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

Home Blog Page 76

DILG: 37 hotspot areas sa Eleksyon 2025, tinukoy na

0

MAYNILA. Inihayag ng Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) na mayroong 37 lugar sa bansa na itinuturing na election hotspots para sa darating na Eleksyon 2025.

Ayon kay DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla sa isang panayam sa Unang Balita ng GMA Integrated News, karamihan sa mga hotspot na ito ay nasa sa Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

“Meron tayong 37 hot spots — 28 nasa Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, meron sa 3rd and 4th District ng Leyte, meron din sa Central Luzon,” ani Remulla.

Bagamat mas kaunti ang bilang ng mga hotspot kumpara sa nakaraang mga eleksyon, sinabi ni Remulla na hindi inaasahang magiging marahas ang Eleksyon 2025. “Kaunti na lang kumpara sa dati. Pero generally, we don’t expect violent elections,” dagdag pa niya.

PNP, Pinaghahandaan ang Seguridad

Noong Setyembre, inatasan ni Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Rommel Marbil ang kanyang mga commander na tukuyin na ang mga lugar na maaaring maging “election areas of concern” para sa halalan sa 2025.

Bukod dito, pinag-aaralan din ng PNP kung kakailanganin ng karagdagang pwersa sa ilang lugar upang mapanatili ang kapayapaan at maiwasan ang karahasang kaugnay ng eleksyon.

Sa kabila ng maagang paghahanda para sa eleksyon, naitala ang ilang insidente ng karahasan laban sa mga halal at nagnanais tumakbong lokal na opisyal. Isa sa pinakahuling kaso ay ang pamamaslang sa dating barangay chairman na si Amado Sta. Ana sa Tantangan, South Cotabato noong Nobyembre 18. Si Sta. Ana ay naghahain ng kandidatura bilang bise alkalde para sa Eleksyon 2025 nang siya ay pagbabarilin.

Pinapaalalahanan ng DILG at PNP ang publiko na manatiling mapagmatyag at makipagtulungan sa mga awtoridad upang masiguro ang maayos at payapang halalan.

Japanese artist captivates global audience with intricate leaf-cutting art

TOKYO. Transforming fallen leaves into intricate masterpieces, Japanese artist Lito has found solace and global admiration through his unique art form. From a frog holding a taro-leaf umbrella to iconic Ukiyo-e designs of Mount Fuji and giant waves, his leaf-cutting creations breathe new life into nature’s discarded fragments.

Lito, who began his artistic journey in 2020, posts his delicate works on social media almost daily, garnering fans worldwide. This craft has not only provided him with a sense of purpose but also helped him cope with personal struggles, including living with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Using leaves treated with a wrinkle-free chemical, Lito selects one from a pile, places it on a cutting board, and begins outlining his design with a pen in his right hand. He carefully cuts out the delicate shapes with a design knife in his left hand.

During a recent interview with The Associated Press, Lito demonstrated the creation of a frog carrying an umbrella, a relatively simple design. However, more intricate pieces, such as those inspired by “Scrolls of Frolicking Animals” and “Thirty-six Views of Mt. Fuji: The Great Wave off Kanagawa,” can take over eight hours to complete.

“I would rather finish it in one go when I am focused,” the 38-year-old artist shared.

Since childhood, Lito has shown exceptional patience and concentration. Yet, he faced challenges fitting into conventional settings at school and work. Struggles with understanding emotions and avoiding conflicts led him to seek help at the age of 30, when he was diagnosed with ADHD.

“The diagnosis explained why I have always done things differently,” Lito said.

Discovering leaf-cutting in 2020 felt like a natural fit, allowing him to channel his abilities into an art form that resonates deeply with people.

Lito’s intricate works have captured the attention of art enthusiasts on social media, and his popularity has paved the way for published books and solo exhibitions held nearly every month across Japan. Despite his growing fame, Lito remains focused on his goal: bringing happiness to others through his art.

“If I can make people happy by doing what I am doing, I want to do more. That’s my driving force for what’s next,” he said.

Through his mesmerizing leaf art, Lito proves that even the smallest, most overlooked elements of nature can be transformed into extraordinary expressions of creativity and joy.

He carefully cuts out the delicate shapes with a design knife in his left hand.
Lito’s intricate works have captured the attention of art enthusiasts on social media, and his popularity has paved the way for published books and solo exhibitions held nearly every month across Japan.
“The diagnosis explained why I have always done things differently,” Lito said.

PAGASA nagbabala: Dalawang bagyo, posibleng tumama sa Pilipinas ngayong Disyembre

MAYNILA. Inaasahan ang pagpasok ng isa hanggang dalawang tropical cyclone sa Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) ngayong Disyembre, ayon sa Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Sa isang pahayag noong 4:00 p.m., sinabi ni Ana Clauren-Jorda, isang weather specialist ng PAGASA, na kailangang maghanda ang publiko para sa posibilidad ng mga bagyo, lalo na’t ito’y maaaring tumama sa Luzon, Visayas, o Mindanao.

“Ang isa hanggang dalawang bagyo ay posibleng pumasok sa ating area of responsibility, kung saan malaki ang tsansa na mag-landfall o magkaroon ng epekto sa lupa kung ating babantayan ang isang tropical cyclone o bagyo na maaaring makaapekto sa ating bansa,” ani Jorda.

Simula Oktubre, anim na tropical cyclone na ang naitala sa bansa, kabilang ang Kristine (international name: Trami), Leon (Kong-rey), Marce (Yinxing), Nika (Toraji), Ofel (Usagi), at Pepito.

Bagama’t walang tiyak na landas ang mga bagyo, ipinaalala ng PAGASA na mag-ingat, lalo na sa panahong ito ng kapaskuhan. Ayon sa ahensya, maaaring magdulot ang mga tropical cyclone ng matinding ulan, pagbaha, at landslide, kaya’t mahalagang manatiling alerto at updated sa mga ulat ng panahon.

Patuloy na binabantayan ng PAGASA ang anumang paggalaw ng panahon at magbibigay ng karagdagang abiso sa publiko kaugnay ng paparating na mga bagyo.

Bombing intensifies in Syria’s northwest as rebels seize Aleppo

AMMAN. Russian and Syrian jets launched intensified bombing raids on Idlib, a rebel-controlled city in northern Syria, on Sunday, as President Bashar al-Assad vowed to crush insurgents who recently seized parts of Aleppo in a bold offensive.

One airstrike targeted a densely populated residential area in central Idlib, where nearly four million people reside in makeshift shelters near the Turkish border. Rescuers reported at least seven deaths and dozens of injuries in the attack. “We found entire families buried under the rubble,” said a first responder at the scene.

The Syrian army and its ally Russia maintain they only target insurgent hideouts and deny targeting civilians. However, local reports and witnesses point to significant civilian casualties.

Aleppo Falls into Rebel Hands

On Friday night, a coalition of rebels, including Turkish-backed armed groups and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist faction classified as a terrorist organization by the U.S., Russia, and Turkey, launched a surprise assault on Aleppo, forcing a hasty retreat of government forces.

“This is the biggest challenge to Assad in years,” said a military analyst, highlighting the rebels’ capture of Aleppo’s industrial zones and the strategic town of Khansir, which could disrupt army supply routes.

The government acknowledged the loss, with a Syrian army official confirming dozens of soldiers had been killed in the attack. On Sunday, Assad addressed the offensive, stating on state media, “Terrorists only know the language of force, and it is the language we will crush them with.”

Aleppo, a city that had been a government stronghold since 2016, saw streets deserted and shops shuttered as civilians fled or stayed indoors, fearing a repeat of the devastating Russian-led bombing campaigns of the past.

“I am shocked at how they fled and abandoned us,” said Ahmad Tutenji, a merchant in Aleppo’s affluent New Aleppo district. Meanwhile, rebel fighters paraded through the city’s streets, waving opposition flags and occupying key intersections.

Abdullah al-Halabi, a resident of Qasr al-Baladi, described the terror gripping the city. “We are afraid of what’s coming. The memories of the last bombing are still fresh in our minds,” he said.

The Syrian army announced on Sunday that it had recaptured several towns overrun by the rebels in recent days. Reinforcements, including Iran-backed militias led by Hezbollah, were reportedly mobilizing to counter the insurgents.

Analysts believe the lack of sufficient manpower has weakened the government’s ability to resist the renewed rebel offensive in recent months. Iran, a key Assad ally, had previously provided significant support, but recent Israeli strikes targeting Iranian positions in Syria and Lebanon have reportedly diminished Hezbollah’s operational strength.

The ongoing civil war, which began in 2011, has killed hundreds of thousands and displaced millions. While major fighting subsided in recent years, the recent rebel advances in Aleppo and intensified bombings in Idlib mark a dangerous escalation.

As of Sunday evening, the situation in Aleppo remained volatile, with both sides preparing for further clashes.

Kinondena ng PNP ang marahas na Bonifacio Day protest sa Maynila

0

MAYNILA. Mariing kinondena ng Philippine National Police (PNP) ang naganap na karahasan sa protesta kasabay ng ika-161 kaarawan ni Andres Bonifacio sa CM Recto Avenue, Maynila noong Sabado, Nobyembre 30, kung saan ilang pulis ang nasaktan matapos tangkaing lampasan ng mga raliyista ang kanilang barikada.

Ayon sa pahayag ng PNP, kinundena nila ang “acts of violence perpetrated by certain rallyists… which led to injuries and the disruption of public order.”

Batay sa inisyal na ulat, isang pulis na naka-deploy sa lugar ang nagtamo ng pinsala sa mata at agad na dinala sa ospital. “Other officers suffered minor abrasions and received immediate first aid from a medical team on-site,” dagdag ng PNP.

Binigyang-diin ng ahensya ang mahalagang balanse sa pagitan ng pagprotekta sa karapatang magpahayag at mapayapang pagtitipon, habang sinisiguro rin ang kaligtasan ng publiko.

“Our police officers, who are tasked with safeguarding public safety, displayed remarkable restraint and professionalism even as they faced provocation and aggression,” pahayag ng PNP. Dagdag pa nila, “Their mission is always clear: to de-escalate tensions, preserve peace, and protect lives.”

Nanindigan ang PNP na patuloy nilang poprotektahan ang karapatang konstitusyonal ng bawat Pilipino na magtipon nang mapayapa, ngunit iginiit nilang hindi nila kukunsintihin ang anumang uri ng karahasan.

“However, we cannot and will not tolerate any form of violence that endangers the public or undermines the rule of law. Those responsible for instigating chaos and harming others will be held accountable in accordance with the law,” ayon sa pahayag.

Hinikayat din ng PNP ang publiko na makilahok sa mapayapang dayalogo at umiwas sa mga aksyon na maaaring magdulot ng panganib o kaguluhan sa komunidad. “Our shared goal must always be a society where voices are heard, and mutual respect prevails,” anila.

Patuloy ang imbestigasyon ng PNP sa insidente upang matukoy ang mga sangkot at mapanagot ang mga lumabag sa batas.

Photo credit: Philippine Star

Over 122,000 evacuated as torrential floods ravage northern Malaysia

0

KUALA LUMPUR. Devastating floods triggered by relentless rains have forced more than 122,000 people to evacuate across Malaysia’s northern states, surpassing the 118,000 displaced during the country’s catastrophic 2014 floods, officials reported Saturday.

The National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) expressed concerns that the situation could worsen as torrential downpours show no signs of abating. Thus far, four fatalities have been confirmed, with the deaths recorded across Kelantan, Terengganu, and Sarawak.

Kelantan: The Epicenter of Disaster

Kelantan state has suffered the most significant impact, with 63% of the 122,631 evacuees coming from the area. Terengganu has also seen nearly 35,000 evacuations, while seven other states reported smaller-scale displacements.

Pasir Puteh in Kelantan has been particularly hard-hit. Streets are inundated with waist-deep water, leaving many residents stranded.

“My area has been flooded since Wednesday. The water has already reached my house corridor and is just two inches away from coming inside,” said Zamrah Majid, a 59-year-old school janitor. “Luckily, I moved my two cars to higher ground before the water level rose.”

While Zamrah’s grandchildren played in the shallow floodwaters, she expressed growing concerns. “If the water gets higher, it would be dangerous. I’m afraid they might get swept away,” she said.

Another resident, Muhammad Zulkarnain, 27, described the isolation his family faces. “There’s no way in or out for any vehicles to enter my neighborhood,” he said. “Of course, I’m scared… Luckily, we have received some assistance from NGOs, like biscuits, instant noodles, and eggs.”

Heavy Rainfall Continues

The Malaysian Meteorological Department warned that heavy rains will persist until Sunday in Kelantan, Terengganu, and Perak. Floodwaters have rendered many areas inaccessible, compounding the challenges for emergency services.

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who chairs the National Disaster Management Committee, announced the deployment of thousands of emergency personnel, rescue boats, four-wheel-drive vehicles, and helicopters to assist in relief efforts.

Flooding is a recurring problem in Malaysia during the northeast monsoon season, which brings heavy rains from November to March. However, this year’s floods have been particularly severe, underscoring the escalating challenges posed by climate change in the region.

With no immediate reprieve in sight, the government and NGOs continue to coordinate relief efforts to support affected communities.

Syrian rebels overrun Aleppo amid Russian airstrikes backing Assad

ALEPPO, Syria. Rebel forces led by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) stormed Aleppo on Saturday, marking the most significant challenge to President Bashar al-Assad’s government in years. The offensive has resulted in heavy casualties among Syrian army forces and forced a redeployment of troops.

The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed its air force had carried out strikes in support of Assad’s forces, targeting rebel positions in Aleppo and nearby Idlib. “Missile and bomb strikes were directed at militant concentrations, command posts, depots, and artillery positions,” stated the Russian Centre for the Reconciliation of Enemy Parties, which claimed the strikes killed approximately 300 rebels.

The HTS-led assault captured key areas in Aleppo, including the city’s airport, and extended their control to Maraat al-Numan in Idlib province. Rebel fighters celebrated their advance, with images showing them posing on a toppled statue of Bassil al-Assad and waving opposition flags near Aleppo’s historic citadel.

“I am a son of Aleppo and was displaced from it eight years ago, in 2016. Thank God we just returned. It is an indescribable feeling,” said Ali Jumaa, a rebel fighter, in televised remarks.

Syrian army officials acknowledged the setbacks, stating, “Our armed forces carried out a redeployment operation aimed at strengthening defense lines to absorb the attack, preserve civilian lives, and regroup troops.”

The rebel offensive underscores the entangled geopolitics of Syria’s conflict. Russia and Iran back Assad’s government, while Turkey supports certain rebel factions in the northwest. This escalation comes amidst ongoing wars in Gaza and Lebanon, further destabilizing the region.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan discussed the crisis over a phone call, agreeing on coordinating actions to stabilize the situation. Meanwhile, Iran alleged the rebel attacks were part of an Israeli-U.S. strategy to foment instability in the region.

The White House National Security Council distanced itself from the offensive, calling it the work of “a designated terrorist organization.” NSC spokesperson Sean Savett stated, “Syria’s refusal to engage in a political process and its reliance on Russia and Iran have created the conditions now unfolding.”

As airstrikes intensified, the Syrian Civil Defense, operating in opposition-held Idlib, reported that four civilians were killed and six injured in residential areas. Mustafa Abdul Jaber, a Jaish al-Izza rebel group commander, attributed the rebels’ swift gains to a lack of Iran-backed manpower in Aleppo.

The Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG), allied with the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, also expanded their control in Aleppo as government forces retreated.

The situation remains volatile with Russian reinforcements expected in the next 72 hours. The rebel campaign, they claimed, was a response to intensified airstrikes by Russian and Syrian forces on civilian areas in Idlib in recent weeks.

As fighting rages in northwest Syria, the fragile balance in the Middle East faces yet another severe test, with the ripple effects of this offensive potentially reshaping alliances and strategies in the region.

Bolunterismo: De Lima, Diokno, Kiko, Bam Nanguna; Hontiveros at mga residente ng San Pablo, nakiisa

0

Sa tila walang puknat na bangayan sa pagitan ng dalawang higante sa pulitikang pambansa, nakatanaw pa rin ng “magandang pag-asa” ang mga residente ng Laguna nang makadaupang-palad nila si Senadora Risa Hontiveros nitong Sabado, Nobyembre 30.

Bukod sa Chairperson ng Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality, personal ding naihatid ang “tama at pinagkaisahang mensahe” sa panahon ng malalang away-pulitika ng mga nakatataas nang mapakinggan sina Akbayan party-list lead nominee Chel Diokno, Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Partylist First Nominee Leila De Lima, dating senador Kiko Pangilinan, at ang kinatawan ng dating senador Bam Aquino.

Mensahe ng bolunterismo ang hatid nina Hontiveros, Diokno, De Lima, Pangilinan, at Aquino, ngunit sinamantala rin ang pagkakataong makausap ang mga kinatawan ng iba’t ibang sektor sa San Pablo City, kabilang ang mga pinuno ng local government unit (LGU).

Sa paglulunsad ng People’s Volunteer Movement, sinang-ayunan ng mga panauhing tumatakbo sa halalan 2025 at ilang lider ng mga karatig-LGU na panahon na umanong ipamalas ang tunay at makabuluhang pagkakaisa sa paglilingkod sa bansa.

Ayon sa isa sa mga mamamayang mainit na tumanggap sa kanila sa San Pablo Central School gym, siya man din ay nakaramdam ng kabutihang-loob sa pinagkaisang mensaheng itaguyod ang volunteerism na may pag-agapay ng mga tapat maglingkod-bayan. Kung hindi, aniya, babalik lamang sa “more of the same” ang sitwasyon sa Pilipinas sa halip na maramdaman ng mga mahihirap ang sinasabing paglago ng ekonomiya.

Tinanggap ni San Pablo City Mayor Vicente B. Amante ang grupo ni Hontiveros. Nakiisa rin sa pulong sina San Pablo City Councilor Chad Pavico at FPJ partylist lead-nominee Gel Adriano.

Sa paglulunsad ng People’s Volunteer Movement, sinang-ayunan ng mga panauhing tumatakbo sa halalan 2025 at ilang lider ng mga karatig-LGU na panahon na umanong ipamalas ang tunay at makabuluhang pagkakaisa sa paglilingkod sa bansa.

Global treaty talks in South Korea tackle plastic pollution crisis

BUSAN, South Korea. As the world grapples with an escalating plastic pollution crisis, nations have convened in Busan, South Korea, to finalize negotiations for a legally binding global treaty aimed at addressing the issue. The discussions, which conclude Sunday or early Monday, have drawn environmental organizations and activists pushing for decisive action on plastic production and its toxic impacts.

A Crisis in Numbers

According to the United Nations, over 400 million tons of new plastic are produced annually, with daily plastic waste equivalent to 2,000 garbage trucks dumped into oceans, rivers, and lakes. Without significant policy changes, global plastic production is projected to surge by 70% by 2040, reaching 736 million tons annually, warns the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

“There’s just too much plastic,” said Juan Carlos Monterrey, head of Panama’s delegation, which leads efforts to address the exponential growth of plastic production. “If production is not included in this treaty, it may as well be called the greenwashing recycling treaty, not the plastics treaty,” he told reporters.

Activist Pressure

Greenpeace escalated its advocacy on Saturday by boarding a tanker in Daesan, South Korea, carrying chemicals used in plastic production. Graham Forbes, head of Greenpeace’s delegation in Busan, emphasized the urgency of the treaty, stating, “World leaders have a clear choice: deliver a treaty that protects people and the planet, or side with industry and sacrifice the health of every living person and future generations.”

The Major Players

China, the United States, and Germany dominate the global plastics industry, collectively accounting for 33% of the trade, according to the Plastics Industry Association. The U.S. delegation has expressed support for addressing plastic supply within the treaty framework.

The Human and Environmental Toll

The recycling rate for plastics remains dismally low at under 10%, with most ending up in landfills, incinerators, or polluting the environment. Beyond environmental harm, experts highlight the health risks posed by chemicals leaching from plastics.

“Chemicals from plastics are making us sick,” said Sarah Dunlop, head of plastics and human health at the Minderoo Foundation.

Indigenous leaders have also voiced concerns about the impact of plastic pollution on their communities and the planet. “Five hundred years ago, we had clean water, clean air, and no plastics,” said Juan Mancias of the Carrizo/Comecrudo Nation in Texas. “What happened?”

A Focus on Packaging

Single-use plastics, such as packaging materials for food and beverages, account for 40% of global plastic production, according to the UN. These items frequently leak into the environment, underscoring the need for alternatives.

Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Environment Program, urged negotiators to target these items specifically. “Are there specific plastic items that we can live without? Are there alternatives to these items? This is an issue we must agree on,” she said.

As the treaty negotiations draw to a close, the world watches closely to see whether decisive action will be taken to curb plastic pollution and its devastating effects on the planet.

Moana 2: Stunning visuals but a lackluster return to the open seas

The much-anticipated sequel to Disney’s Moana has finally arrived, sailing onto the big screen with Moana 2. Set three years after the events of the original, the film reintroduces audiences to the beloved Polynesian heroine in a story filled with earnest intentions but lacking the charm and musical brilliance that defined its predecessor.

A Visual Marvel with a Crowded Cast

Originally conceived as a streaming series, Moana 2 found its way to theaters under the direction of David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller. The result is a visually dazzling film that surpasses the 2016 original in animation quality. From lush ocean vistas to stormy seas filled with tornadoes, the movie’s breathtaking visuals are sure to captivate younger viewers.

However, despite its striking animation, the narrative struggles under the weight of its expanded cast. Moana (voiced by Auli’i Cravalho) now sails with a larger crew, including Moni (Hualālai Chung), an enthusiastic Maui fan; Loto (Rose Matefeo), an engineer; and Kele (David Fane), a grumpy older farmer. These characters, while intended to bring variety, come across as one-dimensional and detract from the iconic image of Moana as a solo adventurer braving the unknown seas.

A New Adventure, Familiar Themes

The film follows Moana on a quest to discover Motufetu, a legendary two-peaked island said to hold the key to reuniting the people of Oceania. Alongside returning characters like Maui (Dwayne Johnson), Heihei the rooster, and Pua the pig, Moana faces new challenges, including Matangai (voiced by Awhimai Fraser), a mysterious bat-clad villain who offers one of the film’s few highlights with the song “Get Lost.”

While the story attempts to evoke the spirit of Polynesian mythology, the absence of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s songwriting magic is deeply felt. The new songs, composed by Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, fail to deliver the infectious energy and emotional resonance that made tracks like How Far I’ll Go so iconic.

Moments of Humor and Heart

The film occasionally captures the playful chemistry between Moana and Maui, with humorous exchanges that harken back to the original. In one memorable scene, Maui quips after mistakenly calling Moana a princess, “Well, a lot of people think you are.” These moments, however, are too few and far between.

A Brief Escape but a Missed Opportunity

At 100 minutes, Moana 2 benefits from a relatively brisk runtime compared to other recent blockbusters. Yet, the film feels like a placeholder rather than a fully realized continuation of Moana’s journey. While younger audiences may delight in the action-packed set pieces and colorful animation, fans of the original will likely find themselves longing for its humor, originality, and unforgettable music.

Moana 2 is rated PG for action and peril. It runs 100 minutes and receives two out of four stars. Though visually stunning, this sequel struggles to navigate the crosswinds of storytelling and studio expectations, ultimately falling short of its predecessor’s radiant charm.