Monday, April 21, 2025


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

Home Blog Page 80

Hezbollah leader pledges retaliation for Israeli device attacks as cross-border hostilities intensify

Venus L Peñaflor
-
0
Hezbollah leader pledges retaliation for Israeli device attacks as cross-border hostilities intensify

BEIRUT. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has vowed continued strikes on Israel despite the recent sabotage of the group’s communication devices, which he described as a “severe blow” during a speech on Thursday. Speaking for the first time since the attacks on thousands of Hezbollah pagers and walkie-talkies, Nasrallah warned that displaced Israelis from border towns would not be able to return to their homes until the war in Gaza ends.

In the last two days, near-daily exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and Israeli forces have intensified, raising concerns about the conflict escalating into a full-scale war. Israel has not confirmed nor denied responsibility for the bombings, but the coordinated attacks have been widely attributed to Israeli forces. According to Lebanese health officials, the device bombings killed 37 people and wounded over 3,000 others, including civilians.

“Yes, we were subjected to a huge and severe blow,” Nasrallah stated, while accusing Israel of intending to cause mass casualties. “The enemy crossed all boundaries and red lines. The enemy will face a severe and fair punishment from where they expect and don’t expect,” he added.

Nasrallah made it clear that Hezbollah would continue its strikes on northern Israel, tying the group’s actions directly to the ongoing war in Gaza. “The only way is to stop the aggression on the people of Gaza and the West Bank,” he said, while rejecting any attempts by Israel to resolve the situation through military means. “Neither strikes, nor assassinations nor an all-out war will achieve that,” he warned.

Thursday saw Hezbollah targeting three Israeli military positions near the border with drones, as Israel responded with airstrikes on Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon. Israeli officials have escalated warnings in recent days, with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasizing that Hezbollah would “pay an increasing price” for the ongoing hostilities.

“The sequence of our military actions will continue,” Gallant stated, reinforcing Israel’s goal of securing the region to allow displaced Israelis to return to their homes.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah announced the deaths of five of its fighters on Thursday, though it remains unclear whether they were killed in the explosions or during front-line clashes. The conflict has already claimed hundreds of lives in Lebanon and dozens in Israel, displacing tens of thousands on both sides.

As the war continues, Lebanon grapples with the aftermath of the bombings, which have left the country’s population on edge. Civilians across Beirut and southern Lebanon were struck by explosions in homes, cars, and public spaces, with widespread injuries and destruction. Lebanese Health Minister Firas Abiad condemned the attacks as indiscriminate, calling them “a war crime” while praising the resilience of Lebanon’s healthcare system in dealing with the flood of casualties.

As both sides prepare for further conflict, the situation along the Israel-Lebanon border remains tense, with no signs of a ceasefire on the horizon.

Alice Guo nagpiyansa sa kasong Graft, mananatiling nakakulong dahil sa iba pang kaso

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
-
0
Alice Guo nagpiyansa sa kasong Graft, mananatiling nakakulong dahil sa iba pang kaso

MAYNILA. Nagpiyansa si dating Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo noong Biyernes, Setyembre 20, kaugnay ng kanyang mga kasong graft. Sa kabila ng piyansa, mananatili siyang nakakulong dahil sa iba pang kaso at contempt orders mula sa Senado at Kamara.

Si Guo, na kasalukuyang naka-detain sa PNP Custodial Center sa Camp Crame, ay nagbayad ng P540,000 na piyansa sa Valenzuela City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 282 para sa mga kasong paglabag sa Section 3(e) at 3(h) ng Republic Act 3019 o Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Ang mga kasong ito ay nag-ugat mula sa reklamong inihain ng Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) na may kaugnayan sa raid sa isang Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) sa Bamban.

Nakaiskedyul sana ang arraignment ni Guo noong Biyernes ngunit ipinagpaliban ito matapos maghain ng motion to quash information ang kanyang kampo. May hanggang Setyembre 25 ang mga partido para magsumite ng kanilang komento sa nasabing mosyon.

Ayon sa prosekusyon, ang piyansa ni Guo ay itinaas ng triple at ito ay inaprubahan ng Valenzuela court. Ipinunto rin ng hukuman ang kapasidad ni Guo na magbayad ng malaking halaga ng piyansa, base sa kanyang mga biyahe palabas ng bansa.

“Tanggap na niya ang sitwasyon, nag-sink na sa kanya ang mga pangyayari. As I have said, you just have to leave it to the Lord because he has a better purpose for all that is happening right now,” sabi ni Atty. Stephen David, abogado ni Guo.

Matapos makapagpiyansa, muling inaresto si Guo dahil sa mga kasong kinakaharap naman niya sa Pasig RTC. Mula sa Valenzuela RTC, dinala siya sa Camp Crame para sa medical examination.

Inutos din ng Pasig RTC Branch 167 ang paglilipat kay Guo mula sa PNP Custodial Center patungo sa Pasig City Jail Female Dormitory kaugnay ng kanyang kasong qualified trafficking, na isang non-bailable offense. Sa oras na mailipat si Guo sa naturang pasilidad, makakasama niya ang mahigit 40 iba pang mga preso, kabilang ang tatlong kasamahan ni Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy.

Samantala, tiniyak ng Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) na walang VIP treatment na ibibigay kay Guo.

Bukod sa mga kasong graft, sinampahan na rin si Guo ng 87 counts ng money laundering sa Department of Justice. Isang quo warranto petition ang inihain laban sa kanya, pati na rin ang petisyon na kanselahin ang kanyang birth certificate sa korte sa Tarlac.

Israel confirms Beirut strike that killed top Hezbollah leader linked to 1983 U.S. marines bombing

Venus L Peñaflor
-
0
Israel confirms Beirut strike that killed top Hezbollah leader linked to 1983 U.S. marines bombing

BEIRUT. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed a targeted missile strike on Beirut on Friday, resulting in the death of Ibrahim Aqil, a high-ranking member of Hezbollah’s Jihad Council. Aqil, a key figure in Hezbollah’s military operations, was linked to the 1983 bombing of a U.S. Marines barracks in Lebanon, a notorious attack that left 241 American service members dead.

The Israeli government took to social media shortly after the strike to announce Aqil’s death. “Today, Israel eliminated [Aqil] with a surgical airstrike in Beirut,” a statement read. “Justice is served.”

Israeli officials later released a more detailed statement: “IAF aircraft conducted a targeted, intelligence-based strike in the area of Beirut, and eliminated Ibrahim Aqil, the Head of Hezbollah’s Operations Unit and the Commander of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Forces, who was also in charge of Hezbollah’s ‘Conquer the Galilee’ attack plan.”

Aqil’s elimination marks a significant development in Israel’s ongoing campaign against Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group based in Lebanon. Hezbollah confirmed that Aqil had been inside a building in Beirut’s Dahiya district when the missile hit. The strike flattened two apartment buildings, killing at least nine people and injuring around 60 others, according to Lebanese health officials.

“Our targets are clear and our actions speak for themselves,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in response to the successful operation.

Israeli authorities emphasized the significance of Aqil’s death, stating that senior operatives in Hezbollah’s Operations Staff and commanders from the Radwan Unit were also killed in the attack. “Ibrahim Aqil and the Radwan commanders who were eliminated today were planning Hezbollah’s ‘Conquer the Galilee’ attack plan, in which Hezbollah intended to infiltrate Israeli communities and murder innocent civilians,” the statement read.

The strike comes amid escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, with Israel ramping up its military operations in Lebanon. Just a day before the strike, IDF forces targeted infrastructure sites in southern Lebanon, including Chihine, Tayibe, Blida, Meiss El Jabal, Aitaroun, and Kfarkela.

In a separate operation earlier in the week, Israeli security forces remotely detonated hundreds of electronic devices used by Hezbollah for communication, reportedly killing 12 militants and injuring more than 2,800 others.

The killing of Aqil, who had long been on the U.S. radar for his role in the 1983 Marines barracks bombing, marks a critical victory for Israel in its ongoing conflict with Hezbollah. The operation highlights Israel’s determination to dismantle Hezbollah’s military infrastructure and prevent future attacks on Israeli soil.

Movie Review: ‘The Substance’ – A Brilliantly disturbing exploration of ageism and body horror

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
-
0
Movie Review: ‘The Substance’ – A Brilliantly disturbing exploration of ageism and body horror

Coralie Fargeat’s “The Substance” delivers a nightmarish yet captivating commentary on ageism, beauty standards, and the horror of self-image.

In its first two hours, The Substance is a sleek and intriguing film that balances sci-fi elements with biting social commentary. Writer-director Coralie Fargeat takes the viewer on a visceral journey into the dark corners of Hollywood’s obsession with youth, aging, and perfection while offering enough body horror to unsettle even the most seasoned moviegoers.

Fargeat’s exploration of ageism and sexism begins with the story of Elisabeth Sparkle, a celebrated aerobics instructor turned forgotten star, portrayed by the iconic Demi Moore. Sparkle, who once ruled the airwaves with her fitness show, is unceremoniously fired on her 50th birthday by a ruthless executive—played by Dennis Quaid, who perfectly embodies the sleazy and chauvinistic nature of Hollywood’s decision-makers.

Feeling discarded by an industry that once adored her, Sparkle’s desperation leads her to a dangerous decision. A handsome young nurse introduces her to a black-market drug that promises to transform her into a younger, more beautiful version of herself. Though she hesitates at first, Sparkle soon succumbs to the allure of regaining her youthful glory. The drug’s only rule is that Sparkle must switch bodies with her “better self”—played by the stunning Margaret Qualley—every seven days.

However, as Sparkle indulges in her rejuvenated form, the question arises: how much time can she steal from her younger self before the consequences become irreversible?

Fargeat, who won best screenplay at the Cannes Film Festival, has often spoken about her admiration for David Cronenberg’s body horror films, particularly The Fly. Fans of Cronenberg will undoubtedly see his influence throughout The Substance, especially in the grotesque yet mesmerizing body transformations that occur. However, Fargeat’s vision is distinct, deeply personal, and grounded in her own experiences with societal pressures regarding beauty and aging.

The film’s cinematography, masterfully executed by Benjamin Kracun, adds to the intensity. His use of low-angle shots and extreme close-ups mirrors the work of David Lynch, another filmmaker Fargeat has credited as an influence. The claustrophobic framing captures Sparkle’s anxiety and desperation, even in her rejuvenated form, creating a constant tension that persists throughout the film.

As The Substance ventures into its final act, the film shifts from a surreal, dread-laden sci-fi drama to a full-blown monster movie. The transformation is jarring, yet it feels inevitable as the narrative spirals further into absurdity and violence. The final moments of the movie are truly unforgettable, with a deranged yet poignant finale that leaves the viewer questioning who the real monster is—Sparkle, society, or both.

One of the film’s notable achievements is its ability to maintain suspense and intrigue for its entire 140-minute runtime. Fargeat steadily raises the stakes, delivering jaw-dropping moments that keep the audience on edge until the very last scene.

However, if there’s any criticism to be made, it’s the heavy-handedness of some of the satire. The portrayal of male characters as blatant misogynists is sometimes exaggerated, but this over-the-top approach adds a certain charm to the film’s dark humor.

The Substance has been described as part of the new wave of body horror films, joining the ranks of Julia Ducournau’s Titane and Cronenberg’s Crimes of the Future. However, it stands out by offering a uniquely feminist perspective on aging, beauty, and societal pressures. Fargeat’s fearless storytelling makes this film a standout in the genre, resisting the temptation to be just another body horror entry and instead offering something far more thought-provoking.

Rated R by the Motion Picture Association for graphic violence, gore, nudity, and language, The Substance is not for the faint of heart. But for those willing to take the plunge, it’s a brilliantly crafted, disturbing piece of cinema that is sure to be talked about long after the credits roll.

Rating: 3.5 out of 4 stars.

Nang magpangita sa kabilang buhay sina Ninoy at Marcos

DC Alviar
-
0
Nang magpangita sa kabilang buhay sina Ninoy at Marcos

“I knew that somehow, I will regain my freedom, maybe not in this world, but elsewhere, and I knew, that sometime, somewhere, Mr. Marcos and I will meet, and in that meeting, I will have my satisfaction.”

Sabi iyan ni Ninoy, ang numero unong katunggali sa pulitika ni Ferdinand. (Nilinaw ng una na walang oposisyon dahil pinaghuhuli nga sila at Martial Law sa Pilipinas.)

Namatay si Apo Lakay at nagpangita nga sila ni Ninoy noong Setyembre 29, 1989, isang araw bago ang napakahabang paglalakbay ng dating pangulo sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon na walang gastos ang taumbayan.

“Sumakabilang buhay ka na rin pala, Mr. Marcos. Heto ang malaking bato. Maupo ka.”

“Salamat, Mr. Senator, dahil napakahaba talaga ng nilakbay ko. Kahapon lang ako namatay.”

Nagkapalagayan ng loob ang dalawa, malayong malayo sa bratatat nila noong 1970s hanggang early 1980s. Hindi natin sinasabing may armas din si Ninoy; sadyang puro bratatat ang nangingibabaw sa kanilang dalawa noon dahil sa dami ng armas at dahas, bumabalik-balik lang ang ingay na puro alingawngaw, pero ang totoo’y isang panig lang ang may mga sandata at isang panig lang ang may dugo sa kamay. Napagkamalan lang na may armas din si Ninoy kasi kasagsagan ng pekeng balitang komunista siya noon.

“Noy, bakit hindi ka man lang sumuporta sa Bagong Lipunan?” tanong ng nasirang presidente. Tugon ni Ninoy: “McCoy na lang itawag ko sa iyo ha. Marami talaga kaming natawag niyan sa iyo noong nabubuhay ka pa at namamayagpag sa kagalingan sa umpisa pero kalokohan, karahasan, at kasinungalingan sa dulo ng pagkapangulo mo eh.” (McCoy ang apelyido ng isang Alfred na nangalap ng US Army records na nagpapatunay na marami sa mga medalya ni Marcos ay peke. Tunghayan: https://history.wisc.edu/people/mccoy-alfred-w/.)

“Ang alam ko, sinuka na yung Lumang Lipunan at, pagkatapos, babaguhin lang sa pangalan, hindi babaguhin sa gawa para mabago at mapaganda ito kung saan ang mga Pilipino ang tunay na makararanas ng kaginhawaan. Hindi nangyari, diba?”

“Paanong gagawin ko,” ani McCoy, “dumami na talaga ang kaaway ko at mga inggit sa akin, pati na nga sa mga nakakatabi ko sa Malacanang.”

Sumabat agad si Ninoy: “Marami kaming tinuring mong kaaway. Pero nasumpungan ng mga tao ang totoo: na pinaglololoko lang sila ng propaganda ng gobyerno mo, o ni Imelda, o conjugal dictatorship ninyong dalawa. Pero, hindi bale na. Magkasangga na tayo ngayon.”

Humikbi si Marcos, at napa-oo: “Magkasangga na nga tayo ngayon, pero katulad din naman iyan dati. Lahat kasangga ko, sila at kayong mga tumutulong sa aking gobyerno.”

Kung totoo iyon, ayon kay Ninoy, bakit daw nagawa nitong iparanas ang dahas sa kapuluan, sa kalsada, sa gabi at araw. Dagdag pa niya:

“Tanghaling tapat, merong TV/audio recordings, pinaslang ako pagbabang pagbaba ko sa paliparan, tapos sasabihin mong magkasangga tayo. Rehimeng Marcos iyon, diba? Napaligiran ako ng mga sundalo mo sa loob ng eroplano at sa pagbaba. Hindi naman rehimen ni Salonga iyon, o ni Tañada, o Diokno. Ikaw at si Imelda ang nasa palasyo, diba? Pero congratulations at naka-20 years ka sa poder ha.”

Inalala ni Marcos ang di-mahulugang karayom na funeral mass ng kaakbay na si Ninoy. Sabi niya: “Ninoy, nung ililibing ka, katakot-takot ang dami ng nakikipaglibing sa iyo, samantalang dalawang beses at dalawang seremonya ang pagkakalibing sa akin, at wala halos nakaalam, walang milyon ni walang libo ang nakipaglibing sa akin.”

“Pero…” Hindi na pinatapos magsalita si Ninoy ni Marcos.

“Nasundan yung dami ng tao sa EDSA. Mahal na mahal ka nila, Ninoy, kasi tatlong taon na ang nakalipas noong mailibing ka, at ikaw pa rin ang binabandera nila, kasama ang mukha ng iyong maybahay na lumaban sa akin sa Snap Election ng 1986.”

Nagkabalitaan ang dalawa ng mga yumao nilang mga mahal sa buhay, gayundin ang mga naiwan nila sa mundo. Dalawang Aquino presidencies ang sumunod kay Ninoy. At may isa na namang Pangulong Marcos mula 2022.

Nadulas si Marcos sa pagkakasabing “iskul-bukol ang Jr. ko, hindi makatapos-tapos ng pag-aaral pero hindi umayaw sa aming pagpapayaman, este, pagpapayaman at pagpapaunlad ng ating bayan.”

#NeverAgain #NeverForget

Comelec, sasawatahin ang maling paggamit ng AI sa 2025 elections

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
-
0
Comelec, sasawatahin ang maling paggamit ng AI sa 2025 elections

Mga Troll Farms at Fake News, Target ng Regulasyon

MAYNILA. Nagbabala ang Commission on Elections (Comelec) na sasawatahin nila ang maling paggamit ng artificial intelligence (AI) at troll farms sa darating na 2025 Elections. Ayon kay Comelec Chairman George Garcia, naglatag na ng mga panuntunan ang komisyon upang i-regulate ang paggamit ng AI, deep fakes, soft fakes, at iba pang teknolohiya na maaaring gamitin sa maling paraan.

“Hindi po namin tuluyang ipagbabawal ang paggamit ng AI dahil maganda naman ito kapag nagamit nang maayos,” pahayag ni Garcia. Dagdag pa niya, layunin ng mga tuntunin na gawing mas madali ang pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga social media platforms upang alisin ang malicious information o fake news.

Kaugnay nito, iniutos din ng Comelec na dapat iparehistro ng mga kandidato ang kanilang mga social media accounts na gagamitin sa kampanya. Ang mga mapatutunayang nagkakalat ng maling impormasyon ay parurusahan.

“Even po yung mga troll farms, we will try to weed out,” diin ni Garcia, na naglalayong masigurong malinis at patas ang halalan sa harap ng lumalaking banta ng digital misinformation.

Global hunt for origins of Lebanon pager attack expands to Bulgaria and Norway

Venus L Peñaflor
-
0
Global hunt for origins of Lebanon pager attack expands to Bulgaria and Norway

OSLO/BUDAPEST/LONDON. Bulgaria and Norway have emerged as new focal points in the ongoing investigation into the origins of the deadly pager explosions in Lebanon that struck Hezbollah earlier this week. The attacks, which killed 12 people and injured over 2,300, have escalated tensions between Hezbollah and Israel, with security sources pointing to Israel as the main suspect behind the explosions.

The investigation is centered on how thousands of pagers, used by Hezbollah, were weaponized and detonated remotely. While the exact method and assistance involved remain unclear, authorities have possible leads tracing back to Taiwan, Hungary, and Bulgaria. A second wave of explosions on Wednesday, involving hand-held radios, further complicates the investigation.

One theory suggests that the pagers were tampered with after leaving factories, while another posits that Israel may have orchestrated the entire operation.

Bulgarian authorities confirmed on Thursday that they have launched an investigation into a company with potential links to the transaction. Although they did not name the company, local media reports point to Sofia-based Norta Global Ltd. According to a report by national broadcaster bTV, 1.6 million euros were spent on the sale of the pagers, which passed through Bulgaria and were later transferred to Hungary. Reuters has not independently verified this claim.

Attempts to contact Norta Global Ltd. were unsuccessful, as emails sent to the company were returned as undeliverable. The company’s founder, Rinson Jose, declined to comment and abruptly ended a phone call when asked about Norta’s involvement. Jose, based in Norway, works for DN Media, whose CEO Amund Djuve has alerted police and security services regarding the matter. “We are taking these matters very seriously,” Djuve said, confirming that Jose is traveling to the United States.

Meanwhile, Hungarian authorities are also involved, as pagers similar to those used in the attack were traced back to a Hungarian company, BAC Consulting. The company’s CEO, Cristiana Barsony-Arcidiacono, told NBC News that while her company collaborates with Taiwan’s Gold Apollo, which produced the pagers, she had no involvement in their weaponization. “I am just the intermediate. I think you got it wrong,” she said.

Adding to the complexity of the investigation, a Lebanese security source told Reuters that Hezbollah believed it was sourcing the pagers from Gold Apollo, based in Asia, and was unaware of any European connection. The source also suggested that Israel’s Mossad may have played a role, potentially using a European company to disguise its involvement. “It is possible that the Mossad created a European company,” the source stated.

As the probe widens, both Bulgaria and Norway’s security agencies are conducting inquiries. Norway’s domestic intelligence agency, PST, is aware of the situation but has yet to release further comments. Norwegian police have also initiated preliminary investigations based on the new information.

With multiple unanswered questions surrounding the attack, investigators continue to explore international ties, tracking the financial and operational networks that may have enabled one of the deadliest strikes on Hezbollah in recent years.

A 10-year-old Japanese boy who was stabbed near his school in China has passed away

EDGARDO HERNAL
-
0
A 10-year-old Japanese boy who was stabbed near his school in China has passed away

BEIJING. A tragic incident unfolded in southern China when a 10-year-old Japanese boy was fatally stabbed near his school in Shenzhen. The boy, a student at the Shenzhen Japanese School, succumbed to his injuries, prompting Japan to call on China for answers and increased security measures.

Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa expressed deep sorrow over the boy’s death, stressing the urgency of Japan’s prior requests for enhanced safety precautions ahead of China’s Sept. 18 commemoration of the Mukden Incident, a key historical event marking the start of Japan’s invasion of Manchuria in 1931.

The young boy was attacked on Wednesday, about 200 meters (220 yards) from the school gates. The attacker, identified by local police as Zhong, a 44-year-old man, was apprehended at the scene. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the arrest, but no motive has been disclosed.

During a press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian expressed condolences, saying, “Our hearts go out to his family,” and assured that China would offer necessary assistance. Lin also confirmed that the boy was a Japanese national, with parents from both Japan and China.

Japan had earlier urged China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to bolster security at Japanese schools in China, particularly in light of rising tensions surrounding the anniversary of the Mukden Incident. Kamikawa voiced her dismay that the attack took place despite these warnings, stating, “I find it extremely regrettable that the attack occurred despite our prior requests for increased safety.”

In an official statement, Kamikawa further remarked, “Such an attack should never occur in any country. Japan takes this incident extremely seriously and will once again request that Beijing ensures the safety of Japanese citizens.”

The attack on the Japanese boy follows a series of violent incidents targeting foreign nationals in China. In June, a stabbing at a school bus stop in Suzhou resulted in the death of a Chinese bystander who tried to stop the attacker, while a Japanese mother and her child were injured. Chinese officials have denied any connection between the two incidents.

Lin, addressing the recent events, said, “Similar cases may happen in any country,” and assured that these isolated incidents would not impact China’s relationship with Japan. He reiterated that China values its ties with Japan and will take steps to protect the safety of all foreign nationals.

“China and Japan are in communication on the case,” Lin added. “We always welcome people from all countries, including Japan, to come to China for traveling, studying, business, or living. We believe individual cases will not affect the exchanges and cooperation between China and Japan.”

The stabbing of the Japanese boy has not been widely reported in Chinese media, but the incident has sparked an outpouring of condolences on social media platforms like Weibo, where many users expressed grief and condemned the violent act.

Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is now advising all Japanese citizens in China to remain vigilant and take extra precautions, citing recent knife attacks. An email from the Japanese Embassy urged residents to be aware of their surroundings and stay cautious. The Japanese Consulate in Guangzhou, which oversees the Shenzhen region, has also called for measures to prevent further violence against Japanese nationals.

This tragic event comes amid strained relations between China and Japan, heightened by historical tensions and the recent uptick in attacks involving foreign nationals. Earlier this year, a Chinese man attacked four U.S. university instructors in Jilin, though none of the injuries were critical.

Japan has once again pressed China for detailed information regarding the investigation into the stabbing and demanded concrete steps to prevent similar attacks in the future.

24 ex-PNP chiefs, iniimbestigahan kaugnay sa pagtakas ni Alice Guo

Arman B. Cambe
-
0
24 ex-PNP chiefs, iniimbestigahan kaugnay sa pagtakas ni Alice Guo

MAYNILA. Sinisiyasat ng Philippine National Police (PNP) ang 24 dating PNP chiefs dahil sa alegasyong isa sa kanila ang tumulong kay dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo na makatakas mula sa bansa kapalit ng malaking halaga. Ito ang ibinunyag ni PNP chief Police General Rommel Marbil sa pagdinig ng Senate finance subcommittee hinggil sa P205.8-bilyong budget ng PNP para sa 2025.

“Wala pa po kaming report coming from [retired] General Raul Villanueva doon sa sinabi niya, but we are investigating 24 of our former chief PNP kung involved po sila,” pahayag ni Marbil.

Dagdag pa rito, nais din ng PNP na makuha ang pahayag ni PAGCOR Senior Vice President Raul Villanueva, na dating commander ng Intelligence Services Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP). Ayon kay Marbil, “For the meantime, (lahat ng 24 ex-PNP chiefs) ‘yun po ang iniimbestigahan natin but we have to ask General Villanueva to really mention the name kasi under oath po siya.”

Sinabi rin ni Marbil na nakipag-usap na siya kay DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos para palawigin ang imbestigasyon hindi lang sa mga dating PNP chiefs kundi sa lahat ng posibleng tumulong kay Guo sa kanyang pagtakas.

Sa isang pagdinig sa Senado noong Martes, isiniwalat ni Villanueva na may mga intelligence report na nagsasabing isang dating PNP chief ang nasangkot sa pagtakas ni Guo at bahagi ng kanyang “buwanang payroll.” Bagama’t kinukumpirma pa ang impormasyong ito, tinukoy ni Marbil na may negatibong epekto ito sa imahe ng PNP.

“Hindi kami natutuwa sa sinabi niya. Since he is under oath, you have to tell us kasi it affects the whole organization,” ani Marbil. “And remember, it’s not the whole organization na PNP alone. It’s peace and order ang naapektuhan doon sa sinabi niya.”

Ayon pa kay Marbil, kasalukuyang ginagawa ng PNP ang liham na naka-address kay Villanueva, hinihimok itong pangalanan ang ex-PNP chief na tinutukoy niya. Sakaling mabigo si Villanueva na ibunyag ang pangalan, ang usapin ay mapupunta sa PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) para sa mas malalim na imbestigasyon.

Second wave of Hezbollah device explosions fuels fears of Israel-Lebanon escalation

Venus L Peñaflor
-
0
Second wave of Hezbollah device explosions fuels fears of Israel-Lebanon escalation

BEIRUT. A second wave of explosions involving hand-held radios used by Hezbollah rocked southern Lebanon on Wednesday, deepening fears of a broader conflict between the militant group and Israel. This latest incident follows an earlier wave of pager explosions on Tuesday, marking Lebanon’s deadliest days since cross-border hostilities reignited nearly a year ago.

Lebanon’s health ministry reported 20 deaths and over 450 injuries in Wednesday’s blasts, which affected Beirut’s suburbs and the Bekaa Valley. The death toll from Tuesday’s first wave of explosions rose to 12, including two children, with nearly 3,000 people wounded.

Israeli officials have not commented on either set of blasts, but security sources indicate that Israel’s spy agency Mossad was responsible. A Hezbollah official described the incidents as the most significant breach in the group’s security history.

The explosions—first through pagers on Tuesday and now through hand-held radios—have thrown Hezbollah into chaos. The timing coincides with Israel’s ongoing conflict in Gaza, heightening fears that fighting could spill over into Israel’s northern border and potentially lead to a full-scale regional war.

“We are opening a new phase in the war. It requires courage, determination, and perseverance from us,” said Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant during remarks at an air force base.

Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi accused Israel of orchestrating dangerous escalations across multiple fronts in the Middle East, further heightening tensions.

The United States, which denied involvement in either wave of explosions, said it was working diplomatically to prevent an escalation. A U.S. official revealed that Israel informed Washington of a planned operation in Lebanon on Tuesday but gave no specifics, and the scale of the explosions surprised the U.S.

At least one of Wednesday’s explosions occurred near a Hezbollah funeral for victims of the first wave of explosions. A Reuters reporter saw Hezbollah members hurriedly removing batteries from remaining radios, trying to prevent further detonations.

Lebanon’s Red Cross confirmed it deployed 30 ambulance teams to address the multiple explosions, which hit locations in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley. The exploded devices were identified as ICOM radios, prompting the company to investigate. Although the model in question was discontinued a decade ago, counterfeit versions may be circulating.

Hezbollah purchased the radios and pagers about five months ago. Sources say Israeli spies remotely detonated explosives planted in 5,000 pagers before the devices entered Lebanon, triggering Tuesday’s first wave of blasts. The United Nations Security Council will convene on Friday at the request of Arab states to address these attacks.

Among those injured was Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon. While earlier reports suggested he suffered minor injuries, subsequent details revealed that he lost an eye and severely injured the other during the explosions.

Hezbollah has vowed to retaliate. On Wednesday, the group launched rockets at Israeli artillery positions, marking the first counterattack since the explosions. The Israeli military reported no casualties. Mohanad Hage Ali, deputy director of research at the Carnegie Middle East Center, remarked, “Hezbollah wants to avoid an all-out war, but given the scale of the situation, there will be pressure for a stronger response.”

In anticipation of further escalation, Israel is shifting troops and resources to its northern border, including elite 98th Division forces.

The ongoing clashes have the potential to destabilize Lebanon further, a nation already dealing with a severe economic crisis, a financial collapse in 2019, and the catastrophic 2020 Beirut port explosion.

Rising tensions could also complicate ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said it is too early to gauge how the explosions will affect these talks.

As Hezbollah continues to support Hamas in Gaza, the potential for a wider conflict remains a serious concern. In a statement, Hezbollah warned, “Israel should await a response to the pager massacre,” suggesting that retaliation may be imminent.

1...798081...632Page 80 of 632




Tutubi Digital News will shape up the way you stay up to date with the goings-on around Calabarzon, and the world. Tutubi is committed to keep you socially active. Tutubi updates on the Go!


Contact us:

info@tutubi.ph

Popular Posts

Popular category

World News2626PH News2575Curiosity557Opinion345Science331

Developed by Tutubi Digital Marketing Solutions | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions of Use | Cookie Policy | All rights reserved