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[b][size=14pt]24 HOURS NEWS SERVICE[/size][/b]
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[center][b][size=12pt][font=times new roman] HEADLINE[/font][/size][/b][/center]
Story
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24 Oras News Service
Anti-Christmas
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Christmas is about a month away and the government had ordered a preparation for the yearly traditional pilgrimage. The said pilgrimage, also unofficially called "Christmas March" is when Catholics walk from their hometown to Lungsod Cathedral to attend a mass. The government will pay for all the expense the church will make. There is, without a doubt, an opposition.
The Quintelia's Association of Non-Catholics are protecting and blocking pilgrims that participate in the said march. Protests against the monarchy paying for the church had started. Their call is to make the nation more secular. The leader of QANC has stated in an interview "Non-Catholics, especially atheists, are being discriminated for our opinions. Children are being ostracized, workers get pay less, and the government is giving thrice more money to the church than the province of Masindanao, a province with ten million people which also has the least percentage of Christians." Cardinal Talge replied upon hearing the news of the protests "The government is donating " their money to the church because we need... I'm sorry I mean our charities for the poor Christians. If QACN will block a simple walk from a person's house to Lungsod, then they are the ones who are not blessed by our Lord." We are still trying to get the word from the Minister of Treasury.
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24 HOURS NEWS SERVICE
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Fire Works Dangerously
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The fire engulfs a whole favela.
A fire in Fort-Bonifacio City that allegedly started at around 2:00pm is under control as of 11:49 pm. Witnesses report hearing gunshots inside a fireworks store, which caused the pyrotechnics and other paraphernalia to ignite and explode, initially killing 12 people. Due to the light materials the houses are built with and the close distance between buildings, the fire spread quickly with a fifth alarm called after one and a half hours after the initial gunshot.
Sixty-seven people were confirmed to have died in the said fire with more than three hundred missing. The fire destroyed at least $243,000 in property damages leaning more than ten thousand people homeless. Local officials estimate that the cost of rehabilitating the area would be too expensive so relocation for the homeless would be needed. Reports say that the shooter survived the initial explosion and the whole area is being investigated for possible clues.
Taste the Sun
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The new Dagohoy Power Plant has finally been finished in the province of Dagohoy in Quintelia. The 10 megawatt power plant on 10 hectares of land is the first of many promises made by Prince Fernando Ernesto Adartse. Coal and oil companies that lobby on the Ministry of Energy have stated that they will withdraw their support to the royal family if a coal or oil power plant is not built within a year. Araw Company, the largest manufacturer of solar panels have started lobbying for support for new solar farms.
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24 HOURS NEWS SERVICE
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PROTESTS ERUPT AS CHRISTMAS NEARS
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QAA members burn down an effigy of the Cross
The Minister of Internal Affairs Josepha Ladra-Buenarbe has ordered the immediate arrests of those who harrass pilgrims on their way to Lungsod City. As a result more QANC (Quintelian Association of Non-Christians) and QAA (Quintelian Atheist Association) join forces to protest against the annual Christmas March, a tradition that has been practiced for four centuries. The QANC has stated that “The church has corrupted governments since its establishment. Look at the crusades, their exploitation, then the government betrays us by paying millions of Pecunias for the tradition.” The QAA is yet to be interviewed. The QAA, as seen in the thumbnail, burned an effigy of the Cross of Jesus in the middle of John Luna Avenue in Lungsod City, resulting to a police and firefighter intervention an hour later. The ambassador of Ecclesiastical State to Quintelia Archbishop Francesco De Santi is being transferred to an undisclosed location to prevent any rise in tensions.
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24 HOURS NEWS SERVICE LIVE NEWS COVERAGE
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LIVE COVERAGE: CHRISTMAS RIOTS
(OOC: This is a live coverage story so it will go by like a traditional vignette, except with reporters)
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The Lungsod Cathedral, one of the largest churches in Mundus is filled with pilgrims from all over the nation and some from other nations. Bishop Lucas Madrid leads the Yule sermon as most attendees listen while the 24 Hours news crew outside the building starts to set their place. The cameraman shouts "Three... Two... One..." Then, the camera starts rolling and Jessica Hoso, the best reporter in the nation, starts speaking.
"Tonight we are gathered here in front of Lungsod Cathedral to celebrate the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ. As we can hear, Bishop Madrid has started the sermon and we can also hear the chants from the rioters here." She begins as the rioters at the background chant a very loud "DIVORCE CHURCH AND STATE!" Jessica then asked a random person "Why did you attend this mass? Are you afraid of any dangers that these protesters may cause?" The man then replied "Uhhh, I believe that we need to fulfill our service to God and I believe that He will protect us from the sinners." The man said before walking back to the tsunami of people. "Mike, how's the situation in the embassy?" She says, as the scene on the television changed.
The Ecclesiastical State's embassy, the first one built in the nation. The 19th century building stands strong amidst the test of time, now it will be tested once again. SWAT teams surround the embassy protecting the historic building from the rioters. On the streets, Mike Dailisan and his crew who were already there for hours set the cameras and lights once again after a few minutes of rest. Mike then replied to his colleague "Thank you Jess, uhh as of now light armored tanks have been deployed three blocks away and helicopters are now ordered to hover above the site instead of patrolling after the rioters have lighted their torches." Mike started, reading the teleprompter he typed five minutes ago. "The embassy has not released any official statement but most guards that I've talked to have stated that Archbishop De Santi is still in the building. Meanwhile the-" "THERMITE!!!" An explosion was heard as a mixture of firecrackers and thermite was lit in front of one of the police, killing him instantly. The news crew started running while more explosions followed each other. Mike grabbed his Mic and the camcorder and rushed back to the scene. "As we can see here, members of QANC has exploded thermite to break the SWAT line and breach to the gates. If you didn't know thermite can melt steel, back to you, Jess." Mike said as he rushed back to the safety of another building.
Jessica's face starts to get pale as she watched the coverage, anyways, they then began once again. "Mike, as of now, the sermon has ended but more people are still joining us. The police task force here is ordered to use their armored vans as blockades. Any pilgrims that are still outside the National Capital Region are recommended to go back home. Those who are also thinking of going outside are advised to take precaution. If-" She was cut by a deafening explosion, to which they pushed back towards a safer place where the cathedral and its surroundings can still be seen. "As we can see the protesters has bombed the barricade and the attendees are running away with a possible stampede inside. Bishop Madrid is nowhere to be seen." One of her staff whispered something to her, and then continued; "As from a trusted source, Bishop Madrid has ordered the nuns and clergymen shall remain in the cathedral. Back to you Mike, Mike, Mike are you there? We'll be back after a short beak."
Smoke has covered the block where the embassy is, thanks to the two opposing factions battling it out. The crew was transferred to a safe vantage point. Another loud explosion shook the surrounding area and lo and behold, the embassy has been compromised. "Maximum tolerance have been dropped and the police were ordered to make arrests or shoot." Mike continued. "As of now, 20 policemen were confirmed to be dead while 125 militants were also confirmed to be dead. The numbers will rise as the attack continues. No sign of Ambassador Dr Santi can be seen do it is speculated that he has evacuated earlier but the police has still denied it." Mike finished as the camera moves to make the said attack seen. Smoke and flashes of light are the only ones that seem to escape the building, then, a wall of soldiers carrying a shield enclosed the building once again and a man in a camo outfit went forward with a megaphone in hand. The voice echoed and can be heard from the news crew's place. "Surrender now or we will open fire. The ambassador is in another place. I repeat, surrender now or we will open fire." Militants then started to pour out I've by one after the order. The camera cuts and goes back to Jessica.
The crew has come down to their original position as the wave of people subsided. The rioters were seen in the inside of the cathedral, and Jessica continued her report. "As we can see great, there's only a minimal damage to the exterior. As of now, 125 of the 150 police deployed have died while 15 are in a critical condition, 12' of the rioters were killed, and 56 pilgrims were killed from the resulting stampede. If you can see here at my right, the flames from the militants illuminate and- wait, are they, are they burning- oh move the camera, uhh, we'll get back later. As for now, Merry Christmas everyone." The flames reflect from the polished surfaces of the cathedral while they torched Bishop Madrid, who defended the cathedral. His screams were heard from the outside. The militants were then shot and by tastes to incapacitate them, but not before Bishop Lucas Madrid died.
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24 HOURS NEWS SERVICE
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A CHRISTMAS TRAGEDY
A new report has been released by the police starting that the attack had claimed a total of 651 lives, 231 of which were police officers and 154 were members of QANC. 43 people are still in critical conditions and the property damages amount to about $765,000,000. Due to the attacks, the QANC and QAA were disbanded and those who were part of the protests were arrested and sentenced to once year in prison and 1,500 hours of public service. The organizers of the protests and riots were sentenced to be sent to Lacrataz Rehabilitation Center to serve their two decade-long sentence. The Lungsod Cathedral and the ES embassy are now being renovated.
The Young Pope Peter II has condemned the attacks and Archbishop Di Santi, in a recent interview, has stated that "The evacuation of me and other officials was the right decision. However, non-Catholics and secularists shouldn't be punished for their beliefs." There's no statement from King Lapu yet.
OOC: TYP agreed to the statements
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24 HOURS NEWS SERVICE
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INVESTIGATION LEADS TO MORE QUESTIONS
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After the Christmas attacks by members of the QANC, a portion of Embaha Street, the Ecclesiastical Embassy, and the Lungsod Cathedral were closed off for investigation until February 10. The Ecclesiastical embassy will operate in The Minister Hall on the first floor, another property reserved by the Ecclesiastical State.
According to the Lungsod Police Department, the investigation has found some bombs that weren't detonated. The bombs contained thermite, along with gunpowder and a basic phone for ignition of the bomb. A SIM card was found inside and was discovered to be owned by Father Jerome Galagub, a priest in the nearby church. Another speculated evidence that is unreleased is the message logs between the said priest and one of the dead rioters although the source has not been confirmed by the police. Investigations are still ongoing.
QUINTELIAN FOOTBALL TEAM BRINGS HOME SOME BACON
After winning their last game in the World Cup, the Quintelian Bears have arrived from Himeyama. Fans who watched were disappointed, but the team were satisfied for at least qualifying. The team was invited for a traditional feast at The Palace. As for the teams that qualified in the last sixteen, the team has bid them good luck.
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24 HOURS NEWS SERVICE
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TEN MORE PRIESTS ARRESTED FOR INVOLVEMENT IN RIOTS
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Pictured: One of the priests when police showed up to arrest him.
King Lapu and Minister of Internal Affairs Josepha Ladra-Buenarbe declared ten priests to be arrested for interrogation. This was after the release of the initial investigation made by the Lungsod City Police Department. The investigation has concluded that 11 priests, including Father Jerome Galugub, paid the organizers to riot. The motives are yet to be confirmed but is speculated to involve with not receiving the money promised by the bishops.
Secularists and non-Catholics that were interviewed have said that they support the initiative to arrest the priests while Catholics have said that the priests should be tried fairly. Families of the victims, especially those killed in the cathedral, felt betrayed by the church but many have stated that they believe that God will do the right decision.
KING LAPU BUYS NEW CARS
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Pictured: Photo of a Byton SUV released by Umbrella Corporation and Dalton Motors
When the two companies unveiled their joint projects, both the Pope and King Lapu immediately reserved to buy. King Lapu has released that he would buy 5 units and may purchase more in the near future. He stated that one of the units will be used for personal use while the other four will be modified into police cars of patrol vehicles. "It's time we start modernizing and pushing to the future." King Lapu said in an interview. "And what more can we do than support the works of Quintelian and Ecclesiastical men and women?" After an hour the initial release more than 15,000 units were reserved by Quintelians.
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24 HOURS NEWS SERVICE, BREAKING NEWS
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DEFENSELESS MINISTER
The Minister of Defense, Santiago Pères, has been found dead in his home in Bahay City, his chest stabbed and his throat slashed. Electronics and cash were also stolen from the house. It is speculated that either his missing son, Mateo Pères, or a very close family friend has done the murders as the alarm systems were turned off. A new Minister of Defense would be appointed next week.
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24 HOURS NEWS SERVICE
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JUDGEMENT DAY FOR THE PRIESTS
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The eleven priests have been tried in the supreme court of Quintelia. The court had decided that their right to lead masses have been revoked. Father Jerome Galugub shall be sentenced toblife imprisonment with chance to parole in 20 years. The ten other priests are to be imprisoned for five years with no parole. The new archbishop of Quintelia, Archbishop Jonathan Salvi has stated in a recent interview that "Priests should be a beacon of light to guide Quintelians to God! Not these corrupt people."
LA NUEVA CIUDAD (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=596.0)
The New Lungsod City shall be opened to the public in a few weeks. After five years since the proposal to build the city was approved, the 800km2 farm lands have been turned to the next trade and commercial hub of Southern Ardia. The building of the city has employed more than five hundred thousand workers and about ten thousand people already reside in finished condominiums. The city is expected to house 5 Million people with more to be expected as neighboring suburban areas would be constructed. As for now, Mundus leaders are to be expected to visit the city.
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24 HOURS NEWS SERVICE
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FITNESS TRACKER WORKS WELL, VERY WELL...
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New Defense Minister Ronaldo Bato announcing the ban
After a recent release of heart maps of fitness trackers, Quintelia would be the sixth nation to ban the said gadget in any military operation or facility. "The ban is needed to counteract any future attempts to attack or ambush strategic bases." The former chief-of -police now the Minister of Defense Ronaldo Bato has announced during his first day as a Minister. He has also announced that GPS and other location-tracking software and hardware that will be used by the military shall only be made by Quintelian or Ecclesiastical companies. As of now, the heat maps from Quintelia are being deleted by local specialists.
FREE HOUSING 'AWARDED' TO NOTORIOUS OPPOSITION GROUP FOR FREE?
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The Quintelian Socialist Party has gained a village that is 5 kilometers away from Nueva Lungsod provided by the National Housing Authority under the Department of Public Works. This was after the group occupied the area for more than one month. Soldiers were called to intervene bit was deemed too risky for collateral damage. Drone surveillance has suggested that possible weaponry may be hidden but for now, nothing is confirmed yet. To ease tensions, the village was awarded to the opposition groups. The village was constructed for homeless people especially in Fort Bonifacio City as part of a Social Welfare Program initiated back in 2015. As of now, more than 1,500 people are occupying the said village.
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24 HOURS NEWS SERVICE
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KING LAPU ALMOST GETS PENETRATED
During a visit to Pardclinia with the Pope, King Lapu shouted at the demonstrators and was struck unconscious with a crowbar on the head. He is now in a hospital in Pardclinia recovering from a mild concussion.
ECCLESIASTICAL EMBASSY REOPENS
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Following the recent protests and riots last Christmas, the Ecclesiastical embassy in Quintelia has been severely damaged and had been in repair. Now, the gothic styled embassy reopens to the public with heavier security than before.
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24 HOURS NEWS SERVICE
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BG TO BE RECOGNIZED
After different nations stated to recognize the Bene Gesserits, Quintelia will be the next one to acknowledge the religion as an official one. "We are a free nation, so it is time we start recognizing other religions." Minister of State Eduardo Buenarbe stated in a recent interview. "This would also be a slap in the face to the communists who attacked innocent people." As per usual there is an opposition to this.
A long-time critic of King Lapu and his Ministers, Antonio Trillanes V, has stated that. "This recognition and further recognition of any religion will be a stab at one's advancements and stability. If people focused on their beliefs, then we might get lost from reality, just like those priests our non-Catholics who participated in the protests. Remember, Lapu, you have been warned."
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24 HOURS NEWS SERVICE
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SOCIALISTS GO ANTI-SOCIAL
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The village held by the Quintelian Socialist Party has gained more settlers, with a speculated population of 5,000 people. On February 23, since of them destroyed the roads going to and from the said village. Snipers on water tower were placed by the socialist settlers to prevent any other people to "trespass" the village. The police and military have reported that no shots have yet been fired. According to a UAV drone surveillance, a farm has been established and piles of potassium nitrate nearby. Add to that, a crowd was gathered in one of the streets. Maximum tolerance is still enforced on the outskirts of the village.
(OOC: Sorry for the late response @Foxtrove)
SEAOIL TO RAISE OIL PRICE AFTER FOXTROVE ANNOUNCEMENT
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After the recent announcement of Foxtrove to stop their oil exports, Seaoil announced that the price of crude oil and other oil-related products will rise. The reason for the oil price hike is because Seaoil gets 35% of all oil from companies from Foxtrove. "We are looking for cheap yet reliable alternatives." CEO of Seaoil Enrique Sebo said in a recent interview. "We might even need to switch to biofuel and buy those algae oil from Nya Äland or RS."
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24 HOURS NEWS SERVICE
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JEEPNEY PHASEOUT
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The Minister of Transportation, Minister of Culture and Social Development, and the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources have agreed to impose a phase out on jeepneys. That means that owners of jeepney should surrender their vehicle and pay $500 to any branch of the Department of Transport. There, they can claim an electronic jeepney with the same capacity as a normal one, but without any emissions. "This is a step towards a cleaner future." Minister of Environment and Natural Resources Regina Legarda.
However, famous critic Antonio Trillanes V has lambasted the decisions in a recent interview. "Yes, this will reduce our pollution and make our air cleaner. However, have you not thought of how much this would cost on the long run? An average jeepney driver earns $20 a day if they're lucky. Not to mention, most of what they earn is used for their families. I call for those against this to rally and protest in front of the Minister Hall."
TOWN SUSPECTED FOR COMMUNIST INSURGENCY
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The Tubig Bridge, the only road going in and out of the town.
The town of Tubig, a small municipality in the province of Romblique was cordoned off by the authorities as ordered by the Department of State. It is speculated that communist insurgents and rebels are hiding in the municipality's rural area. Members of the Quintelian Army have been parachuted onto the town however it is off taking note that there is a greater proportion of doctors dropped in. As of now, 5,000 are stationed in town, with 1,500 doctors.
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24 HOURS NEWS SERVICE
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DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE PLAGUE
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Minister of Health Doctor Francisco del Mundo has stated in a press conference that there's nothing to worry about the plague. "The bubonic plague affecting the Iwi and East Moreland is a concerning health problem, but we have enough security to prevent an epidemic from happening in Quintelia." Foreign workers in Alba Karinya or in the Iwi are requested to stay but remain on high alert.
Airport security has been increased and thermal cameras were equipped on all arrival terminals for all airports or seaports. People coming from nations affected by the plague have been screened and quarantined for one day before being let free. This hightend security will continue until the outbreak has been solved.
IMMIGRANT FOUND DEAD
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wWQULKDT2eQ9Wx5Cg7gOy8uapN4EDc2sBn7Uopkznceo4H8qzM53Xcv8Z/GtS6beTWas4zc3blRkFifvrG85a04O7M11XH6vP2aWs8St5Q2tRzF1TdGu4jnb41LSimsMA9tfQzcK2HHVG4ZfMUQJFND3Vjb3XMsftdzLwR8aDbTruPm2v2x9mVA339aiZWZIpjYqrZdYj6JbyjxDFaia41cddPB/hlB/KoC0aomx31Vtd6r/wCMbP8AmCozJrT/AFbBU97S/wDyhkVi+OuRQlzNHGpZ2VVHexxQrWOuT9ZreAHwG40weigmYNqF5Lce7oKGMplSalq5vm9S0tWkLna8gHGPAVfaFonqsIMw+k76trHS7OxTbbQKniaLoeA+Qf1dfs11EV1WwGROKUcVw6V1XAtdXCuogTFN2+6n0lRDMUm2n009KCEIpDTqbUQmPCkxThSGomTdtdS11RMv/9k=)
A Rokkenjinan immigrant was found dead in her home after one of her students found her body on the floor. The Rokkenjiman, whose identity is classified until further investigation has been done, has died due to thallium poisoning as the autopsy has reported. An investigation has led to the discovery of dissolved Thalium sulfate in her water tank. The local barangay captain has ordered a thorough investigation in the surrounding compound and slums near the center of Fort Bonifacio City. The government has told the police force to continue the search for the attacker as to not anger Quintelia's possible Ardian ally: Rokkenjima.
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24 HOURS NEWS SERVICE
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SOCIALISTS WANT TO TALK
Five members of the Quintelian Socialist Party have made contact with the Lieutenant Colonel leading the Task Force Surround, LTC Luis Milan to deliver a letter. The letter contained a request for him to meet QSP chairman Ronald Taruc on Easter Sunday. The army is now in high alert for any possible attacks.
BUBONIC PROTESTS
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About five thousand citizens have gathered in front of the Minister's Hall to protest against the government after an information leak confirming Quintelia being affected by the bubonic plague. The citizens are protesting for more transparency and freedom of information. Although the government and numerous organizations has confirmed that the outbreak is confined to one town, it is still recommended for people to not go to crowded places especially airports and seaports.
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24 HOURS NEWS SERVICE
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LIVE COVERAGE: EASTER MEETING
The crew is set up in a hilltop, where the red entrance gate is visible, along with seventy soldiers clad in their camouflage uniforms and gear outside. Inside the village, armed men are seen with red cloth covering their faces except for their eyes, and a red banana with a hammer and sickle logo wrapped around their right arms. Wearing a dark camouflage outfit, an AKM strapped around them, they seemed ready to for any moment. Luckily for the news crew, they are in a safe distance and are wearing bulletproof vests and helmets just in case things get messy. Inside the tent, the team made up of twenty people have set up their equipment. Jessica, who was assigned in yet another risky report, stood ready as a staff member put powder on her face. She gave a thumbs-up as the cameraman shouted. "We're live in three... two... one..."
"We're live here in the province of Dagohoy near Nueva Lungsod City. Today, Lieutenant-Colonel Luis Milan will meet with the notorious Socialist Party leader Ronald Taruc for what it seems to be a compromise. Both sides are armed and ready in case of any ambush from both sides." She said, holding a microphone on one hand. The broadcast displayed four different frames, a frame for Jessica reporting, a frame for the situation of the soldiers, a frame for the studio and Mike, and a frame for the aerial view of the village. Jessica continued as the teleprompter rolled on. "As what the stationed men has reported, LTC Milan is preparing his men in case of any attempted assassinations. Meanwhile, from our drone, we can see that about fifty men are armed and ready on case of the same situation. It all seems like anyone can just stay a battle here." She stopped as Mike, who was comfortable in his studio stool asked. "We are all worried with your situation. Are there any chance for this to be bloody?"
"The only chance for any battle to when any side decides to fire on any other one. And now, we can see the Lieutenant-Colonel walking on the road towards the gate." The camera zoomed in on him walking. "We can also see four men fully armed surrounding him along with a company of spec-ops, a truck full of soldiers about a hundred meters away and..." A sniper, not seen in the live feed, began signaling to the crew to not release too much information. Pretending to clear her throat, she continued. "...and we can see about ten rebels choosingt, in on the gate. The one in the middle looks like Taruc." The lieutenant stood firm as Taruc opened the gate. "Here, we finally see a historic meeting. A communist leader and a high-commanding officer having a formal meeting." The lieutenant and Taruc shook hands, a culturally important gesture. They walked, with both men leaving their guards as a sign of trust. "Finally, we can say that peace has prevailed." Two gunshots, one sound; the camera was cut.
"I guess, our friend jinxed it." Mike, in spite of shock, managed to pull off a joke and nervously laughed. "We'll be back in a bit." The light indicating On Air dimmed. Mike stood up, shocked and angry. He approached the executive director, who was also responsible on assigning reporters and journalists, and grabbed his long sleeved polo and coat. "Why would you risk their lives just for some money? We don't know what has happened to her or her colleagues and there's a huge chance they're dead because of you being greedy!" Two security guards separated the two as an intern approached them. "We've got confirmation, they're alive and unharmed." Mike sighed in relief and his boss replied. "I know you've been through a lot today. Go take a fresh breathe of air outside while we're on break." Mike went out of the building as he pulled a cigarette from his pocket.
The whole crew lied down in cover as both sides gunned down each other. The two leaders lay dead on the road, blood gushing out from both heads. The camera caught both first shots for a second before all Hell broke loose and they have to take cover. In the footage, it can be seen that a man coming out of the guardhouse shot LTC Milan first before a sniper hit Taruc. Jessica called towards one of her colleagues and asked for the camera to be turned on. The live feed was back, with the bloodbath seen. "Gunfire has and is still being aexchanged between the two factions. It is confirmed that both Lieutenant-Colonel Luis Milan and Ronald Taruc are dead. It is speculated that the communists shot first however..." A loud, whistling sound was heard and BOOM! An artillery shell struck 200m away from them. The soldiers then exchange with an artillery barrage and mortar shells being fired on them. The camera focused on the village slowly being deformed and destroyed, as each townhouse had mercenaries in them. "Artillery shells are being fired towards our position and the soldiers are retaliating. It's only a matter of time before..." Another set of guns were heard. A UAV swooped over the area, shooting at the positions of the rebels. Finally, the executive director radioed in on the crew. "We have received warnings of total destruction of the perimeter including your position. Evacuation is in effect I repeat evacuation is in effect. Equipment shall be left in place and get out of there." The crew crawled our out of their tent in a single file. Once going downhill, they ran towards the van and drove off immediately. The camera was left rolling as the battle continued, with the bombs being dropped on the village. Each explosion is seen in the live feed as finally, the bombs hit the tent full of equipment.
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24 HOURS NEWS SERVICE
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MILITARY BLUNDER OR NOT?
The bombing of the unnamed village with napalm has been criticized as it endangered the lives of a news crew and even caused a nearby grass fire that has been extinguished after three days. It was confirmed that Communist leader Ronald Taruc has been killed while LTC Luis Milan had survived thanks to using a body double as it was deemed too dangerous for a high ranking official to be in. The fairly large skirmish, which was caught on camera, costed the lives of 104 soldiers and about 4,000 rebels with the remaining rebels surrendering and being sentenced to a year in correctional. In a surprise move, about 16,000 rebels surrendered from rural areas in fear of being killed. They were let go without any sentence.
CONTAINMENT SUCCESSFUL
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The outbreak in the town of Tubig, Romblique, has been controlled as of now. Airtight tents, antibiotics, and distribution of protective gear have helped in the reduction of morbidity and mortality rate. Communication for the civilians have been restored although no-one is still allowed to move in or out of the town. 3,957 cases have been reported of which 1,091 has died, of which 57 were deployed soldiers and 11 doctors.
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24 HOURS NEWS SERVICE
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A HEATED FIGHT
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Released footage of napalm bombings
Multiple nations have condemned Quintelia with the usage of napalm on the attack on the unnamed village that served as a base for communist rebels. The napalm is said to have killed around 3,000 insurgents along with 5 soldiers. In a recent press conference, Minister of Defense Ronald Bato has stated. "Those f**king nations trying to destroy our reputation. As if they're not hypocrites by constantly bombing Lakhzovia." In an interview, he also had the same views. "We're not cooperating with any of those Uppsala scum."
However, King Lapu has said in an exclusive interview. "It's sad to know that our military has done such blunder that will affect the perception of other nations on us. Though the Department of Internal Affairs has already started conducting their own investigation, we invite the Nya Ålanders to also conduct their investigations, as well as other nations. As for now, we'll surrender all canisters of napalm to those who have the capability to properly dispose of it." Sharing his views are multiple opposition leaders who hailed the King as 'finally making the right move.'
A report by the Quintelian Air Force on the bombings have been released, including a statement on the napalm by pilots.
"1. Reconnaissance missions prior to battle confirmed that there were hostages held, although no civilians has yet settled as housing compound was supposed to be opened a month after the rebel takeover
2. Aerial recon from a UAV has seen hostages escaping area and being rescued by the army
3. Bomber pilot radioed seeing no civilians in the village, all insurgents are in weapons storage or are fighting in the front line.
4. After confirmation of absence of civilians and or hostages, canister of napalm gel was dropped, but bounced into an empty house before exploding."
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24 HOURS NEWS SERVICE
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BATO APOLOGIZES
After a humiliating press conference, Ronald Bato has apologized for the strong wording he said during a press conference a few weeks ago. "I know that I may have said things that may have hurt people, and I apologize for it. I know for a fact that this has been a great military blunder, and now I want to fix this mess." He said in another press conference. Along with it he has stated that "Napalm is to be properly disposed off here in Quintelia, with a company willing to use then as fuel in their furnaces." The public, however, hasn't forgiven what he had said a few weeks ago, with some threatening assassination.
QUINTELIA TO ACCEPT REFUGEES
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King Lapu has announced that he would accept refugees from Lakhzovia or even those seeking refuge in Somerset. "We are a nation that wants peace, not war. I believe that it's my duty to make the lives of people better." Five patrol ships have been sent to Somerset as to provide safe transportation for refugees with three more planned to be sent. Along with providing a permanent home for 40,000 refugees, Quintelia will also send Lakhzovia $50 million in aid for rehabilitation while 1,000 aid workers were sent to Somerset refugee camps.
Political critic Antonio Trillanes V has criticized this move. "There are a lot of problems here in our nation, why don't we spend the money on helping out own kind." It is, however, notable that Trillanes has previously called for action from the government regarding the situation in Lakhzovia a few months ago.
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24 HOURS NEWS SERVICE
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PLAGUE UNDER CONTROL
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The bubonic plague epidemic in the town of Tubig, Ronblique, has been declared "under-control." The last death due to the plague was recorded last week while no new infection has been recorded for five straight days. When no new infection would be recorded for 30 straight days, the quarantine on the town cam be lifted. In the meantime, 4,098 total cases have been recorded, with 1,456 total deaths. Half of the infected have been treated with antibiotics woke the remainder are still being treated.
WAR AND NEUTRALITY
In a recent press conference, King Lapu has stated that he might aid ES, Vaguizan, and Achkaerinese troops against Muslim insurgents in Phuebra. "If we want a peaceful Ardia, we need to first go to Phuebra, as what our ally ES did. Of course, we need permission from " More than 2,000 troops are to be mobilized, as well as a few aircrafts and ships.
King Lapu also commented in the situation between RS and Iwi. "If a war would break out, Quintelia will remain neutral unless any of you fired on civilian ships, then it's the time I'll declare war." King Lapu has also stated that he will prepare the navy in case Quintelia gets dragged into the war.
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24 HOURS NEWS SERVICE
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FIRST QUINTILIAN SATELLITES BEING MADE
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Minister of Science and Technology Antonio Tuazon had announced that three satellites are currently under construction. One of the satellites is a weather satellite which would be named Bathala-1, named after an omnipresent pre-colonial deity known to having controlled the weather. It would help on the prediction of weather in Quintelia and neighboring nations as well asstudy the effects of climate change in Quintelia and possibly the Hygelac. The other two satellites would be used for communications, one for television and radio broadcast while the other would be for internet and mobile network coverage. Their names would be Diwata-1 and Diwata-2 respectively, named after fairy-like deities.
"These satellites are the first steps we need to take to be prominent in the academic world. We have other projects proposed however we'd like to keep them classified for the time being." Antonio Tuazon said in his announcement. It is also worthy to note that the budget for the Ministry doubled after budget cuts on the military.
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FARMERS PROTEST AMID HARVEST SEASON
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Protesters working in the farms of NutriArdia, the third largest employer in the nation, behind the government and Dizon farms, are protesting in multiple locations in the nation. From small towns to manor cities, even in front of the NutriArdia building in Lungsod. An estimted 10,000 workers are protesting, trying to get their appeals heard by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development with an additional of more or less a hundred thousand people that are on strike and stayed at their homes. Jessica is in Lungsod City to provide us more insight for this situation.
“We are live here in front of the NutriArdia headquarters where around 1,000 protesters are expressing their anger on this company.” Jessica said, with the loud chanting of ‘Tigil trabaho para sa NutriArdia na mabaho[1]’ with most of the people holding placards with their complaints written on it. “Here we have the leader, the coordinator, and the mastremind of this nation-wide strike in one person. Bartolomo Gerola, please tell us the main things that you and your group are protesting for.” The journalist asked. “Fiirst of all, we hardworking workers are being overworked, we don’t have overtime pay, we are working in conditions that are inhuman, and worst of all, the last cheque we received amounted to seven dollars a day, which I remind you, less than the minimum wage of ten dollars.” The man, wearing a simple shirt and khaki shorts, raised his voice at the microphone. “In the factory that I worked on, it was common to always be sick, the rooms does not have proper ventilation, we only get one break each day. It’s like going to a time machine that takes us back when rules for workers did not exist.”
“So tell us, sir Gerola, when has this substandard situation started?” Jessica continued, while the protesters at the background burn an effigy of the logo of NutrArdia. “Ever since I was hired three years back, I never had a pay raise. I thought that this was due to the lasting effects of the 2010 mutiny but our conditions worsened.” Bartolomo said, as a team of police began swarming on the protesters, trying to contain them as the gates of the establishment began to break. “Thank you for your time sir, but it seems your people need you more.” Jessica thanked Bartolomo. “And thank you for your time, miss. The world must know about the condition we’re in and we encourage that those workers that are being enslaved to stand up against there overlords.” Bartolomo said as he joined the protesters in chanting and pushing the gate further back.
OOC: I missed writing long posts like this. Anyways, this will be a four-part event that will be occuring at the same times. Just wait for the other three parts this week.
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FARMERS PROTEST AMID HARVEST SEASON, PART II
“Thank you Jessica, but of course, we need to always see both sides of the story, so we have Sebastian Aurolio in the headqurters of the Ayala Conglomerate.” The camera cut back to the studio, with a screen at the background dedicated to the protest scenery, with another one filled with the coming scene. “Thank you Mike, we are here with Jaime Augusto Zobel del Ayal (https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/proxy/dqC4meEWCKwjVo0YUd66AXLOJNV7pRbjodI4-NkKlaj45BhSa8i2qnKeG7mJgw9kWE0hTewbYYOYcREXXQNEJL4VVbwLPubX=w443-h332-nc), one of the richest Quintelians. Pleasure meeting you sir.” Sebastian held out his hands. “The pleasure’s mine, as I’m a fan of a few of your documentaries.” Ayal shook his hand, as the reporter is visibly flattered. “Thank you for that comment but I’m here to ask a few questions. First of all, why do you think workers in one of your subsidiaries going to such lengths to voice out concerns?”
“Well, it may be because of the low wages we are currently giving but I promise that once this strike is over, their wages shall rise to how the government wants it to be.” The CEO teplied, as he leaned back in what seems to be the most comfortable chair. “So, if I may ask, why did you not do it earlier when they implemented this two years ago?” Sebastian followed with another question, leaning forward as to have the microphone nearer the CEO. “It’s because we are slowly but surely raising the wages, but umm, we uhhh, we were covering for the high income tax already. I mean surely, it is because of the rising tax.” The CEO began sweating, although not that visibly. “So if you were to be tried in court for corruption, you would be innocent, is that correct?”
“Yes, I will be innocent, and in fact, to prove myself, I’m going to court with those protesters down there, and I’m challenging the regional managers to do the same.” His eyes piercing through the camera, Augusto said. “Well then, I’m bidding you good luck, ‘cause you’re going to need a lot of it.” Sebastian said. “Well, that wraps up my interview, back to you Mike.” He continued as scene switched back to the studio.
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FARMERS PROTEST AMID HARVEST SEASON PART III
“Thank you Sebastian, and I’m looking forward to the trial of Ayal.” Mike said on a mic. “Now, let’s check in on the rural side of the nation with Esteban.” Mike said as the scene went to fields of crops, with paddies of rice and groves of mangoes seen at the background. “Thanks Mike, Esteban Dailisan here in the Municipality of Doña Remdios Trinidad in the province of Bulataan, where the largest protest outside of Lungsod is happening.” He said, as the camera panned to fields of wheat and vegetables fenced with barbed wire on top of a ten-foot tall electric fence, as the protesters are chanting their chants, even making a parody of a Les Miserables song. “Here we have a former farmer for NutriArdia that is leading the protest not in DRT, not in Bulataan, but led and planned every protest in every field owned by NutriArdia throughout the whole of Quintelia. Here’s Berta Santiago.” A 5 feet tall woman in her mid-forties, with a damp towel on her head, and a white and red shirt. “Berta, thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to interview you.”
“The pleasure’s mine, and also, can I say, hello ma, hello pa, I’m here in TV!” Berta shouted with excitement, waving her hands around as she seemed to have forgotten everything in her adrenaline. “Hehehe, your family must be proud with your involvement in probably the largest protest in rural Quintelia. Anyways, is it true that you and hundreds of thousands of other farmers are underpaid?” Esteban asked as he pointed his microphone to the ecstatic woman. “Yes, we’re just paid with $1 dollar a week by our managers, in fact my manager is in that building over there.” She pointed to a white two-story building. “I even saw my manager shout at one of the newer workers just because they were asking for 50 cents so that they can go home. I mean, how greedy would one have to not give a kid money to go home?” She continued, with her excited look transforming to an angry look. “You mentioned kids, how old were they?” Esteban asked, intrigued. “They were fifteen years old that were employed for three months for planting season, but I’ve met children as young as twelve years old doing jobs that I was also doing. I think their contract only lasted for one month, and when I asked, they were only paid $3, and that’s not enough for living for a week.” Berta exclaimed, with anger in her eyes.
“Ok, let’s move on from illegal child labor, let’s move on to how you have assembled and managed almost a hundred thousand protesters throughout the country?” Esteban asked, as the chanting from the background becoming louder. “Well, after someone from Lungsod named Bartolomo contacted me, I accepted, and assembling a crowd in the largest field of NutriArdia was easy. Then, it came to assembling in other provinces. I had to go to every province in Quintelia in eight days, then I have to return here to do something... special.” She paused, as the chanting became shouting. “And what is that special thing you’re talking about?” The journalist asked, and Berta replied a mischievous “Just wait, also let’s show the world.” The camera turned to the protesters, who are burning rags that are soaked with gasoline, as well as a bunch of firecrackers, and even a few lit up cloths at the tip of bottles filled with alcohol, forming a molotov bomb. “Oh, ok, thank you Berta for the wonderful time, and I think it’s time for you to lead your people on your special thing.” Estaban remarked as Berta ran back to the crowd. She shouted. “Tara na para sa ating mga manggagawa, para sa bayan.[1]” The crowds if protesters shouted at the top of their lungs, as people began throwing their pyrotechnics, hitting the fields they used to till. A few even hit the fences, which began melting. Since the town of DRT is a very rural and poor municipality, only twenty police officers serve the sparsely populated large town, and all twenty officers are part of the protest, as they have family memebers who worked for NutriArdia. The camera cut back to the studio.
“Thank you Esteban for giving us a view of what’s happening in rural Quintelia.” Mike said, as he then pressed one of his earpieces. “And apparently, the same thing is happening all throughout the whole nation, although smaller fires are occurring as the police and the firefighters have intervened with the protests. Now, let’s see what the Minister of Agriculture Adriano Alcala will have to say about this.”
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FARMERS PROEST AMID HARVEST SEASON PART IV OOC: Am gonna do this last part like a normal news post. Am lazy
Minister of Agriculture Adriano Alcala has condemned the actions of both sides. “NutriArdia’s CEO and CFO should be investigated for corruption and or fraud. Until they are proven innocent, they should be put under house arrest and all of their assets should be frozen. Once they are proven to be innocent, we can repeat the same thing one position down, freezing their assets until someoene is found guilty.” Alcala said in a recent interview. “Meanwhile, for those that led the protests, especially in the rural areas, we have no choice but to charge them with arson and destruction of property. The best we can do for them right now is to give them a better lawyer.” The Minister will also pass a law that all farmers and fishers should be paid by their respective companies with a minimum of $20 per 24 hours if work done. Adriano Alcala also made sure that the farmers and workers who joined the protests will be given a temporary work under the government.
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FIRST RECYCLING CENTER BUILT IN BAHAY CITY
The Metro-Lungsod Garbage Disposal Complex is a project of the Metropolitan Lungsod Development Authority that begun in 2011. The new facility will house 5 warehouses for the storage of trash, another 5 warehouses for storage of the recycled materials; a separation chamber; three reclamation lines; a methane gas production chamber; and a small incinerator. A small workshop where used items can be made to personal piece or even artworks will open for the public yo use in the next few weeks. The facility, according to the MLDA, can collect from all citites in Metro Lungsod, and can process up to six metric tons of garbage per day at full working capacity. The incinerator will be operating at 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and will burn through the methane produced from organic waste such as rotten food, wood, papers, and compost; and will be able to power itself from and neighboring establishments from the incinerator.
“With the help of the Ministry of Power, we can make Metro Lungsod cleaner.” MLDA Chairman Francisco Lim said in an interview. “Right now, we have begun building pumps in the Ilog River as to modernize the cleanup operations there, and we will holefully link them up to this facility.”
GOVERNMENT TO ACQUIRE NEW AIRSHIPS FROM NU
Minister of Tourism and Immigration, Eiza Adartse, and Ministry of Transportation, Lucio Tan Ochoa, has announced that they will buy fifteen rigid airships for aerial tours of Lungsod City and for a luxurious way of transportation. The zeppelins from Neu Uburzis have a capacity of 70 passengers and can circle the city almost ten times before having to refuel. The Commision on Civil Aviation of Quintelia, simply known as CAAQ, has approved of certain routes inside the city as to not interfere with the Lungsod Airport. “If the tours are successful in the city, then we can expand this to other places, such as our forests and mountain ranges.” Eiza Adartse stated in a press conference. “The price for the tour, however, will not be cheap, as an hour-long tour can cost between $200 and $300 per head and for transportation, it will be a bit cheaper, though still expensive.”
Meanwhile, well known critic Antonio Trillianes V has criticized the desicion. “Why can’t we just use helicopters instead of blimps and whatnot for tours? It will be cheaper and less dangerous. Or even better why don’t we stay oit of the air and do bus tours instead, it will be way cheaper, far less dangerous, and we can see the details of the city.” He stated in an exclusive interview.
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HOSPITALS TO SELL LSD LACED MEDICINES
After the news of Loperamide tablets made by OsmanTech being laced with lysergic acid, commonly known as LSD, recreational drug shops from all around the nation have been offering to buy these tablets to sell them to willing costumers. After careful examination of the tablets, the amount of LSD in them are safe to consume. The public, however, is warned of any side effects of the drug such as palpitations, heavy hallucinations, and may lead to psychosis to certain people. Recreational drug stores would sell the tablets between $5 to $10 per gram.
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CROPS TO KROPS TO CASH
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Dizon Corporations, the largest agricultural company in Quintelia, has released the application “Krops”. This free to install app is available to everyone that owns a smartphone, with Dizon Corp. farmers being given the necessary devices to use the app. In the app, farmers can advertise their produce and raw materials by showing where in Quintelia they live in and the prices of their produce to willing buyers. This allows for easier, faster, and cheaper way of trading raw materials as well as making the agricultural market more competitive. So far, Krops is only available in Quintelia, however, Dizon Corp. has announced that they are interested in expanding in Ardia.
In relayed news, Dizon Corp. has pledged to employ ar least fifty percent of the displaced workers and farmers of NutriArdia. This amounts to at least 935,000 additional workers to the company. These workers will now have a daily wage of $18 at minimum, significantly more than their minimum wage in NutriArdia. These farmers and workers will also receive retirement and insurance benefits from the company.
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PROSECUTED PROTESTING PROLETARIAT
The two main leaders of the protests, Berta Santiago and Bartolomo Gerola, have been prosecuted. They were charged with arson and and inciting of property damage, to which the two were given the bare minimum: 10 days in prison with 100 hours of community service. The pair of minimum wage earners were reportedly tearing up with joy as they heard the verdict. No interview with them were allowed as per law, though their defendants said that "Of course, violent means were necessary to show the public and the world how much these companies are abusing its workers. Now, we encourage those in the same situation as these people are a month ago to show that they deserve to be treated as a person." Next week would be the start of the prosecution of Joselito Ocampo and Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala.
GP HYPE
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The Lungsod Grand Prix will be held soon, and both the government and people in Lungsod have been preparing for months. The MLDA has already put together alternate routes for vehicles as well as three suspension of classes all throughout the city. Three-fourths of the curbs have been painted and seating for the starting and finishing point have been set up, with a seating capacity of 4,000. A few residents also offer their homes for rent where the race is visible. Meanwhile four newly delivered airships from Neu Uburzis will be also used for those who want to see an aerial view of the race.
Meanwhile, Quintelian racer Marlon Laurel has given the statement when interviewed. "I'm confident with this race. I've been driving through these streets my whole life and I even got a speeding ticket. laughs And hey, my house is visible from here." The other three Quintelian racers refused to be interviewed.
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AIRPORT UPGRADE FINISHED
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Full construction terminals 4 and 5 and 2 new runways have been completed last week and after a thorough inspection, it will open for public use in Sunday. Terminal 4 will be used primarily for international flights from other continents, especially from airlines using rigid airships as terminal 4 is also the nearest terminal to the newly built airship landing tarmacs. Terminal 4 will have a total maximum capacity of ten million annual passengers, increasing the original airport's capacity by 25%. The architecture is inspired by beach resorts in the coasts of Quintelia, and is also inspired by tribal fishing villages. Terminal five, however, is purely a cargo terminal and is an extension of terminal two. Terminal five is also up for rent for shipping companies to use. The whole project costed about $75 million and made use of the generous donation from the Ecclesiastical State.
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CEOs ON TRIAL
This week, CEO of the Ayala Conglomerate, Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayal has been tried and was ruled as innocent of any forms of corruption and all charges on him were dropped. CEO of NutriArdia Joselito Campo was immediately tried and was found guilty of mistreatment of his employees and corruption. He will serve ten years in prison with no chance of parole. All of Joselito's assets will be confiscated by the government and use seventy percent of it will be used to compensate the former workers of NutriArdia. The other thirty percent will be kept as reserves for any future project. The same thing will be done to any official that is proven guilty. "Putting over two thousand people on trial will take a long time, so we're allocating the month of September in trying all NutriArdian officials that have been listed by Joselito and by the protesters." This is the first time a billionaire will be convicted and imprisoned and many people have praised the anonymous judge in social media.
In a related news, Berta Santiago and Bartolomo Gerola, the two leaders of the protests, were freed from what people would consider a slap in the hand. They will then serve the required 100 hours of community service, mostly helping in cleaning up the locations where they protested on. However, the duo were seen happily doing what they were told to, even smiling to the camera when documented and interviewed. "We aren't even complaining, if this is what I pay for providing the rights we have neeeded for a long time, then I think this is cheap." Bartolomo said in an interview during his break time while Berta refused to have her interviewed for the reasoning of being "Too happy".
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WHEEL OF TORTURE
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A random inspection of an undisclosed prison in the province of Bulataan has yielded a few controversial results. A group of five undercover inmates were planted in the said prison as to see and inspect the prison firsthand without any prior preparations. Today, the "inmates" have revealed given their warrant of investigation to the superintended of the police district, who shall remain anonymous. After the investigation, a kilogram of cocaine, fifty bottles of alcoholic beverages, and a few cannabis plants being grown inside an inmate's cell, all of which are illegal to possess in a prison. Keypad phones and improvised two way radios were also seen in the possession of inmates. However, the most surprising find was a "wheel of torture" as what the inmates and the prison guards referred to. The inmates described how the guards tortured them.
"We were all rounded up to the mess hall every week and we were asked to spin the wheel or else we will get five minutes of being beaten by a stick." An inmate said in an interview. The wheel, as shown, has five possible outcomes: "Hayahayyy" which is the smallest one means the inmate can go back to their room unharmed; "Tusok Ulo Ka" translates to "Your Head Gets Poked" which means that a stick is poked around an inmate's head for twenty seconds; "Paniki" which means "Bat" forces the inmate to hang upside down for thirty seconds; "Manny Pacman" is a reference to the famous bocer and warrants the inmate twenty seconds of non-stop punching; and "Zombies" means the inmate will be chained and beaten up severely for three whole minutes. All prison guards are now arrested and are facing a possible ten to twenty years sentence. The inmates, meanwhile, will be transported to a safer rehabilitation center.
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QUINTELIAN SATELLITES ALMOST FINISHED
The construction of the three satellites have been finished and safety inspections have begun as of writing this article. While the examination of each equipment are ongoing, we took the time to interview Pedro de la Peña, the head of the development of the three satellites.
Reporter: Today we are here in our studio with the one and only Pedro de la Peña. Sir de la Peña, how are you today?
Pedro: I'm good, a bit sleepy, a bit excited, a bit worried. You our what, In actually a bit of every emotion now.
R: Ok, so we have prepared a bunch of questions about you, your team, and of course, the satellites you've been creating, you ready, sir?
P: Bring it on!
R: I like your enthusiasm. For our first question, what would our satellites do and for how long would they operate?
P: Bathala 1, the first satellite to be developed, with construction starting back in 2016, would be our weather satellite. It has all the necessary equipment to observe weather and relay information from space back to here in Quintelia where the information will be processed. It also has a few sensors and specialized cameras to observe the effects of climate change in Quintelia and in Hygelac. The other two satellites, Diwata-1 and Diwata-2, will be used for relaying signals mostly for commercial use. Diwata-1 will be used for television and radio signal while Diwata-2 will be for cellular signal.
R: That does sound progressive and exciting, but where would the launch be?
P:We will launch the three satellites from Ui Cenneslaig and if all gles smoothly, all satellites would be launched by early December.
R: So we don't need to wait for longer to have decent internet, that's nice.
P: Oh yeah. You don't know the pain of communicating with people outside of the country.
R: Oh I know how painful that is. Anyways, how many were directly involved in the building of these satellites?
P: I personally picked the best 500 graduates from Lungsod University that I think will be best suited in making this project possible. Other than them, almost a thousand blue - collar workers have helped in transporting equipments, making our workplace safe, and many others.
R: There may be a more than a thousand people involved
in making our first step to the final frontier, but what we're more interested is in the leader of this project, you. So, tell me first, how would you describe yourself?
P: Well, I'd describe myself more of a hardworking man than a smart or even wise. I was the leader of this project, yes, and that's a given, however, I'd say it agaim and emphasize, you should focus on these graduates. They're doing a gteat job. But the only thing you need to know about me is, looks at camera I'm still single and I'm looking for abyone above 18,. Woman from the crew audibly giggles.
R: Well, you heard it first from here, guys. This man is single eh. Get ready to be constantly asked on social media on your availability. Now, if given the chance, would you do another project like this again?
P: Yes and thankfully, I have another project with the purpose still classified if the three satellites are successfully launched.
R: Ok, thank you very much for your time. May we wish good luck on the launch and may God bless you.
P: Thank you too and may God bless you as well.
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SATELLITE LAUNCH LIVE COVERGAE
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Today, the three satellites made by the Quintelian Space Agency will launch from Ui Cenneslaig. In 4 minutes, the rocket carrying the three satellites will take of and mark the beginning of Quintelia’s presence in space and that presence shall remain the status quo for as long as Quintelia exists. Now, the rocket where these satellites are in is capable of bringing the communications satellite to a low earth orbit, where it can perform it’s task with the most efficiency while the two research satellites would be brought to further orbits as to be able to observe Quintelia and the Hygelac at the same time. Diwata 1 is equipped with a high precision telescope, multispectral imager with liquid crystal tunable filter, and a wide field camera that will help in the observation of Quintelia on a daily basis. Diwata 2, on the other hand, is equipped with a magnetometer, which measures magnetic fields in space, high resolution dynamics limb sounder, microwave limb sounder, ozone monitoring instrument, and tropospheric emission spectrometer, all of which will help in the observatio of the ozone layer and greenhouse gases. Bathala 1 is a telecommunications satellite that will provide mobile network coverage for the whole nation of Quintelia for all major network service providers in the nation, however, it can also provide the same service for all of China and New Derusmia if they were to ask. All satellites are also equipped with Reaction Control Systems and 10 liters of mononpropellant that will be used in readjustment of orbit, may it be due to orbit decay or anomalies during launch.
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Ignition
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The rocket has launched and within a few minutes, will reach space and deploy the Quintelian satellites. We shall check in with Karenina in mission control back in Lungsod.
Thanks Jess, the atmosphere here is celebratory and may be observed by one of the satellites ince it reaches orbit. As for those that will remotely control and observe our first satellites, they will be on duty for 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with 6 hour shifts. As for future projects and launches by Quintelia, we have confirmed that 7 satellites will be completed by next year, with one of them being capable of carrying a man, however, we have not confirmed if there will be any manned missions planned for the near future.
It’s been five minutes now and as you are seeing it live, the fairings have been deployed and we can see and determine which satellite is which. The two Diwata sats will be offloaded in a 10 minute interval while the Bathala satellite will be offloaded once it reaches the altitude it needs, which is about an hour after the two satellites are launched, which would give it a geostationary orbit instead of a low earth orbit. After that, the rocket will then go back to Ui enneslaig to be used again.(OOC: if this is not the type of rocket you have, then just ping me in Discord) Catch the full flight in our stream in your tv or online.
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SATELLITE UPDATE
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More than a week after the launch of the first three satellites of Quintelia, an official update has been released by the Ministry of Science and Technology regarding the current missions and future launches.
"Right after launch, all three satellites deployed without any anomalies and went to their orbits and their solar panels within an hour since launch. Bathala 1 was the first to send a signal, followed by Diwata 1 and then Diwata 2. Diwata 1 was also the first to transmit scientific data, which was an infrared image of Quintelia, showing cold winds from China going east towards the Strait of Shaw. Diwata 2 then transmitted data on the thickness of the ozone layer on Lungsod. As for Bathala 1, it is providing service for all major telecommunications company in Quintelia.
All of the three satellites will have a mission duration of fifteen years. For those next years, we will be taking in more ambitious projects and will be doing more missions in space and in Mundus. Our next big project would be sending a few manned rovers in Hygelac and maybe establish a oermanent research base there. It will soon be followed by a launch of five more research satellites, and hopefully get a chance to talk with the Achkaerinese or the Rokkenjimans to let a Quintelian board their space station for a couple of months for research purposes. Other larger-scale projects, such as landing a rover on another heavenly body or launching a probe to deep space, will come but not in the near future. As for other projects in Mundus, we have started working on less toxic pesticides and herbicide in association with Dizon Farms, as well as a few drones being built with Dalton Motors."
BORDER UPDATE
Although there are no casualties from Quintelia, the government is open to lending military equipment to Dragonai border officers. If the need arises, they can borrow any gun and at most three tanks from the army. The air force is considering to start reconnaissance missions within 10 km from the border on both sides and giving information from the said missions to the Dragonai. The navy will not offer any services whatsoever.
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MINISTER OF DEFENSE TALKS ABOUT SUSPICIOUS KILLING
A few months ago, a Rokkenjiman immigrant was found dead in her house, poisoned with thallium sulfate. An investigation was made by the local police, however no leads were made other than the immigrant was an unlucky victim of a home invasion and robbery. The culprit was never caught or found and the investigation was closed one month after no more additional evidences were found. Local syndicates, such as the Akyat Bahay syndicate and Salisi Syndicate, were blamed for the murder, however, both groups denied any involvement in the said murder. The tainted water tank was taken and replaced with a clean tank by the local water service provider. The housing unit where the immigrant was found was thoroughly searched for any evidences and afterwards, cleaned. Currently, the house is occupied by two previously homeless families.
A week ago, a Rokkejiman leak in Free Mundus Network occurred, wherein rogue Rokkenjiman agents from across Mundus were killed by Morelander agents. Minister of Defense Ronald Bato gave a comment on the situation. "If we trust the leaked source, we can say that Quintelians are not responsible for the incident. This would leave the Morelanders to be guilty if we get to know which of their citizens did this. Of course, we still have doubts on the source, so we shall send investigators to Rokkenjima to see any record of the immigrant and to East Moreland to confirm the source. This is not meant to be anything damaging, we just want to clear things up."
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LAST PLASTIC MANUFACTURING PERMIT TO BE SOLD THIS MONTH
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According to a 2017 research, Quintelia is the largest producer and consumer of plastic and plastic products. This results to more than five million tons of plastic being thrown to the ocean and seas annually. In Bahay City, there are more plastic and rubber factories than any other type of factory. Due to this, the government has built multiple recycling centers and enforced strict rules on littering and waste disposal of byproducts. Now, the government will issue its last ten plastic factory permits to he highest bidders while previously issued permits can be traded and sold to those willing to buy. As of the reporting of this news, the highest bid that has been placed on a fresh permit is $5,000,000 while the total bids amount to $35,000,000 with more bids expected over the next few days.
According to the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, Regina Legarda, all the money that will be collected from the bids will proceed to projects for environment conservation and rehabilitation. "Since it's invention, plastic has always been harmful to us and to the environment, although it does have many applications. However, we should still try to limit the use of plastic. Cities should also do what Lungsod City and Ayala City did and ban the use and sale of plastic bags and plastic cups." She stated in an interview.
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SNOW FALL IN DAGOHOY AFTER 30 YEARS
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As the spring equinox approaches and the days start to shorten, there is no doubt that summer is at an end, harvest season is ongoing, and the colder months will begin afterwards. However, the mountain tops of the Dagohoy Forest Park was seen to be covered by snow yesterday by a few hikers. The snow cover on the mountain range has been confirmed by the Quintelian satellite Diwata-1, photographs from planes, and even more hikers. Snow itself has not yet been seen in Quintelia for thirty years, and a blizzard hasn't hit Quintelia for a hundred years. The local government of Dagohoy, along with the towns that overlap the park, has advised against going and hiking in the park as to lower the risk of suffering from hypothermia and frostbite. Colder weather in the whole country is to be expected, and farmers should now hasten their harvest.
OOC: Assuming Mundus works like earth and the southern hemisphere's winter is at the same time as when the northern hemisphere is in summer.
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WINTER IS COMING
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Snowfall is a rarity in Quintelia, having only been seen in the peaks of certain mountains in the past few decades. However, snow has covered most of the province of Dagohoy, along with a few towns from nearby provinces of Ilocandia and Cagayan. The Diwata-1 satellite has sent pictures of the affected areas in different spectrums of light as to help in the prediction of snowfall in the country. Tourists from Lungsod City flock to the aforementioned provinces as to escape the fairly warm city, with the Dagohoy Forest Park Management Office recording a total of 285,438 visitors in the past month with more coming. This has provided a large sum of revenue for local businesses and the parks themselves.
However, the snowstorms have done more damage than good, as crops and fields were ruined within a few minutes of freezing in the snow. Hectares of rice paddies were frozen and made worthless, sprouting gourds and vegetables froze and rot. An estimated $50 million worth of food and crops were destroyed in almost an instant, with a predicted $500 million worth of damage in crops and livestock if the snowstorms continue. “While it will be a big sum of money for a lot of our farmers, we can assure that this will not be the end of it all. We have seeds in storage for these situations, and we can compensate these farmers if they need it. Dizon Farms has $2 billion reserved in multiple banks, we have enough. We put the welfare of our farmers and workers over profit, we’re here to help” Omarelle Dizon said in a private interview with him.
Experts predict that if a blizzard were to hit the metropolitan are of Lungsod City, 5 million people would freeze to death due to lack of proper heating systems, with the slums of Fort Bonifacio City being the most affected. “The best thing we can do now is to prepare an evacuation center for the most affected areas.” Minister of State Eduardo Buenarbe said in a brief press conference. “The logistics of it will be challenging, but we can definitely reduce a lot of casualties in urban and rural areas. We can mobilize task forces to contain any possible riots due to food shortages. If push comes to shove, we can open up warehouses to keep the food prices low.”
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LUNGSOD PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION REVAMPED
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20 million people in all of the Lungsod Metropolitan Area regularly travel through the major thoroughfares of the cities, may they use private vehicles or public transportation. With an ever-increasing population, the highways and avenues get more congested, and train cabins look more like sardine cans than a decent way of travelling. It seems like such conditions will worsen as time goes on, not to mention the pollution this will bring. However, there is a last ditch effort to save the transportation infrastructure before it is too late. The Minister of Transportation, along with officers of the Lungsod Metropolitan Area Authority, or LMAA, and the mayors of the cities of Lungsod, Laurel, Ayala, Bahay, Baybayin, and Fort Bonifacio discussed a long-term plan that will hopefully solve the neverending transportation problem.
"First of all, we would establish a Metro Lungsod Transport Authority under the LMMA. This sub-department would be in charge of all the transportation in the metro. We will be given appropriate funding for the construction and maintenance of infrastructure." LMMA Chairman Jose Pialago said in the press conference. "Next, we have plans for a subway system and three more lines of elevated monorail, with the Lungsod-Laurel line halfway done. The projected cost of this project alone is $50 billion, however this may change depending on any fluctuations on the cost of materials or labor, or any changes in the routes of the lines. We have also talked about a line that goes to the other provinces and a line that connects to the Southern Ardian Line, but we have no certain plans for it yet. Next thing we discussed are buses. While most of the buses are operated by companies and private individuals, we now have set rules and quotas that will benefit both the commuters and operators. Along with buses are jeepneys, which will be banned in a few major thoroughfares, however, their fares will increase slightly to give the jeepney drivers a bit of an incentive from the inconvenience from this ban. Lastly, we are turning over the operation of the Lungsod International Airport and the Baybayin Seaport to the Lungsod Transport Authority to ease the congestion during peak hours."
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DAGOHOY OBSERVATORY OPENS
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After almost a year of construction, the Dagohoy Observatory and Laboratory Compound will be opened to scientists and astronomers alike. The observatory will be designated as an extraterritorial jurisdiction to Ui Cenneslaig, while the laboratory compound will mostly be underground in Quintelia. The observatory will be able to detect visible light, ultraviolet rays, and infrared rays. The telescope can rotate 360° giving flexibility to the astronomers. "Scientists from Ui Cenneslaig and Quintelia can enter the compund for free for as long as they can provide proof that they are scientists. Students that will do their thesis here and scientists from other nations will have to pay $100 per week to stay in the compound and use the telescopes. Although the observatory is open to any Cenneg or Quintelian scientist or researcher, the compound itself is not yet finished. With the nearest hospital being a mountain and a river away, we need to build a small clinic. Some few additional laboratories will be built in the near future. A small clearing will serve as a helipad for now, but we will upgrade it in the next coming weeks." The Supervisor of the DOLC said in a recent interview.
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NEW SANE CHARTER SIGNED
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Earlier this day, (OOC: Pretend this happened today) a new charter binding the members of South Ardian New Electorate, or SANE, has been signed by all the member nation in the Nueva Lungsod City Hall. The new charter removed redundancies, added a few provisions, and overall made he charter more comprehensive.
In other related news, a design for the SANE Headquarters has been released. As of now, the Nueva Lungsod City Hall serves as the headquarters for SANE, and with more staffs and representatives being stationed there, a separate building is needed to maintain orderliness. "While the SANE HQ is still under construction, we will rent a few office spaces nearby to decongest the city hall." Mayor Diego Moreno said in an interview. The construction of SANE HQ is expected to finish in time for the first anniversary of the signing of the SANE treaty in late April next year.
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LOST CANNIBAL TRIBE REDISCOVERED IN BULUBUN PROVINCE
BONDOL CITY, BULUBUN - Currently, members of the Pria-Makan tribe, which are numbered to have 198 members, have been the only people in Quintelia who are exempt from being charged with cannibalism due to their culture and faith. The ever-decreasing Pria-Makan tribe believes that consumption of the first-born son of the matriarchs coerce Pria, their god of destruction, to give a bountiful harvest. That is until today, when the supposedly-extinct Kaintao tribe was approached by a group of hikers. The Kaintao tribe was known to be more barbaric, with accounts from de Gama and Legaspi[1] detailing attacks and raids. Similar accounts also detailed how Ecclesiastical soldiers burnt down the forests surrounding the Kaintao village, ultimately leading to their deaths. However, rumors of their survival continued on for centuries.
Jaime Santiago, the leader of the hiking group, detailed their discovery. "We were following the trail as laid out by the maps on our guide when suddenly, we heard what seemed to be screams by that of a pig or a man. Andres insisted that we follow the source of the sound, maybe it was a trapped animal, maybe it was another hiker needing help." Jaime said in the interview. “Our group then approached the cliff overlooking a forest. What we saw next was an arrow shooting right past us. I decided to have my phone out to take a picture before running away back towards the trail. That's when we decided to call the park rangers to report on what we have seen.” All hikers involved in the incident are now being treated for their minor injuries.
"Studying the cultures of our indigenous people is important for promoting cultural and historical significance of our ancestors," Anthropologist and Head of the Cultural Bureau of Quintelia Felipe Jocano stated in an interview. "However, I think it is best if we leave them for now, use satellite imagery to cordon off the areas where such tribes live for the well-being of us and them. Until uncontacted tribes decide to approach us first, then these tribes shall remain isolated and be protected from any government or civilian interventions."
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OOC: Thanks to KrisNord for giving me this idea
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NEW SPACE PROJECT ANNOUNCED
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The Ministry of Science and Technology announced in a press conference the Near-Earth Asteroid Scout mission in association with the Lungsod University and Cenneg researchers. The new space mission will consist of a group of thirteen low-cost Cubesats that will examine asteroids and meteors that are within the orbit of Mundus and Luna. Each satellite, named Mamboboso 1 through 4, would be equipped with cameras and sensors to analyze surface composition of bodies within the Mundus’ orbit.
“We are excited to announce Quintelia’s second scientific space mission, and more importantly, SANE's first joint space project!” Minister of Science and Technology Antonio Tuazon stated in the press conference. “We have been working on this project for two years, with a few working prototypes made. However, with the help of Cenneg, Derusmian, and Dragonai brains working alongside us, we can finish the first of four satellites within the next month, with other satellites completed by our allies in SANE. The launch should optimistically occur by the end of the year if there are no hurdles to set us back.”
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BAHURA CLASS DESTROYER LAUNCHED
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Almost a year after Quintelia expanded the Sarafian shipyard, the first military vessel launched in this shipyard. The QSS Mameleu, named after a serpent-like aquatic cryptid that was believed to have roamed the Ilog River, is the first of five Bahura Class destroyers that are planned to be built in Tamora. The launching ceremony was headed by Admiral Tamagal, who represented Quintelia in the talks for constructing the shipyard. In his toast, he declared that Tamoran-Quintelian relations are stronger while also denouncing the practice of slavery, stating it as a “barbaric practice”. The QSS Mameleu was then christened by the Admiral with a Quintelian basi.
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LEGAL DRUGS: A BLESSING OR A CURSE?
A FOUR PART MINI-DOCUMENTARY
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Use of recreational drugs that are usually illegal in other countries such as cannabis, opioids, cocaine, hallucinogenic mushrooms, and even methamphetamines have been formally legalized by the first Quintelian President Boniface in 1901 as a way to maintain traditions and customs of most tribes. Narcotics were then temporarily banned under the Roxas regime in 2008 to "save the economy from lazy Quintelians". King Lapu later on re-enacted the legalization of all recreational drugs in 2011 as part of his "de-regulization". The Ministry of Health later on imposed light restrictions on the processing of opioids and methamphetamines and limited the legal dosage for ketamines, lysergic acid, and ecstacy in 2013.
Historically, herbal hallucinogens have been integral to tribal customs ceremonies since they were founded. One such notable ceremony with heavy use of drugs is the Wewazkangz burial ceremony of a monarch, wherein the Elders of the Tribe and any representative from other tribes take in hallucinogenic mushrooms as the deceased monarch is being burnt on a stake made of hemp. It was also customary for Esiha and Wewazkangz tribe members to drink tea mixed with psychedelic mushrooms, and opium in addition with spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, and gingee; while coca and tobacco leaves were often chewed with caustic lime as a stimulant. Due to these traditions, herbal and fungal drugs are more often used than synthetic drugs such as methamphetamines and lysergic acid. Moreover, the stipulations put up by the Ministry of Health limits the dosage and consumption of certain drugs, thus making locally-made narcotics safer than illegally-made drugs from other countries.
This gave the country an opportunity for the government to open a new sector in the economy. Drug tourism has attracted tourists from all over the world to visit the Green Market of Lungsod as well as the Red Light District of Ayala City, among other drug hotspots. Drug tourism alone contributes a yearly revenue of more than $9 billion to the Quintelian economy, and the local recreational drug trade has provided $32 billion in tax revenue last year alone. In addition, the Quintelian drug trade currently employs an estimated 1.7 million people as farmers, manufacturers, and distributors. Dizon Pharms, a pharmaceutical subsidiary of Dizon Farms, and Wildflower, one of the largest narco-agricultural companies, spend a considerable amount in researching cannabis, coca leaves and other crop drugs as an alternative remedy. All of this, however, comes at a moral cost.
Recent census shows that between 20 to 33% of all Quintelians consume drugs that are neither alcohol nor tobacco based. International drug smuggling, as per the intelligence agencies of most countries, are mostly attributed to cartel groups shipping Quintelian-made drugs to other countries. Yearly, around 25,000 Quintelians overdose on opioids, ketamine, and other narcotics while an additional 6,000 Quintelians die due to accidents caused by impaired senses and 1,000 suicides were attributed with drug abuse. On top of this, 100,000 Quintelians enter rehabilitation centers yearly costing the healthcare system an additional $1.2 billion in annual cost. Furthermore, drug abuse cost the nation between $19 - $70 billion in lost productivity.
In this four-part mini-series by the 24 Hours News Network, we will explore the good, the bad, and the ugly sides of the Quintelian drug argument, and in doing so, answer the question Quintelians have been asking for the past century: Are our legal drugs a curse, or a blessing?
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QUINTELIAN CASUALTY IN SICR WAR
SICR EMBASSY, NUEVA LUNGSOD - Earlier this year, the Quintelian Military sent ground, naval, and aerial reinforcements to support the SICR’s effort against anti-government forces. The Quintielian Armed Forces deployed a total of 5,700 infantry troops as well as 23 tank crews. The Quintelian Navy deployed the Helicopter Dock QRB Pagong and destroyers QRB Taga-Sira and QRB Siga to the coasts of Wangdu-Essen. The Quintelian Air Force meanwhile deployed 20 fighter squads and 1 bomber squad as well as 40 reconnaissance planes. Non-combatant personnel were also deployed—650 medical personnel, 250 logistics personnel, and 21 technical specialists.
As of Christmas Day, the SICR and Quintelian military confirmed 31 military personnel and 2 non-combatants were killed, with 2 soldiers still missing. The families of those killed-in-action were informed and given proper compensation prior to today’s release.
RAILROADS REGAIN RECOGNITION
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2016 Inter-City Electro-Diesel Train(left) and 1985 Regional Diesel Train(right)
MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT, LUNGSOD - Rail transport was the main mode of transportation for Quintelians travelling between cities provinces with an annual pre-Mutiny ridership of 50 million people. The Mutiny however damaged most of the rural railroads and has since been neglected, lowering the annual ridership to just 10 million people. A small modernization initiative was done in 2016 which saw the purchase of some rolling stock however the industry is still largely neglected. On average, inter-city passenger trains run 30 minutes behind schedule, provincial passenger trains around 2 hours behind, and freight trains a staggering 4 hours and 15 minutes behind. With unmaintained rolling stock, shrinking manpower, and an aging rail network, the future for the Quintelian rail industry was sure to decay and have millions be left almost disconnected from the rest of the country
This was until last year when Quintelia signed an agreement with Ui Cenneslaig, Cantabria, SICR, and New Derusmia to build a “Southern Line” which will link southern Ardian nations through High Speed Rails (HSR). The project currently spans six countries and is speculated by geopolitical experts to include a line connecting to northern Ardian Nations. This agreement saw an increase in both public interest for the revitalization of the rail network and private investments to rail companies. Earlier this year, construction began in major cities such as Lungsod and Maasin where tracks were refurbished to be able to support high speed rolling stock.The Main Line will run from east to west from the borders of SICR near Nueva Lungsod to Lungsod and from north to south from the borders of New Derusmia to the borders of Kodumaa. The Quintelian High Speed Rail Network will connect major cities and industrial centers to the Southern Line.
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Official map of the ongoing QHSRN project connecting to the Southern Line
“The Main Line will be the focus of the project, with its construction costing up to $135 billion.” Minister of Transportation, Lucio Tan Ochoa, said in a press conference. “This would include more than 5,000 kilometers of rail being either rebuilt or constructed from scratch, 90 stations would be built of which 17 would be commuter hubs, and 4 southern line hubs where international routes would stop. This project would need 2,430,000 workers including 180 engineers and the logistics would be difficult to handle in the more remote parts, but it won’t be impossible. The biggest hurdle we currently have with the Main Line would be the mountain ranges bordering Quintelia and SICR.”