CHINESE JETS SHADOW PHILIPPINE AIRCRAFT IN WEST PHILIPPINE SEA

MANILA — Aircraft from China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) shadowed Philippine aircraft that participated in the joint Philippine-Australia drills in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) over the weekend, according to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr.

In an interview yesterday, Brawner said the Chinese jets that shadowed an A-29B Super Tucano from the Philippine Air Force provided the only noteworthy moment in the joint exercises.

When asked how the joint patrol exercise with Australia was going, the AFP chief said everything was going “OK,” with no untoward incidents.

“There were two Chinese jet fighters that circled our plane. They just circled,” Brawner added in Filipino.

The Philippine aircraft, he said, was shadowed by the two Chinese jets while it was flying in the vicinity of Hubo Reef.

“There was shadowing (of our plane) in the maritime (patrol), and in the air,” Brawner said.

He said that the Super Tucano was able to finish its air and maritime patrol mission as laid out in its flight path, despite the shadowing done by the Chinese aircraft.

Brawner said that no Australian aircraft was shadowed by the Chinese PLA jet fighters. “No, none. Only ours,” he said.

Col. Xerxes Trinidad, AFP Public Affairs Office chief confirmed with defense reporters yesterday that “two Chinese fighter jets were monitored orbiting the PH’ A-29B Super Tucano at the vicinity of Hubo Reef,” and that the Philippine aircraft “continued on its flight route without untoward incident.”

Brawner said, “We are just practicing our right to conduct patrols jointly with our allies and partners in furtherance of promoting the rules-based international order. So, while doing the joint maritime and air patrols, we are following the international laws like UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), rule of law, etc.”

The AFP earlier said that two Philippine Air Force A-29B Super Tucanos – a light attack, combat and reconnaissance aircraft – joined the Philippine-Australia Maritime Cooperation Activity with the Australian Defense Force over the weekend.

US CONDUCTS FREEDOM OF NAVIGATION OPERATION

The USS Hopper, a United States Navy destroyer, conducted a freedom of navigation operation near the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea.

The operation aimed to assert navigational rights and freedom, challenging restrictions on innocent passage imposed by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam.

China, Vietnam, and Taiwan each claim sovereignty over the Paracel Islands, imposing restrictions on military vessels' innocent passage in violation of international law.

The US maintains that innocent passage through territorial seas is a right under customary international law, and unilateral authorization requirements are unlawful.

Unlawful maritime claims in the South China Sea pose threats to freedom of navigation, trade, commerce, and economic opportunity.

The US challenges excessive maritime claims globally, upholding the principle of freedom of navigation for all nations.

Operations in the South China Sea are conducted daily, emphasizing the commitment to a free and open international order and coordination with allies.

The US asserts that all operations are conducted safely, professionally, and in accordance with international law, irrespective of excessive maritime claims or current events.

MORE CAPTIVES, PRISONERS FREED AS GAZA TRUCE EXTENSION MOOTED

Hamas released a third group of hostages including a four-year-old American girl Sunday, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners on day three of a truce which a source close to the militants said they were willing to prolong.

The transfers under a four-day truce that started Friday have been the first relief for captives' families since the militant group attacked Israel on October 7, prompting devastating Israeli bombardments of the Gaza Strip.

Israeli officials said 17 hostages were back on Israeli territory after the latest release. One, in her 80s, was admitted to hospital which said her life was in danger.

US President Joe Biden announced that among those freed is a four-year-old American girl.

"She's been through a terrible trauma," Biden said of Abigail, whose parents were murdered by Hamas during the unprecedented attacks.

The 17 hostages, including three Thai nationals, were released outside the terms of the truce.

Hamas said a Russian-Israeli, Ron Krivoy, was freed "in response to the efforts of Russian President Vladimir Putin" and his "support of the Palestinian cause".

Sunday's releases bring the total number of Israelis freed under the deal to 39 since Friday.

In exchange, a further 39 Palestinian prisoners were freed on Sunday, the Israeli prison service said, after the release of 78 other Palestinian inmates from Israeli jails over the past two days.

FILIPINO FREED BY HAMAS SUFFERING FROM TRAUMA, COMING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS: DFA

MANILA — A Filipino hostage released by Hamas is suffering from trauma and will reunite with his family in the Philippines this Christmas, the Department of Foreign Affairs said on Monday.

The freed captive, Gelienor “Jimmy” Pacheco, is recovering in a hospital and getting help from authorities in recovering his lost personal documents, Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega said.

"Inaayos niya yung kaniyang benefits from the Israeli authorities, saka inaasahan niyang makakuha siya ng bagong employment dahil yung amo niya pinatay. Disyembre, babakasyon yun dito para sa Pasko, para makita, makapiling niya yung pamilya niya," De Vega told TeleRadyo Serbisyo.

"Natu-trauma siya dahil siyempre sa experience niya… Hindi siya physically sinaktan, pero tingnan mo, pumayat siya. Ang sabi niya, wala siyang sugat or anything. Ang naalala lang niya, noong sumalakay noong October 7, binaril yung amo niya. Pati siya, parang nadaplisan ng shrapnel or what."

Israeli authorities requested that Pacheco refrain from detailing his ordeal in public, as this information could be crucial in rescuing other hostages, De Vega said.

DON'T PANIC BUT MASK UP AS RESPIRATORY CASES SPIKE IN CHINA: EXPERT

MANILA — In response to the spike in respiratory illness cases in China, infectious diseases expert Dr. Rontgene Solante advises the public to remain vigilant, observe health precautions like masking, and keep vaccinations up to date. He emphasizes the importance of not panicking and staying cautious, given the ease of disease transmission between countries. While monitoring the situation, Solante urges extra precautions for vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly. He highlights the significance of face masks as a protective layer, especially in high-risk areas. Additionally, Solante recommends getting flu shots early, as the peak flu season in the Philippines typically occurs from September to November. As of November 11, the Department of Health reports 182,721 cases of influenza-like illness in the country, with a recent decline in case numbers. However, the health department anticipates a potential rise in cases at the start of January 2024.

EXPERTS URGE LEADERS TO PUT HEALTH AT HEART OF CLIMATE CHANGE CONVERSATIONS

MANILA — Health professionals in Southeast Asia are urging leaders to prioritize health in climate change discussions. The warming planet poses severe threats to human well-being, impacting mental health and causing extreme weather events that lead to the spread of diseases. The World Health Organization calls climate change the "single biggest threat facing humanity." Experts emphasize the interconnectedness of human health and the planet's health, urging accelerated efforts to phase out fossil fuels for a just and equitable clean energy transition. A "health day" at the COP28 climate summit signals a growing recognition that a healthy planet is essential for healthy people. The plea comes as urgent action is needed to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, with current pledges putting Earth on track for a catastrophic 2.9 degrees Celsius increase. Advocates stress the importance of addressing climate change impacts on health and breaking the world's addiction to fossil fuels for the well-being of current and future generations.

DELA ROSA SAYS REJOINING ICC NEEDS SENATE APPROVAL

MANILA — The Philippines must secure Senate approval before rejoining the International Criminal Court, Sen. Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa said on Monday, after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. indicated the possibility of the country's return to the tribunal.

"If you want to rejoin, dadaan pa rin 'yan sa proseso," said Dela Rosa, a former police chief who led President Rodrigo Duterte's drug war that the ICC is investigating.

"After the president's ratification, it has to be concurred by the Senate by a two-thirds vote. So that’s the process. Back to zero back to square one," he told ANC's "Headstart."

Dela Rosa said failure to follow that process would be unconstitutional. When asked if the Senate would concur with the return to ICC, he replied, "I don't think so."

"The Senate is composed of 24 independent republics. Nobody can dictate these 24 independent republics sa isang… one stroke mapa-oo mo, mahirap," he said.

Marcos last week said the Philippines was studying a possible return to the International Criminal Court, which is investigating the Duterte administration's war on drugs.

"Should we return under the fold of the ICC? So that is again under study. So we’ll just keep looking at it and see what our options are," Marcos said.

But the President also reiterated that it was not right for foreign bodies to dictate to the Philippines who should be investigated or arrested. Dela Rosa said he was holding on to this remark by Marcos.

"It remains a possibility. But very clear 'yung sinabi ng ating Pangulo that hindi kailangan, hindi dapat makialam ang ICC. Hindi kailangan na tagalabas pa, mga banyaga pa ang magsabi sa ating pulis kung sino dapat ang hulihin, sino ang dapat arestuhin, sino dapat ang ikulong," Dela Rosa said.

"We have to respect the decision of the President not allowing ICC to come back."

THE REST

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OIL PRICES RISE AS NOVEMBER ENDS

MANILA — Oil firms on Monday announced that kerosene and diesel prices would increase this week.

The following price hikes are effective on November 28, Tuesday:

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

Gasoline - no price change

Kerosene - P0.65/L increase

Diesel - P0.30/L increase

CLEANFUEL (from 4:01 p.m.)

Gasoline - no movement

Diesel - P0.30/L increase

CALTEX (from 12:01 a.m.)

Gasoline - no price change

Kerosene - P0.65/L increase

Diesel - P0.30/L increase

NO WEATHER DISTURBANCE UNTIL END OF NOVEMBER: PAGASA

PAGASA is not monitoring any weather disturbance that may affect the country until the end of November, weather forecaster Robert Badrina said Monday morning.

Typhoon Jenny, which left the Philippine area of responsibility, on October 5, is the last tropical cyclone in the country so far.

The northeast monsoon or Amihan and the warm Easterlies blowing from the Pacific are the prevailing weather systems in the country.

Cagayan Valley, Apayao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, and Ifugao will experience cloudy skies with light rains brought by Amihan. The rest of Northern Luzon will have fair weather with possible isolated light rains.

Small sea vessels are not allowed to sail over Ilocos Norte, Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Cagayan, and Isabela due to big waves from the Amihan.

The Easterlies, meanwhile, will bring warm and humid conditions and possible afternoon and/or evening thunderstorms over the rest of the country, including Metro Manila.

The shear line, which forms when the cool Amihan meets the warm Easterlies, did not develop, however. Badrina explained that the temperature difference between the air masses was not significant enough to allow thick clouds to form.

Badrina explained that even with the presence of both the Amihan and the Easterlies, no Shear Line formed due to small temperature difference between the air masses.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

NEW ‘MALLARI’ TRAILER REVEALS JANELLA SALVADOR, JC SANTOS IN HORROR FILM

MANILA -- The official trailer of the horror film "Mallari," starring Piolo Pascual, was released on Saturday night.

Also included in the cast are Mylene Dizon, Janella Salvador, Gloria Diaz, Tommy Alejandrino, Elisse Joson, and JC Santos.

Directed by Derick Cabrido, "Mallari" is a narrative that blends elements of fiction and reality, drawing inspiration from the actual events surrounding Fr. Juan Severino Mallari.

Pascual plays three different roles in the film, which is one of the ten official MMFF entries for 2023.

Mallari is a parish priest from the 1800s, who killed 57 people before being caught, thereby becoming the first and only recorded Filipino serial killer ever, antedating Jack the Ripper by more than 60 years.

Shot in various historic locations in the Philippines including a village built purposely for the movie, this project was meticulously planned for almost four years, weaving three timelines that combine audiences’ love for retro horror with the immediate relatability of current terrors.

THE EDDYS AWARDS 2 BEST ACTRESSES, 2 BEST PICTURES

In a rare occurrence in an awards night, two best actresses were adjudged and two best picture awardees were chosen in the sixth Entertainment Editor’s Choice Awards or the sixth Eddys, held Sunday night at the Aliw Theater.

Heaven’s Best Entertainment and “Blue Room,” megged by Ma-an Asuncion Dagñalan, and CineKo Productions’ “Family Matters” were both adjudged Best Picture by the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEED).

Meanwhile, Janine Gutierrez won for Real Florido’s “Bakit Di Mo Sabihin?,” where she played a deaf mute with her husband JC de Vera, who suffered the same fate.

Gutierrez was not around to accept her award, but her mom, Lotlot de Leon, proudly received the award on the young actress’ behalf.

“I’m so proud of this award for my daughter,” De Leon beamed. “I never received an award in my career, but it’s more exciting to receive your daughter’s award.”

Max Eigenmann also tied the category with Gutierrez and was thrilled when she accepted her trophy for Anna Isabelle Matutina’s “12 Weeks.”

Eigenmann who is the daughter of actor Mark Gil, dedicated the award to her mom, former beauty queen-turned-actress Bing Pimentel, who was her co-star in the film.

Elijah Canlas was named Best Actor for Dagñalan’s “Blue Room,” while Mon Confiado won Best Supporting Actor for “Nananahimik ang Gabi.”

Last year, Confiado got the same trophy from the Eddys for Mikhail Red’s “Arisaka.”

Nuel Crisostomo Naval was proclaimed Best Director for “Family Matters,” which also won Best Supporting Actress for Nikki Valdez and the Best Screenplay for Mel Mendoza del Rosario.

Other awards were Andrea Idioma and Emilio Bien Sparks for Best Sound for “Nananahimik ang Gabi,” and Jazz Nicolas and Mikee Amistoso of The Itchyworms for Best Musical Score for “Blue Room.”

Composer Paulo Zarate and interpreter Floyd Tena for “Sa Hawak Mo” was named Best Theme Song for “Family Matters”; while Carl Regis Abuel, Tricia Bernasor and Geraldine Co won Best Visual Effects for “LiveScream.”

Other awards were: Moises Zee, Best Cinematography for “Nananahimik ang Gabi”; and Vanessa de Leon, Best Editing and Marxie Maolen Fadul, Best Production Design both for “Blue Room.”

Veteran entertainment journalist Aster Amoyo was given the Joe Quirino memorial trophy.

The Eddys also bestowed The Icon Award to Niño Muhlach, Aga Muhlach and Snooky Serna. Aga’s award was received by his son, Andres, who was obviously inexperienced in attending awards nights.

“Ganito pala ang feeling of being Aga Muhlach in one night,” the younger Muhlach smilingly said. Aga thanked his producers, directors as well as his long-time manager, Ethel Ramos, who passed on a few months ago.

The Manny Pichel Award went to entertainment columnist Ed de Leon, while Producer of the Year went to Viva Films and Mavx Productions.

Pops Fernandez did the sizzling opening number, while Erik Santos paid tribute to the departed artists and production people. Darren Espanto also did a production number.

SPORTS

PBA: GINEBRA BUCKS SLOW START, AVOIDS UPSET AGAINST BLACKWATER

MANILA — Barangay Ginebra San Miguel survived a hot-shooting Blackwater Bossing squad to tally their third win of the conference.

The Gin Kings outlasted Blackwater, 90-87, in the 2023 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, Sunday evening at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

The Scores:

GINEBRA 90 – Bishop 25, Ahanmisi 20, Standhardinger 16, Pringle 10, J.Aguilar 8, Thompson 7, Pinto 4, Cu 0

BLACKWATER 87 – Ortiz 20, Ilagan 15, Rosario 15, Hill 11, Suerte 8, DiGregorio 8, Guinto 8, David 2, Casio 0, Escoto 0, Ayonayon 0, Banal 0

QUARTERS: 19-36, 41-50, 71-69, 90-87

PBA: BRAIMOH, BANCHERO TAKE CHARGE AS MERALCO THWARTS TNT

MANILA — The Meralco Bolts made easy work of TNT Tropang Giga led by Suleiman Braimoh and Chris Bachero.

The duo led the Luigi Trillo-led squad in their victory over TNT, 109-95, at the 2023 PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

The Scores:

MERALCO 109 – Braimoh 37, banchero 18, Quinto 13, Hodge 12, Newsome 12, Dario 6, Almazan 6, Bates 0Caram 5, Rios 0

TNT 95 – Hollis-Jefferson 47, Castro 19, Khobuntin 8, K.Williams 5, Reyes 5, Oftana 4, Montalbo 3, Galinato 2, Heruela 2, Ponferrada 0, Tungcab 0, Tolomia 0

QUARTERS: 29-21, 52-42, 80-70, 109-95

NBA SCORES OF GAMES PLAYED ON NOV 25, 2023

Final

1          2          3          4          T

76ers

11-5

29        36        28        34        127

Thunder

11-5

31        30        21        41        123

Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

J. Embiid PHI C

35 PTS , 11 REB , 9 AST

C. Holmgren OKC PF

36 PTS , 6 REB , 2 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Heat

10-7

22        31        23        21        97

Nets

7-8

26        37        27        22        112

Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

C. Martin MIA SF

22 PTS , 7 REB , 3 AST

M. Bridges BKN SF

24 PTS , 6 REB , 3 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Hawks

8-7

34        36        37        29        136

Wizards

2-14

30        28        20        30        108

Capital One Arena, Washington, DC

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

T. Young ATL PG

26 PTS , 6 REB , 10 AST

J. Butler WAS PG

13 PTS , 2 REB , 5 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Lakers

10-7

35        35        23        28        121

Cavaliers

8-8

40        31        23        21        115

Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, Cleveland, OH

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

A. Davis LAL PF

32 PTS , 13 REB , 3 AST

D. Mitchell CLE SG

22 PTS , 5 REB , 6 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Pelicans

9-8

29        24        24        23        100

Jazz

5-11

22        21        25        37        105

Delta Center, Salt Lake City, UT

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

B. Ingram NO SF

26 PTS , 6 REB , 8 AST

C. Sexton UTA SG

16 PTS , 3 REB , 6 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Mavericks

10-6

18        27        17        26        88

Clippers

7-8

29        27        23        28        107

Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

L. Doncic DAL PG

30 PTS , 3 REB , 4 AST

P. George LAC SF

25 PTS , 9 REB , 4 AST

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him. - James D. Miles