-worsening humanitarian crisis.”

As the conflict rages on, efforts to reach a diplomatic solution have so far failed, and both the civilian toll and destruction continue to mount.

Photo credit: Reuters

President Marcos to attend inauguration of Indonesian president-elect and vp-elect in Jakarta

MANILA. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will travel to Jakarta on October 20 to attend the inauguration of Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto and Vice President-elect Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Malacañang announced on Saturday.

The invitation for President Marcos to attend the ceremony came from outgoing Indonesian President Joko Widodo, who will officially hand over leadership to his successor. First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos will join Marcos for the event, the Palace confirmed.

“The attendance of President Marcos and the First Lady at the inauguration of the Indonesian President and Vice President reaffirms the deep and enduring friendship between the two nations, founded on close people-to-people ties,” the statement from Malacañang read.

The Palace also emphasized that Marcos’ presence at the inauguration symbolizes the Philippines’ commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Indonesia, especially as the two countries mark 75 years of formal diplomatic ties this year. Both nations are founding members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and share a long-standing partnership in the region.

In a meeting at Malacañan Palace in September, President Marcos and Prabowo Subianto reaffirmed their dedication to further enhance cooperation between the Philippines and Indonesia. This upcoming event marks yet another step in their growing partnership.

President Marcos’ first overseas trip as president was to Indonesia for a state visit in September 2022, where he and President Widodo discussed matters of mutual interest. Widodo reciprocated the gesture with an official visit to the Philippines in January 2024.

“This exchange of high-level visits is a testament to the strong bilateral relations between our two democratic and maritime countries,” Malacañang added.

Hostage families see ‘window of opportunity’ after Hamas leader Sinwar’s death

JERUSALEM. Just two days after Israeli forces killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in Gaza, the families of hostages taken in the October 7, 2023 attack are urging the government to seize the moment to bring their loved ones home. The death of Sinwar, who was a key figure in the militant group, has left many families torn between fear and cautious optimism—worried about retaliation, but hopeful that Sinwar’s removal could pave the way for new negotiations.

“Netanyahu and the U.S. said in the last couple of weeks that Sinwar was the obstacle to getting a deal. Now he’s not the obstacle. So this should bring them to take advantage of the window of opportunity to get a deal done, and fast,” said Ruby Chen, 55, the father of American-Israeli hostage Itay Chen.

Itay, a 19-year-old former Boy Scout who loved basketball, was kidnapped from a military base during the October attack, one of around 250 hostages taken that day. Hamas militants killed approximately 1,200 people in their coordinated assault across southern Israel. Chen mentioned that the Israeli military has hinted his son may have died in captivity, but he is uncertain about the validity of that information.

The assassination of Yahya Sinwar has been a top priority for the Israeli military since the Israel-Hamas war erupted. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that Sinwar was killed in a chance encounter on Wednesday when a tank shell struck the building he was hiding in following a gunfight with Israeli soldiers. His death adds another layer of complexity to the hostage situation—about 100 hostages are still held in Gaza, and it is believed that a third of them may already be dead.

Ceasefire negotiations aimed at securing the release of the hostages have repeatedly faltered, leaving families frustrated with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government for prioritizing military victories over the return of their loved ones. However, with Sinwar’s death, some families now feel there may be a rare chance for Netanyahu to shift focus.

“Mr. Netanyahu had a very dark legacy up to this day,” said Efrat Machikawa, 56, the niece of 80-year-old hostage Gadi Moses, who was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz. “But the time is now, exactly now… Now is his chance to make sure all the hostages are coming back, the dead so they can have a proper burial and the living so they can be returned to their families.”

Netanyahu has been criticized for his refusal to agree to one of Hamas’ core demands in earlier negotiations—Israel’s full withdrawal of troops from the Gaza Strip at the war’s end. Sinwar had been a fierce advocate of this precondition. With him now out of the equation, hostage families hope that both Netanyahu and Hamas may soften their positions.

In a speech on Thursday, Netanyahu stressed that Sinwar’s death did not signal the end of the conflict. However, he hinted that the assassination could potentially open doors for a deal, calling the return of the hostages his “supreme obligation” and offering immunity to Hamas fighters who “put down their weapons and leave our hostages.”

For some families, Netanyahu’s recent statements suggest a more genuine commitment to the hostages’ return. “Before now, he was always aggressive, talking about how we needed to annihilate everyone from Hamas. Now he seems more dedicated, talking about returning the hostages as his own personal mission,” said Ricardo Grichener, uncle of 23-year-old hostage Omer Wenkert.

Wenkert, who suffers from colitis, requires daily medication, and his family fears for his survival under such dire conditions. A former hostage who was held with Wenkert described the dismal situation inside Gaza’s tunnels, where hostages live in total darkness, sleep on the sand, and are given minimal food and water—three dates a day and half a bottle of water every two days.

“Time is of the essence,” Grichener said. “After 12 months held in nonhuman conditions, we are afraid that our loved ones will not survive. Especially after Sinwar’s death, we don’t know who is controlling the guards. We don’t know if there will be any retaliation against the hostages. We need a deal now.”

As Israel continues its operations in Gaza and Hezbollah’s activities in Lebanon escalate, the families of the remaining hostages are pressing harder than ever for immediate action. They hope that Sinwar’s death, though a significant military victory for Israel, may finally shift the political landscape enough to bring their loved ones home.

Drone attack targets Israeli Prime Minister’s home as Gaza strikes claim over 50 lives

JERUSALEM. A drone targeted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s private residence in Caesarea on Saturday, though no casualties were reported. According to a statement from Netanyahu’s office, both he and his wife were not present at the time of the attack, which occurred amid rising hostilities involving Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. The Israeli military also reported that sirens blared across the nation in response to incoming fire from Lebanon.

The drone attack comes on the heels of vows from Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that Hamas would continue its struggle against Israel. This follows the assassination of the mastermind behind the October 7, 2023 attack that devastated Israeli communities.

Netanyahu’s home in the Mediterranean coastal town of Caesarea was the focal point of the drone strike, while elsewhere, Israel faced increased missile barrages from Lebanon. Over 50 projectiles were launched at northern Israel, killing a 50-year-old man and injuring four others.

Escalating Conflict Across Multiple Fronts

The conflict between Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah militant group, which Iran backs, has significantly intensified. On Saturday, Hezbollah fired a wave of projectiles and launched exploding drones into northern Israel. In response, Israeli forces carried out targeted strikes against Hezbollah leaders. One significant casualty was Nasser Rashid, the group’s deputy commander in Bint Jbeil, Lebanon.

The violence also spilled over into Beirut, where the Lebanese health ministry confirmed that an Israeli airstrike hit a vehicle on a highway north of the city, killing two people. Their identities remain unclear at this time.

In Gaza, Israeli strikes claimed more than 50 lives, including several children, within 24 hours. Hospitals in the northern part of the enclave, already battered by ongoing airstrikes, reported heavy damage and mounting casualties.

As the conflict rages on, Israel continues to face threats from multiple fronts. In recent weeks, Yemen’s Houthi rebels also launched a ballistic missile toward Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv during Netanyahu’s return flight in September. The missile was intercepted, averting further disaster.

With tensions running high and the region bracing for more violence, the Israeli government remains on high alert as they evaluate their next course of action. The recent escalation highlights the broader regional conflict involving Israel, Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran, with no end in sight to the unfolding crisis.

911 call warning before Liam Payne’s tragic death in Buenos Aires hotel

BUENOS AIRES. Former One Direction pop star Liam Payne tragically died at the age of 31 after falling from the third-floor balcony of his hotel room at CasaSur Hotel in Palermo, Buenos Aires. The incident has left fans around the world in mourning and has triggered an investigation into the events leading up to the fatal fall.

Before the tragic incident, a 911 call was made by a hotel employee, warning authorities about Payne’s erratic behavior. According to the Buenos Aires security ministry, the employee reported that Payne appeared intoxicated by drugs and alcohol and had been damaging his hotel room. The employee expressed concern for Payne’s safety, especially due to the room’s balcony.

Here is an excerpt from the translated transcript of the 911 call:

911 Call Transcript
Operator: Good afternoon, an emergency.
Caller: Hello, good morning. I just called, I got disconnected. I’m calling from CasaSur Palermo hotel, Costa Rica 6032.
Operator: What’s going on at the hotel, sir?
Caller: We have a guest who is intoxicated by drugs and alcohol. When he’s conscious, he’s breaking the whole room. And, well, we need you to send someone, please.
Operator: Under the influence of alcohol and drugs, right, sir?
Caller: Yes, that’s correct.
Operator: Where is the hotel? What’s the name of the hotel?
Caller: CasaSur Palermo. We need someone urgently because, well, I don’t know if the guest’s life is at risk. He is in a room with a balcony.

The Buenos Aires police responded to the scene, but tragically, Payne was found dead after falling from the balcony. The cause of death is under investigation, and toxicology reports are expected to clarify the singer’s condition at the time of the incident.

According to the caller, Payne, who became an international star as part of the boy band One Direction, had been staying at the hotel for two or three days. His sudden death has sparked a global outpouring of grief from fans, fellow musicians, and celebrities sharing tributes on social media, remembering his contributions to the music world and his charismatic presence.

The investigation continues, with authorities looking into whether Payne’s fall was accidental or if other factors contributed to the tragedy.


This report contains unaltered quotes from the original 911 call as documented by the Buenos Aires security ministry.

‘Who should we not vote for, anak?’ No ‘singit’, too

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Pupils are more reliable than today’s older voters in choosing the president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer of their class.

Here is the rub: In a biblical commentary, one prominent website assumed that in the Greek culture during apostle Paul’s time, a child from a rich family had limited freedom. Although he would eventually inherit all the family’s possessions and hold authority over them, he had no control over when to go to bed and other daily routines. The child’s status as the heir granted him no real independence until he reached a specified age.

That is the same assumption held by men and women of God that I meet. Quo vadis, mature, young adult and adult voters in the Philippines? And do they know where their children and their children’s children are going?

The age of majority refers to the legal age at which an individual is recognized as an adult and gains the full rights and responsibilities of adulthood, including the right to suffrage. It is typically set at 18 in several countries, whose citizens can register to vote and participate in elections. (This is with exception to youth polls of Sangguniang Kabataan, formerly called Kabataang Barangay during Imee Marcos’ appointment as chairperson of it… Or was it by election done by her father?)

There are debates around lowering the voting age. The point is simple: Maraming tumatandang paurong lalo sa kanilang pagboto, while the arguments about youth engagement and civic education, or whether young people are informed enough to participate meaningfully in electoral processes are to be decided “paurong” (backwardly)? If it is not toward a worse state, then what is? The worst? It is a rhetorical question of what else it could be. We have heard the resounding “Pilipinas, bakit ang hirap mong mahalin?” expression of grief from our college students and fresh graduates. When they go back home, their parents’ staying power is what matters. On the other hand, the power of these would-be professionals would just be turned on when they access their social media accounts, ridiculing trapos (traditional politicians) and fighting a lot online because they face troll armies.

It is considered worse because Robinhood topped the recent senate polls and worst because the Yoracs, the Aquinos, the Dioknos are losing. Another worse to worst: two senate slots per political family (including Camella).

The Constitution provides in Article II Section 26: “The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.” That charter is betrayed by congressmen and senators for 37 long years and counting. They would continue raising their right hands, defending the Constitution the way they want to and the way their dynastic clans used to be.

However, God keeps on reminding people to love their children. Divine chastisement is always at the back of their minds if they do not plan and give them a better future. Now that they heard those who filed their COCs, with persistent ones videotaping themselves to let their FB, X, and IG followers know and understand what their political platforms are — except for Revillame, who would let us know and understand such serious matters once he wins a spot in the Magic 12 as Show Thor Senator of the Republic come 2025 — mature voters, perhaps, need to take time to listen carefully to their sons and daughters and ask the honest and moral requests like: “Anak, since you choose good leaders in your class, help me decide who deserve my vote next year?”

Or better ask them: Who should we not vote for? Recall that even the persuasion of the insertion or “singit na pakiusap” also works. Enough of that. We are our children’s pride and honor.

Rare comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas to grace Philippine sky this week, PAGASA confirms

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MANILA. Stargazers in the Philippines are in for a celestial treat this week as Comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas will be visible in the night sky. According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the rare comet will make its closest approach to Earth on Saturday and should be visible until the end of October, weather permitting.

The comet, also known as C/2023 A3, was first discovered last year by observatories in China and South Africa. It is now hurtling toward Earth from the far reaches of the solar system, specifically the Oort Cloud, which lies beyond Pluto. After passing within 44 million miles (71 million kilometers) of Earth, it will not return for another 80,000 years—assuming it survives its journey around the sun.

According to PAGASA, the best time to view Comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas in the Philippines is around an hour after sunset. For those hoping to catch a glimpse, clear skies will offer the best chance to spot the comet in the western sky. While it should be visible to the naked eye, using binoculars or a telescope will provide a better view of its iconic tail.

“It’ll be this fuzzy circle with a long tail stretching away from it,” said Sally Brummel, planetarium manager at the Bell Museum in Minnesota. Brummel explained that comets heat up as they approach the sun, releasing gases and dust that form their characteristic glowing tails.

Comets are ancient, frozen remnants from the formation of our solar system billions of years ago. While comets pass by Earth regularly, not all of them are bright enough to be seen without special equipment. “Several comets are discovered every year, but many burn up near the sun or linger too far away to be visible without special equipment,” said Larry Denneau, a lead researcher with the Atlas telescope that helped discover the comet.

Recent notable comets include Neowise in 2020 and Hale-Bopp in the late 1990s. Last year, a green comet that hadn’t been seen in 50,000 years also passed by Earth, thrilling skywatchers across the globe.

PAGASA advises Filipinos to take advantage of this rare opportunity to witness Comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas. After all, this once-in-a-lifetime event won’t be repeated for thousands of years. So, if the weather holds, grab your binoculars and head outside for a chance to see this remarkable visitor from the outer edges of our solar system.


This rare sight is expected to be visible from both the northern and southern hemispheres, making it a global spectacle for astronomy enthusiasts. Keep your eyes to the sky, and don’t miss this cosmic show!

P500K pabuya kapalit ng impormasyon sa 4 suspek sa pagpatay kay Bulacan ABC pres

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MAYNILA. Nag-alok ng P500,000 na pabuya ang pamahalaang panlalawigan ng Bulacan para sa sinumang makapagbibigay ng mahalagang impormasyon ukol sa kinaroroonan ng apat na suspek sa brutal na pagpatay kay Sangguniang Panlalawigan board member at Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) President Ramilito Capistrano at ang kanyang driver.

Ayon kay Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson P/Brigadier General Jean Fajardo sa isang press briefing nitong Huwebes, “Naglabas din ng reward na P500,000 ang LGU po ng Bulacan para sa sinumang makapagbibigay ng impormasyon na hahantong sa pag-aresto at lokasyon po nitong si Sgt. Pascual, Gallardo, alias ‘Lupin’, at alias ‘Jeff’ po.”

Ang mga suspek na sina Police Staff Sergeant Ulysses Hernani Castro Pascual, ang kanyang pinsang si Cesar Mayoralgo Gallardo Jr., at ang kanilang mga kasabwat na sina “Jeff” at “Lupin” ay nahaharap sa kasong double murder na isinampa sa Prosecutor’s Office ng Malolos City.

Si Capistrano, na pinuno rin ng ABC sa Bulacan, ay nasa loob ng kanilang sasakyan kasama ang kanyang driver na si Shedrick Toribio nang tambangan sila ng mga armadong lalaki noong Oktubre 3. Ayon sa ulat, si Pascual ay unang naaresto ngunit nakatakas matapos itong payagan ng isang kapwa pulis na umuwi. Hindi na siya bumalik sa kustodiya ng mga awtoridad mula noong nakaraang linggo.

Patuloy na iniimbestigahan ng PNP ang motibo sa likod ng krimen, at hindi nila isinasantabi ang posibilidad na ito ay may kaugnayan sa trabaho ni Capistrano. Ayon kay Fajardo, “Hindi pa po natin ma-single out kung ano po yung motibo until such time na mapin-point po natin yung mastermind. Because it appears na itong pong mga suspects na sinampahan ng kaso were just the instrument na ginamit nitong mastermind para patayin itong si Capistrano.” Dagdag pa niya, “Hindi natin inaalis yung possibility na ito ay work-related.”

Inatasan na ng PNP ang Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) upang manguna sa manhunt operations laban sa mga suspek.

Patuloy ang panawagan ng mga awtoridad sa publiko na makipagtulungan at magbigay ng impormasyon na maaaring makatulong sa pagkakaaresto ng mga suspek.