Luis de Susa, UK Ambassador to Chile: “British Government, like Chile, did well to anticipate vaccine”
On 1 March, British Ambassador Louise de Susa took over the legacy in Santiago. He entered the Diplomatic Service in 1991, and served as ambassador.....»»
Humanity’s holocaust
In a war, there is no justification for protagonists to resort to slaughter and the abduction of civilians, which are acts of cowardice and unbridled evil at the same time. Using weapons to harm civilians is unacceptable in the civilized world, which makes the Hamas act on 7 October and thereafter the exact definition of terrorism. The release of hostages in batches does not improve the image of Hamas to the world, which has become aware of the ruthless character of the group supposedly fighting for the independence of Palestine. Hamas practices the same brand of terrorism as the Islamic State and the Abu Sayyaf and Maute groups in the local setting, all abominations of the faith that teaches peace and coexistence. The 7 October terror attack was the worst in Israel’s 75-year history, if not the world’s, with the massacre of 1,400 individuals by a murderous horde that crossed the border from Gaza. Around 200 foreigners were confirmed dead by their national authorities, many also holding Israeli nationality. Israel estimates 222 people were abducted. The United States reported 31 dead, 13 missing, others abducted, with 13 Americans unaccounted for. Hamas released two American hostages on Friday, which was calculated to delay the imminent ground assault by Israeli troops. Another two Israeli hostages were released on Tuesday. Thailand has among the most casualties after Israel and the US, with 30 dead. Some 19 Thai hostages are in the hands of the terror organization. About 30,000 Thais work in Israel, most in the agricultural sector. France counted 30 dead, one hostage and six missing; Russia: 19 dead, two hostages, seven missing; Ukraine has 18 dead; the United Kingdom reported nine dead, seven missing; Nepal revealed 10 of its citizens killed and one missing; Argentina has nine dead and 21 missing; Canada said six citizens died while two are missing; Austria confirmed four deaths while one is missing; China’s foreign ministry said four Chinese were killed and two missing. An attack on a kibbutz and on the music festival, just kilometers from the Gaza border, killed four Filipinos, while two are missing. It does not stop there as Portugal also counted four dead and four missing; Romania reported five dead and one taken hostage; Belarus counted three dead, one missing; Brazil has three deaths; Peru has three deaths and four missing; South Africa announced two of its nationals had been killed. Australia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Chile, Colombia, Honduras, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and Turkey have reported at least one of their citizens were slaughtered. The German foreign ministry said Wednesday that many of their nationals were killed without giving a precise number. Nations with unaccounted-for citizens who were likely taken hostage are Mexico, Paraguay, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania. Israel Ambassador Ilan Fluss told DAILY TRIBUNE editors that the war against Hamas is not only the fight of Israel but should be an international effort to defeat terror groups, considering the international dimension of the carnage. Fluss was also reminded of the Holocaust, which was Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler’s genocide of Jews in World War II, a method employed by Hamas in the plunder and murder of civilians that included burning people alive. Several of those killed were children, babies, and the elderly who could barely walk. Even the most ruthless gangs in other nations do not involve the weak in their acts of violence. Indeed, 7 October will live in infamy as the second Holocaust that has affected the whole civilized world. The post Humanity’s holocaust appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ecuadoran presidential candidate shot dead after rally
A popular Ecuadoran presidential candidate was shot dead while leaving a rally in the nation's capital on Wednesday, prompting President Guillermo Lasso to declare a state of emergency and blame the assassination on organized crime. Fernando Villavicencio, a 59-year-old anti-corruption crusader who had complained of receiving threats, was murdered as he was leaving a stadium in Quito after holding a campaign rally, officials said. Lasso declared a two-month state of emergency early Thursday following the assassination, but said general elections slated for 20 August would be held as scheduled. "Outraged and shocked by the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio," the president said in a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, blaming the killing on "organized crime." "For his memory and for his fight, I assure you that this crime will not go unpunished." Villavicencio was the second most popular candidate in the presidential race, according to recent opinion polls. "The Armed Forces as of this moment are mobilized throughout the national territory to guarantee the security of citizens, the tranquility of the country and the free and democratic elections of August 20," Lasso said in a YouTube address. The president also declared three days of national mourning "to honor the memory of a patriot, of Fernando Villavicencio Valencia." "This is a political crime that acquires a terrorist character and we do not doubt that this murder is an attempt to sabotage the electoral process," he added. Lasso has said he will not seek re-election. President of the National Electoral Council Diana Atamaint said "the date of the elections scheduled for August 20 remain unalterable." Nine other people were injured in the shooting attack, including a candidate running for the national legislature and two policemen, prosecutors said. One of the alleged attackers was shot and killed by security personnel. And police detonated an explosive device planted in the area, said chief investigator Alain Luna. Carlos Figueroa, a friend of Villavicencio's who was with him at the time of the attack, told local media that the assailants fired around 30 shots. "They ambushed him outside" the sports center, Figueroa said. "Some (of those present) even thought they were fireworks." The country's main newspaper, El Universo, reported that Villavicencio was assassinated "hitman-style and with three shots to the head." Prosecutors later said six other suspects were arrested in raids carried out in southern Quito and in a neighboring town, and that Villavicencio's body was brought to a police department and would undergo an autopsy. 'Full weight of the law' In recent years, Ecuador has been hit by a wave of violence linked to drug trafficking which, in the midst of the electoral process, has already led to the death of a mayor and a parliamentary candidate. The homicide rate has doubled between 2021 and 2022. "Organized crime has gone too far, but the full weight of the law will be applied to them," Lasso said in his post. According to the latest polls, Villavicencio, a former journalist who wrote about corruption and served in parliament, polled at 13 percent behind lawyer Luisa Gonzalez, who is close to former left-wing president Rafael Correa. Gonzalez and other presidential candidates denounced the murder and said they were suspending their campaigns, local media reported. "We will never allow such acts to go unpunished. When they touch one, they touch all. When one's life is at risk, everyone's life is at risk," Gonzalez wrote on X. National Court of Justice president Ivan Saquicela called Villavicencio's murder "very painful for the country." "I am very hurt and very worried about Ecuador," he said. The United States, Spain, Chile and the Organization of American States observer mission have also condemned the crime. "We are horrified by the tragic attack... Violence cannot win. Democracy can," European Union ambassador to EcuadorCharles-Michel Geurts said on X. As a journalist, Villavicencio uncovered a corruption scheme for which former president Correa (2007-2017) was sentenced to eight years in prison. Villavicencio later served as president of the legislative oversight commission, where he continued to denounce corruption. The politician had complained this month that he and his team were receiving threats allegedly coming from the leader of a criminal gang linked to drug trafficking. "Despite the new threats, we will continue fighting for the brave people of our #Ecuador," he posted on X at the time. Atamaint, head of the electoral council, also said that several members of her organization, which is responsible for supervising the ballot, had received death threats. President Lasso sent a message to Villavicencio's family. "My solidarity and my condolences with his wife and his daughters," he said in his post. The post Ecuadoran presidential candidate shot dead after rally appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Blind Wine Tasting
[caption id="attachment_134180" align="aligncenter" width="525"] photographs courtesy of honey jarque loop | Lifestyle influencers Chennie Montero, Doyzkie Buenvaviaje, Wendy Abellana and Neil Savellon.[/caption] Sharing glass of wine with family and friends may be the ideal way to de-stress at the end of a long, grueling day. Wine connoisseurs Charlton and Catherine Seniedo, owners of Charlton Trade and Enterprise and online liquor store Sugbownie, recently hosted a dinner with unique blind wine tasting at the Grand Ballroom of the Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu. [caption id="attachment_134181" align="aligncenter" width="525"] From left: Regal Oliva, Catherine and Charlton Seniedo, Edcel Seniedo and Marco Sanchez.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_134179" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Wendy Abellana, Rejzl Awit, Catherine Seniedo and Mary Tambis.[/caption] With the refreshing welcome drink Nine Lives Sauvignon Blanc on hand, the program was followed by a brief welcome speech by Catherine, who introduced guest speakers Sherwin Lao and Andrea Cardenas. [caption id="attachment_134182" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Wine host Sherwin Lao and VSPT Ambassador from Chile Andrea Cardenas.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_134185" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Eva Patalinghug, Catherine Seniedo, Kristine Gonzalodo.[/caption] Lao, principal supplier for Chateau Kirwan Margaux, Delas Hermitage wines and Peter Lehman Barossa Valley wines, shared the nuances and subtle differences of wines based on vintage, region and grape variety. Andrea Cardenas shared her expertise on 1865 Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon wines from Cachapoal Valley, Chile. [caption id="attachment_134178" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Wedding coordinator Stanz Catalan[/caption] The blind tasting exercise, a first in Cebu, included Peter Lehman Shiraz, 1865 Syrah, Charmes de Kirwan 2017, 1865 Cabernet Sauvignon and Peter Lehman Cabernet Sauvignon. The event featured two Premium Wines with Chateau Kirwan 2011, Grand Cru Classe, Margaux Bordeaux, France and Delas Domaine des Tourettes Hermitage 2014 Rhone, France. The delighted guests exchanged their thoughts on their favorite wines with their friends all night. [caption id="attachment_134184" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Marko Janssen, general manager of Radisson Blu and Lester Apostol, F&B director.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_134183" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Belle Sarmiento and Tweety Lopez.[/caption] The post Blind Wine Tasting appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
United Kingdom government recognizes University of the Philippines scientists’ achievements
Two scientists at the University of the Philippines-Diliman were recognized by the British government for their contributions to Philippine research and development......»»
Death toll from Chile’s wildfires reaches 131
Death toll from Chile’s wildfires reaches 131.....»»
46 die in Chile forest fires
46 die in Chile forest fires.....»»
Forest fires kill 51 in Chile, menace urban areas
President Gabriel Boric tells the nation in a televised address, 'The situation is really very difficult'.....»»
Michelle Dee pasok sa Top 20 finalist ng Miss Universe 2023; tuloy pa rin ang laban para sa korona
NAPILI na ang Top 20 finalists sa ginaganap ngayong Miss Universe 2023 pageant sa José Adolfo Pineda Arena sa San Salvador, ang capital ng El Salvador. Pasok sa susunod na round ang bet ng Pilipinas na si Michelle Dee kasama ang mga kandidata mula sa Nicaragua, Spain, Puerto Rico, Namibia, Venezuela, India, Thailand, Chile, Jamaica at.....»»
Chile sees Philippines as market for pork
Chile sees strong growth potential for pork exports to the Philippines amid the country’s growing population and its fight with African swine fever......»»
British Chamber, Philippine envoy to UK Locsin discuss joint efforts on trade, investment, 2024 Great British fest
In an effort to sustain the rapidly growing bilateral trade relations between the UK and the Philippines, Chris Nelson, British Chamber of Commerce Philippines executive director/trustee paid a courtesy visit to Ambassador Teodoro Locsin Jr. at the Philippine Embassy in London......»»
‘Mind-blowing’: Astronomers spot most distant radio burst yet
Eight billion years ago, something happened in a distant galaxy that sent an incredibly powerful blast of radio waves hurtling through the universe. It finally arrived at Earth on June 10 last year and -- though it lasted less than a thousandth of a second -- a radio telescope in Australia managed to pick up the signal. This flash from the cosmos was a fast radio burst (FRB), a little-understood phenomenon first discovered in 2007. Astronomers revealed on Thursday that this particular FRB was more powerful and came from much farther away than any previously recorded, having travelled eight billion light years from when the universe was less than half its current age. Exactly what causes FRBs has become one of astronomy's great mysteries. There was early speculation that they could be radio communication beamed from some kind of extraterrestrial, particularly because some of the signals repeat. However scientists believe the prime suspects are distant dead stars called magnetars, which are the most magnetic objects in the universe. Ryan Shannon, an astrophysicist at Australia's Swinburne University, told AFP it was "mind-blowing" that the ASKAP radio telescope in Western Australia had spotted the radio burst last year. 'Lucky' "We were lucky to be looking at that little spot in the sky for that one millisecond after the eight billion years the pulse had travelled to catch it," said Shannon, co-author of a study describing the find in the journal Science. The FRB easily beat the previous record holder, which was from around five billion light years away, he added. The pulse was so powerful that -- in under a millisecond -- it released as much energy as the Sun emits over 30 years. Shannon said that there could be hundreds of thousands of FRBs flashing in the sky every day. But around a thousand have been detected so far, and scientists have only been able to work out where just 50 came from -- which is crucial to understanding them. To find out where the latest radio burst -- dubbed FRB 20220610A -- came from, the researchers turned to the Very Large Telescope in Chile. It found that the signal originated from a particularly clumpy galaxy that may have been merging with one or two other galaxies, which could in turn have created the bizarre magnetar. Shannon emphasised that this was just the team's "best hunch". FRBs have been detected coming from unexpected places, including from within our own Milky Way galaxy, so "the jury's still out" on what causes them, he said. Aside from trying to uncover the secrets of FRBs, scientists hope to use them as a tool to shed light on another of the universe's mysteries. Where's the matter? Just five percent of the universe is made up of normal matter -- what everything you can see is made out of -- while the rest is thought to be composed of the little understood dark matter and dark energy. But when astronomers count up all the stars and galaxies in the universe, more than half of that five percent of normal matter is "missing", Shannon said. Scientists believe this missing matter is spread out in thin filaments connecting galaxies called the cosmic web, however it is so diffuse current telescopes cannot see it. That's where fast radio bursts come in. They are "imprinted with the signature of all the gas they travel through", Shannon said. Some FRB wavelengths are slightly slowed down when travelling through this matter, giving scientists a way to measure it. This could allow them work out how much matter is in the cosmic web -- and therefore, the total weight of the universe. For the record-breaking FRB, Shannon said the team had noticed signals of "extra materials" the burst had passed through on its journey through the universe. But to use this information to get a proper measurement of the universe's weight, hundreds more FRBs will likely need to be observed, he added. With much more advanced radio telescopes expected to go online soon, astronomers hope that will happen relatively quickly. Liam Connor, an astrophysicist at the California Institute of Technology not involved in the research, told AFP that future radio telescopes will find tens of thousands of FRBs, allowing scientists to weigh all the matter "across cosmic epochs". The post ‘Mind-blowing’: Astronomers spot most distant radio burst yet appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
High seas treaty moves closer to reality with first signatures
Dozens of nations on Wednesday began signing a first-ever treaty on protecting the international high seas, raising hopes that it will come into force soon and protect threatened ecosystems vital to the planet. "It's an amazing moment to be here and see such multilateral cooperation and so much hope," said actor Sigourney Weaver said in New York as the signatures opened. The treaty marks change in "the way we view the ocean, from a big garbage dump and a place where we can take stuff, to a place that we take care of, that we steward, we respect," she told AFP. Around 70 countries are set to sign the treaty on Wednesday on the sidelines of the annual UN General Assembly, including the United States, Chile, Fiji, Norway, and the European Union as a whole. But each country must still ratify the treaty under its own domestic process. The treaty will come into force 120 days after 60 countries ratify it. "It is clear that the ocean is in urgent need of protection," said Belgium's deputy prime minister, Vincent van Quickenborne. Without action, "it's game over," he said. After 15 years of discussion, the United Nations sealed the first treaty on the high seas in June by consensus, although Russia said it had reservations. The start of signatures marks "a new chapter" of "establishing meaningful protections" for the oceans, said Nichola Clark of the Ocean Governance Project at The Pew Charitable Trusts. The high seas are defined as the ocean starting beyond countries' exclusive economic zones, or 200 nautical miles (370 kilometers) off coastlines -- covering nearly half the planet. Nonetheless, they have long been ignored in discussions on the environment. A key tool in the treaty will be the ability to create protected marine areas in international waters -- only around one percent of which are now protected by any sort of conservation measures. The treaty is seen as crucial to an agreement to protect 30 percent of the world's oceans and lands by 2030, as agreed by governments in a separate historic accord on biodiversity reached in Montreal in December. 'Race to ratification' Mads Christensen, interim executive director of Greenpeace International, voiced hope that the treaty would come into force in 2025, when the next UN oceans conference takes place in France. "We have less than seven years to protect 30 percent of the oceans. There is no time to waste," he said. "The race to ratification has begun and we urge countries to be ambitious, ratify the treaty and make sure it enters into force in 2025." But even if the treaty draws the 60 ratifications needed to come into force, it would still be well below the universal support for action sought by environmental defenders. Oceans are critical for the health of the whole planet, protecting often microscopic biodiversity that supports half of the oxygen breathed by land life. The oceans are also critical to limiting climate change by helping absorb greenhouse gas emissions. The treaty, officially known as the treaty on "Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction" or BBNJ, also introduces requirements to carry out environmental impact studies for proposed activities on the high seas. Such activities, while not listed in the text, would include anything from fishing and maritime transport to more controversial pursuits such as deep-sea mining or even geo-engineering programs aimed at fighting global warming. The post High seas treaty moves closer to reality with first signatures appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Huge’ overfishing problem shows need to ratify ocean treaty: Greenpeace
Overfishing in international waters has surged in the past five years and demonstrates the need to ratify a recent global treaty to protect the high seas, a Greenpeace report said Wednesday. The non-governmental network is calling on as many countries as possible to sign the treaty next week at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Finalized in June, the text was hailed as a "historic" accord with the potential to better safeguard the oceans. A key element in the treaty is the creation of a legal framework to protect high seas marine areas -- beyond 230 miles (370 kilometers) from coastlines -- whose good health is vital to humanity. But without enforcement of the accord, such protections are minimal, the report warned. "Reality at sea is moving in the opposite direction from the ambition laid out in the Treaty," it said. Governments must step up immediately, urged Greenpeace oceans campaigner Chris Thorne, aboard the group's ship Arctic Sunrise, which was docked Wednesday in Long Beach, California for an event marking the report's release. To protect 30 percent of Earth's land and oceans by 2030, the target adopted last year by the COP15 convention on biological diversity, "there is no time to waste," he told AFP. Fishing hours on the high seas increased by 8.5 percent between 2018 and 2022, according to the report, which compiles data from an organization capable of tracking boat movements via their transmitters. Such intensification is especially pronounced in the ecologically sensitive areas identified by the UN as potential future marine sanctuaries. Greenpeace reported fishing there has increased by 22.5 percent over the same period. "Overfishing is a huge problem," Thorne said. "That fishing pressure is just absolutely unsustainable, and it's pushing our oceans to the brink." Greenpeace's report notes that in the span of 30 years, stocks of Pacific bluefin tuna have collapsed by more than 90 percent. It also draws attention to the damage caused in open seas by longline fishing, which uses cords fitted with thousands of baited hooks dozens of miles long. The destructive method catches many sharks by mistake. 'Let her heal' Given such dire situations, using the treaty to create high seas sanctuaries is crucial, said Samantha Murray, a marine biodiversity specialist at the University of California San Diego. "We have up to 670 percent greater biomass inside highly protected and fully protected reserves," she told reporters. "When we sort of leave the ocean alone and let it be who she is and let her heal, we get more complex ecosystems that can be more resilient." In order to come into force before the next UN Ocean Conference, in 2025, the treaty will need ratification from at least 60 nations. This would enable convening a conference of the parties, empowered to create the marine sanctuaries. Scientists and non-governmental organizations have already identified a dozen priority high seas zones needing protection. They include the Costa Rica Thermal Dome, a nutrient-rich marine biodiversity hotspot hospitable to blue whales; the Emperor seamount chain of underwater mountains near Hawaii; and the Atlantic's Sargasso Sea region. In addition, the Salas y Gomez and Nazca ridges off Chile's coast may be among the first sanctuaries to see the light of day. The post ‘Huge’ overfishing problem shows need to ratify ocean treaty: Greenpeace appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Politically divided Chile marks 50-year coup anniversary
Chile on Monday marked 50 years since the coup d'etat that brought Augusto Pinochet to power, with political divisions over the legacy of his brutal dictatorship on stark display. Commemorations of the violent US-backed ouster of Marxist leader Salvador Allende still evoke strong emotions, and police fired teargas and water cannons at protesters who vandalized the presidential palace on the anniversary's eve. Leftist President Gabriel Boric led an event at the palace, known as La Moneda, to mark the historic date, and stressed the need to condemn those who violate human rights "without any nuance." "The coup cannot be separated from what came after," he said, referring to the 17-year Pinochet dictatorship under which more than 3,200 people were killed or "disappeared" and tens of thousands tortured. The far-right UDI party issued a statement Monday defending the coup as "inevitable" due to the failures of Allende's political left. The presidents of Mexico, Colombia, Bolivia, and Uruguay were at the emotional ceremony in Santiago, also attended by Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello and former Uruguayan president Jose Mujica. No right-wing representatives attended Monday's event at La Moneda. Poetry readings and musical performances were interrupted by a minute of silence to mark the moment the bombs started dropping on the palace. Allende committed suicide while troops and tanks closed in. As night fell, thousands arrived at the national stadium in the capital -- once used by Pinochet's regime as a torture center -- to place candles in memory of the victims. Elsewhere, protesters on the outskirts of town prevented the passage of vehicles. The 1973 coup, in a country seen until then as a bastion of democracy and stability in Latin America, reverberated around the world and underscored covert interference by the United States. US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said Monday that President Joe Biden's government "has tried to be transparent about the US role in that chapter of Chilean history by recently declassifying documents from 1973 as the Chilean government has requested us to do." 'Never again' Chileans remain deeply divided between those who defend the coup and those who repudiate it, while many feel the anniversary is irrelevant amid economic woes and concerns over rising crime. A survey conducted by Cerc-Mori in May found that 36 percent of people believe Pinochet "liberated Chile from Marxism" -- the highest figure measured in 28 years of polling. On Sunday, Boric became the first president since the end of the dictatorship in 1990 to attend a commemorative march through Santiago for Pinochet's victims. But the procession was marred by vandals causing damage to the exterior of La Moneda and the general cemetery that houses a victims' memorial. Six police officers were injured and at least 11 people were arrested, officials said. Boric blamed the acts on "adversaries of democracy." On Sunday night, some 6,000 women dressed in black held a peaceful vigil in the capital under the slogan: "Never again will democracy be bombed," in reference to the 1973 air raids. Politics 'a little toxic' Led by Boric, Allende's leftist political heirs are in power in Chile today. But the far-right Republican Party -- Pinochet apologists -- emerged the strongest from elections in May for a body tasked with drafting a new constitution to replace the one that dates from the dictatorship era. Pinochet died of a heart attack on 10 December 2006, aged 91, without ever stepping foot in a court. Michelle Bachelet, a former leftist president of Chile, told a local radio station Monday the country must "learn from the lessons of the past" at a time when politics "is a little toxic." She herself was tortured during the dictatorship, as was her father, an air force general who had opposed the coup. Chile's right-wing opposition has abstained from signing a document affirming a commitment to "defend democracy from authoritarian threats" that has been signed by four living ex-presidents of the South American country. On Sunday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the 1973 coup "was an institutional breakdown that ruptured the bonds of coexistence and marked generations of Chileans, but also inspired many to fight for justice and freedom." He added: "Today's strong Chilean democracy gives us hope that humanity, united in its diversity, can solve any global challenge." The post Politically divided Chile marks 50-year coup anniversary appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
50 years later, wounds of Pinochet regime are still raw
In the basement of the presidential palace in Chile's capital, Patricia Herrera was detained and tortured for months before being sent into exile. It was early in a military dictatorship that would kill or cause the disappearance of thousands of people. Fifty years after the US-backed coup that snuffed out Chile's democracy, the wounds from all that suffering are still raw. - Torment - As she returned from class at the university, Herrera was detained by officers in plain clothes because she was "a woman and a socialist." She was 19. Herrera was taken, blindfolded, to the basement of La Moneda, as the presidential palace is called. It was then also known as "El Hoyo," or the pit, as it was one of the first detention and torture centers set up by General Augusto Pinochet's new regime after the ouster of Socialist president Salvador Allende on September 11, 1973. Allende committed suicide rather than be captured. "From the very first night we got there, there was sexual humiliation. At first I thought it was just the guard who was overdoing it with me. I did not think it was an established thing that women had to suffer sexual, in addition to political, violence," said Herrera, now 68 and a historian. Herrera was held for 14 months at the palace and in two other buildings in Santiago that were converted into torture centers by the Pinochet regime. She was then sent into an exile that would last 15 years, first in France and then in Cuba. Two commissions created to study the dictatorship concluded that at least 38,254 people were tortured under the Pinochet regime, which lasted until 1990. The basement in the presidential palace where Herrera was held was also known as Cuartel, or barracks, N°1 and is now used as office space. People taken there blindfolded could identify it because of its curved wall. On 30 August of this year, the current president, Gabriel Boric, had a plaque installed in the basement space to mark the horrors endured by around 30 people who were held there. "We want to put up a marker for everyone to see," Herrera said, "that here, in the political heart of the nation, there was a torture center." - Disappearance - Agents of the dictatorship killed 1,747 people, and detained and made another 1,469 disappear, according to an official government tally. While 307 of the disappeared have since been identified, the other 1,162 remain missing. Fifty years later, their families still wonder where they are. In 1974, when Pinochet's police detained a man named Luis Mahuida -- a 23-year-old university student active in leftist politics and the father of two young daughters -- they also brought an abrupt end to the childhood of his sister Marialina Gonzalez, who was then nine years old. Their mother, Elsa Esquivel, spent all her time looking for her son; it was a full-time occupation. she dedicates herself to caring for her elderly mother and expects to carry suffering with her into her own old age. "There is no closure just because my brother is still missing. There will be no closure." looked after her brother's daughters, who were three and 11 months old when he vanished. "I stopped playing with dolls. My nieces were dolls for me," said Gonzalez. She never finished her education. She went to hundreds of places asking for her brother. Gonzalez even staged a hunger strike and recalls being arrested several times while taking part in protest marches in honor of missing people. She regrets the childhood she never had. "I was not capable of saying: 'Stop, let me be. I want to go out dancing. I want to have friends.' I kept quiet," she said. Now 59, she dedicates herself to caring for her elderly mother and expects to carry suffering with her into her own old age. "There is no closure just because my brother is still missing. There will be no closure." - Exile - The dictatorship triggered the biggest migratory movement in Chilean history. Just over 200,000 people went into exile, according to the non-governmental Chilean Human Rights Commission. Employees of the Allende government, union leaders, workers, students and farmers left the country, taking their families with them. Sweden, Mexico, Argentina, France and Venezuela were the main recipient countries. Most of the exiles were able to return home starting September 1, 1988, when the regime issued a decree allowing them back, a year and a half before the dictatorship ended. A communist activist named Shaira Sepulveda was tortured in secret prisons called Villa Grimaldi and Cuatro Alamos. After her release she left in 1976 for France, along with her husband at that time. She left relatives and friends in Santiago. "My family was here, my sister, my parents. But what really hurt was having to go to a country where you are a nobody," Sepulveda recalls. She returned to Chile 17 years later with two children, but again her family was broken apart. The eldest child could not adapt to life in Chile and returned to Europe. "I am an old woman, so my grandchildren there will barely know me," said Sepulveda, who is 74. bur-pa/vel/gm/dga/dw/bbk © Agence France-Presse The post 50 years later, wounds of Pinochet regime are still raw appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl, UK strengthen bilateral relations, geopolitical issues cited
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly met in Manila on Tuesday to further discuss ways to strengthen the two countries' bilateral relations. In his meeting with British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly in Malacañang, Marcos Jr. underscored the long-standing friendship between the Philippines and the UK, which dates back to the early 19th century. He also noted the growing trade and investment ties between the two countries, as well as the increasing cooperation in areas such as climate change, security, and defense. In particular, Marcos said that the security and defense cooperation between the Philippines and the United Kingdom is a "welcome evolution." Creating security ties and collaborations with the United Kingdom, according to Marcos Jr., is "not traditional" for the Philippines. "But that seems to be the evolution, the geopolitics these days. It is a welcome evolution in my view, and again, your visit here I think, is a clear indication of that intent," the President said. Marcos added there has been a change in Europe's post-pandemic focus toward Asia, particularly Southeast Asia, to start the economic reform process. "We are not quite at pre-pandemic levels yet, but we are fast approaching that, and that, of course, is very important for us," Marcos said. Cleverly, for his part, said the UK is "committed to working with the Philippines to build a stronger, more prosperous future for both our countries." He also said that the UK is "ready to invest in the Philippines' economic growth and development." “There is still growth. I know that you are very focused on attracting investment into the country and I’ve been discussing with our ambassador about a UK export finance facility, which I hope would encourage UK companies to invest more broadly,” Cleverly said. The foreign minister said both nations can also work “very, very closely together” to combat climate change and accelerate clean energy access. “So I see lots of opportunities to build on what is a really positive bilateral relationship. And so my final thank you is to thank your nation through you, sir, for being a really good friend and partner to the UK, but with huge growth potential for that partnership,” added Cleverly. The post Phl, UK strengthen bilateral relations, geopolitical issues cited appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Total frenzy’: Swift fever grows in Latin America
Excitement is building among Taylor Swift fans in Latin America who have endured months-long queues, expensive tickets and, in one case, assault to realize their dream of seeing the pop superstar. The 33-year-old singer-songwriter, who holds the women's record for most number one albums, will bring her "Eras" tour to the region from Thursday starting in Mexico, followed by Argentina and Brazil. In Rio de Janeiro, Renan Rodrigues camped out for several nights to buy tickets for Swift's November 17-19 concerts at the Nilton Santos stadium. The 24-year-old DJ, who performs at parties for Swifties, as the pop star's devoted fans are known, got tickets to all three performances. But he paid a high price -- an assailant hit him on the head with a bottle for resisting an attempted robbery while he was waiting. "They wanted to take my cellphone, and inside the case was my card from the only bank authorized for ticket sales. I just thought: they won't take my card," said Rodrigues, who suffered superficial injuries. Tickets for Taylor Swift shows in Brazil cost between $35 and $468. In Mexico, where young people earn an average salary of $366 a month according to official data, fans had to pay between $55 and $614. Ingrid Cruz, founder of the official Mexican fan club, described the high cost as "abuse" and complained that VIP packages were prioritized over regular tickets. Fans also reported problems with the platform of US retail giant Ticketmaster. The vendor operates in Mexico as part of the powerful CIE entertainment and media group, which in turn controls around two-thirds of the local market for live shows. Pre-sales for the four concerts in Mexico City were based on a previous registration of "verified fans" by email. But even Joel Aguilar, creator of Taylor Swift MX, a fan site with some 20,000 followers from 20 countries, failed to qualify, he said. Denisse Castro, 26, who has been unemployed for six months, hoped that building a credit history and obtaining a card from the bank sponsoring the concert would help her to secure good seats. Unfortunately for her, the bank recently tightened its credit restrictions, so Castro could only afford the cheapest tickets. In the Argentine capital Buenos Aires, a group set up camp outside the River stadium in June, five months before the concert, to ensure they have places near the stage. "It's going to be a total frenzy," said Iara Palavencino, one of the fans, who take it in turns to reserve their spots. Tickets sold out quickly in Argentina, despite the country's serious economic crisis. In Chile, President Gabriel Boric, a self-proclaimed Swiftie, made an unsuccessful appeal to Swift to include his country on her tour. And in Mexico, proving that the pop star's popularity transcends age, a 64-year-old Supreme Court judge outed himself as a Swiftie earlier this year. "There's nothing trivial about Taylor Swift," Arturo Zaldivar wrote in a newspaper in June. The post ‘Total frenzy’: Swift fever grows in Latin America appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Iran reporter who interviewed Amini father says freed from jail
An Iranian journalist handed a two-year jail sentence after interviewing the father of the woman whose custody death sparked months of protests said Sunday she had been released from prison. After her release from Tehran's Evin prison, Nazila Maroufian defiantly posted a picture of herself on social media without a headscarf, flouting the Islamic Republic's strict dress code for women. "Don't accept slavery, you deserve the best," she wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, and Instagram. The picture showed her clutching flowers in one hand with her other hand raised in a victory sign. Maroufian, whose age is given by Persian media outside Iran as 23, in October published an interview on the Mostaghel Online news site with Amjad Amini. He is the father of Mahsa Amini, whose death in custody last September after she allegedly violated the dress rules sparked months of protests. In the interview, Amjad Amini accused authorities of lying about the circumstances of his daughter's death. Iranian authorities have indicated she died because of a health problem, but the family and activists have said she suffered a blow to the head while in custody. Maroufian, a Tehran-based journalist but from Amini's hometown of Saqez in Kurdistan province, was first arrested in November. Health scare She was later released but in January said she had been sentenced to two years in jail, suspended for five years, on charges of propaganda against the system and spreading false news. According to rights groups, Maroufian was again ordered back to Evin prison in early July. There was major concern over her health earlier this month when supporters said she had been taken from prison to hospital. But in her social media post, Maroufian denied having had a heart attack and said she had suffered "shortness of breath and heart palpitations" and was now "fine". Iran has reacted harshly to reporting inside the country on the Amini case. The two women journalists who helped to bring the story to the world's attention have now spent almost a year in Evin after being arrested in September. Niloufar Hamedi reported for Iran's Shargh newspaper from the hospital where Amini languished in a coma for three days before she died, and Elahe Mohammadi, a reporter for the Ham Mihan newspaper, went to Saqez to report on Amini's funeral. Both are now on trial on charges of violating national security, which they vehemently deny. According to the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists, 95 reporters were arrested in the crackdown on the Amini protests, although most have now been released on bail. Last week the Iranian authorities summoned the British ambassador, Simon Shercliff, after he called on Tehran to release detained journalists, in social media post to mark National Journalists' Day in Iran. The post Iran reporter who interviewed Amini father says freed from jail appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Andes plane crash survivor dies half century later
Uruguayan Jose Luis Inciarte, one of 16 survivors of a 1972 Andean plane crash immortalized in the film “Alive,” died in his home city of Montevideo Thursday aged 75, a friend told Agence France-Presse. Inciarte, known fondly as “Coche,” was part of an amateur Uruguayan rugby team flying to play a match in Chile, accompanied by family members, when their plane crashed on 13 October 1972. Thirty-three of the 45 on board survived the initial impact, but only 16 were left after an ordeal of 10 weeks on an Andean glacier without food, shelter, or even warm clothes in minus 30 degrees Celsius at an altitude of some 3,500 meters. The survivors had to resort to eating the flesh of their dead comrades to stay alive. Rescue finally came after two of the young men — Roberto Canessa and Fernando Parrado — walked for 10 days into the unknown, hostile terrain, finally spotting people at a river as they were close to their end. The story of survival became known as the “Miracle in the Andes.” Spanish filmmaker Juan Antonio Bayona made a film about the Andes survival story entitled “Society of the Snow” which is due to premier in Venice in September. WITH AFP The post Andes plane crash survivor dies half century later appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Miracle in the Andes’ crash survivor dies half century later
Uruguayan Jose Luis Inciarte, one of 16 survivors of a 1972 Andean plane crash immortalized in the film "Alive," died in his home city of Montevideo Thursday aged 75, a friend told AFP. Inciarte, known fondly as "Coche," was part of an amateur Uruguayan rugby team flying to play a match in Chile, accompanied by family members, when their plane crashed on 13 October 1972. Thirty-three of the 45 on board survived the initial impact, but only 16 were left after an ordeal of ten weeks on an Andean glacier without food, shelter, or even warm clothes in minus 30 degrees Celsius (-22 Fahrenheit) at an altitude of some 3,500 meters. The survivers had to resort to eating the flesh of their dead comrades to stay alive. Rescue finally came after two of the young men -- Roberto Canessa and Fernando Parrado -- walked for 10 days into the unknown, hostile terrain, finally spotting people at a river as they were close to their end. The story of survival became known as the "Miracle in the Andes." Now we are 14 "We lost a friend," Canessa told AFP Thursday of Inciarte's death from cancer. "We already lost Javier (Methol), and now we are 14" left over from the 16 who returned home after the crash, he said. Methol died in 2015 aged 79, also from cancer. In 2012, on a trip to Santiago to commemorate the 40-year-anniversary of the accident, Inciarte reflected on the experiences that marked his life in comments to AFP. "With the passage of time, the anguish, the suffering, the pain of the cold that gnaws at the skin, gave way to hope, to a story of survival, solidarity and friendship," he said at the time. Inciarte had gone on to become an agricultural entrepreneur. Spanish filmmaker Juan Antonio Bayona, who made a film about the Andes survival story -- entitled "Society of the Snow" and due to premier in Venice in September -- bid farewell to his "friend" Inciarte on Instagram. "Today Jose Luis 'Coche' Inciarte left for good, after life gifted him an extension of more than fifty years. As far as I know, he used it well," Bayona wrote. "A life like his is worth four of ours!" Author Pablo Vierci, who wrote the book the new movie is based on, told AFP Inciarte had been a "good man" who on the mountain "propped up" those whose spirits were failing. "He gave the impression that he was not afraid of death," said Vierci. The post ‘Miracle in the Andes’ crash survivor dies half century later appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»