MARCOS JR. SAYS TO 'EXHAUST ALL REMEDIES' TO FREE 17 PINOY SEAFARERS IN RED SEA

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vowed late Thursday that the government would "exhaust all remedies available" to safely bring back 17 Filipino seafarers held hostage by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea.

In a video message, Marcos Jr. said the government is forming a delegation to go and negotiate with the Houthi rebels in order to rescue the OFWs.

"Binubuo natin ang isang delegasyon para pumunta sa kanila at makipag-usap doon sa mga may hawak sa kanila para makauwi na sila," he said.

The president also apologized to the Filipino community expecting his arrival in the United Arab Emirates after he opted to cancel his trip to Dubai to focus on the case of the seafarers.

"May mga bagay na kailangan agad na asikasuhin. Isa na dun ‘yung ating mga kababayan, mga kapwa Pilipino natin na na-hostage, 17 sila na na-hostage at ginagawa natin lahat ng paraan upang sila ay maiuwi na."

"Kaya’t, siguro naman maunawaan ninyo, na inuna muna natin ‘yan dahil kailangan nating tiyakin ang syempre ang seguridad ng ating mga kababayan,” he added.

Marcos Jr. earlier announced that he will no longer attend the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) in Dubai.

Moreover, he also emphasized that the government is also attending to the cases of OFWs repatriated and affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict.

CAAP SEARCHING FOR MISSING PLANE IN ISABELA

MANILA — A small plane carrying two people went missing in Isabela, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said on Friday, as it mounted search and rescue operations.

The Piper PA-32-300 with registry number RP-C1234 went missing on Thursday, shortly after departing from Cauayan Airport. It was carrying a pilot and a lone passenger, the CAAP said in an advisory.

It said the aircraft, owned by Fliteline Airways and operated by Cyclone Airways, was supposed to arrive at Palanan Airport at around 10:23 a.m.

At about 11 a.m., the CAAP Operations Center from the Cauayan Tower received a distress message, which meant there was "reasonable certainty that an aircraft and its occupants are threatened by grave and imminent danger and require immediate assistance," the agency said.

"Search and Rescue units are now being organized," CAAP said.

"Cauayan Airport and Tower will extend operations today until 6:00 pm and will open early at 6:00 pm to activate search and rescue operations. The Military and civilian groups are conducting communication searches for any possible sighting of RP-C1234," it added.

It said a CAAP team was at Cauayan airport to investigate the incident.

ISRAEL RELEASES 30 PALESTINIAN PRISONERS IN LATEST EXCHANGE: PRISON AUTHORITIES

JERUSALEM - Thirty Palestinian prisoners were freed overnight Thursday, the Israeli prison authorities said, in the latest exchange under an extended truce deal due to expire within hours.

The prisoners -- including 23 minors and seven women -- were released hours after eight Israeli hostages were freed by the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

The truce agreement between Israel and Hamas stipulates that a minimum of 10 Israeli hostages should be released alive each day.

But a source close to Hamas told AFP that two Russian-Israeli women freed on Wednesday in addition to 10 others made up for only eight Israelis being released on Thursday.

Mediator Qatar appeared to back the calculation.

Since it came into force on November 24, the truce agreement has resulted in the freeing of 110 hostages, including 80 Israelis.

The majority of the 30 non-Israeli hostages freed were from Thailand, released under a separate agreement.

Israel has freed 240 Palestinian prisoners in exchange.

CHINA CLAIMS ALL CLEAR ON CHILD RESPIRATORY DISEASE

The World Health Organization (WHO) said Chinese authorities had provided data on an upsurge in respiratory illnesses among children and given the all clear.

China's data suggested the new lung infections were caused by a number of known pathogens, including influenza viruses and mycoplasma bacteria which tend to affect children more than adults.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, China was accused of rarely handing over medical data on infections. That may be a reason why the WHO took the step of publicly requesting data, including laboratory results, now.

Chinese public asked to take measures to limit the spread of disease

China is bound under the WHO's International Health Regulations to declare outbreaks of infectious diseases caused by an unknown source.

The WHO called on the Chinese public to adopt measures to limit the risk of spreading the respiratory infection.

That includes taking recommended vaccines, keeping distance from infected people, staying at home when sick, seeking medical assistance, wearing face masks, ensuring good ventilation and washing hands regularly, according to a WHO statement.

China saw a spike in respiratory infections among children over a short space of time. At the start, most infections were located in the north of the country.

A Taiwanese news portal, FTV News, reported that hospitals in Beijing and in the province of Liaoning, located about 800 kilometers (497 miles) from the capital, were seeing cases.

DE LIMA TO MARCOS: PH MUST JOIN ICC 'FOR JUSTICE, ACCOUNTABILITY' ON DRUG WAR DEATHS

MANILA — Former Senator Leila de Lima urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to allow the Philippines to rejoin the International Criminal Court, saying it is "the right thing" in attaining justice and accountability in the previous administration's drug war killings.

De Lima said they were able to uncover information on the Davao Death Squad (DDS) and how intelligence funds were used to allegedly fund such drugs killings under former President Rodrigo Duterte.

This alone could be used as reference points for the looming International Criminal Court (ICC) probe, she said.

"That is part of the testimonies, revelations of Edgar Matobato and Arturo Lascañas and some other resource persons we talked to during the CHR investigation," the former lawmaker said in an interview on ANC.

"The drug war killings were just a replication of the DDS killings that we investigated in 2009. It would be very useful to take a look of that and make it a reference to the findings now in whatever findings that the ICC investigation team had gathered," she said.

Government returning to the fold of the Rome Statute, she said, would help the Marcos administration "earn more positive points from the international community."

It will also give the opportunity to join a community of nations fighting impunity and tyrants, according to De Lima.

"It is the right thing to do. Not to rejoin will be wholly inconsistent with our track record in affirming human rights principles. We are parties to key international human rights instruments, treaties," she said.

An executive action, she said, will be sufficient since the ICC withdrawal was done unilaterally.

SMNI OFFICIAL APOLOGIZES, WON'T NAME SOURCE ON SPEAKER'S ALLEGED TRAVEL EXPENSES

A broadcaster for Sonshine Media Network Inc. (SMNI) apologized Thursday over an insinuation on air that Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez allegedly spent P1.8-billion for his travels for 2023.

SMNI broadcaster Jeffrey “Ka Eric” Celiz made the insinuation in the program “Laban Kasama ang Bayan” last Monday, allegedly relayed by a Senate employee.

Asked to name his source, Celiz invoked Republic Act 53, or the “Sotto Law” which protects journalists from revealing their news sources.

He noted his source’s intent was to ask the question, adding that airing the question was “Without malice on our part (sa) Laban Kasama ang Bayan.”

“Do we take responsibility for that inadvertent failure to conduct proper vetting of the source and the information? Yes po. Uulitin namin 'yan. And if kailangan po ulitin dito sa Komite, ang paghingi po ng pag unawa tungkol sa pangyayari na 'yan, na nasaktan ang integridad ni Speaker Martin Romualdez, at ng institution ng Kongreso dahil sa ganitong pangyayari, I take full responsibility in behalf of the program, anchor, in my personal capacity, and even from the station,” he said.

He added that the episode was ”a hard learned lesson,” highlighting the need to observe ng due diligence and propriety in verifying sources.

For his part, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales, Jr. said RA 6173, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, specifically Section 4, Paragraph C, provides that public officials and employees shall remain true to the people at all times.

"If you do not tell us the identity of the source, the employee is deceiving the people he is serving. Tulungan ninyo kami, tulungan natin ang bayan para malaman po ang katotohanan,” he said.

COST OF MODERNIZED, ELECTRIC VEHICLES LESS THAN P1-M: FRANCISCO MOTORS

Electric jeepneys built by Francisco Motors Corp. will cost less than P1 million, to make it affordable to drivers and operators, Francisco Motors owner Elmer Francisco said Friday.

Francisco said the cost for the first 1,000 units is P985,000 each.

Those planning to purchase one of the units must sign up at jeepney.io

"Pinababa natin ang cost of production. Unang-una, gawa ito ng mga manggagawang Pilipino. Hindi ito kaliangang i-import galing sa ibang bansa. Kada piyesa nyan dito sa Pilipinas gagawin. 'Yung electric motor, battery 'yung makikinabang nyan manggagawang Pilipino. 'Yung facility natin, ilalagay sa special economic zone sa Camarines Norte. Tayo’y nakipag-joint venture sa B-Corp or Benefit Corporation na nasa dock listed na TEMBO ELV," he said.

"Kapag nag-full operation tayo sa Camarines Norte, makakagawa tayo ng 25,000 units per year," he added.

All units will be airconditioned and can seat up to 22 people. There will be a built-in ramp for persons with disabilities.

THE REST

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GAS PRICES UP, DIESEL DOWN NEXT WEEK: DOE

Gasoline prices are set to go up while diesel prices will go down next week, a Department of Energy official said Friday.

Rodela Romero, Director III of the Oil Industry Management Bureau, said gasoline prices could go up by P0.25-P0.45 per liter while diesel prices will go down P0.25-P0.40 per liter next week.

Kerosene prices may have no movement or go up by P0.10 per liter.

Romero said speculation on further oil production cuts by major oil-producing nations led to price volatility.

A storm in the Black Sea near the Kazakhstan oil depot, a weaker US dollar and lower US oil inventory also affected pricing.

ANGAT WATER LEVEL BREACHES NORMAL HIGH

MANILA — Water was released from Angat Dam yesterday after its elevation breached the normal high of 212 meters.

As of 6 a.m. yesterday, the water level in the dam was monitored at 212.6 meters, or 0.74 meters higher compared to its previous level of 211.86 meters.

The Bulacan provincial government advised residents of low-lying areas and near riverbanks to be on alert after the spill gates were opened at 11 a.m.

An advisory issued by the National Power Corp.-Angat Dam office said the water release aimed to ”maintain the safe level due to the expected inflow of rainwater to the reservoir.”

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said the shear line, easterlies and northeast monsoon have spawned heavy rainfall in many parts of the country in the past week.

MMDA CLEARS MABUHAY LANES

MANILA — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) conducted clearing operations yesterday along Mabuhay Lanes in Quezon City.

The operation was spearheaded by the newly formed Special Operations Group Strike Force, which is tasked to clear Mabuhay Lanes of illegally parked vehicles.

The initiative was led by MMDA assistant general manager for operations David Angelo Vargas, traffic discipline office director for enforcement Victor Nuñez and officer-in-charge Gabriel Go.

More than 100 Strike Force members were deployed for the road clearing operations.

The MMDA said the operation is part of sustained efforts to ensure the smooth flow of traffic along Mabuhay Lanes as well as crack down on motorists violating parking rules along these alternative routes.

A total of 166 citation tickets for illegally parked vehicles were issued to violators. Nine vehicles were towed by the MMDA.

Some of the MMDA personnel were equipped with body-worn cameras to record the operations.

GENERALLY FAIR WEATHER LIKELY THIS WEEKEND; 2 STORMS MAY ENTER PH IN DECEMBER

Most of the country will have generally fair weather this weekend, PAGASA weather forecaster Robert Badrina said Friday morning.

No weather disturbance is also expected in the same period and only the northeast monsoon and the easterlies will affect the country, he added.

Throughout Friday, the northeast monsoon or Amihan will bring cloudy skies with rains in Batanes, Cagayan, Apayao, Isabela, and Aurora. Ilocos Region and the rest of Cordillera, Cagayan Valley, and Central Luzon may only experience isolated light rains.

Small boats are not allowed to sail in the seas of Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and Ilocos Norte due to big waves from Amihan.

Metro Manila and the rest of the country will be warm and humid with possible isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon and/or evening.

By weekend, the Amihan is forecast to just affect Northern Luzon and continue to bring rains in parts of Cagayan Valley.

Humid conditions and isolated afternoon or evening thunderstorms meanwhile will be experienced over the rest of the country this weekend.

December storms and rains

PAGASA earlier said up to two tropical cyclones may form inside or enter the Philippine area of responsibility this December. Past December storms made landfall over Eastern Visayas and Caraga.

Batangas, Cavite, and Oriental Mindoro may also experience drought by the end of the year due to El Niño, based on actual rains received between July and November.

Below normal rains are also forecast over most of Luzon while the rest of the country will have near normal rainfall.

A strong El Niño that is currently gripping the tropical Pacific Ocean may intensify further in the coming months and last through the first half of 2024.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

KATHRYN BERNARDO, DANIEL PADILLA CONFIRM BREAKUP

Celebrity pair Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla have officially parted ways after more than a decade together.

Confirming recent speculations, the two acknowledged their relationship status on Thursday. Bernardo stated that it's a "chapter closed" for her and Padilla, emphasizing the authenticity of their love over their 11-year journey. Despite efforts to overcome challenges, Bernardo admitted they had been "drifting apart" in recent months.

She expressed gratitude for the time given to process their emotions and acknowledged their love story's respectful beginning and end.

Padilla, in turn, thanked Bernardo for the shared memories, acknowledging the highs and lows of their journey. Despite life taking separate paths, he expressed that their love would endure.

After being a love team, the couple confirmed their relationship in 2018 and last collaborated on the 2022 TV series "2 Good 2 Be True."

Speculation about the breakup arose when Bernardo's friends reportedly unfollowed Padilla on Instagram. Additionally, rumors circulated about Filipino actress Andrea Brillantes dating Padilla, though this remains unconfirmed. The breakup announcement marks a significant transition for the longtime celebrity couple, known for their genuine connection that began during their years as a loving couple.

ANNE CURTIS TO BE IMMORTALIZED AS MADAME TUSSAUDS WAX FIGURE

Anne Curtis, renowned actress and host of the popular Kapamilya noontime show "It's Showtime," has been chosen as the latest celebrity to be immortalized as a Madame Tussauds wax figure.

The announcement was made by Madame Tussauds on social media, creating much excitement among Anne's fans and the entertainment industry.

Known for her versatility as an actress and her infectious energy as a TV host, Anne Curtis has made a significant impact on the Philippine entertainment scene.

Her selection as a Madame Tussauds wax figure further solidifies her status as one of the country's most beloved celebrities.

“I’d like to share that I am honored, thrilled and excited. This is amazing. I can’t believe that I’m gonna have my very own wax figure,” Anne said.

“Hindi ako makapaniwala 'yun 'yung totoo. Is this really happening? Sobra lang akong natuwa excited, kilig and honestly until now hindi pa din ako makapaniwala na this is happening. I'm just so excited and thankful,” she added.

Madame Tussauds, a renowned wax museum with branches all over the world, is known for creating incredibly lifelike wax figures of celebrities, historical figures, and iconic personalities. The decision to include Anne Curtis in their collection reflects her immense popularity and influence, not only in the Philippines but also on a global scale.

The process of creating a Madame Tussauds wax figure involves meticulous attention to detail. Artists meticulously measure the subject's body and facial features to ensure the final product is as lifelike as possible.

Anne Curtis joins the esteemed list of Filipino personalities who have been honored with Madame Tussauds wax figures, including Manny Pacquiao, Catriona Gray and Pia Wurtzbach.

The wax figure of Anne Curtis is expected to be displayed at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong.

SPORTS

NBA SCORES OF GAMES PLAYED ON NOV 29, 2023

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Lakers

11-8

38        27        36        32        133

Pistons

2-16

24        24        28        31        107

Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

D. Russell LAL PG

35 PTS , 4 REB , 9 AST

C. Cunningham DET SG

15 PTS , 4 REB , 5 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Wizards

3-15

26        30        33        31        120

Magic

13-5

31        35        36        37        139

Amway Center, Orlando, FL

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

K. Kuzma WAS PF

24 PTS , 3 REB , 6 AST

F. Wagner ORL PF

31 PTS , 6 REB , 3 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Suns

11-7

20        33        27        25        105

Raptors

9-10

27        33        26        26        112

Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

K. Durant PHO PF

30 PTS , 4 REB , 6 AST

S. Barnes TOR SF

23 PTS , 7 REB , 4 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

76ers

12-6

24        24        33        33        114

Pelicans

10-9

39        29        34        22        124

Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

T. Maxey PHI PG

33 PTS , 1 REB , 3 AST

Z. Williamson NO PF

33 PTS , 8 REB , 6 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Jazz

6-12

25        17        25        24        91

Grizzlies

4-13

24        36        28        17        105

FedExForum, Memphis, TN

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

J. Collins UTA PF

17 PTS , 4 REB , 1 AST

J. Jackson Jr. MEM PF

20 PTS , 6 REB , 1 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Rockets

8-8

26        33        38        27        124

Nuggets

13-6

41        35        32        26        134

Ball Arena, Denver, CO

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

J. Green HOU SG

26 PTS , 6 REB , 9 AST

N. Jokic DEN C

32 PTS , 10 REB , 15 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Clippers

8-9

35        37        30        29        131

Kings

10-7

27        23        31        36        117

Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, CA

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

K. Leonard LAC SF

34 PTS , 9 REB , 3 AST

D. Fox SAC PG

40 PTS , 5 REB , 3 AST

INDICATORS

FOREX $1 = P 55.48

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

People pay for what they do, and, still more, for what they have allowed themselves to become. And they pay for it very simply: by the lives they lead. - James Baldwin