Thursday Dec 15, 2022

Photo: Aldair Mejía/EPA via The New York Times

GOOD MORNING

Judge grants fiscal board more time to procure documents it says it needs for PREPA debt plan

By THE STAR STAFF

U.S. District Court Judge Laura Taylor Swain on Wednesday granted the Financial Oversight and Management Board’s request for an extension to file Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority’s (PREPA) debt adjustment plan after a discussion over document production.

During an omnibus hearing Wednesday, oversight board lawyers said there had been a problem with the board’s production of some documents from an independent third party that were needed for mediation. The documents had been requested in order for the board to evaluate, in essence, PREPA’s ability to pay its debt.

INDEX

The oversight board late Tuesday requested an extension to Friday, Dec. 16, extendable to Dec. 21, which Swain agreed to. Swain, who is overseeing Puerto Rico’s Title III and other bankruptcy cases, had told the oversight board at the last omnibus hearing that she expected a confirmable plan of adjustment by Dec. 1 but has already granted two extensions. PREPA has been in bankruptcy since 2017 to restructure some $9 billion in debt.

During the hearing it appeared that while some creditors, such as the monolines or insurers of bonded debt, wanted to negotiate a debt deal, oversight board lawyer Martin Bienenenstock, of Proskauer, said the entity wanted to litigate because its members wanted more options.

The main issue preventing a deal to settle PREPA’s $9 billion debt is a dispute over the validity of the bondholders’ debt. The litigation, the oversight board said, will focus on whether the bondholders’ security interest securing their bond claims is limited to money in PREPA accounts, or about $8.8 million, that the bond trustee had created pursuant to a trust agreement governing the issuance of the bonds.

When the lawyers for the Unsecured Creditors Committee (UCC) noted that bondholders had turned the mediation into a discussion about PREPA’s ability to pay the bondholders, Swain cut him off as she wanted the parties to focus on mediation. The UCC has taken the position that the bondholders’ debt is not valid.

Peter Friedman, the lawyer for the Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority, suggested that

the government will not approve any debt deal that includes rate hikes.

In other news related to PREPA, the oversight board in a letter urged Gov. Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia not to enact legislation that would create a reserve corps for the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) and LUMA Energy, the private operator of PREPA’s transmission and distribution (T&D) system.

The proposed corps would be composed of former PREPA linemen who had been transferred to other government agencies when LUMA Energy took over PREPA’s T&D operation. The oversight board said the proposed bill goes against the fiscal plan.

Meanwhile, former Cobra Acquisition President Donald Keith Ellison and former Federal Emergency Management Agency official Ahsha Tribble were sentenced each to six months in jail for their role in a corruption scheme related to the awarding of contracts to repair Puerto Rico’s electrical infrastructure following Hurricane Maria in 2017. Cobra Acquisitions has been unable to be paid a portion of the debt for repairing the island’s grid because the judge wanted to wait for a resolution in the case.

The San Juan Daily Star, the only paper with News Service in English in Puerto Rico, publishes 7 days a week, with a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday edition, along with a Weekend Edition to cover Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

U.S. District Court Judge Laura Taylor Swain

Veterinarian offers tips for pets & end-of-the-year fireworks

By THE STAR STAFF

With the celebration of Christmas and the New Year just around the corner, Dr. Marymir Miranda, the medical director of the Veterinary 24/7 animal hospital, urged pet owners on Wednesday to plan and take measures to protect their pet’s health and life from the proliferation and use of pyrotechnics, as well as fireworks, in the communities of Puerto Rico.

Miranda shared that the experience at Veterinary 24/7 at this time of the year is that emergencies multiply and there are “too many pets that arrive injured or even dead to the hospital emergency room, due to situations that are preventable.”

“Unlike humans, when pets hear fireworks, firecrackers or other pyrotechnics, they do not know what is happening around them and their instinct leads them to look for an escape from the events which sometimes seems like a war, to take shelter and not have to hear the noises,” the veterinarian said. “In that process of escape we have seen everything, from pets that suffer cardiac arrest, are deaf or blind and even those that are mortally injured or even run over.”

Given this scenario, Miranda listed six basic recom-

Dr. Marymir Miranda, the medical director of the Veterinary 24/7 animal hospital, said emergencies multiply at this time of year and there are “too many pets that arrive injured or even dead to the hospital emergency room, due to situations that are preventable.”

mendations that animal owners, mainly dogs and cats, can take to prevent accidents.

Do not leave your pet loose on outdoor balconies, in gazebos or in yards, especially if you are not at home.

Do not leave to pick up your pet on Dec. 24 or Dec. 31 at the last minute. Make a plan ahead, identify what’s best for him or her and if in doubt consult your veterinarian.

Be sure to place the animal in a spacious area with good ventilation and where it will be safe from harm. Add items such as a cage that is comfortable and where they can have toys, blankets or towels. In the case of cats, a kennel is a good idea.

Classical music and other relaxing sounds are a good way to calm your dog or cat. Identify those that are to your liking.

Consult a veterinary professional if you are considering medicating your pet, especially if your animal has pre-existing heart or respiratory conditions.

In the particular case of dogs, protective shirts can also help them feel safe and calm their anxiety.

“There are animals that, even if they control their external environment, cannot control their anxiety about noise,” Miranda said. “In these cases, it is recommended to take the animal to your veterinarian, before thinking about medicating it at home. Plan ahead.”

Clinical Laboratories Assn. demands ASES chief’s ouster

By THE STAR STAFF

The Clinical Laboratories Association Inc., in a written statement on Wednesday, denounced alleged mismanagement at the island Health Insurance Administration (ASES by its Spanish initials) and demanded the dismissal of the agency’s executive director, Edna Marín. Instead of holding bidding, the association said, Marín allegedly conducted a “negotiation behind closed doors” with four insurers (MMM, Triple S, MCS and First

Medical) so that all four would continue participating in the program.

“To this day suppliers don’t know what’s going to happen,” association members said in the statement. “These insurers sent them the new contracts electronically for their signature through a platform that did not allow them to read the document before it was signed. Despite having been informed of the situation, the director of ASES, Mrs. Edna Marín, remained firm that the new contract with insurers will begin on January 1, 2023 and providers have to

sign their contracts before [today] or run out of patients. Everything appears to be designed to benefit the four insurers with the $4.7 billion that the program costs.”

“The process of contracting insurers for 2023 was carried out in a hurried manner, allowing insurers to impose on ASES their contractual conditions and their participation as health service providers, so as to ensure greater profits while affecting and perpetuating the collapse of the health system of all the people of Puerto Rico,” the statement added. “Despite commitments from the Governor and Secretary of Health to increase provider fees, negotiations with ASES resulted in a 57% reduction in lab fees, limiting access to hundreds of tests our patients need, given that the cost of these tests are substantially higher than what the insurer pays. While insurers increased premiums by 5%, they reduced rates by 57%.”

“The situation at ASES with the hiring of insurers, the lack of contracting of suppliers today projects a total fiasco for this administration,” the lab association continued. “The Laboratories Association has been demanding for years that ASES

comply with its obligations to control insurers, without any result. We have been ignored for decades. They have also ignored the multiple complaints filed by us against insurers for violations of the Insurance Code and the Punctual Payment Law.”

The Clinical Laboratories Association Inc. said in a statement that “insurers sent [suppliers] the new contracts electronically for their signature through a platform that did not allow them to read the document before it was signed.”

Judge withholds ruling on $7 million payment sought for Bonista advisers

By THE STAR STAFF

U.S. District Court Judge Laura Taylor Swain took under advisement whether she will allow Puerto Rico to pay about $7 million to Bonistas del Patio as she questioned the silence of the Financial Oversight and Management Board on the matter.

Swain also noted that the Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority (AAFAF by its Spanish initials) had not filed a motion taking a position on the matter despite writing a letter favoring the payment. AAFAF attorney Peter Friedman merely said they had no objection to the request.

As there was no document from the commonwealth authorizing the payment, oversight board lawyer Brian Rosen said the board has not taken a position on the matter and sought time to put its position in writing. The judge, who is overseeing Puerto Rico’s Title III and other bankruptcy cases, said she would give the board until Dec. 28.

Bonistas del Patio’s financial adviser Ducera Partners and the law firm Davis Polk have been struggling to be paid $5 million and $2 million for their role in reaching the 2018 debt agreement, in particular their contribution in obtaining a separation of the sales tax between the commonwealth and Puerto Rico Sales Tax

As there was no document from the commonwealth authorizing a $7 million payment to Bonistas del Patio, an attorney for the Financial Oversight and Management Board said the board has not taken a position on the matter and sought time to put its position in writing.

Financing Corp., known as COFINA.

While other groups of lawyers and professionals are subject to the scrutiny of the fee examiner and are paid from the bankruptcy estate, Bonistas is a nonprofit group that represents local bondholders and is not a creditor. Because of that, the Unsecured Creditors Committee has objected to their advisers being paid.

Swain questioned Bonistas’ basis for seeking payment of their expenses under bankruptcy law. Bonistas asked for payment because of their advocacy work that enabled negotiations toward a settlement.

Davis Polk attorney Donald S. Bernstein told Swain the commonwealth invited them to take part in the negotiations and play a role, which led them to believe they would be paid. He said Bonistas represented three classes of bondholders and Puerto Rico taxpayers.

Meanwhile, Swain, through a Dec. 12 order, allowed bankruptcy professionals to receive $66.2 million in fees and expenses. Of the total amount approved, $64.3 million was for fees and the rest was for expenses.

O’Melveny & Myers, counsel for the AAFAF, received the lion’s share of the compensation with $38.3 million.

after

By THE STAR STAFF

Gov. Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia said earlier this week that after the payment of $1,000 for public employees from American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funds, no more funds are available for bonuses to other public employees.

“That’s why I searched under the rocks to look for available funds and found funds available to grant the thousand-dollar bonus,” the governor said at a news conference.

“The alternatives are no longer the same,” Pierliusi said. “We had to pull out all the stops to grant this bonus in the middle of Christmas that is more than deserved.”

He added that the total ARPA funds used for the special bonus of $1,000 was about $19 million that will go to some but not all public employees.

Asked if next year the same special bonus will be granted to these public employees, the governor replied “It is [one payment] only.”

“As I said, we’re not going to have the same flexibility of ARPA funds anymore; we have 95 percent of ARPA funds committed.”

Gov. Pedro Pierluisi

Gun owners advocate rejects environmentalists’ statements about proposed Salinas firing range

By THE STAR STAFF

Ariel Torres Meléndez, president of the Corporation for the Defense of Weapon License Holders of Puerto Rico (CODEPOLA by its Spanish initials) said Wednesday that a proposed firing range project in Salinas will not be built on the Southern Aquifer, nor will it contaminate it.

He said the whole ordeal that he has had to face in trying to advance the project is due to the pressures of environmental groups that want to use political power to stop development, without taking into account scientific studies which he said show that no environmental damage will be caused by the firing range.

“It was not strange to see that various environmental groups demanded that Governor Pedro Pierluisi sign” before Sunday, Dec. 18, House Bill 474, a measure that would allow every citizen to defend the protection of natural resources under threat before the island’s administrative and judicial forums, Torres Meléndez said.

He confirmed that, due to what he said were false accusations by a group of political and environmental activists, CODEPOLA filed several months ago a defamation lawsuit and injunction under the number S A2022CV00024, consolidated with the SA2022CV00025 against the entity ASPA Inc., Mr. José Juan Cora, Mr. Rafael Díaz Martínez and others.

“Without scientific proof or evidence to support their attacks on the alleged danger of environmental pollution that could be caused by the proposed polygon project,

these people have engaged in defamatory statements in traditional media, on social networks and in public places,” Torres Meléndez said. “But if the regulations are approved, any entrepreneur, merchant or developer or citizen would be guilty of environmental crimes only [according to the word of] any environmental fanatic, without scientific basis or studies to support it.”

To refute the statements of the defendants, he noted

that CODEPOLA hired a hydrologist, Ángel Román Más, to conduct a study and assist it in the preparation of an expert report on technical and environmental aspects of the firing range project.

“The final findings of that Expert Report unequivocally reflected that the farm where the firing range project is located is not located on the Southern Aquifer (also known as the Salinas Aquifer), nor are there currents or bodies of water that connect the farm with that primary body of water body.”

The final findings of the expert report regarding the farm or property where the development of the project is proposed confirm that it is located outside the area occupied by the Salinas Aquifer, which is the primary source of drinking water for all the inhabitants of that municipality. In addition, it identifies the characteristics of the farm or property where the shooting range project is located.

The expert report to which Torres Meléndez refers indicates that the property is located outside the alluvial deposits that contain the main aquifer, the Salinas Aquifer, of the area and from where water is extracted for domestic and agricultural uses, the CODEPOLA president pointed out.

He added that no protected species or species of special interest to federal or local regulatory agencies, such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the island Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, are present, nor is the area designated as “critical or essential natural habitat” in the report.

Judge seeks changes in language of Public Finance Corp. bond issuance

By THE STAR STAFF

Puerto Rico’s Public Finance Corporation’s (PFC) Title VI restructuring is closer to gaining approval, but U.S. District Court Judge Laura Taylor Swain at a hearing Wednesday requested changes in the language of the debt deal to move forward a future bond issuance.

Swain requested changes in the text on the future bond issuance at the request of Government Development Bank (GDB) collateral monitor attorney Benjamin S. Kaminetzky of Davis Polk. He opposed a proposed $47.7 million bond issuance, arguing that no more GDB Debt Recovery Authority debt can be issued, as contemplated by the restructuring. The changes would clarify that the restructuring would not affect the litigation over the issuance of the debt.

If the Qualifying Modification is confirmed, the $1.5

billion PFC debt will be reduced significantly to a $13.8 million payment and the $47 million in new bonds, according to court documents. Under the deal, several commonwealth public corporations would remove PFC debt liabilities from their balance sheets, Financial Oversight and Management Board attorney Brian Rosen of Proskauer Rose, as well as Puerto Rico Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority attorney Matthew P. Kremer of law firm O’Melveny, told the court.

The recent bonus payment made by the government to public workers was at the center of the proposed settlement. Yusif Mafuz Blanco, a PFC bondholder, criticized the cut in lieu of the fact that while the government says it has no money, it opted to make millions in payments in the special bonus to public workers. He said the PFC would be getting 4% of their bond value.

Swain overruled the objection.

Ariel Torres Meléndez, president of the Corporation for the Defense of Weapon License Holders of Puerto Rico

Biden signs bill to protect same-sex marriage

By MICHAEL D. SHEAR

President Joe Biden signed the Respect for Marriage Act into law earlier this week, mandating federal recognition for same-sex marriages and capping his own personal evolution toward embracing gay rights over the course of a four-decade political career.

In an elaborate signing ceremony on the South Lawn, complete with musical performances from Cyndi Lauper and Sam Smith, Biden told thousands of supporters and lawmakers that the new law represents a rare moment of bipartisanship when Democrats and Republicans came together.

“My fellow Americans, the road to this moment has been long, but those who believe in equality and justice, you never gave up,” Biden told the crowd, which White House officials later said had 5,300 people, before signing the bill to loud cheers. He added: “We got it done. We’re going to continue the work ahead. I promise you.”

The landmark legislation, passed by a bipartisan coalition in Congress, officially erases the Defense of Marriage Act, which a quarter of a century ago formally defined marriage as between a man and a woman. The new law prohibits states from denying the validity of out-of-state marriages based on sex, race or ethnicity.

The gathering on the crisp, December afternoon, with the White House as a backdrop, was especially significant for Democratic lawmakers, for whom it could be the last major bill signing of their tenure given that Republican control of the House begins next month.

For Biden, who voted for the Defense of Marriage Act as a senator in 1996 and wavered on letting gay men and lesbians serve in the military, the signing ceremony was an indication of how much the president has changed when it comes to championing LGBTQ equality.

It is also another example of how Biden’s gradual transformation as a politician more broadly has matched the evolution of his own party since he started in public life as a junior senator on Jan. 3, 1973.

His views on issues like abortion, same-sex marriage and

sentencing reform — which once put him on the more conservative side of his party’s ideological spectrum — now more firmly match positions that have galvanized Democrats and even many Republicans over the past several years.

The country continues to have deep ideological fissures. But in some areas, there are now new and different majorities expressing support for societal and political norms that were far different a generation ago, shifting over time much as the president has.

In many ways, his arc is the country’s arc.

Biden, 80, was raised in a time when much of the country was less tolerant of people’s sexual orientations. His policy choices in the Senate reflected those times, often siding with those who proposed restrictions, or limits, on gay men and lesbians. He supported a measure that restricted how homosexuality was taught in schools, one of many defeats for the equality movement.

During his 2008 vice presidential debate with Sarah Palin, Biden said he opposed “redefining from a civil side what constitutes marriage.” But people close to Biden said he kept an open mind about the issue and was a keen observer of the ways that society was changing around him — and slowly changed

his positions.

“I do respect and appreciate that he is someone that can admit that his views were outdated in the past and that he has evolved on the subject and is now an outspoken champion and advocate,” said Kelley Robinson, president of Human Rights Campaign, a gay rights organization in Washington. “This is a matter of policy and politicians catching up to where the people already are.”

Polls show a sea change in public opinion across the political spectrum in the past decade, with nearly 70% of Americans now saying they support the right of same-sex couples to be married, with all the rights that heterosexual couples have under the law.

The president was unequivocal in his support for the law he signed Tuesday, saying earlier this year that he was confident that “Republicans and Democrats can work together to secure the fundamental right of Americans to marry the person they love.”

But it is also a mark of ongoing fear that newfound gay rights may be fragile. The push for passage of the law was driven in part by the Supreme Court opinion overturning abortion rights, in which Justice Clarence Thomas raised the possibility of using the same logic to reconsider decisions protecting marriage equality and contraception rights.

Opponents of the legislation argued that it would undermine family values in the United States and restrict the religious freedoms of people who do not believe that same-sex marriage is moral.

Proponents of the new law insisted that Congress needed to be proactive in ensuring that a future Supreme Court ruling would not invalidate same-sex marriages around the country. In 2015, the court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges that all states must recognize the marriages of same-sex couples just as they would marriages between a man and a woman.

Once a fiercely divisive political issue, the broad-based acceptance for same-sex marriages was the backdrop for a rare show of bipartisanship in Congress, where 61 senators and 258 House members voted to send the Respect for Marriage Act to Biden’s desk for his signature.

Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) appears before President Joe Biden signs the Respect for Marriage Act on the South Lawn of the White House, in Washington on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022.

Two decades after 9/11 inquiry, a similar plan for COVID stalls in Congress

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., the chair of the health committee, made an impassioned appeal for it on the Senate floor last week. In an interview, she said the White House was “well aware” of her efforts.

“This is a bill that we needed both Republicans and Democrats on,” she said. “They understand that.”

More than 1 million Americans have died of COVID-19 — over 300 times the number that perished on Sept. 11. With cases and hospitalizations once again rising, more than 450 Americans are still dying of COVID each day. Over 200,000 children have lost a parent or a caregiver, and the CDC estimates that millions of adults have long COVID, a constellation of lasting symptoms.

released its final report, which was sharply critical of the Trump administration. On Thursday, Democrats on the Senate homeland security committee issued a study of the pandemic’s early months. In October, Republicans on the Senate health committee released an examination of the pandemic’s origins that suggested it was the result of a lab leak — a view most scientists disagree with.

By SHERYL GAY STOLBERG

The nation was reeling from an unfathomable number of deaths. Politicians were pointing fingers, asking why the United States had been so ill-prepared for a lethal threat. Congress, defying the White House, ordered an independent investigation.

That was 20 years ago, and what came of it was a national reckoning. A bipartisan panel investigating the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks held televised hearings, developed 41 recommendations for how to improve national security and produced a bestselling book — a gripping historical narrative about what had gone wrong.

Now the United States is climbing out of a different crisis, the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed vastly more people than the Sept. 11 attacks and set off a global economic crisis. But some experts in biodefense and public health fear that the opportunity for a national reckoning with COVID-19 is slipping away — and with it, a chance to build on lessons learned during the pandemic.

Bipartisan legislation to create a Sept. 11-style independent panel to investigate the pandemic response by both the Trump and Biden administrations appears stalled on Capitol Hill, despite a 20-2 vote in favor of the measure by the Senate health committee. Backers say their last hope for passage is to

tack it onto an upcoming spending bill, the final major must-pass piece of legislation of the current Congress.

The commission would be created as part of a sprawling bill called the PREVENT Pandemics Act. The measure would also make the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention a Senate-confirmed position and take other steps to improve pandemic preparedness, including increasing coordination among public health agencies and addressing supply chain deficiencies.

There has been no vocal opposition to the bill, but it has been in limbo since it passed the health committee in March — a victim of inertia and a lack of White House support.

There is no companion measure in the House, where Republicans are planning their own pandemic-related investigations once they take control of the chamber next month. More significantly, President Joe Biden has not taken a public position on the bill, and the White House is privately resisting it, according to an official familiar with the measure, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss its status.

Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York, the majority leader, who has focused his efforts on judicial nominations and the president’s agenda, has not brought the legislation up for a floor vote. The White House declined to comment.

One of the bill’s two chief sponsors,

The idea for a commission has been percolating for nearly two years, backed by members of Congress, advocacy groups representing the bereaved and the former executive director of the 9/11 Commission. Experts say that beyond charting a blueprint for confronting future pandemics, an independent panel — with the power to issue subpoenas and convene public hearings — would serve as a form of catharsis for the country and a way to comfort those who lost loved ones.

It might also answer a pressing question: Why does the United States have a higher death rate from COVID-19 than other wealthy nations?

“Although much of the country is acting like the pandemic is over, the hurt and the anger and the pain and the way lives have changed is still with people every day,” said Dr. Nicole Lurie, a top official with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, a global nonprofit. “If a commission can really start to grapple with questions about how does our country heal, and what do leaders do to get on a path to that healing, that would be an important contribution.”

Any investigation of the pandemic would necessarily be vast and complex, encompassing topics such as better detection of new pathogens, improvements to the public health system’s antiquated data collection apparatus, supply chain vulnerabilities, the harmful effect of lockdowns on many schoolchildren, the spread of misinformation and a lack of public trust in agencies like the CDC.

Members of Congress have tried to examine the crisis. On Friday, the House subcommittee on the coronavirus crisis

But those inquiries are partisan. The bill to create the independent commission would establish a 12-member expert panel of “highly qualified citizens” appointed by congressional leaders from both parties. Like the Sept. 11 panel, it would have subpoena power and hold public hearings. It would be charged with examining the origins of the pandemic as well as the response by the Trump and Biden administrations.

“There’s no substitute for showing the vision that we showed in the early 2000s at creating an architecture that fixes things that we got wrong then, that addresses things that we didn’t think of then that we’ve learned, having gone through it,” said Sen. Richard M. Burr of North Carolina, the health committee’s top Republican, who is sponsoring the measure with Murray.

Some experts see a broad-based examination of the pandemic as too daunting. And even if a commission were established, it might have difficulty overcoming the intense partisanship surrounding COVID-19. The nation was so deeply divided after Sept. 11 that “partisan pressures almost tore apart our commission,” said Philip D. Zelikow, a University of Virginia historian and former government official who was the executive director of the Sept. 11 panel. The problem is even worse today, he said.

Advocacy groups like Marked by Covid and COVID Survivors for Change have been lobbying Congress to create an investigative commission, just as the Sept. 11 families did in the aftermath of the attacks. To some people grieving losses from COVID-19, the notion that Congress may fail to act feels like a slap in the face.

“I am not looking for a commission to blame people,” said Pamela Addison, who has been raising two young children alone since her husband, a health care worker, died early in the pandemic. “I just want a commission to look into what went wrong so this can be prevented, and I feel it would give me some closure knowing what happened and why.”

A memorial in Washington last year for victims of COVID-19. More than a million Americans have died from the coronavirus.

Tornado threat ‘particularly dangerous’ in southern states as watch is extended

By JUDSON JONES and AMANDA HOLPUCH

Parts of Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi were under a tornado watch until Wednesday night in what the National Weather Service described as a “particularly dangerous situation” as a series of storms that killed two people and injured dozens more the day before moved southeast.

The body of a woman was found early Wednesday after a tornado destroyed her home in Keithville, Louisiana, according to a statement from the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office. Her young son was also killed. Two other people in Keithville, in northwestern Louisiana, were injured and taken to the hospital, but the extent of their injuries was unknown, the Sheriff’s Office said.

The police in New Iberia, Louisiana, said in a recorded message on Facebook that at least two tornadoes had touched down in the area Wednesday with “significant damage” to the residential subdivision of Southport Boulevard and a “significant amount of damage” to Iberia Medical Center, the local hospital.

“Rescue efforts are underway,” Capt. Leland Laseter said. “We do have several units from several agencies on scene they are rescuing people who are trapped inside of their houses. There are power lines down and live in the area.”

Sgt. Daesha Hughes said police believed that all residents had been safely evacuated; there was one known injury but no fatalities, she said.

Across Texas and Oklahoma, more than two dozen people were injured in the storms Tuesday, including at least seven people who were hospitalized. One of the tornadoes hit near Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, where passengers were briefly urged to shelter in place as more than 1,000 flights were delayed.

The storms were part of a larger weather system that has brought significant, widespread hazards across more than a dozen states in the central United States. Parts of the Plains and Upper Midwest saw heavy snow, sleet and ice, and blizzard conditions affected multiple states.

The weather service in Louisiana on Wednesday warned residents in parts of the state, close to the Mississippi border, about the threat of severe thunderstorms, including tornadoes and flash flooding. Several regions in Louisiana were also under tornado warnings.

Nearly 3 million people, including residents of New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama, are within a 4 of 5 risk level, meaning widespread severe storms are likely for those areas Wednesday afternoon and evening.

“Tornadoes, including the possibility of strong and long-track tornadoes, are the primary concern today,” forecasters at the Storm Prediction Center wrote in their midday update about the region.

On Tuesday, at least 20 people were injured,

some critically, as a tornado tore through Union Parish, Louisiana, about 100 miles east of Shreveport, local officials said. The storm leveled part of a large apartment complex and several mobile homes.

Farther west, another tornado damaged a number of homes near Four Forks, Louisiana, not far from the Texas border, local officials said.

In Decatur, Texas, a third tornado, which the weather service described as “large and extremely dangerous,” injured two people Tuesday. One person was injured by flying debris and treated at the scene, and another person was taken to a hospital after high winds overturned a semitrailer truck, according to a statement from the emergency management office in Wise County. There were multiple reports of damage to homes and businesses.

Also Tuesday morning, a fourth tornado struck Wayne, Oklahoma, and traveled for at least three miles with winds reaching 120 to 125 mph , according to preliminary information from the weather service.

Multiple homes and barns were damaged, and power poles and trees were downed, according to the McClain County Sheriff’s Office, which said there were no reports of injuries or deaths.

In Texas, five people were hospitalized after injuries from the storm, though none of their injuries were

life-threatening, according to a Facebook post from the police in Grapevine. Damage from the storm caused some businesses to close Tuesday and forced some elementary schools in the area to close early.

Krystal Foreman, 38, said Tuesday that she heard tornado sirens after she arrived at work in Arlington, a city east of Fort Worth. Security told employees to find shelter and that the tornado was maybe two to three minutes away from them.

“People were in the stairwell, in the bathroom and a lot of us stayed in a windowless conference room,” said Foreman, a receptionist at an insurance company.

Scientists have not yet determined a link between climate change and the frequency or strength of tornadoes. Tornadoes are relatively short-lived weather events, so there is limited historical data on their prevalence in the past. Scientists need at least 40 years of weather data before they are able to draw a causal link.

Researchers, however, say that tornadoes in recent years seem to be occurring in greater “clusters,” and that the area of the country known as Tornado Alley, a region where most tornadoes occur, appears to be shifting eastward.

The timing of tornado seasons is also becoming more unpredictable, researchers say, with more early and late starts compared with decades ago.

The storms spawned several tornadoes on Tuesday, including one near Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.

Hawaii volcanoes Mauna Loa and Kilauea stop erupting

By APRIL RUBIN

Mauna Loa in Hawaii, the world’s largest active volcano, which began erupting recently for the first time in nearly four decades to the delight of residents and tourists alike, has ceased doing so, scientists announced earlier this week.

Situated on the Big Island, Mauna Loa stopped erupting Saturday, the day after Kilauea, another volcano on the Big Island, stopped erupting, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Scientists were not sure whether the timing was coincidental. The two volcanoes share the same magma source.

“The volcanoes are not directly connected, but might ‘feel’ one another via stress effects,” the U.S. Geological Survey said on Twitter. “Mauna Loa’s eruption could have allowed Kilauea to ‘relax.’ That said, Kilauea’s eruption was already pretty tenuous, occurring at very low rates.”

Lava flow from Mauna Loa’s eruption, which began Nov. 27, posed little danger to

the surrounding communities, stalling about 1.7 miles from Daniel K. Inouye Highway. As such, it became an attraction for both locals and visitors to the Big Island.

Raymond Naeyaert, who moved to the Big Island about a year ago, said in an interview Tuesday that the eruption was a once-ina-lifetime experience. He and his wife drove 60 miles to witness it closely on Nov. 28, the day after it began.

“It was really, truly one of the most remarkable things I’ve ever seen,” he said. “There was a presence about it that is kind of hard to put in words, but witnessing it with my wife, I was just kind of awe-struck.”

Not everyone had the same luck. David Dorn, who has lived on the island of Maui for 30 years, traveled to the Big Island to see the volcanic action. He and his wife were supposed to take a helicopter tour to see the top of Mauna Loa on Sunday, but they canceled when they got word that the eruption had stopped.

Next time, he said Tuesday, they will travel as soon as they learn about an eruption

rather than wait.

“You have to respect nature,” he said. “Sometimes it reveals itself to you and sometimes it doesn’t. If it does, it’s a blessing.”

For many Native Hawaiians, who account for about 13% of the Big Island’s residents, Mauna Loa’s eruption represented a cycle of destruction and rebirth.

ficant hazards remain in the area closed to the public because of crater wall instability, rockfalls and the potential for earthquakes.

PURSUANT TO TITLE III OF PROMESA AND (B) OCCURRENCE OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE TO CREDITORS AND OTHER PARTIES IN INTEREST:

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to an order, dated October 12, 2022 [ECF No. 1415] (the “Confirmation Order”), the Modified Fifth Amended Title III Plan of Adjustment of the Puerto Rico Highways and Transportation Authority, dated September 6, 2022 (as amended, supplemented, or modified, the “Plan”), was confirmed by the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico (the “Court”). Unless otherwise defined in this Notice, capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the HTA Plan and the HTA Confirmation Order.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the HTA Effective Date of the HTA Plan occurred on December 6, 2022 and the HTA Plan was substantially consummated.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that any party in interest wishing to obtain copies of the Confirmation Order, the HTA Plan, and related documents should contact Kroll Restructuring Administration LLC, by telephone at (844) 822-9231 (toll free for U.S. and Puerto Rico) or (646) 486-7944 (for international callers), available 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Atlantic Standard Time) (Spanish available), or by email at puertoricoballots@prim eclerk.com, or may view such documents by accessing either https://cases.ra.kroll.com/puertorico/ or the Court’s website, https://www.prd.uscourts.gov/. Please note that a Public Access to Court Electronic Records (“PACER”) (http://www.pacer.psc.uscourts.gov) password and login are needed to access documents on the Court’s website.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that, pursuant to Section 1.4 and Article III of the HTA Plan and decretal paragraph 31 of the Confirmation Order, the deadline for filing proofs of or requests for payment of Administrative Expense Claims (“Administrative Expense Requests”) is March 6, 2023; provided, however, that no proof of Administrative Expense Claim shall be required to be filed if such Administrative Expense Claim (a) shall have been incurred (i) in accordance with an order of the Court or (ii) with the written consent of the applicable Government Parties expressly granting such Administrative Expense Claim, (b) is a Professional Claim (including a Claim for reimbursement by a member of the Creditors’ Committee solely in its capacity as such member), (c) is an intergovernmental Claim, (d) is an Administrative Expense Claim of the IRS for the payment of taxes incurred by the Debtor during the period from and after the HTA Petition Date, (e) relates to transactions occurring in the ordinary course during the period from and after the HTA Petition Date up to and including the HTA Effective Date, (f) relates to a Claim that is subject to the provisions of the ACR Order, including, without limitation, “grievance claims” relating to any of the Debtor’s collective bargaining agreements, or (g) is the subject of a pending motion seeking allowance of an administrative expense pursuant to Bankruptcy Code section 503(b) as of the entry of this Order; and, provided, further, that any such proof of Administrative Expense Claim by a governmental unit shall remain subject to the rights and interests of the Debtor and Reorganized Debtor, as the case may be, and any other party in interest to interpose an objection or other defense to the allowance or payment thereof.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that, all Administrative Expense Requests should be sent as follows: (i) by completing the electronic Proof of Claim on the Claims Agent’s website at https://cases.ra.kroll.com/puertorico/EPOC-Index, or (ii) if delivered by first class mail, hand delivery, or overnight courier, at the following address: Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Claims Processing Center, c/o Kroll Restructuring Administration LLC, 850 Third Avenue, Suite 412, Brooklyn, NY 11232.

Administrative Expense Requests will be deemed timely filed only if actually received by Kroll Restructuring Administration LLC (the Debtor’s Claims Agent) by 5:00 p.m. (prevailing Atlantic Time) on March 6, 2023 (the “Administrative Deadline”). The Administrative Expense Requests may not be delivered by facsimile, telecopy, or electronic mail transmission.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that, if you are required to file an Administrative Expense Request pursuant to Section 1.4 and Article III of the HTA Plan and decretal paragraph 31 of the Confirmation Order and fail to do so by the Administrative Deadline, you will be forever barred, estopped, and enjoined from asserting such Administrative Expense Claim (and from filing an Administrative Expense Request with respect to such Administrative Expense Claim) against the Debtor and their property, and the Debtor and Reorganized Debtor will be forever discharged from any and all indebtedness or liability with respect to such Administrative Expense Claim.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that, pursuant to Section 27.6 of the HTA Plan and decretal paragraph 19 of the Confirmation Order, if the rejection of an Executory Contract and Unexpired Lease by the Debtor results in damages to the other party or parties to such contract or lease, any claim for such damages, if not heretofore evidenced by a filed proof of Claim, shall be forever barred and shall not be enforceable against the Debtor, or their properties or agents, successors, or assigns, including, without limitation, the Reorganized Debtor, unless a proof of Claim is filed with the Court on or before thirty (30) days after the later to occur of (i) the Confirmation Date, and (ii) the date of entry of an order by the Court authorizing rejection of a particular Executory Contract and Unexpired Lease.

Dated: December 6, 2022, San Juan, Puerto Rico, /s/ Brian Rosen , Martin J. Bienenstock (pro hac vice), Brian S. Rosen (pro hac vice), PROSKAUER ROSE LLP, Eleven Times Square, New York, NY 10036, Tel: (212) 969-3000, Fax: (212) 969-2900, Attorneys for the Financial Oversight and Management Board as representative for the Debtor -and- /s/ Hermann D. Bauer , Hermann D. Bauer, USDC No. 215205, O’NEILL & BORGES LLC, 250 Muñoz Rivera Ave., Suite 800, San Juan, PR 00918-1813, Tel: (787) 764-8181, Fax: (787) 753-8944, Co-Attorneys for the Financial Oversight and Management Board as representative for the Debtor

The volcano’s eruptions aren’t expected to resume soon, scientists said, but the lava may remain incandescent as it cools.

Kilauea could potentially start erupting again, scientists said. They warned that signi-

Kilauea, smaller than Mauna Loa, erupted almost continuously from 1983 to 2018, when it set off the most destructive eruption of its recorded history. The eruption that just ceased began in September 2021, according to the Geological Survey.

Most of Mauna Loa’s eruptions occurred before 1950, according to scientists. The 38 years between the last eruption and this year’s was the longest quiet period on record.

The Mauna Loa volcano as seen from the air near Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, last weekend.

Inflation slows more sharply than expected, offering hope of a ‘soft landing’

By JEANNA SMIALEK

Inflation slowed more sharply than expected in November, an encouraging sign for both Federal Reserve officials and consumers that 18 months of rapid and unrelenting price increases are beginning to meaningfully abate.

The new data was unlikely to alter the Fed’s plan to raise interest rates by another half point at the conclusion of its two-day meeting on Wednesday.

But the moderation in inflation, which affected used cars, some types of food and airline tickets, caused investors to speculate that the Fed could pursue a less aggressive policy path next year — potentially increasing the chances of a “soft landing,” or one in which the economy slows gradually and without a painful recession.

Stock prices jumped sharply after government data showed that inflation eased to 7.1% in the year through November, down from 7.7% in the previous reading and less than economists had expected.

The Fed, which has been rapidly raising rates in three-quarter point increments, is expected to make a smaller move on Wednesday, bringing rates to a range of 4.25% and 4.5%. Central bankers will also release economic projections showing how much they expect to raise interest rates next year, and investors are now betting that they will slow to quarter-point adjustments by their February meeting as fading price pressures give them latitude to proceed more cautiously.

“The overall picture is definitely improving,” said Ian Shepherdson, chief economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics. “It’s unambiguously good news, but it would not be fair to say that inflation is falling everywhere — there are still pockets of big increases.”

While price increases are not yet slowing across the board, they are moderating for key goods and services that consumers buy every day, including gas and meat. That is good news for President Joe Biden, who has struggled to convince Americans that the economy is strong as the surging cost of living erodes voter confidence.

“Inflation is coming down in America,” Biden said during remarks at the White House on Tuesday morning. He hailed the report as “news that provides some optimism for the holiday season, and I would argue, the year ahead.”

Still, he cautioned that the nation could face more setbacks in its efforts to bring inflation under control. “We shouldn’t take anything for granted,” he said.

Inflation remains unusually rapid for now: Tuesday’s 7.1% reading is an improvement, but it is still much faster than the roughly 2% that prevailed before the pandemic.

The details of the report suggested that further cooling is likely in store.

Many of the categories in which price increases are now slowing are tied more to the pandemic and supply chains than to Fed policy. For instance, food and fuel price jumps are moderating after climbing rapidly earlier this year, an effect of transportation issues and fallout from the war in Ukraine. Used car prices, which were severely elevated by a collision of consumer demand and parts shortages, are now falling sharply.

Officials are “getting the help that they expected” from healing supply chains and cheaper goods, said Michael Gapen, chief U.S. economist at Bank of America.

The question now is what will happen with inflation in service categories, which can be more stubborn and difficult to cool. The Fed has lifted interest rates from just above zero early this year to about 4% — and those higher borrowing costs are now trickling through the economy to cool consumer

demand and the labor market. That should slow down many types of inflation in 2023.

For instance, used car prices are likely to continue to decline as car loans become so pricey that would-be buyers are squeezed out of the market. Wage growth remains rapid now, but as businesses hold off on expansions or lay off workers, it is expected to slow, which could help price changes for many kinds of services to slow.

Already, market-based rent increases have pulled back sharply, which should trickle into inflation data over the next year.

Rents were 7.9% higher than a year earlier in November, the fastest year-over-year increase in four decades, as tenants renew their leases after a big pop in market rent prices in 2021 and early 2022. That is poised to slow down notably in the coming months.

The Consumer Price Index figures released on Tuesday are closely watched because they are the first major inflation data points to come out each month. The Fed officially targets a more delayed measure, the Personal Consumption Expenditures index, and aims for 2% on average over time. That measure came in at 6% in the year through October.

As price increases begin to moderate notably, investors and households alike are wondering how high the Fed is likely to raise interest rates in 2023 — and how long officials will leave borrowing costs elevated.

One camp argues that the central bank should be cautious, avoiding doing too much and causing a recession at a time when price increases are already on their way back toward normal.

But other economists and policymakers contend that underlying inflation pressures remain. They warn that the Fed needs to stick with the program to ensure that inflation does not become a permanent feature of the U.S. economy.

Services inflation contributed about 3.9 percentage points of November’s inflation reading. Much of that comes from the rapid increase in rents that is poised to taper off, but some is from a tick-up in other categories, such as garbage collection, dentist visits and tickets to sports games.

The New York Stock Exchange in lower Manhattan on June 13, 2022. Markets surged on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022, after November’s inflation report showed price gains slowed more than economists expected.

Musk shakes up Twitter’s legal team as he looks to cut more costs

Musk did not respond to a request for comment.

As he has transitioned into the role of Twitter’s new leader, Musk has had a cast of rotating legal professionals by his side. In October, he fired both Twitter’s chief legal officer and general counsel “for cause” within hours of closing his acquisition and installed his personal lawyer, Alex Spiro, to head up legal and policy matters at the company.

Spiro is no longer working at Twitter, according to six people familiar with the decision. Those people said that Musk has been unhappy with some decisions made by Spiro, a noted criminal defense lawyer who successfully defended the billionaire in a high-profile defamation case in late 2019 and worked his way into the Twitter owner’s inner circle.

nal systems, according to two people and documents seen by the Times. SpaceX employees who have been brought in to Twitter include Chris Cardaci, the company’s vice president of legal, and Tim Hughes, its senior vice president, global business and government affairs.

A SpaceX spokesperson did not return a request for comment.

By RYAN MAC, MIKE ISAAC and KATE CONGER

Over the past two weeks, Elon Musk has shaken up Twitter’s legal department, disbanded a council that advised the social media company on safety issues and is continuing to take drastic steps to cut costs.

Musk appears to be gearing up for legal battles at Twitter, which he purchased in October for $44 billion, according to seven people familiar with internal conversations. He and his team have revamped Twitter’s legal department and pushed out one of his closest advisers in the process. They have also instructed employees to not pay vendors in anticipation of potential litigation, the people said.

To cut costs, Twitter has not paid rent for its San Francisco headquarters or any of its global offices for weeks, three people close to the company said. Twitter has also refused to

pay a $197,725 bill for private charter flights made the week of Musk’s takeover, according to a copy of a lawsuit filed in New Hampshire District Court and obtained by The New York Times.

Twitter’s leaders have also discussed the consequences of denying severance payments to thousands of people who have been laid off since the takeover, two people familiar with the talks said. And Musk has threatened employees with lawsuits if they talk to the media and “act in a manner contrary to the company’s interest,” according to an internal email sent last Friday.

The aggressive moves signal that Musk is still slashing expenditures and is bending or breaking Twitter’s previous agreements to make his mark. His reign has been characterized by chaos, a series of resignations and layoffs, reversals of the platform’s previous suspensions and rules, and capricious decisions that have driven away advertisers.

Among those decisions was Spiro’s call to retain Twitter’s deputy general counsel, James A. Baker, through Musk’s various rounds of layoffs and firings. Baker had served as general counsel at the FBI until May 2018 — advising the agency on politically fraught investigations into Hillary Rodham Clinton’s private email server and Donald Trump’s campaign — and joined Twitter in 2020.

Last week, Musk said he terminated Baker after he learned that the lawyer had been responsible for reviewing internal communications about the company’s decision to suppress a 2020 New York Post story about Hunter Biden’s laptop. Musk had ordered that those communications, which he has called the “Twitter Files,” be given to a group of journalists to release and discredit the decision-making of the company’s past executives.

With Twitter drained of legal talent from layoffs and departures, Musk has sought lawyers from his other companies, including rocket maker SpaceX, to fill the void. More than half a dozen lawyers from the space exploration company have been given access to Twitter’s inter-

Among its legal challenges, Twitter is facing more questions from the Federal Trade Commission, which is investigating whether the company is still adhering to a consent decree. In 2011, the company signed a consent decree with the FTC after two data breaches and said it would not mislead users about privacy protection. In May, the company paid $150 million to the FTC and Justice Department to settle allegations that it had violated the terms of that consent decree, which was expanded.

The FTC has sent Twitter letters asking whether it still has the resources and staff to adhere to the consent decree, two people with knowledge of the matter said. An FTC spokesperson declined to comment.

On Friday, as Musk encouraged the release of internal information through the continuation of his Twitter Files, he also sent an email to employees noting “many detailed leaks of confidential Twitter information” showed that some were violating their nondisclosure agreements.

“If you clearly and deliberately violate the NDA that you signed when joining Twitter, you accept liability to the full extent of the law and Twitter will immediately seek damages,” he wrote. The email was first reported by the Platformer newsletter.

Musk’s team has also deliberated the merits of not paying severance to the thousands of people who have left the company since he took over, when there were about 7,500 fulltime employees. While Musk and his advisers had previously considered forgoing any severance when discussing cuts in late October, the company ultimately decided that U.S.-based employees would be given at least two months of pay and one month of severance pay so that the company would be compliant with federal and state labor laws.

Musk’s team is now reconsidering whether it should pay some of those months, according to two people familiar with the discussions, or just face lawsuits from disgruntled former employees. Many former employees still have not received any paperwork formalizing their separation from Twitter, five people said. Musk has already refused to pay millions of dollars in exit packages to executives he claims were terminated “for cause.”

Elon Musk, Twitter’s owner, has revamped the company’s legal team and is continuing to cut costs.

Wall St keeps its poise ahead of Fed’s last rate decision for 2022

Wall Street stocks were positive on Wednesday morning, while government bonds and the dollar were muted, ahead of a U.S. Federal Reserve meeting later in the day and central bank decisions in Europe and Britain on Thursday.

The subdued price moves followed a rally in stocks and a sharp drop in the U.S. dollar in the previous session when consumer prices data showed a slowdown in inflation. That lifted hopes that central banks will stop raising interest rates in early 2023.

The U.S. consumer price index increased 0.1% last month, 0.2 percentage point slower than economists expected. In the 12 months through November, headline CPI climbed 7.1%its slowest pace in about a year.

British inflation also moderated more than anticipated in November, data on Wednesday showed.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.54%, the S&P 500 gained 0.58% and the Nasdaq Composite added 0.57% in early trading.

The MSCI All World stock index gained about 0.5%, with European shares slipping but Asian markets rising overnight. It had jumped more than 1% the previous day.

In currency markets, the dollar dipped for the second straight day. It was last down 0.55% against Japan’s yen, while the euro was up 0.2% against the greenback.

The broader dollar index was about 0.3% lower at $103.78 after hitting a six-month low of 103.57 the previous day.

The dollar, a safe-haven asset which has been boosted by U.S. rate hikes this year, has dropped around 9% from a twodecade high in September in the hope that the central banks would soon stop raising interest rates.

Susannah Streeter, senior markets analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said investors were in a “wait-and-see mood” ahead of the Fed rate decision.

“There was that pop we saw in markets, but then there’s a realization perhaps dawning that it’s not necessarily going to be an easy path ahead ... it’s a long way down,” she said of U.S. inflation.

European stocks fell, with the continent-wide Stoxx 600 down 0.15% after rising 1.3% in the previous session.

In Asia, MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 1%, with easing Chinese COVID-19 curbs boosting sentiment.

“It’s hard to see where more good news is going to come from on the inflation front,” said Jonas Goltermann, senior global markets economist at Capital Economics. “The question for next year is are we going to get all the way back down to 2%.”

FED AHEAD

Markets expect the Fed to slow the pace of hikes when it announces its decision at 2:00 p.m. EST (1900 GMT) and raise its funds rate target range by 50 basis points to between 4.25% and 4.5%.

Much of the focus will be on the “dot plot” chart that will

MOST ASSERTIVE STOCKS

PUERTO RICO STOCKS

show the projection about future rate movements by committee members and the tone Fed Chair Jerome Powell strikes in his news conference.

The median projection in September was for a peak in the Fed funds rate of around 4.6% next year, but some analysts think the Fed could go higher.

“The market wants to know if the Fed will change their stance on the dot plot,” said Tareck Horchani, head of dealing,

Prime Brokerage, at Maybank Securities in Singapore.

The yield on benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasuries was little changed at 3.485% after tumbling 11 basis points on Tuesday. Yields move inversely to prices.

“There was that pop we saw in markets, but then there’s a realization perhaps dawning that it’s not necessarily going to be an easy path ahead ... it’s a long way down,” she said of U.S. inflation.

Ukraine’s capital wakes to explosions as air defenses shoot down drones

By MARC SANTORA and ANDREW E. KRAMER

Russia attacked Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, before dawn on Wednesday, sending 13 Iranian-made drones from the Sea of Azov to the city, according to Ukrainian officials. Most of the drones were destroyed by Ukrainian air defenses, they said, and there were no immediate reports of casualties.

Two government buildings in Kyiv and at least four homes in the region surrounding the capital were damaged, officials said, but it was unclear whether they were hit by direct strikes or falling debris from drones shot out of the sky.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine praised the air defense systems in a brief video message published on the Telegram messaging app and said that all of the drones appeared to have been shot down.

Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine have been subject to Russian missile attacks in recent weeks that have taken out power and other infrastructure as the country heads into the cold winter months.

The attack on Kyiv on Wednesday followed drone strikes on Odesa over the weekend, which seemed to end a recent weekslong pause in Russia’s use of Iranian-made drones.

Kyrylo O. Budanov, the head of Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, told Ukrainian media in October that Russia

Two government buildings in Kyiv and at least four homes in the region surrounding the capital were damaged, Ukrainian officials said. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

had used about 330 Iranian-made Shahed-136 drones in the war against Ukraine, of which 222 had been shot down. He said Russia had ordered about 1,700 drones, which were being delivered in batches of 300 at a time. It was not possible to independently verify the claims, but they correspond with estimates from Western officials and military analysts.

The first sound that Yaroslav Vinokurov, 24, heard Wednesday shortly before 6 a.m. was the wailing of the air-

raid alarm in the darkness. He continued to get ready for work, given that alarms sound nearly every day. But soon machine-gun fire echoed through the Shevchenkivskyi district as air-defense systems flashed in the sky, followed by what he described as “a very loud explosion.”

“I lay down on the floor, as I didn’t know what else can happen,” Vinokurov said. Only once it was quiet did he go outside.

The roof of a nearby government building was damaged, and debris littered the area. “My car is destroyed,” he said, looking over the damage.

Residents rushed to put sheets, blankets and whatever else they could find onto damaged windows to protect themselves from the bitter cold. It was 23 degrees Fahrenheit — well below freezing — when the sun rose about 7:50 a.m.

Just two days before the strikes, Yurii Ihnat, the spokesman for Ukraine’s air force, warned that Russian forces were now using attack drones at night. If the drones are launched during the day, he said, Ukrainians can use large-caliber machine guns and other small arms to shoot them down. But in the darkness, they need expensive and limited air defense missile systems that can track the incoming drones by radar.

Even in the darkness, residents of the capital have become familiar with the sounds of Russia’s unrelenting aerial bombardment.

At least 141 die in Congo as floods and landslides hit capital

By ELIAN PELTIER

At least 141 people died in Congo on Tuesday after heavy rains caused floods and landslides in the capital, Kinshasa, Congolese officials said. It was the latest in a series of deadly environmental disasters to hit West and Central African countries this year.

Many neighborhoods, major infrastructure and key roads were still underwater or in ruins Wednesday after the previous day’s all-night downpour brought the worst floods in years to the city of 15 million people. Nearly 40,000 households were flooded and 280 collapsed, according to an official document seen by The New York Times.

President Félix Tshisekedi, who is in Washington for a U.S.-Africa summit, declared three days of mourning and said he would cut his trip short, flying back to Kinshasa on Thursday after meeting with President Joe Biden.

West and Central Africa have suffered from devastating floods this year, highlighting a deadly mix of chaotic urban development and climate change faced by dozens of fastgrowing African cities.

In Chad, the worst floods in decades displaced thousands in September and left the capital, Ndjamena, navigable only by boat. In Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, hundreds of people died, 1 million were displaced and at least 200,000 houses were destroyed in October after the nation’s worst flooding in a decade.

Scientists said in a report last month that the rainy season, which runs from April to October, had been 20% wetter than it would have been without climate change.

In Congo, many people died after houses collapsed in landslides in the early hours of Tuesday. The death toll of at least 141 victims, provided by Jean-Jacques Mbungani Mbanda, the country’s health minister, was preliminary, he said, as more victims were likely to be found in hours and days to come.

Videos shared on social media showed streams of muddy water carrying cars and debris, submerged buildings and roads cut in half by mudslides. One person called the city “unrecognizable.”

Once a small fishing village on the banks of the Congo River, Kinshasa has grown into a megacity, one of the largest in Africa.

Many houses are in informal settlements built near the river, or on slopes prone to landslides. In 2019, dozens of people died after rains flooded low-lying parts of the city.

But the flooding Tuesday was far more destructive.

A landslide smothered a highway that serves as a key supply route between Kinshasa and Matadi, a port further down the Congo River that is a crucial outlet to the Atlantic Ocean for the country.

African countries are among the hardest hit by climate change and are also urbanizing the fastest, posing major challenges as their ever-expanding cities face huge eco -

nomic losses caused by environmental disasters. They have long struggled to secure funds for climate adaptation.

In 2020, the World Bank estimated that the transport disruption caused by each day of flooding in Kinshasa cost its households $1.2 million — a figure that didn’t include damage to infrastructure and losses for companies and supply chains.

This year, the heavy rains in Nigeria flooded at least 270,000 acres of arable land, leaving analysts warning of a further worsening of food insecurity in the region.

Heavy rains caused devastating flooding and landslides in the country’s capital, Kinshasa, Congolese officials said.

Amid deadly protests, Peru to declare national state of emergency

By MITRA TAJ and JULIE TURKEWITZ

The government of Peru said Wednesday that it would declare a nationwide state of emergency as it sought to control widespread violence resulting from the ouster of the country’s elected president, an extraordinary measure even in a country accustomed to political upheaval and protest.

The measure, which has not yet been published into law, would suspend the rights of assembly and freedom of transit, among other civil liberties, for 30 days, said Alberto Ótarola, the country’s defense minister.

The move is the most significant government response to a crisis that erupted last Wednesday when the president, Pedro Castillo, tried to dissolve Congress, which he had been feuding with since taking office last year.

Within hours, Peru’s Congress impeached him, and Castillo was arrested, setting off waves of angry protests by supporters who believe

his removal was illegitimate. Several political analysts said that while past governments have

declared states of emergency in certain parts of the country, the measure had not been used this widely since the 1990s, when the country was brutalized by a Marxist terrorist group called the Shining Path.

Speaking to reporters outside the presidential palace Wednesday, the country’s new president, Dina Boluarte, who took office just a week ago, called for calm.

“Peru cannot overflow with blood,” she said, and then referenced the Shining Path days. “We have already gone through that experience in the 1980s and ’90s, and we do not want to return to that painful story that has marked the lives of thousands of Peruvians.”

The state of emergency was announced by Boluarte’s defense minister Wednesday. It is expected to go into effect after the president signs it later Wednesday.

Castillo’s attempt to dissolve Congress and install a government that would rule by decree was denounced by both opponents and many of his allies as a coup attempt. Boluarte, the former vice president, was sworn in that same day.

The public reaction to the swift transition was at first relatively muted. But in recent days protesters have emerged en masse, mostly in rural areas, staging attacks against police stations, courthouses, factories and airports, among other targets.

At least six people have died, most of them young protesters, and more than 100 police officers have been injured, according to Peruvian authorities.

Peru’s police recently said that since last Wednesday 71 people have been arrested in the departments of Lima, Apurímac, Arequipa, Ica and La Libertad, accused of disturbing the public peace.

Castillo, a former schoolteacher and union activist from a poor rural family, galvanized many Peruvians like him with his leftist platform during last year’s election. Many of his supporters said they were frustrated by a system designed only to help the elite class.

But after taking office, he struggled to govern, his government marred by allegations of corruption, incompetence and mismanagement.

After Castillo’s arrest last week, his supporters accused the political elite of driving him toward political suicide and said the establishment never gave him a chance to govern successfully. In interviews, some said they felt they had been robbed of their vote, pushing them to the streets.

José Godoy, a Peruvian political scientist, was critical of the decision to declare a state of emergency.

“It verifies that measures for force come before dialogue with the citizenry,” he said. “This diminishes Boluarte’s credibility.”

Godoy added that the decision, if accompanied by a curfew, which the government said it was considering, would also be a blow to the economy.

“It seems disproportionate to me,” he said. “I think it should only apply in places where there’s really convulsion.”

Supporters of left-wing former president Pedro Castillo are demanding new elections as quickly as possible since Mr. Castillo was ousted by Congress last week.

Members of Indigenous communities and farmers during a protest in Cuzco, Peru, against the removal of former President Pedro Castillo.

Biden hosts African leaders for talks on security, trade and outer space

By EDWARD WONG and MICHAEL CROWLEY

Nearly 50 African leaders converged on Washington on Tuesday to begin three days of talks on issues central to the future of the continent and the world, including health, food security, climate change, civil wars and even the exploration of outer space.

The U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit this week, the first one since 2014, comes as the world is struggling with urgent crises, some of which are having catastrophic effects on Africa. The continent is grappling with a food shortage worsened by both Russia’s war with Ukraine and supply chain problems arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.

But U.S. officials say they also want to discuss forward-looking topics such as commercial investments and technology that can have long-term benefits for the continent.

“Over the next few days, we will be announcing additional investments to make it easier for students to participate in exchange programs between our countries, to increase trade opportunities for members of the African diaspora and to support African entrepreneurs and small businesses,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said at the summit’s opening event, a forum for what the State Department called “African and diaspora young leaders.”

“Each of these investments is guided by one overarching goal: to continue building our partnership so that we can better address the shared challenges we face,” Blinken said.

The first day’s meetings were centered on critical topics including the environment, public health, democratic governance and security. The governance and security session was hosted by Blinken; Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin; and Samantha Power, the administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development. Katherine Tai, the U.S. trade

representative, led a ministerial conference on trade.

In the morning, Austin and Blinken discussed military cooperation with the leaders of Djibouti, Niger and Somalia. “We recognize that African leadership remains key to confronting our era’s defining challenges of peace, security and governance,” Austin said.

President Joe Biden was expected to give speeches on Wednesday and today, and he and Jill Biden, the first lady, were scheduled to host the heads of the delegations at dinner Wednesday night.

The Biden administration is trying to repair relations with African nations after President Donald Trump largely ignored them and famously disparaged some in a White House meeting in 2018.

American officials are concerned about Chinese and Russian influence on the continent, as well as instability caused by famine, climate change, epidemics and wars. U.S. officials say they also want to help African countries create economic opportunities for their growing youth populations. And at a forum on Tuesday on outer space, Nigeria and Rwanda became the first African nations to sign onto the Artemis Accords, an agreement that aims to establish guidelines for space exploration.

Mokgweetsi Masisi, the president of Botswana, said at the Brookings Institution on Tuesday morning that many African nations were wary of the intentions of world superpowers and sought to exert some agency over those larger countries’ policies.

“The world has not been extremely kind to Africa,” he said. “It’s almost as if the carving out and colonization of Africa assumed a new form without the labels of colonization — but some measure of conquest. And we’re trying to move away from that and engage so that they work with us and not on us and through us.”

In an Africa strategy unveiled in August, the White House stressed the need to strengthen democracies across the continent and help them deliver for their citizens, with the aim of undergirding stability. Blinken empha-

The first day of meetings at the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit centered on critical topics including the environment, public health, democratic governance and security.

sized the same themes in a policy speech he delivered in South Africa before visiting Congo and Rwanda.

Blinken had separate meetings on Tuesday afternoon with Abiy Ahmed, the prime minister of Ethiopia, and Félix Tshisekedi, the president of Congo.

Abiy arrived for his highest-level encounter with the Biden administration weeks after signing a cease-fire with Tigrayan rebel leaders that has ended, for now at least, the country’s two years of civil war.

In a sit-down with the Ethiopian leader on Tuesday, Blinken told Abiy he faced a “historic moment” to move his country toward lasting peace.

The United States is also navigating thorny issues with Congo. When Blinken visited Kinshasa, the capital, in August, he expressed concerns to Tshisekedi and other officials about civil conflict in the east, which involves neighboring nations, and about a plan by the country to auction off vast parcels of rainforests and peatlands for oil and gas extraction. The two countries agreed to form a working group to assess the plan and the environmental impact.

Congo is important for Biden’s clima-

te change policy in another way: It is the world’s leading source of cobalt, an important material for electric-car batteries. But U.S. officials are concerned about mining practices there, as well as the growing presence of Chinese companies in the industry.

On Tuesday afternoon, Blinken presided over the signing of an agreement with officials from Congo and Zambia in which the United States pledged to form an “electric vehicle battery council” with those two nations to assess investment mechanisms and supply chains.

Christophe Lutundula, the foreign minister of Congo, said his country was working to “contribute with our natural resources and strategic minerals to the collective management of the world’s fate and future in this day and age with climate change.”

American officials have been careful not to frame this week’s summit or Biden’s Africa strategy as being about rivalry with China, which has been expanding trade on the continent for years. U.S. officials say they want to deal with African nations on their own terms. In reality, discussions in Washington about Africa often revolve around China.

By BEN SISARIO

The U.S. military has drawn up plans to replace the base hospital at Guantánamo Bay with a new $435 million health care center that would provide care for hundreds of prison guards but appears to lack facilities specifically for aging war prisoners.

The current two-story hospital, which was built in 1954, is the only health care option for the outpost’s 5,500 to 6,000 residents. In the future, more patients will be evacuated to U.S. hospitals for treatment, though by law the 35 prisoners now there cannot be taken to the United States for any reason.

Details of the “Ambulatory Care Center” were contained in a 3,000-page prospectus that the Navy circulated for would-be contractors this year. The next step will be for Congress to approve $187 million for the first stage, construction, in the fiscal year 2024 budget.

The proposal illustrates the ad hoc nature of planning and construction for the Pentagon prison operation, which opened 20 years ago and has held 780 detainees.

In 2018, for example, the Pentagon purchased an oversize holding cell and equipped it with a shower and a bed so that a prisoner could spend nights at the war court compound. However, the commander of the guard force, Col. Matthew Jemmott, testified last week that he did not have enough guards to staff it overnight.

The Biden administration has stated a goal of seeking to close detention operations, and the military has been reducing the prison staff. After the colonel testified, the U.S. Southern Command said there were 1,000 U.S. troops and other U.S. government employees working for the prison commander, 500 fewer than in April, or 28 guards and other personnel for each detainee.

A chart in the clinic proposal projects that prison staffing in 2029, when the new hospital is up and running, will be at the same level as early in the administration of Donald Trump, who vowed to refill the prison but did not add any detainees. Estimates then were of about 1,800 troops and civilians.

Construction is underway on a $115 million dormitory for 848 National Guard soldiers on nine-month assignments at the prison. It was funded by Congress in 2017. But there are no longer that many prison guards at the base, according to Defense Department officials with knowledge of staffing levels. The prison staff includes hundreds of Navy medics, Coast Guard forces, civilian contractors and Army officers, who have separate housing.

A new, prefabricated $4 million courtroom is also being built and should be ready next year

in case two military judges happen to hold jury trials at the same time in the three existing cases.

The court was initially designed to exclude the public. But the court administration changed course, and workers are installing a spectators’ gallery.

The proposal for the new health center described the current hospital as “at significant risk of catastrophic failure.” But Peter J. Graves, a spokesperson for the Defense Health Agency, said concerns about “critical structural deficiencies” contained in a 2018 engineering study have “been remediated.”

Graves said the $435 million total covered construction, equipment and the cost of operating the center for 30 years.

Dr. Stephen N. Xenakis, a psychiatrist and retired Army brigadier general, reviewed the plan and said the Pentagon was planning a “typical primary care community clinic, a facility with a couple of beds and an operating room but not intended to support more complicated treatment and procedures, which the detainees may need.”

He said the plan did not include a nursing home or assisted living facility for the detainees, who, “as they age, are likely to require more intensive and specialized treatment that has not been factored into the planning.”

Also missing from the plan, he said, are a catheterization lab, a site for MRIs, capacity to offer chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer, and a sophisticated telehealth capacity.

In the 1990s, Xenakis was the commanding general of Army medical facilities in the southeastern United States and had oversight of the construction of several military medical projects. He has been visiting Guantánamo for more than a decade and has spoken about the military’s inability to care for prisoners there.

The plan for the new facility says that health care “beneficiaries” will include uniformed forces assigned to the prison and court operation, but it does not specifically mention care for the detainees.

A Pentagon spokesperson declined to address the lack of mention of detainee health care in the new facility, which is planned for the busy commercial center of Guantánamo, up the road from the base McDonald’s.

Like the old hospital, the new facility will offer pediatric care for the children of officers and civilian contractors who are allowed to bring their families to Guantánamo Bay. But expectant women would leave the island in Week 34 to 36 of their pregnancy, under a U.S. military policy called “storknesting” that is used at small, lesser-equipped overseas outposts.

In a base baby boom in 2018, 57 babies were born at Guantánamo Bay.

By BRET STEPHENS

We live in a time when the people who are in charge are scared of the people who aren’t. Professors report being terrified of their students. Publishing executives fear the wrath of junior employees. CEOs worry about staff revolts. Museum curators watch what they say lest it lead to professional annihilation. Politicians in senior positions are nervous about the newbies — on their own side.

Some of the fear is necessary and merited. Former New York Reps. Joe Crowley and Eliot Engel lost their primaries to energetic challengers because they were arrogant and too comfortable in their incumbencies. Young employees at Goldman Sachs revolted early this year over nearly 100-hour workweeks that have the color of abuse. Overseas, one can only cheer the fact that Iran’s despots are finally living in fear of the magnificent women taking off their hijabs and burning them in the streets.

But the fear is also doing a lot of damage: to the people on whom the fear is inflicted, on those inflicting it, on the welfare of the institutions to which they belong. In healthy institutions, leaders are supposed to teach, inspire and mold younger people so they can eventually inherit and improve those institutions when they’re ready to take charge. In many of today’s institutions, repeated abdications of authority by cowardly leaders have become invitations to arson by willful upstarts.

I’ve thought about this a lot in recent years as one organization after another capitulated in the face of outrage mobs, hanging good people out to dry to avoid having to stand on principle. I thought about it again last week when Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, speaking at a New York Young Republicans gala, said that if she and Steve Bannon had organized the Jan. 6 attack on Congress, “we would have won. Not to mention, it would’ve been armed.”

The comment sparked indignation among Democrats but not a word from Kevin McCarthy, who has cozied up to Greene to win her support in his bid for the House speakership. Greene later defended herself by saying the White House couldn’t take a joke — the old demagogic trick of riling the mob while playing the fool.

Meanwhile, Republican leaders and conservative

pundits more or less keep mum, just as they kept mum for years over the verbal hooliganism of Donald Trump before and (except for a fleeting spasm of conscience) after Jan. 6. They tell themselves that condemning Greene or Trump only gives them the attention they crave. But they ignore the fact that failing to condemn the pair gives them the legitimacy and power they crave much more.

The problem with evil clowns is that it’s the clownishness, not the evil, they soon shed.

This is not a new problem. Communist dictatorships came to power in Central Europe after World War II by pretending to play by democratic rules, until they didn’t. The Nazis came to power in Germany the same way. They joined the institutions they intended to destroy. And the people who were supposed to be the keepers of those institutions, the guardians at the gate, allowed — and sometimes even helped — them to do it.

Why?

A good explanation comes in Max Frisch’s 1958 play, “Biedermann and the Fire Raisers” (also translated from German as “The Arsonists” or “The Firebugs”). It tells the story of a self-satisfied businessperson named Gottlieb Biedermann who reads the news that arsonists have been sweet-talking their way into people’s houses and then, after being allowed to sleep in the attic, blowing them up.

“They should hang the lot of them,” says the outraged Biedermann at the beginning of the play. But he’s their next victim.

The arsonists wheedle their way into his house with a combination of servile pleading, subtle bullying and appeals to Biedermann’s moral vanity. And Biedermann, who nurses a hidden feeling of guilt and fears open confrontation, is their ideal mark. By the end of the play, he’s handing the arsonists the matches with which they are going to blow up the house. He can’t conceive that he’s no longer in charge. He thinks he and the arsonists are in on a big joke, never realizing that he’s become the butt of the joke itself.

It’s not hard to figure out who today’s arsonists are. They aren’t just Trump, Greene and Vladimir Putin. They are also the ideological entrepreneurs in universities, businesses, publishing houses and news media working almost openly to undermine the missions of these institutions — intellectual excellence, profitability, free expression, objectivity — in the

name of higher social goals like representation, sustainability, sensitivity and “moral clarity.” Their aim isn’t to make their homes better. It’s to blow them up.

The harder challenge is to recognize our present-day Biedermanns: the university president who claims to believe in academic freedom, until he joins the arsonists in destroying the career of tenured faculty members; the magazine editor who claims to believe in vigorous debate, until he capitulates to those who don’t; the Republican House member who says enough is enough after Jan. 6, until he finds it much more convenient to let bygones be bygones.

These are some of the self-deluded weaklings who set the tone of institutional life in much of America today. It’s why so many others live in fear.

Ray Ruiz

Sharon Ramírez Legal Notices Graphics Manager

Aaron Christiana Editor

María Rivera Graphic Artist Manager

The San Juan Daily Star

Gobernador viaja a Washington D.C. para presenciar votación en la Cámara proyecto de estatus de Puerto Rico

POR CYBERNEWS

FLORIDA – El gobernador Pedro Rafael Pierluisi

Urrutia anunció el miércoles, que partirá esta tarde hacia Washington D.C. para presenciar la votación en la Cámara federal sobre el proyecto de estatus para Puerto Rico HR-8393.

“Si, esta tarde parto para Washington porque la información que tengo es que el proyecto (HR8393). Va a bajar a votación en el pleno, en el Hemiciclo de la Cámara federal en el día de mañana, y yo voy a estar allí presente junto al líder de la mayoría para asegurarme que en las filas demócratas, básicamente todos o si no, la inmensa mayoría apoyan el proyecto”, dijo el gobernador en conferencia de prensa.

“Sé que la comisionada (residente, Jenniffer González Colón) va a hacer el esfuerzo para que se unan miembros del Partido Republicano para apoyar la medida. Mañana va a ser un día histórico porque esto va a sentar un precedente que no

habíamos tenido. La Cámara de Representantes de Estados Unidos va a estar avalando un plebiscito en el que no vamos a tener el estatus actual, no vamos a tener la colonia. Vamos a tener tres opciones no territoriales y no coloniales por requerimiento de la Cámara de Representantes de Estados Unidos. El Congreso asume la responsabilidad de implantar la opción de estatus que obtenga la mayoría”, añadió.

El gobernador estableció que de aprobarse la medida, tendrá dos años para convencer a los senadores federales para dar pasop al proyecto de estatus.

“Esto ya sienta un precedente de política pública al más alto nivel. Y es claro cuál va a ser nuestra agenda en los próximos años en el Congreso, vamos a mover esta batalla al Senado de los Estados Unidos”, mencionó.

Por su parte, la comisionada residente expresó: “Hay una realidad este proyecto se supone que bajará en verano, pero va a bajar ahora casi en el

CST busca ampliar la participación de policías municipales para intervenir con conductores ebrios

POR CYBERNEWS

SAN JUAN – Con el propósito de disminuir choques en las carreteras por el alto consumo de alcohol, especialmente en época festiva, el director ejecutivo de la Comisión para la Seguridad en el Tránsito (CST), Luis Rodríguez Díaz, anunció este miércoles que esta agencia de gobierno realizó una cumbre con los Negociados de las Policías Municipales para ampliar la participación de este componente de seguridad en las movilizaciones que subvenciona la CST a través de fondos federales.

La reunión, que tuvo sede en Guaynabo, contó con la participación de aproximadamente 70 comisionados municipales, o representantes autorizados, así como con personal de la CST a cargo de orientar sobre

la forma correcta de acceder a estos fondos federales para el proceso de implementación de la Ley.

“Ante la llegada de la temporada navideña, es imprescindible la participación de las policías municipales, por lo que se le hace un llamado a los comisionados para que se integren a nuestras movilizaciones, en especial a la que se realizan para intervenir con conductores en estado de embriaguez, de modo que podamos garantizar la seguridad de todos en las carreteras”, sostuvo Rodríguez Díaz en declaraciones escritas.

Para Navidad, la CST asignó un total de 173,381 dólares de fondos federales para el pago de horas extras a policías estatales y municipales que se encargarán de intervenir con conductores ebrios, desde el 16 de diciembre hasta el 1 de enero de 2023.

“A la fecha, se han reportado un total de 254 fa-

talidades en las carreteras, 68 menos en comparación con la misma fecha el año pasado; sin embargo, el mes de diciembre ya registró nueve (9) muertes, una cifra preocupante, pues se aproximan los días festivos que se caracterizan por el alto consumo de alcohol. Ante esta realidad, esta cumbre busca añadir efectivos de las policías municipales para que realicen patrullaje preventivo e intervenciones con conductores ebrios”, explicó el ejecutivo de la CST.

Las estadísticas revelan que en el año 2020 hubo un total de 242 fatalidades, de las cuales 77 fueron por conductores en estado de embriaguez. En el 2021, se reportaron 337 fatalidades, de las cuales 88 fueron causadas por la misma razón. Los datos oficiales del 2022 se continúan trabajando y en etapa de investigación oficial.

6 muertos y 196 hospitalizados en informe preliminar COVID-19

POR CYBERNEWS

SAN JUAN – El informe preliminar de COVID-19 del Departamento de Salud (DS) reportó el miércoles 6 muertes y 196 personas hospitalizadas.

El total de muertes atribuidas es de 5,455.

Hay 168 adultos hospitalizados y 28 menores.

El monitoreo cubre el periodo del 27 de noviembre al 11 de diciembre 2022.

La tasa de positividad está en 23.98 por ciento.

último día de sesión que es mañana, aunque se prevé que se va a extender la sesión hasta la semana que viene”.

Golden Globes announce 2023 nominations after recent troubles

By BROOKS BARNES

The companies behind the tarnished Golden Globe Awards pushed forward with a rehabilitation effort earlier this week, announcing nominations for a televised ceremony on Jan. 10 that will find “The Fabelmans,” “Elvis” and “The Banshees of Inisherin” among those in contention for the top film prizes.

Who will show up to collect the trophies is another matter.

NBC canceled the 2022 telecast amid an ethics, finance and diversity scandal involving the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the unorthodox organization that bestows the Globes. Citing extensive HFPA reforms, NBC in September agreed to return the ceremony to its air for an 80th installment — under a one-year trial. For the first time, the show will also be available simultaneously online, through Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming service.

Most movie studios view the Globes telecast and accompanying red carpet spectacle as crucial marketing opportunities for winter films, especially dramas, which have been struggling at the box office. But not everyone in Hollywood is eager for the Globes to return. Publicists and

agents say that some stars (those with the most to gain from the exposure) have an open mind, while others want the Globes to be retired forever.

Kelly Bush Novak, the chief executive of ID, a leading Hollywood publicity and marketing firm, said she would encourage clients to participate, in part because she expected Globe voters to recognize a diverse group of artists. “Many of us — in a truly collective effort — held the organization accountable, and many of us are encouraged by the strides and commitment that have resulted,” Novak said. (She added, however, that more work needed to be done.)

Last year, after The Los Angeles Times enumerated the foreign press association’s well-known but long-overlooked lapses, Tom Cruise returned his Globe trophies. More recently, Brendan Fraser, who has received rave reviews for his performance as a morbidly obese man in “The Whale,” said that he would not attend the ceremony if nominated. In 2018, Fraser accused a then-member of the HFPA of groping him in 2003, which the member denied.

Fraser was nominated on Monday for best actor in a drama. Other notable nominees include Ana de Armas, for her

“The Fabelmans” received several nominations, including best drama and best director for Steven Spielberg.

performance in Netflix’s widely derided Marilyn Monroe biopic “Blonde.” James Cameron was nominated as best director, for “Avatar: The Way of Water,” which opens worldwide on Friday.

Some awards prognosticators had expected to see Cruise among the best actor nominees, for his performance in “Top Gun: Maverick.” But he was left out. (The movie did receive a nomination for best drama.) Will Smith, vying for awards attention with “Emancipation,” also failed to make the list.

The stand-up comedian Jerrod Carmichael will host the Golden Globes ceremony, which is being held on a Tuesday (as opposed to its accustomed Sunday

Here is a list of the nominees:

Best Motion Picture, Drama

“Avatar: The Way of Water”

“Elvis”

“The Fabelmans”

“Tár”

“Top Gun: Maverick”

Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy

“Babylon”

“The Banshees of Inisherin”

“Everything Everywhere All at Once”

“Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery”

“Triangle of Sadness”

Best Director, Motion Picture

James Cameron, “Avatar: The Way of Water”

Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, “Everything Everywhere All at Once” Baz Luhrmann, “Elvis”

Martin McDonagh, “The Banshees of Inisherin”

Steven Spielberg, “The Fabelmans” Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama

Cate Blanchett, “Tár”

Olivia Colman, “Empire of Light”

Viola Davis, “The Woman King” Ana de Armas, “Blonde”

Michelle Williams, “The Fabelmans”

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy

Lesley Manville, “Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris”

Margot Robbie, “Babylon”

Anya Taylor-Joy, “The Menu”

Emma Thompson, “Good Luck to You, Leo Grande”

Michelle Yeoh, “Everything Everywhere All at Once”

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture

Angela Bassett, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”

spot) to avoid NBC’s “Sunday Night Football.”

With a new interim chief executive, Todd Boehly, leading a turnaround effort, the HFPA has overhauled membership eligibility, recruited new members with an emphasis on diversity, enacted a stricter code of conduct and has moved to end its tax-exempt status and transform into a for-profit company with a philanthropic arm. Boehly is awaiting final governmental approval for that plan. Once it comes, he is expected to disband the HFPA and rebrand the charitable division.

The 96-member organization now has six Black members — up from zero — and has added 103 nonmember voters, a dozen or so of whom are Black. One

Kerry Condon, “The Banshees of Inisherin”

Jamie Lee Curtis, “Everything Everywhere All at Once”

Dolly de Leon, “Triangle of Sadness”

Carey Mulligan, “She Said”

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama

Austin Butler, “Elvis”

Brendan Fraser, “The Whale”

Hugh Jackman, “The Son”

Bill Nighy, “Living”

Jeremy Pope, “The Inspection”

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy

Diego Calva, “Babylon”

Daniel Craig, “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery”

Adam Driver, “White Noise”

Colin Farrell, “The Banshees of Inisherin”

Ralph Fiennes, “The Menu”

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture

Brendan Gleeson, “The Banshees of Inisherin”

Barry Keoghan, “The Banshees of Inisherin”

Brad Pitt, “Babylon”

Ke Huy Quan, “Everything Everywhere All at Once”

Eddie Redmayne, “The Good Nurse”

Best Screenplay, Motion Picture

Todd Field, “Tár”

Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, “Everything Everywhere All at Once”

Martin McDonagh, “The Banshees of Inisherin”

Sarah Polley, “Women Talking”

Steven Spielberg and Tony Kushner, “The Fabelmans”

Best Original Score, Motion Picture

Carter Burwell, “The Banshees of Inisherin”

Alexandre Desplat, “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio”

Hildur Gudnadottir, “Women Talking”

Justin Hurwitz, “Babylon” John Williams, “The Fabelmans” Best Original Song, Motion Picture “Carolina,” “Where the Crawdads Sing”

“Ciao Papa,” “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio”

“Hold My Hand,” “Top Gun: Maverick”

“Lift Me Up,” “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”

“Naatu Naatu,” “RRR”

Best Motion Picture, Animated “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio” “Inu-Oh”

“Marcel the Shell With Shoes On” “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” “Turning Red”

Best Motion Picture, Foreign Language “All Quiet on the Western Front” “Argentina, 1985” “Close” “Decision to Leave” “RRR”

Best Television Series, Drama “Better Call Saul” “The Crown” “House of the Dragon” “Ozark” “Severance”

Best Television Series, Musical or Comedy “Abbott Elementary” “The Bear” “Hacks”

“Only Murders in the Building” “Wednesday”

Best Limited Series, Anthology Series or a Motion Picture made for Television “Black Bird”

“Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story” “The Dropout” “Pam & Tommy”

member was recently kicked out for conduct violations, including fabricating quotes, which leaders of the group have cited as proof of their reformed ways.

Live awards shows, including the Oscars, have lost tens of millions of viewers over the past decade, but the biggest ceremonies still attract a larger audience than almost anything else on traditional television, aside from live sports. The most recent Golden Globes telecast, held without celebrity attendees in early 2021 because of the pandemic, attracted about 7 million viewers, according to Nielsen. Pre-pandemic, the show was attracting about 18 million viewers annually.

“The White Lotus”

Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series, Drama

Emma D’arcy, “House of the Dragon”

Laura Linney, “Ozark”

Imelda Staunton, “The Crown”

Hilary Swank, “Alaska Daily” Zendaya, “Euphoria”

Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series, Musical or Comedy

Quinta Brunson, “Abbott Elementary”

Kaley Cuoco, “The Flight Attendant” Selena Gomez, “Only Murders in the Building”

Jenna Ortega, “Wednesday”

Jean Smart, “Hacks”

Best Performance by an Actress in a Limited Series, Anthology Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television

Jessica Chastain, “George & Tammy”

Julia Garner, “Inventing Anna” Lily James, “Pam & Tommy” Julia Roberts, “Gaslit”

Amanda Seyfried, “The Dropout”

Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series, Drama Jeff Bridges, “The Old Man” Kevin Costner, “Yellowstone” Diego Luna, “Andor”

Bob Odenkirk, “Better Call Saul”

Adam Scott, “Severance”

Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series, Musical or Comedy

Donald Glover, “Atlanta”

Bill Hader, “Barry”

Steve Martin, “Only Murders in the Building”

Martin Short, “Only Murders in the Building”

Jeremy Allen White, “The Bear”

Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television

Taron Egerton, “Black Bird”

Colin Firth, “The Staircase”

Andrew Garfield, “Under the Banner of Heaven”

Evan Peters, “Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story”

Sebastian Stan, “Pam & Tommy”

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Television Musical, Comedy or Drama Series

Elizabeth Debicki, “The Crown”

Hannah Einbinder, “Hacks”

Julia Garner, “Ozark”

Janelle James, “Abbott Elementary”Sheryl Lee Ralph, “Abbott Elementary”

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Television Musical, Comedy or Drama Series

Jonathan Lithgow, “The Old Man” Jonathan Pryce, “The Crown” John Turturro, “Severance”

Tyler James Williams, “Abbott Elementary”

Henry Winkler, “Barry”

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Television Limited Series, Anthology Series or Television Movie

Jennifer Coolidge, “The White Lotus” Claire Danes, “Fleishman Is in Trouble”

Daisy Edgar-Jones, “Under the Banner of Heaven”

Niecy Nash, “Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story”

Aubrey Plaza, “The White Lotus” Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Television Limited Series, Anthology Series or Television Movie

F. Murray Abraham, “The White Lotus”

Domhnall Gleeson, “The Patient”

Paul Walter Hauser, “Black Bird”

Richard Jenkins, “Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story”

Seth Rogen, “Pam & Tommy”

Long COVID has played role in more than 3,500 deaths in US, CDC says

By PAM BELLUCK

Long COVID has caused or contributed to at least 3,500 deaths in the United States, an analysis of death certificates by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found.

The study, published Wednesday, is believed to be the first nationwide examination of whether long COVID or related terms appear in official American death records. While it found that such phrases were recorded in only a tiny proportion of the more than 1 million deaths tied to infection with the coronavirus, the researchers and other experts said the results added to growing recognition of how serious longterm post-COVID medical problems can be.

“It’s not one of the leading causes of death, but, considering that this is the first time that we’ve looked at it and that long COVID is an illness that we’re learning more about day after day, the major takeaway is that it is possible for somebody to die and for long COVID to have played a part in their death,” said Farida Ahmad, a health scientist at the National Center for Health Statistics at the CDC who led the study.

Long COVID is a complex constellation of symptoms that can last for months or longer and can affect virtually every organ system. Some of the most debilitating post-COVID symptoms are breathing problems, heart issues, extreme fatigue, and cognitive and neurological issues.

The researchers looked at death certificates in every state and Washington, D.C., dated from Jan. 1, 2020, to June 30, 2022. They found 1,021,487 certificates that included a diagnostic code for COVID-19 as an underlying or contributing cause of death. Of those, 3,544 — or 0.3% of the total — listed long COVID or terms like post-COVID syndrome, chronic COVID or long-haul COVID.

Ahmad and experts not involved in the research said the number of deaths related to long COVID in the study was almost certainly an underestimate. It has taken time for the condition to be recognized and identified by doctors and other medical providers. And the study was not able to include a new diagnostic code for long COVID because it was not yet being used in reporting of deaths in the United States, the researchers said.

“This new research is important in raising a concern, but it should be followed with more definitive work,” said Dr. Jeffrey Martin, chief of the division of clinical epidemiology in the department of epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of California, San Francisco, who was not involved in the research.

“Historically, death certificates have been incomplete in explaining how a person died,” said Martin, who suggested that future research should include interviewing patients’ doctors and family members and evaluating their medical records.

The study found that more death certificates mentioned long COVID after the first year of the pandemic and that the condition was more likely to be listed on death certificates

in the weeks or months after a peak of COVID cases, Ahmad said.

The study found that some of the long COVID patterns related to age, sex, race and ethnicity differed from those seen in deaths caused by the initial infection. For example, while Black and Hispanic people had higher death rates from the initial coronavirus infection than non-Hispanic whites, those groups did not have higher death rates related to long COVID, the study found.

The researchers suggested that the difference might be partly because of systemic disparities that have resulted in less access to health care for Black and Hispanic patients, who might not have received appropriate long-COVID diagnoses. The study said it was also possible that, because Black and Hispanic patients died at higher rates from the initial illness than white patients, they might have “fewer COVID-19 survivors left to experience long-COVID conditions.”

Nearly 57% of deaths related to long COVID were in people 75 and older. Nearly a third of the death certificates that mentioned long COVID listed the underlying or main cause of death as a non-COVID condition such as heart disease, cancer or Alzheimer’s.

“This is just scratching the surface — this is a first look,” said David Putrino, the director of rehabilitation innovation for the Mount Sinai Health System in New York, who was not involved in the study.

He said the study appeared to be primarily capturing deaths of people who experienced serious initial infection

with the coronavirus and who survived that phase but went on to have organ damage and other severe complications. He said other deaths related to long COVID should be studied, including deaths by suicide of people who had devastating post-COVID symptoms.

Another report published Wednesday, by the Documenting COVID-19 project, offered a snapshot of deaths related to long COVID by looking at death certificates in 2020 and 2021 in Minnesota, New Mexico and a few other locations. That report, conducted by the Brown Institute for Media Innovation at Columbia University and MuckRock, a public records foundation, found that 18 of the 28 deaths associated with long COVID in Minnesota during those years were in people over 80 years old and that most of the patients had worked in blue-collar jobs and lacked a college degree. In New Mexico, about a third of the 13 deaths related to long COVID were in people under 60, and some were front-line or essential workers, the report said.

Experts evaluating the CDC study cautioned that it was both an incomplete picture of mortality linked to long COVID and of the larger toll of long COVID, which has been estimated by the Government Accountability Office to have affected 7.7 million to 23 million people in the United States.

“This is an important thing to explore and study, but it shouldn’t be used as a proxy for saying, Oh, well, long COVID isn’t that severe because look how few deaths there are,” Putrino said. “We should not be measuring the damage that long COVID does by deaths alone.”

The study was the first nationwide examination of whether long COVID or related terms appeared on death certificates, showing a growing recognition of how serious long-term post-COVID medical problems can be.

Scientists achieve nuclear fusion breakthrough with blast of 192 lasers

By KENNETH CHANG

Scientists studying fusion energy at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California announced earlier this week, that they had crossed a long-awaited milestone in reproducing the power of the sun in a laboratory.

That sparked public excitement as scientists have for decades talked about how fusion, the nuclear reaction that makes stars shine, could provide a future source of bountiful energy.

The result announced on Tuesday is the first fusion reaction in a laboratory setting that actually produced more energy than it took to start the reaction.

“This is such a wonderful example of a possibility realized, a scientific milestone achieved, and a road ahead to the possibilities for clean energy,” Arati Prabhakar, the White House science adviser, said during a news conference Tuesday morning at the Department of Energy’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. “And even deeper understanding of the scientific principles that are applied here.”

If fusion can be deployed on a large scale, it would offer an energy source devoid of the pollution and greenhouse gases caused by the burning of fossil fuels and the dangerous longlived radioactive waste created by current nuclear power plants, which use the splitting of uranium to produce energy.

Within the sun and stars, fusion continually combines hydrogen atoms into helium, producing sunlight and warmth that bathes the planets.

In experimental reactors and laser labs on Earth, fusion lives up to its reputation as a very clean energy source.

There was always a nagging caveat, however. In all of the efforts by scientists to control the unruly power of fusion, their experiments consumed more energy than the fusion reactions generated.

That changed at 1:03 a.m. on Dec. 5 when 192 giant lasers at the laboratory’s National Ignition Facility blasted a small cylinder about the size of a pencil eraser that contained a frozen nubbin of hydrogen encased in diamond.

The laser beams entered at the top and bottom of the cylinder, vaporizing it. That generated an inward onslaught of X-rays that compresses a BB-size fuel pellet of deuterium and tritium, the heavier forms of hydrogen.

In a brief moment lasting less than 100 trillionths of a second, 2.05 megajoules of energy — roughly the equivalent of 1 pound of TNT — bombarded the hydrogen pellet. Out flowed a flood of neutron particles — the product of fusion — which carried about 3 megajoules of energy, a factor of 1.5 in energy gain.

This crossed the threshold that laser fusion scientists call ignition, the dividing line where the energy generated by fusion equals the energy of the incoming lasers that start the reaction.

“You see one diagnostic and you think maybe that’s not real and then you start to see more and more diagnostics rolling in, pointing to the same thing,” said Annie Kritcher, a physicist at Livermore who described reviewing the data after the experiment. “It’s a great feeling.”

The successful experiment finally delivers the ignition goal that was promised when construction of the National Ignition Facility started in 1997. When operations began in 2009, however, the facility hardly generated any fusion at all, an embarrassing disappointment after a $3.5 billion investment from the federal government.

In 2014, Livermore scientists finally reported some success, but the energy produced was minuscule — the equivalent of what a 60-watt light bulb consumes in five minutes. Progress over the next few years was slight and small.

Then, in August 2021, the facility produced a much larger burst of energy — 70% as much energy as the laser light energy.

In an interview, Mark Herrmann, program director for weapons physics and design at the Livermore, said the researchers then performed a series of experiments to better understand the surprising August success, and they worked to bump up the energy of lasers by almost 10% and improve the design of the hydrogen targets.

The first laser shot at 2.05 megajoules was performed in September, and that first try produced 1.2 megajoules of fusion energy. Moreover, analysis showed that the spherical pellet of hydrogen was not squeezed evenly, and some of the hydrogen essentially squirted out the side and did not reach fusion temperatures.

The scientists made some adjustments that they believed would work better.

“The prediction ahead of the shot was that it could go up a factor of two,” Herrmann said. “In fact, it went up a little more than that.”

The main purpose of the National Ignition Facility is to conduct experiments to help the United States maintain its nuclear weapons. That makes the immediate implications for producing energy tentative.

Fusion would be essentially an emissions-free source of power, and it would help reduce the need for power plants burning coal and natural gas, which pumps billions of tons of

planet-warming carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year.

But it will take quite a while before fusion becomes available on a widespread, practical scale, if ever.

“Probably decades,” Kimberly S. Budil, the director of Lawrence Livermore, said during the Tuesday news conference.

“Not six decades, I don’t think. I think not five decades, which is what we used to say. I think it’s moving into the foreground and probably, with concerted effort and investment, a few decades of research on the underlying technologies could put us in a position to build a power plant.”

Most climate scientists and policymakers say that to achieve the goal of limiting warming to 2 degrees Celsius, or the even more ambitious target of 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming, the world must reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

Fusion efforts to date have primarily used doughnutshaped reactors known as tokamaks. Within the reactors, hydrogen gas is heated to temperatures hot enough that the electrons are stripped away from the hydrogen nuclei, creating what is known as a plasma — clouds of positively charged nuclei and negatively charged electrons. Magnetic fields trap the plasma within the doughnut shape, and the nuclei fuse together, releasing energy in the form of neutrons flying outward.

The work at NIF takes a different approach, but so far, little work has gone into turning the idea of a laser fusion power plant into reality. “There are very significant hurdles, not just in the science, but in technology,” Budil said.

NIF is the world’s most powerful laser, but it is a slow and inefficient one, relying on decadesold technology.

The apparatus, about the size of a sports stadium, is designed to perform basic science experiments, not serve as a prototype for the generation of electricity.

It averages about 10 shots per week. A commercial facility using the laser fusion approach would need much faster lasers, able to shoot at a machine-gun pace, perhaps 10 times a second.

NIF also still consumes far more energy than is produced by the fusion reactions.

Although the latest experiment produced a net energy gain compared with the energy of the 2.05 megajoules in the incoming laser beams, NIF needed to pull 300 megajoules of energy from the electrical grid in order to generate the brief laser pulse.

The results announced Tuesday will benefit the scientists working on the nuclear stockpile, the NIF’s primary purpose. By performing these nuclear reactions in a lab at a less destructive scale, scientists aim to replace the data they used to gather from underground nuclear bomb detonations, which the United States stopped in 1992.

The greater fusion output from the facility will produce more data “that allows us to maintain the confidence in our nuclear deterrent without the need for further underground testing,” Herrmann said. “The output, that 30,000 trillion watts of power, creates very extreme environments in itself” that more closely resemble an exploding nuclear weapon.

A government photo shows technicians inspecting a final optics assembly during routine maintenance on the National Ignition Facility of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California in June 2018.

The San Juan Daily Star

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T/C/C LUIS DOMENECH T/C/C L DOMENECH

FRATICELLI COMPUESTA POR LUIS DOMENECH RUIZ, IVAN DOMENECH RUIZ, MARIELI

DOMENECH RUIZ, GIOVANI DOMENECH, CHRISTIAN DOMENECH, YAMILE DOMENECH Y KRISTLE DOMENECH; JOHN DOE Y JANE DOE COMO HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS; RAMONITA CAPELLA GONZALEZ T/C/C

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RAMONITA CAPELLA T/C/C RAMONA CAPELLA POR SI Y EN LA CUOTA VIUDAL USUFRUCTUARIA; ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA; CENTRO DE RECAUDACION DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES

Demandados

Civil Núm.: AG2019CV01138.

Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA - IN REM. EDICTO DE SUBASTA. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS.

A: LA PARTE DEMANDADA, AL (A LA) SECRETARIO(A) DE HACIENDA DE PUERTO RICO Y AL PÚBLICO

GENERAL:

Certifico y Hago Constar: Que en cumplimiento con el Manda-

miento de Ejecución de Sentencia que me ha sido dirigido por el (la) Secretario(a) del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Aguadilla, en el caso de epígrafe, venderé en pública subasta y al mejor postor, por separado, de contado y por moneda de curso legal de los Estados Unidos de América y/o Giro Postal y Cheque Certificado, en la Oficina de Alguaciles ubicada en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Aguadilla, Segundo Piso, el 24 DE ENERO DE 2023, A LAS 11:00 DE LA MAÑANA, todo derecho título, participación o interés que le corresponda a la parte demandada o cualquiera de ellos en el inmueble hipotecado objeto de ejecución que se describe a continuación: RÚSTICA: Solar radicado en el Barrio Aceitunas del término municipal de Moca, marcado con el número once (#11) en el plano de inscripción y con un área superficial de mil doscientos noventa y ocho punto setenta y nueve (1,298.79) metros cuadrados. En lindes por el NORTE, con faja de terreno dedicada a uso público; por el SUR, con Isaac Feliciano; por el ESTE, con solar marcado con el número doce (#12) en el plano de inscripción; y por el OESTE, con el solar marcado con el número diez (#10) en el plano de inscripción. Inscrita al folio 150 del tomo 203 de Moca, finca 11,067, Registro de la Propiedad de San Sebastián. La Hipoteca Revertida consta inscrita al folio 150 del tomo 203 de Moca, finca 11,067, Registro de la Propiedad de San Sebastián, inscripción 5ª. Propiedad localizada en: PR110 KM 21.3, BO. ACEITUNAS, MOCA, PR 00676. Según figuran en la certificación registral, la propiedad objeto de ejecución está gravada por las siguientes cargas anteriores o preferentes: Nombre del Titular: N/A. Suma de la Carga: N/A. Fecha de Vencimiento: N/A. Según figuran en la certificación registral, la propiedad objeto de ejecución está gravada por las siguientes cargas posteriores a la inscripción del crédito ejecutante: Nombre del Titular: Secretario de la Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano. Suma de la Carga: $352,500.00. Fecha de Vencimiento: 18 de enero de 2092. Se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titularidad de la propiedad y que todas las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y los preferentes al crédito ejecutante antes descritos, si los hubiere, continuarán subsistentes. El rematante acepta dichas cargas y gravámenes anterio-

res, y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. Se establece como tipo de mínima subasta la suma de $352,500.00, según acordado entre las partes en el precio pactado en la escritura de hipoteca. De ser necesaria una SEGUNDA SUBASTA por declararse desierta la primera, la misma se celebrará en la Oficina de Alguaciles ubicada en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Aguadilla, Segundo Piso, el 31 DE ENERO DE 2023, A LAS 11:00 DE LA MAÑANA, y se establece como mínima para dicha segunda subasta la suma de $235,000.00, 2/3 partes del tipo mínima establecido originalmente. Si tampoco se produce remate ni adjudicación en la segunda subasta, se establece como mínima para la TERCERA SUBASTA, la suma de $176,250.00, la mitad (1/2) del precio pactado y dicha subasta se celebrará en la Oficina de Alguaciles ubicada en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Aguadilla, Segundo Piso, el 7 DE FEBRERO DE 2023, A LAS 11:00 DE LA MAÑANA. Dicha subasta se llevará a cabo para, con su producto satisfacer a la parte demandante, el importe de la Sentencia dictada a su favor ascendente a la suma de $150,628.99 por concepto de principal, más la suma de $95,535.02 en intereses acumulados al 30 de junio de 2021 y los cuales continúan acumulándose a razón de 5.060% anual hasta su total y completo pago; más la sumas de $28,300.59 en seguro hipotecario; $3,570.00 en seguro; $440.00 de tasaciones; $560.00 de inspecciones; $733.00 en preservación; $3,601.80 de honorarios de abogado; más la cantidad de 10% del pagare original en la suma de $35,250.00, para gastos, costas y honorarios de abogado. La venta en pública subasta de la referida propiedad se verificará libre de toda carga o gravamen posterior que afecte la mencionada finca, a cuyo efecto se notifica y se hace saber la fecha, hora y sitio de la PRIMERA, SEGUNDA Y TERCERA SUBASTA, si esto fuera necesario, a los efectos de que cualquier persona o personas con algún interés puedan comparecer a la celebración de dicha subasta. Se notifica a todos los interesados que las actas y demás constancias del expediente de este caso están disponibles en la Secretaría del Tribunal durante horas laborables para

ser examinadas por los (las) interesados (as). Y para su publicación en el periódico The San Juan Daily Star, que es un diario de circulación general en la isla de Puerto Rico, por espacio de dos semanas consecutivas con un intervalo de por lo menos siete (7) días entre ambas publicaciones, así como para su publicación en los sitios públicos de Puerto Rico. Expedido en Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, hoy 7 de noviembre de 2022.

CAROL CHALMERS SOTO, ALGUACIL PLACA #526.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE CAGUAS REVERSE MORTGAGE

FUNDING LLC.

Demandante Vs. SUCESION MARTIN GONZALEZ OQUENDO T/C/C MARTIN GONZALEZ COMPUESTA POR JOHN DOE Y JANE DOE COMO POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS; ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA; CENTRO DE RECAUDACION DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES

Demandados Civil Núm.: CG2021CV01231.

Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA. EDICTO DE SUBASTA. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS.

A: LA PARTE DEMANDADA, AL (A LA) SECRETARIO(A) DE HACIENDA DE PUERTO RICO

Y AL PÚBLICO

GENERAL:

Certifico y Hago Constar: Que en cumplimiento con el Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia que me ha sido dirigido por el (la) Secretario(a) del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Caguas, en el caso de epígrafe, venderé en pública subasta y al mejor postor, por separado, de contado y por moneda de curso legal de los Estados Unidos de América y/o Giro Postal y Cheque Certificado, en mi oficina ubicada en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Caguas, el 23 DE ENERO DE 2023, A LAS 10:15

DE LA MAÑANA, todo derecho título, participación o interés que le corresponda a la parte demandada o cualquiera de ellos en el inmueble hipotecado objeto de ejecución que se des-

cribe a continuación: RÚSTICA: Parcela marcada con el numero ciento veintisiete (127) en el Plano de Parcelación de la Comunidad Rural Borinquen del Barrio Borinquen del término municipal de Caguas, Puerto Rico, con una cabida superficial de trescientos veintiún metros cuadrados con cinco mil ochocientos sesenta y cuarto diez milímetros de metro cuadrado (321.5864 mc), iguales a cero punto cero ochocientos dieciocho diezmilésimas de cuera (0.0818 cda). En lindes por el NORTE, en una distancia de veinticuatro punto setenta y cinco metro (24.75 m), con la parcela numero ciento veintiocho (128); por el SUR, con una distancia de veinticuatro punto noventa metros (24.90 m), con la parcela numero viento veintidós (122); por el ESTE, en una distancia de doce punto noventa y ocho metros (12.98 m), con la parcela numero ciento noventa y cinco (195); y por el oeste, en una distancia de doce punto noventa y cuatro (12.94 m), con la Calle “C” de la comunidad. Enclava una casa construida de hormigón, consta de sala, cocina, dos (2) habitaciones y servicio sanitario de veinte (20) pies de largo por dieciocho (18) pies de ancho. Inscrita al folio 245 del tomo 658 de Caguas, finca 21,340, Registro de la Propiedad de Caguas, Sección I. La Hipoteca Revertida consta inscrita al Tomo Karibe, finca 21,340 de Caguas, Registro de la Propiedad de Caguas, Sección I, inscripción 11ª. Propiedad localizada en: PR 765 KM 3.0, COMUNIDAD BORIQUEN, #127 CALLE CEDRO, CAGUAS, PR 00725. Según figuran en la certificación registral, la propiedad objeto de ejecución está gravada por las siguientes cargas anteriores o preferentes: Nombre del Titular: N/A. Suma de la Carga: N/A. Fecha de Vencimiento: N/A. Según figuran en la certificación registral, la propiedad objeto de ejecución está gravada por las siguientes cargas posteriores a la inscripción del crédito ejecutante: Nombre del Titular: Secretario de la Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano. Suma de la Carga: $81,000.00. Fecha de Vencimiento: 5 de mayo de 2080. Se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titularidad de la propiedad y que todas las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y los preferentes al crédito ejecutante antes descritos, si los hubiere, continuarán subsistentes. El rematante acepta dichas cargas y gravámenes anteriores, y queda subrogado en la res-

ponsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. Se establece como tipo de mínima subasta la suma de $81,000.00, según acordado entre las partes en el precio pactado en la escritura de hipoteca. De ser necesaria una SEGUNDA SUBASTA por declararse desierta la primera, la misma se celebrará en mi oficina, ubicada en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Caguas, el 30 DE ENERO DE 2023, A LAS 10:15 DE LA MAÑANA, y se establece como mínima para dicha segunda subasta la suma de $54,000.00, 2/3 partes del tipo mínima establecido originalmente. Si tampoco se produce remate ni adjudicación en la segunda subasta, se establece como mínima para la TERCERA SUBASTA, la suma de $40,500.00, la mitad (1/2) del precio pactado y dicha subasta se celebrará en mi oficina, ubicada en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Caguas, el 6 DE FEBRERO DE 2023, A LAS 10:15 DE LA MAÑANA. Dicha subasta se llevará a cabo para, con su producto satisfacer a la parte demandante, el importe de la Sentencia dictada a su favor ascendente a la suma de $37,268.91 por concepto de principal, más la suma de $10,852.65 en intereses acumulados al 2 de noviembre de 2021 y los cuales continúan acumulándose a razón de 3.195% anual hasta su total y completo pago; más la sumas de $4,657.61 en seguro hipotecario; $525.00 de tasaciones; $240.00 de inspecciones; $1,645.00 en honorarios de abogado; más la cantidad de 10% del pagare original en la suma de $8,100.00, para gastos, costas y honorarios de abogado, esta última habrá de devengar intereses al máximo del tipo legal fijado por la oficina del Comisionado de Instituciones Financieras aplicable a esta fecha, desde este mismo día hasta su total y completo saldo. La venta en pública subasta de la referida propiedad se verificará libre de toda carga o gravamen posterior que afecte la mencionada finca, a cuyo efecto se notifica y se hace saber la fecha, hora y sitio de la PRIMERA, SEGUNDA Y TERCERA SUBASTA, si esto fuera necesario, a los efectos de que cualquier persona o personas con algún interés puedan comparecer a la celebración de dicha subasta. Se notifica a todos los interesados que las actas y demás constancias del expediente de este caso están disponibles en la Secretaría del Tribunal durante horas laborables para

ser examinadas por los (las) interesados (as). Y para su publicación en el periódico The San Juan Daily Star, que es un diario de circulación general en la isla de Puerto Rico, por espacio de dos semanas consecutivas con un intervalo de por lo menos siete (7) días entre ambas publicaciones, así como para su publicación en los sitios públicos de Puerto Rico. Expedido en Caguas, Puerto Rico, hoy 8 de noviembre de 2022. CARLOS DELGADO CRUZ, ALGUACIL REGIONAL. ÁNGEL GÓMEZ GÓMEZ, ALGUACIL PLACA #593.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE BAYAMÓN SALA SUPERIOR BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO

Parte Demandante Vs. RANDALL CASTRO

MEDINA

Parte Demandada Civil Núm.: BY2022CV01810. Sala: 506. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA POR LA VÍA ORDINARIA. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS. AVISO DE PÚBLICA SUBASTA. El Alguacil que suscribe por la presente anuncia y hace constar que en cumplimiento de la Sentencia en Rebeldía del 7 de septiembre de 2022, la Orden de Ejecución de Sentencia del 27 de octubre de 2022 y el Mandamiento de Ejecución del 27 de octubre de 2022 en el caso de epígrafe, procederé a vender el día 26 DE ENERO DE 2023, A LAS 9:45 DE LA MAÑANA en el Cuarto Piso de la Oficina del Alguacil de Subastas, localizada en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Centro Judicial de Bayamón, Sala Superior, ubicado en la Carretera Número Dos (#2), Kilómetro 10.4, Esquina Esteban Padilla, Bayamón, Puerto Rico, al mejor postor en pago de contado y en moneda de los Estados Unidos de América, cheque de gerente o giro postal a nombre del Alguacil del Tribunal; todo título, derecho o interés de la parte demandada sobre la siguiente propiedad: URBANA: Solar denominada Catorce A (14A) de la manzana L de la Urbanización El Plantío, radicado en el Barrio Candelaria del Municipio de Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, con una cabida de 164.20 metros cuadrados. En lindes por el NORTE, en 29.38

metros con el solar número Quince A (15A) de la manzana L; por el SUR, en 24.77 metros con solar número Trece A (13A) de la manzana L; por el ESTE, en 4.58 metros y 3.61 metros con faja verde; y por el OESTE, en 6.25 metros con la Calle Número Nueve A (9A) de la Urbanización El Plantío. Sobre dicha parcela de terreno o solar enclava una casa construida de concreto armado y bloques para fines residenciales. Inscrita al folio 295 del tomo 501 de Toa Baja, Finca Número 27629, Registro de la Propiedad de Bayamón, Sección II. La escritura de hipoteca y su modificación constan inscritas al folio 146 del tomo 691 de Toa Baja, Finca Número 27629, Registro de la Propiedad de Bayamón, Sección II. Inscripción quinta y sexta, respectivamente. Dirección Física: Urb. El Plantío, L14A Calle Ceiba, Toa Baja, PR 00949. Número de Catastro: 13-060-087-438-34-000. El tipo mínimo para la primera subasta será de $139,835.42.

De no haber adjudicación en la primera subasta se celebrará una SEGUNDA SUBASTA, el día 2 DE FEBRERO DE 2023, A LAS 9:45 DE LA MAÑANA, en el mismo lugar, en la cual el tipo mínimo será de dos terceras partes del tipo mínimo fijado en la primera subasta, o sea, $93,223.61. De no haber adjudicación en la segunda subasta, se celebrará una TERCERA SUBASTA, el día 9 DE FEBRERO DE 2023, A LAS 9:45 DE LA MAÑANA, en el mismo lugar, en la cual el tipo mínimo será la mitad del precio pactado, o sea, $69,917.71. Si se declarase desierta la tercera subasta, se adjudicará la finca a favor del acreedor por la totalidad de la cantidad adeudada si ésta es igual o menor que el monto del tipo de la tercera subasta, si el tribunal lo estima conveniente. Se abonará dicho monto a la cantidad adeudada si ésta es mayor. Dicho remate se llevará a cabo para con su producto satisfacer a la demandante el importe de la Sentencia por la suma de $135,337.65 de principal, más intereses sobre dicha suma al 5.125% anual desde el 1 de octubre de 2017 hasta su completo pago, más $733.92 de recargos acumulados, los cuales continuarán en aumento hasta el saldo total de la deuda, más la cantidad estipulada de $13,720.00 para costas, gastos y honorarios de abogados, así como cualquier otra suma que contenga el contrato del préstamo. Surge del Estudio de Título Registral que sobre esta propiedad pesa el siguiente gravamen posterior a

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE AGUADILLA

cripción. Registro de propiedad, sección de Humacao. TRACTO REGISTRAL: Se segregará de la finca #1,310, inscrita al folio 32 del tomo 167 de Yabucoa.

DIRECCIÓN FISICA: URB. YABUCOA REAL, LOTE 20, YABUOCA, PR 00767. Se anuncia por medio de este edicto que la PRIMERA SUBASTA habrá de celebrarse el día 18 DE ENERO DE 2023, A LAS 9:30

DE LA MAÑANA, en mi oficina sita en el edificio que ocupa el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Humacao. Con el importe de esta venta se habrá de satisfacer el balance de la sentencia dictada en este caso el cual consiste en el pago de $68,778.83 de principal, más intereses convenidos al 7.00% anual más recargos hasta su pago, más el pago de lo pactado en la sentencia para costas, gastos y honorarios de abogados. Se dispone que una vez celebrada la subasta y vendido el inmueble relacionado, el alguacil pondrá en posesión judicial a los nuevos dueños dentro del término de veinte (20) días a partir de la celebración de la Subasta. Si transcurren los referidos veinte (20) días, el tribunal podrá ordenar, sin necesidad de ulterior procedimiento, que se lleve a efecto el desalojo o lanzamiento del ocupante u ocupantes de la finca o de todos los que por orden o tolerancia del demandado/deudor la ocupen. El Alguacil de este Tribunal efectuará el lanzamiento de los ocupantes de ser necesario. Por la presente se notifica e informa a Fulano de Tal y Sutano de Tal, personas desconocidas que puedan tener derechos en la propiedad o título objeto de este edicto. La Venta en Pública Subasta de la referida propiedad se verificará libre de toda carga y gravamen posterior que afecte la mencionada finca, a cuyo efecto se notifica y se hace saber la fecha, hora y sitio de la Subasta, si eso fuera necesario, a los efectos de cualquier persona o personas con algún interés puedan comparecer a la celebración de dicha Subasta. Se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titularidad y que las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y los preferentes, si los hubiere, al crédito del ejecutante continuarán subsistentes. Se entenderá que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. Los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento del caso de epígrafe están disponibles en la Secretaría de este Tribunal durante horas laborables y para la concurrencia de los licitadores expido el presente Edicto que se publicará en un periódico de circulación diaria en toda la

Isla de Puerto Rico por espacio dos (2) semanas y por lo menos una vez por semana y se fijará, además, en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Alcaldía y la Colecturía de Rentas Internas del Municipio donde se celebrará la Subasta y en la Colecturía más cercana del lugar de la residencia de la parte demandada. EN TESTIMONIO DE LO CUAL, expido el presente que firmo y sello, hoy día 9 de noviembre de 2022. JOSE LUIS

RODRÍGUEZ HERNÁNDEZ, ALGUACIL REGIONAL, SALA SUPERIOR DE HUMACAO. WILNELIA RIVERA DELGADO, ALGUACIL AUXILIAR #249.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE BAYAMÓN

BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO

Demandante Vs. SUCESIÓN DE JOSÉ

GUILLERMO FOURQUET GONZÁLEZ, COMPUESTA POR SU VIUDA JENNIFER CASTRO CRUZ, SU HEREDERA CONOCIDA ILEANA GONZÁLEZ NAVARRO; FULANO DE TAL Y SUTANA DE TAL COMO HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS Y/O PARTES CON INTERÉS EN DICHA SUCESIÓN

Demandados Civil Núm.: BY2019CV01975.

Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA. EDICTO ANUNCIANDO PRIMERA, SEGUNDA Y TERCERA SUBASTA. El Alguacil que suscribe, funcionario del Tribunal de Bayamón, Puerto Rico, por la presente anuncia y hace saber al público en general que en cumplimiento con la Sentencia dictada en este caso con fecha 19 de marzo de 2020 y según Orden Enmendada y Mandamiento Enmendado del 12 de julio de 2022, librado por este honorable Tribunal, procederé a vender en pública subasta al mejor postor, y por dinero en efectivo, cheque certificado o giro postal a nombre del Alguacil del Tribunal con todo título derecho y/o interés de la parte demandada sobre la propiedad que se describe a continuación: URBANA: Propiedad Horizontal: Condominio Mansiones Los Caobos: Apartamento número 14-D: Está enmarcado en un rectángulo de forma irregular, que mide de ancho 29 pies por 35 pies 6 pulgadas de longitud. Tiene un área total de 1,029.50 pies cuadrados, equivalentes a 95.68 metros cuadrados. Limita por su frente NORTE, con paredes exteriores de hormigón, hacia

el área de jardinería Norte; por el SUR, con el corredor de la entrada, a los apartamentos y elevadores; por el ESTE, con paredes interiores de hormigón, que lo separan del apartamento número 14-E; y por el OESTE, con paredes interiores de hormigón que lo separan del apartamento número 14-C. Este apartamento está formado por sala-comedor, con terraza, mirando al Norte, pasillo, dos dormitorios, uno con dos closets y tocador con lavamanos y el otro con un closet y un tablillero, dos baños, linen closet, closet lavandería en el pasillo interior, cocina con closet despensa. Le corresponde el espacio de estacionamiento marcado número 14-D. Le corresponde una participación en los elementos comunes generales del condominio, así como para todas las votaciones, en la Asociación de Condómines y su participación en los gastos de dichos elementos comunes generales, una participación, equivalente a 104%. FINCA NÚMERO: 24,077, inscrita al folio 190 del tomo 575 de Guaynabo, sección de Guaynabo. Nota aclaratoria: En el Registro de la Propiedad de Guaynabo, la descripción registral consta tal y como fue transcrita anteriormente. En la Escritura número 1586, otorgada el 11 de diciembre de 2000, consta lo siguiente; Tiene un área total de 1,029.50 pies cuadrados, equivalentes a 96.68 metros cuadrados. Dirección Física: COND. MANSIONES LOS CAOBOS, APT. 14-D (J-6 AVE. SAN PATRICIO), GUAYNABO, PR 00968. Se anuncia por medio de este edicto que la PRIMERA SUBASTA habrá de celebrarse el día 17 DE ENERO DE 2023, A LAS 11:00 DE LA MAÑANA, en mi oficina sita en el edificio que ocupa el Tribunal Superior de Puerto Rico, Sala Superior de Bayamón. Siendo ésta la primera subasta que se celebrará en este caso será el precio mínimo aceptable como oferta en la Primera Subasta, eso es el tipo mínimo pactado en la Escritura de Hipoteca para la propiedad, la suma de $123,500.00. De no haber remanente o adjudicación en esta primera subasta por dicha suma mínima, se celebrará una SEGUNDA SUBASTA el día 24 DE ENERO DE 2023, A LAS 11:00 DE LA MAÑANA, en el mismo lugar antes señalado en la cual el precio mínimo serán dos terceras (2/3) partes del tipo mínimo pactado en la escritura de hipoteca, la suma de $82,333.33. De no haber remanente o adjudicación en esta segunda subasta por el tipo mínimo indicado en el párrafo anterior, se celebrará una TERCERA SUBASTA en el mismo lugar antes señalado el día 31 DE ENERO DE 2023, A

LAS 11:00 DE LA MAÑANA, en la cual el tipo mínimo aceptable como oferta será la mitad (1/2) del precio mínimo pactado en la escritura de hipoteca, la suma de $61,750.00. Si se declare desierta la tercera subasta se adjudicará la finca a favor del acreedor por la totalidad de la cantidad adeudada si ésta es igual o menor que el monto del tipo mínimo de la tercera subasta, si el tribunal lo estima conveniente. Se abonará dicho monto a la cantidad adeudada si ésta es mayor. El Tribunal dictó Sentencia declarando con lugar la demanda y, por consiguiente, condena a la parte demandada, SUCESIÓN DE JOSÉ GUILLERMO FOURQUET GONZÁLEZ, COMPUESTA POR SU HEREDERA CONOCIDA ILEANA GONZÁLEZ NAVARRO; FULANO DE TAL Y SUTANA DE TAL COMO HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS Y/O PARTES CON INTERÉS EN DICHA SUCESIÓN, a pagar a la parte demandante la suma de $87,880.29 de principal. Esta suma no incluye los intereses, los cuales se continuarán acumulando hasta el saldo total de la obligación, más otros cargos conforme al contrato de préstamo suscrito por los causantes. Esta suma continúa acumulando intereses al interés anual convenido de 8.00% hasta su completo pago. La suma adeudada también continúa acumulando recargos. Además, se le impone a la parte demandada el pago de costas a favor de la parte demandante, más 10% para honorarios de abogados, hasta el saldo total de la obligación. La parte demandante ha señalado que según el pagaré suscrito tiene derecho a un 10% del valor del pagaré hipotecario para las costas, gastos y honorarios de abogados. En autos esta cantidad equivale a $12,350.00. Se dispone que una vez celebrada la subasta y vendido el inmueble relacionado, el alguacil pondrá en posesión judicial a los nuevos dueños dentro del término de veinte (20) días a partir de la celebración de la Subasta. Si transcurren los referidos veinte (20) días, el tribunal podrá ordenar, sin necesidad de ulterior procedimiento, que se lleve a efecto el desalojo o lanzamiento del ocupante u ocupantes de la finca o de todos los que por orden o tolerancia del demandado/deudor la ocupen.

El Alguacil de este Tribunal efectuará el lanzamiento de los ocupantes de ser necesario. Si la subasta es adjudicada a un tercero y luego se deja sin efecto, el tercero a favor de quién se adjudicó la subasta solo tendrá derecho a la devolución del monto consignado más no tendrá derecho a entablar recurso o reclamo adicional alguno (judicial o extrajudicial) contra el

demandante y/o el acreedor y/o inversionista, dueño pagaré y/o su abogado. Si se anula la venta, el comprador tendrá derecho a la devolución del depósito de la venta judicial menos los honorarios y costos incurridos en el proceso de venta judicial. No tendrá ningún otro recurso contra el acreedor hipotecario ejecutante ni la representación legal de éste. Además, se notifica e informa a Fulano de Tal y Sutano de Tal, personas desconocidas que puedan tener derechos en la propiedad o título objeto de este edicto. La Venta en Pública Subasta de la referida propiedad se verificará libre de toda carga y gravamen posterior que afecte la mencionada finca, a cuyo efecto se notifica y se hace saber la fecha, hora y sitio de la Primera, Segunda y Tercera Subasta, si eso fuera necesario, a los efectos de cualquier persona o personas con algún interés puedan comparecer a la celebración de dicha Subasta. Se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titularidad y que las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y los preferentes, si los hubiere, al crédito del ejecutante continuarán subsistentes. Se entenderá que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. Los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento del caso de epígrafe están disponibles en la Secretaría de este Tribunal durante horas laborables y para la concurrencia de los licitadores expido el presente Edicto que se publicará en un periódico de circulación diaria en toda la Isla de Puerto Rico por espacio dos (2) semanas y por lo menos una vez por semana y se fijará, además, en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Alcaldía y la Colecturía de Rentas Internas del Municipio donde se celebrará la Subasta y en la Colecturía más cercana del lugar de la residencia de la parte demandada. EN TESTIMONIO DE LO CUAL, expido el presente que firmo y sello, hoy día 18 de octubre de 2022. EDGARDO ELÍAS VARGAS SANTANA, ALGUACIL AUXILIAR PLACA #193, SALA SUPERIOR DE BAYAMÓN.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE AGUADILLA

BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO

Demandante Vs. RAFAEL CUEBAS T/C/C RAFAEL ISIDRO CUEBAS, SU ESPOSA LINDA MALVASO CUEBAS Y LA

SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE BIENES GANANCIALES COMPUESTA POR AMBOS

Demandados

Civil Núm.: ACD2016-0068. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO. EDICTO ANUNCIANDO SUBASTA. El Alguacil que suscribe, funcionario del Tribunal de Primera Instancia de Puerto Rico, Sala de Aguadilla, por la presente anuncia y hace saber al público en general que en cumplimiento con la Sentencia dictada en este caso con fecha del 29 de noviembre de 2016, y según Orden y Mandamiento del 2 de febrero de 2017 librado por este honorable Tribunal, procederé a vender en pública subasta al mejor postor, y por dinero en efectivo o cheque certificado con todo título derecho y/o interés de la parte demandada sobre la propiedad que se describe a continuación: HORIZONTAL PROPERTY: URBAN: Irregular apartment identify as the number G-304, located on the third floor of the building letter G from complex Haudimar Beach Apartment, located in Bajuras Town in Isabela, Puerto Rico. The apartment has one first level and its terrace, with the following: by the NORTH, with the exterior element and common area, at a distance of 30’11”; by the SOUTH, with an exterior element at a distance of 30’11”; by the EAST, with an exterior element, common area, stairs and apartment G-303, at a distance of 58’8”; by the WEST, with an exterior element, at a distance of 58’8”. Compound of the three bedrooms with their own closets, a living area with dinner room in common, kitchen, two bathrooms, laundry and balcony. The bathrooms are equipped with shower, hand washer, and sanitary service. The total area of the apartment is 1,207.3488 square feet, equivalent to 112.1663 square meters. The apartment has an entrance door, by the east side that communicates with the common area and the exterior element. As an element of limited common use two spaces of parking identified both with the number and letter G three hundred and four (G-304). Corresponding to this apartment in the general common elements of the real property a participation of a .006132%. The terrace: with the following limits: with the following limits: by the NORTH, with an exterior element and terrace G four hundred and three, from the apartment G three hundred and three, with a distance of 36’8”; by the SOUTH, with an exterior element, at a distance of 36’8”; by the EAST, with an exterior element and terrace G four hundred and three T from the apartment G

three hundred and three, at a distance of 58’8”; by the WEST, with an exterior element, at a distance of 58’8”. The terrace have limits at west side, with an open area in the North side, with a cover area in the center, an open area in the South side, an open area in the West side, a family room and a bathroom, with hand washer and sanitary services. An access to the terrace across the stair at west side that give entrance to the apartment. The total area of the terrace is 1,424.2998 square feet, equivalent to as 132.3217 square meters. Corresponding to this terrace in the general common elements of the property with a participation of the .007233%. Added the participations in the common general elements of the apartments and the terrace, the apartment G-304 is corresponding a total participation of .012999%. Solar/Apartamento: Apartamento G-304. Presentado y pendiente de inscripción. Registro de propiedad de Aguadilla.

DIRECCIÓN FÍSICA: COND. HAUDIMAR, APT. 304 EDIF. G, ISABELA PR 00662. Se anuncia por medio de este edicto que la PRIMERA SUBASTA habrá de celebrarse el día 18 DE ENERO DE 2023, A LAS DE LA 10:00 DE LA MAÑANA, Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Aguadilla, Segundo Piso, Ofic. Alguacil Regional, Calle Progreso #70, Aguadilla, PR. Con el importe de esta venta se habrá de satisfacer el balance de la sentencia dictada en este caso el cual consiste en el pago de $264,445.47 de principal, más intereses convenidos al 4.75% anual más recargos hasta su pago, más el pago de lo pactado en la sentencia para costas, gastos y honorarios de abogados. Se dispone que una vez celebrada la subasta y vendido el inmueble relacionado, el alguacil pondrá en posesión judicial a los nuevos dueños dentro del término de veinte (20) días a partir de la celebración de la Subasta. Si transcurren los referidos veinte (20) días, el tribunal podrá ordenar, sin necesidad de ulterior procedimiento, que se lleve a efecto el desalojo o lanzamiento del ocupante u ocupantes de la finca o de todos los que por orden o tolerancia del demandado/deudor la ocupen.

El Alguacil de este Tribunal efectuará el lanzamiento de los ocupantes de ser necesario. Si la subasta es adjudicada a un tercero y luego se deja sin efecto, el tercero a favor de quién se adjudicó la subasta solo tendrá derecho a la devolución del monto consignado más no tendrá derecho a entablar recurso o reclamo adicional alguno (judicial o extrajudicial) contra el demandante y/o el acreedor y/o inversionista, dueño pagaré y/o

su abogado. Si se anula la venta, el comprador tendrá derecho a la devolución del depósito de la venta judicial menos los honorarios y costos incurridos en el proceso de venta judicial. No tendrá ningún otro recurso contra el acreedor hipotecario ejecutante ni la representación legal de éste. Por la presente se notifica e informa a Fulano de Tal y Sutano de Tal, personas desconocidas que puedan tener derechos en la propiedad o título objeto de este edicto. La Venta en Pública Subasta de la referida propiedad se verificará libre de toda carga y gravamen posterior que afecte la mencionada finca, a cuyo efecto se notifica y se hace saber la fecha, hora y sitio de la Subasta, si eso fuera necesario, a los efectos de cualquier persona o personas con algún interés puedan comparecer a la celebración de dicha Subasta. Se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titularidad y que las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y los preferentes, si los hubiere, al crédito del ejecutante continuarán subsistentes. Se entenderá que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. Los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento del caso de epígrafe están disponibles en la Secretaría de este Tribunal durante horas laborables y para la concurrencia de los licitadores expido el presente Edicto que se publicará en un periódico de circulación diaria en toda la Isla de Puerto Rico por espacio dos (2) semanas y por lo menos una vez por semana y se fijará, además, en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Alcaldía y la Colecturía de Rentas Internas del Municipio donde se celebrará la Subasta y en la Colecturía más cercana del lugar de la residencia de la parte demandada. EN TESTIMONIO DE LO CUAL, expido el presente que firmo y sello, hoy día 15 de noviembre de 2022.

CAROL CHALMERS SOTO, ALGUACIL DE LA SALA SUPERIOR DE AGUADILLA.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE AGUADILLA BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO Demandante Vs. SUCESIÓN DE ÁNGEL VÉLEZ GONZÁLEZ,

Y SUCESIÓN DE PAULA BADILLO SANABRIA COMPUESTA POR SUS HEREDEROS CONOCIDOS MARIA

DEL CARMEN VÉLEZ

BADILLO, JOSÉ MANUEL

VÉLEZ BADILLO,

LINDA

VÉLEZ BADILLO POR CONDUCTO DE MARÍA DEL CARMEN VÉLEZ BADILLO, MILAGROS

SALA DE AGUADILLA.

VÉLEZ

BADILLO, JOSÉ ANTONIO VÉLEZ BADILLO, ZORAIDA

VÉLEZ BADILLO, ELSIE VÉLEZ BADILLO, EDWIN VÉLEZ BADILLO, AIDA

VÉLEZ BADILLO; SUCESIÓN DE ROSA VÉLEZ BADILLO; FULANO DE TAL Y SUTANA

COMO HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS Y/O PARTES CON INTERES EN LAS SUCESIONES

Demandados

Civil Núm.: AG2022CV00271.

Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA - IN REM. EDICTO ANUNCIANDO PRIMERA, SEGUNDA Y TERCERA SUBASTA. El Alguacil que suscribe, funcionario del Tribunal de la Sala Superior de Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, por la presente anuncia y hace saber al público en general que en cumplimiento con la Sentencia dictada en este caso con fecha 18 de agosto de 2022, y según Orden y Mandamiento del 31 de octubre de 2022 librado por este honorable Tribunal, procederé a vender en pública subasta al mejor postor, y por dinero en efectivo, cheque certificado o giro postal a nombre del Alguacil del Tribunal con todo título derecho y/o interés de la parte demandada sobre la propiedad que se describe a continuación: URBANA: Solar marcado con el #D-50 en el plano de inscripción del proyecto denominado Borinquen UM-2-27, radicado en el barrio Camaseyes del término municipal de Aguadilla, con una cabida superficial de trescientos sesenta y ocho metros cuadrados con trece centésimas más de metro cuadrado. En lindes por el NORTE, con calle #1, distancia de 14 metros, 83 centímetros, más un arco de 2 metros, con 33 centímetros; por el SUR, con solar D-84, distancia de 14 metros, 41 centímetros; por el ESTE, con solar D51, distancia de 22 metros 35 centímetros; por el OESTE, con calle C, distancia de 21 metros con 34 centímetros. Enclava una casa de hormigón y bloques de una sola planta dedicada a vivienda, que tiene un área de 1,750 pies cuadrados de construcción y consta de 4 cuartos dormitorios, dos baños, sala, comedor, cocina, 2 marquesinas y balcón. Se valora la edificación en $45,000.00. FINCA NÚMERO: 17,287, inscrita al folio 265 del

tomo 325 de Aguadilla, Registro de Aguadilla. Dirección Física: URB. BORINQUEN, CALLE A #50, AGUADILLA, PR 00603. Se anuncia por medio de este edicto que la PRIMERA SUBASTA habrá de celebrarse el día 18 DE ENERO DE 2023, A LAS 10:30 DE LA MAÑANA, en mi oficina sita en el edificio que ocupa el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Aguadilla, Segundo Piso, Ofic. Alguacil Regional, Calle Progreso #70, Aguadilla, PR. Siendo ésta la primera subasta que se celebrará en este caso, será el precio mínimo aceptable como oferta en la Primera Subasta, eso es el tipo mínimo pactado en la Escritura de Hipoteca para la propiedad, la suma de $70,400.00. De no haber remanente o adjudicación en esta primera subasta por dicha suma mínima, se celebrará una SEGUNDA SUBASTA el día 25 DE ENERO DE 2023, A LAS 10:30 DE LA MAÑANA, en el mismo lugar antes señalado en la cual el precio mínimo serán dos terceras (2/3) partes del tipo mínimo pactado en la escritura de hipoteca, la suma de $46,933.33. De no haber remanente o adjudicación en esta segunda subasta por el tipo mínimo indicado en el párrafo anterior, se celebrará una TERCERA SUBASTA en el mismo lugar antes señalado el día 1RO DE FEBRERO DE 2023, A LAS 10:30 DE LA MAÑANA, en la cual el tipo mínimo aceptable como oferta será la mitad (1/2) del precio mínimo pactado en la escritura de hipoteca, la suma de $35,200.00. Si se declare desierta la tercera subasta se adjudicará la finca a favor del acreedor por la totalidad de la cantidad adeudada si ésta es igual o menor que el monto del tipo mínimo de la tercera subasta, si el tribunal lo estima conveniente. Se abonará dicho monto a la cantidad adeudada si ésta es mayor. Este Tribunal dicto Sentencia In Rem declarando Ha Lugar la demanda, determinando que existe un balance pendiente de pago ascendente a $41,455.58. Por motivo del descargo concedido, el presente reclamo es in rem, pues el descargo no afecta la exigibilidad del gravamen hipotecario, conforme a lo resuelto por el Tribunal Supremo de Estados Unidos en Johnson v. Home State Bank, 501 U.S. 78, 111 S. Ct. 2150, 115 L. Ed. 2d 66, 59 USLW 4609 (1991). Se dispone que una vez celebrada la subasta y vendido el inmueble relacionado, el alguacil pondrá en posesión judicial a los nuevos dueños dentro del término de veinte (20) días a partir de la celebración de la Subasta. Si transcurren los referidos veinte (20) días, el tribunal podrá ordenar, sin necesidad de ulterior procedimiento, que se

lleve a efecto el desalojo o lanzamiento del ocupante u ocupantes de la finca o de todos los que por orden o tolerancia del demandado/deudor la ocupen. El Alguacil de este Tribunal efectuará el lanzamiento de los ocupantes de ser necesario. Si la subasta es adjudicada a un tercero y luego se deja sin efecto, el tercero a favor de quién se adjudicó la subasta solo tendrá derecho a la devolución del monto consignado más no tendrá derecho a entablar recurso o reclamo adicional alguno (judicial o extrajudicial) contra el demandante y/o el acreedor y/o inversionista, dueño pagaré y/o su abogado. Si se anula la venta, el comprador tendrá derecho a la devolución del depósito de la venta judicial menos los honorarios y costos incurridos en el proceso de venta judicial. No tendrá ningún otro recurso contra el acreedor hipotecario ejecutante ni la representación legal de éste. Por la presente, también se notifica e informa a Fulano de Tal y Sutano de Tal, personas desconocidas que puedan tener derechos en la propiedad o título objeto de este edicto. La Venta en Pública Subasta de la referida propiedad se verificará libre de toda carga y gravamen posterior que afecte la mencionada finca, a cuyo efecto se notifica y se hace saber la fecha, hora y sitio de la Primera, Segunda y Tercera Subasta, si eso fuera necesario, a los efectos de cualquier persona o personas con algún interés puedan comparecer a la celebración de dicha Subasta. Se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titularidad y que las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y los preferentes, si los hubiere, al crédito del ejecutante continuarán subsistentes. Se entenderá que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. Los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento del caso de epígrafe están disponibles en la Secretaría de este Tribunal durante horas laborables y para la concurrencia de los licitadores expido el presente Edicto que se publicará en un periódico de circulación diaria en toda la Isla de Puerto Rico por espacio dos (2) semanas y por lo menos una vez por semana y se fijará, además, en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Alcaldía y la Colecturía de Rentas Internas del Municipio donde se celebrará la Subasta y en la Colecturía más cercana del lugar de la residencia de la parte demandada. EN TESTIMONIO DE LO CUAL, expido el presente que firmo y sello, hoy día 29 de noviembre de 2022. MIGUEL A. CRESPO VARGAS, ALGUACIL DE LA

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE MANATÍ SALA SUPERIOR DE MANATÍ BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO

Demandante V. JULIO ALBERTO CRUZ FELICIANO, SU ESPOSA ROSA HAYDEE ORTIZ RODRÍGUEZ, Y LA SOCIEDAD

LEGAL DE BIENES GANANCIALES COMPUESTA POR AMBOS

Demandados Civil Núm.: MT2022CV00377.

Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS. AVISO DE SUBASTA. El que suscribe, Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Manatí, Manatí, Puerto Rico, hago saber, a la parte demandada y al PÚBLICO EN GENERAL: Que en cumplimiento del Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia expedido el día 16 de noviembre de 2022, por la Secretaría del Tribunal, procederé a vender y venderé en pública subasta y al mejor postor la propiedad que ubica y se describe a continuación: URBANA: Parcela marcada con el número trescientos cuarenta y cuatro en el plano de parcelación de la Comunidad Rural Tiburones III del Barrio Florida Afuera del término municipal de Barceloneta, Puerto Rico, con una cabida superficial de trescientos noventa y nueve punto treinta y seis metros cuadrados. En lindes por el NORTE, con Parcela número trescientos cincuenta y tres de la comunidad; por el SUR, con la Calle de la Comunidad; por el ESTE, con Parcela número trescientos cuarenta y cinco de la Comunidad; y por el OESTE, con Parcela número trescientos cuarenta y tres de la comunidad. Inscrita en la finca número 12,268, al folio 281 del tomo 225 de Barceloneta. Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección de Manatí. La propiedad está ubicada en: 344 Tiburones III Barceloneta, PR 00617. El producto de la subasta se destinará a satisfacer al demandante hasta donde alcance, la SENTENCIA dictada a su favor el día 8 de septiembre de 2022, notificada el 12 de septiembre de 2022, en el presente caso civil, a saber la suma de $16,438.40 por concepto de principal; generando intereses a razón de 5¾%

desde el 1ro de noviembre de 2018; cargos por demora los cuales al igual que los intereses continúan acumulándose hasta el saldo total de la deuda reclamada en este pleito, y la suma de $6,500.00 para costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado; y demás créditos accesorios garantizados hipotecariamente. La adjudicación se hará al mejor postor, quien deberá consignar el importe de su oferta en el acto mismo de la adjudicación, en efectivo (moneda del curso legal de los Estados Unidos de América), giro postal o cheque certificado a nombre del alguacil del Tribunal. LA PRIMERA SUBASTA se llevará a efecto el día 8 DE FEBRERO DE 2023 A LAS 10:00 DE LA MAÑANA, en la Oficina / Sala de Alguaciles de Subastas del Tribunal, Sala Superior de Manatí, Manatí, Puerto Rico. Que el precio mínimo fijado para la PRIMERA SUBASTA es de $65,000.00. Que de ser necesaria la celebración de una SEGUNDA SUBASTA la misma se llevará a efecto el día 15 DE FEBRERO DE 2023 A

LAS 10:00 DE LA MAÑANA, en la Oficina / Sala de Alguaciles de Subastas del Tribunal, Sala Superior de Manatí, Manatí, Puerto Rico. El precio mínimo para la SEGUNDA SUBASTA será de $43,333.33, equivalentes a dos terceras (2/3) partes del tipo mínimo estipulado para la PRIMERA subasta. Que de ser necesaria la celebración de una TERCERA SUBASTA la misma se llevará a efecto el día 23 DE FEBRERO DE 2023 A LAS 10:00 DE LA MAÑANA, en la Oficina / Sala de Alguaciles de Subastas del Tribunal, Sala Superior de Manatí, Manatí, Puerto Rico. El precio mínimo para la TERCERA SUBASTA será de $32,500.00, equivalentes a la mitad (1/2) del tipo mínimo estipulado para la PRIMERA subasta. Si se declarase desierta la tercera subasta, se adjudicará la finca a favor del acreedor por la totalidad de la cantidad adeudada si ésta es igual o menor que el monto del tipo de la tercera subasta, si el Tribunal lo estima conveniente; se abonará dicho monto a la cantidad adeudada si esta es mayor, todo ello a tenor con lo dispone el Articulo 104 de la Ley Núm. 210 del 8 de diciembre de 2015 conocida como “Ley del Registro de la Propiedad Inmueble del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico”. La propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquiere libre de toda carga y gravamen que afecte la mencionada finca según el Artículo 102, inciso 6. Una vez confirmada la venta judicial por el Honorable Tribunal, se procederá a otorgar la correspondiente escritura de venta judicial y se pondrá al comprador en posesión física del inmueble de conformidad con las disposiciones

de Ley. Para conocimiento de la parte demandada y de toda aquella persona o personas que tengan interés inscrito con posterioridad a la inscripción del gravamen que se está ejecutando, y para conocimiento de todos los licitadores y el público en general, el presente Edicto se publicará por espacio de dos (2) semanas consecutivas, con un intervalo de por lo menos siete días entre ambas publicaciones, en un diario de circulación general en el Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico y se fijará además en tres (3) lugares públicos del Municipio en que ha de celebrarse dicha venta, tales como la Alcaldía, el Tribunal y la Colecturía. Se les informa, por último, que: a. Que los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento incoado estarán de manifiesto en la secretaría del tribunal durante las horas laborables. b. Que se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titularidad y que las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y los preferentes, si los hubiere, al crédito del ejecutante continuarán subsistentes. Se entenderá, que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. EXPIDO, el presente EDICTO, en Manatí, Puerto Rico, hoy día 28 de noviembre de 2022.

ALG. Wilfredo Díaz Quiñones, ALGUACIL, DIVISIÓN DE SUBASTAS, TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, SALA SUPERIOR DE MANATÍ. ***

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE GUAYNABO.

ISLAND PORTFOLIO SERVICES, LLC COMO AGENTE DE FAIRWAY ACQUISITIONS FUND, LLC

DE GANANCIALES COMPUESTA POR AMBOS Urb. Sierra Berdecia Hl 4 Calle Esteves, Guaynabo PR 00969

Queda usted notificado(a) que en este Tribunal se ha presentado demanda sobre cobro de dinero por la vía judicial en la que se alega que usted solicito a Banco Popular de Puerto Rico (de ahora en adelante el «Acreedor Original”) le extendiera un crédito mediante una cuenta de Tarjeta de Crédito, específicamente la cuenta número 4549546600787834 incumpliendo con el pago de la misma. La deuda aquí reclamada por la parte demandante es de $27,476.07 por concepto de principal. La parte demandada deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Administración y Manejo de Casos (SUMAC), al cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente dirección electrónica: https://unired.poderjudícial. pr, salvo que se represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación responsiva en la secretaría del Tribunal. Se le advierte que, si no contesta la demanda, radicando el original de la contestación en este Tribunal y enviando copia de la contestación al abogado de la Parte Demandante, Lcdo. Kevin Sánchez Campanero cuyas direcciones son: P.O. Box 71418 San Juan, Puerto Rico 009368518, teléfono (787) 993-3731 a la direccion kevin.sanchez@ orf-law.com, a la direccion notificaciones@orf-law.com dentro del término de treinta (30) días de la publicación de este edicto, excluyéndose el día de la publicación, se le anotará la rebeldía y se le dictará Sentencia en su contra, concediendo el remedio solicitado sin más citarle ni oírle. EXPEDIDO bajo mi firma y el sello del Tribunal, a 8 de noviembre de 2022, en Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. LCDA.

LAURA I. SANTA SANCHEZ, SECRETARIA REGIONAL II. f/ SARA ROSA VILLEGAS, SEC. DEL TRIB. CONF. I.

LEGAL NOTICE

DE ESTE; LA ADMINISTRACIÓN PARA EL SUSTENTO DE MENORES Y EL CENTRO DE RECAUDACIÓN DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES

Parte Demandada Caso Civil Núm.: FA2022CV01067. Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA POR LA VÍA ORDINARIA Y COBRO DE DINERO EMPLAZAMIENTO Y NOTIFICACIÓN DE INTERPELACIÓN POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO.

A: RUTH RODRIGUEZ

HORRERO COMO CODEMANDADA Y VIUDA DE JULIO VÁZQUEZ

ÁLVAREZ Y JOHN DOE Y RICHARD ROE COMO POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESIÓN DE JULIO

VAZQUEZ ALVAREZ.

Parte Demandada CIVIL NUM: GB2022CV00570. SALA: 201. SOBRE: COBRO DE DINERO. EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS E.E.U.U. EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO.

A: MARIANELA DÍAZ VELASCO; FULANO DE TAL & LA SOCIEDAD LEGAL

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE FAJARDO SALA SUPERIOR MTGLQ

POR LA PRESENTE se les emplaza y requiere para que conteste la demanda dentro de los treinta (30) días siguientes a la publicación de este Edicto. Usted deberá radicar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), al cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente dirección electrónica: http:// unired.ramajudicial.pr/sumac/, salvo que se presente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberá radicar el original de su contestación ante el Tribunal correspondiente y notifique con copia a los abogados de la parte demandante, Lcda. Marjaliisa Colon Villanueva, al PO BOX 7970, Ponce, P.R. 00732; Teléfono: 787-843-4168. En dicha demanda se tramita un procedimiento de ejecución de hipoteca IN REM bajo el número mencionado en el epígrafe. Se alega en dicho procedimiento que la parte Demandada incurrió en el incumplimiento del Contrato de Hipoteca, al no poder pagar las mensualidades vencidas correspondientes a los meses de julio de 2019 hasta el presente, más los cargos por demora correspondientes. Además, adeuda a la parte demandante las costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado en que incurra el tenedor del pagaré en este litigio. De acuerdo con dicho Contrato de Garantía Hipotecaria la parte Demandante declaró vencida la totalidad de la deuda ascendente a la suma de $115,991.85 de balance de principal, en cual se compone de un primer principal por la suma de $97,663.27, más la suma de $18,328.58 de balance de principal diferido, más los intereses sobre la suma

DE TAL

INVESTORS, LP Parte Demandante Vs. RUTH RODRÍGUEZ HORRERO Y LA SUCESIÓN DE JULIO

VÁZQUEZ ÁLVAREZ COMPUESTA POR JOHN DOE Y RICHARD ROE COMO POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS

oírle(s). EXPEDIDO bajo mi firma y con el Sello del Tribunal. DADA hoy 7 de diciembre de 2022 en Bayamón, Puerto Rico. LCDA. LAURA I. SANTA SÁNCHEZ, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. IVETTE M. MARRERO BRACERO, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR DEL TRIBUNAL I.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE ADJUNTAS

LILLIAN OQUENDO VEGA

Demandante Vs. HASAN KARRITY Demandado Civil Núm.: JA2022-RF00002.

Sobre: DIVORCIO. EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS E.E.U.U., EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PR, SS.

A: HANSAN KARRITY.

Por la presente se le emplaza y requiere para que comparezca en el presente caso y exprese su posición respecto a la Demanda, sobre Incumplimiento de Contrato, dentro de los treinta (30) días siguientes a la publicación de este Edicto, radicando el original de su posición o comparecencia ante el Tribunal correspondiente y notificando con copia al abogado de la parte demandante, cuyo nombre y dirección se consigna de inmediato:

Lcda. Nayda N. Velazquez Morales

Calle Muñoz Rivera #10 Lares, Puerto Rico 00669

Tel.: 787-897-3112

Fax: 787-897-8949

Email: nayda.velazquez@gmail.com

Se le apercibe que de no contestar la comparecer, se le anotará la rebeldía y se dictará sentencia según Demanda de epígrafe sobre Incumplimiento de Contrato, según solicitado en la demanda, sin más citarle ni oírle. Expedido bajo mi firma y sello del Tribunal en Adjuntas, Puerto Rico, hoy 1 de diciembre de 2022. DIANE ÁLVAREZ VILLANUEVA, SECRETARIA. ELSIE CAMACHO VARGAS, SUB-SECRETARIA.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE SAN GERMÁN

BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO

Parte Demandante Vs. FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION COMO SÍNDICO DE WESTERNBANK OF PUERTO RICO, R.F. MORTGAGE AND INVESTMENT CORPORATION, DIBLAIN IRIZARRY

TEXIDOR, NANCY NEGRÓN VEGA Y LA SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE GANANCIALES COMPUESTA POR AMBOS, FULANO Y MENGANO DE TAL, POSIBLES TENEDORES DESCONOCIDOS DEL PAGARÉ

Parte Demandada Civil Núm.: SG2022CV00010.

Sobre: CANCELACIÓN DE PAGARÉ EXTRAVIADO POR LA VÍA JUDICIAL. EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS E.E.U.U., EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO.

A: FULANO Y MENGANO DE TAL, POSIBLES TENEDORES DESCONOCIDOS DEL PAGARÉ.

Queda usted notificado que en este Tribunal se ha radicado demanda sobre cancelación de pagaré extraviado por la vía judicial. El 23 de diciembre de 2003, Diblain Irizarry Texidor y su esposa Nancy Negrón Vega constituyeron una hipoteca en Sabana Grande, Puerto Rico, mediante a la Escritura núm. 1233 autorizada por el notario Francisco J. Biaggi en garantía de un pagaré suscrito bajo testimonio núm. 14929 por la suma de $35,000.00 a favor de Westernbank of Puerto Rico, o a su orden, con intereses fluctuantes al “prime rate” y vencimiento a la presentación, sobre la siguiente propiedad: RÚSTICA: Parcela de terreno rotulada en el plano de inscripción como solar 8 radicada en el Barrio Machuchal, del término municipal de Sabana Grande, Puerto Rico, con una cabida de 796.8064 metros cuadrados. En linderos: NORTE, con solar #9; SUR, con el solar #7, ESTE, con la calle A; OESTE, con terrenos de Aurelio Torres. Inscrita al folio 145 del tomo 300 de Sabana Grande, Finca 14302. Registro de la Propiedad de San Germán. La escritura de hipoteca consta inscrita al folio 145 vuelto del tomo 300 de Sabana Grande, Finca 14302. Registro de la Propiedad de San Germán. Inscripción segunda. La parte demandada deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Administración y Manejo de Casos (SUMAC), al cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente dirección electrónica: https://unired. ramajudicial.pr, salvo que se represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberá presentar su alegación responsiva en la secretaría del Tribunal. Se le advierte que, si no contesta la demanda, radicando el original de la contestación en este Tri-

bunal y enviando copia de la contestación a la abogada de la Parte Demandante, Lcda. Belma Alonso García, cuya dirección es: PO Box 3922, Guaynabo, PR 00970-3922, Teléfono y Fax: (787) 789-1826, correo electrónico: oficinabelmaalonso@gmail.com, dentro del término de treinta (30) días de la publicación de este edicto, excluyéndose el día de la publicación, se le anotará la rebeldía y se le dictará Sentencia en su contra, concediendo el remedio solicitado sin más citarle ni oírle. EXPEDIDO bajo mi firma y el sello del Tribunal, hoy 30 de noviembre de 2022 en San Germán, Puerto Rico.

LIC. NORMA G. SANTANA IRIZARRY, SECRETARIA REGIONAL II. WANDA RIVERA ORTIZ, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR DEL TRIBUNAL I.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA DE CAROLINA CASITAS BLANCAS LLC.

Parte Demandante V. SUCESIÓN DE JOSE LUIS MARTÍN NAVARRO COMPUESTA POR JOSE LUIS MARTÍN TORRES, JESSICA MARTÍN TORRES, FULANA Y FULANO DE TAL

Parte Demandada ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA Parte con interés Civil Núm.: CA2022CV00613.

Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA. EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS EE.UU., EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE P.R., SS.

A: FULANO Y FULANA DE TAL COMO MIEMBROS DESCONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESION DE JOSE LUIS MARTIN NAVARRO. 952 CALLE ZARAGOZA, VISTAMAR, CAROLINA PR 00983.

Por la presente se les ordena para que se expresen si han de aceptar o rechazar formalmente la herencia en el término de treinta (30) días a partir de la publicación de esta orden, de lo contrario la herencia se tendrá por aceptada. Se le apercibe a los herederos que si no se expresan dentro del término aquí otorgado, la herencia se tendrá por aceptada. Aclarándose que el heredero deberá, si así lo desea, repudiar la herencia mediante instrumento público o por escrito judicial. En CAROLINA, Puerto Rico, hoy 03 de octubre 2022 de 2022. LCDA.

MARILYN APONTE RODRÍGUEZ, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. RUTH M. COLÓN LUCIA-

NO, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR DEL TRIBUNAL.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA DE ARECIBO BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO Demandante V. JIN QIAO XIE, SU ESPOSA HE MEI XIAO, Y LA SOCIEDAD LEGAL DE BIENES GANANCIALES COMPUESTA POR

AMBOS

Demandados Civil Núm.: AR2022CV00613. Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA POR LA VÍA ORDINARIA. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS. AVISO DE SUBASTA. El que suscribe, Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Arecibo, Arecibo, Puerto Rico, hago saber, a la parte demandada y al PÚBLICO EN GENERAL: Que en cumplimiento del Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia expedido el día 28 de noviembre de 2022, por la Secretaría del Tribunal, procederé a vender y venderé en pública subasta y al mejor postor la propiedad que ubica y se describe a continuación: URBANA: Solar de la Urbanización Mirador Vista Ángel, ubicado en el Barrio Hato Abajo del término municipal de Arecibo, Puerto Rico, el cual contiene una casa residencia construida de hormigón y bloques de concreto. Es el solar marcado con el número treinta del Bloque J y tiene un área superficial de trescientos sesenta metros con dos centímetros cuadrados (360.02). Colinda por el NORTE, con solar número treinta y uno, distancia de veinticuatro metros; por el SUR, solar número veintinueve, distancia de veinticuatro metros; por el ESTE, solares número cinco y seis, distancia de trece punto sesenta y nueve metros; y por el OESTE, con calle número diez, distancia de dieciséis punto treinta y un metros. Inscrita en la finca número 17,472, al folio 276 del tomo 436 de Arecibo. Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección I de Arecibo. La propiedad ubica en 30 J 10 St. Vista Azul, Arecibo PR. Además, el Alguacil que suscribe, hago saber a todos los acreedores que tengan inscritos o anotados sus derechos sobre los bienes hipotecados con posterioridad a la inscripción del crédito del ejecutante, o de los acreedores de cargas o derechos reales que los hubiesen pospuesto a la hipoteca ejecutada y las personas interesadas en, o con

derecho a exigir el cumplimiento de instrumentos negociables garantizados hipotecariamente con posterioridad al crédito ejecutado, siempre que surjan de la certificación registral, para que puedan concurrir a la subasta si les convenga o satisfacer antes del remate el importe del crédito, de sus intereses, costas y honorarios de abogados asegurados, quedando entonces subrogados en los derechos del acreedor ejecutante: Embargo Federal contra Benjamín Velázquez y Migdalia Méndez, seguro social xxx-xx-7780, por la suma de $7,144.80, notificación número 445950421, Certificación de fecha 8 de diciembre de 2002, renovación 25 de junio de 2028, presentado y anotado el día 4 de enero de 2022, al Asiento 2021-009934-FED del Sistema Karibe. El producto de la subasta se destinará a satisfacer al demandante hasta donde alcance, la SENTENCIA dictada y notificada el 21 de octubre de 2022, en el presente caso civil, a saber la suma de $90,688.53 por concepto de principal; generando intereses a razón de 7.25% desde el 1ro de abril de 2020; cargos por demora los cuales al igual que los intereses continúan acumulándose hasta el saldo total de la deuda reclamada en este pleito, y la suma de $10,800.00 para costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado; y demás créditos accesorios garantizados hipotecariamente. La adjudicación se hará al mejor postor, quien deberá consignar el importe de su oferta en el acto mismo de la adjudicación, en efectivo (moneda del curso legal de los Estados Unidos de América), giro postal o cheque certificado a nombre del alguacil del Tribunal. La PRIMERA SUBASTA se llevará a efecto el día 6 DE FEBRERO DE 2023 A LAS 9:15 DE LA MAÑANA, en el Centro Judicial de Arecibo, Arecibo, Puerto Rico. Que el precio mínimo fijado para la PRIMERA SUBASTA es de $108,000.00. Que de ser necesaria la celebración de una SEGUNDA SUBASTA la misma se llevará a efecto el día 13 DE FEBRERO DE 2023 A LAS 9:15 DE LA MAÑANA, en la oficina antes mencionada del Alguacil que suscribe. El precio mínimo para la SEGUNDA SUBASTA será de $72,000.00, equivalentes a dos terceras (2/3) partes del tipo mínimo estipulado para la PRIMERA subasta. Que de ser necesaria la celebración de una TERCERA SUBASTA la misma se llevará a efecto el día 21 DE FEBRERO DE 2023 A LAS 9:15 DE LA MAÑANA, en la oficina antes mencionada del Alguacil que suscribe. El precio mínimo para la TERCERA SUBASTA será de $54,000.00, equivalentes a la mitad (1/2)

del tipo mínimo estipulado para la PRIMERA subasta. Si se declarase desierta la tercera subasta, se adjudicará la finca a favor del acreedor por la totalidad de la cantidad adeudada si ésta es igual o menor que el monto del tipo de la tercera subasta, si el Tribunal lo estima conveniente; se abonará dicho monto a la cantidad adeudada si esta es mayor, todo ello a tenor con lo dispone el Articulo 104 de la Ley Núm. 210 del 8 de diciembre de 2015 conocida como “Ley del Registro de la Propiedad Inmueble del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico”.

La propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquiere libre de toda carga y gravamen que afecte la mencionada finca según el Artículo 102, inciso 6. Una vez confirmada la venta judicial por el Honorable Tribunal, se procederá a otorgar la correspondiente escritura de venta judicial y se pondrá al comprador en posesión física del inmueble de conformidad con las disposiciones de Ley. Para conocimiento de la parte demandada y de toda aquella persona o personas que tengan interés inscrito con posterioridad a la inscripción del gravamen que se está ejecutando, y para conocimiento de todos los licitadores y el público en general, el presente Edicto se publicará por espacio de dos (2) semanas consecutivas, con un intervalo de por lo menos siete días entre ambas publicaciones, en un diario de circulación general en el Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico y se fijará además en tres (3) lugares públicos del Municipio en que ha de celebrarse dicha venta, tales como la Alcaldía, el Tribunal y la Colecturía. Se les informa, por último, que: a. Que los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento incoado estarán de manifiesto en la secretaría del tribunal durante las horas laborables. b. Que se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titularidad y que las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y los preferentes, si los hubiere, al crédito del ejecutante continuarán subsistentes. Se entenderá, que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. EXPIDO, el presente EDICTO, en Arecibo, Puerto Rico, hoy día 8 de diciembre de 2022. ÁNGEL DE JESÚS TORRES PÉREZ, ALGUACIL #770, DIVISIÓN DE SUBASTAS, TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, SALA SUPERIOR DE ARECIBO.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE

TOA ALTA ORIENTAL

BANK

Demandante V. OMAR YAMIR MOYA ORTIZ

Demandado(a) Civil: TA2022CV00488. Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

A: OMAR YAMIR MOYA ORTIZ.

(Nombre de las partes a las que se le notifican la sentencia por edicto)

EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 2 de diciembre de 2022, este Tribunal ha dictado Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución en este caso, que ha sido debidamente registrada y archivada en autos donde podrá usted enterarse detalladamente de los términos de la misma. Esta notificación se publicará una sola vez en un periódico de circulación general en la Isla de Puerto Rico, dentro de los 10 días siguientes a su notificación. Y, siendo o representando usted una parte en el procedimiento sujeta a los términos de la Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución, de la cual puede establecerse recurso de revisión o apelación dentro del término de 30 días contados a partir de la publicación por edicto de esta notificación, dirijo a usted esta notificación que se considerará hecha en la fecha de la publicación de este edicto. Copia de esta notificación ha sido archivada en los autos de este caso, con fecha de 8 de diciembre de 2022. En Toa Alta, Puerto Rico, el 8 de diciembre de 2022. LCDA. LAURA I. SANTA SÁNCHEZ, SECRETARIA.

LIRIAM M. HERNÁNDEZ OTERO, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE SAN JUAN BANCO POPULAR

“IN REM”. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

Demandado(a)

Civil: SJ2022CV04795. (604).

Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA POR LA VÍA ORDINARIA

A:

FULANO

Y MENGANO DE TAL, POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS DE LYDIA ESTHER AYALA AYALA I/C/C LYDIA E. AYALA AYALA; A ALFONSO MARTINEZ BARRETO, POR SI Y EN LA CUOTA VIUDAL USUFRUCTUARIA Y A ROBERTO MARTINEZ BARRETO.

(Nombre de las partes a las que se le notifican la sentencia por edicto) EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 7 de diciembre de 2022, este Tribunal ha dictado Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución en este caso, que ha sido debidamente registrada y archivada en autos donde podrá usted enterarse detalladamente de los términos de la misma. Esta notificación se publicará una sola vez en un periódico de circulación general en la Isla de Puerto Rico, dentro de los 10 días siguientes a su notificación. Y, siendo o representando usted una parte en el procedimiento sujeta a los términos de la Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución, de la cual puede establecerse recurso de revisión o apelación dentro del término de 30 días contados a partir de la publicación por edicto de esta notificación, dirijo a usted esta notificación que se considerará hecha en la fecha de la publicación de este edicto. Copia de esta notificación ha sido archivada en los autos de este caso, con fecha de 9 de diciembre de 2022. En SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, el 9 de diciembre de 2022. GRISELDA RODRÍGUEZ COLLADO, SECRETARIA. MARILY LÓPEZ MARTÍNEZ, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE CAGUAS WILLIAM DAVILA DIAL; MARIA C. DIAZ RODRIGUEZ Demandante V. EX PARTE Demandado(a) Civil: CG2021CV00199. Sala: 304. Sobre: EXPEDIENTE DE DOMINIO. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO. (Nombre de las partes a las que se le notifican la sentencia por edicto)

EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 2 de noviembre de 2022, este Tribunal ha dictado Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución en este caso, que ha sido debi-

DE PUERTO RICO

Demandante V. LA SUCESIÓN DE LYDIA ESTHER AYALA AYALA T/C/C LYDIA E. AYALA AYALA COMPUESTA POR FULANO Y MENGANO DE TAL, POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS, ALFONSO MARTÍNEZ BARRETO POR SÍ Y EN LA CUOTA VIUDAL USUFRUCTUARIA, ROBERTO MARTÍNEZ BARRETO

damente registrada y archivada en autos donde podrá usted enterarse detalladamente de los términos de la misma. Esta notificación se publicará una sola vez en un periódico de circulación general en la Isla de Puerto Rico, dentro de los 10 días siguientes a su notificación. Y, siendo o representando usted una parte en el procedimiento sujeta a los términos de la Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución, de la cual puede establecerse recurso de revisión o apelación dentro del término de 30 días contados a partir de la publicación por edicto de esta notificación, dirijo a usted esta notificación que se considerará hecha en la fecha de la publicación de este edicto. Copia de esta notificación ha sido archivada en los autos de este caso, con fecha de 5 de diciembre de 2022. En Caguas, Puerto Rico, el 5 de diciembre de 2022. LISILDA MARTÍNEZ

AGOSTO, SECRETARIA.

GLORISSETTE RIVERA REYES, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE LARES

FIRST BANK

PUERTO RICO

Demandante V. HÉCTOR LÓPEZ RÍOS Y HÉCTOR LÓPEZ PÉREZ Demandado(a) Civil Núm.: LR2021CV00055.

Sobre: INCUMPLIMIENTO DE CONTRATO, COBRO DE DINERO Y REPOSESIÓN. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

A: HÉCTOR LÓPEZ PÉREZ - D-7 VILLA

SERAL LARES PR 00669.

(Nombre de las partes a las que se le notifican la sentencia por edicto)

EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 6 de diciembre de 2022, este Tribunal ha dictado Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución en este caso, que ha sido debidamente registrada y archivada en autos donde podrá usted enterarse detalladamente de los términos de la misma. Esta notificación se publicará una sola vez en un periódico de circulación general en la Isla de Puerto Rico, dentro de los 10 días siguientes a su notificación. Y, siendo o representando usted una parte en el procedimiento sujeta a los términos de la Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución, de la cual puede establecerse recurso de revisión o apelación dentro del término de 30 días contados a partir de la publicación por edicto de esta notificación, dirijo a usted esta notificación que se considerará hecha en la fecha

de la publicación de este edicto. Copia de esta notificación ha sido archivada en los autos de este caso, con fecha de 12 de diciembre de 2022. En Lares, Puerto Rico, el 12 de diciembre de 2022. DIANE ÁLVAREZ VILLANUEVA, SECRETARIA. YANELLY PÉREZ SOTO, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE CAROLINA FIRSTBANK PUERTO RICO

Demandante V. YEIMY C. VASQUEZ GUSMAN

Demandado(a) Civil: CA2022CV03059. Sobre: INCUMPLIMIENTO DE CONTRATO, COBRO DE DINERO REPOSESIÓN. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

A: YEIMY C. VASQUEZ GUSMAN.

(Nombre de las partes a las que se le notifican la sentencia por edicto) EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que el 13 de diciembre de 2022, este Tribunal ha dictado Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución en este caso, que ha sido debidamente registrada y archivada en autos donde podrá usted enterarse detalladamente de los términos de la misma. Esta notificación se publicará una sola vez en un periódico de circulación general en la Isla de Puerto Rico, dentro de los 10 días siguientes a su notificación. Y, siendo o representando usted una parte en el procedimiento sujeta a los términos de la Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución, de la cual puede establecerse recurso de revisión o apelación dentro del término de 30 días contados a partir de la publicación por edicto de esta notificación, dirijo a usted esta notificación que se considerará hecha en la fecha de la publicación de este edicto. Copia de esta notificación ha sido archivada en los autos de este caso, con fecha de 13 de diciembre de 2022.

En CAROLINA, Puerto Rico, el 13 de diciembre de 2022. MARILYN APONTE RODRÍGUEZ, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. DENISSE TORRES RUIZ, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE PONCE

REVERSE MORTGAGE FUNDING, LLC

Demandante Vs

SUCESION DE ANGEL LUIS VEGAS SANTIAGO, T/C/C ANGEL LUIS VEGA SANTIAGO, T/C/C ANGEL L. VEGA SANTIAGO, COMPUESTA POR CARMEN NUÑEZ RIVERA, NILDA VEGA, ANGEL L. VEGA NUÑEZ, JACKELINE VEGA QUILES, KAREM LISSETTE VEGA QUILES, KAROLL DENISSE VEGA QUILES, MADELINE VEGA MONTES, MARIA DOLORES VEGA RUIZ, FULANO DE TAL Y SUTANO DE TAL COMO MIEMBROS DE NOMBRES DESCONOCIDOS; AL CENTRO DE RECAUDACIONES DE IMPUESTOS MUNICIPALES Y A LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA Demandado Civil Núm.: YU2021CV00574. Salón: 406. Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA POR LA VÍA ORDINARIA. NOTIFICACIÓN DE SENTENCIA POR EDICTO.

A: NILDA VEGA, JACKELINE VEGA QUILES, KAREM LISSETTE VEGA QUILES, KAROLL DENISSE VEGA QUILES, MADELINE VEGA MONTES, MARIA DOLORES VEGA RUIZ, FULANO DE TAL Y SUTANO DE TAL COMO MIEMBROS DE NOMBRES DESCONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESION DE ANGEL LUIS VEGAS SANTIAGO, T/C/C ANGEL LUIS VEGA SANTIAGO, T/C/C ANGEL L. VEGA SANTIAGO PARA SER NOTIFICADOS POR EDICTO. P/C: LIC. YADIRA LOPEZ GONZALEZ. PMB 184 PO BOX 8901, HATILLO, PR 00659-8901.

(Nombre de las partes a las que se les notifica la sentencia por edicto) EL SECRETARIO(A) que suscribe le notifica a usted que 08 de diciembre de 2022, este Tribunal ha dictado Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución en este caso, que ha sido debidamente registrada y archivada en autos donde podrá usted enterarse detalladamente de los términos de la misma. Esta notificación se publicará una sola vez en un periódico de circulación general en la Isla de Puerto Rico, dentro de los 10 días siguientes a su notifica-

ción. Y, siendo o representado usted una parte en el procedimiento sujeta a los términos de la Sentencia, Sentencia Parcial o Resolución, de la cual puede establecerse recurso de revisión o apelación dentro del término de 30 días contados a partir de la publicación por edicto de esta notificación, dirijo a usted esta notificación que se considerará hecha en la fecha de la publicación de este edicto. Copia de esta notificación ha sido archivada en los autos de este caso, con fecha de 13 de diciembre de 2022. En Ponce, Puerto Rico, el 13 de diciembre de 2022. LUZ MAYRA CARABALLO GARCÍA, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. EREINA AGRONT LEÓN, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE BAYAMÓN

BANCO

POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO

Demandante V. SUCESIÓN ADELA RYAN RIVERA, ET AL. Demandados

Civil Núm.: BY2019CV00035.

Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA. EDICTO DE SUBASTA. LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS E.E. U.U., EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS. Yo, EDGARDO ELÍAS VERGAS SANTANA, ALGUACIL AUXILIAR PLACA #193, Alguacil del Tribunal Superior de Puerto Rico, Sala de Bayamón, al público HAGO SABER: Que en cumplimiento de un Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia que se me libró con fecha de 12 de septiembre de 2022 por la Secretaria de este Tribunal, en el caso de epígrafe, venderé en pública subasta y al mejor postor con dinero en efectivo, cheque de gerente o letra bancaria con similar garantía, todo título, derecho o interés de la parte demandada de epígrafe sobre la siguiente propiedad perteneciente a la parte demandada, la cual se describe a continuación: URBANA: PROPIEDAD

HORIZONTAL: Apartamento ochocientos diez (810): Apartamento residencial del Condominio El Atlántico, sito en la Urbanización Levittown, Toa Baja, Puerto Rico. Tiene un área de mil doscientos punto veintitrés (1,200.23) pies cuadrados, equivalentes a ciento once punto cincuenta y cinco (111.55) metros cuadrados. Ubica en el extremo Sureste de la estructura del Condominio en su correspondiente piso residencial. Colinda por el Norte, en veinticinco (25) pies ocho (8) pulgadas, con pared de carga, que lo se-

para del apartamento ochocientos nueve (809); por el Sur, en veinticinco (25) pies ocho (8) pulgadas, con pared de carga que da hacia el estacionamiento Sur del Edificio; por el Este, en cuarenta y seis (46) pies con pared de carga y ventanales que dan al patio Este del Edificio; y por el Oeste, en cuarenta y seis (46) pies en parte con pared y ventanales que dan hacia el patio exterior y en parte con pared de carga que lo separa del apartamento ochocientos ocho (808) y también en parte da hacia el patio exterior y en parte lo separa, también de cuarto de útiles. En esta orientación se halla el hueco de entrada del apartamiento el cual tiene acceso a la vía pública a través de elementos comunes del edificio. Este apartamento consta de cuatro (4) cuartos dormitorios, closet, sala-comedor, un baño, un vestíbulo interior, cocina, lavandería y terraza, que dan hacia el Este. Este apartamento se dedicara exclusivamente para fines residenciales. Tiene participación en los elementos comunes generales y para fines de prestación cero punto setenta y siete por ciento (0.77%) y una participación respecto a los elementos comunes limitados diez por ciento (10%). Se le asigna a este apartamento el estacionamiento número sesenta y nueve (69). Consta inscrita al folio 270 del tomo 301 de Toa Baja, Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección (II) de Bayamón, finca número 17,972. La finca 17,972 está gravada con la siguiente hipoteca cuya ejecución se solicita en la subasta objeto de este edicto: Hipoteca en garantía de un pagaré a favor de The Money House, Inc., o a su orden, por la suma principal de $111,900.00 (así surge), con intereses al 7% anual, vencedero a la presentación, constituida mediante la escritura número 81, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 22 de febrero de 2008, ante el notario Raúl Rivera Burgos, e inscrita al folio 50 del tomo 640 de Toa Baja, finca número 17,972, inscripción 10ma. La propiedad está afecta a los siguientes gravámenes: A. Hipoteca en garantía de un pagaré a favor de Secretario de la Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano, o a su orden, por la suma principal de $178,500.00, con intereses al 7% anual, vencedero a la presentación, constituida mediante la escritura número 82, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, el día 22 de febrero de 2008, ante el notario Raúl Rivera Burgos, e inscrita al folio 50 del tomo 640 de Toa Baja, finca número 17,972, inscripción 11ma. B. Aviso de Demanda de fecha 2 de enero de 2019, expedido en el Centro Judicial de Bayamón, en el Caso Civil número

BY2019CV00035, sobre cobro de dinero y ejecución de hipoteca, seguido por Banco Popular de Puerto Rico, contra Adela Ryan Rivera y otros, por la suma de $179,134.38, más intereses y otras sumas, anotado el día 7 de febrero de 2019, al tomo Karibe de Toa Baja, finca número 17,972, Anotación A. La venta se llevará a cabo para con su producto satisfacer a Banco Popular de Puerto Rico por la hipoteca de $119,000.00, total o parcialmente. La venta se llevará a cabo para con su producto satisfacer a Banco Popular de Puerto Rico total o parcialmente el importe de la Sentencia emitida el 25 de junio de 2021. El importe de la Sentencia dictada en el caso de epígrafe asciende a las siguientes cantidades: $179,134.38 al 3 de julio de 2017. Dicha cantidad continuará acumulándose a razón del 7% hasta el completo pago de la deuda. La demandada adeuda, además, una cantidad equivalente a $11,900.00 por concepto de costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado, $11,900.00 para cubrir cualquier otro adelanto que se haga en virtud de la escritura de hipoteca y $11,900.00 para cubrir intereses adicionales a los garantizados por ley, según pactado. El precio mínimo de licitación con relación a la antes descrita propiedad y la fecha y hora de cada subasta es como sigue: PRIMERA SUBASTA: Se celebrará el día 23 DE ENERO DE 2023, A LAS 11:00 DE LA MAÑANA. Tipo mínimo: $119,000.00, suma pactada entre los contratantes en la escritura de constitución de hipoteca. Si no se produce remate ni adjudicación en la primera subasta se celebrará la SEGUNDA SUBASTA el día 30 DE ENERO DE 2023, A LAS 11:00 DE LA MAÑANA. Tipo Mínimo: $79,333.33 dos terceras (2/3) partes del precio pactado entre los contratantes en la escritura de constitución de hipoteca. Si tampoco se produce remate ni adjudicación en la segunda subasta se celebrará una TERCERA SUBASTA el día 6 DE FEBRERO DE 2023, A LAS 11:00 DE LA MAÑANA. Tipo Mínimo: $59,000.00, la mitad (1/2) del precio pactado entre los contratantes en la escritura de constitución de hipoteca. Las subastas de dicha propiedad se llevarán a efecto en mi oficina situada en el local que ocupa este Tribunal en el Centro Judicial de Bayamón, advirtiéndose que el que obtuviere la buena pro de dicha propiedad consignará en el acto del remate el importe de su oferta en moneda legal, en adición a los gastos de la subasta, siendo éste el mejor postor. En cualquier momento luego de haberse comenzado el acto de la subasta, el Alguacil podrá requerir de los licitadores

que le evidencien la capacidad de pago de sus posturas. Del producto obtenido en dicha venta, el Alguacil pagará en primer término los gastos del Alguacil, en segundo término las costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado hasta la suma convenida, en tercer término los intereses devengados hasta la fecha de la subasta, en cuarto término las sumas establecidas en la Sentencia para el pago de recargos por demora, contribuciones, seguros y en quinto término la suma principal adeudada conforme con la sentencia dictada. Disponiéndose que si quedara algún remanente luego de pagarse las sumas mencionadas, el mismo deberá ser depositado en la Secretaría del Tribunal para ser entregado a la parte demandada, previa solicitud y orden del Tribunal. Se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante el título del inmueble y las cargas o gravámenes anteriores y los preferentes al crédito del ejecutante, si los hubiere, continuarán subsistiendo, entendiéndose que el rematante los acepta y queda responsable de los mismos sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. Se le apercibe a los tenedores de gravámenes posteriores al que se ejecuta que, para proteger cualesquiera derechos que tengan sobre el inmueble, deberán comparecer a la subasta, pues de no hacerlo así y de no igualar el precio de venta del gravamen hipotecario que se ejecuta, el Tribunal ordenará la cancelación de todos los gravámenes posteriores. La propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquiere libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores. Si se declara desierta la tercera subasta se adjudicará la finca a favor del acreedor por la totalidad de la cantidad adeudada si ésta es igual o menor que el monto del tipo mínimo de la tercera subasta, si el Tribunal lo estima conveniente. Se abonará dicho monto a la cantidad adeudada si ésta es mayor. Los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento del caso de epígrafe están disponibles en la Secretaría del Tribunal Superior de Puerto Rico, Sala Superior de Bayamón durante horas laborables. Para conocimiento de la parte demandada y de toda persona que tenga interés inscrito con posterioridad a la inscripción del gravamen que se está ejecutando, si alguna, y para la concurrencia de licitadores y para el público en general el presente edicto se publicará en un diario de circulación general en el Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico una vez por semana por un término de dos (2) semanas con un intervalo de por lo menos siete (7) días entre cada publicación. Se fijará además, en tres (3) lugares

públicos del Municipio donde ha de celebrarse la subasta, estos lugares serán la Alcaldía, el Tribunal y la Colecturía de dicho Municipio. Se notificará a la parte demandada copia del edicto de subasta mediante correo certificado con acuse de recibo a su dirección que obra en autos. Una vez efectuada la correspondiente venta judicial, otorgaré la escritura del traspaso al licitador victorioso, quien podrá ser la parte demandante, cuya oferta podrá aplicarse a la extinción parcial o total de la obligación reconocida por la Sentencia. Colocaré al licitador victorioso en posesión física de la Propiedad mediante el lanzamiento de los ocupantes en el término legal de veinte (20) días desde la fecha de la venta en pública subasta y para ello procederé a romper candados de ser necesario. Si transcurren los referidos veinte (20) días, el Tribunal podrá ordenar, sin necesidad de ulterior procedimiento, que se lleve a efecto el desalojo o lanzamiento del ocupante o ocupantes de la finca o de todos los que por orden o tolerancia del deudor la ocupen. El Registrador de la Propiedad cancelará, libre de derechos, todo gravamen posterior a la fecha en que se otorgó la hipoteca que ha sido ejecutada mediante esta acción, y procederá a la inscripción de la venta a favor del comprador en subasta libre de todo gravamen posterior a la fecha en que se otorgó la hipoteca que ha sido ejecutada mediante esta acción. Expido el presente edicto bajo mi firma y sello del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Bayamón. En Bayamón, Puerto Rico, a 04 de noviembre de 2023. EDGARDO ELÍAS VERGAS SANTANA, ALGUACIL AUXILIAR PLACA #193, ALGUACIL DEL TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, SALA SUPERIOR DE BAYAMÓN.

LEGAL NOTICE

PUERTO RICO HOUSING INVESTMENTS LLC. Demandante Vs. FIRST FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION OF PUERTO RICO; JOHN DOE; RICHARD ROE Demandados Civil No.: BY2022CV06238. Sobre: CANCELACIÓN DE PAGARÉ EXTRAVIADO. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS EE. UU., EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO.

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA DE BAYAMÓN

SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION OF PUERTO RICO; JOHN DOE Y RICHARD ROE, COMO POSIBLES TENEDORES DEL PAGARÉ.

Por medio del presente edicto se les notifica de la radicación de una Demanda de Cancelación de Pagaré Extraviado en la que se solicita la cancelación del siguiente pagaré hipotecario, que se ha extraviado, luego de haber sido saldado por el deudor hipotecario: Pagaré a favor de First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Puerto Rico, o a su orden, por la suma de $22,900.00, con interés al 8%, vencedero el 1 de marzo de 2005, según consta de la escritura número 201, otorgada en San Juan, Puerto Rico, ante el Notario Mariano Acevedo Defilló, inscrita al folio 111 del tomo 1096 de Bayamón Sur, finca número 49100, inscripción primera. La parte demandante solicita del Honorable Tribunal que declare Con Lugar la demanda y en su consecuencia ordene al Secretario del Tribunal que expida Mandamiento al Registrador de la Propiedad correspondiente, para que dicho funcionario proceda a cancelar en los libros a su cargo la referida hipoteca dejando la propiedad aquí descrita libre de dicho gravamen hipotecario. POR EL PRESENTE EDICTO se les emplaza y requiere para que conteste la Demanda radicando el original de su contestación ante el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala de Bayamón, y notificándole con copia de dicha contestación al abogado del demandante, Lcdo. Ricardo J. Cacho Rodríguez, 54 Calle Resolución, Suite 303 San Juan, PR 00920 Tel: (787) 722-2242; Fax: (787) 722-2243, cachor@ microjuris.com dentro del término de treinta (30) días siguientes a la fecha de publicación de este Edicto; si dejaren de así hacerlo, se les anotará la rebeldía y se dictará sentencia contra ustedes concediendo el remedio solicitado sin más citarle ni oírle. EXPEDIDO bajo mi firma y el sello del Tribunal de Bayamón, Puerto Rico, hoy de 08 diciembre de 2022.

LCDA. LAURA I. SANTA SÁNCHEZ, SECRETARIA REGIONAL. MIRCIENID GONZÁLEZ TORRES, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL GENERAL DE JUSTICIA TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA CENTRO JUDICIAL DE FAJARDO SALA SUPERIOR DE FAJARDO

BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO

Demandante V. SUCESIÓN DE WILFREDO DE LEÓN RODRÍGUEZ Y SUCESIÓN DE BLANCA ROSA HERNÁNDEZ DÍAZ, AMBAS COMPUESTAS POR: WILFREDO DE LEÓN HERNÁNDEZ, Y POR SUCESIÓN DE BLANCA DE LEÓN HERNÁNDEZ; “JOHN DOE Y RICHARD ROE” COMO POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESIÓN DE WILFREDO DE LEÓN RODRÍGUEZ; “JOHN DOE Y RICHARD ROE” COMO POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESIÓN DE BLANCA ROSA HERNÁNDEZ

DÍAZ; “JOHN DOE Y RICHARD ROE” COMO POSIBLES HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESIÓN DE BLANCA DE LEÓN HERNÁNDEZ; CENTRO DE RECAUDACIONES DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES (C.R.I.M.) Demandados Civil Núm.: FA2022CV00247.

Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO Y EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS. AVISO DE SUBASTA. El que suscribe, Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Fajardo, Fajardo, Puerto Rico, hago saber, a la parte demandada y al PÚBLICO EN GENERAL: Que en cumplimiento del Mandamiento de Ejecución de Sentencia expedido el día 22 de noviembre de 2022, por la Secretaría del Tribunal, procederé a vender y venderé en pública subasta y al mejor postor la propiedad que ubica y se describe a continuación: URBANA: Solar radicado en la Urbanización Río Grande Estates, situada en el Barrio Zarzal del término municipal de Río Grande, Puerto Rico, marcado con el número Treintidós del Bloque L, con un área de trescientos treinta y seis metros cuadrados. En lindes por el NORTE, en trece metros con la Calle Diecisiete; por el SUR, en trece metros con treintisiete milímetros con Mall; por el ESTE, en veinticinco metros, con el solar L treintitres; y por el OESTE, en veintiséis metros con sesentinueve centímetros con el solar L treintiuno. Contiene una casa de concreto reforzado diseñada para una familia. Afecto a servidumbre a favor

de la Puerto Rico Telephone Company de un metro con cincuenta centímetros de ancho que discurre por su colindancia Sur. Inscrita en la finca número 9,597, al folio 193 del tomo 197 de Río Grande. Registro de la Propiedad de Puerto Rico, Sección III de Carolina. La propiedad está ubicada en: 17 L Calle 32, Río Grande Estates, Río Grande, PR 00745. El producto de la subasta se destinará a satisfacer al demandante hasta donde alcance, la SENTENCIA dictada y notificada el 29 de agosto de 2022, publicada en un periódico de circulación general, “The San Juan Daily Star”, el 2 de septiembre de 2022 en el presente caso civil, a saber la suma de $59,501.16 por concepto de principal; generando intereses a razón de 4.625% desde el 1ro de junio de 2017; cargos por demora los cuales al igual que los intereses continúan acumulándose hasta el saldo total de la deuda reclamada en este pleito, y la suma de $6,350.02 para costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado; y demás créditos accesorios garantizados hipotecariamente. La adjudicación se hará al mejor postor, quien deberá consignar el importe de su oferta en el acto mismo de la adjudicación, en efectivo (moneda del curso legal de los Estados Unidos de América), giro postal o cheque certificado a nombre del alguacil del Tribunal. LA PRIMERA SUBASTA se llevará a efecto el día 12 DE ABRIL DE 2023 A LAS 11:00 DE LA MAÑANA, en la Oficina / Sala de Alguaciles de Subastas del Tribunal, Sala Superior de Fajardo, Fajardo, Puerto Rico. Que el precio mínimo fijado para la PRIMERA SUBASTA es de $63,500.21. Que de ser necesaria la celebración de una SEGUNDA SUBASTA la misma se llevará a efecto el día 19 DE ABRIL DE 2023 A

LAS 11:00 DE LA MAÑANA, en la Oficina / Sala de Alguaciles de Subastas del Tribunal, Sala Superior de Fajardo, Fajardo, Puerto Rico. El precio mínimo para la SEGUNDA SUBASTA será de $42,333.47, equivalentes a dos terceras (2/3) partes del tipo mínimo estipulado para la PRIMERA subasta. Que de ser necesaria la celebración de una TERCERA SUBASTA la misma se llevará a efecto el día 26 DE ABRIL DE 2023 A

LAS 11:00 DE LA MAÑANA, en la Oficina / Sala de Alguaciles de Subastas del Tribunal, Sala Superior de Fajardo, Fajardo, Puerto Rico. El precio mínimo para la TERCERA SUBASTA será de $31,750.10, equivalentes a la mitad (1/2) del tipo mínimo estipulado para la PRIMERA subasta. Si se declarase desierta la tercera subasta, se adjudicará la finca a favor del acreedor por la totalidad de la cantidad adeudada si ésta es

igual o menor que el monto del tipo de la tercera subasta, si el Tribunal lo estima conveniente; se abonará dicho monto a la cantidad adeudada si esta es mayor, todo ello a tenor con lo dispone el Articulo 104 de la Ley Núm. 210 del 8 de diciembre de 2015 conocida como “Ley del Registro de la Propiedad Inmueble del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico”. La propiedad a ser ejecutada se adquiere libre de toda carga y gravamen que afecte la mencionada finca según el Artículo 102, inciso 6. Una vez confirmada la venta judicial por el Honorable Tribunal, se procederá a otorgar la correspondiente escritura de venta judicial y se pondrá al comprador en posesión física del inmueble de conformidad con las disposiciones de Ley. Para conocimiento de la parte demandada y de toda aquella persona o personas que tengan interés inscrito con posterioridad a la inscripción del gravamen que se está ejecutando, y para conocimiento de todos los licitadores y el público en general, el presente Edicto se publicará por espacio de dos (2) semanas consecutivas, con un intervalo de por lo menos siete días entre ambas publicaciones, en un diario de circulación general en el Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico y se fijará además en tres (3) lugares públicos del Municipio en que ha de celebrarse dicha venta, tales como la Alcaldía, el Tribunal y la Colecturía. Se les informa, por último, que: a. Que los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento incoado estarán de manifiesto en la secretaría del tribunal durante las horas laborables. b. Que se entenderá que todo licitador acepta como bastante la titularidad y que las cargas y gravámenes anteriores y los preferentes, si los hubiere, al crédito del ejecutante continuarán subsistentes. Se entenderá, que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate. EXPIDO, el presente EDICTO, en Fajardo, Puerto Rico, hoy día 5 de diciembre de 2022. K. VILLAFAÑE, ALGUACIL #344, DIVISIÓN DE SUBASTAS, TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA, SALA SUPERIOR DE FAJARDO. JORGE A. ORTIZ ESTRADA, ALGUACIL REGIONAL INTERINO #622.

LEGAL NOTICE

ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO TRIBUNAL DE PRIMERA INSTANCIA SALA SUPERIOR DE PONCE BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO Demandante Vs. SUCESION DE ARSENIO

CARABALLO TORRES, COMPUESTA POR FULANO DE TAL Y ZUTANO DE TAL, COMO HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS CON POSIBLE INTERÉS; CENTRO DE RECAUDACION DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES (“CRIM”) Demandados Civil Núm.: PO2022CV00363. (406). Sobre: COBRO DE DINERO (EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA POR LA VÍA ORDINARIA). EDICTO DE SUBASTA.

Al: PÚBLICO EN GENERAL.

A: SUCESION DE ARSENIO CARABALLO TORRES, COMPUESTA POR FULANO DE TAL Y ZUTANO DE TAL, COMO HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS CON POSIBLE INTERÉS; CENTRO DE RECAUDACION DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES (“CRIM”); LA AUTORIDAD PARA EL FINANCIAMIENTO DE LA VIVIENDA DE PUERTO RICO, POR TENER HIPOTECA EN GARANTÍA DE PAGARÉ A SU FAVOR POR LA SUMA DE $15,000.00.

Yo, RAFAEL A. SANTIAGO ORTIZ, Alguacil de este Tribunal, a la parte demandada y a los acreedores y personas con interés sobre la propiedad que más adelante se describe, y al público en general, HAGO SABER: Que el día 2 DE FEBRERO DE 2023 A LAS 2:45 DE LA TARDE en mi oficina, sita en el Tribunal de Primera Instancia, Sala Superior de Ponce, Ponce, Puerto Rico, venderé en Pública Subasta la propiedad inmueble que más adelante se describe y cuya venta en pública subasta se ordenó por la vía ordinaria al mejor postor quien hará el pago en dinero en efectivo, giro postal o cheque certificado a nombre del o la Alguacil del Tribunal de Primera Instancia. Los autos y todos los documentos correspondientes al procedimiento incoado, estarán de manifiesto en la Secretaría del Tribunal de Ponce durante horas laborables. Que en caso de no producir remate ni adjudicación en la primera subasta a celebrarse, se celebrará una SEGUNDA SUBASTA para la venta de la susodicha propiedad, el día 9 DE FEBRERO DE 2023 A LAS 2:45 DE LA TARDE y en caso de no producir remate ni adjudicación, se celebrará una TERCERA SUBASTA el día 16 DE FEBRERO DE 2023

A LAS 2:45 DE LA TARDE en mi oficina sita en el lugar antes indicado. La propiedad a venderse en pública subasta se describe como sigue: URBANA: Solar marcado con el número Veintidós (22) del Bloque “K” de la URBANIZACIÓN MONTBLANC, radicado en el Barrio Susua Bajo del término municipal de Yauco, Puerto Rico, con una cabida de TRESCIENTOS PUNTO CUARENTA (300.40) METROS CUADRADOS. En linderos: NORTE, con el solar número Veintitrés (23), en una distancia de veintitrés punto cero ocho (23.08) metros; SUR, con el solar número Veintiuno (21), en una distancia de veintitrés punto cero ocho (23.08) metros; ESTE, con el solar número Cuatro (4), en una distancia de trece punto cero cero(13.00) metros, y por el OESTE, con la Calle “G”, en una distancia de trece punto cero cero (13.00) metros. Sobre dicho solar enclava una casa de concreto y bloques para fines residenciales. La escritura de hipoteca se encuentra inscrita al folio 166 vuelto del tomo 471 de Yauco, Registro de la Propiedad de Ponce, Sección Segunda, finca número 10,116, inscripción décimo primera. La dirección física de la propiedad antes descrita es: Urbanización MontBlanc Gardens, Calle G, K22, Yauco, Puerto Rico. La subasta se llevará a efecto para satisfacer a la parte demandante la suma de $40,922.34 de principal, intereses al 6.50% anual, desde el día 1ro de diciembre de 2019, hasta su completo pago, más la cantidad de $5,550.00 estipulada para costas, gastos y honorarios de abogado, más recargos acumulados, todas cuyas sumas están liquidas y exigibles. Que la cantidad mínima de licitación en la primera subasta para el inmueble será de $55,500.00 y de ser necesaria una segunda subasta, la cantidad mínima será una equivalente a 2/3 parte de aquella, o sea la suma de $37,000.00 y de necesitarse una tercera subasta la cantidad mínima será la mitad del precio pactado, es decir la suma de $27,750.00. Si se declara desierta la tercera subasta se adjudicará la finca a favor del acreedor por la totalidad de la cantidad adeudada si esta es igual o menor que el monto del tipo de la tercera subasta, si el Tribunal lo estima conveniente. Se abonará dicho monto a la cantidad adeudada si esta es mayor. La propiedad se adjudicará al mejor postor, quien deberá satisfacer el importe de su oferta en moneda legal y corriente de los Estados Unidos de América en el momento de la adjudicación y que las cargas y gravámenes preferentes, si los hubiese, continuarán subsistentes, en-

tendiéndose que el rematante los acepta y queda subrogado en la responsabilidad de los mismos, sin destinarse a su extinción el precio del remate.

La propiedad a ser vendida en pública subasta se encuentra afecta al siguiente gravamen posterior: Hipoteca en Garantía de Pagaré a favor de la Autoridad para el Financiamiento de la Vivienda de Puerto Rico, o a su orden, por la suma principal de $15,000.00, sin intereses, vencedero a los 8 años, según consta de la Escritura Número 23, otorgada en Yauco, Puerto Rico, el día 30 de abril de 2005, ante el Notario Público Joaquín Torres Colón; se encuentra inscrita al folio 166 vuelto del tomo 471 de Yauco, Registro de la Propiedad de Ponce, Sección Segunda, finca número 10,116, inscripción décimo segunda. La propiedad a ser vendida en pública subasta se adquirirá libre de cargas y gravámenes posteriores. Podrán concurrir como postores a todas las subastas los titulares de créditos hipotecarios vigentes y posteriores a la hipoteca que se cobra o ejecuta, si alguno o que figuren como tales en la certificación registral y que podrán utilizar el montante de sus créditos o parte de alguno en sus ofertas. Si la oferta aceptada es por cantidad mayor a la suma del crédito o créditos preferentes al suyo, al obtener la buena pro del remate, deberá satisfacer en el mismo acto, en efectivo o en cheque de gerente, la totalidad del crédito hipotecario que se ejecuta y la de cualesquiera otro créditos posteriores al que se ejecuta pero preferente al suyo. El exceso constituirá abono total o parcial en su propio crédito. EN TESTIMONIO DE LO CUAL, expido el presente Edicto para conocimiento y comparecencia de los licitadores, bajo mi firma y sello del Tribunal, en Ponce, Puerto Rico, a 22 de noviembre de 2022.

RAFAEL A. SANTIAGO ORTIZ, ALGUACIL #919, ALGUACIL DEL TRIBUNAL, SALA SUPERIOR DE PONCE.

LEGAL NOTICE

FEBUS T/C/C ALICIA

DIAZ COMPUESTA POR JUAN NATAL DIAZ, JOSE NATAL DIAZ, ANGEL NATAL DIAZ, DIANA NATAL DIAZ; JOHN ROE Y JANE ROE COMO

POSIBLE HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS; ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMERICA; CENTRO DE RECAUDACION DE INGRESOS MUNICIPALES Demandados Civil Núm.: RG2022CV00422. Sobre: EJECUCIÓN DE HIPOTECA. EMPLAZAMIENTO POR EDICTO. ESTADOS UNIDOS DE AMÉRICA, EL PRESIDENTE DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS, EL ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO, SS.

A: DIANA NATAL DIAZ; JOHN DOE Y JANE DOE COMO

POSIBLES MIEMBROS DESCONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESION JUAN NATAL CRUZ; JOHN ROE Y JANE ROE COMO

POSIBLES MIEMBROS DESCONOCIDOS DE LA SUCESION ALICIA DIAZ FEBUS T/C/C ALICIA DIAZ.

POR LA PRESENTE se le emplaza para que presente al Tribunal su alegación responsive a la demanda dentro de los treinta (30) días a partir de la publicación de este edicto. Usted deberá presentar su alegación responsiva a través del Sistema Unificado de Manejo y Administración de Casos (SUMAC), al cual puede acceder utilizando la siguiente dirección electrónica: http://unired. ramajudicial.pr, salvo que se represente por derecho propio, en cuyo caso deberé presentar su alegación responsiva en la secretaria del tribunal. Si usted deja de presentar su alegación responsiva dentro del referido término, el tribunal podrá dictar sentencia en rebeldía en su contra y conceder el remedio solicitado en la demanda, o cualquier otro, si el tribunal, en el ejercicio de su sana discreción, lo entiende procedente.

Greenspoon Harder, LLP Lcda. Frances L. Asencio-Guido R.U.A. 15,622

TRADE CENTRE SOUTH, SUITE 700 100 WEST CYPRESS CREEK ROAD FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33309 Telephone: (954) 343 6273

Frances.Asencio@gmlaw.com Expedido bajo mi firma, y sello del Tribunal, en Fajardo, Puerto Rico, hoy 30 de noviembre de 2022. WANDA I. SEGUÍ REYES, SECRETARIA. SHEILA ROBLES HERNÁNDEZ, SECRETARIA AUXILIAR I.

JUAN NATAL

POR JUAN NATAL DIAZ, JOSE NATAL DIAZ, ANGEL NATAL DIAZ, DIANA NATAL DIAZ; JOHN DOE Y JANE DOE COMO POSIBLE HEREDEROS DESCONOCIDOS;

Morocco gave everything. It needed a little more against France.

By RORY SMITH

The drums kept on beating. The whistles kept on shrieking. Morocco’s players kept on coming, again and again, their legs burning and their lungs heaving, as they raged against the dying of the light. At the end, Morocco had run out of road. At no point, not for a second, did it run out of fight.

The World Cup, then, will culminate in the sort of blockbuster final that both FIFA, its organizer, and Qatar, its host, have craved: Lionel Messi’s Argentina, seeking to deliver arguably the finest player of all time with his crowning glory, against Kylian Mbappé, his heir apparent, and France, aiming to become the first nation in half a century to retain the most coveted prize in sports. Today, Gianni Infantino feels very smug indeed.

Regardless of which team emerges triumphant Sunday, though, which story line is reverse-engineered as destiny, on some level this will always be Morocco’s World Cup, the one that made it a trailblazer, a recordbreaker, a watermark that will not fade. From this point on, a whole slew of achievements will all be the first since Morocco.

It was here that Morocco became the first team from the Arab world to make a World Cup quarterfinal. Then, a few days later, it was here that it became the first African team to extend its run all the way to the semifinals.

That it could go no further, beaten by France, 2-0, in a breathless, furious game at Al Bayt, neither erases nor diminishes those feats. It does not alter the fact that it was in Qatar where Morocco proved to a “whole generation” that it could produce “miracles,” as its redoubtable goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou, put it. It was in Qatar that Morocco, according to its coach, Walid Regragui, redefined the limits of “what was possible.”

If it had needed confirmation of that, it came not long after Randal Kolo Muani had doubled France’s lead, effectively sealing its place in the final, breaking hearts not just in Morocco but from Agadir to Amman and Cairo to Cape Town, all of those recent adopters who had adopted Regragui’s team as their standard-bearer.

For a moment, the tens of thousands of Moroccan fans who had packed this stadium, this city — so many that, troubled by the sheer number of people arriving in Doha for the semifinal, Qatar Airways abruptly canceled seven flights from Rabat on the morning of the game —

stood silent, collecting their thoughts. On the field, their players seemed winded.

It did not last long. Slowly, the crowd started to applaud, and then cheer, and then roar, a wave crashing and rebounding around the stadium, gathering strength and fervor, an outpouring of all the gratitude and pride that Morocco has generated over these past 3 1/2 weeks, that had swept them out of the group stage and all the way to the final four, to the cusp of smashing the biggest glass ceiling of all.

Even then, Morocco did not seem overawed. Regragui’s players did not wilt against the luster, the experience, the contradictions of this curious French team, simultaneously obviously flawed and smoothly imperious.

Morocco did not stutter when a single misjudgment, a little excessive zeal from central defender Jawad El Yamiq, allowed France to prise an opening goal — finished off by Théo Hernandez — after only five minutes. It was the first goal Morocco had conceded to an opponent since the start of the World Cup.

Nor were they unnerved by losing three of their first-choice defenders to injury by the start of the second half, the mounting cost of their run this deep in the tournament: Nayef Aguerd in the warm-ups before the game; Romain Saiss after the opening exchanges of the first half; Noussair Mazroaui at the break.

Despite all of that, for vast swaths of the game Morocco troubled and tormented France, the reigning champion, the overwhelming favorite rocking further and further back on its heels. Ibrahima Konaté and Raphael Varane rushed around to put out fires as and when they sparked, trusted more to luck than judgment to keep the Moroccan attacks at bay.

Even Kolo Muani’s goal, tapped home from close range with his first touch of the ball, did not draw the sting. The light, then, was fading, but Morocco did not acquiesce. Deep into injury time, all hope almost extinguished, it carved out not one, not two, but three golden opportunities to score, to jar French nerves, to bring its fans — old and new, here and there — one last cause for celebration.

They did not, in truth, need it. At the final whistle, Regragui’s players collapsed on to their backs, all of the air drawn from them. For a while, it was possible to wonder if the tireless Azzedine Ounahi and Sofyan Amrabat, in particular, might need to spend the night there, and make their way home in the morning.

After a while, they lifted themselves and formed, for a few minutes, a tight huddle with their teammates, listening as Regragui told them that Morocco’s king, Mohammed VI, was “proud of them, that the Moroccan people were proud of them, that the whole world was proud of this team.”

And then, as the applause rang down, they slowly approached their fans. On the edge of the penalty area, they stopped, and one by one they fell to their knees and lowered their foreheads to the grass.

Morocco had made it past Belgium and Croatia, Spain and Portugal, illuminating this tournament, inspiring a continent, reshaping the bounds of possibility. Here, though, Regragui and his players could go no further, their journey drawing to a halt far later than they could have imagined, but not quite as far as they might, for a few days, have dreamed.

This, then, is where it ends. In the weeks, and months, and years to come, though, that is not how Morocco, or Africa, or all of those countries who have seen in Morocco a reflection of themselves will see it. This World Cup, Morocco’s World Cup, will be remembered, instead, as a beginning.

Morocco’s magical run has elated fans, but for some, the strain of the impending showdown with the country’s former colonial overlords is too much.

Fans react while watching the 2022 World Cup match between Morocco and France from Dar Yemma, a Moroccan restaurant in Queens, Dec. 14, 2022.

The Lions are finally playing up to their coach’s tough-guy image

By MIKE TANIER

Dan Campbell is practically a caricature of a football coach.

The Detroit Lions’ leader carries himself like a cross between a drill sergeant and a big-game hunter. His remarks in news conferences are peppered with tough-guy cliches and scotch-andcigar one-liners. It often sounds like he’s punching you in the arm while he speaks. Campbell is the sort of man who seems to have been born with a whistle around his neck.

When Campbell’s Lions went 3-13-1 in his first season as their head coach in 2021, then started his second 1-6, there appeared to be little substance behind the swagger. Since November, however, the Lions have looked like a potential powerhouse built in Campbell’s camochic image.

The Lions have won five of their past six games. They defeated the Minnesota Vikings, 34-23, on Sunday; the game did not qualify as an upset because the oddsmakers declared the Lions favorites even though they entered the meeting with a 5-7 record and the Vikings were 10-2. The Lions’ only loss since October was a 2825 Thanksgiving heartbreaker to the Buffalo Bills, a team on the shortlist of Super Bowl favorites.

The Lions’ sudden improvement does not look like a lucky hot streak. They are beating competitive opponents convincingly, and they are doing so without superstars, thanks in part to the Campbell regime’s nouveau spin on traditional gravel-chomping strategies.

The Lions field one of the best offensive lines in football, led by tackles Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell and center Frank Ragnow. They have helped Jamaal Williams and the rest of the running back group combine for 19 rushing touchdowns. The line uses blocking tactics that have fallen out of style in the NFL, but would make Knute Rockne shed tears of pride.

The sturdy line and dependable running game have reinvigorated oft-maligned quarterback Jared Goff, who arrived before the 2021 season as little more than an offloaded contract in the trade that sent longtime starter Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams.

Goff is like a movie vampire: compelling to watch and dangerously effectual, except when exposed to sunlight. He thrives in ideal conditions, but crumbles to dust otherwise.

The Lions are providing ideal conditions. As a result, Goff is tied for fifth in the NFL in passing touchdowns (22) and ranks eighth in passing yards (3,352) and seventh in passer rating (97.9) while throwing to an unheralded receiving corps led by AmonRa St. Brown (tied for fifth in the league with 82 receptions).

The Lions’ defense, which includes rookie starters Aidan Hutchinson, Malcolm Rodriguez and Kerby Joseph, is not yet on par with the offense, but has improved throughout the season. The Lions have allowed 20.3 points per game in their past six games after surrendering 32.1 points per game in their first seven.

The success of the Lions’ retro-smashmouth offense and the gradual development of their youthful defense reveal that there is more to Campbell’s coaching style than “Braveheart” speeches. Campbell is a delegator who gives coordinators Ben Johnson (offense) and Aaron Glenn (defense) plenty of autonomy. The Lions’ staff has shown patience with rookies and

slow-developing prospects while quickly giving major roles to middle- or late-round draft surprises like St. Brown (in 2021) and Rodriguez.

Furthermore, Campbell likes to raise the stakes. The Lions have attempted 28 fourth-down conversions this year, the third-highest total in the NFL. The Lions have also executed seven fake punts in the past two seasons, including a run by C.J. Moore that netted 42 yards against the Vikings.

Nothing typifies the Lions’ rugged, unpredictable style of play more than Sewell’s leaping 9-yard reception to net a crucial fourth-quarter first down that kept alive the Lions’ final clock-eating fieldgoal drive. Offensive tackles who weigh 335 pounds aren’t supposed to catch passes; in most circumstances, offensive tackles are not permitted to catch passes at all.

Watching Sewell’s catch was like watching a flaming motorcycle jump over a school bus. The Lions have become the league’s coolest scoundrels and its most balletic cavemen.

The Lions’ late-season success will probably not be enough to vault them into the playoffs. They may be forced to settle

for a role as pesky, entertaining spoilers: just the sort of team the New York Jets do not want to face with their playoff hopes on the line in Week 15.

Still, it’s remarkable that the Lions are in the playoff picture at all after their feeble start, and their future beyond the 2022 season is suddenly bright.

The core of the Lions’ roster is very young. Rookies like receiver Jameson Williams, recently recovered from an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained in last year’s college football championship game, and sixth-round edge rusher James Houston IV are just starting to make an impact. The team possesses an extra firstround pick in the 2023 draft thanks to the Stafford trade, as well as a second pick in the second round.

The Lions, who have won just one playoff game in the past 65 seasons, may finally be slow-building something special.

Until that happens, Campbell gives the historically hapless, often-faceless Lions some personality. It’s the personality of a man who uses antlers in all of his decorating, but the NFL recognizes and respects that sort of fellow, and Campbell is proving that he can back up his bluster.

Coach Dan Campbell has led the Lions to five wins in their past six games.

For Max Verstappen, a Formula One season like no other

By IAN PARKES

Max Verstappen said his season was not perfect, but it will be regarded as one of the best in Formula One history.

Verstappen set a record for the number of Grand Prix victories in a season with 15, surpassing the previous best of 13 by Sebastian Vettel and Michael Schumacher to become the second-youngest driver to attain two championships.

“This season was just great,” Verstappen of Red Bull said in an interview. “We had a rough start, but after that we did very little wrong, and even though you cannot be perfect, we will always strive to achieve that.”

Verstappen did not finish in two of the first three Grands Prix because of reliability issues with his car. After that, he was nearly unstoppable as he overcame a 46-point deficit to Charles Leclerc of Ferrari to win the championship by 146 points. His total of 454 set a record for a season.

“Me, personally, I try to be a perfectionist, and I know that’s very hard, but I demand that from myself and I demand that from the team, and the team demands that from me,” he said.

“We always have a very honest conversation about it. Sometimes, you disagree on things, and that’s fine. That’s how it works in life, but it’s always very important to be honest with each other, and really say when something is not correct.”

Red Bull adapted better than their rivals to the changes to the aerodynamic regulations, devised to allow the cars to follow more closely and aid overtaking, that were introduced for 2022.

“At the end of the day, it’s all about who designs the best car, who comes up with the more clever ideas,” Verstappen said.

“At the start of the season, it was all a big question mark for everyone, where you were going to be. OK, you have your own numbers, but you don’t know what others might have found. From the start, our car was just a better car compared to the competition.”

Verstappen became a two-time champion with a victory at the Japanese Grand Prix in October, with four races to spare.

Two weeks later, when he won the

United States Grand Prix, he helped Red Bull take its first constructors’ championship since 2014.

“You always need two cars to perform well, and this year we did,” said Verstappen, referring to his teammate Sergio Pérez. “It’s really satisfying for everyone at the factory. They work flat out trying to achieve it.

“Winning the drivers’ title is amazing, but it gives you even more satisfaction if you can win as a team as well.”

The successes were in contrast with 2021, when he passed Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes on the final lap of the last race in Abu Dhabi to become champion for the first time. Red Bull finished 28 points behind Mercedes, which won an eighth consecutive constructors’ title.

Verstappen said that his first title “was honestly the more emotional one” but that the second was “definitely the most satisfying.”

“That’s just because of what we have done this year in terms of the amount of race wins, but also just working with the team the whole season,” he said.

“Last year, we lost a lot of points battling. This year, we had a bit more luck, and in general, we were more competitive.”

Christian Horner, the team principal, said Verstappen had “made another step this year.”

“Winning last year’s championship really took the pressure off his shoulders,” he said in an interview. “He just matured and moved up a gear.

“He adapted to the new regulations brilliantly, got his head down and just drove some incredible races. When you look at those Grand Prix victories, wow, there are some incredible races there. He was absolutely the outstanding driver of the season.”

Hamilton, who finished sixth in the drivers’ championship, said Verstappen did a great job.

“He’s done everything that he had to do,” Hamilton said. “The team provided him with an amazing car, and he’s delivered pretty much every weekend.”

Horner said he did not believe that Verstappen had been given the credit he deserved over the past two years.

Comparing Vettel, who won four titles with Red Bull from 2010 to 2013, and Verstappen, he said: “Two very different drivers, two phenomenally successful drivers. What Sebastian has achieved puts him among the great and most successful drivers in the sport. But

what we saw this year from Max, we witnessed something very special.

“I sometimes think his achievements don’t receive the plaudits they should because it was an absolutely outstanding performance from a driver who is very much at the top of his game.”

With Red Bull finishing 205 points ahead of Ferrari in the constructors’ championship, it has raised a question of whether F1 is headed into an era of Red Bull dominance, like Mercedes did from 2014 to 2021.

“With new regulations, it’s always very important to hit it off well, and I think we did that,” Verstappen said. “Now, it’s all about trying to continue that and trying to find even more performance in the cars.

“Normally, over the years, it all comes together, the teams get a bit closer. Yes, we’ve had a good head start, but as a team, we’re never satisfied. We always want more. We want to do better, but we also depend on what the other teams find or improve on.”

Horner said it would be very difficult for Verstappen and Red Bull to dominate in 2023.

“Ferrari will make progress from this year, and, Mercedes developed their car hard,” he said.

“They brought a lot of development through the year, so they are going to make a step, and I think you will have a three-way battle next year.”

Red Bull heads into 2023 handicapped by a penalty from the FIA, the sport’s governing body, for breaching the cost cap for 2021.

Teams were allowed a budget of $145 million that season; Red Bull exceeded it by nearly $2 million. It was fined $7 million and hit with a 10% reduction in the amount of time it can spend testing the aerodynamics of its car in the wind tunnel for 12 months, which may affect next year’s car.

“Of course, it will have an effect,” Horner said. “It is constricting your development tools. It just means we will have to think smarter and be more selective in what we test and run. We just need to adapt.

“And what we have lost in wind-tunnel time, we have gained in motivation, so we have just got to get on with it, get our heads down, and do the very best job that we can.”

Max Verstappen of Red Bull after winning the Miami Grand Prix in May. He won a total of 15 races during the 2022 season.

Sudoku

How to Play:

Fill in the empty fields with the numbers from 1 through 9.

Sudoku Rules:

Every row must contain the numbers from 1 through 9

Every column must contain the numbers from 1 through 9

Every 3x3 square must contain the numbers from 1 through 9

Wordsearch Crossword

Aries (Mar 21-April 20)

You may not be sure what you believe due to a misleading aspect. And while you usually have no trouble tuning into your intuition, it might be hard to trust it today. This can be one of those times when nothing seems to make sense and when you can’t fathom what to do next. It’s best to tread water for now and focus on making small gains. You’ll get your bearings in a day or so.

Taurus (April 21-May 21)

You could be in a romantic mood and certain that a developing tie has the kind of potential you’ve been dreaming of. Don’t rush into anything too fast, as this person is human, which means they also have imperfections. You might not be able to see them just now, but give it time and you will. The question is whether they’re acceptable? Give yourself plenty of leeway, Taurus.

Gemini (May 22-June 21)

You might experience feelings of uncertainty concerning your abilities, and wonder if you’ll ever make the grade. And yet others have total faith in you and are expecting you to work miracles, or as close as you can get. Still, this is a time when your perception of things may be skewed, and that includes your thoughts about yourself. Wait a few days, and you’ll take the world by storm.

Cancer (June 22-July 23)

Your sixth sense may kick in, alerting you to an issue that needs some detective work. The Sun’s nebulous tie suggests the truth is there somewhere, but you’ll have to find it. You could ask someone what’s going on, but they may be every bit as confused as you. Getting some distance from a slippery matter might allow insights to bubble up, helping you make wise decisions.

Leo (July 24-Aug 23)

The steadying Virgo Moon and its tie with lovely Venus, could coincide with an opportunity to increase your income using your natural skills. Perhaps this is something you haven’t thought about, but today’s lucky break might see you tapping into a new source of income that’s ongoing. Avoid schemes that promise fast money or that seem too good to be true. Don’t be fooled, Leo!

Virgo (Aug 24-Sep 23)

You have a lot going for you Virgo, and now is the time to prove it. Just don’t listen to others if they seem to criticize your work or your ideas. The Sun’s angle with Neptune, suggests this could cause you to hide away rather than shining your light. As this is a temporary aspect, don’t take anything personally. People are fickle, and soon enough they will have a change of heart.

Libra (Sep 24-Oct 23)

As lovely Venus forges a harmonious tie to sobering Saturn, it’s time to take an idea or opportunity seriously. An encounter might not be the most fun you’ve had in a while, but it could be perfect for cementing a business proposition or collaborating on a brilliant idea. Someone can take you and your skills very seriously, and seems keen to move things forward.

Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)

If money is burning a hole in your pocket, today’s influences won’t help matters. This certainly isn’t the best time to buy holiday gifts, as you could be very disappointed once you get them home. Remember that all that glistens isn’t gold! And something that seems expensive might be quite tacky. Take a break from shopping, and in a few days you’ll have much better luck.

Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)

Energy levels might not be as buoyant as usual, which is down to an influence that can be draining. If you feel tired and not up to much, then it may be that you need to rest. And while this isn’t always easy, at least try to relax this evening and have an early night. In a day or so you’ll feel much better. You’ll be ready to hit the ground running and get those big tasks done.

Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 20)

You may have no qualms about helping a friend if they really seem to need it. But you might also have matters of your own that require attention. If their neediness has become a habit, gentle encouragement to become more self-reliant could help. There is nothing wrong with setting firm boundaries, and this week you’ll realize why they are so necessary for your peace of mind.

Aquarius (Jan 21-Feb 19)

If you’ve been caught out once, then it’s unlikely you will be again. But with some confusing aspects on the go, stay alert regarding financial matters. If you get a sense that something is not right, do some detective work. A desire to be charitable could show up, and while this is commendable, can you really afford to be so generous? Do the maths first, Aquarius.

Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20)

While sassy Jupiter at the tail end of your sign can spur you on, an ethereal Neptune angle could have the opposite effect. And it might be this that wins the day. You may go with the flow rather than proactively row your boat to your intended destination. Over the coming days, this dreamy phase will dissipate. You’ll be back on solid ground and able to make things happen.

Answers to the Sudoku and Crossword on page 37