After countless failed attempts, Catriona Gray emotional in reuniting with parents in Australia
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray is finally on her way to see her parents in Australia after being apart from them for one and half years because of the pandemic. .....»»
Catriona Gray ug Sam Milby wala magbuwag, dayon ang ilang kasal
Sila pa gihapon ni Catriona Gray ug Sam Milby. Mao kini ang giluwatan nga pamahayag sa manager nila ni Catriona ug Sam nga si Erickson Raymundo, ang Presidente ug CEO sa Cornerstone Entertainment. “Hindi naman naghiwalay. Nagkaro’n lang ng isyu kasi na-move ang date ng kasal,” sey ni Erickson sa iyang interview sa Bandera. READ:.....»»
Catriona Gray, Sam Milby nagkaayos na kaya tuloy ang kasal, sey ng manager
SILA pa rin nina Catriona Gray at Sam Milby. ‘Yan ang naging sagot sa amin ng manager ng celebrity couple na si Erickson Raymundo, Presidente at CEO ng Cornerstone Entertainment. Sey pa niya, “Hindi naman naghiwalay. Nagkaro’n lang ng isyu kasi na-move ang date ng kasal.” Naka-chikahan namin si Erickson sa Bona Slim launching ni.....»»
Catriona Gray naka-focus sa kalusugan, may struggle sa scoliosis
NAGING bukas si Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray sa kanyang pinagdaraanang challenges dahil sa sakit niyang scoliosis. Sa kanyang panayam sa ABS-CBN News, ibinahagi nito na mas nararamdaman na raw niya ngayon ang epekto ng sakit. “‘I’m getting older, magthi-thirty na ako, sorry older in my context. I’m starting to really feel the effects of.....»»
Catriona Gray reacts to Miss Universe s fake inclusivity issue
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray hoped that the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) would prove that the pageant's inclusivity shouldn't be seen as "token thing" after owner Anne Jakrajutatip had a leaked viral video about the pageant's alleged "fake inclusivity." .....»»
US police launch huge manhunt for shooter who killed at least 22
A massive manhunt was under way Thursday for a gunman who a local official said killed at least 22 people and wounded "many" more in mass shootings in the US state of Maine, the deadliest such incident this year. Police said Robert Card -- seen in surveillance footage pointing a semi-automatic weapon with an extended clip as he walked into a bowling alley in the town of Lewiston -- "should be considered armed and dangerous." Card is a certified firearms instructor and a member of the US Army Reserve, CNN reported, citing law enforcement sources. Lewiston city councilor Robert McCarthy told CNN that law enforcement had "confirmed 22 dead, many, many more injured", with local media reporting shootings had occurred at multiple locations. Swathes of Lewiston were locked down, with businesses urged to shutter and people ordered to shelter in place, as the scourge of horrifying gun violence once again ripped through an American community. Maine public safety official Mike Sauschuck said he was not prepared to give a death toll, calling it "a very fluid situation." He told reporters police were flooding the streets as they sought the gunman. "We have literally hundreds of police officers working around the state of Maine to investigate this case, to locate Mr. Card," he told reporters. Rescue vehicles rushed in from around central Maine to tend to the wounded, city councilor McCarthy said, and the two Lewiston hospitals "have called in every off-duty staff member that they could to deal with this." President Joe Biden made calls -- stepping away from a state dinner honoring Australia's prime minister -- to Maine's governor, its two senators and a local congressman to offer federal support, the White House said. Early on Thursday, armed police were seen guarding the Central Maine Medical Center, where some of the wounded were being treated. Several Maine school boards and educational institutions, including Bates College, said they would not be holding classes on Thursday, according to statements. Multiple locations Police and rescuers reportedly arrived at the Sparetime Recreation bowling alley at about 7:15 pm local time (00:15 Thursday GMT) in response to an active shooter, and then received reports of another shooting at the Schemengees Bar & Grille, according to the Sun Journal local newspaper. Police issued a number of photographs of 40-year-old Card at the bowling alley, where he appears calm and composed as he moves through the doorway with his rifle raised. "Please contact law enforcement if you are aware of his whereabouts," they said. Sauschuck said officers had located a "vehicle of interest" they had been looking for -- a white sport utility vehicle (SUV) -- in Lisbon, a town around eight miles (12 kilometers) from Lewiston, where residents had also been warned to stay off the streets. Card was not in the vehicle, reports said. Law enforcement "are investigating two active shooter events," the Androscoggin County Sheriff's Department said on social media. "We are encouraging all businesses to lock down and or close while we investigate. The suspect is still at large." Maine Governor Janet Mills said she was "aware of and have been briefed on the active shooter situation in Lewiston." CNN reported that at least 50 people were wounded in the incidents, citing multiple law enforcement sources, but said it was unclear how many of the injuries were the result of gunfire. It was unclear if initial reports of shots being fired at a third site, a Walmart distribution center, were accurate. My hometown Maine Congressman Jared Golden wrote on social media that "like all Mainers, I'm horrified by the events in Lewison tonight. This is my hometown." "Right now, all of us are looking to local law enforcement as they gain control of the situation and gather information. Our hearts break for those who are affected," he said. Distraught citizens flocked to local hospitals. "I'm just overwhelmed. I've been here trying to spread, you know, some kind of comfort, some kind of support," Cynthia Hunter, a local resident, told CBS affiliate WGME. The shooting is one of the deadliest since 2017, when a gunman opened fire on a crowded music festival in Las Vegas, killing about 60 people. Gun violence is alarmingly common in the United States, a country where there are more guns than people and where attempts to clamp down on their spread are always met with stiff resistance. The United States has recorded over 500 mass shootings this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive (GVA), a non-governmental organization that defines a mass shooting as four or more people wounded or killed. Wednesday's attack was the deadliest mass shooting in 2023 so far, according to the GVA's data. Efforts to tighten gun controls have for years run up against opposition from Republicans, staunch defenders of the constitutional right to bear arms. The political paralysis endures despite widespread outrage over recurring shootings. Lewiston is the second most populous city in Maine located some 30 miles north of the largest city, Portland. The post US police launch huge manhunt for shooter who killed at least 22 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Japan, U.S.: ‘We got your back’
Key allies of the country expressed their unwavering support after a Chinese Coast Guard ship intentionally collided with a Philippine Navy boat to stop a resupply mission to the grounded BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal. Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. described the maneuver as an escalation of China’s aggression within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines. Japan issued a statement expressing support after the incident. “Japan expresses serious concern for actions which increase regional tensions, including a dangerous action that caused a collision between Chinese and Filipino ships on 22 October,” the Japanese Foreign Ministry said. It added that Japan believes the issue of the South China Sea is directly related to the peace and stability in the region and is a legitimate concern of the international community, including Japan. “Thus, Japan opposes any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force as well as any actions that increase tensions in the South China Sea,” it said. Citing the Japan-Philippines Joint Statement last February, the Foreign Ministry said the “government of Japan concurs with the Philippines’ long-standing objections to unlawful maritime claims, militarization, coercive activities, and threat or use of force in the South China Sea.” “Furthermore, Japan highly appreciates the government of the Philippines for having consistently complied with the arbitral tribunal’s award as to the disputes between the Republic of the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China regarding the South China Sea, and has shown its commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes in the (West Philippine Sea), as stated in the statement by the Foreign Minister of Japan issued on the occasion of the seventh anniversary of the issuance of the award,” it said. Japan said it would continue to cooperate with the international community, such as the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the United States, to “protect free, open and peaceful seas.” ‘Ironclad’ vow The United States, meanwhile, reiterated its “ironclad” commitment to the Philippines. According to a White House statement, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan assured National Security Adviser Eduardo Año of US support in safeguarding its sovereign rights in the WPS under the Mutual Defense Treaty between both nations. “Sullivan reiterated US support for our Philippine allies following the PRC Coast Guard and maritime militia’s dangerous and unlawful actions on 22 October, obstructing a routine Philippine resupply mission to Second Thomas Shoal,” the statement read. “Sullivan emphasized the ironclad US commitments to the Philippines under theUS-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, which extends to armed attacks on Philippine public vessels, aircraft and armed forces — to include those of its Coast Guard — in the Pacific, including in the West Philippine Sea,” it added. Signed in 1951, the Philippines and the United States agreed that an armed attack in the Pacific area on either of the parties would be dangerous to its own peace and safety and declared that it would act to meet the common dangers by its constitutional processes. The White House said Sullivan and Año “reaffirmed the enduring alliance and friendship between our nations and discussed upcoming US-Philippine engagements and ways to further strengthen our close partnership.” Manila vs Beijing Both Manila and Beijing condemned the incident, which they said violated their sovereign rights over Ayungin Shoal, a low-tide elevation in the WPS. The two countries traded blame for the incident, which also sparked concern from Australia, Canada and South Korea. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration rejected Beijing’s historical nine-dash line claim to the WPS. Militia boats utilized Teodoro labeled the Chinese actions near the shoal as deliberate. “Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels, in blatant violation of international law, harassed and intentionally hit the Unaiza May 2 and Philippine Coast Guard vessel BRP Cabra,” Teodoro said. “We are here to decry in the strongest terms this egregious violation and illegal act within the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone and the obfuscation of the truth by China’s distorting of the story to fit its own ends.” His comments came hours after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met with security officials and ordered the Coast Guard to investigate the incident, which was “being taken seriously at the highest levels of government,” Malacañang said. The military monitored “a large number of Chinese maritime militia vessels” swarming in the West Philippine Sea, National Security Council spokesperson, Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya, said. In a television interview, Malaya said these vessels were spotted “not only in the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal and Bajo de Masinloc but also in other features, including (Scarborough Shoal) and Sabina (Escoda) Shoal.” “We are alarmed by the environmental degradation our Coast Guard ships were able to monitor in these areas,” he told the ANC. Malaya noted that environmental degradation or coral destruction would directly impact the livelihood of the fishermen in the WPS. “Sometimes we forget the reasons why we are pushing our rights in the WPS. Some critics say this is just posturing on the part of the Philippines or a tug-of-war between China and the Philippines. No, this is not,” he stressed. “This is a battle for the resources of our country, particularly for our fishermen, so that when we monitor coral destruction in parts of the WPS, it alarms the government because it directly impacts the livelihood of our fishermen,” he said. Malaya also slammed China’s “maligned information operation” and sharing of “false narratives” in its sweeping claims on the WPS. “Definitely, there’s a maligned information operation going on nowadays that is shared to the public and we are just happy it is not just the Philippine government that is sharing our side here — we have allies, if we may call them witnesses, from the media,” he said. The post Japan, U.S.: ‘We got your back’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Attack on Phl would elicit U.S. response — State Dep’t
The United States warned on Monday that any armed attack on Philippine armed forces and Philippine Coast Guard civilian vessels could trigger its 72-year-old Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines. “The United States reaffirms that Article IV of the 1951 US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, and aircraft — including those of its Coast Guard — anywhere in the South China Sea,” the US Department of State said in a statement. The statement came a day after a China Coast Guard ship collided with a Philippine resupply vessel that was conducting a routine resupply mission at Ayungin Shoal. During the same resupply mission, a Chinese maritime militia vessel also bumped the BRP Cabra, one of the PCG ships that were escorting the boat contracted by the AFP. Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. said the collisions, which President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered investigated by the PCG, were “intentional.” For its part, the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs said further study is needed to invoke the MDT due to the incident. “The matter of filing another case is something that is still being studied by the government. But, of course, all incidents like these will actually bolster the case that it is not the Philippines that is the aggressor but the other party, which is China,” DFA spokesperson Teresita Daza said. “It’s a provocation on the side of China but at this point, whether it will constitute an armed attack that would allow the invoking of the MDT is something that needs to be studied,” she added. The Philippines and the US agreed under the MDT, signed in 1951, that an armed attack on either of the parties would be considered an attack on the other, necessitating common or joint actions. Ambassador summoned The Philippines on Monday summoned China’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Huang Xilian, to explain the “blocking maneuvers” conducted by its vessels. China has insisted on its territorial rights over the Ayungin Shoal, also known as Second Thomas Shoal, which is in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. Swarms of CCG ships and Chinese maritime militia vessels had been monitored in the WPS, which Philippine officials said was a blatant disrespect of the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea. In July 2016, the Philippines won the arbitral case it lodged against China in the Permanent Court of Arbitration. The US said it stands with the Philippines in the face of China’s “dangerous and unlawful actions obstructing” a 22 October resupply mission to Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. “By conducting dangerous maneuvers that caused collisions with Philippine resupply and Coast Guard ships, the PRC Coast Guard and maritime militia violated international law by intentionally interfering with the Philippine vessels’ exercise of high seas freedom of navigation,” the US State Department said. “The PRC’s (People’s Republic of China) conduct jeopardized the Filipino crew members’ safety and impeded critically needed supplies from reaching service members stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre. Obstructing supply lines to this longstanding outpost and interfering with lawful Philippine maritime operations undermines regional stability,” it added. Citing the 2016 arbitral ruling on the South China Sea, the US noted that China’s territorial claims to Ayungin Shoal, a low-tide elevation outside the territorial sea of another high tide feature, were unfounded. Unsafe moves “The unsafe maneuvers on 22 October and the PRC water cannoning of a Philippine vessel on 5 August are the latest examples of provocative PRC measures in the South China Sea to enforce its expansive and unlawful maritime claims, reflecting disregard for other states lawfully operating in the region,” the State Department stressed. Aside from the US, Japan, France, Canada, Australia and Germany also condemned China’s aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea. In a separate statement, Canada condemned what it described as “unlawful and dangerous conduct” of the People’s Republic of China in the WPS, which “provoked two collisions with Philippine vessels engaged in routine operations inside the Philippine exclusive economic zone, in the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal.” “The PRC’s actions are unjustified. China has no lawful claim to the West Philippine Sea. Its actions are incompatible with the obligations of a signatory to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea,” the Canadian Embassy in Manila said. “Continuing acts of intimidation and coercion undermine safety, stability, and security across the region, and increase the risk of miscalculation,” it added. France, Japan, Germany, too France expressed its “deep concern” over the dangerous maneuvers of the CCG against Philippine vessels “engaged in the Philippine exclusive economic zone.” “France calls for respect of the freedom of navigation guaranteed by international law and recalls its attachment to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the decision rendered by the Arbitral Court on 12 July 2016,” the Embassy of France to the Philippines said. Japan, likewise, stressed that it was “seriously concerned” and “alarmed” about the collision of Chinese vessels with Philippine vessels. “Seriously concerned about and alarmed by the collision between Chinese and Philippines vessels,” Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko said in a tweet. Koshikawa said Japan “strongly opposes any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion.” “Germany is very concerned about recent confrontations in the SCS involving Chinese coast guard ships and maritime militia vessels in the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines,” German Ambassador to the Philippines Andreas Pfaffernoschke said in a separate tweet. The post Attack on Phl would elicit U.S. response — State Dep’t appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Serpent’s forked tongue
The terrorist organization Hamas, through more than two weeks of conflict, proved that deception is among its expertise, as it led many to believe that it is fighting for freedom and is not sowing mayhem. Its Charter, however, has the elimination of all Jews through a holy war or jihad as one of its objectives. Even after dominating the Palestinian Parliament, Hamas is classified as a terror organization by Canada, New Zealand, Israel, Egypt, Japan, the European Union, Australia, Jordan and the United States. A bit late, the country, nonetheless, seeks the designation of Hamas as a terrorist group under Philippine laws. National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said the tagging of the terror group will be a priority agenda of the Anti-Terrorism Council after the savage 7 October surprise attack on Israel. The assault on peaceful civilian communities was not the first atrocity committed by the group. Israel Defense Forces, or IDF, data showed countless bloodletting attributed to Hamas. The group was responsible for the Haifa bus suicide bombing on 5 March 2003, which killed 17 people. On 12 June 2014, Hamas terrorists kidnapped and later murdered three Israeli teenagers, for which Operation Brother’s Keeper and Operation Protective Edge were launched. Since Hamas’ control of the Gaza Strip, it has used civilian facilities as training grounds for its terror campaign or as cover for its lairs. IDF discovered that Hamas converted a five-story building, originally meant to be used as a national library and provides offices for government services and housing, into a terror training facility. The building had a tunnel dug underneath it for underground warfare training. The IDF struck it following Hamas’ firing of several rockets at Israel. Other Hamas military infrastructure was put up near neighborhoods, including next to schools and mosques. IDF said Hamas solicits funds from international financiers supposedly to uplift the lives of Palestinians but misuses these to buy arms and other activities in support of their terror campaign. Such investments based on IDF investigations included over $120 million since 2014 in materials to build terror tunnels leading into Israel. The indiscriminate firing of rockets at Israel, Hamas, and its allies usually hits civilian facilities in Gaza, such as the cause of the deadly explosion at the Gaza hospital that killed scores of people. “Hamas operatives don’t aim at precise targets, they simply fire rockets and don’t care if it harms their people,” according to IDF. Hamas came to power through an election, which is now believed it merely exploited to rule the Gaza Strip through terror. In January 2006, after Israel disengaged from the Gaza Strip, removing all communities and military installations, Hamas took part in the Palestinian Parliamentary Elections and won a majority of 76 seats, making it the ruling power. After a failed attempt to merge with its rival political party, Fatah, which lost the initial elections against Hamas, violence between both parties escalated into a bloody fight. IDF said people were thrown off rooftops, and public executions occurred in the bitter political rivalry. Since March 2018, Hamas has instigated riots, which it paints as peaceful and widespread protests. “Infiltration attempts and the use of arson kites and firebombs have taken place during the riots. Since the Gaza Strip is half a mile away from Israeli communities, infiltration would endanger Israeli civilians,” the IDF said. Hamas intended to use Gaza civilians as human shields and covers for infiltration attempts and terror. IDF said the world should know the true character of Hamas to understand the constant terror inflicted on Israel and the poor state of the Gaza Strip under its helm. Let the world not fall to the temptation and seduction of evil. The post Serpent’s forked tongue appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sovereign interest
The Philippines is earning plaudits for the Marcos administration’s tough balancing act of asserting its territorial claim on the West Philippine Sea while preventing the tense situation with China from escalating. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has made it his policy to improve relations with the United States that were strained under the last administration, while continuing to engage with China but recognizing the need to respect each country’s position. Sydney-based think tank Lowy Institute cited recent moves by the country that showed it will not back down from China’s assertiveness, but neither will it take actions to provoke its anger. “While Beijing attempts to tighten its grip on the region with a new ten-dash line, a multi-billion dollar military modernization drive is underway in the Philippines,” a Lowy report said. It said many analysts believe that Manila’s pronouncements about confrontation are “gestures” rather than real attempts to challenge China. An open conflict would have tremendous geopolitical and economic costs for the Philippines. “Beijing remains Manila’s top trade partner and import supplier,” Lowy said. It cited instances in which the Philippines stepped back from adding fuel to the fire. “The Philippines’ decision to skip last month’s joint military exercise with the United States, Australia and Japan in the South China Sea is seen as a way of avoiding conflict with China,” it noted. It said that Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro had refused to cooperate with Taiwan on security issues, which has been viewed as the country’s continued adherence to the One-China policy. “Despite his harsh remarks on Beijing, some Chinese international relations experts are optimistic about the appointment of Teodoro Locsin as Manila’s Special Envoy to China as he has not only favored cooperation with Beijing but has been critical of the West,” it added. Lowy said Locsin’s appointment is read as Manila’s attempt to stabilize ties with Beijing, adding that “others are disappointed with the choice.” This recognition from independent observers indicates the Marcos administration is skillfully threading a thin line to show it is insisting on its sovereign stake while pushing back against Beijing. Manila’s resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre landing craft, for instance, which is considered the eye of the storm in the current friction, has been a pure play by Philippine forces. Manila’s supply and coast guard ships are constantly in a game of tag with huge Chinese Coast Guard vessels which try to frustrate the provision of supplies to the platoon of Marines guarding the outpost. Last month, China’s coast guard water-cannoned a Navy supply boat. Beijing’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs justified this as “safeguarding our sovereignty in accordance with law” and criticized Manila for “ignoring China’s goodwill and sincerity.” China then demanded the Philippines remove the beached Sierra Madre. Lowy reported that “Manila has further aggravated Beijing by describing the danger of conflict in the Taiwan Strait as a ‘major security concern,’ in its newly published National Security Policy.” It quoted various state mouthpieces in China as having criticized former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s condemnation of the ten-dash line and his claim that Manila “wouldn’t resist a fight” for its maritime rights. China has always referred to the Duterte period as when an ideal engagement had existed with the Philippines. Duterte initially exerted efforts to win the trust of the Chinese but had always indicated to President Xi Jinping that he would have to raise at some point the decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration that favored the Philippines. China continues to follow its playbook that the Philippines is being manipulated by the US to take bold actions in the West Philippine Sea conflict. Beijing glosses over the fact that when the late President Noynoy Aquino bungled the handling of the 2012 faceoff with China, it was the US that abandoned the Philippines as it did nothing to stop the reclamation of features in the disputed area. Similarly, China has advocated dialogue but, thus far, nothing has come of it, even after the Philippines gave way to its wishes over the past six and more years. The post Sovereign interest appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl, US & Japan leaders had ‘informal meeting’ at ASEAN
JAKARTA, Indonesia – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan said that the leaders of the Philippines, Japan, and the United States have decided to work together to resolve and improve the status quo in the South China Sea. In a statement from Japan's foreign ministry released on Thursday, the three foreign leaders had an "informal meeting" at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 2023 gala dinner on Wednesday night. For context, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel "Babe" Romualdez said on Tuesday that the United States, Japan, and the Philippines were supposed to have a trilateral meeting to discuss several areas of concern. But the White House said on Wednesday evening that Marcos and Harris had a separate bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 43rd ASEAN Summits. "Prime Minister Kishida exchanged views with President Marcos and Vice President Harris on the current situation surrounding the South China Sea, and concurred with them to jointly tackle unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan said. "Prime Minister Kishida, President Marcos and Vice President Harris confirmed that the three countries would continue to promote the further strengthening of coordination among Japan, the U.S., and the Philippines in various ways," it added. *Australia on SCS issue* Meanwhile, Marcos Jr. thanked Australia for supporting the stance of the Philippines in the South China Sea. “I welcome Australia’s active engagement in maritime-related issues and concerns in the region,” Marcos said during his intervention at the 3rd ASEAN-Australia Summit here. “And we, the Philippines, thank Australia for expressing concern on the latest actions directed against the Philippines in the South China Sea. We join Australia on the call for peace, stability, and respect for the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention (UNCLOS),” Marcos added. He also thanked Australia for supporting the Philippines’ hosting of the 12th ASEAN Maritime Forum and the 10th Expanded Maritime Forum held in Manila last December. Marcos expressed confidence that the bloc’s relations with Australia will deepen and further diversify to provide lasting positive gains for the present generation and beyond. The post Phl, US & Japan leaders had ‘informal meeting’ at ASEAN appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
North Korean hackers target war games
South Korea’s police said Sunday that it foiled attempts by North Korean hackers to gather information about its war games with the United States. The Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency said its investigation of the hacking with help from the US military found that the Internet Protocol address used in the latest attack pointed to North Korean group dubbed Kimsuky. The same IP address was linked to a 2014 hack against South Korea’s nuclear reactor operator, according to the GNPPA. Kimsuky carried out “spearphishing” or “continuous malicious email attacks” on South Korean contractors working at the allies’ simulation center for the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield drills. Sent emails have malicious attachments intended to exfiltrate desired information from victims. The war games start on Monday and will run through 31 August. It aims to counter growing threats from the nuclear-armed North. Pyongyang views such exercises as rehearsals for an invasion and has repeatedly warned it would take “overwhelming” action in response. The UFS exercise is based on an all-out war scenario and features various contingency drills, such as the computer simulation-based command post exercise, concurrent field training and Ulchi civil defense drills, Yonhap reported. The drills include scenarios to train troops to swiftly transition into wartime as well as to respond to false information possibly spread by Pyongyang during wartime or a contingency, according to the South Korean news agency. In addition to the allies’ Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine personnel, US space forces will also partake in the drills, according to the US Forces Korea. Personnel from nine member countries of the United Nations Command also will join the exercise, namely Australia, Canada, France, Britain, Greece, Italy, New Zealand, the Philippines and Thailand, Yonhap said. According to findings by the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency in 2020, Kimsuky is “most likely tasked by the North Korean regime with a global intelligence gathering mission.” The group — believed to be active since 2012 — targets individuals and organizations in South Korea, Japan, and the US, focusing on foreign policy and national security issues related to the Korean peninsula, nuclear policy, and sanctions, it added. WITH AFP The post North Korean hackers target war games appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Allied nations tell China: Acknowledge arbitral ruling
The Philippines marked the seventh anniversary of its landmark victory against China before the Permanent Court of Arbitration with an outpouring of support from different countries. At least eight nations on Wednesday renewed their support for the 2016 Hague ruling that cemented Manila’s claim to the West Philippine Sea. Diplomats from the United States, Japan, Australia, France, Canada, the United Kingdom, India and the European Union called on China to acknowledge the ruling and stop its “harassment” of claimant states in the South China Sea. On this day, seven years ago, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, the Netherlands favored the Philippines’ claim to the West Philippine Sea, rejecting China’s nine-dash line claim. “We continue to urge Beijing to comport its maritime claims with international law as reflected in the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention; to cease its routine harassment of claimant state vessels lawfully operating in their respective exclusive economic zones; [and to] halt its disruption of states’ sovereign right to explore, exploit, conserve, and manage their natural resources,” State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement. Miller called on Beijing to end its “interference” with the freedom of navigation and the overflight of states lawfully operating in the region. “We will continue working with allies and partners to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific, one that is at peace and grounded in respect for international law,” he said. Last week, Chinese Coast Guard vessels blocked and carried out “dangerous maneuvers” against Philippine Coast Guard ships in the Ayungin Shoal. Beijing, however, countered Manila’s claim, saying the Chinese maneuvers were “professional and restrained.” It also insisted on its territorial claim over Ayungin Shoal, which it calls Ren’ai Reef, saying the Philippines “intruded” into its waters. Ayungin Shoal is located 105 nautical miles west of Palawan and is part of the exclusive economic zone and continental shelf of the Philippines. ‘Final, legally binding’ Japan also joined the growing pressure on China to recognize the 2016 arbitral ruling which it described as “final and legally binding.” “As the tribunal’s award is final and legally binding on the parties to the dispute under the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the parties to this case, the Philippines and China, are required to comply with the award,” Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshima said in a statement. “The claim by China that it will not accept the award is against the principle of the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law, in particular UNCLOS, and undermines the rule of law as a fundamental value of the international community,” he added. According to Hayashi, Tokyo “strongly hopes” that the parties’ compliance with the award will “lead to the peaceful settlement of disputes in the South China Sea.” “Upholding and reinforcing the free and open international order based on the rule of law will be to the benefit of all countries, large and small,” he said. He noted that Japan renewed its objection to China’s maritime claims in the South China Sea, saying that these were “inconsistent” with UNCLOS. He also said that it remained “seriously concerned” about the current situation in the area. “Japan will continue working in coordination with ASEAN and other countries concerned to maintain and strengthen the free and open international order based on the rule of law.” ‘Strongly opposes’ Likewise, the European Union “strongly opposes” any “unilateral attempts” to change the peacefully established status of territories by “force or coercion” anywhere in the world, be it in Eastern Europe or the South China Sea. In a forum organized by the international think tank Stratbase ADRI Institute, EU Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Veron reiterated that the Permanent Court of Arbitration laid down very clearly that there is “no legal basis” for China’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea. “We are one with the Philippines and other international partners in stressing the importance of upholding international law, including UNCLOS and the peaceful settlement of disputes as the basis for peace and stability in this part of the world, as elsewhere,” Veron said in his speech. “Respect for the rules-based international order is at the core of the EU’s approach towards cooperation in the Indo-Pacific,” he added. According to the envoy, the EU is “determined to work with the Philippines and other partners in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific and, more broadly, a free and open international order” based on the rule of law.” “The EU also stands ready to facilitate activities which help build confidence, and prevent and defuse tensions,” he said. Australian Ambassador to the Philippines HK Yu echoed the same sentiments, stressing that Canberra wants to see a “peaceful South China Sea where international law is respected and adhered to, and waterways are open for trade.” Yu also stressed that maritime claims inconsistent with UNCLOS are causing tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. “Australia is deeply concerned when countries pursue claims or engage in activities that are inconsistent with international law where they undertake activities that are provocative and destabilizing or where they don’t respect the rights and freedoms of others or when they advance their claims by intimidation and coercion,” she said. “UNCLOS provides the comprehensive legal framework for all activities in the oceans and seas and it provides the foundation for peace and security and stability in the maritime domain,” she said. She continued: “Adherence to UNCLOS is vitally important for the region and maritime claims within the South China Sea or elsewhere must be consistent with it.” Outgoing French Ambassador Michèle Boccoz also supports Manila’s position in the West Philippine Sea, saying that Paris is “concerned” by the recent development in the area. “There is indeed no legal basis for China’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea. This position was clearly stated in April during the G7 Foreign Ministers’ communiqué,” Boccoz said. “Also last week, together with the Philippines and other like-minded countries, France expressed its concern with regard to the recent developments involving Chinese vessels in the South China Sea,” she added. She also noted that France welcomes the growing support for the 2016 arbitral award while reaffirming its commitment to the Philippines. “In the current context of rising tensions, the relevance of the 2016 Award is gaining stronger momentum, as reflected by the wider support of like-minded nations,” she said. “We welcome this trend and we will continue to show our support. We will continue to walk the talk,” she added. Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Shambhu Kumaran likewise expressed New Delhi’s support for the arbitral award. “Let me take a few minutes to also say that today’s discussion on the arbitral award is a reflection of the broader approach that both India and Asean have taken and our bilateral relations with the Philippines as well,” Kumaran said. “And accordingly, I think in the joint statement, we did recognize the need for adherence to international law and called for the arbitral award to be respected in that context,” he added. The post Allied nations tell China: Acknowledge arbitral ruling appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Nearly 40 countries at UN back LGBTQ families
Nearly 40 countries at the United Nations backed LGBTQ families on Tuesday, at a time when some Muslim and African nations are contesting sexual orientation and gender identity language in UN forums. "Families play a fundamental role in society. Supporting families is an important element in promoting and protecting human rights," 37 countries said in a statement at the UN Human Rights Council. "This support must be inclusive of all family compositions, including multigenerational and extended families, single-parent households, LGBTIQ+ families and Indigenous kinship groups," Australia's representative said on behalf of several countries. They were mainly from Europe and the Americas, plus Israel, New Zealand and East Timor. They called on countries and UN bodies "to continue to apply an inclusive lens to families, and to ensure that equality, non-discrimination, and the universality of human rights remain at the centre of engagement in supporting families". Argentina, Brazil, Britain, Canada, Germany, Mexico, Spain and the United States were among the signatories. The statement comes as several other countries, notably from the Middle East, are mounting a defence of the traditional family in UN forums. Sexual orientation and gender identity issues will be at the heart of the 53rd Human Rights Council session, which started on Monday and runs until mid-July. Such issues have become contentious in several branches of the UN. Countries in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and many African nations, plus Russia and China, are trying to roll back concepts and language which have been embedded in UN documents for at least a decade. Earlier this month, OIC and African countries were blocking the adoption of the UN labour agency's budget, before agreeing to a last-minute compromise over references to discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. "Promoting a framework around discrimination that does not have the international consensus and reflects priorities of the few risks undermining the spirit of cooperation," said Pakistan's Khalil Hashmi, on behalf of the OIC group, before the vote was finally passed. The World Health Organization has since last year seen attempts to remove such references from its strategy on infection prevention, while the Human Rights Council faces growing opposition to long-standing efforts to monitor for discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The post Nearly 40 countries at UN back LGBTQ families appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Beauty takes shape
Let Catriona Gray tell you a thing or two about shape-shifting. The elasticity of her career is the ultimate framework: from being a Filipino-Scottish model hailing from Australia, to Miss World Philippines 2016, to singer with a degree in Music Theory, to a black-belted Choi Kwang Do martial artist, to Miss Universe 2018, it’s clear […] The post Beauty takes shape appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
China warns ‘NATO-like’ alliances could lead to conflict in Asia-Pacific
China's defense minister warned Sunday against establishing NATO-like military alliances in the Asia-Pacific, saying they would plunge the region into a "whirlpool" of conflict. Li Shangfu's comments came a day after US and Chinese military vessels sailed close to each other in the flashpoint Taiwan Strait, an incident that provoked anger from both sides. "Attempts to push for NATO-like (alliances) in the Asia-Pacific is a way of kidnapping regional countries and exaggerating conflicts and confrontations," Li told a security conference in Singapore also attended by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Li said these alliances would "plunge the Asia-Pacific into a whirlpool of disputes and conflicts". Li did not name any country, but his comments echoed long-held Chinese criticism of the United States seeking to shore up alliances in the region. The United States is a member of the AUKUS alliance, which groups it with Australia and Britain. Washington is also a member of the QUAD group, which includes Australia, India and Japan. "Today's Asia-Pacific needs open and inclusive cooperation, not buddying up into small cliques," Li said at the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit. "We must not forget the severe disasters brought by the two world wars to peoples of all countries, and we must not allow such tragic history to repeat itself." Conflict fears On Saturday, Austin called for top-level defense dialogue with Beijing to prevent miscalculations that could draw both superpowers into conflict. "The more that we talk, the more that we can avoid the misunderstandings and miscalculations that could lead to crisis or conflict," Austin said. Austin and Li shook hands and spoke briefly for the first time at the opening dinner on Friday, but there was no substantive exchange. The United States had invited Li to meet with Austin on the sidelines of the conference, but the Pentagon said Beijing declined. A member of China's delegation told AFP that the removal of US sanctions on its minister is a precondition for talks. There have been some signs of improved dialogue between the two nations. CIA Director William Burns made a secret trip to China last month, a US official announced on Friday. And Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink will travel to China on Sunday for a rare visit. However the US and Chinese militaries have also engaged in dangerous encounters in two of the most sensitive areas in the region -- the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea. US and Canadian warships sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Saturday, the waterway that separates self-ruled Taiwan from China. The United States on accused a Chinese Navy ship of sailing in an "unsafe manner" near the US vessel, the destroyer Chung-Hoon. China claims Taiwan as its territory -- vowing to take it one day, by force if necessary -- and has in recent years ramped up military and political pressure on the island. The Taiwan Straits encounter followed what the US military said was an "unnecessarily aggressive maneuver" by one of Beijing's fighter's near one of Washington's surveillance planes in the South China Sea last week. "We remain concerned about the PLA's increasingly risky and coercive activities in the region, including in recent days," said Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Pat Ryder, who is traveling with Austin, following Li's speech. A senior US defense official also told reporters: "Actions speak louder than words, and the dangerous behavior we’ve seen from the PLA around the Strait, in the South and East China Seas, and beyond really says it all." In his speech Saturday, Lloyd outlined Washington's extensive partnerships in the region, which it calls the Indo-Pacific, and held talks with his counterparts from allies and partners. "America’s partnerships are bringing the region closer together to help keep it free, open, and secure," he said. The post China warns ‘NATO-like’ alliances could lead to conflict in Asia-Pacific appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sam, Catriona sa Japan nag-Holy Week; kumpirmadong sa Australia magpapakasal
SA Tokyo, Japan nagtungo ang engaged couple na sina Sam Milby at Catriona Gray nitong nakaraang Holy Week base na rin sa Instagram post ng 2018 Miss Universe ngayong araw. Ipinost ni Cat ang larawan nila ni Sam na nasa Tokyo Skytree at base sa Google ay ito ang broadcasting at observation tower sa Sumida, […] The post Sam, Catriona sa Japan nag-Holy Week; kumpirmadong sa Australia magpapakasal appeared first on Bandera......»»
Sam Milby, Catriona Gray sa ibang bansa nga ba ikakasal?
SA Australia pala ginanap ang marriage proposal ni Samuel Lloyd L. Milby (Sam Milby) sa fiancée niyang si Catriona Elisa Magnayon Gray (Catriona Gray) kaya pala tahimik ang dalawa. Nalaman lang ng publiko nang mag-post si Sam nitong Huwebes ng larawan nila ni Catriona sa kanyang Instagram account na magkaharap sila at pareho silang may […] The post Sam Milby, Catriona Gray sa ibang bansa nga ba ikakasal? appeared first on Bandera......»»
Catriona Gray engaged na nga ba kay Sam Milby: Today made me the happiest!
NAGING usap-usapan sa social media ang latest post ng beauty queen-host na si Catriona Gray. Makikita sa Instagram ni Catriona ang isang litrato na nasa Australia at may picnic setup. Naka-tag din sa picture ang kanyang boyfriend at aktor na si Sam Milby. Kalakip niyan ang caption na, “Today made me the happiest (cloud emoji)” […] The post Catriona Gray engaged na nga ba kay Sam Milby: Today made me the happiest! appeared first on Bandera......»»
Sam na-stress pauwi ng Pinas dahil sa biniling aso sa US para kay Catriona
DUMATING na sa bansa si Sam Milby galing Ohio, USA kung saan dinalaw niya ang kanyang mga magulang at nanatili roon ng mahigit isang buwan. Pagkatapos kasi ng serye niyang “Ang Iyo Ay Akin” ay lumipad na ang aktor pa-Amerika para mas matagal niyang makapiling ang magulang na timing din dahil nagpunta naman ng Australia […] The post Sam na-stress pauwi ng Pinas dahil sa biniling aso sa US para kay Catriona appeared first on Bandera......»»
Catriona itinago ang pag-iyak sa magulang nang magpaalam na pabalik ng Pinas
PAGKALIPAS ng mahigit isang buwang bakasyon ni 2018 Miss Universe Catriona Gray sa Australia para makapiling ang magulang ay nagpaalam na siya nitong Huwebes para bumalik ng Pilipinas. Talagang mega ang dalaga dahil wala na namang kasiguraduhan kung kailan niya uli madadalaw ang mga magulang lalo’t hindi pa natatapos ang COVID-19 pandemic bukod pa sa […] The post Catriona itinago ang pag-iyak sa magulang nang magpaalam na pabalik ng Pinas appeared first on Bandera......»»