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The trail of Hezbollah’s exploding pagers extends from Taiwan to Hungary

Venus L Peñaflor
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The trail of Hezbollah’s exploding pagers extends from Taiwan to Hungary

BEIRUT. Thousands of pagers used by Hezbollah in Lebanon detonated on Tuesday, leaving a trail of destruction that stretches from Taiwan to Hungary. The explosions, which killed twelve and injured nearly 3,000 people, including Hezbollah fighters and the Iranian envoy to Beirut, have raised tensions in the Middle East, with Israeli involvement suspected.

According to a senior Lebanese security source, Israel’s Mossad planted explosives inside the pagers months prior, as part of an unprecedented breach of Hezbollah’s security. The operation targeted Hezbollah fighters across Lebanon, with pagers exploding in unison after a coded message was sent.

The source revealed that the pagers, imported from Taiwan-based Gold Apollo, were manufactured by BAC Consulting, a company in Budapest, Hungary. In a statement, Gold Apollo denied involvement in the devices’ modification, clarifying, “The product was not ours. It was only that it had our brand on it.”

BAC Consulting, whose activities range from IT consulting to crude oil extraction, has remained silent. Its CEO, Cristiana Barsony-Arcidiacono, did not respond to requests for comment. The Hungarian company is registered at a mostly residential address in Budapest, with no clear physical presence.

Israel’s Mossad Involvement Suspected

Lebanese officials believe that Mossad inserted explosive materials into the pagers at the production level, making detection nearly impossible. “The Mossad injected a board inside of the device that has explosive material that receives a code. It’s very hard to detect it through any means,” said the senior Lebanese security source.

The detonation occurred after about 3,000 of the pagers received the coded activation, unleashing chaos and bloodshed across Hezbollah-controlled areas. A Hezbollah official described the attack as “the group’s biggest security breach” in its history, admitting the devices had gone undetected for months.

Hezbollah has relied on low-tech communication methods, such as pagers, to avoid Israeli surveillance. This vulnerability appears to have been exploited in a highly coordinated Mossad operation, part of a series of attacks against Hezbollah and Hamas since the beginning of the Gaza conflict.

Hezbollah’s Response and Escalating Tensions

Following the attack, Hezbollah vowed retaliation against Israel. In a statement on Wednesday, the group declared, “The resistance will continue today, like any other day, its operations to support Gaza, its people, and its resistance, which is a separate path from the harsh punishment that the criminal enemy (Israel) should await in response to Tuesday’s massacre.”

With escalating exchanges of fire along the Israel-Lebanon border and continued Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, the threat of a regional war looms large. “Hezbollah wants to avoid an all-out war,” said Mohanad Hage Ali of the Carnegie Middle East Center. “But given the scale, the impact on families, on civilians, there will be pressure for a stronger response.”

The sophisticated nature of the attack underscores Mossad’s reputation for executing complex operations, stretching back to high-profile assassinations and sabotage missions, including the killing of a top Iranian scientist in 2020.

As the Middle East edges closer to a broader conflict, this attack serves as a stark reminder of the intricate espionage and countermeasures at play in the volatile region.

San Pedro City mayor faces fresh plunder charges over controversial land purchase

Roy Tomandao
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San Pedro City mayor faces fresh plunder charges over controversial land purchase

SAN PEDRO CITY, Laguna. San Pedro City Mayor Art Francis Joseph Mercado of Laguna Province is facing a new set of plunder charges, this time filed by a private citizen. The complaint was lodged on Tuesday before the Office of the Ombudsman, alleging violations of the Plunder Law (Republic Act 7080), the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act 3019), as well as gross inexcusable negligence and grave misconduct.

The charges were brought by Jason Vierneza, a former employee of San Pedro City Hall’s Public Order and Safety Office. Vierneza, who resigned in July after nearly 19 years of service, accused Mercado and his city council of purchasing a 22,500 square-meter parcel of land in Barangay Landayan for P135,000,000 without proper legal procedures or a clear development plan.

In his 14-page complaint, Vierneza highlighted that the land was acquired for P6,000 per square meter in April 2023, based on a disbursement voucher from the San Pedro City Hall. He expressed disappointment in the local government, citing the lack of a concrete plan for the land, which has since contributed to severe flooding in residential areas.

“We are disappointed in our mayor and his council. I filed plunder charges against them for buying a land in my own hometown, Barangay Landayan, without following the proper process. The piling of loads has caused heavy flooding that affected many residents,” Vierneza said in his statement. “I stand for the people of Landayan because we are heavily affected.”

Vierneza further claimed that the land was overpriced, noting that former San Pedro City Mayor Lourdes Cataquiz had offered to buy the same property three years ago for only P1,300 per square meter, totaling P29,500,000.

In addition to Mercado, the charges also named Vice Mayor Divina Olivarez and several councilors, including Michael Casacop, Sheriliz Almoro, Joie Chelsea Villegas, Leslie Lu, and Atty. Mark Oliveros, Aldrin Mercado, Bernadette Olivarez, Jose Mendoza, and Vincent Solidum. Other officials, such as ex-officio members of the Sangguniang Panglungsod, Liga ng mga Barangay President Diwa Tayao, SK Federation President Raphael Ty, City Administrator Atty. Henry Salazar, and 12 others, were also implicated.

Attorney Melvin Matibag, Vierneza’s legal counsel, criticized the purchase, stating, “Land banking is not the job of the local government. This is the second time Mayor Art [Mercado] and his administration bought land without a clear purpose.”

Matibag emphasized that under the law, purchasing land without a specific use is prohibited, particularly in flood-prone areas like Barangay Landayan. “It cannot be. Under the law, it is prohibited to buy land property if there is no specific use or plan for it, if there are many informal settlers, and if it is a flood-prone area. This is a flood-prone area beside Laguna Lake,” he said, adding, “I am very sad to see what’s happening to the people of Landayan and San Pedro because of the flooding.”

This marks the second plunder case filed against Mayor Mercado and his council. City Councilor Carlon “Lonlon” Ambayec had previously accused them of purchasing another property in Barangay Laram for P73,644,000 without a clear development plan. In both cases, Matibag noted that no board of assessors was appointed to evaluate the properties, and there were no annual investment plans in place.

The Ombudsman has yet to issue a statement regarding the charges.

A Timeless tradition: Japanese artists preserve the ancient craft of Sanuki Kagari Temari

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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A Timeless tradition: Japanese artists preserve the ancient craft of Sanuki Kagari Temari

KAWARAMACHI, Japan (AP) — In a quiet corner of Kawaramachi, time appears to stand still. Inside a humble studio, a circle of women works meticulously, one stitch at a time, on small, vibrant balls that embody centuries of tradition. These are no ordinary creations, but Sanuki Kagari Temari, a craft passed down for over a thousand years on the island of Shikoku.

At the center of this circle is Eiko Araki, a master of the ancient art. Each “temari,” or hand-stitched ball, features colorful geometric designs that bear poetic names such as “firefly flowers” and “layered stars.” The craft requires immense patience—some balls take weeks, even months, to complete. Prices vary, with certain pieces selling for hundreds of dollars, though more affordable options exist as well.

Despite their playful appearance, these kaleidoscopic balls are far from toys. They are heirlooms, often cherished as symbols of health and prosperity, much like treasured artworks in Western homes.

Crafting Temari with Natural Materials

Temari has its roots in a region ideal for cotton growing, and the balls continue to be made from this simple, natural material. In Araki’s studio, which doubles as the headquarters for the craft’s preservation society, rows of cotton thread in 140 different hues—from soft pastels to vibrant, bold colors—await their turn to be used. These threads are dyed by hand using plants, flowers, and other organic sources, including cochineal, a cactus-dwelling insect that produces a striking red hue.

The deeper indigo tones are achieved through repeated dyeing, while a mix of yellow and blue results in exquisite shades of green. Even soy juice is added to enrich the colors, a touch of organic protein contributing to the craft’s unique palette.

The Complex Process of Temari Creation

The making of temari begins with forming the ball itself, which involves wrapping rice husks, cooked and dried, in layers of thread until a sphere takes shape. Once the ball is ready, the embroidery begins—a painstaking process where each stitch must be pushed with great precision. Temari are surprisingly firm, and the needlework must follow strict guidelines, with lines that help shape the final intricate patterns.

Each ball has guide threads, some that encircle it like an equator, and others that zigzag from top to bottom, creating a symmetrical framework for the design.

A Craft for the Modern Age

In recent years, temari has experienced a resurgence, appealing to both Japanese artisans and foreign admirers alike. Notable figures like Caroline Kennedy, former U.S. Ambassador to Japan, have even taken up lessons in the craft. Yoshie Nakamura, a curator of Japanese handmade art at Haneda Airport in Tokyo, highlights temari’s intricate beauty, stating, “Temari that might have been everyday in a faraway era is now being used for interior decoration.”

Araki herself has introduced modern innovations, crafting temari designs that blend tradition with contemporary aesthetics. Among her new creations are Christmas tree ornaments and miniature temari charms that sell for about 1,500 yen ($10) each. She has also developed pastel-hued temari clusters, held together by magnets, that can be filled with fragrant herbs, serving as aromatic diffusers.

A Tradition Worth Preserving

The art of temari is not easily mastered. Araki, who began as a metalwork artist, learned the craft from her husband’s parents, who were themselves masters. They worked tirelessly to revive temari at a time when it was on the verge of disappearing. Araki recalls their stern mentorship, “They were stoic people, rarely bestowing praise, always scolding me.” This tough-love approach is typical in traditional Japanese arts, where devotion and discipline are paramount.

Today, only a few dozen artisans, all women, continue to make temari to traditional standards. Araki acknowledges the challenge of passing on the craft to future generations: “The most challenging aspect is nurturing successors. It typically takes over 10 years to train them, so you need people who are willing to continue the craft for a very long time.”

However, she remains hopeful, believing that once people find joy in the demanding process of temari-making, they are more likely to persevere. “When people start to feel joy along with the hardship that comes with making temari, they tend to keep going,” Araki said.

In a world moving ever faster, the ancient art of Sanuki Kagari Temari endures, a testament to the patience, skill, and dedication of those who continue to stitch its legacy, one thread at a time.

Sanuki Kagari Temari balls are in a gift box in Eiko Araki’s studio in Kawaramachi, Kagawa prefecture, Japan, on Sept. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Yuri Kageyama)

French man admits to raping wife in mass rape trial

Venus L Peñaflor
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French man admits to raping wife in mass rape trial

Warning: The following story contains disturbing details.

AVIGNON. In a deeply disturbing case unfolding in France, 71-year-old Dominique Pelicot admitted to raping his wife, Gisèle, for over a decade, while allowing dozens of men to also abuse her without her knowledge. Pelicot confessed to drugging his then-wife, filming the assaults, and recruiting up to 50 other men to take part in the abuse.

“I am a rapist like the others in this room,” Pelicot said during his testimony, acknowledging his involvement along with the other co-defendants on trial. While only 15 of the accused men have admitted to rape, the remaining defendants argue that they believed the sexual acts were consensual or that they were manipulated by Pelicot.

The abuse came to light after thousands of videos were discovered by investigators, many of which documented the horrific acts. Gisèle, now Pelicot’s ex-wife, waived her right to anonymity at the start of the trial, hoping to shed light on the abuse and shift the shame to the perpetrators.

“It is difficult for me to listen to this,” Gisèle said in court. “For 50 years, I lived with a man who I would’ve never imagined could be capable of this. I trusted him completely.”

Pelicot’s defense lawyer, Béatrice Zavarro, told the court that her client was “sharing his truth” but acknowledged the gravity of his actions. Pelicot expressed regret during his testimony, admitting that his “addiction” to the abuse grew stronger over time and that he should have stopped sooner.

The trial, which is open to the public at Gisèle’s request, continues to unfold with testimony from other defendants, many of whom deny knowing that the assaults were non-consensual. Pelicot has also been accused of drugging and abusing his daughter, although he denies these claims.

As the trial proceeds, Gisèle’s legal team remains focused on proving that she was a victim and had no knowledge of the abuse that took place. Pelicot, who faces serious charges, will continue giving his testimony throughout the trial.

Nepal kicks off festival season with devotees honoring a living goddess

Venus L Peñaflor
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Nepal kicks off festival season with devotees honoring a living goddess

KATHMANDU, Nepal. Nepal’s vibrant festival season began on Tuesday, as tens of thousands of devotees gathered in Kathmandu to celebrate the revered tradition of the Indra Jatra festival. The festivities were highlighted by the sight of a young girl, worshipped as a living goddess, paraded through the streets in a grand wooden chariot.

This sacred festival marks the beginning of Nepal’s months-long celebration season, which draws locals and visitors alike to Kathmandu’s historic streets. Families gathered at shrines to light incense and offer prayers for the dead, while men and boys donned colorful masks and costumes representing Hindu deities, dancing to the rhythm of traditional music and drums.

Indra Jatra: A Celebration of Rain and Renewal

The Indra Jatra festival, one of Nepal’s oldest cultural traditions, celebrates the end of the monsoon season and the completion of rice farming, signaling the arrival of autumn. Primarily observed by the Newar community, the indigenous people of Kathmandu, it is a tribute to Indra, the Hindu god of rain. The festival is also known as the celebration of deities and demons, a reflection of the rich mythology interwoven into the local culture.

One of the most captivating elements of the festival is the performance of masked dancers, who embody various Hindu gods and spirits. Depending on the intensity of their movements, these dancers can inspire awe, evoke fear, or entertain the thousands of onlookers who line the narrow streets of the capital.

Honoring the Living Goddess Kumari

A central figure of the Indra Jatra festival is Kumari, a young girl who is believed to be a living incarnation of the goddess Taleju. Worshipped by both Hindus and Buddhists, Kumari holds a unique position in Nepalese culture. On Tuesday, she left her palace temple and was carried through the heart of Kathmandu in a wooden chariot, surrounded by cheering devotees who eagerly awaited her blessing.

Nepal’s President Ram Chandra Poudel, along with other officials and diplomats, attended the event, underscoring the cultural and spiritual significance of Kumari in Nepalese society.

The weeklong Indra Jatra is just the beginning of Nepal’s festival season. Following this celebration, the country will prepare for Dasain, the most important festival in Nepal, and Tihar, also known as Diwali, the festival of lights, which takes place in November. As the season progresses, the streets of Kathmandu will continue to echo with music, dance, and the vibrant spirit of celebration, showcasing the deep-rooted traditions that define Nepal’s cultural heritage.

Central Europe fortifies towns as floodwaters rise and death toll reaches 19

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Central Europe fortifies towns as floodwaters rise and death toll reaches 19

NYSA, Poland. Central Europe continues to reel from devastating floods that have claimed at least 19 lives, as rivers across the region burst their banks, inundating towns and cities. Volunteers and rescue workers in Nysa, Poland, joined forces on Tuesday to reinforce flood defenses, as the rising waters threaten further destruction. The floods, which began over the weekend, have swept through Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Romania, Slovakia, and Hungary, leaving a trail of devastation.

In Nysa, a city of more than 40,000 people in southwestern Poland, volunteers worked through the night, stacking sandbags alongside rescue teams to fortify the embankment around the swollen Nysa River. The efforts were supported by military helicopters dropping sandbags from above. Poland’s National Fire Chief, Mariusz Feltynowski, confirmed that the embankment had been successfully sealed. However, fears of looting lingered among residents, many of whom had been evacuated on Monday.

“They assured us that services would take care of our belongings and property. But we are afraid … because we are already hearing that looters have become active,” said Sabina Jakubowska, a 45-year-old resident of Nysa.

Poland has declared a state of disaster in the affected regions and has allocated 1 billion zlotys ($260 million) to support flood victims. The country is bracing for further challenges, with the historic city of Wroclaw preparing for water levels to peak along the Oder River. Mayor Jacek Sutryk confirmed that buses were ready for evacuation if necessary and that additional embankments were being reinforced.

The flooding has taken a heavy toll across the region, with seven deaths reported in Romania, four in Poland, five in Austria, and three in the Czech Republic. Tens of thousands of homes in Poland and the Czech Republic remain without power or fresh water. In the Czech Republic, the northeastern Moravia-Silesia region has been particularly hard-hit, with 15,000 people evacuated and helicopters delivering aid to isolated areas.

In Ostrava, a major industrial city in the Czech Republic, a broken barrier on the Oder River caused severe flooding in the city’s industrial area, including the BorsodChem chemical plant and coking plant OKK Koksovny. Czech authorities continue to battle the floodwaters as the death toll rises.

Neighboring Hungary and Slovakia are also grappling with the rising waters. In Hungary, authorities have put mobile dams in place in the historic towns of Visegrad and Szentendre, north of Budapest, as they prepare for the Danube River to reach near-record levels. Margaret Island, a popular recreational spot in Budapest, has been closed off, with thousands of sandbags piled up to protect the area.

Slovakia’s Environment Minister, Tomas Taraba, confirmed that the Danube had peaked at nearly 10 meters overnight, but water levels are expected to gradually fall. Damage across the country is estimated at 20 million euros.

The financial toll of the flooding is mounting, with credit rating agency Morningstar DBRS estimating that the losses across Central Europe could range from several hundred million euros to over one billion euros ($1.1 billion). In the Czech Republic’s Moravia-Silesia region alone, Governor Josef Belica projected that the damage would amount to tens of billions of crowns (over $1 billion).

As the situation remains critical, the people of Central Europe continue to battle the rising waters, fortifying their towns and cities in an effort to protect lives and property, while governments mobilize resources to mitigate the growing disaster.

Israel targets halting Hezbollah attacks, warns of broader military action

Venus L Peñaflor
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Israel targets halting Hezbollah attacks, warns of broader military action

JERUSALEM. Israel has officially declared halting Hezbollah’s attacks in the northern region as a key war objective, signaling a potential expansion of military operations in Lebanon. The announcement comes as tensions remain high and Israel weighs a broader conflict, a move that could escalate the ongoing hostilities into a regional war.

The Israel-Hezbollah conflict has been intensifying with nearly daily exchanges of fire since the Israel-Hamas war erupted almost a year ago. While Israel has responded to these attacks with airstrikes in Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah positions and eliminating key commanders, fears of a full-scale war have loomed large, especially after recent escalations.

During a meeting of Israel’s security cabinet late Monday, officials updated the nation’s war objectives to include the safe return of northern residents displaced by the violence. “Israel will continue to act to implement this objective,” the cabinet said in a statement.

This tougher stance reflects growing frustration within Israel’s leadership, as warnings of more extensive military action against Hezbollah have become louder in recent weeks. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly been considering a significant leadership shake-up by replacing Defense Minister Yoav Gallant with Gideon Saar, a more hawkish political figure. Such a move would represent the most dramatic shift in Israeli leadership since Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023, which escalated the broader conflict.

The back-and-forth attacks between Israel and Hezbollah have displaced tens of thousands of civilians on both sides of the Israeli-Lebanese border. Hezbollah has suggested it would cease its attacks if a ceasefire were reached in Gaza, but ongoing negotiations have repeatedly stalled.

The United States has urged caution, advising Israel to avoid widening the war. U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein, who has been shuttling between Israel and Lebanon in an attempt to defuse tensions, recently met with Netanyahu. According to reports, Hochstein warned Netanyahu that expanding the conflict with Hezbollah could have significant repercussions, potentially sparking a prolonged regional war.

Hochstein reportedly conveyed that intensifying the conflict would not necessarily facilitate the return of displaced Israelis to their homes, stressing the need for a diplomatic solution. In response, Netanyahu acknowledged U.S. support but reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to “do what is necessary to safeguard its security.” “The residents cannot return without a fundamental change in the security situation in the north,” Netanyahu told Hochstein, according to a statement from his office.

Defense Minister Gallant also expressed concerns that the focus of the conflict is gradually shifting northwards. In discussions with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Gallant warned that time is running out for reaching an agreement with Hezbollah, stating that “the trajectory is clear.”

While Hezbollah maintains that it does not seek a wider war, it has indicated readiness for one if Israel escalates. “We are prepared for confrontation,” said Raed Berro, a member of Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc, “and we have much to deter the enemy and protect Lebanon should Netanyahu decide to expand the war.”

Lebanese leaders, meanwhile, have downplayed Israel’s rhetoric. Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, a close ally of Hezbollah, dismissed the threats, remarking that the Lebanese have grown accustomed to Israel’s warnings, even if they have become “louder recently.”

The Israel-Hamas war, which began after Hamas launched a surprise attack in October, killing around 1,200 Israelis and taking 250 hostages, has since claimed the lives of over 41,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has aligned itself with Hamas, launching strikes on Israeli and U.S. targets in solidarity with Palestinians.

Tensions have also escalated elsewhere in the region, with a missile from Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels setting off air raid sirens in central Israel on Sunday. Israel has suggested it may respond militarily to such provocations.

With growing regional involvement, the possibility of a ceasefire in Gaza remains elusive. The U.S., Qatar, and Egypt have spearheaded mediation efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, in exchange for a ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Despite initial progress, negotiations have stalled, with both Israel and Hamas accusing each other of introducing new and unacceptable conditions.

As diplomatic efforts flounder, Israel’s focus shifts increasingly toward its northern front, with the potential for a broader and more destructive conflict on the horizon.

PNP: ‘Angels of Death’ nadiskubreng private army ni Quiboloy

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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PNP: ‘Angels of Death’ nadiskubreng private army ni Quiboloy

MAYNILA. Tinukoy ng Philippine National Police (PNP) na ang tinaguriang “angels of death” ay tumatayong private army ni Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, na diumano’y ginagamit upang bantaan at saktan ang mga biktima ng pang-aabuso at panggagahasa.

Ayon kay PNP spokesperson PCol. Jean Fajardo, ang impormasyon ay batay sa testimonya mismo ng mga biktima sa gitna ng pagsalakay ng PNP sa KOJC Compound sa Davao City. Ang nasabing private army ay binubuo umano ng mga army reservist at militiamen na nagsisilbing tagasunod ni Quiboloy.

“May initial na silang (Police Regional Office 11) pangalan na maaaring miyembro nitong sinasabing ‘angels of death’ na ginagamit para takutin at saktan itong magdi-divulge ng secrets nilang nangyari doon sa loob ng KOJC building,” ani Fajardo. Ang mga nasabing private army ay naghihintay lamang ng utos mula kay Quiboloy.

Si Quiboloy, kasama ang mga kasamahan na sina Jackielyn Roy, Ingrid Canada, Cresente Canada, at Sylvia Cemañes, ay nahaharap sa mga kasong human trafficking, child abuse, at sexual abuse. Samantala, higit 10 indibiduwal na umano’y kumukupkop kay Quiboloy ang nakatakdang kasuhan ng PNP.

“May identified nang KOJC officers at kasama (nila), na siguro ‘yung legal representatives niya, who were very vocal from the start na wala sa loob (ng KOJC compound) si Quiboloy,” dagdag ni Fajardo.

Inihahanda na rin ng PNP ang kanselasyon ng lisensya ng mga baril ng mga miyembro ng “angels of death.”

Hezbollah struck by a series of exploding pagers, blames Israel; at least 9 dead and thousands injured

Venus L Peñaflor
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Hezbollah struck by a series of exploding pagers, blames Israel; at least 9 dead and thousands injured

BEIRUT. A wave of mysterious pager explosions struck members of Hezbollah in Lebanon and Syria on Tuesday, killing at least nine people, including an 8-year-old girl, and injuring over 2,700 others, according to Lebanese officials. Hezbollah, along with the Lebanese government, has pointed to Israel as the orchestrator of this highly sophisticated remote attack.

Among the injured is Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, who sustained superficial wounds from one of the pager blasts. The explosions occurred amid escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, following the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas that ignited the current conflict in Gaza. Hezbollah and Israel have been exchanging fire along the Israel-Lebanon border ever since.

Hezbollah members had been using the pagers after the group’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, ordered them to abandon cell phones earlier this year, citing concerns that Israeli intelligence could track them. A Hezbollah official, who spoke anonymously, confirmed that the pagers were recently acquired but refused to specify how long they had been in use.

Criminal Aggression Blamed on Israel

At 3:30 p.m. local time, the pagers exploded nearly simultaneously as civilians shopped, relaxed in cafes, or commuted in Beirut, the Beqaa region of Lebanon, and parts of Damascus. Blood-soaked scenes of panic unfolded, with many of the casualties believed to be Hezbollah members. The group later confirmed that eight of the dead belonged to Hezbollah, including the son of a parliament member.

“We hold the Israeli enemy fully responsible for this criminal aggression that also targeted civilians,” Hezbollah stated, adding that “Israel will for sure get its just punishment.”

The explosions were primarily concentrated in Hezbollah strongholds, including a southern Beirut suburb and Beqaa, as well as Damascus, officials said. According to Lebanon’s Health Minister Firas Abiad, at least 200 of the wounded are critically injured, many suffering from injuries to the face, hands, and abdomen. Hospitals in the affected areas were overwhelmed as victims, some missing limbs, were rushed in.

An online video captured one of the horrific moments when a man’s pager exploded while he was picking through produce at a grocery store. Bystanders fled in terror as the explosion hurled him to the ground.

Israel Declines Comment

Israel has declined to comment on the attacks, but hours earlier, Israel’s security agency claimed it had thwarted a Hezbollah attempt to assassinate a former senior Israeli security official. Experts suggest that the pager explosions may have been part of a meticulously planned operation by infiltrating the supply chain of the devices and rigging them with explosives.

According to Sean Moorhouse, a former British Army officer and explosive ordnance disposal expert, the explosive charges within the pagers were likely tiny—about the size of a pencil eraser. “These devices were probably rigged before delivery, most likely by Mossad,” he said.

Elijah J. Magnier, a senior political risk analyst, said that Hezbollah members who examined the pagers that did not explode believed the blasts were triggered by an error message sent to all the devices. The message caused the pagers to vibrate, forcing users to interact with them, inadvertently detonating the small explosives inside.

UN Deplores Escalation

The U.N. special coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, condemned the attacks, calling them “an extremely concerning escalation” in an already volatile situation.

As tensions continue to escalate, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has signaled that the focus of the conflict may be shifting from Gaza to northern Israel, where Hezbollah’s attacks have killed hundreds in Lebanon and displaced thousands.

Japan rejoices record Emmy wins for ‘Shogun’ series

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Japan rejoices record Emmy wins for ‘Shogun’ series

TOKYO, Japan. Japan celebrated with immense pride as the samurai drama series Shogun made history at the Emmy Awards, claiming a record 18 wins for its first season. The awards included the prestigious Outstanding Drama Series, while Hiroyuki Sanada, the show’s star and co-producer, became the first Japanese actor to win the Emmy for Best Lead Actor in a Dramatic Series. Co-star Anna Sawai also secured a historic win for Best Actress in a Dramatic Series, marking a milestone for Japan in global television.

“You did it. You did it. Congratulations,” acclaimed director Takashi Yamazaki of Godzilla Minus One fame wrote on social media, expressing the overwhelming joy felt nationwide.

The awards ceremony, followed live by fans and media alike, dominated national headlines. Entertainment outlet Oricon proudly reported that a series primarily delivered in the Japanese language had “made Emmy history.” The outlet emphasized the significance of the achievement, stating: “The grand scale of Hollywood combined with the high quality of the production, including costuming, props, and mannerisms; the collaboration between the Japanese professional team, headed by producer Sanada, and the local production team; as well as the acting that delivered a strong sense of reality, all came together.”

Kento Kaku, who starred in the 2024 series Like a Dragon: Yakuza, shared his excitement on social media, reflecting on the inspiration he felt after witnessing Japan’s triumph on the global stage. “After seeing how cool that was, who’s not going to want to take up the challenge?” Kaku wrote on X.

Actress Tomoko Mariya tearfully reacted to Sanada’s win, recalling his journey to international fame. “What hardships you must have endured, choosing to leave your entire career behind in Japan and going to America alone. But it has borne fruit,” she wrote, referring to Sanada’s bold move to Los Angeles two decades ago in pursuit of Hollywood dreams.

The success of Shogun is being seen as not just a celebration of diversity in American television, but also as a testament to Japan’s enduring legacy in samurai films, known as jidaigeki. These period dramas have inspired directors and filmmakers worldwide.

Sanada, in his acceptance speech delivered in Japanese, paid tribute to the pioneers who paved the way for Japanese cinema. “I thank all those who supported and kept the legacy of jidaigeki alive,” he said, holding his trophy. “The passion and dreams we inherited traveled across the seas and crossed borders.”

Sanada, well known for his roles in The Last Samurai (2003) and 47 Ronin (2013), follows in the footsteps of legendary actor Toshiro Mifune, who first portrayed his character in the original Shogun series in the 1980s. This Emmy win further solidified his place as one of Japan’s leading actors in Hollywood.

The Emmy for Best Lead Actor in a Dramatic Series was first awarded to an Asian actor, Lee Jung-jae, for the 2022 Korean hit Squid Game. Now, with Sanada’s victory, Japanese actors are marking their own significant chapter in the international entertainment industry.

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