The NBI cautioned the public against online lending scams and highlighted the arrest of a Chinese woman involved in an online collection scam. Director Rommel Vallejo emphasized the importance of being cautious and vigilant against these scams, which are considered a menace to society.

The NBI-NCR arrested the Chinese woman, Mi Duan, who was involved in extorting money from borrowers through deceptive and coercive methods. The investigation was prompted by a complaint from a victim who borrowed money through the 24HPeso app but was threatened and harassed by agents even after fully paying back the loan.

The NBI found that the 24HPeso app contained malware that allowed access to the victim’s phonebook, which was used to coerce, harass, and threaten her. The law enforcement operation resulted in the seizure of various devices and documents from the lending company’s office in Pasay City.

Filipino collection agents testified that they were coerced and harassed by the lending company to meet daily quotas, and they will serve as witnesses for the government. The operation was thoroughly documented to comply with legal requirements and ensure accountability.

The NBI’s actions aim to protect the public from online lending scams and hold perpetrators accountable for their illegal activities.

Australia, Canada, and New Zealand have united in calling for an urgent ceasefire in war-torn Gaza, denouncing the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis as catastrophic. The leaders emphasized the need to protect civilians and condemned Hamas for its acts of terror, while also urging Israel to respond to international concerns and work towards a two-state solution. The joint statement echoes support for the US President’s ceasefire deal and emphasizes a commitment to achieving lasting peace in the region. Expressing concerns about escalating tensions, the leaders also called on Iran to refrain from destabilizing actions and demanded accountability for ongoing violence against Palestinians. The urgent plea for a ceasefire aims to address the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and pave the way for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Kansas is getting more rain and hotter temperatures than recent years, and some are noticing a rise in mosquitoes as a result. Shawnee County received just over five inches of rain last month, according to the state climatologist. This is the county’s highest total since 2019.

Terry Fritz, owner of the pest control business Mosquito Joe, says the wet weather and humidity create the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. He explains that the combination of water for egg laying along with high temperatures leads to a rapid increase in the mosquito population.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment recently issued a high-risk warning for certain regions in the state due to West Nile Virus (WNV). This alert came after finding a significant number of mosquitoes carrying the disease. So far in 2024, three cases of WNV have been reported in the state.

Fritz emphasizes the importance of eliminating standing water after heavy rains and using effective bug repellent to stay safe. While the situation can be concerning, precautionary measures can help mitigate the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.

As temperatures continue to rise and the rainy season persists, residents are advised to take necessary steps to protect themselves from the growing mosquito population. Stay informed and take proactive measures to reduce the risk of mosquito-related illnesses during this humid period in Kansas.

Taylor Pendrith shot a 7-under 64 on Friday to take a two-stroke lead over Matt NeSmith into the weekend in the 3M Open.

Playing in windier afternoon conditions, Pendrith made a 30-foot birdie putt on the par-4 16th and tapped in for another birdie on the par-5 18th. He had a 12-under 130 total at the TPC Twin Cities, playing the first 36 holes without a bogey.

The 33-year-old Canadian won the CJ Cup Byron Nelson in May in Texas for his first PGA Tour title. He tied for fifth last week in the Barracuda Championship in California.

NeSmith had a 64 in the morning before wind gusts topping 20 mph hit the course in the afternoon and early evening.

Seeking his first PGA Tour victory, NeSmith lost in a playoff two weeks ago at the ISCO Championship in Kentucky, his lone top-10 finish in 20 prior starts this season. He has missed 11 cuts.

First-round leader Jacob Bridgeman had a 70 to drop three strokes back at 9 under with Andrew Putnam (66). Doug Ghim (64), Lanto Griffin (66), Alex Smalley (65), and Jhonattan Vegas (66) were 8 under.

The event is the second-to-last tournament before the FedEx Cup playoffs begin, with some players near the 70-player cutoff failing to advance to the weekend. Nick Dunlap (64th in the standings), Luke List (71st), and defending champion Lee Hodges (73rd) missed the cut.

Zamalek’s draw sees them rise to fifth place with 46 points from 28 games, Khalid … point out that ‘It’s disappointing to drop points at this stage of the season, … the league summit was ceded to Ahly, who share the same points but … their upcoming fixtures. as they look to regroup for their upcoming fixtures.

A relentless influx of weapons into Sudan is exacerbating a humanitarian crisis of staggering proportions, according to a new report by international human rights NGO, Amnesty International.

The organization alleges that a steady pipeline of arms from countries including China, the United Arab Emirates, Russia, Serbia, Turkey, and Yemen is fueling the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Since the fighting escalated in April 2023, the country has been plunged into chaos, with over 16,000 people killed and millions displaced.

The dire situation has brought the specter of famine to the brink, as civilians bear the brunt of the violence. Amnesty International has documented a harrowing pattern of indiscriminate attacks and other war crimes committed by both warring factions.

This is a humanitarian disaster unfolding before our eyes, said Deprose Muchena, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa. The unchecked flow of weapons into Sudan is directly contributing to the immense suffering of civilians.

Amnesty’s meticulous investigation, relying on a combination of shipping records, open-source data, and interviews with regional experts, has uncovered a disturbing picture of arms proliferation.

The report details how advanced weaponry, such as Chinese-made drones and UAE-supplied armored vehicles, has become commonplace on the Sudanese battlefield.

A particularly alarming finding is the diversion of civilian firearms into the hands of armed groups. Turkish and Russian companies have exported vast quantities of blank-firing weapons and civilian-grade rifles to Sudan.

The organization’s research also highlights the role of arms brokers in facilitating the transfer of weapons to Sudan.

Despite international sanctions and arms embargoes, these intermediaries continue to operate with impunity, supplying both government forces and rebel groups with the means to inflict widespread devastation.

Amnesty International is calling for an immediate and comprehensive arms embargo on Sudan. The organization argues that such a measure is essential to stem the tide of violence and create the conditions necessary for a lasting peace.

Additionally, the international community must increase pressure on governments and arms manufacturers to halt the flow of weapons into the country.

The unchecked proliferation of arms is a critical factor driving the conflict and exacerbating the suffering of millions of civilians. Urgent action is needed to prevent further bloodshed and pave the way for a sustainable solution.