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LCPO gets an acting city director
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — The Lapu-Lapu City Police Office (LCPO) has a new acting city director following the promotion and transfer of Police Colonel Elmer Lim to another region. This was confirmed by Police Lieutenant Colonel Christian Torres, spokesperson for the LCPO. Torres stated that Police Colonel Noel Flores, the current Deputy Regional Director for.....»»
US, UK accuse China of cyberespionage that hit millions of people
The aim of the global hacking operation was to 'repress critics of the Chinese regime, compromise government institutions, and steal trade secrets,' Deputy US Attorney General Lisa Monaco says.....»»
Rama: No need to rush RPT revision
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said revising the Real Property Tax (RPT) wasn’t yet necessary, showing a sudden change in his position. At first, Rama said the RPT revision had to be done this month. Later, he told the council that imposing the RPT suddenly wasn’t necessary, showing a change in.....»»
Philippines, Japan, US foreign officials prepare for tri-summit
As the Philippines prepares for a trilateral summit with Japan and the US on April 11, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro met on Thursday in Tokyo with Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Okano Masataka and US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell to discuss regional security issues and economic cooperation......»»
US Bolstering Philippines Amid Increasing Assertiveness by China
washington - The U.S. and Philippines will for the first time venture outside Manila's territorial waters when they begin joint annual combat drills in April, a Philippines government spokesman said Thursday.Colonel Michael Logico said elements of the Balikatan 2024 drills would be conducted about 22 kilometers (more than 12 nautical miles) off the west coast of Palawan, an island in the archipelago nation that.....»»
Vatican releases decree affirming Lipa apparition not supernatural
In a circular released by the Archdiocese of Lipa on Tuesday, Archbishop Gilbert Garcera said that the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) has released a copy of the May 1951 decree regarding the verdict of the alleged Lipa apparition, also known as the Our Lady of Mediatrix of All Graces......»»
Five things to know about Pope Francis’ Synod
Pope Francis opened the Synod of Bishops' general assembly in Rome on Wednesday, which in a historic first gives women a vote, after a vast global consultation on the future Catholic Church. Here are five things to know about the event: Input from faithful Since 2021, the world's 1.3 billion Catholics have been invited to express their views on the Catholic Church and its challenges to help guide the institution through the 21st century. The "Synod on Synodality" was launched by Francis, 86, as a way to make the Church more inclusive and transparent as it sought input from the faithful around the world. Insights from local dioceses were submitted to episcopal conferences, all contributing to a 50-page working document called the "Instrumentum Laboris" that will be used during the discussions that will take place over the next four weeks. A second session of the assembly is scheduled for October 2024, after which a final document will be given to the pope. He will then decide whether or not to incorporate its findings into a papal document known as an apostolic exhortation. "It's an important forum for reflection for the Church, on its way of being, of moving forward," Italian priest Giacomo Costa, the special secretary of this assembly, told AFP. 21st-century issues The current Synod is the first time the Vatican has waded into so many of today's contentious social issues so openly. The topics to be addressed include the place of LGBT+ people within the Church, whether women should be ordained deacons, and whether married men can serve as priests in regions with insufficient clergy, among others. While there has been consensus on some issues, "there are other issues on which we disagree in substance," said Costa. Contributing to discussions will be theologians, experts, and sociologists, he said. Women and laypeople The Synod is a consultative institution created by Pope Paul VI in 1965 that meets regularly through assemblies. Francis presided over three previous Synods: those of the Family in 2014-2015, Youth in 2018, and Amazonia 2019 -- where he rejected a proposal to open up the priesthood to married men in remote areas of the Amazon. The current Synod marks a major break from the past, however, with Francis' decision to allow women and lay people to vote. "It's a total change from Paul VI: this time, the people of God are being summoned, not representatives," a Vatican observer told AFP. The source said the laymen and women in the assembly will be trying to push past the "ecclesiastic culture" pervading the event. "They won't be satisfied with good words, there will be a demand for procedure, the will to change, efficiency," said the source. Busy calendar For four weeks, the 464 participants, including 365 voting members, will meet every day, divided into 35 working groups divided into five languages (English, Italian, Spanish, French, and Portuguese). Among them are 54 women. The Synod will open and close with a mass presided over by Francis in St. Peter's Basilica and will be marked by periods of prayer. Francis said last month that discussions during the assembly will be behind closed doors to "safeguard" the synodal climate. Dissent Although Francis has warned that there is "no room for ideology in the Synod", there are likely to be differences. Vatican observers will be closely watching the conservative wing of the Church, which is hostile to the Argentine pope. Its members, which include Germany's Cardinal Gerhard Mueller and US Cardinal Raymond Burke, maintain that Francis risks creating confusion and division in the Church, given the Synod's reflections on possible doctrinal changes on thorny issues such as gay rights or celibacy. The post Five things to know about Pope Francis’ Synod appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Biden’s son Hunter to plead not guilty to gun charges
US President Joe Biden's son Hunter will plead not guilty to charges of illegally buying a gun when he was using drugs, his lawyer said Tuesday. Hunter Biden, 53, was charged last week with two counts of making false statements when claiming on forms required for a 2018 gun purchase that he was not using drugs illegally at the time. On Tuesday, Hunter Biden's lawyer, Abbe David Lowell, asked the judge presiding over the case in the eastern state of Delaware to hold the first court appearance by video conference instead of requiring his client to attend in person. Hunter Biden currently lives in California. "Mr. Biden understands both the charges against him and his rights... and we believe the Court can be assured of that fact by conducting this initial appearance by video," Lowell said in the letter to US Magistrate Judge Christopher Burke. "Mr. Biden also will enter a plea of not guilty, and there is no reason why he cannot utter those two words by video conference," Lowell said. "Mr. Biden is not seeking any special treatment in making this request," he added. "He has attended and will attend any proceedings in which his physical appearance is required." Hunter Biden is also facing a third charge, based on the same statements, that he illegally possessed the gun during an 11-day period in October 2018. If convicted on all three felony charges, he could face 25 years in prison, though in practice the offenses are seldom punished by any jail time. The indictment came two days after Republicans in Congress opened an impeachment probe against Joe Biden, a Democrat, alleging that when the elder Biden was vice president he benefited financially from his son's foreign business dealings. They alleged, without offering hard evidence, that while vice president in 2015-2016, Biden intervened to protect an allegedly corrupt Ukrainian energy company, Burisma, where Hunter Biden sat on the board. The gun charges against Hunter Biden were filed by Justice Department special counsel David Weiss, who has been investigating him since 2018 over various allegations, mostly related to his overseas business deals. A plea deal between Hunter Biden and Weiss, covering the gun charge as well as alleged tax violations, collapsed two months ago. Hunter Biden is a Yale-trained lawyer and lobbyist-turned-artist, but his life has been marred by alcoholism and crack cocaine addiction and his indictment has cast a shadow over his father's campaign for reelection next year. The post Biden’s son Hunter to plead not guilty to gun charges appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
London Fashion Week throws spotlight on young designers
After New York, the fashion world descends on London from Friday, showcasing big names such as Burberry but also the work of young designers who could become household names of the future. Last year's event, billed as a comeback after disruption due to the Covid pandemic, was overshadowed by the death of Queen Elizabeth II and 10 days of national mourning. This year, more than 80 designers are set to present their spring/summer 2024 collections, with around 50 catwalk shows and other presentations. "It's going to be five really exciting days full of creativity," said Caroline Rush, chief executive of organizers the British Fashion Council (BFC). Fashion bible Vogue rolled out the red carpet on Thursday night for a gala launch event. But in the world of fashion, London is enduring a post-Covid slump, with inflation -- the highest in the G7 at 6.8 percent in July -- and Brexit combining to create a depressed economic backdrop. That has left the British capital trailing Paris, Milan, and New York in the fashion week stakes. In a sign of its loss of influence, even British former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham has crossed the Channel to present her designs in Paris since last year. Fresh UK funding On Wednesday, the UK government announced £2 million ($2.5 million) to support young designers, which will go to the BFC's existing NewGen program. The scheme, which over the last 30 years has supported the best young fashion designers, aims to launch the high-end global brands of tomorrow. The UK government funding will go towards the staging of five fashion weeks over two years, said the BFC. Previous recipients include the legendary Alexander McQueen, who died in 2010. On Saturday, the Design Museum in London is presenting an exhibition celebrating young NewGen talents, and the energy they have brought to the industry. "REBEL: 30 Years of London Fashion" showcases about 100 designs, some of which have gone down in pop culture history. This year, about 20 designers are benefiting from the NewGen program. Most are recent graduates, but who have already managed to dress some of the biggest stars. Outfits by Ukrainian designer Masha Popova have been worn by singer Dua Lipa. Di Petsa has dressed actress Zendaya. Among the more established names are 16Arlington, JW Anderson, Molly Goddard, Richard Quinn, Roksanda, and Simone Rocha. But Burberry, the London fashion house founded in 1856, remains the most eagerly awaited show. It takes place on Monday afternoon and will be only the second collection for British creative director Daniel Lee, following on from his February show. The ex-Bottega Veneta designer replaced Riccardo Tisci a year ago. Sales have soared in China for the brand with the distinctive check print. On the final day, Tuesday, Ukrainian designers will present their collections, with London once again hosting Ukrainian Fashion Week due to Russia's invasion. The BFC is also trying to make London an increasingly inclusive venue for catwalk shows. It has launched a survey aimed at all those working in the sector, with questions on their gender, sexual orientation, religion, and social background. "The audit is long overdue and marks the first step towards the vital measurement of the UK fashion industry's collective progress towards the goal of fair representation," the BFC said. The results will be announced later this year. Another must-see fashion event in London is the exhibition "Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto", which opens on Saturday at the V&A museum. It retraces the 60-year career of "Coco" Chanel, featuring some of her greatest creations that revolutionized women's wardrobes. (AFP Photos) [caption id="attachment_184160" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Canadian model Winnie Harlow poses upon arrival to attend the "Vogue World: London" event at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in central London on the eve of London Fashion Week on 14 September 2023. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_184161" align="aligncenter" width="525"] British model Jodie Turner-Smith poses upon arrival to attend the "Vogue World: London" event at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in central London on the eve of London Fashion Week on 14 September 2023. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_184162" align="aligncenter" width="525"] British model Georgia May Jagger poses upon arrival to attend the "Vogue World: London" event at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in central London on the eve of London Fashion Week on 14 September 2023. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_184163" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Irish writer Sinead Burke poses upon arrival to attend the "Vogue World: London" event at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in central London on the eve of London Fashion Week on 14 September 2023. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_184164" align="aligncenter" width="525"] British actress Simone Ashley poses upon arrival to attend the "Vogue World: London" event at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in central London on the eve of London Fashion Week on 14 September 2023. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP)[/caption] The post London Fashion Week throws spotlight on young designers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl-U.S. bilateral sail eyes stronger maritime cooperation
The Philippines and the United States are currently conducting a “bilateral sail” in waters off the western Palawan within the South, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said on Monday. AFP Public Affairs chief Lt.Col. Enrico Gil Ileto narrated that the activity is part of the Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board framework that aims to develop operational interoperability between the navies of the two countries. He added that the event also highlights the “robust maritime cooperation” between the US and the Philippines. During the bilateral sail, the AFP deployed the Navy’s guided-missile frigate, BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) while the US Navy deployed the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, the USS Ralph Johnson (DDG-114). Meanwhile, the AFP Western Command’s Naval Task Force 41 and the US 7th Fleet will also carry out “division tactics” using the BRP Jose Rizal and the US Navy’s USS Ralph Johnson to improve their cooperation capabilities, which involves practicing ship maneuvering near other vessels to boost bridge team confidence in handling challenging sailing conditions. “This event aims to provide an opportunity for the Philippine Navy and the US Indo-Pacific Navy to test and refine existing maritime doctrine and demonstrate their defense capabilities in line with the shared commitment of upholding peace and security in the Indo-Pacific Region,” Ileto said. He added that the AFP will continue to be involved in “bilateral and multilateral activities” that will contribute to further developing its capability to perform its mission to the country’s national sovereignty and national territory. “The AFP continues to engage in joint training and exercises with other nations, using existing agreements to further improve its defense and maritime capabilities,” Ileto said. The post Phl-U.S. bilateral sail eyes stronger maritime cooperation appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl-US ‘bilateral sail’ to boost maritime cooperation
The Philippines and the United States are currently conducting a “bilateral sail” in waters off the western Palawan within the South China Sea, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said on Monday. AFP Public Affairs chief Lt.Col. Enrico Gil Ileto said the activity is part of the Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board framework that aims to develop operational interoperability between the navies of the two countries. Ileto added that the event also highlights the "robust maritime cooperation" between the US and the Philippines. During the bilateral sail, the AFP deployed the Navy's guided-missile frigate, BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) while the US Navy deployed the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, the USS Ralph Johnson (DDG-114). Meanwhile, the AFP Western Command's Naval Task Force 41 and the US 7th Fleet will also carry out "division tactics" using the BRP Jose Rizal and the US Navy's USS Ralph Johnson to improve their cooperation capabilities, which involves practicing ship maneuvering near other vessels to boost bridge team confidence in handling challenging sailing conditions. "In particular, this event aims to provide an opportunity for the Philippine Navy and the US Indo-Pacific Navy to test and refine existing maritime doctrine and demonstrate their defense capabilities in line with the shared commitment of upholding peace and security in the Indo-Pacific Region," Ileto said. The AFP, he added, will continue to be involved in "bilateral and multilateral activities" that will contribute to further developing its capability to perform its mission to the country's national sovereignty and national territory. "The AFP continues to engage in joint training and exercises with other nations, using existing agreements to further improve its defense and maritime capabilities," Ileto further stressed. *CAPTION: BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) and USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114) conducted bilateral sail on September 4 to enhance interoperability. Philippine Navy’s BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) and US Navy’s USS Ralph Johnson sail through Philippine waters to carry out Division Tactics rehearsal. (Photo courtesy of AFP-Western Command)* The post Phl-US ‘bilateral sail’ to boost maritime cooperation appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
As wildfires multiply, a new era of air pollution
From Quebec to British Columbia to Hawaii, North America is facing an extraordinary wildfire season -- and regions both near and far have found themselves increasingly blighted by smoke exposure. Here's what you should know about air pollution from these blazes. What we know One of the defining aspects of smoke from wildfires is "particulate matter" -- toxins that, in their numbers, can make smoke visible. Particulate matter of 2.5 micron diameter, PM2.5, is "particularly dangerous for human health and emitted in really large quantities," Rebecca Hornbrook, an atmospheric chemist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research, who flies in planes through smoke for her research, told AFP. "Typically if you are downwind of a wildfire, that's the thing that's causing the majority of the darkening of the sky and the lack of visibility," she said, such as the shrouded skies seen in New York as a result of fires hundreds of miles away in Quebec earlier this year. PM2.5 penetrates deep inside the lungs and potentially even the bloodstream. The average American had already been exposed to 450 micrograms of smoke per cubic meter by early July, worse that the entirety of the years from 2006-2022, economist Marshall Burke at Stanford posted on X recently, citing calculations made by the university's Environmental Change and Human Outcomes Lab. Also of concern are invisible substances known as volatile organic compounds such as butane and benzene. These cause eye and throat irritation, while some are known carcinogens. When VOCs mix with nitrogen oxides -- which are produced by wildfires but also are abundant in urban areas from burning fossil fuels -- they help form ozone which can exacerbate coughing, asthma, sore throat and difficulty breathing. What we don't know Automobile ownership exploded after World War II, and in the decades since scientists have gained insights on how it impacts humans -- from the onset of asthma in childhood to increased risk of heart attacks and even dementia later on in life. That breadth of knowledge is lacking for wildfire smoke, explained Christopher Carlsten, director of the Air Pollution Exposure Laboratory at the University of British Columbia. Based on the two dozen studies published "there seems to be a greater proportion of respiratory versus cardiovascular effects of smoke as compared to traffic pollution," he told AFP. The reason might be that nitric oxides are more prominent in traffic pollution. Carlsten's lab has begun conducting human experiments with wood smoke to gain more clarity. Medical interventions exist, said Carlsten, who is also a physician, including inhaled steroids, non-steroid inflammatories, and air filters -- but research is urgently needed to know how best to use them. Will it spur action? The warming planet also impacts our psychological wellbeing in myriad ways, Joshua Wertzel, chair of the American Psychiatric Association's committee on climate change in mental health, told AFP. One response is distress, "anger, grief, anxiety, in the face of the natural disasters they expect to come," with these rates far higher in younger people than older. Another is mental "acclimatization," a byproduct of evolution that helps us cope with new stressors, but if we're not careful can inure us to dangers, much like the proverbial frog in boiling water. For Hornbrook, who is based in Colorado, what eastern North America experienced in 2023 is what the western side of the continent has already been dealing with for many years -- and the global picture is only set to worsen given humanity's appetite for burning fossil fuels. While historic pollution regulations helped rein in emissions from cars and industry, climate action will be needed to tackle the wildfire scourge, she said. "It gets frustrating knowing that we've been ringing the warning bell for years and years, and we're now seeing what we've been warning about," she said, but added there was still hope. "Maybe now people are actually starting to notice and we'll see some change." The post As wildfires multiply, a new era of air pollution appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CNN Philippines launches first-ever podcast & lsquo;Suddenly Family& rsquo;
CNN Philippines announces the release of its first podcast, Suddenly Family, hosted by Emmy-winning journalist Samuel Burke. .....»»
Mavs add Burke after Cauley-Stein opts out of resumed season
Mavs add Burke after Cauley-Stein opts out of resumed season.....»»