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Israeli defense minister hints at possible temporary ceasefire but ending the war remains distant

Venus L Peñaflor
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Israeli defense minister hints at possible temporary ceasefire but ending the war remains distant

TEL AVIV, Israel. Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has stated that a temporary ceasefire with Hamas may be within reach, providing an opportunity for the release of hostages and a brief pause in hostilities. However, he stopped short of committing to a permanent end to the ongoing conflict, raising doubts about the feasibility of a lasting resolution.

Speaking to Tel Aviv reporters, Gallant emphasized that the current conditions could allow for a six-week ceasefire. This pause would likely lead to the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, a key demand by Israel. He remarked, “Israel should achieve an agreement that will bring about a pause for six weeks and bring back hostages,” but added that the country “maintains the right to operate and achieve our goals—including the destruction of Hamas” following this period.

Efforts to broker a ceasefire have been underway for months, led by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar. However, a major sticking point has been Hamas’ insistence on ending the nearly year-long war and withdrawing Israeli troops from Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has added complexity to the negotiations by stating that Israeli forces must remain stationed in a strategic corridor along Gaza’s border with Egypt.

Gallant hinted at possible concessions, suggesting that Israel could temporarily pull out from the corridor to facilitate the release of hostages. He was quoted saying that the temporary withdrawal would be for six weeks, but tensions between him and Netanyahu have surfaced, reportedly leading to a heated exchange at a recent Cabinet meeting.

Despite Gallant’s optimism about a truce, he remained skeptical about a permanent peace. He reiterated Israel’s commitment to its “war goals,” which include dismantling Hamas’ military capabilities and ensuring that the group can no longer pose a threat to Israel.

“We will leave no stone unturned in this pursuit of justice,” Gallant stressed. He also suggested that a temporary ceasefire could help ease tensions on Israel’s northern border with Hezbollah, which has been engaged in intermittent cross-border fire since Hamas’ initial attack on Israel in October. Tens of thousands of civilians have been displaced from both sides of the volatile border region.

The U.S.-led ceasefire proposal involves a three-phase plan. The first phase would last six weeks, during which hostages would be freed in exchange for Israel’s withdrawal from Palestinian population centers and the release of Palestinian prisoners. This pause would also deliver much-needed humanitarian aid to the war-torn Gaza Strip. White House national security spokesman John Kirby recently pointed to Hamas’ demands as the “main obstacle” to reaching a deal, a claim that the militant group has rejected.

Despite the challenges, international mediators remain hopeful. U.S. President Joe Biden said he was “optimistic” about a potential agreement last week. However, Gallant warned that Hamas might not accept a partial deal involving only a brief cessation of violence.

At home, the Israeli government faces mounting domestic pressure to strike a deal, especially after six hostages were reportedly killed by Hamas militants earlier this month.

Gallant underscored the gravity of the situation, describing the current moment as a “strategic junction” for Israel. He affirmed Israel’s preparedness for all scenarios, whether they involve reaching an agreement or escalating the war further. “We are capable of defending ourselves and we can also retaliate if necessary,” Gallant declared. He also noted that Israel can “hit any strategic goal in Iran” if it becomes necessary.

As the conflict continues to ravage Gaza, leaving hundreds of thousands of people displaced and straining the territory’s health system, Gallant said that Israel is working closely with international aid organizations to prevent a polio outbreak and address other humanitarian concerns.

Gallant concluded by stressing the importance of humanitarian aid, highlighting ongoing efforts to improve medical care, deliver aid, and restore basic services such as water and energy to the besieged territory.

While hopes for a temporary truce may provide a glimmer of hope, the broader peace that both sides desperately need remains a distant goal.

Jennifer Lopez seems to admit she’s a ‘bad picker’ following her divorce from fourth husband Ben Affleck

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Jennifer Lopez seems to admit she’s a ‘bad picker’ following her divorce from fourth husband Ben Affleck

Jennifer Lopez may be reflecting on her past decisions after filing for divorce from her fourth husband, Ben Affleck. During a party following the premiere of her new film Unstoppable at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Lopez was seen chatting with actor Bobby Cannavale, where she seemingly admitted, “I’m a bad picker.”

In a video shared by The Hollywood Reporter, Lopez repeated the phrase several times during her conversation with Cannavale, who also stars in Unstoppable. Though much of their exchange was drowned out by the music, Lopez’s remark has sparked speculation about whether she was referring to her recent split from Affleck or another topic altogether. Cannavale appeared to struggle to hear her, prompting Lopez to repeat herself before laughing and placing a hand on his shoulder.

The party, held on Friday night, followed the TIFF premiere of Unstoppable, a film produced by Affleck and his longtime collaborator, Matt Damon. While Affleck was notably absent, Damon attended the event to support the movie. Lopez, dazzling in a metallic silver dress adorned with black bows, was spotted sharing a lighthearted conversation with Damon and holding his hand.

Lopez and Affleck’s divorce filing on August 20 coincided with the two-year anniversary of their formal wedding in Georgia, which followed a Las Vegas ceremony earlier in 2022. A source told Fox News Digital that Lopez was “devastated” by the split, having made significant efforts to make the marriage work after rekindling her romance with Affleck. Despite her heartbreak, the source shared, “She gave it her all.”

In contrast, Affleck appeared to have already moved on. “Ben has been his usual, high-energy self,” another insider shared with Fox News Digital. “He’s been busy with his kids and work and seems to be doing just fine.” The Gone Girl actor was reportedly focused on his projects and family life, seemingly unaffected by the end of the marriage.

Lopez and Affleck’s relationship has spanned over two decades, beginning when they met on the set of Gigli in 2002. The couple originally planned to marry in 2003 but postponed their wedding and eventually ended their engagement in early 2004. Their surprise reunion in 2021 led to their two weddings the following year.

Lopez’s marriage to Affleck marks her fourth. She was first married to actor Ojani Noa in 1997, though they divorced the following year. Her second marriage, to dancer Cris Judd, lasted less than a year, from 2001 to 2002. In 2004, Lopez wed singer Marc Anthony, with whom she shares twins, Emme and Max. They separated in 2011 and finalized their divorce in 2014.

As Lopez continues her career with the upcoming release of Unstoppable, the singer and actress remains in the spotlight, leaving fans curious about how her personal life will unfold in the wake of her latest breakup.

Huawei unveils $2,800 tri-fold smartphone in bid to outshine Apple

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Huawei unveils $2,800 tri-fold smartphone in bid to outshine Apple

SHENZHEN, China. Chinese tech giant Huawei Technologies unveiled its latest innovation on Tuesday: a $2,800 tri-foldable smartphone, the Mate XT, aimed at cementing its lead in the world’s largest smartphone market and challenging Apple’s dominance. This launch comes just hours after Apple introduced its newest model, the iPhone 16.

The Mate XT, showcased during a launch event in Shenzhen, features a unique design that folds in three directions like an accordion, allowing for expanded screen space and portability. Huawei’s website reported that over 4 million pre-orders had already been placed, with no deposit required, demonstrating significant demand. This figure matches the entire global market for foldable phones in the second quarter of 2024, according to data from research firm IDC.

“Today we bring you a product that everyone can think of but could not make. Our team has been working hard for five years and has never given up,” said Richard Yu, Huawei’s executive director, during the launch. “We will once again rewrite the history of the industry, turn science fiction into reality, and lead a new era of folding devices.”

The Mate XT boasts several cutting-edge features, including an AI assistant capable of text summarization, translation, and editing. It also offers AI-enhanced image editing tools, allowing users to trim unwanted parts of photos. These AI functionalities are powered by Huawei’s in-house Kylin chips, a significant advantage given the company’s challenges with U.S. sanctions.

Available in red and black, the Mate XT comes with a 10.2-inch display and, at 3.6mm, is the world’s slimmest foldable phone. Prices start at 19,999 yuan ($2,800) for 256 GB, with versions offering higher memory priced at 21,999 yuan and 23,999 yuan.

This launch follows Apple’s iPhone 16 debut, which also features AI capabilities but has faced some criticism in China for lagging behind Huawei’s more advanced AI features. Apple has yet to announce an AI partner for the Chinese market, with its AI software, Apple Intelligence, not expected to be available in Chinese until next year.

One Weibo user questioned, “What’s the point of buying it if you can’t use AI?” Another added, “Without AI as the biggest selling point, it should be half price.” Apple’s shares dipped 1.15% in pre-market U.S. trading.

Despite once dominating China’s premium smartphone market, Apple’s ranking has slipped to sixth place. Huawei, on the other hand, has been able to overcome U.S. sanctions that blocked its access to global chip supplies, staging a comeback with the release of the Mate 60 Pro last year.

While Huawei has solidified its position as a leader in foldable smartphones, analysts believe that the Mate XT’s high price and limited production may prevent it from becoming a mass-market success. “Production constraints and the high price point mean the new phone will likely not have a huge impact in terms of shipments,” said Will Wong, a senior researcher at consultancy IDC. “But it’s telling consumers that Huawei is still the tech leader, and the potential challenge it brings to Apple may be far beyond just market share.”

Huawei currently holds 42% of China’s foldable phone market and 27.5% globally, surpassing South Korea’s Samsung, which has a 16.4% share, according to IDC.

With the global foldable smartphone market expanding 57% year-on-year in the second quarter, Huawei’s latest offering positions the company as a formidable competitor, particularly in its home market, where it continues to outpace rivals like Vivo and former subsidiary Honor.

The Mate XT and Apple’s iPhone 16 are set to go on sale on September 20, marking a crucial moment in the evolving battle between these two tech giants.

Billionaire Jared Isaacman embarks on first private spacewalk mission with SpaceX

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Billionaire Jared Isaacman embarks on first private spacewalk mission with SpaceX

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. Billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman rocketed into space on Tuesday aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, aiming to conduct the first-ever private spacewalk. The mission marks a significant milestone in private space exploration, pushing the boundaries beyond NASA’s Apollo moonshots.

Isaacman, who previously funded a private space mission, shared the cost of this ambitious venture with SpaceX, which involved developing and testing brand new spacesuits. “We’re really starting to push the frontiers with the private sector,” said William Gerstenmaier, SpaceX’s vice president, who once led space mission operations for NASA.

The crew of four, including Isaacman, two SpaceX engineers, and a former Air Force pilot, launched just before dawn from Florida. Their five-day mission aims to reach an altitude of 870 miles (1,400 kilometers), surpassing the International Space Station (ISS) and even the Hubble Space Telescope. This will be the farthest anyone has traveled since NASA’s Project Gemini in 1966, with only the 24 Apollo astronauts who flew to the moon having ventured farther.

The team will spend 10 hours at that height, exposed to extreme radiation and space debris, before lowering their orbit to 435 miles (700 kilometers). During this time, Isaacman and SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis will take turns testing their custom-made spacesuits during a two-hour spacewalk. The spacewalk, considered one of the riskiest parts of any space mission, will see the pair carefully exiting the Dragon capsule while always maintaining physical contact with the spacecraft.

Unlike NASA astronauts, Isaacman and Gillis will not use jetpacks or drift freely. They will remain tethered to the capsule, testing the mobility of their white and black-trimmed spacesuits. The entire Dragon capsule will be depressurized for the spacewalk, exposing the crew to the harsh vacuum of space.

Inside the capsule, pilot Scott “Kidd” Poteet and SpaceX’s Anna Menon will monitor the spacewalk, ensuring the safety of their colleagues. “We’re sending you hugs from the ground,” Launch Director Frank Messina radioed after the crew reached orbit. Isaacman responded with gratitude: “We wouldn’t be on this journey without all 14,000 of you back at SpaceX and everyone else cheering us on.”

The mission, dubbed Polaris Dawn, is the first of three that Isaacman purchased from Elon Musk two and a half years ago. This flight follows Isaacman’s first private space mission in 2021, which raised hundreds of millions of dollars for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. While the exact cost of this mission remains undisclosed, Isaacman made it clear he’s not revealing the total investment. “Not a chance,” he said at a preflight news conference.

The crew has undergone extensive training for this mission, with Poteet comparing the preparation to his rigorous Air Force flying career. The development of the spacesuits took longer than anticipated, delaying the flight. Training for Isaacman and his team was led by Gillis and Menon, who have also helped prepare NASA’s professional crews.

Isaacman, CEO of the credit card processing company Shift4, is motivated by a vision of expanding human exploration in space. “I wasn’t alive when humans walked on the moon. I’d certainly like my kids to see humans walking on the moon and Mars, and venturing out and exploring our solar system,” the 41-year-old entrepreneur remarked before liftoff.

The mission had faced a two-week delay due to poor weather conditions. The crew needed favorable weather not only for the launch but also for the splashdown, as they could not reach the ISS for resupply if needed. The mission will conclude with a splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean off the Florida coast.

This historic mission represents a new frontier in space exploration, with private citizens now playing an increasingly prominent role in advancing spaceflight technology and capabilities.

Kontrol sa NIA, ibinalik ni PBBM sa ilalim ng kanyang opisina

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Kontrol sa NIA, ibinalik ni PBBM sa ilalim ng kanyang opisina

MAYNILA. Naglabas si Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ng isang executive order (EO) na nagbabalik sa National Irrigation Administration (NIA) sa ilalim ng superbisyon ng Office of the President (OP) mula sa Department of Agriculture (DA), at inayos muli ang komposisyon ng Board of Directors ng NIA.

Ayon sa EO 69, na nilagdaan ni Pangulong Marcos noong Setyembre 5 at isinapubliko nitong Martes, ang NIA ay ilalagay sa ilalim ng OP “for policy and program coordination.” Matatandaang noong 2022, sa pamamagitan ng EO 168, ang NIA ay isinailalim sa superbisyon ng DA.

“Irrigation management and development is vital towards achieving food security and ensuring infrastructure development in the country, which are among the Administration’s priority initiatives,” ayon sa EO 69.

Dagdag pa rito, binigyang-diin ng EO na “It is imperative to streamline and rationalize the functional relationships of agencies with complementary mandates, in order to promote coordination, efficiency, and coherence within the bureaucracy.”

Sa ilalim ng EO 69, ang Board ng NIA ay bubuuin ng kinatawan mula sa OP, ang NIA administrator, mga Kalihim ng DA, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), at National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), kasama ang isang kinatawan mula sa pribadong sektor na itatalaga ni Pangulong Marcos.

Nakasaad din sa EO na ang eleksyon, appointment, o designation ng chairperson, vice chairperson, at iba pang opisyal ng Board of Directors ay dapat na naaayon sa Republic Act (RA) 10149 o ang Governance Commission for Government-Owned or -Controlled Corporations (GOCC) Governance Act of 2011.

Bago ilabas ang EO 69, ang Kalihim ng DA ang nagsisilbing chairman ng NIA Board, habang ang NIA administrator ang tumatayong vice chairperson. Kabilang din sa mga miyembro ng Board ang mga kinatawan mula sa DPWH, NEDA, National Power Corporation (Napocor), at pribadong sektor na kumakatawan sa rice at corn industry. Sa bagong EO, tinanggal ang Napocor bilang miyembro ng board.

Agad na magiging epektibo ang EO 69 matapos itong mailathala.

Nearly half of East Timor’s population attends Pope Francis’ mass

Venus L Peñaflor
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Nearly half of East Timor’s population attends Pope Francis’ mass

TASITOLU, East Timor. Nearly half of East Timor’s population gathered in a seaside park on Tuesday to attend Pope Francis’ final Mass in the country, marking a significant event for the Catholic-majority nation. The crowd of around 600,000 people, which local authorities estimated, represented an unprecedented proportion of the population attending a papal event.

While Pope Francis’ visits to other countries have attracted millions, such as in the Philippines, Brazil, and Poland, this gathering stood out due to the country’s small size and the deep Catholic faith of its people. East Timor, or Timor-Leste, has remained strongly Catholic since the Portuguese arrived in the 1500s, and about 97% of its population practices the faith.

Pope Francis’ visit to East Timor, which gained independence in 2002, was the first since St. John Paul II’s historic visit in 1989. That visit took place during the country’s struggle to separate from Indonesia, making the current event even more significant for the people.

The papal visit also underscored the challenges of accurately estimating such large crowds. Vatican estimates often rely on local organizers, who may have a vested interest in reporting higher numbers to emphasize the Pope’s popularity. However, the large turnout in East Timor remains notable, not just for its scale, but for the passionate display of faith.

In contrast, one of the largest papal events in recent memory took place in Manila, Philippines, in 2015, when Pope Francis celebrated a Mass for an estimated 6 million people at Rizal Park. The Vatican received the crowd estimate from local authorities, confirming that it surpassed the record of 5 million people who attended a Mass by St. John Paul II in 1995.

Similarly, in 2013, Pope Francis drew 3.7 million people to Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach for World Youth Day. However, that figure was disputed by local data experts, with some estimating the actual number to be closer to 1.5 million.

Despite these contrasting numbers, the faith and devotion displayed by the people of East Timor were undeniable. The event highlighted the global appeal of Pope Francis and the enduring significance of the Catholic Church in diverse regions.

Pope Francis’ Historic Visit to Singapore

Pope Francis is set to arrive in Singapore on Wednesday, marking a momentous occasion as he becomes only the second pope to visit the wealthy city-state. His three-day stay is the final leg of an 11-day tour across four nations, making this his longest journey since assuming leadership of the Catholic Church in 2013.

Singapore, known for its global influence as a financial powerhouse and strategic hub, has long awaited the visit of the 87-year-old pontiff. Cardinal William Goh of Singapore emphasized the significance of this visit, stating that it comes at a crucial time when Pope Francis’ messages of human dignity, interfaith dialogue, and environmental stewardship resonate strongly with the island nation’s multicultural society.

“After the apostolic visit is done, I pray that Singapore will be filled with hope — a profound, divine hope,” Cardinal Goh said in a statement.

The pope’s visit to Singapore was originally planned for 2020 but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Singapore’s population of nearly 6 million is predominantly Chinese, with Buddhism as the largest religion. However, Catholics make up about 19% of the population, and the church plays an influential role in the country’s education and healthcare sectors.

During his visit, Pope Francis is expected to deliver a public Mass at Singapore’s National Stadium, where 55,000 people are anticipated to gather, including Catholics from neighboring countries like Malaysia and Brunei. As part of his itinerary, the pope will also meet Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, as well as leaders from civil society and the diplomatic corps.

In addition to his public engagements, Pope Francis will hold private meetings with members of the Jesuit community and visit St. Theresa’s Home to meet elderly residents. He will also participate in an interreligious dialogue with youth at the Catholic Junior College, a reflection of Singapore’s diverse cultural and religious landscape.

As Singapore celebrates the pope’s arrival, the visit marks a rare opportunity for the local Catholic community to connect with the global Church. It is also a reminder of the island nation’s ability to foster peaceful coexistence in a modern, multi-ethnic society, a theme Pope Francis has championed throughout his papacy.

Pope Francis is set to arrive in Singapore on Wednesday, marking a momentous occasion as he becomes only the second pope to visit the wealthy city-state.

The first shipment of mpox vaccines from the United States has arrived in Congo

EDGARDO HERNAL
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The first shipment of mpox vaccines from the United States has arrived in Congo

KINSHASA, Congo. Congo has received 50,000 doses of the mpox vaccine from the United States, marking a significant step in its battle against the ongoing outbreak. The latest shipment, which arrived on Tuesday, follows the delivery of the first batch of vaccines from the European Union just a week earlier.

Cris Kacita Osako, the coordinator of Congo’s Monkeypox Response Committee, announced that vaccinations will begin on October 2. “Adults in the provinces of Equateur, South Kivu, and Sankuru, which have been the most severely affected, will be prioritized for vaccination,” Osako told The Associated Press.

This shipment from the U.S. is part of a larger effort to curb the spread of mpox in Congo, which has been at the center of a global health emergency. The U.S.-supplied vaccine are JYNNEOS, the same vaccine manufactured by Danish company Bavarian Nordic, which the EU donated through HERA, the European Union’s agency for health emergencies. In total, 100,000 doses were sent by the EU, with 50,000 additional doses arriving from the U.S. over the weekend.

While the arrival of these 250,000 doses is a positive development, it is only a fraction of what is needed to combat the outbreak. Authorities have estimated that at least 3 million doses are required to end the epidemic in Congo effectively. Although EU countries have pledged over 500,000 more doses, the timeline for their arrival remains uncertain.

Since the start of 2024, Congo has accounted for 91% of the confirmed mpox cases in Africa, with 5,549 cases and 643 deaths reported continent-wide. Most infections in Congo and neighboring Burundi are occurring in children under the age of 15.

The Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recently launched a continent-wide response plan to address the growing crisis. This came three weeks after WHO declared the mpox outbreaks in 12 African nations a global emergency.

In response to the outbreak, Congo issued emergency approval for the JYNNEOS vaccine, which has already been used in the U.S. and Europe. For now, the vaccine will be administered to adults, with priority given to individuals in close contact with infected persons, as well as sex workers, according to Africa CDC Director-General Dr. Jean Kaseya.

HERA Director-General Laurent Muschel added that the European Medicines Agency is currently reviewing data that could extend the vaccine’s use to children aged 12 to 17 by the end of the month.

The next batch of mpox vaccines is expected to come from Japan, potentially arriving as early as this weekend. However, Osako did not specify how many doses would be included in the Japanese shipment.

This coordinated global effort underscores the urgency of containing the outbreak in Congo, the epicenter of this public health crisis. As vaccination campaigns begin, the hope is to reduce infection rates and prevent further loss of life.

P775-milyong halaga ng shabu nasabat sa Cavite, 3 big-time drug dealers timbog

Arman B. Cambe
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P775-milyong halaga ng shabu nasabat sa Cavite, 3 big-time drug dealers timbog

IMUS CITY, Cavite. Umiskor ang mga operatiba ng PNP-Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG)-Calabarzon nang masabat nila ang 114 kilo ng shabu na may kabuuang halaga na mahigit P775 milyon. Tatlong big-time drug dealer, kabilang ang isang negosyante, ang naaresto sa dalawang magkasunod na buy-bust operation na isinagawa sa lungsod na ito sa Cavite, kamakalawa ng gabi.

Ayon sa ulat, ang unang operasyon ay isinagawa ng pinagsanib na puwersa ng PDEG Special Operations Unit (SOU) 4-A, sa pangunguna ni PLt. Mermel P. Avenilla, katuwang ang PNP-DEG IFLD, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 4-A, PDEA-NCR, Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU)-4A, at Imus City Police, bandang alas-6:26 ng gabi sa Lavander St., Brgy. Pasong Buaya II, Imus City.

Naaresto ang dalawang suspek na kinilalang sina Larry Martin Didel, 37-anyos, mekaniko, at Jan Rey Estrella, 26-anyos, may-ari ng isang motor shop. Kapwa sila itinuturing na high-value individuals (HVI) ng pulisya at kilalang big-time drug dealer sa Region 4-A (Calabarzon). Sa buy-bust operation, isang poseur buyer ang nakabili ng 1 kilo ng shabu mula sa mga suspek, at nakumpiska pa sa kanila ang karagdagang 109 kilo ng shabu na may kabuuang halagang P748 milyon.

Nasundan ang operasyon bandang alas-9:58 ng gabi sa Brgy. Buhay na Tubig, Imus City, kung saan nadakip ang isa pang suspek na si alyas “Adie,” isa ring HVI at kilalang big-time dealer ng droga sa lalawigan. Nakumpiska mula sa kanya ang 4 kilo ng shabu na nagkakahalaga ng P27.2 milyon.

Bukod sa shabu na may kabuuang halaga na P775.2 milyon, nakarekober din ang mga awtoridad ng 15 bundles ng tig-P1,000 na boodle money na ginamit sa buy-bust, mga cellphone ng mga suspek na ginagamit sa kanilang illegal na transaksyon, at mga drug paraphernalia.

Ayon kay PDEG Chief Brig. Gen. Eleazar Matta, ilang araw na sinubaybayan ng mga operatiba ang kilos ng mga suspek bago isinagawa ang operasyon. “Gumamit ang aming mga operatiba ng body-worn cameras (BWC) at kasama ang mga kinatawan ng barangay at media upang matiyak ang transparency sa operasyon,” ani Matta.

Patuloy ang imbestigasyon at pagtugis sa iba pang mga kasabwat ng mga nahuling drug dealer.

At least 19 people were killed in an Israeli strike on a tent camp within a Gaza humanitarian zone

Venus L Peñaflor
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At least 19 people were killed in an Israeli strike on a tent camp within a Gaza humanitarian zone

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip. An Israeli airstrike hit a crowded tent camp in Gaza’s Muwasi region early Tuesday, killing at least 19 people and injuring 60 others, according to Palestinian officials. The strike occurred in a humanitarian zone established for displaced civilians seeking shelter from the nearly year-old war between Israel and Hamas.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the strike, stating that it was targeting senior Hamas militants using precise munitions. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, an Israeli military spokesperson, emphasized the accuracy of the strike, disputing Palestinian casualty figures. In a post on social media platform X, he remarked, “The casualty reports do not line up with the information available to the IDF, the precise weapons used, and the accuracy of the strike.”

However, those on the ground described a devastating scene. Three large craters were visible, as first responders searched the rubble using garden tools, bare hands, and mobile phone flashlights. Among the bodies pulled from the sand were children, women, and the elderly. Iyad Hamed Madi, a resident sheltering in Muwasi, held up a bag of diapers, crying, “This is for my son. He’s 4 months old. Is he a fighter? There’s no humanity.”

Gaza’s Health Ministry reported at least 19 fatalities, but earlier reports from the Civil Defense, operating under the Hamas-run government, stated that 40 people had died. The ministry’s figures, though disputed by Israel, are widely regarded as reliable.

At Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, where casualties were taken, the scene was one of heartbreak. An Associated Press cameraman counted 10 bodies in the morgue, including two children. Samar Moamer, one of the survivors, recounted her experience: “We were sleeping, and suddenly it was like a tornado.” Her daughter was killed in the strike, while another was miraculously pulled alive from the debris.

Hamas, in response, denied that militants were present in the area, calling Israel’s justification for the attack a “blatant lie.” The group has repeatedly accused Israel of targeting civilian areas, a claim the Israeli government counters by blaming Hamas for embedding military operations within civilian zones.

The airstrike in Muwasi is reminiscent of a previous attack in July when Israel targeted the humanitarian zone, killing at least 90 Palestinians. The IDF claimed it had successfully killed Mohammed Deif, the elusive leader of Hamas’ military wing, though Hamas insisted Deif survived the strike.

The war, which began after Hamas militants launched a deadly assault on Israel on October 7, has displaced 90% of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million people. Israel says it has killed over 17,000 militants during the conflict, while Gaza’s Health Ministry reports more than 41,000 Palestinians have died, with women and children comprising half of the casualties.

International efforts to broker a cease-fire, led by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, have repeatedly stalled. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized the urgency of a truce, stating, “The shocking deaths in Khan Younis only reinforce how desperately needed that cease-fire is.”

As the humanitarian situation in Gaza worsens, aid organizations, including the United Nations, have struggled to provide essential services. Philippe Lazzarini, head of the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), reported that a U.N. convoy was held at gunpoint for hours by Israeli forces despite prior coordination.

The ongoing war has brought Gaza to the brink of famine, with critical infrastructure destroyed and law and order breaking down. As the violence continues, the toll on both sides remains devastating, with no immediate end in sight.

Quiboloy cases: Justice will roll for both sides as it is on the right course after his arrest

DC Alviar
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Quiboloy cases: Justice will roll for both sides as it is on the right course after his arrest

The following formal Caution remains on the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) website:

“Apollo Carreon Quiboloy, the founder of a Philippines-based church, is wanted for his alleged participation in a labor trafficking scheme that brought church members to the United States, via fraudulently obtained visas, and forced the members to solicit donations for a bogus charity, donations that actually were used to finance church operations and the lavish lifestyles of its leaders. Members who proved successful at soliciting for the church allegedly were forced to enter into sham marriages or obtain fraudulent student visas to continue soliciting in the United States year-round. Furthermore, it is alleged that females were recruited to work as personal assistants, or ‘pastorals,’ for Quiboloy and that victims prepared his meals, cleaned his residences, gave him massages, and were required to have sex with Quiboloy in what the pastorals called ‘night duty.’ Quiboloy was indicted by a federal grand jury in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, Santa Ana, California, for conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion and sex trafficking of children; sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion; conspiracy; and bulk cash smuggling, and on November 10, 2021, a federal warrant was issued for his arrest. If you have any information concerning this person, please contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate.”

According to Secretary Crispin Remulla of the Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ), the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founding leader may have surrendered when he was about to get caught after a Philippine National Police (PNP) ultimatum yesterday, September 8.

Details of Quiboloy’s arrest are still a bit elusive, but it is said that he was arrested in a building inside the KOJC compound in Davao City, put on a military aircraft, and since last night he has been in the custodial center of Camp Crame in Quezon City. (PNA: “Quiboloy, 4 aides detained in Camp Crame”)

He and his aides will be in the same compound as dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Guo Hua Ping, also known as Alice Guo, a suspected Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) associate who was detained last September 6 after her arrest in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Justice will now surely roll for both sides because it is on the right course. The KOJC leader can now defend himself against the allegations leveled against him based on the documents of the FBI, NBI, PNP, Senate, House of Representatives, a Pasig City Regional Trial Court (RTC), and a Davao City RTC.

Some cases were previously transferred to Quezon City because according to the Supreme Court: “In A.M. No. 24-04-29-RTC (Re: Transfer of Venue of Criminal Case Nos. R-DVO-24-1439-CR and R-DVO-24-01440-CR)), the Court found compelling reasons to justify the transfer of venue as the cases involve public interest, with the accused, a well-known religious leader, being influential in the area. As this could cause local biases and a strong possibility that witnesses cannot freely testify due to fear and influence of the accused, the Court found it prudent and judicious to order the transfer of the cases to Quezon City.”

Quiboloy can also be extradited to the US to be held accountable there, according to the DOJ. They are still studying if that is the best, or if one at a time, or if his cases should be handled simultaneously. There is no problem if he is extradited because there is an extradition treaty between the Philippines and the US and it is considered part of the law of the land, says the Secretary of Justice, who is now handling a lot of high-profile cases of fugitives, including former Bureau of Corrections Director-General Gerald Bantag for the deaths of broadcaster Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa and alleged middleman Jun Villamor. There is also expelled congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr., who is still under the custody of the police in Timor Leste and had to be “re-arrested” there before his extradition to the country so that he can face multiple murder charges.

So “do not judge?” That is incomplete. People of the Philippines and all nation-states should have the discernment, the capacity to judge, and the determination of right and wrong, as well as truths and lies. “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment,” according to Jesus’ words found in John 7:24. Right now, it pays to be cautioned of authorities’ caution; in other words, be both forewarned and informed.

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