ISRAEL RETALIATES AFTER HAMAS ATTACKS, DEATHS PASS 1,100

JERUSALEM/GAZA — Israel retaliated strongly after a deadly Hamas attack that claimed 700 Israeli lives and led to numerous abductions. This marked the deadliest attack on Israeli towns since the Yom Kippur war five decades ago, raising the specter of a dangerous escalation in the ongoing conflict.

In response, Israel launched air strikes on various targets in Gaza, resulting in over 400 casualties, including 20 children, consistent with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's promise of a forceful response. The conflict expanded beyond Gaza, with exchanges of artillery and rockets between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militia in Lebanon. Tragically, two Israeli tourists and a guide were shot dead in Egypt.

While international calls for restraint emerged, Western nations largely supported Israel, while Iran, Hezbollah, and some Middle Eastern protesters expressed support for Hamas. In southern Israel, Hamas fighters continued to engage Israeli security forces even after their initial surprise assault, which included rocket barrages and armed infiltrations into army bases and border towns.

Israel faced criticism for not preventing the attack, but it claimed to regain control of most infiltration points along security barriers, eliminating hundreds of attackers and capturing dozens more. Though Israel has not disclosed an official death toll, media reports indicate at least 700 fatalities, including children.

The conflict's ramifications extend beyond the immediate violence. It could imperil U.S.-backed efforts to normalize relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, potentially undermining Palestinian aspirations for self-determination and challenging Iran's support for Hamas. Amid the ongoing hostilities, several international airlines suspended flights to Tel Aviv.

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza inflicted damage on both Hamas facilities and civilian structures, with the Palestinian health ministry reporting 413 Palestinian casualties, including 78 children. The United Nations called for humanitarian corridors to deliver food to Gaza, where 70,000 Palestinians sought shelter in U.N.-run schools.

This situation underscores the deep-seated conflicts and tensions in the region, characterized by a history of stalled peacemaking efforts and persistent political disputes in Israel. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh warned of the conflict spreading to the West Bank and Jerusalem, while the Palestinian Authority called for an emergency Arab League meeting. Despite Western condemnation of Hamas' attack, Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi congratulated the Hamas leader for the "victory." Israel, known for its intelligence capabilities, faced significant scrutiny over intelligence failures, leading to a 6% drop in the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange as investors sought safe-haven assets like gold.

MARCOS JR ORDERS DMW, OWWA TO LOCATE, ACCOUNT FOR FILIPINOS IN ISRAEL

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has ordered the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to locate and account for all Filipinos in Israel, where attacks by the fundamentalist and militant Hamas have led to airstrikes on Gaza.

Malacañang said the directive covers overseas Filipino workers' (OFW) families in Israel.

"The government is closely coordinating with the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv and the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Israel to ensure the safety and welfare of Filipinos affected in the ongoing conflict," Press Secretary Cheloy Garafil said.

"The DMW has opened a hotline and several Viber and WhatsApp hotline numbers that will accept calls and queries from our OFWs and the Filipino community who are in need of government assistance," Garafil added.

Condemnation of attacks, sympathy for victims

In a separate statement, Marcos, Jr. condemned the attacks on civilians in the reignited armed conflict between Israel forces and Hamas militants, which has left more than 200 dead so far.

"The Philippines conveys its deepest sympathies and condolences to those who have lost family members and loved ones in recent attacks," said Marcos, Jr.

"The Philippines condemns the attacks, especially against civilian populations," the statement added.

Marcos Jr said it is the right of states to defend themselves in light of "external aggression", which is embodied in the United Nations Charter.

In a press conference over Zoom earlier Sunday, Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss said his country's military has responded to the attacks.

'HANDFUL OF FILIPINOS' UNACCOUNTED FOR IN ISRAEL-GAZA WAR, SAYS OFFICIAL

MANILA — A few Filipinos in Israel remain unaccounted for after a Hamas attack from Gaza, according to a Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) official. While Israel reported that Hamas had taken hostages, the exact numbers and nationalities are unconfirmed, though distressing images of bloodied hostages circulated on social media.

DFA Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega mentioned that the Israeli Defense Forces rescued eight caregivers, along with other Israelis, who were initially targeted by Hamas. However, there are still a small number of Filipinos unaccounted for, likely fewer than ten, possibly around 5 or 6 individuals, in the southern area.

When asked about the possibility of Filipinos being held captive by Hamas, De Vega acknowledged that while it's unfortunate, anything is possible, but he hopes for the best and doesn't want to cause alarm. He emphasized that Hamas's target appears to be people connected to Israeli soldiers and not specifically Filipinos.

Approximately 2,000 Filipinos have marked themselves as safe in an online survey conducted by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), according to Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac. The DMW is diligently tracking and assisting overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), including those who may need help.

Cacdac noted that there have been no confirmed reports of injuries or deaths among Filipinos. Regarding the reports of OFWs being taken by Hamas or facing issues related to Gaza, these reports are yet to be confirmed, as the DFA remains in contact not only with the embassy in Israel but also with the embassy in Jordan, which covers the Gaza Strip.

There are approximately 30,000 Filipinos in Israel, with the majority residing in the northern part of the country, as per the DFA's information.

UN SECURITY COUNCIL MEMBERS CONDEMN HAMAS BUT NO UNANIMITY

UNITED NATIONS, United States — Numerous members of the UN Security Council denounced Hamas on Sunday over its massive assault on Israel but the United States regretted the lack of unanimity.

At an emergency session, the United States and Israel urged strong condemnation of the Palestinian Islamists, who rule the blockaded Gaza Strip and launched a surprise assault on Saturday in fighting that has claimed more than 1,000 lives.

"There are a good number of countries that condemned the Hamas attacks. They're obviously not all," senior US diplomat Robert Wood told reporters after the closed-door session.

"You could probably figure out one of them without me saying anything," said Wood, in a clear allusion to Russia, whose relations with the West have deteriorated sharply since its invasion of Ukraine.

Diplomats said the Security Council did not consider any joint statement, let alone a binding resolution, with members led by Russia hoping for a broader focus than condemning Hamas.

"My message was to stop the fighting immediately and to go to a ceasefire and to meaningful negotiations, which was told for decades" by the Security Council, said Vassily Nebenzia, the Russian ambassador to the United Nations.

"This is partly the result of unresolved issues," he said.

China, generally Russia's ally at the Security Council, said it would support a joint statement.

DIOKNO: PHILIPPINES HAS ‘DONE ENOUGH’ POLICY TIGHTENING

MANILA — Philippine Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno believes the central bank has “done enough” policy tightening to tame inflation, but reiterated future interest rate moves would remain data dependent.

Diokno’s remarks echoed that of the country’s economic planning minister, who on Friday said further rate hikes may be unnecessary because inflationary pressures in the Philippines were being driven by supply-side factors.

The annual inflation rate quickened for a second month in September to 6.1%, bringing the year-to-date average rate to 6.6%, far from the central bank’s 2%-4% target for the year.

Diokno also noted there has been some moderation in underlying price pressures, as core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, slowed to 5.9% in September from 6.1% the previous month.

“We have done enough,” said Diokno, who is a member of the central bank’s seven-member policy making monetary board, during a news conference on Friday for release on Monday. “Core inflation has gone down.”

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has kept its benchmark interest rate PHCBIR=ECI steady at 6.25% at its last four meetings, and said on Friday it was ready to resume tightening as needed.

It next meets on Nov. 16 to review policy, after the Philippines releases its third quarter growth data on Nov. 9.

PHILHEALTH ADVISES PRECAUTION AFTER DATA THEFT, LEAKAGE

MANILA — The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) called on the public to take precautionary measures against potential fraudulent activities following a ransomware attack last month.

In a statement Sunday, PhilHealth said that hackers have reportedly started circulating illegally obtained data from the workstations of its employees.

The state health insurer advised its members to change the passwords of their online accounts, enable multi-factor authentication, and avoid responding to suspicious calls and text messages.

“Using the stolen data, the hackers will likely target members through calls, emails or text messages. Let us then heed the advice of authorities to refrain from clicking doubtful links or providing passwords or OTPs,” PhilHealth chief Emmanuel Ledesma, Jr. said.

PhilHealth earlier said that the ransomware attack did not affect the servers containing the private information of members. Only application servers and employees’ workstations were impacted.

The insurer also appealed to the public to refrain from circulating leaked data. Hackers may face up to 20 years of imprisonment, while individuals or organizations found downloading, processing or sharing the stolen data may also face criminal charges for unauthorized processing of personal information.

The National Privacy Commission earlier said it was investigating the potential negligence of PhilHealth. The agency said it is ready to face any inquiry.

SARA GIVES DEPED UNTIL OCTOBER 9 TO FINISH PROBE INTO GRADE 5 ‘SLAPPED’ STUDENT DEATH

MANILA — Education Secretary Sara Duterte has given the Department of Education until today, October 9, to wrap up its investigation into a teacher's alleged physical maltreatment of a Grade 5 student.

While an autopsy is still needed to determine Francis Jay Gumikib's death, Duterte said in a statement on Sunday that she has ordered DepEd CALABARZON office to possibly file charges related to child abuse against the teacher who slapped the Peñafrancia Elementary School student.

Gumikib died from brain swelling on October 2 — at least 11 days after he was allegedly hit by his teacher during a test and at least nine days after he was taken to the hospital.

His mother said in a radio interview last week that her son complained of headaches and extreme nausea in the days that followed the alleged physical abuse on September 20.

In her statement about her visit to Gumikib's wake, the vice president said she vowed to help Gumikib's parents file a complaint if the autopsy results point to the physical maltreatment as the cause of their son's demise.

DepEd is also set to provide psychological first aid to Gumikib's parents and siblings, Duterte said.

The department is also exploring blended learning options to allow Gumikib's siblings "traumatized" by his death to continue their studies, Duterte added.

Gumikib's body was brought to Camp Crame in Quezon City for an autopsy on October 4.

His death certificate indicates that he died from global brain edema or a swelling of the brain.

The 17 year-old also experienced a brain hemorrhage days leading up to his death, Gumikib's mother told a radio interview last week citing her son's x-ray results.

Through DepEd Order No. 40, the department implements a zero-tolerance policy for all acts of child abuse, exploitation, violence, discrimination bullying and other forms of abuse.

Specifically, the Child Protection Policy forbids teachers from using corporal punishment to discipline a student, which refers to any disciplinary act involving "physical, humiliating, or degrading punishment."

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BIGTIME OIL PRICE ROLLBACK SET ON OCTOBER 10

MANILA — Fuel prices are dropping by around P3 on October 10.

The following petroleum companies announced their rollbacks, which wold take effect on Tuesday:

PILIPINAS SHELL, SEAOIL (from 6 a.m.)

Gasoline - P3.05/L decrease

Kerosene - P3.00/L decrease

Diesel - P2.45/L decrease

PETRO GAZZ (from 6 a.m.)

Gasoline - P3.05/L decrease

Diesel - P2.45/L decrease

CLEANFUEL (from 12:01 a.m.)

Gasoline - P3.05/L decrease

Diesel - P2.45/L decrease

An industry player said the rollback was due to economic worries.

"Nanumbalik ang economic concerns. Usually po pag may ganoon talagang ang unang maiisip ay magkakaroon ng problema sa demand, humina," Leo Bellas, President of Jetti Petroleum said.

"Although mayroon pa ding supply and demand concerns, supply is still tight. Pero nakita ng merkado na nangyari sa economic data baka manatiling mataas ang interest rates."

Authorities recently approved a P1 increase in the minimum fare for jeepneys after oil prices went up for at least 10 weeks due to Russia and Saudi's supply curbs set for until the end of the year.

QUEZON CITY CONFERS GREEN AWARDS ON 13 BARANGAYS, ORGANIZATIONS

Quezon City has honored 13 barangays, organizations, and businesses for their climate action and disaster risk reduction efforts at the inaugural Quezon City Green Awards. Mayor Joy Belmonte presided over the ceremony held at Novotel Manila in Cubao. The awards recognized innovative and inclusive initiatives related to climate action and disaster risk reduction.

Winners of the Green Award included Barangay Talipapa (May Buhay sa Basura ng Barangay Project), SK Barangay Novaliches Proper (Gulaynihan), and the Unit 4 Youth Organization (Greenyard Urban Home Garden).

The Green Business Award was presented to THRGH HBT Marketplace, SM Prime Holdings Inc.-SM City Sta. Mesa, SM Prime Holdings Inc.-SM City North EDSA, and Robinsons Land Corp.-Robinsons Magnolia.

The Resilient Award recognized efforts by Barangay Culiat, SK Barangay Batasan Hills, and Halamanan Youth Association.

Resilient Business Awards were granted to Megaworld Corp., SM City Fairview-SCMC, and SM Prime Holdings Inc.-SM Novaliches.

Each winner received a trophy and a P100,000 cash grant for their climate action and disaster risk reduction projects. The local government commended their contributions to creating a healthier city and urged them to continue inspiring positive change. Special citations were also given to several entities in both the green and resilient categories.

LPA, THUNDERSTORMS TO BRING RAINS

MANILA — A low pressure area and localized thunderstorms will bring rains over parts of the country on Monday, PAGASA said.

The LPA’s trough or extension will dump moderate to at times heavy rains, which could spawn flash floods and landslides in Mindanao, Eastern Visayas, and Central Visayas, the state weather bureau said.

PAGASA weather forecaster Obet Badrina said the LPA could enter the Philippine area of responsibility on Monday or Tuesday. It is unlikely to intensify into a tropical cyclone, Badrina told TeleRadyo Serbisyo.

Metro Manila and the rest of the country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rains due to the LPA’s trough and localized thunderstorms, PAGASA added.

This October, two more tropical cyclones could form in or enter the Philippine area after typhoon Jenny brushed past the country.

DOE SEES 4 MORE YELLOW ALERTS IN LUZON

The Luzon grid still faces the risk of power interruptions despite cooler weather in the coming months, warns Energy Undersecretary Rowena Guevara. Four potential yellow alerts are expected in Luzon this year, primarily due to the El Niño phenomenon affecting hydropower capacity. Mindanao is less at risk due to lower demand, while the Visayas may see evening alerts due to the absence of solar power. A yellow alert indicates an insufficient power operating margin but does not necessarily lead to outages, while a red alert signifies inadequate supply for consumer demand, potentially causing rotating power interruptions. Despite prior assurances of sufficient power supply, issues like transmission and distribution problems or unexpected generation plant problems could still occur. An October 1 disturbance affected Luzon's power transmission and resulted in load shedding, impacting around 850,000 Meralco customers in several areas.

SPORTS

PH ENDS 19TH ASIAD CAMPAIGN WITH 4 GOLD MEDALS

MANILA -- The Philippines ended its 19th Asian Games campaign on Sunday, duplicating its gold medal haul in the 2018 edition of the games.

The country got a total of four gold, two silver and 12 bronze medals which put the Philippines at 17the place in the medal tally.

Men's pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena, Margarita "Meggie" Ochoa and Annie Ramirez of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and the men's national basketball squad helped the Philippine duplicate its four-gold medal haul from the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asiad.

Boxer Eumir Marcial and wushu fighter Arnel Andal gave the country its two silvers.

The bronze medals, meanwhile, were courtesy of wushu artists, Jones Inso, Clemente Tabugara Jr. and Gideon Padua; tennis players Alex Eala, and Francis Alcantara; the Philippine sepak takraw team; cyclist Patrick Coo; Brazilian Jiu-jitsu fighter Jenna Napolis; karate’s Sakura Alforte; taekwondo’s Patrick Perez; and weightlifting’s Elreen Ando.

As expected, China topped the overall standing with 201 gold, 111 silver and 71 bronze medals followed by Japan (52 gold, 67 silver, and 69 bronze medals) and South Korea (42 gold, 59 silver and 89 bronze medals.)

Sports officials praised the Filipino athletes for their accomplishments.

“The 19th Asian Games have been an incredible display of talent and determination from our Filipino athletes. Our 4 gold, 2 silver and 12 bronze medals, partnered with the tremendous commitment of each athlete in their respective sports, have made our nation proud,” said Philippine Sports Commission chair Richard Bachmann.

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino was also delighted especially with Gilas Pilipinas' golden finish.

“It’s God’s will, prayers answered,” said Tolentino.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Love is a very strange thing. If you try to give it out, you get more back. You try to hang on to it, you lose it. - Warren Buffett