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Another Filipina Worker In Israel Dies From Iranian Missile Attack, Husband And Family Members Also Killed

April 8, 2026April 7, 2026carlocarrasco

Not so long after the Philippines met with and made agreements with the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran (click here and here), another Filipina worker died in Israel as a result of an Iranian missile attack, according to the official statement of the Israeli Embassy in the Philippines and the news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

The Embassy of the State of Israel in the Philippines expresses its deepest condolences following the tragic loss of four members of a family, including a young Filipino woman who chose to build her life with her husband in Israel, in an Iranian missile strike on Haifa on the evening of April 5, 2026.

The victims were Vladimir Gershovich, 73; his wife, Lena Ostrovsky, 68; their only son, Dmitry (Dima) Gershovich, 42; and his wife, Lucille Jane Gershovich, a 29-year-old Filipino citizen. Dima and Lucille were married in April 2024.

Two generations of one family were killed in this attack, another stark reminder that the Iranian regime continues to target civilians indiscriminately.

Israel stands in profound solidarity with the bereaved family and the Filipino community, and shares in the grief over the loss of a Filipino life. We mourn together and honor their memory with dignity.

Lucille’s family has asked that their privacy be respected as they observe this period of mourning. May their souls rest in peace.

Posted below is the entire news article of the PNA. Observe how the article was written in a way to protect the Iranian terrorist regime as Iran’s name was mentioned near the very end.

A Filipino was killed in a missile attack in Israel on April 5 as conflict in the Middle East continues, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed on Tuesday.

The Filipina died alongside her Israeli husband and elderly parents-in-law inside a residence in Haifa on Sunday evening.

The DFA did not provide further details and identification but said the victim’s next of kin had been informed and that the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv is providing assistance.

“The family requests privacy at this difficult time to grieve in peace. We join the Filipino community in praying for her eternal rest and for strength for her family during this time of profound loss,” it said.

The DFA said the embassy is arranging for the earliest possible repatriation of her remains despite the current travel situation in the region.

This is the second Filipino national killed in a missile attack in Israel since it mounted a joint military operation with the United States targeting the nuclear sites and leadership of Iran, prompting retaliatory strikes from Tehran.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the Philippines has officially partnered with the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran and will eventually betray both Israel and the United States in the ongoing Middle East conflict? Do you think Iran should be penalized for being responsible for the deaths of two Filipina workers when it attacked Israel with missiles? Do you think Israel and Trump’s America should intensify their attacks on Iran to bring down the Islamic terrorist regime?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Israel Eliminates Intelligence Chief Of Terrorist State Iran

April 7, 2026April 6, 2026carlocarrasco

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) successfully eliminated the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps’ intelligence chief Majid Khademi which was confirmed not only by Israel’s Defense Minister but also by the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran itself, according to a news report by The Jerusalem Post.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report from The Jerusalem Post. Some parts in boldface…

Defense Minister Israel Katz and the IDF announced on Monday that the Israel Air Force assassinated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’s Intelligence Organization chief, Majid Khademi.

The IRGC also corroborated the announcement, stating that Khademi was “martyred.”

Until Monday’s announcement, Khademi had been considered one of the three most senior surviving officials in the IRGC.

Many top IRGC and Iranian Intelligence Ministry officials were assassinated by the IDF on February 28, and some in the weeks since then, but Khademi had managed to evade Israeli attacks.

Separately, the IDF said on Monday morning that it had conducted a round of strikes on Iranian regime targets in Tehran.

Khademi’s death reduces Iran’s global terror capability, IDF states – The IDF has said that Khademi’s death and other attacks on Iran’s global terror Unit 840, part of the IRGC’s Quds Force, would reduce the regime’s ability to project terror globally, as well as reduce its ability to suppress Iranian protesters, should they return to the streets in the future.

Khademi served as IRGC intelligence chief since June 2025, when his predecessor was killed in Israeli strikes as part of Operation Rising Lion.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the elimination of Khademi will bring down Iran’s global terror capability as well as its ability to suppress the Iranian protesters? Do you think Israel should find and eliminate the so-called supreme leader of Iran once and for all?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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SBMA Recognized For Boosting Philippines-Australia-New Zealand Ties

April 7, 2026April 4, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) was recognized by the Australia and New Zealand Chamber of Commerce (ANZCham) for strengthening economic ties between the Philippines, Australia and New Zealand during a prestigious event held in Makati City, according to the official announcement.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from official announcement by the SBMA. Some parts in boldface…

The Australia and New Zealand Chamber of Commerce (ANZCham) recognized the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) for its efforts in fostering strong economic linkages between the Philippines, Australia, and New Zealand.

The citation was given during ANZCham’s 45th Annual General Meeting and Awards Night held at the Makati Shangri-La on March 24, 2026, where SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment Renato Lee III accepted the award on behalf of the agency.

“We are strengthening our global linkages not only to attract capital but also to bring in innovation, technology, employment, and long-term partnerships that create real economic value,” Lee said.

The Bridges of Progress Award is conferred to Philippine institutions that have demonstrated exemplary collaboration and actively contributed to strengthening trilateral and economic ties with Australia and New Zealand.

SBMA’s recognition reflects its role in advancing international partnerships and investment promotion, a testament to SBMA’s growing role in the regional investment landscape.

It recognizes its sustained efforts to streamline investment processes, support foreign enterprises, and position Subic Bay Freeport as a competitive hub for global business.

Meanwhile, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño emphasized the award’s broader significance in reinforcing international cooperation: “This honor reflects the strength of our partnerships with the Australian and New Zealand business communities.”

“We remain committed to policies that encourage greater investments, deepen economic engagement, and promote shared prosperity across our regions,” he added.

ANZCham officers, headed by its President Benjamin Romualdez, attended the event, along with members of the diplomatic corps and leaders from both the public and private sectors, and gathered to celebrate organizations that have contributed significantly to enhancing cross-border partnerships.

ANZCHAM Philippines is a prominent, non-profit business organization that has been active for over 45 years. It serves as a bridge for enterprises looking to expand within the Philippine-Australian-New Zealand business corridor.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the SBMA’s continued efforts on strengthening economic ties with the Philippines, Australia and New Zealand will result in investment breakthroughs?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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33rd Subic Bay International Triathlon (SuBIT) All Set For May 2 And 3

April 7, 2026April 6, 2026carlocarrasco

Subic Bay International Triathlon (SuBIT)—Southeast Asia’s oldest and longest running standard distance race—rolls on to its 33rd year at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone May 2 and 3.

This edition gains added significance as on top of being billed as 2026 NTT Asia Triathlon Cup it debuts as Asia Triathlon Junior Cup Subic Bay.

Considered one of Asia’s 10 best races, SuBIT has continued to demonstrate the strong partnership between Triathlon Philippines presided by Tom Carrasco, Asia Triathlon Senior Vice President, and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) under Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose Aliño.

Philippine Sports Commission, NTT, Gatorade (official hydration partner), Western Guaranty Corporation, C-Vitt and Subic Bay Travelers Hotel (official race hotel) back up SuBIT.

More than a hundred elite athletes coming from at least 20 countries are expected to not only vie for honors but also scramble for World Triathlon and Asia Triathlon ranking points.

Japan, last year through Takuto Oshima (1:50:25) and Manami Hayashi (2:04:58) regained it’s dominance it last held in 2002 with Dayshaun Ramos (1:54:03, 14th) and Raven Alcoseba 2:14:16, 11th) emerging as top Filipinos.

We can say that registration is ongoing at https://register.raceya.fit/event/subit2026

Last year’s Technical Delegate Darnis Mahmud from Malaysia returns to lead the officiating team once again.

The usual fare of fast, action-packed racing across all levels: draft-legal sprint races for Elite and Junior Elite athletes, alongside Super Trikids (STK), Youth Super Sprint, and Sprint and Standard are on offer.

Elite & Junior Elite Races (AM); STK, Youth & Age Group Briefing (PM) are slated May 2 followed by STK, Youth & Age Group race day. Athletes and Coaches briefing on May 1 usher the races.

For more triathlon and multisport updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/TriPhil.

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Note: This post was sourced from the official press release of the event from Triathlon Philippines.

USDA Trade Mission In The Philippines Set From April 13 To 16

April 6, 2026April 5, 2026carlocarrasco

In a serious effort to ramp up agricultural exports to the Philippines, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will lead a trade mission in the country from April 13 to 26, 2026 and the delegation will be composed of several American agribusinesses farmers and trade groups, according to a news article by Farms.com.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article from Farms.com. Some parts in boldface…

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will lead a trade mission to Manila, Philippines, from April 13 to 16, 2026. The goal is to expand export opportunities for American farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses.

This mission follows a major trade agreement reached in July last year, which created new pathways for U.S. agricultural products in the Philippines market. The delegation will be led by Deputy Under Secretary Michelle Bekkering and will include 58 agribusinesses, trade groups, and representatives from state agriculture departments.

Participating states include Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. Companies such as American Egg Board, American Peanut Council, California Milk Advisory Board, Potatoes USA, U.S. Dairy Export Council, U.S. Soybean Export Council, and U.S. Meat Export Federation are part of the mission. Other businesses like Foodlinx, BNutty Peanut Butter, Global Export Marketing Co., Wonderful Citrus, and USA Poultry and Egg Export Council will also attend.

The Philippines is an important market for U.S. agriculture. It ranks as the tenth-largest buyer of U.S. farm and food products, with average annual imports of $3.4 billion over the past five years. Its growing population of 118 million and rising middle class make it a strong market for future growth.

During the visit, USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service will organize meetings, market briefings, and site visits. These activities will connect U.S. exporters directly with Filipino buyers and strengthen business relationships.

“USDA is committed to getting American farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses better access to strong markets and fair opportunities abroad,” said Deputy Undersecretary Bekkering. “Since the Philippines is one of the fastest-growing markets in Asia, this mission will connect U.S. exporters directly with reliable buyers, strengthen our trade relationship, and help keep American agriculture globally competitive.”

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think American agriculture is set to grow with exporting goods worldwide under the leadership of US President Donald Trump over the next three years? Do you think Filipinos will continue to consume even more American agricultural goods?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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More US Visa Applicants In The Philippines Required To Set Social Media Accounts Public

April 5, 2026April 3, 2026carlocarrasco

If you are about to apply for a United States visa, you should be ready to set your social media accounts public as a new requirement announced by the US Embassy in Manila came into effect which covers even more applicants, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news. Some parts in boldface…

Applicants from more US visa category groups are now required to set their social media accounts public, based on the latest advisory of the US Embassy in Manila.

Effective March 30, visa applicants who need to change their social media privacy setting belong to the following categories:

* Fiancé(e) Visa Applicants (K-1, K-2, and K-3 visas)

* Certain Personal Employees or Domestic Workers (A-3, C-3, and G-5 visas)

* Trainee or Special Education Exchange Visitors (H-3 and their H-4 dependents)

* Cultural and Religious Visitors (Q, R-1, and R-2 visas)

* Informant, Witness, and Victims of Crimes (S, T, and U visas)

These categories are in addition to Students and Exchanges (F, M, and J) and Specialty Occupations (H-1B and their H-4 dependents) categories.

According to the embassy, it is using such information “to determine applicants’ eligibility to receive a visa.”

Since 2019, it said, the US has required visa applicants to provide social media usernames on immigrant and nonimmigrant visa application forms.

“Visa applicants are required to list all social media usernames, handles, or identifiers for every platform they have used in the last 5 years on the visa application form,” it said.

“Applicants certify that the information in their visa application is true and correct before they sign and submit,” it added.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Did you submit your social media accounts and set them all public the last time you applied for a US visa?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Proof Of Japanese Language Proficiency A Requirement For Engineer And Specialist Visa

April 5, 2026April 4, 2026carlocarrasco

In the latest of the series of reforms implemented by the government of Japan, the proof of Japanese language proficiency will officially become a requirement for individuals applying for the visa status of engineer, and specialist in the fields of humanities or international services, according to a Kyodo News report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of Kyodo News Some parts in boldface…

The Japanese government has decided to require proof of Japanese language proficiency for individuals seeking the visa status of engineer, specialist in humanities or international services for work requiring Japanese, a source close to the matter said Friday.

The government plans to revise the policy as early as mid-April and tighten screening, prompted by a growing number of cases in which individuals enter the country under a visa status for professions requiring specialized knowledge but work in unskilled jobs not permitted under it.

According to the source, the revised policy will require applicants to submit documentation proving Japanese proficiency at the B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, equivalent to N2 of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test.

Currently, the policy requires applicants to meet conditions such as a college-level education or its equivalent, as well as relevant work experience, but not Japanese proficiency.

The revision will apply to new applicants for the residence status who are entering Japan and intend to work in jobs requiring Japanese. International students seeking to transition to the status will be exempt.

It also stipulates that companies barred for five years from accepting workers under the controversial technical intern training or specified skilled worker programs due to issues such as assault or unpaid wages will also be prohibited from accepting workers under the visa status until the suspension period expires.

According to the Immigration Services Agency, the number of foreign residents in Japan stood at around 4.13 million as of the end of 2025.

Those staying under the visa status for engineer, specialist in humanities or international services totaled around 475,000, making them the second-largest group of foreign residents after permanent residents, who numbered about 947,000.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the new policy will create positive results with regards to those who applied for the engineer and specialist visa? Do you think Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae has done enough on reforming immigration and the visa application processes?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Young Voters In Israel Shifting Right, Support For Netanyahu Confirmed Strong

April 5, 2026April 4, 2026carlocarrasco

In Israel, local surveys focused on the political preferences of voters showed that young voters are shifting towards the right of the political spectrum and support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is strong, according to a news report by The Jerusalem Post.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of The Jerusalem Post. Some parts in boldface…

Recent surveys have revealed surprising shifts in the political preferences and values of young Israeli voters, indicating a strong right-wing alignment.

According to a recent Maariv poll published this past week conducted by Lazar Research, led by Dr. Menahem Lazar in collaboration with Panel4All, a majority of first-time voters in Israel’s upcoming Knesset elections-young people between the ages of 18 and 22-identify as right-wing.

The survey finds that 56% of this age group considers itself right-wing, compared with 44% of Israelis aged 23 and older.

Among younger Israelis, 22% describe themselves as center-right, 14% as centrist (compared with 27% of older Israelis), and 8% identify as center-left or left-wing.

The poll also found that the preferred prime ministerial candidate among young voters is Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, garnering 35% support, followed by former prime minister Naftali Bennett at 19%. Other candidates received considerably lower levels of support.

Post-October 7 identity – The survey also revealed that the events surrounding October 7, 2023, and their aftermath have had a profound impact on young people’s relationship with their faith and Jewish traditions.

More than half (57%) of respondents indicated that their sense or practice of religious faith has grown stronger since October 7, while 54% reported a heightened connection to Jewish tradition.

This surge in religious identification comes amid an overwhelming sense of pride in their Israeli identity. 68% of respondents expressed pride in being Israeli, with 46% calling Israel a “very good” place to live, and 36% labeling it a “good” place to live, culminating in a 79% overall satisfaction rate with life in Israel.

Breaking these sentiments down further, young Israelis aged 18-20 are the most proud to be Israeli, with 75% expressing strong national pride. Religious individuals also showed a higher level of national pride, with 85% affirming they were very proud to be Israeli.

Reserves Service – The survey also sheds light on Israel’s high military readiness, with 18% of young people having served in the reserves since October 7, 2023. Half of these reservists reported serving for several hundred days.

In response to potential future reserve duty, a significant majority, 64%, stated they would report without hesitation. Another 33% said they would do so out of necessity, while only 3% expressed uncertainty or a refusal to serve again.

For additional insight, watch the YouTube news video below.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think Israel will be able to destroy the remaining missile launchers of the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran while Prime Minister Netanyahu remains in power? Do you think the alliance with Trump’s America in the war against Iran is benefitting Netanyahu politically?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Israel Eliminates Iranian Ballistic Missile Unit Commander Makram Atimi

April 4, 2026April 3, 2026carlocarrasco

In a serious attempt to bring down the missile launch capability of the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran, Israel eliminated central Iranian ballistic missile unit commander Makram Atimi, according to news report by The Jerusalem Post. Meanwhile, the United States struck a major highway bridge between Tehran and Karaj which was to disrupt Iran’s supply route of missile and drone components.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of The Jerusalem Post. Some parts in boldface…

The IDF said Thursday it eliminated Makram Atimi, commander of a central Iranian ballistic missile unit, in a precise airstrike in the Kermanshah area.

The military said Atimi was responsible for dozens of missile launches toward Israel.

In a separate strike, the military said it also killed several battalion commanders from the same unit, which it said was behind repeated launches from northwestern Iran.

The IDF said the operations are part of an ongoing effort to degrade Iran’s missile capabilities and command structure.

US airstrike targets Tehran bridge to disrupt Iranian supply routes – Separately, a US airstrike on Thursday targeted a major highway bridge connecting Tehran to the nearby city of Karaj, with a source familiar with the details telling The Jerusalem Post that the strike was intended to disrupt Iranian supply routes used to transport missile and drone components.

The route was reportedly part of a logistical network moving critical parts to launch units responsible for attacks targeting US forces and Israel.

According to the source, the objective was to sever a central artery used to sustain Iran’s aerial and missile operations, highlighting a broader effort to degrade its operational capabilities.

For additional insight, watch the YouTube news videos below.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think Iran’s capability of launching missiles throughout the Middle East will eventually stop? Who do you think is really leading the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran right now?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Almost 2.5 Million Barrels of Russian Crude Oil Acquired By Petron

April 4, 2026March 30, 2026carlocarrasco

Fuel giant Petron confirmed that it has almost 2.5 million barrels of crude oil from Russia, according to news report by GMA News. The acquisition has been perceived by many as crucial as the Philippines is struggling with very expensive fuel.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt the GMA News report. Some parts in boldface…

Petron Corp. on Monday confirmed the procurement of 2.48 million barrels of crude oil from Russia to augment its inventory until June, as the country’s supply reaches what it described as a “precarious” level amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The listed fuel retailer, which holds a 30% share of the Philippine market and operates the country’s only oil refinery, said it closely coordinated with the Departments of Energy (DOE) and Finance (DOF) on the purchase after both agencies called on local companies to secure alternative sources of crude and finished products.

“The corporation wishes to emphasize that the procurement of Russian crude oil is not part of its business-as-usual sourcing strategy,” Petron said in a regulatory filing.

“The purchases were undertaken strictly out of extreme necessity, as an extraordinary emergency measure in response to unprecedented geopolitical and supply chain disruptions, and only after exhausting all commercially and operationally viable alternatives,” it added.

Petron said it also received confirmation from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) that there is no prohibition under Philippine law on sourcing foreign currency for import and trade transactions, clearing the way for the importation of Russian crude oil.

The corporation said that if the current crisis persists and alternative crude sources remain unavailable or insufficient, it may again be compelled to consider purchasing Russian crude oil to augment the national fuel supply.

It added that this would help directly mitigate the adverse consequences arising from the absence of a stable and reliable source of crude.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Does Petron’s procurement of 2.48 million barrels of Russian crude oil make you feel relieved when it comes to the overall supply of fuel in the Philippines?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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