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HEADLINES

Escape from Gaza, Egypt Oks crossing

By Nidz Godino

“We’re talking to them, Egyptian authorities not only to open  border but also to give permission to Filipinos,” Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary for migrant workers affairs Eduardo de Vega told media Egyptian authorities have agreed to allow Filipinos from Gaza to cross into Egypt through  Rafah border once it opens.

Names  of Filipinos in Gaza, including  78 now situated near  Rafah border, have been submitted to Egyptian authorities.

“They need visas… permission in case it opens, they can get through…it doesn’t mean automatic when it opens  border… will be in immigration processing on Egyptian side, all  names of Filipinos in Gaza are already with  Egyptian authorities” De Vega said.

Names  of 20 Palestinian spouses were also submitted but there is no assurance they would be allowed in.

“DFA is hopeful for  solution to be reached soonest in order for  Rafah crossing to start receiving foreign nationals, so that our kababayans in Gaza will be allowed to cross into Egypt…from there, our teams will work on their repatriation to  Philippines, Philippine government continues to work on repatriation of our nationals and will provide updates on developments,”  DFA said in  statement.

Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), for its part, said returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Israel would be getting P10,000 in cash assistance upon their arrival at the airport.

OWWA chief Arnell Ignacio also assured Filipinos in Gaza of prompt government help should they opt to return to the country once  humanitarian passage becomes available.

“Immediately, we’ll give them financial assistance upon their arrival because we know they have no money for their needs,  just  matter of scheduling flights,” Ignacio said at  briefing.

DFA is in charge of repatriation of Filipinos from Gaza since most of them are spouses of Palestinians and not OFWs, Ignacio said. There are 138 Filipinos staying in Gaza, now under alert level 4 or mandatory repatriation.

Aside from P10,000 financial grant, Ignacio said, active and non-active OWWA members returning from Israel can avail themselves of  wide range of assistance from  government.

He said returning OFWs may opt for livelihood support as well as help in preparing business plans in case they choose to stay for good and set up their own business.

Furthermore,  government is also extending loans to those who want to start  business. Scholarship is also available for returning OFWs whose children are still studying.

According to Ignacio, OWWA has assisted in  repatriation of 15 OFWs staying in Israel but  not affected by  ongoing conflict.

He said government has not stopped  search for  three Filipinos in Israel still unaccounted for.

Government, he added, is also working for  repatriation of remains of three Filipinos killed during Hamas attack.  Repatriation  of  remains may take longer than usual because of  current situation in Israel.

On Sunday President Ferdinand  Marcos Jr.made another phone call to  family of one of the Filipino fatalities in Israel Loreta Villarin Alacre to relay his condolences and assure them of assistance, including  repatriation of her remains,  Presidential Communications Office said.

Annabella Alacre, elder sister of Loreta, disclosed that FMJ called Nelia, another sister of theirs working in Kuwait, also as  contract worker.

Nelia, according to Annabella, requested FMJ to facilitate her return to the Philippines, as she had not seen her sister for years. The President granted her request.

Exact  date of  arrival of  remains of Loreta, however, is not yet clear as her birth certificate is reportedly still being processed.  OWWA needs document for  transfer of her cadaver from Israel to  Philippines.

“There’s assistance for  family but we will do everything  needs to be done to bring your sister home,” FMJ was quoted as telling Nelia during their conversation.

He added  Philippine authorities are closely monitoring situation in Israel.

“All our embassies are on alert, they know your situation, everyone wants to go home so that’s what we arranged first and as long as we are given chance, we will bring them all home,” Chief Executive said.

FMJ said  Philippine ambassador to Egypt is now waiting for feedback on  possible opening of  humanitarian corridor so  government can start with repatriation efforts.

FMJ said  airport in Tel Aviv, Israel is still open but is not yet allowing refugees.

He said  Philippine government is coordinating with Israel for  repatriation of affected Filipinos.

FMJ had already talked to  families of  two other victims and assured them of all government assistance and  repatriation of their remains as soon as borders are opened for refugees. 

Israeli forces kept up their bombardment of Gaza after diplomatic efforts to arrange  ceasefire to allow foreign passport holders to leave and aid to be brought into  besieged Palestinian enclave failed.

Residents of Hamas-ruled Gaza said overnight air strikes were  heaviest yet as conflict entered its 10th day with  Israeli ground offensive believed to be imminent. Bombing carried on through the day, they said, and many buildings were flattened, trapping yet more people under  rubble. Israeli officials issued multiple warnings of Hamas rocket fire into Israel.

Diplomatic efforts have been underway to get aid into  enclave, endured unrelenting Israeli bombing since  Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Hamas militants  killed 1,300 people  bloodiest single day in  state’s 75-year history.

But Israel’s chief military spokesman, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, said there was no Gaza ceasefire and that Israel was continuing its operations. “There are no such efforts under way at this time….if anything changes we will inform public…we are continuing our fight against Hamas, this murderous organization  carried this assault out.”

Israel has imposed  full blockade and is preparing  ground invasion to enter Gaza and destroy Hamas,  continued to fire rockets at Israel since its brief cross-border assault.

Earlier Egyptian security sources had told media agreement had been reached to open  crossing to allow aid into enclave.  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said in  statement: “There is currently no truce and humanitarian aid in Gaza in exchange for getting foreigners out.” Hamas official Izzat El Reshiq told media there was “no truth” to  reports about  crossing opening or  temporary ceasefire.

On Monday, rocket-warning sirens sounded in several towns in southern Israel, Israeli military said. Israeli troops and tanks are already massed on border.

Hundreds of tons of aid from several countries have been held up in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula for days pending  deal for its safe delivery to Gaza and  evacuation of some foreign passport holders through  Rafah crossing.

US President Joseph Biden has urged Israel to follow  laws of war in its response to  Hamas attacks, and on Sunday said in  post on social media “ overwhelming majority of Palestinians had nothing to do with Hamas’ appalling attacks and are suffering as  result of them.”

Biden also said Israel needed to eliminate Hamas, but warned  it would be  mistake for Israel to occupy Gaza.

Citing a security source, media reported  crossing would open for  few hours on Monday, without providing details. Media was not immediately able to confirm either report. Israel has urged exhausted Gazans to evacuate south, which hundreds of thousands have already done in  besieged enclave  home to more than two million people.

Hamas, runs Gaza, has told people to ignore Israel’s message. “Hamas has always said  there is no surrender, there is only freedom and justice,”  militant group said in  statement.

Palestinians in Gaza said Israel’s bombing campaign overnight was  heaviest since it launched its retaliatory attacks last week. Bombardment was especially heavy in Gaza City, with air strikes hitting  areas around two of  city’s main hospitals, they said. Reserves of fuel at all hospitals across  Gaza Strip are expected to last only around 24 more hours, putting thousands of patients at risk,  United Nations humanitarian office said.

Authorities  in Gaza said at least 2,670 people had so far been killed by Israel’s retaliatory strikes,  quarter of them children, and nearly 10,000 wounded. Another 1,000 people were missing and believed to be under rubble. US government  help alleviate  humanitarian crisis in Gaza, anticipating  brutal ground offensive.

Washington is also focused on avoiding  spillover of  conflict, especially with clashes with Lebanon escalating on Israel’s border.

Blinken said leaders in Arab states he visited across the region in recent days were determined to stop war from spreading. He is also seeking to secure release of 155 hostages, including Americans, Israel says were taken by Hamas back into Gaza. Iran, which backs both Hamas and Hezbollah, warned Israel of escalation if it kept attacking Palestinians, adding  could not stay an observer.

Netanyahu has convened Israel’s expanded emergency Cabinet, including former opposition lawmakers, in  show of unity. “Hamas thought we would be demolished…it is we who will demolish Hamas,” he said.

Israel’s military, which has massed tanks on Gaza’s border in preparation for  ground offensive,  is targeting Hamas and its infrastructure in response. Israeli aircraft  struck about 250 military targets, killing  Hamas southern district commander,  military said.

Israeli military chief Lieutenant-General Herzi Halevi told soldiers near  Gaza border they would be entering Gaza to root out Hamas, targeting “every place, every commander, every operator.”

An Israeli blockade has prevented fuel, food and water from entering Gaza, although Netanyahu had agreed with Biden to resume  water supply to parts of southern Gaza,  minister said.

Israeli  military said some 600,000 Gazans had left  northern half of  territory,  includes Gaza City’s more than one million residents. Some Palestinians who went south  were heading back north because they were attacked wherever they went.

Israeli aircraft bombed areas around Gaza City’s Al-Quds hospital, and ambulances at the facility could not move due to strikes, Palestinian media reported.

Israel gave  hospital  warning to evacuate, according to  Palestinian Red Crescent Society,it could not move sick and wounded people out of facility.

UN relief operations in Gaza “are on  verge of collapse,” said Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner general of  UN agency for Palestinians.

TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

Psalm 25:14-15

¹⁴ The Lord confides in those who fear him;
    he makes his covenant known to them.
¹⁵ My eyes are ever on the Lord,
    for only he will release my feet from the snare.

Egg retail prices to continue spike until 2024

By J.Lo

“At present  increase in  farmgate of eggs in Ilocos is highest, with almost one peso increase as  medium-sized egg is now P7.33 per piece from P6.55 as many chicken layers died because of  typhoons,” United Broiler Raisers Association (UBRA) and Philippine Egg Board (PEB) chairman Gregorio San Diego said  spike in  retail prices of eggs is expected to continue until first semester of 2024 amid  expected high demand this Christmas and  decline in production.

In  interview San Diego attributed  upward trend in  retail prices of eggs to  drop in production after  devastation of recent Typhoons Egay and Goring, adding farmgate price of eggs increased between P0.15 and P0.20 per piece.

He said among those affected by recent typhoons was  province of Ilocos.

Department of Agriculture (DA) has said damage of southwest monsoon enhanced by Typhoons Egay and Falcon to  livestock and poultry has reached P386.45 million while  damage brought by  southwest monsoon enhanced by Typhoons Goring and Hannah to livestock and poultry totaled P10.42 million.

“If farmgate price of eggs reaches P5 per piece, we will suffer losses as  feed chicken layer eats is almost P5 already,” he stressed.

San Diego said by second semester of 2024,  supply of eggs is expected to increase as breeders have started to arrive.

“Eggs will flood market and that’s our worry, we will again suffer losses,” he added.

At the same time, San Diego said  many egg producers decided to slow down in their production amid  threat of bird flu as  DA and Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) have yet to approve  vaccine against avian flu.

San Diego added  August 2022, poultry raisers filed  petition for  approval of  bird flu vaccine.

“Our neighboring countries are already implementing vaccination but it is delayed here in our country for unknown reasons,” he said.

He said also  smuggled bird flu vaccines proliferate online.

“We want approval of vaccine to be accelerated as once  chicken tested positive of bird flu, entire population will be wiped out as DA will condemn entire farm but smuggled vaccine can be bought online… we already informed DA and BAI about this,” San Diego said.

Based on monitoring of  DA,  retail price of medium-sized eggs reached between P6.50 and P8.50 per piece.

On other hand, San Diego said  farmgate price of chicken ranged from P112 to P113 but the retail price remains high at P200 per kilo.

“Problem is as we expect increase in  demand of chicken during Christmas,  imported meat also floods  market,” he added.

Watersheds in Ph, ‘in a state of crisis’

By J.Lo

“Watersheds in the Philippines are clearly in state of crisis,” , legal and policy research institution Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center (LRC) report read watersheds in the Philippines are facing  dire crisis as over half of these vital basins remain unprotected from destructive activities such as large-scale mining and infrastructure development.

Watersheds are vital for managing water resources, providing habitats for various species, and controlling floods, droughts and extreme climate events. 

Data from  Department of Environment and Natural Resources showed  around 6.8 million hectares of watershed areas were assessed as vulnerable to deforestation, biodiversity loss, erosion, floods, landslides and water pollution, while 14.2 million hectares were identified as critical for  national irrigation system. 

However, report of think tank Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center (LRC) found t least 9% of ecologically critical and 55% of agriculturally critical watersheds lack protected status. 

This means  only 6.5 million hectares or 22% of  country’s total land area are protected either through presidential proclamations or coverage under  National Integrated Protected Areas System. 

 “This watershed crisis is marked with spatial conflicts  have resulted in increasing inaccessibility of water supplies; eroding water quality; degrading integrity of ecosystems; and worsening vulnerability to water and climate-related disaster risks,” it added. 

LRC stressed granting protective status to watersheds has been  challenging process, noting it took 16 years for Congress to amend NIPAS Act. Under  Expanded NIPAS Act of 2018, 94 more landscapes and seascapes were declared protected areas. 

Most  presidential proclamation safeguarding  watershed was  declaration of  Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape as  protected area. 

Think tank added  laws such as  NIPAS ACT and Forestry Code also allow for permits that enable development activities within watershed systems provided  activities are in compliance with legal standards and regulations.

“Backdoor policy provisions still allow harmful activities within watersheds…indigenous peoples and local communities’ welfare are being displaced by big businesses and other powerful economic and political interests,” said Leon Dulce, campaigns support and linkages coordinator of LRC. 

Study  cited  case of Masungi Georeserve, located in  Upper Marikina Watershed,  continues to be threatened by illegal encroachments from resorts and land developments.

To achievea “more robust and transformative” watershed governance in the Philippines, LRC recommended  greater integration of watershed management councils into core local planning processes.

It suggested  portion of public funds designated for watershed management should be allocated to enhance  capacity of indigenous communities, grassroots organizations, and other organizations engaged in watershed protection and management. 

LRC also said there must be  moratorium on approval or renewal of agribusiness, mining, dam, and other infrastructure projects until  new legislation streamlining watershed regulations is passed. 

Local governments were also urged to declare watershed reserves as no-go zones for mining and other destructive projects using their authority granted by  Local Government Code. 

 Environmentally destructive projects such as large-scale mining and logging have threatened half of indigenous territories in the Philippines,  legal and policy research institution said.

According to  2022 State of the Indigenous Peoples Address Report by Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center, 1.25 million hectares of indigenous lands or 21% of registered ancestral domains were embroiled in projects seen to pose ecological risks such as massive disturbance and pollution of land, waterways, air and biodiversity.

Ancestral lands cover around 13 to 14 million hectares of  country’s land area. Of those, 5.3 million hectares are forest, making up 75% of remaining forest cover in the Philippines.

Years of research have shown  indigenous communities are  best protectors of  forests they call home.

LRC found  83 out of 410 environmentally critical projects listed by  Environmental Management Bureau were situated within or close to lands under registered Certificate of Ancestral Domain Titles (CADTs).  

CADTs refer to titles formally recognizing  rights of possession and ownership of indigenous peoples over their ancestral domains in accordance with  Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997.

According to  report, 49% of mining projects in the country and 87% of forest areas covered by large-scale logging were in conflict with registered ancestral domains.

“Protecting ancestral domains and their natural defenses to extreme climate impacts is urgently needed if we are to rise above  climate emergency we are already experiencing now,” said lawyer Mai Taqueban, executive director of LRC.

Report  was released ahead of  COP27 climate talks in Egypt, where governments and campaigners tackle measures to keep global warming under control and protect communities from  worst impacts of climate change.

“Underpinning these tensions with and pressures on IPs and their ancestral domains is  weak implementation of  free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) process,”  report read.

LRC also reported at least 45 indigenous peoples were killed from 2019 to 2021. Top drivers of IP killings were land grabbing and conflict with ancestral domains, mining and quarrying and dam projects.

“Exploitation and commoditization of nature is sadly  enduring framework to managing our natural resources… contrary to indigenous peoples’ conception of development,” Taqueban said.

“Not only has this marginalized them, it has also worsened their human rights situation, for many of them naturally oppose these projects…what they have been clamoring for is support for their own development plans, anchored in their right to self-determination,” she added.

Philippines was identified as  deadliest country in Asia for land and environment defenders for  ninth consecutive year by international organization Global Witness.

Taqueban said indigenous peoples were calling for  harmonization of IPRA with natural resources and other laws affecting them and urging  government to fasttrack  issuance of CADTs.

‘Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program’ launched

By Nidz Godino

“DSWD shall undertake necessary steps for successful implementation and expansion of  Food Stamp Program including, but not limited to,  identification of eligible beneficiaries and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure efficient and timely distribution and use of food stamps,”  Presidential Communications Office (PCO) announced government’s food stamp program has been officially recognized as  flagship initiative.

Malacañang issued Executive Order (EO) No. 44, formally introducing “Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program” as  flagship project of  national government.

EO, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin  designated  Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as  primary government agency responsible for executing and overseeing  food stamp program.

DSWD was also tasked to work closely with other national government agencies (NGAs) and local government units (LGUs) to ensure  smooth implementation of  program. 

EO also called upon NGAs and LGUs to  support and cooperate with  DSWD for  program success.

Within 30 days of  EO’s implementation,  DSWD was assigned with crafting  program’s specific rules. 

Funding  for food stamp program will come from  DSWD’s budget and its partner agencies, as mentioned in  EO.

Program’s main goal is to reduce hunger among low-income households by providing monetary assistance through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. Beneficiaries could use  credits to buy select food items from DSWD-registered or accredited retailers.

According to  PCO, food stamp program supports  country’s goal to end hunger, improve food security, and promote healthy eating by 2030. It also aligns with  plan to provide accessible, safe, and nutritious food to Filipinos in coming years, as outlined in Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 and  administration’s 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda.

In July, DSWD started  pilot launch of  food stamp program, starting with 3,000 families across five areas: Tondo, Manila; Dapa, Siargao; San Mariano, Isabela; Garchitorena, Camarines Sur; and Parang, Maguindanao. 

Komedya o Komida

Ni Derek Jorge

Komedyanteng Badjao

KASAMBAHAY, nakasakay ko ang nasa 30 anyos na Badjao, nanghihingi ng barya, biskwit, tira-tirang pagkain at kahit daw miniral water, hindi raw sya matanggap sa trabaho dahil wala syang alam. Shout muna Ptr. Dowell Enriquez, masaya itong naganap naming tanghalian kanina at may pabalot pang pauwi. Hindi kapani-paniwalang ang nasa kasibulang lalaking Badjao ay hindi matututong maghalo ng semento at mag-asinta ng hollowblocks, lahat naman natututuhan kung gugustuhin. Ang totoo, nahirati kasi ang mga itong mamalimos dahil binibigyan mo Kiwal, bulati kong kikiwal-kiwal, kung walang maglilimos, madadala ang mga ito at matututong magbanat ng buto. Mabuhay ka Ptr. Saturnino Abraham sa iyong pagmamalasakit sa mga katutubo riyan sa Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat, agarin mo lang ang dokumento ng lupa para pabahay para maisumite na natin.  Nililitis ho sa hukuman sa Mandaluyong City ang kauna-unahan kong nalamang pyramid scammer na natiklo. Nagawang madakip ang mga damuho, baka isa ka sa mga biktima, sugurin mo’t magreklamo ka. Pastor Saturnino Abraham, agarin mo naman ang dokumento ng lupa para sa pabahay ng mga Badjao sa Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat. Jonathan Fernandez, muzta na, nagkakalimutan na tayo a. Problem aba, pag-usapan natin, ndgodino@yahoo.com.

Karapatan calls for CIF abolition

By J.Lo

“These confidential funds will only be used for killing, surveilling, threatening, and endangering  lives and security of individuals, resulting in more human rights violations,” Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay said Karapatan is calling for complete abolition of confidential and intelligence funds (CIF), proposing their redirection toward essential social services.

Call  was made amid  House of Representatives’ rejection of allocation of P650 million  confidential funds to  Office of the Vice President and Department of Education.

Palabay asserted in  statement “these funds should not be reallocated to entities associated with human rights violations within  government.”

Palabay, underscores  dangers of diverting confidential funds to agencies like  National Security Council and  National Intelligence Coordinating Agency.

According to Palabay, such realignment poses  significant threat to  well-being and security of  Filipino people.

Palabay added  CIF should “cease to be given” to  Armed Forces of the Philippines and  Philippine National Police, who “have shown  lack of respect in human rights.”

She further criticized these agencies, including  National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, as they prioritize their counter-insurgency program, allegedly spreading misleading narratives of surrenderees and rebel returnees while engaging in criminal activities such as abductions, unjust arrests and killings.

According to Palabay,  actions divert from funds’ intended purpose of safeguarding national sovereignty.

She highlighted former president Rodrigo Duterte’s statements in show broadcast over SMNI, suggesting  confidential funds were meant to “kill communists in Congress.”

Palabay contends  remarks indicate  persistence of government-sponsored killings and human rights violations under  current regime.

As civilians flee Israel readies attack 

By  Nidz Godino

“Are you ready for what is coming…more is coming,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was heard telling several soldiers on  video released by his office Israel pressed with preparations for  ground offensive in Gaza, after giving Palestinians  little more time to flee northern areas it has vowed to target in response to  deadliest attack in its history.

Hamas fighters gunned down, stabbed and burned to death more than 1,300 people in  attack  Israel has compared to 9/11 in  United States, sparking  massive retaliatory bombing campaign targeting  Islamist group  has killed over 2,200 in Gaza.

Israel has warned around 1.1 million Gazans living in north of  Palestinian territory to flee to  south ahead of  ground incursion  military has indicated will focus on Gaza City,  base of  leadership of  Hamas militant group.

Military  said Gaza City residents must not delay their departure but  spokesperson said earlier they still had time to leave and that  ground offensive would not start on Sunday.

Since Friday thousands of Gazans, who cannot leave  enclave as it is blockaded by both Israel and Egypt, have packed  belongings they can into bags and suitcases, to trudge through  rubble-strewn streets.

Stream  of cars, trucks, three-wheeled vehicles and donkey-drawn carts joined  frantic mass movement south, all loaded with families and their belongings, mattresses, bedding and bags strapped onto  roofs of packed vehicles.

Israel pummeled northern Gaza with fresh air strikes on Saturday. Media  reporters near  southern Israeli city of Sderot saw troops fire at  densely populated enclave, sending huge plumes of black smoke into  sky.

Israeli military said bodies of some of  dozens of hostages abducted by Hamas in its attacks had been found during operations inside Gaza.

Hamas earlier reported 22 hostages had been killed in Israeli bombardments.

Netanyahu, wearing  flak jacket, earlier visited troops on border front line, raising expectations of  imminent invasion.

To avert  risk of  war escalating into  regional conflict, US deployed  second aircraft carrier that would “deter hostile actions against Israel,” Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said.

Alarm has grown over  fate of Palestinian civilians in blockaded and besieged Gaza – one of  world’s most densely populated areas, home to 2.4 million  if it becomes scene of intense urban combat and house-to-house fighting.

Aid agencies have said forcing Gazans to move is impossible while  war rages.

But with food, water, fuel and medical supplies running low because of  Israeli blockade, aid agencies are warning of  deepening humanitarian crisis.

“Situation is catastrophic,” said evacuee, who traveled from Beit Lahia in northern Gaza with his wife, mother and seven children.

“We’ve had no food or sleep…we don’t know what to do… I’ve given my fate up to God,” he told media.

World Health Organization said forcing thousands of hospital patients to evacuate to already overflowing hospitals in  southern Gaza Strip could be “tantamount to  death sentence.”

Exiled Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh accused Israel  of committing “war crimes” in Gaza but he ruled out any “displacement” of Gazans, including to Egypt.

Hamas is regularly accused by Israel of using civilians as human shields.

On diplomatic front, Chinese envoy Zhai Jun will visit Middle East next week to push for  ceasefire and promote peace talks, state broadcaster CCTV reported.

Saudi Arabia has also pressed for  “immediate ceasefire.” Russia  had asked  UN Security Council to vote on Monday on its ceasefire resolution.

In  call, US President Joseph Biden told Netanyahu  US was working with UN, Egypt, Jordan and others in the region “to ensure innocent civilians have access to water, food, and medical care.”

Biden also spoke with Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas and pledged “full support” to  Palestinian Authority in its efforts to bring humanitarian assistance to Palestinians, “particularly in Gaza,” according to  White House.

Several people were reportedly killed in  Israeli bombardment while heading south on Saturday, according to Hamas officials and witnesses.

International aid agencies, including UN and Red Cross,  several foreign diplomats are concerned about  feasibility of  evacuation plan.

“We fear an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe,” said Ivan Karakashian, of the Norwegian Refugee Council.

More than 423,000 Palestinians have already left their homes, and 5,540 homes have been destroyed, according to UN.

Israel,  likened last week’s attacks to  Sept. 11, 2001 in  US, has fired thousands of missiles at northern Gaza.

One air strike killed Ali Qadi, described as “ company commander of  Hamas ‘Nukhba’ commando force” involved in  unprecedented attack,  army said.

“Localized” raids have also taken place, as Israeli troops encircle  Gaza Strip, said army spokesman Jonathan Conricus.

“We will likely evolve into additional significant combat operations, when we do so, remember how this started… all of this is Hamas-made,” he added.

But National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi admitted intelligence lapses  failed to spot  attack in advance.

Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas,  likened to  Islamic State group.

But it maintains  ordinary Palestinians are not their target.

Hamas attack and  war it sparked  Gaza’s fifth in 15 years  have upended Middle Eastern politics, prompting fears  violence will spread across  volatile region.

As  these developed Overseas Workers Welfare Administration said  process of repatriating  remains of three Filipinos  lost their lives during  recent conflict between Israel and Hamas militants may encounter delays.

OWWA Administrator Arnell Ignacio explained  usually take about  week to repatriate  bodies during normal circumstances.

“Pero ngayon, dahil nga merong giyera, extraordinary ang sitwasyon, malamang magtatagal pa ‘yan…lalagpas ng one week ‘yan.” Ignacio said during  interview with media.

Philippine authorities are exploring options for logistics of repatriation, and they hope to find way to bring  bodies home as soon as possible, considering  volatile situation, Ignacio stressed.

“Ang flights ang consideration natin…we are exploring all possibilities, all channels para maiuwi natin sa lalong madaling panahon itong ating mga kababayan,” Ignacio said.

Three Filipino victims have been identified as Loreta Alacre,  caregiver from Negros Oriental, Angeline Aguirre,  nurse, and Paul Vincent Castelvi,  42-year-old caregiver.

Department of Foreign Affairs raised  crisis alert level to highest, Alert Level 4, for  Gaza Strip, mandating  Filipinos must evacuate  area. Meanwhile, Alert Level 2 has been implemented in Israel,  means non-essential movement for Filipinos are restricted and there will be no new deployment of overseas Filipino workers.

During  Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah,  large group of Hamas militants launched  attack on Israel. This incident marks  50th anniversary since  start of 1973 Arab-Israeli war. 

Department of Foreign Affairs has ordered  mandatory repatriation and evacuation of Filipinos in Gaza after Israel military announced  planning  coordinated offensive into  Palestinian territory by land, air and sea.

DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said  while  Philippines has announced  mandatory repatriation of Filipinos, officials will not be physically forcing civilians to leave their homes.

“But we are telling you to leave…and if you choose to stay behind, we can’t stop you, we cannot prevent it,” De Vega said  in interview.

De Vega said  at least 92 out of  131 Filipinos in Gaza have requested repatriation, but officials are struggling to find  viable exit point as Gaza is under blockade.

Philippines and other countries are still waiting for humanitarian corridor to open either via Israel or Egypt, De Vega added.

According to Gaza authorities, nearly 1,900 Gazans  most of them civilians and including over 610 children have been killed in retaliatory air strikes conducted by  Israeli military. 

After being attacked by Hamas militants, Israel declared war against them and fired thousands of munitions at Gaza targets, flattening entire neighborhoods.

UN and others have asked for  order to be rescinded, as  1.1 million people affected —nearly half of Gaza’s entire population of 2.4 million  had nowhere to go. 

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HEADLINES

Manibela  push through with transport strike today

By J.Lo

“There is finger-pointing as letters did not reach the President…we don’t know if somebody blocked  letters and reason for blocking them,” Malayang Alyansa ng Bus Employees at Laborers (MANIBELA) president Mar Valbuena. Said transport groups are pushing through with scheduled strike today, protesting  public utility vehicle modernization program after certain officials allegedly blocked negotiation meeting at Malacañang .

Valbuena said  letters of Manibela did not reach President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. despite  commitment during  previous meeting at Malacañang  concerns of transport groups would be addressed.

 “There are certain people who do not want  problem to be settled as their corruption will be exposed… I will identify them soon… corrupt officials… transport strike will proceed as planned,” he said.

Valbuena  was  one who decided to cancel  meeting after alleged efforts to stop it.

Valbuena said at least 500 routes out of total 785 routes in Metro Manila will join transport strike.

“We have two venues, those who will be coming from  north, our assembly area will be at  University Avenue and we will proceed to Land Transportation, Franchising and Regulatory Board,LTFRB building…those who are from Manila, at 8 in the morning   will gather in Mendiola, including those from Pasig, Mandaluyong, Pasay, Manila, San Juan, Malabon and Navotas,” Valbuena said.

While  transport strike will be concentrated in Metro Manila, provincial transport groups will hold their protest in front of  regional offices of  LTFRB, according to Valbuena.

“We are asking for  suspension in  implementation of  PUV modernization program…we are not asking for its outright scrapping but it should not be mandatory as we were given until Dec. 31 to comply…we are also asking validity of our franchise should be returned, at least for three years or better return five-year validity,” he explained.

Valbuena added FMJ should also implement revamp in  LTFRB.

“If this will not happen,  problem will persist,” he said.

Valbuena also asked  commuters for understanding as classes were already suspended in some areas.

“This transport strike is not  easy decision for us, but this is  only way for authorities to hear us and address our concerns,” he said.

Meanwhile, Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) national president Mody Floranda said  during  meeting of members of  transport group agreed statement of support for transport strike will be issued.

Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos gave assurance there will be no transport paralysis today as 95 percent of transport groups will continue to operate.

Abalos met with  so-called Magnificent 7 and Mighty One where leaders vowed non-participation to  transport strike.

At the same time, Abalos said agreed during  meeting to create  technical working group to handle  issues being raised by transport leaders.

Magnificent 7 is composed of transport groups Pasang Masda, Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, PISTON, Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization, Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, Stop and Go, and Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators ng Pilipinas.

Abalos also said concerned government agencies, including Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Land Transportation Office, Department of Transportation and  Philippine National Police (PNP) have put in place necessary measures to minimize  impact of  transport strike.

He said  multi-agency command center will be set up at  new MMDA head office in Pasig City to monitor  situation during  transport strike.

According to Abalos, vehicles were also prepositioned at strategic areas and will be dispatched when necessary.

PNP has also announced  deployment of its personnel to major thoroughfares and other convergence points where protests during  transport strike are anticipated today.

PNP has also made available its mobility assets to offer “libreng sakay” or free transportation services if need arises during  strike, PNP public information office chief Col. Jean Fajardo said.

She also reminded protesters joining  transport strike not to harass people who have decided to use public roads and transport services. 

TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

Psalm 19:14

¹⁴ May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
    be pleasing in your sight,
    Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.