SECOND FILIPINO FREED FROM HAMAS CAPTIVITY

A Filipino dual citizen, Noralin "Nataly" Babadilla, who was captured by Hamas after an attack on a kibbutz in Israel on October 7, has been released. She is currently in Tel HaShomer Hospital in Tel Aviv for medical evaluation. According to Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega, the Philippine ambassador is scheduled to visit Noralin in the hospital. Noralin had been living in Israel for ten years.

During their visit to Kibbutz Nirim on October 7, Gideon Babani, Noralin's partner, was killed by Hamas militants, while Noralin was captured and taken to Gaza. Noralin was held captive for 53 days before being released. The embassy expresses continued concern for the safety of the remaining hostages held by Hamas, including 9 children.

Noralin is the second Filipino captive released by Hamas. Both Noralin and Jimmy Pacheco will receive financial assistance from the Israeli government as Victims of Terror. The Israeli government is determined to secure the release of all captives held by Hamas.

De Vega mentions that four Filipinos died in the Hamas attack on October 7. Additionally, Pacheco has no plans to return to Israel after being held captive by the Hamas group.

HELICOPTERS FLY RELEASED HOSTAGES TO SHEBA MEDICAL CENTRE, ISRAEL

Hamas freed 12 more hostages and Israel released 30 Palestinian prisoners on Tuesday (November 28), the fifth day of an extended six-day truce between the militant Palestinian group and Israel in the Gaza war.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said the 12 hostages had been transferred from Gaza, and Israel's military confirmed that the 10 Israeli citizens and two foreign nationals were with its special forces on Israeli territory.

The hostages were among some 240 people seized by Hamas gunmen during a rampage into southern Israel on Oct. 7 in which Israel says 1,200 people were killed. Israel's bombardment of Hamas-ruled Gaza in retaliation has killed more than 15,000 Gazans, health authorities there said.

The truce has brought Gaza its first respite after seven weeks of fighting and bombardment that has reduced much of the Gaza Strip to rubble. It had been due to expire overnight into Tuesday but both sides agreed to extend the pause to allow for the release of more hostages held by Hamas and of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

SENATE APPROVES P5.77-TRILLION NATIONAL BUDGET FOR 2024

MANILA — The Senate has approved the P5.77-trillion national budget for 2024. The 2024 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) received 21 affirmative votes, no negative votes, and one abstention from Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel.

Pimentel abstained due to concerns about the president's certification of the budget as urgent, stating there is no emergency or calamity justifying the certification.

The proposed budget is 9.5% higher than the current year's budget.

The Senate made amendments, increasing the budget for security, livelihood, education, and other sectors, with specific amounts undisclosed. Higher funds were allocated to agencies related to national defense and security, including the Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces branches. More funds will be directed to the Philippine Army and Navy for equipment purchase, and the Philippine National Police for additional body cameras.

The Philippine Coast Guard will also receive significant augmentation in capital outlay. Education programs receiving more funds include the school building program, GASTPE senior high school voucher program, ESC scholarships, scholarships in state universities, financial assistance for SUCs, CHED's "Tulong Dunong" program, and the child protection program. The Department of Education's learner support program received an additional P50 million for mental health programs.

Other programs under the Department of Agriculture and other agencies will also receive higher funding. The Senate version did not disclose which agencies retained their confidential funds. The budget will undergo bicameral conference to reconcile differing provisions between the House and Senate versions.

Once ratified, the proposed spending plan will be sent to Malacañang for the president's signature. Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno expects the president to sign the national budget before his trip to Japan on December 16 to 18.

MARCOS SAYS ATTENDING COP28 TO URGE NATIONS TO HONOR CLIMATE FINANCING PLEDGES

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on Wednesday said he hopes his attendance to the COP28 in Dubai will help urge other nations to follow through on commitments on climate financing to help mitigate the effects of the climate crisis.

Marcos, Jr. will leave the Philippines Thursday to participate in climate talks that are expected to lay the groundwork for a new financing goal to succeed the old $100-billion target.

"We are once again poised to lead," said Marcos in his speech during the turnover of People's Survival Fund (PSF) to beneficiaries in Malacañang.

"We will use this platform to rally the global community and call upon nations to honor their commitments particularly in climate financing," he added.

For Marcos, Jr., the turnover of P541 million worth of climate adaptation funds to local government units is a "historic achievement." The half-a-billion funding is for 5 projects related to climate resilience.

Aside from this, he said, the PSF Board also approved a project development grant amounting to P2 million. He said this shows the government's dedication to climate adaptation.

"We can proudly say that the Philippines is a trailblazer in domestic climate finance for adaptation, showcasing our nation’s commitment to global environmental responsibility," he added.

He noted that the problems brought by climate change should be viewed as "opportunities for renewal and advancement" most especially since the Philippines is among the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

"So we must do our part here in the Philippines, but we must always take the lead when it comes to the global move and the global aspiration that those most vulnerable communities around the world will somehow be assisted by the developing countries when it comes to these measures to mitigate and to adapt to climate change," he said.

40 BOATS TO JOIN CHRISTMAS CONVOY TO WEST PH SEA

No less than 40 boats will join a civilian Christmas convoy to Philippine-occupied features in the West Philippine Sea starting December 9, Akbayan party president Rafaela David said Wednesday.

Speaking to TeleRadyo Serbisyo, David said the 40 vessels will include one mother vessel that can accommodate 50-100 people.

The convoy is set to visit several Philippine-occupied features including Patag Island and Lawak Island in the Spratlys as well as in the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal.

"Ang mangyayari we will still go to the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal and hopefully talagang we will get to see as near as possible, it depends what is practical and what is safe. Sana makita pa run natin 'yang BRP Sierra Madre...Hindi tayo lalapit kung hindi na magiging safe o hindi na magiging practicable," she said in a TeleRadyo Serbisyo interview.

The Christmas convoy will have a sendoff on December 9 but will officially start its voyage on December 10.

David said the mission is expected to last 2-3 days, with December 12 as the tentative date of return.

She said the convoy is coordinating with the Philippine Coast Guard and other security agencies on the best route to ensure the safety of the civilian mission and at the same time ensure that Christmas gifts for frontlines and fisherfolk will be delivered.

Commodore Jay Tarriela, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, earlier said the Christmas convoy initially planned to give gifts to troops stationed at BRP Sierra Madre, which has been grounded at the Ayungin Shoal to assert Manila's claim to sovereignty in the area.

PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT, REBELS AGREE TO PEACE NEGOTIATIONS

The Philippine government and the country's communist rebels have agreed to restart peace negotiations after a six-year hiatus, with the aim of ending decades of armed strife, the two sides and facilitator Norway said on Tuesday (November 28).

The bloody conflict between authorities and the New People's Army (NPA), the military wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), has raged for over 50 years and killed more than 40,000 people.

High-ranking delegations from both sides last week agreed to a "common vision for peace" that sought to address key obstacles, which was revealed by Norway's foreign ministry on Tuesday.

If negotiations succeed, the rebels will end their armed struggle and transform into a political movement, according to Norway, which has facilitated the South East Asian island nation's peace process for around 20 years.

NDFP SEEKS REMOVAL OF TERRORIST TAG AS PEACE TALKS RESUME UNDER MARCOS JR. ADMIN

MANILA — The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) on Tuesday announced that it would negotiate for several conditions to restart peace talks with the government, including the removal of the terrorist tag attached to their organization during the previous administration.

After confirming the signing of a joint communique with the government on November 23 in Oslo, NDFP negotiating panel interim chair Julieta De Lima said that their camp would push for the following issues before the resumption of formal peace talks:

-Participation of detained NDFP consultants in negotiations

-Immunity for NDFP members who will participate in peace talks

-Release of all political prisoners

-Abrogation of NDFP’s terrorist designation

“The role of NDFP consultants cannot be overemphasized hence we will continue to work for their release,” De Lima said in a virtual press conference.

The “assurance of safety and immunity for those involved in peace negotiations… will help facilitate the negotiations and create a favorable atmosphere,” she added.

“We will continue to seek effective measures to address these serious concerns and create conducive conditions necessary to achieve just and lasting peace.”

The NDFP was founded in 1973 in protest of the corruption and abuses during the presidency of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

In 2016, then-President Rodrigo Duterte resumed formal peace talks with the NDFP, but announced the “permanent termination” of negotiations after 3 years, citing continued aggression from the New People’s Army, the NDFP’s armed wing.

Duterte then moved to designate the group as terrorists.

“After 6 long years, there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel, but the tunnel itself is still long and tortuous so there is a lot of work to be done to reach the light at the end,” said Asterio Palima, member of the NDFP’s negotiating panel.

PEACE NEGOTIATOR 'MORE HOPEFUL' AS GOVERNMENT, REBELS AGREE TO RESTART TALKS

MANILA — Peace negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer on Wednesday said she was more optimistic about a possible resumption of peace talks between the government and the communist rebels, citing positive signals from both parties.

Speaking on ANC, Coronel-Ferrer said she was "more hopeful" with peace talks with communist rebels under the Marcos administration due to several reasons.

She cited President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s management style which allows his alter egos to do their job with less interference.

Marcos "is not as volatile in terms of disposition as the previous president, not as sort of like resorting to violence, verbally, as well as in actual terms as the previous president," the peace negotiator said.

Malacañang on Tuesday said the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) agreed to resume peace negotiations to end one of the longest-running insurgencies in the world.

The two parties have met informally since 2022 in the Netherlands and Norway for discussions facilitated by the Norwegian government. They reached a consensus on Nov. 23, 2023, according to the Presidential Communications Office.

Both sides "acknowledge the deep-rooted socioeconomic and political grievances and agree to come up with a framework that sets the priorities for the peace negotiation."

THE REST

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PASSENGERS AFFECTED BY NAIA TERMINAL 3 MAINTENANCE

PASAY CITY— Some passengers were affected during the scheduled electrical maintenance activities at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on Wednesday.

The scheduled maintenance work involved a three-hour power interruption that started at 12:01 midnight and ended at 3:00 a.m.

Although some areas experienced limited disruptions, all critical systems were still fully operational.

In a statement last November 26, the MIAA said this initiative is part of their ongoing commitment to improving and upgrading the terminal's electrical system.

Bryan Co, MIAA Officer-in-Charge, extended his apologies for any inconvenience caused by this necessary preventive maintenance.

“We assure the public that this scheduled electrical upgrading and maintenance is a vital step toward enhancing the airport’s electrical system reliability,” Co stated.

The segmented power-related maintenance works are scheduled until December 13, 2023.

LTO READY TO IMPLEMENT LTMS

MANILA — The Land Transportation Office is ready to fully implement its Land Transport Management System (LTMS), which would provide better services to the public transacting with LTO offices nationwide.

In a memoramdum dated Nov. 22, the LTO’s Management Information Division said a full transition and utilization of the LTMS would enable the agency to control information technology systems and secure independence from private IT system suppliers.

The LTMS had been installed by the German-led joint venture group of Dermalog Identification Systems Inc. and Holy Family Printing Corp.

The previous IT system used by the agency, which is being pushed for retention by LTO chief Vigor Mendoza, was privately owned.

The LTMS is owned and fully controlled by the LTO.

“By transitioning to LTMS, we regain control and independence over our system, ensuring greater data security, privacy and flexibility in managing our operations,” the LTO’s IT experts said.

EXPERT: MALI, PH'S LONE ELEPHANT, DIED OF CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE

MANILA – Vishwa Ma’ali, the Philippine’s lone elephant, died of congestive heart failure, an expert said Wednesday.

In a press conference, Dr. Chip Domingo, Manila Zoo’s chief veterinarian, said that a necropsy on Vishwa Ma’ali’s — known to many Filipinos as Mali — also revealed that she had nodules around her liver and a slightly inflamed kidney, among other issues.

"Unang bumungad sa amin yung pancreas, neoplastic meaning matigas po siya. Parang meron po siyang cancer dahil sa age niya. At yunga aorta, yung tubo palabas ng kaniyang puso, ito po ay may nakabara. Maari po ito ang cause of death niya," said Domingo.

Mali’s keepers supposedly noticed her irritability as early as Friday and her loss of appetite a day later.

Domingo said that by 11 a.m., Mali’s pupils had dilated. She had difficulty breathing four hours later and eventually expired.

Animal welfare groups had repeatedly called for Mali's release to an elephant sanctuary. But local officials said that the move might do more harm than good.

“Matagal na po siyang nasa captive state. Hindi na po niya kakayanin mailabas pa po. Kasi napunta siya sa atin 11 months old po siya and she’s already 43,” Lacuna said.

Mali was “entrusted” by then President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. to the local government of Manila after the Sri Lankan government sent the elephant to then First Lady Imelda Marcos as a gift.

So far, there are no plans to display Mali’s remains to the public. However, the LGU said they are in talks with experts on the possibility of preserving whatever they can and display these in a museum.

WET WEDNESDAY IN EASTERN PH DUE TO EASTERLIES

The easterlies - the warm winds blowing from the Pacific - will drench the eastern section of the country, the state weather bureau said Wednesday.

Mainland Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, Quezon, Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, Caraga, and Davao Region will experience cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms. Flooding and landslides are possible during moderate to at times heavy rains.

Meanwhile, the cool northeast monsoon or Amihan will only affect and bring rains in Batanes and Batanes.

There will still be big waves from Amihan over the seaboards of Ilocos Norte, Batanes, and the northern coast of Cagayan, including Babuyan Islands and small sea vessels are not allowed to sail in these areas.

The rest of the country will experience hot and humid conditions with possible afternoon or evening thunderstorms.

Weather forecaster Grace Castañeda said Metro Manila will be mostly cloudy in the morning with increasing chance of rain showers in the afternoon and evening.

No weather disturbance may affect the country in the next two weeks, PAGASA showed in its tropical cyclone threat potential advisory.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

JONA SIGNS WITH VIVA, CLARIFIES SHE REMAINS A KAPAMILYA

Jona officially signed with Viva Artists Agency on Tuesday, November 28, as the singer sets sights on expanding her career to acting and the digital space.

"Iba po 'yung pakiramdam. Parang nao-overwhelm po ako na, 'Ah, this is really happening.' Very thankful po ako and I'm excited sa mga gagawin ko dito sa Viva," she said.

Among Jona's goals with her new talent agency are being involved as producer and songwriter in her music releases, becoming more visible online, and trying acting anew.

She went on to emphasize that she values and cherishes her 18-year career journey, from being with GMA-7, TV5, then ABS-CBN up to the present.

Asked if she will still be seen in ABS-CBN shows, Jona answered: "I'm still Kapamilya pa rin po kasi may mga ginagawa pa tayong programs like 'ASAP' and 'It's Showtime.' Kumbaga nagdagdag lang po ako ng bagong management ngayon."

SPORTS

NBA SCORES OF GAMES PLAYED ON NOV 27, 2023

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Lakers

10-8

19        34        27        14        94

76ers

12-5

32        36        30        40        138

Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

L. James LAL SF

18 PTS , 5 AST

T. Maxey PHI PG

31 PTS , 3 REB , 8 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Trail Blazers

5-12

30        35        18        31        114

Pacers

9-7

34        26        23        27        110

Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

J. Grant POR PF

34 PTS , 7 REB , 3 AST

T. Haliburton IND PG

32 PTS , 2 REB , 9 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Wizards

3-14

31        26        37        32        126

Pistons

2-15

27        27        29        24        107

Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

K. Kuzma WAS PF

32 PTS , 12 REB , 8 AST

C. Cunningham DET SG

26 PTS , 5 REB , 7 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Pelicans

9-9

24        31        33        24        112

Jazz

6-11

32        25        31        26        114

Delta Center, Salt Lake City, UT

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

Z. Williamson NO PF

26 PTS , 4 REB , 7 AST

K. George UTA SG

19 PTS , 5 REB , 3 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Nuggets

12-6

25        33        19        36        113

Clippers

7-9

28        28        32        16        104

Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

R. Jackson DEN PG

35 PTS , 5 REB , 13 AST

K. Leonard LAC SF

31 PTS , 8 REB , 3 AST

INDICATORS

FOREX $1 = P 55.40

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

The manager accepts the status quo; the leader challenges it. - Warren Bennis