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July 13, 2023 10:40 PM

Strong conservative forces in Thailand meant PM candidate Pita Limjaroenrat's bid was always going to be a long shot.

Uyoan gidunggab sa pag-umangkon tungod sa giingong away sa yuta alas 2:30 sa hapon sa Martes, Hulyo 11, 2023 sa Brgy. Tañañas, lungsod sa San Fernando.

Ang suspek giilang si Danilo Taping Cajes, 44, mag-uuma, kinsa nasikop sa kapulisan samtang ang suspek giilang si Jacinto Paradero Taping, 59, minyo, kinsa nasamdan sa dughan.

Si Police Major Mark Anthony Villanueva, hepe sa San Fernando Police Station nga nahinabi sa Superbalita Cebu, nagkanayon hubog ang pag-umangkon sa wala pa mahitabo ang krimen.

Nagkalalis ang duha sa isyo sa yuta. Ang suspek nagdala og kutsilyo gihansakan ang biktima, kinsa gidali sa pagdala sa tambalanan.

Ang suspek nasikop sa follow operation sa kapulisan. Giandam na sa kapulisan ang tukmang kaso batok sa suspek. (GPL)

July 13, 2023 10:26 PM

Microsoft has revealed that a Chinese hacking group gained access to nearly 25 organisations.

Two people were charged for the torture of 100 dogs. They were identified as Lorna Oberes and Edwin Casas.

Meanwhile, two other people were charged for the torture of a dentist inside his clinic. They were not identified. At least not in the news reports on the filing of the case for serious physical injuries.

Why the difference in treatment? None of the dogs died. Neither did the dentist. The couple did not physically harm the dogs; they just did not feed them. In the dentist’s case, the intent to harm was evident.

When a farmer stabbed his father in a southern Cebu town recently, the names of both the assailant and the victim were mentioned in the news reports on the incident.

The police volunteered the identities based on the statement of witnesses.

No such voluntary divulging of information took place in the dentist’s case. The Cebu City Police said nothing more than that they have identified the suspects, have already filed a case against them, and have strong evidence to hold them liable.

Maybe, the police acted with prudence or so thought (that they were acting with prudence) in refusing to give any names. They probably did not want to alert the suspects and drive them into fleeing.

But when you have just committed a crime and read that you have been identified, do you need any further prodding to decide to hide? In fact, isn’t it a natural human reaction for one who has committed a crime—and not any ordinary one—to immediately pack his bags and escape?

Besides, aren’t the police already monitoring the suspects closely to prevent them from fleeing? So why worry about alerting them?

By the way, it is a common practice by the police to arrest their suspect, invoking “hot pursuit” even if so much time has passed since the commission of the offense. I wonder why they have not done the same in this case.

In fairness to the police, they have already filed a case within days from the attack on the dentist. Surely, their complaint must have identified the respondents. Has anyone from the media requested the city prosecutor’s office to be shown a copy of the complaint and the supporting affidavits?

The dentist’s case has drawn immense public curiosity because of the daring and seeming passion that attended the attack. What event or events drove the perpetrators to blind rage?

It will probably be after a long trial that we will know the answer. Let’s make do with the identities of the parties in the meantime.

(Statement issued on July 11, 2023)

Today marks the seventh anniversary of an Arbitral Tribunal constituted under the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention firmly rejecting the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) expansive South China Sea maritime claims, including any PRC claim to the area determined by the Arbitral Tribunal to be part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, as well as any resources therein. Under the terms of the Convention, this ruling is final and legally binding on the Philippines and the PRC.

The United States reaffirms its July 13, 2020, policy regarding maritime claims in the South China Sea. We continue to urge Beijing to comport its maritime claims with international law as reflected in the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention; cease its routine harassment of claimant state vessels lawfully operating in their respective exclusive economic zones; halt its disruption to states’ sovereign rights to explore, exploit, conserve, and manage natural resources; and end its interference with the freedoms of navigation and 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.

I condemn in the strongest possible terms the extremely blasphemous and offensive video that has gone viral showing people in a club making a mockery of the Christian faith and disrespecting The Lord’s Prayer.

In my opinion, this is the height of the misuse and abuse of our freedom of expression that borders on criminal activity. It offends the sensibilities of our Christian brothers and sisters, deeply demeans the faith of millions of Filipinos, and dangerously scales the boundaries of protected speech and expression.

In this case, a criminal charge can be filed under Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code, which punishes those who “offend any race or religion in the performance of obscene or indecent plays, scenes, acts or shows in theaters, fairs, or any other place.” We urge the authorities to look into this matter.

Nevertheless, this act merits condemnation not only by Christians but people of all religions whose practice of their faith should not be mocked for private gain or for a few theatrical laughs.

Ang unang reaksyon ko sa video na ito ay matinding pagkadismaya at galit.

For billions of Christians, The Lord’s Prayer is one of our most solemn prayers during the Holy Eucharist, and to take it out of this context of worship, and use it as material for a comedy bar, is highly insensitive.

We are still tracing the venue. We are also studying the possible violations of law that were committed here.

As a devout Catholic, I have been taught to accord respect to all religions in a society that respects ecumenism.

I hope that this behavior will not be repeated in the future. Again, let us respect each other’s beliefs, religious or otherwise, because that is how we build a kinder and gentler society.

Inspired objects meet inspired living at The Residences at Sheraton Mactan Cebu this Saturday, July 15, 2023 in collaboration with Java Pavilion, Cebu-based curator of objets d’art, antiques and luxury home furnishings.

The exhibit will present a diverse range of products including fossilized stone, antique wood, vintage artefacts and modern works of art that will elevate your home style. It will showcase art from sleek minimalist pieces to bold and vibrant creations presented in a variety of styles and techniques that will leave you inspired.

Java Pavilion will showcase curated pieces of centuries old rock fossils known as petrified wood and crystallized volcanic rock, popularly referred to as obsidian. They are the centerpieces of the Exhibit while vintage driftwood, blackened lychee wood and carved teakwood will also be mainstays.

Obsidian

Obsidian is a rare volcanic crystal formed by the solidification of hot molten magma in ancient lakes and cold environments. This precious artefact is valued in human history because of its various uses.

It has been used since the Stone Age as a weapon, a cutting tool and a stone of special properties. In the recent television series, “Game of Thrones,” obsidian was known as Dragonglass and referred to as frozen fire, the only known weakness of the White Walkers.

The Children of the Forest shaped it into daggers and arrowheads.

In some circles, obsidian is believed to have metaphysical properties. Legend has it that the mystic crystal ball used by gypsies to tell one’s fortune was a round obsidian. Obsidian is also known as a Crystal of Protection and Gemstone of Prosperity. It is believed to absorb negativity and purify energy, thus bestowing peace, harmony, balance and prosperity wherever you place it.

Today, black obsidian is used in surgical tools. But the rare blue, green and golden sheen obsidian sculptures are displayed by connoisseurs as objets d’art that bring beauty, joy and love into their homes.

What is petrified wood?

Petrified wood is a rock fossil known to have been formed millions of years ago when a volcanic eruption buried trees under hot volcanic ash. The process prevented decay and oxygenation, thus, killing microorganisms but preserving the biological structure of the trees. Groundwater rich in silica, calcite, pyrite and other minerals seeped in and replaced the organic material. Over time, the minerals solidified into rock while keeping the shape of the tree—forming what is now called petrified wood.

How old is petrified wood from Indonesia?

According to www.naturalhistorycuriosities.com, Indonesian petrified wood originated from the Miocene Period which roughly places it between 20 to 25 million years of age.

Why is petrified wood multi-colored?

Different minerals in petrified wood cause the colors to vary. Here are the colors associated with the minerals:

Black - Carbon

Red/Brown - Iron Oxides

White/Grey - Silicon Dioxide

Pink - Manganese

Blue - Cobalt

Green - Copper

The residences at Sheraton Mactan is located along Punta Engaño Road, Lapu-Lapu City which is fast becoming known as Cebu’s Billionaires’ Row. Punta Engaño is currently home to five-star hotels and luxury condominiums including The Sheraton, Shangri-La Mactan and Dusit Thani. Also rising in Punta Engaño are two highly respected and well-loved Filipino brands namely, Abaca Resort Mactan by Cebu Landmasters Inc. and Aruga Resort and Residences by Rockwell Land Inc.

THE Chery Tiggo Defenders took the fight out of Gerflor, winning in straight sets, 25-19, 25-20, 25-18, to bolster its semifinal bid in the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig on Thursday, July 13, 2023.

Veteran Mylene Paat took over and gave Chery Tiggo the needed spark on offense and the leadership as the Crossovers re-asserted their might and finished off their foes in just one hour and 40 minutes.

Chery Tiggo improved to 2-1, a half-game behind the undefeated Creamline (2-0) in the five-team Pool A play although PLDT is right behind at 1-0.

“I’m very happy with how they played but definitely there’s still a lot of things that we need to improve on,” said Chery Tiggo coach Aaron Velez. “We need to start faster, so that’s one thing I think that we have to pick up. I also like the fact that everybody was able to step up.”

Paat fired 15 points to lead the Crossovers’ charge with Velez drawing seven-point outputs from Ponggay Gaston, EJ Laure and Cza Carandang. Rookies Imee Hernandez and Eya Laure added six and three markers, respectively.

“It’s not just about points off of spikes. We need to be better with other skills like blocking and serving. This is a huge help for my teammates and I’m happy I performed well,” said Paat, who added four blocks to clinch the game’s top honors. (JNP)

AEG kicked off its title defense with a resounding 67-61 win over Landlite in the Cebu Architects Basketball Club 5th Corporate Cup on July 9, 2023 at the Benedicto College Gym in Cebu City.

Athletic forward Dexsel Caadan shone for AEG with 15 points, five rebounds, and an incredible eight steals.

In other games of the quadruple-header, Diamond Built thrashed Cebu Home Builders, 58-35. Cynizar Esconde led the way for the winning side with 19 points, while Ryan Rizarri added 12 markers.

Modern Windows also eked out a 51-48 win over Boysen. Justin Aspacio scored 13 points to pace Modern Windows, while Ferdinand Tiro pitched in 12 points and five rebounds. Carlos Baltar finished with a double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds.

Kirby’s outlasted Buildrite in overtime, 60-56. Socrates Nagel sparked Kirby’s to the win with his 11 points and 15 boards. Joseph Gerundio also had a solid outing with 13 points, five rebounds, and four assists. (JNP)

WORLD-RATED Joey Canoy dropped Clyde Azarcon four times and knocked him out in the fourth round of their scheduled 10-round contest on July 12, 2023 in Malungon, Sarangani Province.

It was a competitive opening round with both fighters trying to find their range. Azarcon, who fights out of the Big Yellow Boxing Gym in Cebu City, landed a solid right straight to the body that caught Canoy’s attention.

The 30-year-old Canoy started to gain momentum in the second round and landed some vicious shots to Azarcon’s head and body.

Azarcon was hurt and dropped to the canvas from an apparent accidental headbutt. The referee, however, called it a knockdown. Azarcon tasted the canvas again, this time, from a well-timed counter right uppercut.

Despite getting knocked down twice already, the 28-year-old Azarcon kept it competitive and traded blows with Canoy in the third.

In the fourth, Canoy connected with a solid right hook to the body that sent Azarcon down on one knee. Azarcon beat the referee’s 10-count and continued with the fight. Canoy sensed that the end was near and unleashed a barrage of punches to Azarcon’s body. Canoy landed a powerful left hook to the side of Azarcon’s body that dropped him for the fourth time. This time, the referee saw enough and stopped the fight.

Canoy continues his ascent in the light flyweight division, in which he’s currently ranked No. 8 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF), No. 9 by the World Boxing Council (WBC), No. 12 World Boxing Organization (WBO) and No. 15 by the World Boxing Association (WBA) in the light flyweight division. He could challenge for a world title anytime soon.

Canoy improved to 20-5-2 with 12 knockouts, while Azarcon dropped to 17-8-1 with six knockouts.

Former regional champion Ben Mananquil (19-4-3, 6 KOs) ended his two-bout slump with a third round stoppage of experienced Jenny Boy Boca (14-11, 12 KOs) in the main supporting bout.

In the undercard, French Guillaume Lorenzo (10-5, 6 KOs) outclassed Renan Portes (11-15, 6 KOs) by unanimous decision, Cebu-based Gabriel Santisima (2-0, 1 KO) ends Nathaniel Juan’s (0-5) night in the fourth round and Reymark Gayola (0-0-1) settled to a majority draw with Joy Ebcas (0-0-1). (EKA)

Thirty-two student-athletes from the University of Tennessee (UT) in the United States participated in sports games with members of Philippine Accessible Disability Services Inc. with the former making a visit to Cebu Doctors’ University located in North Reclamation Area in Mandaue City, Cebu on July 11, 2023.

The student-athletes are part of the university’s academic-based program dubbed VOLeaders Academy, which aims to “cultivate student-athlete leaders through sports to create positive social change.”

The student-athletes visited Cebu Doctors’ University in Mandaue City, and learned about wheelchair basketball and sitting volleyball from the members of Philippine Accessible Disability Services Inc. (Pads)—a local, independent non-government organization, “working to enable the PWD (persons with disabilities) community to grow and develop as independent, integrated, fully human and empowered citizens in society,” according to its official profile.

“Our experience here is very unique because we are able to visit three places—Manila, Coron, and now here in Cebu. It’s so interesting to meet people of different ages, and we’ve also been able to teach what we know,” said Griffin Hadley, a member of the UT men’s swimming team.

“But I tell you, they taught us a lot about native Filipino games,” Hadley said.

The UT student-athletes play several sports which include soccer, volleyball, golf, softball, tennis, basketball, track and field, baseball, football, rowing, swimming and diving.

Eye-opening activities

Marshall Steward, UT senior associate athletics director and associate provost of the university, shared that the activities were eye-openers for them, adding that the experience made them connect with each other through sports.

During their visit in the country, the delegation toured the Philippine Sports Commission in Manila, learned about arnis—the national martial art of the Philippines, and toured different universities. In Cebu City, they had a courtesy visit to the office of the Vice Mayor Raymond Garcia.

The 10-day trip is part of the program’s International Service Immersion Experience.

John Paul Maunes, chief executive officer and founder of Pads, marked the significance of this event, which represented “a culmination of efforts,” and is a “testament to the transformative potential housed by every athlete.”

Maunes added in his Facebook post:

“We are so thrilled to receive the adaptive sports equipment donated by the University of Tennessee VOLeaders Academy for goalball, blind soccer, blind basketball, running and OCR to promote the development of blind and deaf sports here in Cebu.” (HIC)

MANILA, July 13 (Xinhua) -- The Philippine government has urged the people to store rainwater to mitigate the impact of the El Nino phenomenon on agriculture production, the Presidential Communications Office said Thursday.

With the latest advisory on the presence of El Nino in the Tropical Pacific, weather experts warn of unusual warming of sea surface temperatures, which may lead to below-normal rainfall, caus

MANILA, July 13 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines will convert penal properties across the country into farmlands and train prisoners to farm crops to boost food production, the government said Thursday.

The project, dubbed Reformation Initiative for Sustainable Environment for Food Security (RISE), aims to utilize and rehabilitate arable lands within the prison reservations and penal farms nationwide to boost food pr

The probe follows police reports against Kedah state’s head of government who is accused of committing an offence by allegedly insulting the Sultan of Selangor.

July 13, 2023 7:08 PM

Another vote is expected to be held next week, which Mr Pita can contest if nominated again.

July 13, 2023 6:58 PM

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also welcomed the conclusion of the second reading of the COC for the South China Sea.

French defense company Naval Group is eying to build a naval base handling submarine operations in the Philippines to safeguard its maritime territory, particularly in the West Philippine Sea.

The worst hit-mountainous Himachal Pradesh state saw cars, buses, bridges and houses swept away by swirling floodwaters, and helicopters were needed to rescue about 300 people, mostly tourists, stranded in the Chandertal area.

THE Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (Tieza) is grooming Moalboal town in southern Cebu to become one of the major tourism investment destinations in the country.

Lawyer Karen Mae Sarinas-Baydo, Tieza assistant chief operations officer for tourism enterprise zone, made this announcement during the first-ever VisMin Tourism Congress 2023 held at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino Cebu, Cebu City on Thursday, July 13, 2023.

Baydo said Moalboal is part of their list of prime Tourism Enterprise Zone (TEZ) and Tieza is on track on collaborating with the private sector to implement its masterplan for development to the town with the support of the local government unit (LGU).

“Cebu is a popular diving spot, especially in Moalboal and we have more or less 11 hectares that is open for diving community or integrated resort that can be developed,” Baydo said in her speech.

As part of its masterplan, Tieza wanted to fortify the diving community of Moalboal through the development of on integrated tourism complex.

This tourism complex will be the first in southern Cebu and will also be geared primarily toward fulfilling the requirements of professional and leisure diving, and other coastal tourist activities.

This also includes hotel or accommodation facilities, retails outlets, leasable commercial and office spaces, dive schools. (EHP)