Sosial Di tengah wabah virus corona melanda dunia Mereka meninggal diduga diserang petugas keamanan/sekuriti perusahaan perkebunan sawit Peristiwa kelam yang terjadi pada Sabtu [21/3/2020] pagi sekitar pukul 09.00 WIB ini menimpa Suryadi [40] dan Putra Bakti [35] Sementara Sumarlin [38] dan Lionagustin [35] mengalami luka bacok di tangan Direktur Wahana Lingkungan Hidup Indonesia [Walhi] Sumatera Selatan kejadian bermula saat sejumlah petugas keamanan PT Arta Prigel datang ke lokasi perkebunan sawit yang dikuasai warga Lahan sekitar 180,36 hektar itu digarap 182 kepala keluarga dari Desa Pagar Batu seusai perusahaan melakukan replanting perkebunan sawitnya Di atas lahan tersebut warga menanam sayuran Sejumlah warga kemudian meminta para petugas keamanan tersebut pergi Tapi saat mau pergi seorang petugas keamanan tersebut memprovokasi warga sehingga seorang warga terpancing mengejarnya warga yang mengejar tersebut dikeroyok oleh petugas keamanan yang menggunakan belati atau kuduk sebutan orang Lahat beberapa warga mengejar untuk menyelamatkan atau melerai Jadi tidak benar tindakan aparat keamanan perusahaan tersebut sebagai upaya bela diri karena diserang warga ini pengeroyokan oleh aparat keamanan perusahaan dengan menggunakan senjata tajam,” ujarnya Baca: Perhutanan Sosial Mampu Kurangi Angka Kemiskinan di Sumatera Selatan? Mengapa warga menduduki lahan perkebunan sawit PT persoalan sengketa lahan warga Desa Pagar Batu dengan PT dan hutan desa diambil paksa perusahaan tersebut perusahaan baru memberikan ganti rugi sepihak perusahaan mulai menanam sawit di lahan yang dikuasai itu sebab saat itu aparat kepolisian dan meliter warga kembali berjuang mendapatkan lahan tersebut Arta Prigel mendapatkan HGU [Hak Guna Usaha] seluas 2.000 hektar,” tulis Forum Pemuda Pemudi Pagar Batu Gerakan Tani Sumsel dan KRASS [Komite Reforma Agraria Sumatera Selatan] dalam siaran kronologis peristiwa tersebut terbentuk Forum Pemuda Pemudi Pagar Batu yang peduli pada persoalan ekonomi warga desanya Forum ini kemudian membentuk Gerakan Tani Pagar Batu kelompok ini mampu menguasai lahan mereka yang telah diambil PT Arta Prigel pada 1993 seluas 180,36 hektar yang tengah peremajaan pohon sawit mereka aksi ke Kantor Gubernur Sumatera Selatan dan Kantor Bupati Lahat untuk menuntut pengesahan lahan yang mereka kuasai tersebut Bupati Lahat memanggil perusahaan dengan melibatkan pihak terkait perusahaan tidak mau memberikan lahan 180,36 hektar yang masuk HGU mereka di Kecamatan Pulaupinang seluas 2.000 hektar Baca juga: Berbenah, Musi Banyuasin Ingin Jadi Laboratorium Ekologi, Ekonomi dan Budaya terkait kasus sengketa lahan warga Desa Pagar Batu dengan PT meminta negara untuk menjamin perlindungan dan kepastian hak-hak masyarakat korban konflik sumber daya alam Presiden Jokowi untuk segera melakukan evaluasi terhadap izin-izin perusahaan perkebunan kelapa sawit yang bersentuhan langsung dengan petani rentan maupun yang berpotensi berkonflik dengan masyarakat Kapolri segara usut tuntas pelaku kekerasan dan pembunuhan dua petani Desa Pagar batu yang dilakukan pihak keamanan perusahaan Perusahaan harus bertanggung jawab penuh atas kejadian ini mendesak Polda Sumatera Selatan mencopot Kapolres Lahat karena lalai menjaga stabilitas dan menjamin kepastian hak-hak warga negara dalam konflik sumber daya alam Komnas HAM dan KOMPOLNAS untuk segera melakukan investigasi dan mengeluarkan rekomendasi hasil investigasinya DPRD Sumatera Selatan untuk segara mendesak pemerintahan daerah untuk segara melaksanakan Reforma Agraria yang dibutuhkan rakyat mendesak Bupati Kabupaten Lahat untuk segera menyelesaikan konflik lahan yang telah memakan korban dan Bupati Lahat membuat rekomendasi untuk mencabut izin HGU PT Arta Prigel agar menghentikan aktivitas di lahan sengketa dengan warga Desa Pagar Batu Kepolisian Resort Lahat menetap seorang tersangka atas tewas dan terlukanya warga Desa Pagar Batu Arga Prigel yang menetap di Base Camp Arta Prigel Dikutip dari jppn.com AKBP Irwansyah menjelaskan Ujang Boy dijadikan tersangka atas kasus penganiayaan hingga meninggal dunia korban Putra Bakti Tidak menutup kemungkinan bertambah,” jelasnya   Facebook   Twitter   Instagram   RSS / XML PHILIPPINES – As the Philippines reels from the aftermath of Typhoons Julian and Nica battering the country in rapid succession Save the Children Philippines is ramping up efforts to protect children and communities through the launch of the #LahatDapatSafe campaign These storms have left over 1 million children vulnerable to devastating impacts—displaced from their homes “I am afraid to sleep because the wind is so strong ‘I am afraid to sleep because the wind is so strong and I don’t know where we will go next The rain reminds me of that terrible night when we lost everything,” said 12-year-old Mica The devastating impact of these typhoons requires immediate Save the Children has launched the #LahatDapatSafe campaign to ensure that children are not only kept safe but also given the resources they need to recover and rebuild their futures and emotional support to thousands of children and their families in affected regions such as Camarines Sur Save the Children has already mobilized urgent relief efforts with the help of key partners and donors and others who are helping to ensure a swift and effective response The Miss Philippines and Mister Pilipinas Worldwide have been actively involved by packing essential relief items such as hygiene kits and household supplies which will be distributed to affected families in the hardest-hit areas “A child’s safety and well-being should never be at risk The #LahatDapatSafe campaign ensures that children who are affected by these disasters receive the immediate relief and long-term support they need to recover and thrive,” said Atty we are committed to supporting these families and helping them rebuild their lives.” For more information about the #LahatDapatSafe campaign and how you can help make the holidays brighter for children and their families, visit http://bit.ly/LahatDapatSafe Brand & Integrated Communications Manager Email: Felycora.Maatubang@savethechildren.org LET’S READ SUARA SARAWAK/ NEW SARAWAK TRIBUNE E-PAPER FOR FREE AS ​​EARLY AS 2 AM EVERY DAY. CLICK LINK is prepared to extend technical advisory services to the Ministry of Education (MOE) to assess the structural safety of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Lahat in Perak which was affected by a fire incident yesterday stressed the importance of conducting a thorough structural assessment to ensure the building is fully safe before any restoration begins “The ministry is committed to working hand-in-hand with MOE and all relevant agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of students teachers and school personnel at all times,” he said in a Facebook post today affected the roof of seven classrooms located on the third floor of Block D Nanta noted that emergency response teams arrived at the scene within three minutes of receiving the alert and successfully brought the blaze under control in just over an hour “I have also been informed that the investigation into the incident is ongoing and led by the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) the affected area remains under the control of the authorities and is off-limits to external parties to ensure the safety of everyone and to facilitate a smooth and thorough investigation,” he said He also extended his heartfelt appreciation to the Perak JBPM particularly the teams from the Pasir Putih and Batu Gajah fire stations for their swift and professional response in managing the situation I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all parties involved in this operation “I pray that all subsequent matters following this incident will proceed smoothly,” he added Sarawak Tribune is a Sarawakian news portal that highlights Sarawak-centric news and other stories of relevance to Sarawak.Today Sarawak Tribune focuses on happenings in Sarawak’s cities towns and small places no matter how remote these are and events of relevance in other states of Malaysia and other countries Petani Kopi di Lahat Tewas Diterkam Harimau KOMPAS.com - Mustadi (52), petani kopi asal Kabupaten Lahat tewas diterkam harimau di kawasan hutan lindung di Dusun Rekimai perbatasan Lahat dan Muara Enim Serangan tersebut disaksikan langsung oleh istrinya "Informasi yang kami dapat serangan terjadi pada Kamis malam tadi lokasinya masih berada di dalam hutan lindung," ujar Kepala Seksi Konservasi Wilayah II Lahat Balai Konservasi Sumber Daya Alam (BKSDA) Sumsel Baca juga: Temukan Jejak Harimau di Riau, BBKSDA Beberkan Cara Hindari Serangan korban berada di kebun kopi bersama istri dan satu saksi lainnya Serangan terjadi ketika saksi selesai menggiling kopi dan membongkar mesin kopi Saksi melihat kemunculan harimau di dekat korban sehingga langsung berteriak harimau keburu menerkam korban dan membuat saksi lain naik ke pondok Saksi kemudian mendekati lagi korban yang sudah diserang saat harimau menjauh tetapi ia terpaksa naik lagi ke pondok karena harimau tersebut kembali mendekati korban Terdapat bekas luka serangan di bagian dada dan leher "Istrinya tertahan di dalam pondok sampai malam tadi bisa dievakuasi jenazah korban sudah diserahkan ke keluarga," ujar Martialis Baca juga: BBKSDA Riau Pasang Kamera Trap di Lokasi Temuan Jejak Harimau Sumatera Kompas Cyber Media (Kompas Gramedia Digital Group) Baca juga: '+json_baca_juga.items[i].title+' Brigadier General Betty Lahat served in the Israel Prison Service for 35 years during which she filled senior positions and headed several prisons among them the Neveh Tirtza women’s prison the Sharon Prison and the Hadarim detention center which has been housing many high-profile Palestinian security prisoners Her last position with the IPS was head of the Service’s intelligence department in the capacity of which she had met many of the Palestinian security prisoners Lahat had worked with inmates from many demographics – from youths and women to heads of crime and arch-terrorists “I’ve experienced a fair share of heartache during my career and witnessed time and time again our inability to break the cycles of crime and terror” “I’ve raised generations of inmates – I had female inmates that gave birth while serving prison sentences and later met their children in juvenile prisons and how I would throw them birthday parties in the prison cafeteria when they would visit their mothers I would look at them and think to myself – they’re my children’s age why did they have to end up in a place like this I have met some of the bloodiest terrorists and had to watch them as they walk around the prison yard while I  had to ensure they received appropriate care There were times when I would get home and say to myself ‘good lord GPOWe knew that his word was the law: the prisoner Yahya SinwarOver the years Betty Lahat had seen some of the most dangerous prisoners Israel’s prisons had known and she had met some of the highest profile terrorists Under her wardenship she had seen the likes of Hamas founder Ahmad Yassin head of the Hamas military wing Salah Shehade and head of izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades in Judea and Samaria Ibrahim Hamed who orchestrated most of the terror attacks during the Second Intifada one of the most memorable inmates for Lahat – mainly due to his nefarious intelligence and shocking cruelty – is Yahya Sinwar “I remember him as a very dominant figure who was very cruel The prisoners elected him time after time as their prison leader he put together inmate terror cells and a telecommunications reconnaissance team that was tasked with gathering intel within and outside of the prison He also commanded special units that interrogated new prisoners Any prisoner suspected of collaborating with Israel was cruelly tortured Sinwar never did any of the dirty work himself but it was clear that he was the one pulling the strings He also took under his wing the most murderous terrorist that would arrive at the prison a West Bank Hamas militant jailed for life for his part in the lynching of two Israeli soldiers in Ramallah famously depicted standing at a window holding up blood-stained hands and made him head of the telecommunications units in the prison He also added to his ranks the murderers of the Fogel family and the perpetrator of the deadly bombing of the Park Hotel in Netanya during negotiations for the release of abducted Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit Sinwar was involved in the selection of the terrorists to be released He made sure that he and his cronies were on the list and left out prisoners that were at odds with him Would you have believed that Sinwar was able to orchestrate an attack on the scale of the October 7 massacre Sinwar had no interest in coexistence and had always proclaimed he would never be resigned to the ‘Zionist settlers’ living on what he saw as the land of Palestine both in direct conversations I had with him as well as conversations with his prison associates we tapped I had never witnessed him stray from his way of thought and staunch ideology He had grand schemes and he truly believed that by 2027 he would lead a brutal attack that would result in the victory of Hamas over Israel – so whoever tries to claim that Sinwar held a pragmatic approach toward Israel has no idea what he is talking about” He always had grand designsTo what extent was Sinwar involved in events outside of prison we had designated Sinwar as a national target prisoner a prisoner that demands constant surveillance as his sphere of influence extended beyond prison walls He was extremely involved with what was happening in other security prisons and was very knowledgeable about current affairs in Israel You must understand that Sinwar was deviously intelligent He got to know Israeli society like the back of his hand and could analyze it brilliantly It was clear from an early stage that he had set his mind on fragmenting Israeli society from within His objective of fomenting discord in Israel was clearly evident even during the Gaza war and it is clear to me that when he emerged from the tunnels and saw Gaza in ruins he got the tailwind to carry on his fight from seeing the discord in Israel’s society  and he believed he would eventually prevail” You participated in the discussions on the list of terrorists to be released as part of the Shalit deal Where did you stand on the release of Sinwar “I had a very hard time with Sinwar’s release and I had warned them that this is not a terrorist that should be set free one of the negotiation team members asked me ‘what do you have against Sinwar He’ll have plenty of Jewish blood on his hands’ I don’t know  exactly what I meant when I said this but it was clear to me that once he sees an opportunity to commit heinous attacks against Jews – he’ll seize it Whoever gets to know terrorists like Sinwar and spends so much time with them as I did And whoever was surprised by the sheer cruelty of the terrorist in the October 7 attack didn’t really know them at all” Betty Lahat is very familiar with the situation in Israeli prisons and knows the conditions under which various classes of prisoners are held She has a hard time accepting the manner in which prisoners – particularly security prisoners – manipulate public opinion in Israel and its justice system to gain unjustified amenities “The Palestinian security prisoners know that the Israeli justice system will always take care of them and that the doors of the High Court of Justice are always open to them” “We are under the impression that when the prisons are quiet we can rehabilitate them and change their ways But what we fail to understand is that this humane approach is to our detriment The better the conditions we give them are Even saving their lives has no effect on them I spoke to Sinwar after he underwent surgery to remove a malignant tumor from his brain in an Israeli hospital I asked him whether he now has some gratitude toward Israel to which he replied that he has nothing to be grateful for as we simply did our job We need to forgo this illusion that if we give them favorable conditions in prison we can remove them from the path of terror In all my years with the Israeli Prison Service I’ve not once encountered a Hamas prisoner that had forsaken his ideology They know that the Israeli legal system will always take care of them GPOWhat does the life of a security inmate look like “Each inmate must participate in a mandatory educational program They also get to study for academic degrees through the Open University the Palestinian Authority actually encourages them to earn an education in prison The higher their academic achievement – the more money they get they have a large library and there is not one book that reaches the book stores in Israel that is not added to their library immediately I’ve seen with my own eyes Palestinian inmates reading canonic Jewish literature such as Jabotinsky’s ‘Iron Wall’ and Yehuda Ha’Levi’s ‘Kuzari’ They also regularly receive Israeli newspapers their favorite being Ha’aretz – they have a permanent subscription and have a fit when it fails to arrive In addition to the enrichment programs they’re entitled to from the system the terror cells within the prisons cultivate education among their members – every member is required to learn Hebrew and serve a period as their spokesman They listen to the news and read the papers and then they sit together and analyze the news and commentary In particular they pay close attention to the social discord in Israel to assess how fatigued Israeli society is and thus willing to make concessions You have to understand that the Palestinian security inmate lives under iron discipline – especially those of them who are members of Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad They waste no time and utilize their prison time to acquire education and skills that will come in handy for their terror activity and long-term plan execution” What is your opinion on the criticism on the living conditions of the security inmates “Security prisoners are not supposed to have the same conditions that criminal prisoners have and this is also supported by international law Whoever murders Jews just for being Jews should be held under completely different conditions the security prisons have long become a summer camp for terrorists among others because of the justice system and the High Court of Justice that hand down phantasmagoric rulings that are utterly out of touch with the reality in the prisons we were told that we cannot search under the prisoners’ prayer mats because it is disrespectful to their faith – do they even know what prisoners can hide or dig under their mats there are Palestinian security prisoners whose sole job is to sit and compose petitions to the High Court of Justice they also use lawyers and politicians to help them send out messages to associates on the outside and coordinate plans and the General Security Service and the Attorney General’s office allow this to happen the responsibility for the living conditions of security inmates should rest solely in the hands of the IPS which is the suitable professional body for this and my vast experience with the IPS teaches me that it would ensure that the security prisoners are treated according to what is stipulated by international law – no more Having climbed to key positions in the Israel Prison Service Brigadier General Lahat has deep insights not only into the reality within prison walls but also on the fashion in which Israel’s entire security and intelligence apparatus works One of the most material issues that she points to is the lack of collaboration among the various intelligence agencies “Each agency thinks it has a monopoly on brains and that it knows better” “There is a lot of patronizing going around in these agencies especially on part of the GSS and certain units within IDF Intelligence and they don’t really strive to cooperate with the police and the prison service When I was head of the IPS intelligence department I literally begged them to collaborate with us because I knew we at the prison service engaging with these prisoners on a daily basis At that time some improvement was made in the relations between the IP and the intelligence agencies but I think it pretty much went back to what it used to be when I look at what is happening  in the Israeli intelligence community What about the deals for the release of prisoners – are they made without the IPS input “When they signed the Jibril prisoner exchange agreement (in 1985 when Israel had released 1,500 Palestinian prisoners – some of them very high profile – in exchange for three Israeli soldiers captured in the First Lebanon War) and in the Shalit deal – our involvement was just for appearances Only after insisting on the presence of the Prison Service in the negotiations on the release of the terrorists my role amounted to presenting background information on the terrorists The government voted on the Shalit deal The consultation with the IPS was only for appearances GPOSounds like you have a bellyful of grievances on the GSS What is your opinion on its work in the past year “There are outstanding people in the GSS who do invaluable work but personally I think that the GSS is a body that takes on responsibilities that are not within its scope of duty  – and often this comes at the expense of tasks that are” do you get the impression that the policy of releasing prisoners in exchange for hostages influences the state of mind of the Palestinian prisoners The Palestinian prisoners truly believe that it’s only a matter of time till they are released and this keeps their spirits high They don’t care how many years they’re sentenced to Even prisoners who are sentenced to 60 years will say ‘Walla Ishi – “that’s nothing” – because they know that at one point or another Israelis will be kidnapped and they’ll just be released in an exchange deal Are there any prisoners that will never be released with any deal “Aside from Yigal Amir (who is serving a life sentence for the assassination of PM Yitzhak Rabin) I know of no such prisoner In the Jibreal deal and the Shalit deal we’ve released the worst of the terrorists and I see the names of the terrorist that are on the table for release in the current exchange negotiations  for the Israeli hostages in Gaza and I’m absolutely appalled sooner or later they all get a chance to be released in an exchange deal” Palestinian prisoners are released from detention in Israel Sooner or later they all get a chance to be released.My family and I received threats but I was never afraidRetired Assistant Commissioner Betty Lahat is not just a former senior officer of the Israeli Prison Service – she is one of the first women in the organization to have scaled the ranks and chalk up such an impressive track record but I have opened the doors to many women that followed in my footsteps and I’ve proved that we are every bit as good as the men in the IPS” “I was a strong woman in a masculine environment and that wasn’t easy When I was appointed head of the Sharon Prison  which is one of Israel’s highest security prisons Some had a hard time accepting a woman at the head of a men’s prison I was the target of scorning looks and remarks I gathered everyone and proclaimed that I will not apologize for being a woman they all came to see my vast knowledge and experience coupled with a deep familiarity with the brass tacks They also saw how motivated I was and the important changes I effected and no one dared act behind my back or try to sabotage me” Your job entailed daily dealings with the most dangerous prisoners in Israel “I had sat in the same room as heads of crime; I’ve sent terrorists to solitary confinement and there was even a time when I would travel to Gaza by myself – I never felt scared Even when our intelligence department notified me that there is intel about threats against me I insisted to go into the wards and meet the prisoners My family had also received dozens of threats threatened to come after me for months because I took away some of their amenities in prison That was my job and that was part of the risk I had assumed with the job” What have you learned after 35 years with the IPS How had your career shape your outlook today as a citizen of Israel? IPOH: A fire this morning damaged seven rooms on the third floor of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Lahat near here Perak Fire and Rescue Department assistant director of operations Sabarodzi Nor Ahmad said the department received an emergency call at 11.05 am Batu Gajah as well as Simpang Pulai Fire and Rescue Stations assisted by the volunteer firefighter units from Menglembu “The fire affected the third floor of Block D affecting the roof area and seven rooms -- three classrooms About 30 per cent of the area was destroyed no victims were involved in the incident,“ he said in a statement today Sabarodzi added that the fire was fully extinguished by 3.55 pm today Tel: +603-7784 6688      Fax: +603-7785 2625 Sign in to listen to groundbreaking journalism Si Mary Jane Veloso ang mukha ng marami nating kababayan: dukha, walang koneksiyon, high school drop out, at kapit sa patalim na pumatol sa kahit na anong trabaho sa ibang bansa upang mabuhay ang mga anak She is every Mary Jane every poor Filipina you bump into at the airport Hindi nila alam ang kinabukasang sasapitin sa dayuhang bansa kung saan sila’y isang kasambahay — na ang translation sa ibang amo ay “alila.” Unescorted therefore “dishonored” sa mata ng kulturang piyudal ng Middle East — bulnerable sila sa sexual abuse at rape Pagdating sa destination country, hindi nila alam ang kahulugan ng pagkuha ng passport nila ng kanilang amo: na hindi na sila makalilipat ng trabaho Wala silang agency na ipaglaban ang karapatan sa harap ng iligal na kalakaran na ito dahil mistula na silang hostage sa isang unfamiliar household sa isang unfamiliar country may mga kuwento ng pag-asa at pagmamalasakit sa kapwa “Saving Mary Jane” ang tawag ng Rappler sa makasaysayan at marahil isa sa pinakamatagumpay na pagkakapit-bisig ng gobyerno Dahil sa maagap na pagresponde ni dating Department of Foreign Affairs secretary Albert del Rosario at dating presidente Benigno Aquino III nagkaroon ng stay of execution si Mary Jane.  Sa katunayan, nag-break ng protocol si Pangulong PNoy nang tawagan niya ang Indonesian foreign minister (dapat counterpart lang niya ang kinakausap niya) upang mapigilan ang pag-firing squad kay Mary Jane. (BASAHIN: Aquino ‘broke protocol’ to save Mary Jane Veloso) Pero hindi ito dahil lamang sa gobyerno na nagpamalas ng political will — dahil din ito sa groundswell ng support sa Pilipinas na umugong sa social media at sa traditional media na nagpokus ng atensiyon kay Mary Jane bilang tao at hindi istatistika lamang Habang nagsusumikap ang then-president PNoy na humanap ng diplomatic solution upang mapigilan ang execution, napuno ang signature campaign na naglalayon ng clemency para kay Mary Jane.  Sampung taon na sa kulungan si Mary Jane Veloso — at dahil sa ipinunla ni Del Rosario at Aquino malapit nang makabalik ng bansa si Mary Jane at abot-kamay na ang clemency Hindi rin kumpleto ang picture kung hindi babanggitin ang follow through ng Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) at Foreign Affairs sa ilalim ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr Natawid ang hamon ng panahon (10 taon!), international borders, at magkakatunggaling politikal na kampo upang palayain ang isang babaeng biktima ng tadhana, lipunan, at maging ng kanyang kababata Sabi mismo ni DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac, patuloy na nabibiktima ang mga OFW dahil sa salat ang government intervention sa grassroots level. (BASAHIN: Curbing illegal recruitment at grassroots level a challenge for DMW) Pero ang tunay na tagumpay ay buwagin ang mga sindikato at tiyaking pangangalagaan ng host country ang mga OFW.  pag-ibayuhin ang job opportunities sa Pilipinas upang hindi na mangibang bayan ang mga ina’t ama ng tahanan.  Tigilan na rin ang pagro-romanticize sa OFW bilang bayani — dahil ang katotohanan bansa tayo ng traumatized OFW at motherless generations condemned the recent string of violent road rage incidents and urged Filipinos to choose patience and discipline especially amid the Holy Week break when most people would be traveling President Marcos called out the rise of aggressive behavior among motorists and even fatal shootings that have plagued public roads in recent weeks Everyone’s a tough guy,” he said. “What kind of culture are we building if we normalize confrontation and violence on our streets?” he added President Marcos reminded the public that driving is a privilege and stressed the importance of being mindful not just of traffic laws but also of one’s behavior behind the wheel.  He criticized those who resort to filming conflicts instead of helping to defuse the situation “We shouldn’t go viral again because of fighting Let’s choose peace,” he said urging both drivers and bystanders to take responsibility in maintaining public order The new Filipino sides with peace and safety,” he said © All Rights Reserved. 2025 | Manila Standard | Developed by Neitiviti Studios what is the one thing that will excite everyone A new release from the Ateneo University Press unravels the story of alcohol and its consumption in the Philippines.  1850-1945 meticulously delves into the provisionment system that met the needs of Manila's ever-expanding population from the everyday hustle and bustle to the unforeseen disasters Aguardiente sa Lahat shines a much-deserved light on the little-known history of alcoholic beverage systems in the Philippines before World War II The book offers intimate and vivid observations on the integral role of alcoholic beverages as “social lubricators” and “bonding agents” since pre-colonial times The book traces the significant shift in dominance between different kinds of alcohol from artisanal alcohol produced in numerous provincial stills to a small number of industrial distilleries in the city The author not only focuses on the processes related to the creation of these beverages but also the people involved in them providing colorful glimpses of the tappers who readied tuba and basi for consumption as well as the businessmen who aided in the development and distribution of beer in the market It also explores the intense rise and pivotal influence of print advertising on the drinking tastes and habits of those in differing socioeconomic classes.    Piecing together historical documents and images along with the author’s signature astute analysis Aguardiente sa Lahat provides readers with an in-depth and nuanced understanding of how drinking culture has changed over time This book is an invaluable resource for historians and anyone who has ever enjoyed a drink.  Doeppers is professor emeritus of geography and Southeast Asian Studies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison He began work in the Philippines with comparative research on three provincial cities (Davao later switching to an historical geographic approach to the globally important megacity  of Manila.  His topics have included social stratification and mobility the impact of the 1930s (and 1985) depression along with the changing hinterland-provincial and international provisioning of the metropolis over nearly a century Doeppers is published by the Ateneo de Manila University Press The book retails at PHP 375 and is available at the Ateneo University Press Bookshop in Bellarmine Hall and the Press’s official Lazada and Shopee stores Get your copy in paperback: Website│Lazada and Shopee Vice President Sara Duterte is fuming that the Philippines is hell-bound because it is supposedly run by liars and thieves The Vice President unleashed a profanity-laced tirade against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. accusing him of being an incompetent and dishonest leader who turns a blind eye to corruption and abuse Duterte also came out swinging against First Lady Liza Marcos and House Speaker Martin Romualdez accusing them of alleged abuse of government funds The latest fiery comments from the Vice President against the Marcoses came after Congress ordered the transfer of her chief of staff Atty Zuleika Lopez from the House detention center to a women’s prison in Mandaluyong City who had been staying inside Congress in solidarity with the detained OVP staffer since Thursday has cried foul over the alleged excessive House order Lopez has been hospitalized following the prison transfer order A visibly angry Duterte first lashed out at Marcos for his campaign promise to bring the cost of rice to P20 per kilo calling it a blatant deception to secure votes “This country is going to hell because we are led by a person who doesn’t know how to be president and who is a liar,” she said during an online press briefing early Saturday morning She revealed she consulted rice traders about Marcos’ campaign promise “Sabi ko sabihin mo sa akin kung magagawa ba yang P20 Napakaimposible gawin ‘yan because more than 20 ang cost Paano ka magbenta nang palugi,” Duterte said It’s either he did not know what he is taking about or he was lying through his teeth to get the votes of people,” she said then declared: “Putang ina ninyong lahat Martin Romualdez Marcos previously explained that rice could be sold at P20 per kilo once the agricultural sector and production cost stabilizes He has already reduced the import tariffs on rice imports in the hopes of lowering cost in the market accusing the First Lady of involvement in the distribution of suspicious cash envelopes to the Department of Education (DepEd) “You sent written instructions about money Anong nakalagay doon sa envelope – DepEd namimigay ka ng pera ng gobyerno,’ she said She claimed that the “white envelopes” existed long before the confidential funds controversy Tapos kami nagsisinungaling?” she blasted accusing of him of stealing government funds while Marcos looked the other way She also alleged that Romualdez was tapping social aid or ayuda for “vote-buying” activities “Magnanakaw ka,” she told the President’s cousin Duterte also blasted the President for allegedly tolerating such corruption in government may Speaker na involved sa bribery ng Supreme Cour judges Pinabayaan mo siya abusuhin ang pera ng bayan Namimigay ng pera na parang sa kanya ang pera,” she said She lamented that the administration has been trying to destroy her name and now harass her Office of the Vice President (OVP) personnel since she parted ways with the Marcoses She expected the attacks will continue since they consider her a threat in the 2028 presidential eecltirons “Kailangan ba nagsimula ang pambababastos nila After that meeting with the Makabayan bloc and Martin Romualdez pummeling me in the media with the multimillion PR campaign Binastos pa nila sa pagsisinungaling nila na kesyo taksil “POLITIKO: Navigating the Pulse of Philippine Politics” encapsulates our commitment to providing comprehensive and dynamic coverage of the ever-evolving political landscape in the Philippines we delve deep into the heart of political matters offering insightful analysis and timely updates that resonate with the pulse of the nation With a foundation built on journalistic integrity since 2014 POLITIKO stands as the compass guiding you through the currents of Philippine politics ensuring you stay informed and engaged every step of the way JAKARTA - Para aktivis lembaga swadaya masyarakat meminta PT Artha Prigel (anak perusahaan PT Bukit Barisan Indah Prima) bertanggung jawab secara hukum atas terjadinya aksi kekerasan pada Minggu (22/3) yang mengakibatkan dua petani di Desa Pagar Batu serta dua lainnya luka parah akibat bacokan senjata tajam Para aktivis juga meminta Mondelez International Musim Mas Holdings dan Louis Dreyfus Company B.V—yang semuanya tercatat sebagai anggota Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO)—untuk memutus PT Bukit Barisan Indah Prima dari rantai pasok produksinya “Negara dalam mengusut kasus ini harus meminta pertanggungjawaban hukum bagi korporasi dalam konflik ini pasti diakibatkan oleh pengaruh dari korporasi dalam konteks ini PT Artha Prigel yang merupakan anak perusahaan PT Bukit Barisan Indah Prima,” demikian pernyataan bersama yang diterima oleh Gresnews.com Konflik antara petani Lahat dan PT Artha Prigel telah terjadi cukup lama beroperasinya PT Arta Prigel di beberapa desa Belakangan diketahui perusahaan yang bergerak dalam bidang buah sawit itu baru mengusulkan surat Hak Guna Usaha (HGU) tahun 2003 dan dikeluarkan HGU oleh BPN Lahat baru pada 2006.  seharusnya kebijakan RSPO tentang pembela hak asasi manusia dapat diterapkan mengingat kebijakan tersebut juga mengikat rantai pasok anggotanya Secara resmi kebijakan yang berjudul Protecting Human Rights Defenders Complainants And Community Spokespersons itu telah diadopsi pada 2018 dan seketika harus diterapkan pada seluruh rantai pasok anggota RSPO “Presiden Jokowi memastikan Inpres 8/2018 tentang Penundaan dan Evaluasi Perizinan Serta Peningkatan Produktivitas Perkebunan Sawit dilaksanakan dengan baik dan tidak ada perluasan lahan dan fokus terhadap evaluasi perkebunan sawit,” demikian pernyataan bersama itu Lembaga Perlindungan Saksi dan Korban (LPSK) semua turun tangan untuk menuntaskan kasus tersebut Sementara itu Satreskrim Polres Lahat menangkap satu tersangka terkait kasus tewasnya petani Lahat itu Informasinya tersangka adalah warga Kecamatan Saling Ujang Boy sendiri merupakan petugas keamanan perusahaan tersebut Kapolres Lahat AKBP Irwansyah menjelaskan Ujang Boy dijadikan tersangka atas kasus penganiayaan hingga meninggal terhadap korban dengan cara menusuk perut korban hingga tewas “Tersangka dijerat Pasal 351 ayat (2) dan ayat (3) KUHP yang menyebabkan korban tewas,” ungkap Irwansyah di Mapolres Lahat MANILA, Philippines – Heroes were out and about at the thrilling conclusion of the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament, which saw the UP Fighting Maroons dethrone the De La Salle Green Archers in a nip-and-tuck, winner-take-all Game 3, 66-62 clutch finishers who both had a lot to prove despite carrying highly contrasting storylines Even Kevin Quiambao and Mike Phillips shone as heroes — ever-worthy adversaries who gave their all for La Salle and forced the absolute best out of UP for the second straight year As the confetti fell at the Araneta Coliseum the space under the spotlight couldn’t really cover everyone who had meaningful contributions to the winning cause but they nonetheless deserve every bit of recognition for their efforts For UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde, that kind of honor once again goes to his ever trusty lieutenants from NU high school Gerry Abadiano, Harold Alarcon who now join him as two-time UAAP champions after their first rodeo in 2022 “I never had doubts with my players from before,” Monteverde said after the championship celebration “Ever since we got together before until now you know when you’re gonna enter into battle feeling mo lahat kaya mo eh.” (If you’re with them If anything, the Season 87 finals turned out to be the finest display of Monteverde’s recruitment vision, as the majority of his title-winning standouts from the Season 82 high school tournament all grew to be valuable pieces of contending teams half a decade later. Even his lone holdover in NU, Steve Nash Enriquez, has turned into a tenacious leader for a Bulldogs side still squarely a dark horse contender even after an injury-derailed Season 87 campaign. With Alarcon already confirming his return for a last dance in Season 88 and Abadiano, Fortea, Felicilda, and Torres all likely to follow suit, Monteverde’s Maroons remain a highly formidable force for a title defense and once again the top team to beat for the rest of the UAAP. “I’m very thankful for their trust and their perseverance,” Monteverde continued. “Through their hardwork, we all achieved this title.” – Rappler.com Many Filipinos mark Holy Week in different ways. Among the common practices during the Holy Week are Visita Iglesia and Pabasa, while some undergo flagellation. De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde's Justine Sanchez, meanwhile, carries a life-size image of the cross while going through more than 10 Pabasa sessions in their area in Tarlac City. Sanchez recalled that he started doing this less than ten years ago as a continuation of a family tradition "I asked my titos and lolos bakit sila naggaganon they're doing that kasi 'yung sacrifice na inaalay nila alam mo 'yung feeling pag pista ng Santo Niño o Nazareno sa Quiapo d'un namin binubuhos," Sanchez told GMA News Online sobrang gaan sa pakiramdam kasi lahat ng dilemmas 'yun 'yung way namin to communicate with God during ginagawa namin 'yun." [I asked my uncles and grandparents why they do that they're doing that because of the sacrifice that they offer you know the feeling when it's the feast of Santo Niño or Nazareno in Quiapo we feels so light because all of the dilemmas that's our way to communicate with God when do that.] While the image of the cross he carries for around three hours also has some weight in it it is just a small sacrifice compared to what the one who truly died in the cross had Sanchez also feels emotional as he listens to every word of the Pabasa kusa lang tumutulo habang binabasa 'yung bawat letra sa pabasa,'yun nafe-feel ko." "Marami kasing nagsasabi sa amin na bakit namin ginagaya 'yung ginagawa Niya before sa'min kasi kung si Lord nga nag-sacrifice Ano ba naman ang hirap ng buhay natin [kumpara] sa Kanya?" they come out on their own while every letter of the pabasa is read People tell us why are we copying what He did before How can our struggles in life compare to His?] Sanchez said among his first prayers while doing the tradition was for his lolo's health it has evolved into different types of prayer requests "Pinagpapanata ko [rin] 'yung sarili ko kasi 'yun nga each person naman gusto lang maging better." It's also about myself because each person wants to become better.] the biggest prayer that was answered was meeting the family of University of Santo Tomas Tiger Cubs head coach Manu Iñigo who considers him a part of his family Sanchez and Iñigo crossed paths when the two were still with the San Beda University high school program "'Yung makameet ako ng pamilya na hindi ko naman kadugo pero binigay ni Lord 'yung pangarap kong 'yun 'yun ang pamilya niya na tumanggap sa akin From 2017 na nag-start na player niya ako na until now 'yun ang biggest blessing na na-receive ko." [That I met a family that I'm not connected to by blood From 2017 when I started as his player until now that's the biggest blessing I've received.] Asked what other prayers he also wants to be fulfilled this year Sanchez said he still wants to be better in the sport and also for his Blazers squad to finally bring home the title gagawin ko kasi 'yun ang gusto ko mangyari this season 'di ako titigil hanggat di ko nakukuha 'yun." I'll do it because what I want this season I'll push myself and I won't stop until I'm able to achieve that.] {{gallery.imageDetails.images.0.description}} Philippines – The UST Growling Tigers may have already arrested their three-game slide but head coach Pido Jarencio did not hold back at his “bashers” following their midseason struggles Jarencio expressed his dismay on what he believed were fair-weather UST faithful after the Tigers turned back the FEU Tamaraws, 79-70 in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament Mamatay na kayong lahat,” said Jarencio “We’re just going to keep on playing and fighting This team will continue to fight,” he added in Filipino The Tigers opened the second round with losses against perennial title contender UP Fighting Maroons and defending champion La Salle Green Archers before losing on their home court against the Ateneo Blue Eagles.  the Tigers lost five of their last six games.  Jarencio also lamented the decline of Tigers fans who attended the past two games including the one at UST’s Quadricentennial Pavilion which saw Ateneo fans occupy almost half of the arena as the home crowd failed to fill seats for a packed house.  “My only regret is that our real UST fans are always there win or lose but only a few attended today since we’ve been losing they are all there,” the outspoken Jarencio said.  who guided the Tigers to their last UAAP championship in 2006 called for “real fans” to continue supporting UST as the team heads into the final stretch of the elimination round.  If only five thousand fans watched us today that’s fine with us,” Jarencio added.  ending the rather short press conference.  UST holds a 1.5-game separation against the 3-7 Blue Eagles and the Adamson Soaring Falcons in the standings.  The Tigers still have three games remaining on their schedule as they go up against the NU Bulldogs UST’s remaining assignments are all must-win games as the Tigers eye their first Final Four appearance since 2019.  “It’s a do-or-die mindset for us in these last games,” he said. – Rappler.com Former President Rodrigo Duterte is sending his heartfelt gratitude to Filipinos rallying behind him amid his latest legal predicament The former leader’s message of gratitude was relayed by his lawyer former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea after visiting him at the International Criminal Court (ICC) detention center in The Hague on Monday A clip of Medialdea delivering Duterte’s message is posted on former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque’s Facebook page ‘Mahal na mahal ko kayong lahat at maraming maraming salamat sa lahat ng suporta na binibigay ninyo sa akin at sa aking pamilya,” Medialdea quote the former president arrested in Manila last week and flown to The Hague is currently held at the ICC detention facility pending a trial on drug war-related charges who earlier protested his ‘kidnapping’ by the government and has been informed his rights and charges The next ICC hearing is set for September 2025 allies and supporters have affirmed support for the embattled former president and called for his return to the Philippines Many pro-Duterte rallies have also been held by Filipinos here and abroad to show solidarity for the former leader In a festive season filled with gatherings and celebrations many Filipinos share meals with loved ones and bring home leftovers inspired by Megastar Sharon Cuneta’s 1985 hit Bituing Walang Ningning a gesture of thoughtfulness and planning for the days ahead In a recent video for Insular Life (InLife) she emphasizes the importance of saving and securing insurance coverage for the future.  “Mag-Sharon Para Sa Kinabukasan with InLife,” she says likening the act of saving food to setting aside savings for life’s uncertainties parang pagtatabi lang yan ng savings for the future… dapat dun ka sa trusted and sure na secure parang InLife.” urging Filipinos to prioritize financial preparedness as the New Year approaches.  “InLife wishes our fellow Filipinos happy holidays As we approach the New Year and plan our traditional resolutions we emphasize the importance of financial preparedness including saving for unforeseen events and investing in life insurance,” Martinez said Recent findings from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Financial Inclusion Survey show a decline in savings among Filipino adults dropping from 53 percent in 2019 to 37 percent in 2021 This decrease has also impacted insurance coverage which fell from 23 percent to 17 percent during the same period InLife and Cuneta launched a video and billboard campaign at NAIA Terminal 3 especially overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to secure their long-term financial future Cuneta highlights her own financial planning noting her InLife Retire Assure for monthly pension benefits and InLife Resilience for critical illness coverage.  That’s why I have both InLife Retire Assure for a monthly pension in old age and InLife Resilience so I won’t have debt due to critical illness,” Cuneta said the country’s first and largest Filipino life insurance company The company offers products like Retire Assure the first true retirement insurance in the country which provides accelerated cash payouts for critical illness a customizable product with investment components tailored to individual needs InLife and Cuneta encourage Filipinos to consider their long-term financial security and to plan for a stable future Philippines – The CCP Pasinaya Open House Festival returns for its 19th edition with broad offerings from art tours to concerts all over the country providing an expansive reach fit for its theme Festival-goers on February 1 and 2 can visit as many as 20 museums and galleries in Metro Manila for its museum tours while concerts and other multicultural events in Manila and nearby cities also roll off as CCP celebrates the National Arts Month CCP is offering a free shuttle for its pay-what-you-can and visit-all-you-can museum hopping on the two-day festival starting from the Paseo Museo terminal located along Vicente Sotto Street in Manila.  Among the museums and galleries to be featured are the Adamson University Gallery Asian Institute of Maritime History (Museo Maritimo) Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MCAD) The tour will start from 9 am to 4 pm on both days of the event going simultaneously with other festivities at the CCP Complex and Circuit Makati Other art showcases are sprinkled in different venues such as the CCP Complex (Front Lawn Intramuros (Baluarte de San Diego and Fort Santiago) Circuit Makati will be the stage for the top-performing art groups in the country the Sandiwang Kayumanggi Folk Dance Troupe and Bungkos Palay Performing Arts Foundation.  As an extension for performers in the festivals Fort Santiago and Baluarte de San Diego in Intramuros will be the venues for other youthful acts from universities and high schools around the metro The Philippine Madrigal Singers and Alice Reyes Dance Philippines will also perform at the MET world-class performers like Ballet Philippines and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra will be featured at Aliw Theater Literary artists will be at the Liwasang Kalikasan while Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez will screen films from Gawad Alternatibo It will also host a new festival event called “Palaro,” which aims to pay homage to Philippine landmarks and mythology through live game demos and tournaments expanding the multicultural reach of the festival.  The CCP Pasinaya was established in 2005 and has since grown into the biggest multi-arts event in the country.  Registration for this year’s edition is open through the CCP’s social media accounts and its official website The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) under the leadership of Commissioner Romeo D officially launched its 2025 National Tax Campaign Kick-off on February 4 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City Tagumpay Nating Lahat,” this year’s campaign underscores the crucial role of taxpayers in funding the country’s economic recovery and development through the timely and correct payment of taxes The event also marked the beginning of Tax Awareness Month, a time dedicated to promote tax education and reinforce the importance of responsible tax payment. Throughout the month, the agency will roll out various activities, including seminars, information drives, and stakeholder and media engagements, to further enhance public awareness on taxation The program began with the registration of attendees followed by an invocation and the singing of the Philippine National Anthem energizing the audience and emphasizing the significance of national unity in achieving fiscal sustainability An audio-visual presentation (AVP) titled “Tungo sa Matagumpay na 2025” was then shown highlighting that the BIR has not only reached but exceeded its 2024 emerging collection goal of Php2.848 trillion as approved by the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) The BIR’s digital transformation programs with the launch of the Online Registration and Update System (ORUS) has revolutionized taxpayer registration by making it more convenient for the taxpayer to update their registration information a total of 470,000 digital TIN IDs were issued in 2024 The Electronic One-Time Transaction (eONETT) System has likewise streamlined the processing of 33,198 Electronic Certificate Authorizing Registration (eCARs) in the same year These digital advancements reflect the BIR’s commitment to becoming a more efficient One of the event’s key highlights was the unveiling of the 2025 BIR Tax Campaign Jingle and Music Video which aims to make tax awareness more engaging and accessible to the public another AVP titled “Ang Bagong Pilipino at ang Pagbabayad ng Buwis” was presented emphasizing the role of responsible taxpayers in building a stronger and more progressive nation featuring experts and BIR officials who tackled pressing tax-related issues and the Bureau’s initiatives to improve tax administration and compliance Department of Finance (DOF) Undersecretary for the Revenue Operations Group then took the stage to read the message of Secretary of Finance Ralph S reiterating the administration’s support for BIR’s tax collection efforts and its impact on the country’s economic stability A special performance by The World Champions added vibrancy to the event just before the much-awaited arrival of the Philippine President the BIR Tax Campaign Jingle and Music Video were officially launched through a grand Bump Opening symbolizing the official commencement of this year’s tax campaign Commissioner Lumagui expressed his gratitude to all law-abiding taxpayers and reaffirmed the agency’s dedication in improving tax services and ensuring a fair and transparent tax system He emphasized that every peso collected contributes to nation-building helping fund essential public services such as education The significance of this year’s tax campaign was further highlighted by its official logo which represents the shared responsibility of taxpayers and the government The heart in the logo symbolizes the taxpayer’s love for the country demonstrated through their diligent tax payments while the hand represents their hard work and willingness to contribute to national progress the heart signifies the agency’s dedication to honest and courteous service while the hand reflects its duty to collect taxes responsibly to fund government projects The infrastructure depicted in the logo symbolizes the tangible progress that tax revenues bring to the nation BIR Commissioner Lumagui then formally introduced the event’s Guest of Honor the President lauded the efforts of the BIR in strengthening the country’s revenue generation He urged all Filipinos to fulfill their tax obligations with honesty and diligence emphasizing that a fair and efficient tax system is key in sustaining the country’s economic momentum The 2025 BIR National Tax Campaign Kick-off successfully set the stage for the Bureau’s tax collection efforts for the year rallying public and private sector support towards a culture of voluntary tax compliance the BIR remains steadfast in its mission to build a stronger and more self-sufficient Philippines Lahat's death brings the toll of the IDF ground operation against the Hamas terror organization in Gaza to 327 | Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit The IDF announced Wednesday the death of a soldier in the Gaza Strip A member of the elite Maglan special forces unit Lahat fell during operations in a strategic area known as the Netzarim Corridor Wednesday at the military cemetery in Kfar Saba Lahat's death brings the toll of the IDF ground operation against the Hamas terror organization in Gaza to 327 Egyptian officials are preparing to present a comprehensive plan for the Gaza-Egypt border corridor in the coming days The Lebanese Al-Akhbar newspaper reported Wednesday that sources close to the negotiations revealed the Israeli delegation in Cairo acknowledged limitations in their authority to make decisions on several Rafah crossing-related matters without consulting higher political authorities The report said that Israel had previously received a detailed Egyptian proposal concerning the Rafah crossing and its management structure It also noted Egypt's opposition to all suggestions allowing Palestinian movement through the Kerem Shalom crossing on the Israeli side Egypt expressed to Israeli and American officials its willingness to cooperate on border control between Gaza and Sinai Cairo stipulated that this should occur within a broader framework than a bilateral partnership with Israel insisting on the involvement of a third party in the supervision process high-ranking Egyptian officials promised to present a clear and detailed outline of their vision for the border corridor in the coming days The sources added that the Israeli delegation mentioned military objectives in the area that have yet to be achieved stating that the ongoing negotiations do not necessitate halting efforts to reach these goals Cairo voiced concerns that this stance aligns with a potential escalation in Gaza "which could unfold in the coming days and jeopardize the negotiations as Hamas cautioned mediators two days ago." The report noted that mediators are awaiting Israel's responses on two key issues: the Rafah crossing and guaranteeing the continuation of the ceasefire during negotiations between stages of the agreement it was reported that Hamas demands Israel "refrain from any type of military operations – including targeted strikes – during the negotiations" between stages the goals are that "Gaza will be completely destroyed All its residents concentrated south of the Morag.. The Diplomatic-Security Cabinet has approved a wide-scale military operation in the Gaza Strip dubbed "Gideon’s Chariots," aimed at defeating Hamas.. The plan includes conquering the Gaza Strip and holding territory moving the civilian population southward for its protection Analysis  Archaeology Blogpost Business & Finance Culture Exclusive Explainer Environment Features Health In Brief Jewish World Judea and Samaria Lifestyle Cyber & Internet Sports Diplomacy  Iran & The Gulf Gaza Strip Politics Shopping Terms of use Privacy Policy Submissions Contact Us The first issue of Israel Hayom appeared on July 30 Israel Hayom was founded on the belief that the Israeli public deserves better more balanced and more accurate journalism [contact-form-7 id=”508379″ html_id=”isrh_form_Newsletter_en” title=”newsletter_subscribe”]