Headlines

Balangiga martyrs’ kin welcome bells Christina Mendez (The Philippine Star) - December 16, 2018 - 12:00am MANILA, Philippines — The descendants of the martyrs of Balangiga as well as local residents stood proud yesterday as President Duterte led the turnover of the historic bells. Eighty-one-year-old Nemencio Candelusas Duran beamed as he recalled to journalists the role his great-grandfather played during World War II. “Without Vicente Candelusas the bell would not have rang,” Duran said. The ringing of the bell signaled the attack of the Filipinos against the American invaders. Duran is a descendant of Vicente, the elder brother of his grandfather Julian.   Narrating the story told to him through generations, Duran said Vicente was the bell caretaker who was tasked to toll the bells that signaled the attack of the townsfolk. About 48 members of the US 9th Infantry were killed by the … [Read more...] about Balangiga martyrs’ kin welcome bells

Facebook bug exposes user photos to developers Janvic Mateo (The Philippine Star) - December 16, 2018 - 12:00am MANILA, Philippines — Social media company Facebook on Friday issued an apology after it discovered a problem in its system that exposed millions of user photos to developers. The company said the bug, which has already been fixed, allowed third-party applications to have access to a broader set of photos from Sept. 13 to 25. “When someone gives permission for an app to access their photos on Facebook, we usually only grant the app access to photos people share on their timeline. In this case, the bug potentially gave developers access to other photos, such as those shared on Marketplace or Facebook Stories,” it said. “The bug also impacted photos that people uploaded to Facebook but chose not to post,” added the company. Facebook said the problem affected up to 6.8 million users, who … [Read more...] about Facebook bug exposes user photos to developers

Connect with homilies during Simbang Gabi, youth told Evelyn Macairan (The Philippine Star) - December 16, 2018 - 12:00am MANILA, Philippines — While many of today’s youth turn Simbang Gabi or dawn mass into “Simbang Date,” an official of the Archdiocese of Manila yesterday remained hopeful that they would be moved by the Holy Spirit and be able to connect with the homilies.  “But we make the most of what we have,” said Archdiocese of Manila Office of Communications head Fr. Roy Bellen. Bellen said he was looking on the positive side, adding that at least the young people are going to church. “Hopefully they also get to hear something. You will never know that when a priest gives his homily, you would be surprised by how the Holy Spirit moves,” Bellen added. He said catechism is most alive during Simbang Gabi and Holy Week because these are the times when the churches are … [Read more...] about Connect with homilies during Simbang Gabi, youth told

Faeldon son negative for drugs, but still not off the hook Cet Dematera (The Philippine Star) - December 16, 2018 - 12:00am LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines — He may have tested negative for drug use, but Nicanor Faeldon Jr. is not yet off the hook as he still has to face criminal charges for being found in a drug den in the company of drug users and suspected pushers, police said yesterday.  “Faeldon tested negative based on the crime laboratory examination. But the other suspects were all positive. All the seven sachets were also confirmed to be shabu,” Chief Inspector Malou Calubaquib, Bicol police spokesperson, said. Found positive for drug use were Russel Lanuzo,47, and Manuel Nebres, 39, of Barangay Mabolo, Naga City and Allan Valdez, 44, of Samapaloc, Manila. The drug tests were conducted at the Camp General Simeon Ola here. Faeldon, 32, son and namesake of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief, was … [Read more...] about Faeldon son negative for drugs, but still not off the hook

After 117 years, bells ring again BALANGIGA, Philippines — Finally, the bells tolled seven times, sounding once again over the town that had paid dearly for its people’s courageous action 117 years ago.   “The bells are returned because of the fervent prayers of the entire Filipino nation,” President Duterte said last night at the town plaza here, paying tribute to the Filipino and American soldiers who gallantly fought during the Philippine-American War in 1901. After he formally turned the bells over to local officials, Duterte kissed one bell, to the delight of the crowd who beamed with pride as they heard the bells tolling for the first time since their return. “Nobody but nobody can claim a single credit for the generous act of the Americans. When there is a return, the credit goes to the American people and the Filipino people,” the President said. “It’s a property of the Catholic faith … [Read more...] about After 117 years, bells ring again