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Mga residente ng north Luzon binalaan sa posibleng debris mula sa Chinese rocket

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Mga residente ng north Luzon binalaan sa posibleng debris mula sa Chinese rocket

MAYNILA. Nagbabala ang Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council 1 (RDRRMC-1) sa mga residente ng Hilagang Luzon kaugnay ng posibleng pagbagsak ng debris mula sa isang Chinese rocket na ilulunsad sa mga susunod na araw.

Ang Long March 7A rocket ay nakatakdang ilunsad mula sa Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site sa Hainan, China. Ayon sa RDRRMC-1, ang paglulunsad na ito ay posibleng magresulta sa debris na babagsak sa karagatang sakop ng Pilipinas. Nakatakda ang paglulunsad mula alas-5 ng hapon hanggang alas-11 ng gabi sa pagitan ng Agosto 21 hanggang Agosto 25.

Ang mga identified drop zones ay nasa layong 38 nautical miles mula sa Burgos, Ilocos Norte, at 66 nautical miles mula sa Santa Ana, Cagayan. Dahil dito, inaabisuhan ang mga residente, lalo na ang mga mangingisda, na iwasan ang paglayag, pangingisda, at pagligo sa dagat malapit sa mga nabanggit na lugar sa panahon ng launch period.

“Ang anumang debris na mahahanap ay posibleng naglalaman ng mga toxic substances. Huwag itong lapitan at agad na ipagbigay-alam sa mga otoridad,” babala ng RDRRMC-1.

Patuloy na minomonitor ng mga kinauukulan ang sitwasyon upang masiguro ang kaligtasan ng publiko.

Major Israel-Hezbollah missile exchange sparks fears of regional escalation

Venus L Peñaflor
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Major Israel-Hezbollah missile exchange sparks fears of regional escalation

Jerusalem/Beirut. In one of the largest confrontations since the border conflict began more than ten months ago, Hezbollah launched hundreds of rockets and drones at Israel early Sunday. Israel responded by deploying approximately 100 jets to strike Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, successfully thwarting what the Israeli military described as a “much larger attack.”

Missiles were seen streaking through the dawn sky, leaving dark vapor trails, as air raid sirens blared across northern Israel. A distant explosion briefly illuminated the horizon, while smoke billowed over homes in Khiam, southern Lebanon.

The Israeli military confirmed that while the attack caused damage in northern areas, no casualties were reported on their side. In contrast, three people were confirmed dead in Lebanon. Despite the intensity of the exchange, Hezbollah indicated that it did not plan further strikes at this time. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz emphasized, “We do not seek a full-scale war.”

The escalating conflict, which began alongside the ongoing war in Gaza, has raised concerns of a broader regional conflict that could draw in Hezbollah’s backer, Iran, and Israel’s primary ally, the United States.

Strikes Amid Ceasefire Negotiations

The timing of these strikes is particularly concerning as negotiators were in Cairo attempting to broker a ceasefire in Gaza. Hezbollah, backed by Iran, stated that it fired 320 Katyusha rockets towards Israel, hitting 11 military targets. This attack was described as the first phase of retaliation for Israel’s assassination of Fuad Shukr, a senior Hezbollah commander, last month.

The Israeli military claimed to have prevented a more extensive attack with pre-emptive airstrikes, targeting over 40 Hezbollah launch sites across southern Lebanon. “The strikes destroyed thousands of launcher barrels, aimed primarily at northern Israel but also targeting some central areas,” stated an Israeli military spokesperson.

Hezbollah, however, dismissed Israel’s claims, asserting that their drones had been successfully launched as planned. They hinted that the remainder of their response to Shukr’s assassination “will take some time.”

Emergency Measures and International Reactions

As the conflict unfolded, Israel’s security cabinet convened early Sunday, with the full cabinet meeting later in the afternoon. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declared a state of emergency, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s stance: “Whoever harms us – we harm him.”

Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati held a session with the national emergency committee, and Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah is expected to address the situation in a televised speech later in the day.

The conflict also affected air travel, with flights to and from Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv suspended for about 90 minutes. Similar disruptions occurred in Beirut, leaving passengers stranded. “I just want to get out of here by any means possible,” said Rana Saade, a Lebanese woman residing in New Jersey.

The Growing Risk of a Broader Conflict

As sirens wailed in northern Israel, the Iron Dome aerial defense system intercepted multiple rockets from southern Lebanon. The Israeli ambulance service went on high alert, though no casualties were immediately reported.

In Lebanon, a security source reported that at least 40 Israeli strikes hit various towns in the south, marking one of the densest bombardments since hostilities began in October. The town of Khiam saw the death of a fighter from the Hezbollah-allied Amal group, while an Israeli strike on al-Tiri claimed two more lives. The identities of the deceased, whether fighters or civilians, were not immediately clear.

A resident of Zibqeen, a southern Lebanese town, described the early morning chaos: “I woke up to the sound of planes and the loud explosions of rockets—even before the dawn prayer. It felt like the apocalypse.”

International Concerns and Calls for Ceasefire

U.S. President Joe Biden is closely monitoring the situation, according to the White House. “We will keep supporting Israel’s right to defend itself, and we will keep working for regional stability,” stated National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett.

The U.N. peacekeeping force in Lebanon and the U.N.’s special coordinator’s office in the country have called on all parties to cease fire, expressing deep concern over the “worrying” developments. Egypt, involved in Gaza ceasefire negotiations, warned against the dangers of a new war front opening in Lebanon.

Hezbollah’s missile barrage followed the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas gunmen on Israel, marking the beginning of a series of exchanges between Hezbollah and Israel. The delicate balance of power seemed to shift after the missile strike in the Golan Heights, which Hezbollah denied responsibility for, and the subsequent assassination of Fuad Shukr, one of Hezbollah’s top military commanders.

Shukr’s death in an Israeli airstrike was soon followed by the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, sparking vows of retaliation against Israel by Iran. The region now watches with bated breath as the potential for further escalation looms.

Houthi attack ignites Greek oil tanker in Red Sea, poses severe environmental risk

Venus L Peñaflor
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Houthi attack ignites Greek oil tanker in Red Sea, poses severe environmental risk

RED SEA. Three fires have erupted on a Greek-flagged oil tanker in the Red Sea, following an attack by Yemeni Houthi militants, according to a statement from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) on Friday. The incident occurred just one day after the vessel’s crew was evacuated due to the assault.

The Iran-aligned Houthis, who control much of Yemen, claimed responsibility for the attack on the Sounion oil tanker on Thursday. The group stated that this action was part of their 10-month campaign against commercial shipping to support Palestinians in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. “Delta Tankers violated our ban on entry to the ports of occupied Palestine,” Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree declared in a televised address.

The initial attack on Wednesday severely damaged the tanker, causing a fire and disabling its engine. A European warship later rescued the 25-member crew, consisting of 23 Filipino and two Russian merchant marines. The vessel was anchored between Yemen and Eritrea when the crew abandoned it, but it now appears to be adrift.

On Friday, the UKMTO reported that three fires were observed on the Sounion, which is carrying 150,000 metric tons of crude oil. The fires have raised serious concerns about a potential environmental disaster. The European Union’s Red Sea naval mission, Aspides, warned, “A potential spill could lead to disastrous consequences for the region’s marine environment.”

The Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority echoed this warning on social media, stating, “A spill of this magnitude could have catastrophic effects on the region’s marine life and coastal ecosystems.”

The Houthis released a video on social media on Friday, allegedly showing their forces setting the tanker on fire. This attack marks the third time this month that a vessel operated by Athens-based Delta Tankers has been targeted by the Houthis.

In response, Delta Tankers stated, “We are doing everything we can to move the vessel and its cargo. For security reasons, we are not in a position to comment further.”

The Sounion’s crew, who managed to anchor the vessel before abandoning it, are now safe, but the drifting ship poses a growing threat in the already volatile Red Sea region. The potential for a massive oil spill has drawn comparisons to the largest recorded ship-source spill in 1979, when 287,000 tonnes of oil were released into the Caribbean Sea after the Atlantic Empress collided with another crude carrier.

As the situation develops, international maritime and environmental authorities are closely monitoring the tanker, with efforts underway to prevent a catastrophic spill that could have long-lasting impacts on the region’s ecosystem.

Chinese flares threaten Philippine fisheries plane in latest South China Sea tension

Venus L Peñaflor
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Chinese flares threaten Philippine fisheries plane in latest South China Sea tension

MANILA. A Philippine fisheries bureau plane conducting a routine patrol in the contested South China Sea came under threat when flares were fired from a Chinese island base, according to Philippine officials on Saturday. The incident marks the latest flare-up in the ongoing territorial disputes between Beijing and Manila, with tensions now extending from the disputed waters to the airspace above.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) was conducting a surveillance mission on Thursday near Subi Reef, an area within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) that has been transformed by China into a heavily militarized island. While on patrol, the Philippine Cessna 208B Grand Caravan observed flares being launched from the reef, an act perceived as a threat by the crew on board. The Philippine government’s interagency task force confirmed the incident but did not provide further details on the proximity of the flares to the aircraft or whether the patrol was completed as planned.

This event follows another incident on August 19, when the same Philippine fisheries plane was reportedly “harassed” by a Chinese fighter jet near the disputed Scarborough Shoal. The task force reported that the Chinese jet performed “irresponsible and dangerous maneuvers,” releasing flares within a dangerously close distance of approximately 15 meters (50 feet) from the Philippine aircraft. “The Chinese fighter jet was not provoked, yet its actions demonstrated hazardous intent that jeopardized the safety of the personnel onboard the BFAR aircraft,” the task force stated, which includes representatives from the Department of National Defense, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Philippine Coast Guard.

Chinese authorities have not yet commented on these latest incidents. However, they have previously accused Philippine vessels and aircraft of encroaching on what Beijing claims as its territory in the South China Sea.

“We firmly reiterate our call on the government of the People’s Republic of China to immediately cease all provocative and dangerous actions that threaten the safety of Philippine vessels and aircraft engaged in legitimate and regular activities within Philippine territory and exclusive economic zone,” the Philippine task force declared. “Such actions undermine regional peace and security and further erode the image of the PRC with the international community.”

The United States, a long-standing ally of the Philippines, also condemned China’s actions. U.S. Ambassador to Manila MaryKay Carlson released a statement urging China to halt its provocative behavior. “We call on the PRC to cease provocative and dangerous actions that undermine a free and open Indo-Pacific,” she said, echoing growing international concern over China’s aggressive stance in the region.

In a related incident on August 8, two Chinese jets reportedly flew dangerously close to a Philippine air force patrol plane near Scarborough Shoal, firing a volley of flares. This encounter was the first of its kind since tensions between Beijing and Manila escalated in 2023. Philippine military chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. condemned the Chinese actions, warning of the potentially catastrophic consequences. “If the flares came into contact with our aircraft, these could have been blown into the propeller or the intake or burned our plane,” Brawner explained to reporters.

In response, the Southern Theater Command of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army accused the Philippine aircraft of illegally entering airspace over Scarborough Shoal, disrupting China’s military training exercises. The command stated that Chinese forces were deployed to “identify, track and drive away the Philippine aircraft,” and warned Manila to “stop its infringement, provocation, distortion and hyping-up.”

The South China Sea remains a flashpoint for regional and international tensions, with similar confrontations reported by the United States, Australia, and Canada. These nations, which have deployed forces to the area to promote freedom of navigation and overflight, have also faced aggressive maneuvers by Chinese aircraft. Beijing has criticized these military deployments as a threat to regional security, further complicating the already volatile situation in the region.

Massive police raid on religious compound in search of Quiboloy

Venus L Peñaflor
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Massive police raid on religious compound in search of Quiboloy

MANILA. Hundreds of police officers, supported by riot squads, stormed the sprawling compound of a religious group in Davao City, on Saturday, in search of a controversial preacher accused of child abuse and human trafficking

The operation targeted the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) compound, led by its founder, Apollo Quiboloy, who has been at the center of multiple criminal allegations. Police Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III, who led the raid, stated that the extensive deployment was necessary due to the size of the compound, which spans approximately 30 hectares (75 acres) and includes a cathedral, school, living quarters, hangar, and a taxiway connected to Davao International Airport.

“We won’t leave here until we get him,” Torre declared, emphasizing the seriousness of the charges against Quiboloy. “We have no-bail warrants for Quiboloy and four others for very grave crimes, including human trafficking, child abuse, and other cases.”

During the raid, a supporter of Quiboloy’s group reportedly suffered a fatal heart attack, although police confirmed that the death was unrelated to the operation. The entire event was broadcasted live by a local TV network owned by the religious group, showing the intensity of the police action as well as the emotional response from Quiboloy’s followers. Many members filmed the raid on their cellphones, expressing anger and disbelief, questioning the legality of the operation, and defending Quiboloy’s innocence.

Despite an extensive search, including the use of equipment designed to detect people behind cement walls, authorities were unable to locate Quiboloy within the compound by mid-afternoon. The preacher, who claims to be the “appointed son of God,” has previously denied all allegations, labeling them as fabrications by critics and former members expelled from the group due to alleged irregularities.

The allegations against Quiboloy are serious and wide-ranging. In 2021, U.S. federal prosecutors indicted him on charges of sex trafficking, including the exploitation of women and underage girls who were reportedly coerced into sexual acts under threats of abuse and “eternal damnation.” The indictment also includes charges of conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion, along with money laundering, visa fraud, and other offenses.

Quiboloy, who was a close spiritual adviser to former President Rodrigo Duterte, went into hiding following the issuance of multiple arrest warrants in the Philippines for child and sexual abuse. The Philippine Senate has also issued a separate warrant for his arrest after he refused to attend committee hearings investigating the criminal allegations against him.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has publicly called on Quiboloy to surrender, assuring him of fair treatment by the authorities.

As police continue their efforts to locate and arrest Quiboloy, the raid underscores the ongoing legal battle surrounding the controversial preacher, whose influence has extended from local to international arenas.

Italian prosecutor opens manslaughter probe in yacht sinking that killed British tech magnate and 6 others

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Italian prosecutor opens manslaughter probe in yacht sinking that killed British tech magnate and 6 others

TERMINI IMERESE, Italy. An Italian prosecutor has initiated a manslaughter investigation following the tragic sinking of a luxury yacht off the coast of Sicily, which resulted in the deaths of British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch and six others. The yacht, named Bayesian, capsized during a sudden storm earlier this week.

Ambrogio Cartosio, head of the public prosecutor’s office in Termini Imerese, announced that the investigation would focus on potential crimes of multiple manslaughter and causing a shipwreck through negligence. While the incident appears to have been triggered by an abrupt meteorological event, Cartosio emphasized that it is “plausible” that human error or negligence could have contributed to the disaster.

The Bayesian, a 56-meter (184-foot) yacht built by the high-end Italian manufacturer Perini, was anchored off Porticello, near Palermo, when it was struck by a fierce pre-dawn storm on Monday. Lynch’s 18-year-old daughter, Hannah, was among those who perished, while his wife and 14 other survivors, including the yacht’s captain, managed to escape.

“The disaster would be even more painful if the investigation showed it was caused by behaviors that were not aligned with the responsibilities everyone needs to take in shipping,” Cartosio stated.

The survivors, including the yacht’s captain, James Cutfield, have been questioned by authorities but have not made any public statements about the circumstances of the sinking. According to Raffaele Cammarano, another prosecutor involved in the case, Cutfield was “extremely cooperative” during questioning.

Naval experts have expressed surprise at the sinking, noting that a yacht of Bayesian’s caliber should have been able to withstand such a storm. The vessel now lies intact on its side at a depth of 50 meters (164 feet), and efforts to salvage it are expected to be both complex and costly.

“It’s in the interests of the owners and managers of the ship to salvage it,” Cartosio added, noting that they have assured their full cooperation.

Giovanni Costantino, CEO of The Italian Sea Group, which owns Perini, dismissed the possibility of design or construction flaws, attributing the tragedy to a series of “indescribable, unreasonable errors” by the crew.

Cammarano further explained that the storm was likely caused by a “downburst,” an intense but common meteorological event involving a strong downward wind, rather than a more severe phenomenon like a waterspout. He added that the passengers were likely asleep during the storm, which may have hindered their ability to escape.

The search for bodies has been ongoing throughout the week, with the last victim, Hannah Lynch, recovered on Friday. The other victims, including Lynch’s lawyer Chris Morvillo, Morgan Stanley banker Jonathan Bloomer, and onboard chef Recaldo Thomas, were recovered earlier in the week.

Mike Lynch, 59, was a prominent figure in the UK tech industry and had been celebrating his acquittal in a U.S. fraud trial when the tragedy struck. The investigation remains ongoing, with the possibility that individuals may be formally charged as more evidence comes to light.

Bulkang Taal nagbuga ng mahigit 3K tonelada ng asupre, Phivolcs nagbabala sa panganib

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Bulkang Taal nagbuga ng mahigit 3K tonelada ng asupre, Phivolcs nagbabala sa panganib

BATANGAS CITY. Sa loob ng nakalipas na 24 oras, nagbuga ang Bulkang Taal ng 3,334 tonelada ng asupre, ayon sa ulat ng Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). Ang pagbuga na ito ay resulta ng upwelling ng mainit na volcanic fluids sa lawa ng bulkan na umabot sa taas na 1,500 metro at napadpad sa kanluran-timog-kanlurang direksyon.

Bukod dito, iniulat din ng Phivolcs ang pagbaba ng tubig sa kalakhang Taal Caldera na sinabayan ng panandaliang pag apaw sa hilaga at timog-silangang bahagi ng Taal Volcano Island.

Dahil sa patuloy na aktibidad ng bulkan, mariing pinaalalahanan ng Phivolcs ang publiko na iwasan ang pagpunta sa Taal Volcano Island (TVI), partikular na sa Main Crater at Daang Kastila fissures. Mahigpit ding ipinagbabawal ang pamamalagi sa lawa ng Taal at ang paglipad ng anumang aircraft malapit sa tuktok ng bulkan dahil sa posibilidad ng biglaang phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, manipis na ashfall, at pag-ipon o pagbuga ng mga nakalalasong gas.

Sa kabila ng mga aktibidad na ito, nananatiling nasa ilalim ng Alert Level 1 ang Mt. Taal, na nangangahulugang may nagaganap na abnormalidad sa loob ng bulkan. Ayon sa Phivolcs, ang kasalukuyang kondisyon ng bulkan ay nangangailangan ng patuloy na pag-iingat mula sa mga residente at mga awtoridad sa lugar.

Gaza ceasefire talks resume in Cairo as humanitarian crisis escalates

Venus L Peñaflor
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Gaza ceasefire talks resume in Cairo as humanitarian crisis escalates

CAIRO/JERUSALEM. Negotiations aimed at securing a ceasefire in Gaza and addressing the hostage situation resumed in Cairo on Saturday, with mediators presenting new compromise proposals to bridge the gap between Israel and Hamas. The renewed discussions come as the United Nations reports worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza, with rising malnutrition and the recent discovery of polio.

The conflict’s toll continues to grow, with Palestinian health authorities reporting that Israeli military strikes in Gaza claimed 50 lives on Saturday alone. Many victims of the ongoing hostilities remain trapped under rubble or lying on roads in areas where fighting persists.

A Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo on Saturday to be on hand to review any proposals that emerge from the main talks involving Israel and the mediating countries—Egypt, Qatar, and the United States—according to two Egyptian security sources. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani was also expected to participate in the negotiations.

The ceasefire talks have been marked by months of on-again, off-again negotiations, which have so far failed to bring an end to Israel’s devastating military campaign in Gaza or to secure the release of the remaining hostages taken by Hamas during their attack on October 7, which ignited the current conflict.

Egyptian sources indicated that the latest proposals include compromises on critical issues such as securing key areas and the return of displaced people to northern Gaza. However, no breakthrough has been achieved on several sticking points, most notably Israel’s demand to retain control of the Philadelphi Corridor, a strategic border area between Gaza and Egypt.

Tensions in the negotiations have been exacerbated by accusations from Hamas that Israel has reneged on previously agreed-upon terms, a charge that Israel denies. Hamas has also criticized the United States, accusing it of not mediating in good faith.

In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has clashed with Israeli ceasefire negotiators over whether Israeli troops should remain stationed along the entire border between Gaza and Egypt, according to a source familiar with the talks.

A Palestinian official involved in the mediation efforts expressed caution, stating that it was too early to predict the outcome of the talks. “Hamas is there to discuss the outcome of the mediators’ talks with the Israeli officials and whether there is enough to suggest a change in the Netanyahu stance about reaching a deal,” the official noted.

As negotiations continue, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with the international community increasingly alarmed by the escalating crisis.

Movie Review: ‘The Crow’ Reimagined – stylish and operatic, yet unable to soar beyond the 1994 classic

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Movie Review: ‘The Crow’ Reimagined – stylish and operatic, yet unable to soar beyond the 1994 classic

In the reimagined version of The Crow, one of the first striking images is that of a white horse, fallen and bleeding in a muddy field after being ensnared in barbed wire. This metaphor, although visually powerful, feels somewhat misplaced and ultimately unexplained—a foreshadowing of the stylistic choices director Rupert Sanders makes throughout the film. In his attempt to breathe new life into the cult hero of comics and cinema, Sanders prioritizes visual flair over narrative depth and coherence.

Set in a modern, yet indistinct, European backdrop, the film is heavily inspired by James O’Barr’s graphic novel. However, it cannot escape the looming presence of the 1994 adaptation, in which Brandon Lee’s tragic death during filming has enshrined the original as a piece of cinematic history. The new adaptation, arriving amidst headlines of another on-set tragedy, only serves to deepen the shadow cast by Lee’s iconic performance.

Bill Skarsgård steps into Lee’s role as Eric Draven, a man brought back from the dead to avenge the brutal murders of himself and his beloved, Shelly. This version of The Crow attempts to elevate the story to operatic heights, with screenwriters William Schneider and Zach Baylin introducing elements such as a Faustian bargain, a devilish figure, and a liminal space between heaven and hell resembling an abandoned railway station. “Kill the ones who killed you, and you’ll get her back,” the hero is told, setting the stage for a blood-soaked quest for vengeance.

Despite the film’s ambitions, the first half feels sluggish, laden with unnecessary exposition and drawn-out scenes. Eric, portrayed as a brooding artist with a penchant for sketching and tattoos, is written as a gentle loner tormented by an unexplained past. Shelly, played by FKA Twigs, is more complex but suffers from a lack of backstory, rendering her character’s motivations unclear. Their love story, meant to be the emotional core of the film, comes across as more adolescent than eternal—a significant flaw in a narrative that hinges on love transcending death.

Visually, the film has its moments, particularly Skarsgård’s Eric donning the Crow’s signature makeup and wielding a katana as he stalks through a rain-soaked, dystopian landscape. The climax, a thrilling action sequence set against an operatic backdrop, is one of the film’s highlights, with arias soaring as Eric dispatches tuxedoed villains in a flurry of stylized violence. Yet, even in its best moments, the film struggles to break free from the influences of The Matrix, Joker, and Kill Bill, borrowing heavily from these modern classics without establishing its own identity.

Ultimately, The Crow reimagined is a visually arresting but flawed retelling. While it boasts a stronger narrative than the original, it cannot escape the legacy of Brandon Lee and the 1994 film. The movie, much like the trapped white horse in its opening scene, is burdened by its own painful history, unable to truly gallop on its own.

As a piece of cinema, The Crow is neither a failure nor a triumph. It offers a fresh take for the smartphone generation, but in doing so, it remains tethered to the past, unable to fully realize its potential.

New study suggests Shroud of Turin may be 2,000 years old

EDGARDO HERNAL
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New study suggests Shroud of Turin may be 2,000 years old

ROME, Italy. Researchers from Italy’s Institute of Crystallography have unveiled groundbreaking findings that could reignite the debate over the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin, a relic believed by many to be the burial cloth of Jesus Christ. Their study, which employed advanced technology, suggests that the Shroud could indeed be over 2,000 years old, aligning with Christian tradition.

The Shroud of Turin has long been a subject of intense scrutiny, with skeptics questioning its authenticity and some labeling it a medieval forgery. However, the Institute’s latest research, using Wide-angle X-ray Scattering (WAXS), presents evidence that the fabric may be far older than previously thought.

“The experimental results are compatible with the hypothesis that the Turin Shroud is a 2,000-year-old relic, as supposed by Christian tradition,” the Institute of Crystallography announced on its website. The researchers revealed that they obtained WAXS data profiles from the Shroud that matched those of a linen sample dated between 55 and 74 AD, the period of the Siege of Masada in Israel.

These findings stand in stark contrast to the results of a 1988 radiocarbon dating test, which dated the Shroud to around 1350 AD. That earlier test, conducted by three separate laboratories, had cast significant doubt on the Shroud’s authenticity. However, the Institute of Crystallography’s 2024 findings suggest that “the Turin Shroud fabric is much older than the seven centuries proposed by the 1988 radiocarbon dating.”

While the Institute acknowledges that these findings are “experimental,” they argue that the results are consistent with the Shroud’s mysterious and largely undocumented history prior to its known existence in Europe during the Middle Ages.

The Shroud of Turin continues to captivate both the scientific community and the faithful worldwide. Bishop Robert Barron, founder of Word on Fire ministry, expressed his fascination with the relic, stating, “It seems that there is now new evidence that strengthens the hypothesis that the cloth of the Shroud is contemporary to the time of Christ.”

Bishop Barron emphasized that while faith in Christ’s resurrection does not depend on the Shroud, its “uncanny power to capture our attention” has deepened the faith of many. “I believe the continued fascination people have for the Shroud is an indication of the continued relevance of Christ to even a culture as secular as our own. It reveals that in the midst of prevailing secularism, people remain drawn to the uncanny, spiritual aspects of our existence and desire to experience for themselves the mysteries of God,” he added.

As the debate over the Shroud’s authenticity continues, these latest findings have reignited interest in one of the most enigmatic relics in history, reminding us of the enduring allure of the “mysteries of God.”

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