A submarine drone suspected to be from China was recovered in waters off the central Philippines, police said on Thursday, warning of “potential national security implications.”
Three fishermen found the drone on Monday around six miles off the coast of San Pascual in Masbate province, a police report said.
The Philippines and China have for years clashed over maritime rights in the South China Sea as well as possession of reefs and islets.
China claims almost the entire sea, brushing off rival claims from other countries and an international ruling that its assertion has no legal basis.
The yellow drone marked “HY-119” was found floating at sea before being turned over to authorities, regional police director Andre Dizon told AFP.
It was about six feet long, and torpedo-shaped with fins.
“Based on our open-source research in the internet… HY-119 refers to a Chinese underwater navigation and communication system,” Dizon said.
“It has an antenna and an eye that can be used for viewing. Based on our research, this can be used for monitoring and reconnaissance.”
Dizon said the drone was not armed, but the police report listed “potential national security implications” as one significance of its recovery.
It was turned over by police to the Philippine Navy on Tuesday, Dizon added.
The Philippine Navy and the Chinese embassy in Manila have yet to respond to AFP’s request for comment.
Tensions and military confrontations have escalated in the South China Sea in recent months. In December, Chinese coast guard vessels backed by navy ships fired powerful water cannons and blocked and sideswiped a Philippine patrol vessel. U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, MaryKay Carlson, accused Beijing in a social media post of putting “lives at risk” by disrupting a Philippine maritime operation.
In this image taken from a video provided by the Philippine National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS), a Chinese coast guard vessel, right, fires a powerful water cannon at a Philippine bureau of fisheries vessel near a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, Dec. 4, 2024.
Aaron Favila/NTF-WPS via AP
Also last month, the Philippine military deployed a navy ship and air force planes to shadow a Russian submarine, which passed through the South China Sea. One official said the navy was surprised to see the vessel because it was a “very unique submarine.”
In a recent discovery that has raised concerns over maritime security, a suspected Chinese underwater spy drone was found by fishermen in the waters off the Philippines.
The drone, which is believed to be a Chinese-made underwater glider, was found near the contested waters of the South China Sea. The device was equipped with sensors and cameras, leading to speculation that it may have been used for surveillance purposes.
The Philippine government has expressed alarm over the discovery, calling it a violation of their sovereignty and urging China to explain the presence of the drone in their waters. This incident has further heightened tensions in the region, as China continues to assert its claims over the South China Sea despite international opposition.
The discovery of the suspected spy drone highlights the growing concern over China’s increasing assertiveness in the region and its use of technology for military purposes. It serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining vigilance and cooperation among countries to ensure maritime security in the region.
Yun Li, 37, of Franklin Avenue in Flushing, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead on Monday, Dec. 23 at New York-Presbyterian Queens Hospital. Li lived three blocks east of the crime scene.
Police from the 109th Precinct in Flushing responded to a 911 call of shots fired at around 9:20 at the illicit gambling parlor that was operating in the basement of an apartment building at 41-19 Haight St.
They found two wounded men at the location. Li was rushed by EMS to the hospital, where he was listed in stable condition and required emergency surgery before dying four days later.
A second victim, a 42-year-old man, was shot in his cheek and he was transported by private means to New York-Presbyterian Queens Hospital, where he was listed in stable condition
Homicide detectives are looking for three Hispanic men who were seen running from the building shortly after the shots were fired. They jumped into a white SUV that sped away from the scene toward Sanford Avenue.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org or on X (the platform formerly known as Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are confidential.
Through Dec. 29, the 109th Precinct has reported a half dozen murders so far in 2024, three more than the three reported at the same point in 2023, a 100%, according to the most recent CompStat report. Felony assaults are also on the rise in the precinct, with 491 reported so far in 2024, 32 more than the 459 reported at the same point in 2023, an increase of 7%, according to CompStat.
Flushing man dies days after botched robbery at suspected gambling den near his home: NYPD
Tragedy struck in Flushing as a man lost his life just days after being involved in a botched robbery at a suspected gambling den near his home. According to the NYPD, the man, whose identity has not been released, was reportedly attempting to rob the establishment when things took a deadly turn.
Authorities believe that the man was armed and attempted to rob the gambling den, but was met with resistance from those inside. A struggle ensued, resulting in the man being seriously injured. He was taken to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to his injuries days later.
The incident has left the community in shock, with many questioning the safety and legality of such establishments in the area. The NYPD is currently investigating the incident and working to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the man’s death.
As the investigation unfolds, residents are urged to report any suspicious activity in their neighborhoods and to refrain from engaging in illegal activities that could put their lives at risk. The tragic outcome of this botched robbery serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with criminal behavior and the importance of staying safe and vigilant in one’s surroundings.
Anime, a genre that has recently captured the hearts of global audiences, has long served as an inspiration for Hollywood filmmakers, earning them recognition among the greats. 30 years ago, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ The Lion King made its debut in theaters, eventually becoming one of the most successful franchises of all time, spanning film, live theater, streaming, experiences, and beyond.
Over the years, numerous anime films have not only captivated viewers with their unique storytelling but also inspired adaptations and retellings in some of Hollywood’s most iconic films.
After the immense success of Mufasa: The Lion King, the photo-realistic animated prequel to The Lion King, Disney surpassed the $5 billion milestone, proving the franchise remains beloved by fans worldwide. While Disney’s Lion King franchise continues to break records and win over fans, many are unaware of the controversies regarding…
It’s no secret that Disney has a long history of adapting classic stories into their beloved animated films. But a recent revelation has left fans questioning the originality of one of their most iconic movies, The Lion King.
In a shocking turn of events, it has been revealed that actor Matthew Broderick, who voiced the adult Simba in the 1994 film, suspected that Disney may have copied the story from a 74-year-old manga titled “Kimba the White Lion.”
The manga, created by Osamu Tezuka in 1950, follows the story of a white lion cub named Kimba who must navigate the challenges of growing up and taking his place as king of the jungle. Sound familiar?
Broderick reportedly became aware of the similarities between The Lion King and Kimba the White Lion while working on the film, prompting him to question whether Disney had lifted the story from the classic manga.
This revelation has sparked a debate among fans, with many feeling betrayed and questioning the originality of one of their favorite childhood movies. Could it be possible that our whole childhood was a lie, and The Lion King was not the original masterpiece we believed it to be?
Regardless of the controversy, one thing is for sure: The Lion King will always hold a special place in the hearts of fans around the world. But the question remains: did Disney really copy the story of Simba from a 74-year-old manga? The truth may never be fully known.
MADERA COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — An unusual traffic stop by Madera California Highway Patrol officers led to the arrest of an alleged DUI driver and the confiscation of a spider monkey.
The CHP says officers stopped a speeding Rolls Royce Ghost Monday night on Highway 99, just north of Avenue 17.
The driver was found to be under the influence and placed under arrest for DUI, and possession of cannabis for sale.
Officers added he was also in possession of a 1-month-old Spider Monkey, which is illegal to own as a pet in California.
The monkey was safely taken by Animal Control, where it will receive the proper care.
The man was booked into the Madera County Jail and is facing several charges, including possession of an exotic animal.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) in Madera made an unusual discovery during a routine traffic stop last night. After pulling over a suspected DUI driver, officers found a spider monkey in the vehicle.
The driver, who has not been identified, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. The spider monkey, which is a protected species, was confiscated and taken to a local animal sanctuary.
CHP reminds the public that driving under the influence is not only dangerous for humans, but also for any animals in the vehicle. It is important to always designate a sober driver or use a rideshare service if you have been drinking.
Stay safe on the roads, and remember to never drink and drive.
Tags:
Madera CHP, DUI arrest, suspected DUI driver, spider monkey, animal confiscation, California Highway Patrol, wildlife protection, traffic violation, illegal animal possession
Arsenic has been found in the blood of one of three women who died after eating a Christmas cake in a suspected poisoning in Brazil, a police chief has told local media.
The highly toxic substance was also identified in the blood test results of a 10-year-old boy and the woman who made the cake – both of whom are still in hospital.
Five members of the same family fell ill after eating the cake at a gathering in Torres, in the southern Rio Grande do Sul state, on Monday afternoon.
Police have sent the cake for testing, and said several out-of-date food items were also found during a search at the woman’s house. They added that it is not yet clear whether the suspected poisoning was intentional.
Test results from the cake are expected to be available by next week, according to local media.
On Friday, police requested for the body of a man – the late husband of the woman who made the cake – to be exhumed. He died in September from food poisoning, but police said his death was deemed natural at the time.
She is not considered a suspect in either of these cases at this time, and investigations are ongoing.
Six out of seven people at the Christmas celebration ate the cake on Monday afternoon, including the woman who baked it.
Police told Brazilian broadcasters that she is the only one believed to have eaten two slices of her homemade cake, and her tests returned the highest levels of arsenic.
Speaking to local media, police chief Marcos Vinicius Veloso said some of the family members complained that the cake had a “peppery” taste.
The family then began to experience symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea, and five of them sought medical help at the Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes Hospital at around 01:00 local time (04:00 GMT) on Tuesday.
Hours later, two sisters died from cardiac arrest, the hospital said. They have been named in local media as Maida Berenice Flores da Silva, 58, and Tatiana Denize Silva dos Santos, 43.
The third victim, whose blood test presented traces of arsenic, died later on Tuesday evening from “shock after food poisoning”, the hospital said.
She has been named locally as 65-year-old Neuza Denize Silva dos Anjos.
Arsenic is a metallic element that occurs naturally.
Its inorganic form is highly toxic and classified as a category one carcinogen by the EU – meaning it’s known to cause cancer in humans.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), people are exposed to elevated levels of inorganic arsenic through drinking contaminated water or using it in food preparation, as well as irrigation of crops, industrial processes and smoking tobacco.
Because arsenic exists in soil, small amounts can get into food, though in general these levels are so low that they are not considered a cause for concern.
It is also used, albeit in limited cases, in pesticides and pharmaceuticals.
Three dead in suspected Christmas cake poisoning
Tragedy struck a small community today as three individuals were found dead after consuming Christmas cake laced with a toxic substance. Authorities are currently investigating the incident as a case of suspected poisoning.
The victims, two elderly women and a young child, were rushed to the hospital after falling ill at a holiday gathering. Despite efforts to save them, all three passed away within hours of each other.
The entire community is in shock and mourning the loss of these individuals during what should have been a joyous time of year. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of the victims.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are urging caution and reminding the public to be vigilant about the food and drinks they consume, especially during the holiday season.
Finnish authorities said they boarded and took control of an oil tanker traveling from Russia on Thursday, on suspicion it had caused the outage of an undersea power cable and three internet lines connecting Finland and Estonia a day earlier.
The Cook Islands-registered ship, named by authorities as the Eagle S, was boarded by a Finnish coast guard crew which took command in the Baltic Sea and sailed the vessel to Finnish waters, a coast guard official told a press conference.
“From our side we are investigating grave sabotage,” said Robin Lardot, Director of the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation, which leads the multi-agency probe.
“According to our understanding an anchor of the vessel that is under investigation has caused the damage,” he added.
The Finnish customs service said it had seized the vessel’s cargo and that the Eagle S was believed to belong to Russia’s so-called shadow fleet of aging tankers that seek to evade sanctions on the sale of Russian oil.
Both the Finnish and the Estonian government will hold extraordinary meetings later on Thursday to assess the situation, they said in separate statements.
Baltic Sea nations are on high alert for potential acts of sabotage following a string of outages of power cables, telecom links and gas pipelines since 2022, although subsea equipment is also subject to technical malfunction and accidents.
Repairing the 170 km (106 miles) Estlink 2 interconnector will take months, and the outage could cause a tense power supply situation during winter, operator Fingrid said in a statement.
The Eagle S Panamax oil tanker crossed the Estlink 2 electricity cable at 5.26a ET on Wednesday, a Reuters review of MarineTraffic ship tracking data showed, identical to the time when Fingrid said the power outage had occurred.
The ship was stationary near the Finnish coast on Thursday afternoon, with a Finnish patrol vessel stopped nearby, the data showed.
United Arab Emirates-based Caravella LLCFZ, which according to MarineTraffic data owns the Eagle S, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Peninsular Maritime, which, according to MarineTraffic acts as a technical manager for the ship, declined to comment outside of the company’s opening hours.
‘Disrupt and deter’
Damage to subsea installations in the Baltic Sea has now become so frequent that it is difficult to believe this was caused merely by accident or poor seamanship, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said in a statement.
“We must understand that damage to submarine infrastructure has become more systematic and thus must be regarded as attacks against our vital structures,” Tsahkna said.
The 658 megawatt (MW) Estlink 2 outage began at midday local time on Wednesday, leaving only the 358 MW Estlink 1 in operation between the two countries, operator Fingrid said.
Twelve Western countries on Dec. 16 said they had agreed measures to “disrupt and deter” Russia’s so-called shadow fleet of vessels in order to prevent sanctions breaches and increase the cost to Moscow of the war in Ukraine.
“We must be able to prevent the risks posed by ships belonging to the Russian shadow fleet,” Finnish President Alexander Stubb said in a post on social media X on Thursday.
Lithuanian foreign minister Kestutis Budrys said the growing number of Baltic Sea incidents should serve as a stark and urgent warning to NATO and the European Union to significantly enhance the protection of undersea infrastructure there.
Police in Sweden are meanwhile leading an investigation into the breach last month of two Baltic Sea telecom cables, in an incident German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has said he assumed was caused by sabotage.
Separately, Finnish police continue to investigate damage caused last year to the Balticconnector gas pipeline linking Finland and Estonia, as well as several telecoms cables, and have said this was likely caused by a ship dragging its anchor.
In 2022 the Russia-to-Germany Nord Stream gas pipelines running along the seabed in the same waters were blown up, in a case still under investigation by Germany.
In a recent development, authorities in Finland have boarded an oil tanker suspected of causing internet and power cable outages in the region. The vessel, which was spotted near the location of the disrupted cables, is currently under investigation by Finnish officials.
The outage, which affected a significant portion of the country, has raised concerns about the security of critical infrastructure and the potential vulnerabilities that exist in the digital age. As investigators work to determine the cause of the disruption, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding essential services from potential threats.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.
