BI deports suspected ISIS commander
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has deported a suspected commander of the Islamic State for Iraq and Syria (ISIS), eight months after he was arrested by military and police authorities in Manila.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine Star

MARAWI

STATEMENT: Mr. President, we are your people too. Please, let us go home!
Mr. President, we are your people too.
Please, let us go home!
Not that we are not grateful for the tents provided us when we had no place to go, fleeing from the raging war. We are.
Mindanews

‘Marawi must be quickly rehabilitated and reconstructed’- MILF Chairman
Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Chairman Alhaj Murad Ebrahim said Marawi City must be quickly rehabilitated and reconstructed citing that extremists may use its delay as opportunity for propaganda and recruitment.
Luwaran

US pledges additional P1.3 billion for Marawi
THE United States government has pledged another P1.35 billion or $25 million in assistance for Marawi City’s recovery under the three-year Marawi Response Project of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), US Ambassador Sung Y. Kim announced during his visit to the Islamic City on Tuesday.
Business World Online, Philippine Star

Displaced residents suffering from slow Marawi rehab, group says
Foreign investors and businesses are being favored over homeless residents in the government's slow-moving rehabilitation of Marawi City, a year after President Rodrigo Duterte declared it "liberated" from terrorists, a Bangsamoro activist group said on Tuesday.
Philippine Star, ABS-CBN News

Interreligious relations ‘unscathed’ by Marawi conflict
The conflict in Marawi City only damaged the structures and properties but not the relationship between the Christians and Muslims living there, a Roman Catholic priest said.
Philippine News Agency

SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE WORLD      

The Connection Between Gangs, Drug Cartels and Terrorism
The connection between gangs, drug cartels and terrorism is rightly being recognized by the Trump Administration, which directed U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions to create a new task force to zero in on Hezbollah.
Clarion Project

When Terrorism and Organized Crime Meet
In this article, Mark Shaw and Prem Mahadevan highlight how terrorism and organized crime are increasingly indistinguishable. In response, they also argue that policymakers should direct their focus toward stabilizing insecure spaces in the West and developing world. Only by devoting more attention to the so-called violent entrepreneurs operating in these areas, beyond the reach of law enforcement, the authors contend, can we begin to leverage the diplomatic, developmental, economic and policing tools that will be necessary to confront this threat.
Center for Security Studies

UN consults Turkmenistan in fight against terrorism
Regional training on “Good Practices in Border Security and Management to Strengthen National and Regional Capacities in Countering Terrorism” started in Ashgabat, the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia said.
Azer News

Beyond Bodyguard: can the BBC's Informer finally subvert the Muslim stereotype on TV?
There is a scene in the first episode of new BBC drama series Informer that’s particularly refreshing for anyone sick of Muslim stereotypes on TV. The show’s protagonist, Raza Shar (Nabhaan Rizwan), is being interviewed by a hipster photographer for a flatshare when he notices something weird in a proudly displayed photograph of an east London council estate.
The Guardian

Religious hate crimes: Rise in offences recorded by police
It rose by 40%, from 5,949 in 2016-17 to 8,336 in 2017-18, according to the Home Office data. Most religious hate crime - 52% of all offences - was aimed at Muslims. But the separate Crime Survey of England and Wales, which is a broader measure of people's experience of crime, showed no rise.
BBC News

Anjem Choudary: Radical preacher has assets frozen
The 51-year-old, who was jailed for five-and-a-half years for inviting support for the Islamic State group, is expected to be released on Friday. The BBC understands police have been preparing a list of up to 20 measures to control the east London preacher.
BBC News

Nigeria mourns execution of female aid worker by terrorists
Nigerians from all spheres of the social structure have expressed disgust at the execution of Hauwa Leman, an aid worker with the International Committee for Red Cross, ICRC. Leman was killed by terrorists who had given the government 24-hours prior to rescue her. The ICRC on Monday launched an appeal for the insurgents to spare her life along with that of two others.
Africa News

Housewife charged with possessing IS material
A housewife claimed trial at the High Court here to possessing terrorism propaganda including images and videos related to the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group.
The Star Online (Malaysia)

Indonesia calls for intelligence cooperation in counter-terrorism
Indonesian Minister of Defence, Ryamizard Ryacudu, called on all countries in Asia and Europe to include intelligence cooperation as a form of future strategy in counter-terrorism efforts. Ryacudu made such a call at the Third Asia-Europe Counter-Terrorism Dialogue at the European External Action Service (EEAS) building in Brussels, Belgium, on Monday (Oct 15).
Antara News

China Breaks Silence on Muslim Detention Camps, Calling Them ‘Humane’
Under mounting international criticism, China has given its most extensive defense yet of its sweeping campaign to detain and indoctrinate Muslims, with a senior official on Tuesday describing its network of camps in the far west as humane job-training centers.
New York Times

Bitiala with the older generations
WHAT the older Bangsamoro generation needs from the young Bangsamoro is an invitation to an equal dialogue; They need to listen to each other, and elders cannot demand or tell them what to do. Like the older generations in the past, our elders now believe that their influence and control of the community -- especially in our youth -- are still in place. 
Sunstar Davao

Hataman, Mangudadatu eye congressional seats
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Mujiv Hataman and Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu are both seeking congressional seats in the May 2019 polls.
Philippine News Agency

ARMM holds employees’ summit for Bangsamoro transition 
The Department of Trade and Industry in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DTI-ARMM) conducted a three-day Trabaho Negosyo Kabuhayan Konsyumer (TNKK) summit here over the weekend. 
The Manila Times, Business World Online

BANGSAMORO ORGANIC LAW

The Donors’ Forum in Davao City
Not so much expected earlier, the Donors’ Forum held in Davao City last October 11 was a grand success. Aside from United Nations Resident Coordinator Ola Almgren, at least six ambassadors, as well as European Union Ambassador Franz Jessen, graced the occasion. Secretary Jesus Dureza was also present. Most of the senior leaders of the MILF also attended.
Luwaran

Tawi-Tawi Bangsamoro Community leaders hold Information campaign on BOL
Bangsamoro Community leaders along with MILF line agencies, and BIAF 117TH Base Command of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) conducted series of information drive and peace advocacies on Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) in far-flung barangays and municipalities of Tawi-Tawi. 
Luwaran

MAGUINDANAO AND COTABATO CITY

Authorities hunt down suspects in militiaman’s slay
Police and military authorities launched a joint manhunt against gunmen who killed a member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao on Monday.
Philippine News Agency

3-cornered fight for Cotabato City mayoral race looms
Two prominent local lady politicians and a newbie are, so far, vying for the city’s mayoral post in the 2019 elections. This came about after a veteran House representative and a neophyte male aspirant filed their respective Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) to challenge re-electionist Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi.
Philippine News Agency, NDBC News

Maguindanao ex-guv's widow to run for town mayor
The widow of former Maguindanao Governor Andal Ampatuan, Sr. on Monday filed her Certificate of Candidacy for the mayorship of a town named after her son, who is a primary suspect in the 2009 Maguindanao massacre.
Philippine News Agency, NDBC News

LANAO PROVINCES

‘Palapa’-making tops new initiatives in Mindanao peace promotion
The production of a local food condiment, "Palapa," is this year's highlight for a non-government organization (NGO) engaged in peace and rehabilitation effort in Mindanao. The “Palapa sa Lumba” is a livelihood enterprise of 30 out-of-school youth and mothers of Barangay Bacolod II in Lumba-Bayabao, Lanao del Sur. 
Philippine News Agency

Former Lanao town mayor found guilty of graft
The former mayor of Binidayan town in Lanao del Sur has been found guilty of graft for authorizing a procurement deemed disadvantageous to the government.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

BASILAN

SULU 

Sulu lawmaker facing arson raps eludes arresting officers
Police failed to arrest Sulu Rep. Munir Arbison, who is accused of 17 counts of arson here as he backed out of filing his certificate of candidacy on Monday after members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) waited for him at the office of the Commission on Elections in Jolo town.
The Manila Times, Mindanao Examiner

TAWI-TAWI 

DRUGS

Sotto discourages DILG from releasing list of alleged narco-politicians
Senate President Vicente Sotto III believes there are other means to discourage voters from electing candidates who are allegedly involved in illegal drugs. Sotto has advised against the plan for a nationwide release of the list of alleged narco-politicians ahead of the 2019 midterm elections, a move supported by Dangerous Drug Board (DDB).
Manila Bulletin, Philippine News Agency

Unmasking 'narco-politicians' up to PRRD: Albayalde
The decision to release the list of local officials on the so-called "narco-list" is up to President Rodrigo Duterte, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said Tuesday.
Philippine News Agency

SC allows media coverage for De Lima’s trial
The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday allowed media coverage of the trial of detained Sen. Leila de Lima on illegal drug charges filed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) before the Muntinlupa City regional trial court (RTC).
Manila Bulletin

De Lima hopes law enforcement agencies who jailed her realize they’re wrong
Opposition Senator Leila de Lima on Tuesday lauded the government’s move to investigate police officers involved in the drug trade and hoped that the Duterte administration would finally realize that implicating her in the illegal drug trade has brought dishonor to their efforts.
Manila Bulletin

Bicol peace, order body welcomes Espenido assignment: Rosal
Bicol’s Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) has welcomed the assignment of Chief Insp. Jovie Espenido in Catanduanes province, Legazpi City Mayor and council chairman Noel Rosal said.
Philippine News Agency

Starved of rice, flooded with shabu
EVEN the most venomous of trolls have not countered the harsh reality of a rice-starved country. While the trolls want everything to be picture-perfect under the leadership of President Duterte, the rice shortage is one thing that their reckless, knows-no-bounds, no-respect-for-fact trolling cannot sweep under the rug.
The Manila Times

Operations/ Incidents

High-value drug suspect nabbed with P340K 'shabu' in CamSur
Government operatives collared a suspected high-value drug peddler and seized from him PHP340,000 worth of suspected shabu in Barangay Mabolo, Naga City, Camarines Sur over the weekend.
Philippine News Agency

Cop on ‘narco list’ slain in SoCot drug bust
A policeman on President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s “narco list” was reportedly killed in a shootout with anti-drug operatives in Polomolok town of South Cotabato on Monday afternoon.
Philippine News Agency

Local ‘drug lord’ posing as cop nabbed in SoCot town
Police arrested an alleged leader of a local drug group in an operation in a village in Surallan town, South Cotabato on Monday afternoon. Chief Insp. Jardi Mont Sibal, chief of the Surallah municipal police station, said Tuesday suspect Lesther Bermil Carreon, 43, was nabbed at around 3 p.m. at a house in Purok Maligaya, Barangay Dajay.
Philippine News Agency

6 drug suspects nabbed in QCPD buy-bust operations
Six drug suspects, including two with pending cases, were arrested on Tuesday morning after a buy-bust operation in Barangay Pasong Tamo, Quezon City.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Recovery and Rehabilitation  

2,231 Eastern Visayas villages now drug-cleared: PNP
At least 2,231 villages representing 80.86 percent of the total drug-affected villages in Eastern Visayas have been cleared of illegal drugs, the Philippine National Police (PNP) regional office here reported.
Philippine News Agency

2,635 Caap employees test negative for illegal drug use
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap) on Tuesday said it did not find a single illegal drugs user from the initial batch of 2,635 employees whom the agency subjected to tests in 21 major airports across the country.
Business Mirror, Manila Standard

ILLICIT FIREARMS, EXPLOSIVES AND AMMUNITION

Cops, military going after election guns
As the campaign season nears, the police and military are poised for tougher and more coordinated operations against gun-for-hire groups and owners of loose firearms who could end up as private armed groups (PAGs) or security escorts of candidates and politicians – and potential perpetrators of poll-related violence.
Philippine Star

CROSS-BORDER TRADING/ SMUGGLING  

Coast Guard commissions two new French patrol boats vs smuggling
Anti-smuggling operations in Philippine waters got a boost with the commissioning of two brand new 24-meter fast-patrol boats manufactured by French shipbuilder OCEA.
Manila Bulletin

Seized goods distributed to victims of ‘Ompong’
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has turned over seized clothes and shoes to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for distribution to families affected by typhoon “Ompong” (Mangkhut).
Manila Bulletin

HUMAN TRAFFICKING 

SCAM 

Duterte vows to campaign for his allies
President Duterte is expected to hit the campaign trail to rally support for administration candidates in the 2019 elections.
Manila Bulletin

Duterte offers Cabinet post to Honasan
PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has offered Sen. Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan 2nd a Cabinet post, a Palace source said on Tuesday.
The Manila Times

OPINION: Who will now hold the cell phones for Duterte?
Christopher Lawrence Go, popularly known as Bong Go, special assistant to President Duterte until last Monday, made a mark in the country’s electoral history by filing his certificate of candidacy for senator the 2019 midterm elections accompanied no less by the highest official of the land.
ABS-CBN News

-----------

VP Leni woos partners in the US for flagship anti-poverty program
Vice President Leni Robredo has begun wooing potential partners for her flagship anti-poverty program, Angat Buhay, upon her arrival in the United States for an official trip.
Manila Bulletin

Robredo’s satisfaction rating improved in Q3 2018 — SWS
Vice President Leni Robredo’s satisfaction rating has improved in the third quarter of 2018, a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showed. In a September 2018 survey, Robredo’s net satisfaction rating remained “good” as it increased to 2 points with +34 in September from +32 in June 2018.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Pasay prosecutor summons Trillanes to sedition case preliminary probe
The Pasay City Prosecutor’s Office has summoned Senator Antonio Trillanes IV to appear at the preliminary investigation on the inciting to sedition and proposal to commit coup d’ etat case filed by Labor Undersecretary Jacinto “Jing” Paras and Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) Commissioner Manuelito Luna.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

DISASTER

MINDANAO

ELECTION RELATED

More than 100 individuals filed their COCs for senator in past 4 days of filing
More than 100 individuals filed their certificates of candidacy for senator in the past four days of the filing. The Commission on Elections said as of 4 p.m. Tuesday, the total number of senatorial aspirants that filed their COCs already reached 104.
Manila Bulletin

LIST: Senatorial wannabes for 2019 elections
It seemed like the 70s all over again as an Aquino, a Roxas, a Diokno, a Tañada, and a Marcos launched their formal efforts to become the nation’s senators in next year’s midterm elections.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

LIST: Local bets who filed COCs on Day 4, October 16
Cabinet Secretary Leoncio "Jun" Evasco Jr resigned from his post to run for governor of Bohol province. Evasco filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) on Tuesday, October 16. He was the mayor of Maribojoc town from 2007 to 2016.
Rappler

Rain or shine: Supporters linger in front of Comelec
Neither the scorching sun nor the sudden downpour made supporters of politicians and party-list members to leave. In the morning of the fourth day of COC filing, many supporters gathered in front of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to show their unwavering support for their candidates as early as 7 a.m.
Manila Bulletin

PNP teams up with AFP to secure 2019 polls
The Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday joined forces to ensure a peaceful, orderly and fair conduct of 2019 midterm elections.
Manila Bulletin

Opposition completes 8-member senatorial slate for 2019 polls
The opposition coalition has finally completed its senatorial slate for the May 2019 midterm elections, according to a statement released by the Oposisyon Koalisyon on Tuesday, a day before the filing of certificates of candidacy ends.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, CNN Philippines, Rappler

Bam Aquino files COC, seeks reelection in 2019
Reelectionist Sen. Bam Aquino filed his COC about an hour after former senator Mar Roxas filed his COC at the Comelec main office in Intramuros, Manila. And with the proliferation of fake news, the senator is planning to use the traditional way of campaigning in his reelection bid.
Manila Bulletin

Imee Marcos files COC for senator
The Marcos fever is still on. Supporters became boisterous when the Marcos family arrived to support Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos in filing her Certificate of Candidacy (COC) for senator at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) headquarters in Intramuros, Manila on Tuesday.
Manila Bulletin

Tañada files COC for 2019 senatorial race at Comelec
A former deputy speaker and three-time Quezon representative Lorenzo “Erin” Tañada III filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for the 2019 senatorial race at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday.
Manila Bulletin

Human rights lawyer Chel Diokno files COC for senator
De La Salle University College of Law founding dean and human rights lawyer Jose Manuel “Chel” Diokno filed his certificate of candidacy for senator on Tuesday.
Manila Bulletin

Lawyer, UST professor files COC for senator in 2019
A lawyer and professor in the University of Santo Tomas (UST) filed his certificate of candidacy in Comelec as he runs for senator in the 2019 elections.
Manila Bulletin

David running again this time for Senate in May 2019 midterm polls
He aspired for the presidency in 2016 and for senator in 2013. Rizalito David is again running this time for the senate in the May 2019 midterm polls.
Manila Bulletin

Mancao runs as party-list rep
Former Senior Supt. Cezar Mancao II, one of the accused in the kidnap-slay of PR man Salvador "Bubby" Dacer and his driver Manuel Corbito, on Tuesday filed his Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance (CONA) before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Manila under the Kilusang Maypagasa party-list.
Philippine News Agency

Erap was not invited to JV’s COC filing
Former president and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada said Sen. JV Ejercito did not invite him when the latter filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for senator at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday.
Manila Bulletin

When descendants run: Diokno, Tañada file candidacies for senator
If they both win in the 2019 midterm elections, there would once again be a Diokno and a Tañada in the Philippine Senate. Human rights lawyer Jose Manuel "Chel" Diokno and former Quezon representative Lorenzo "Erin" Tañada III filed their candidacies for senator on Tuesday, October 16, as candidates of the opposition Liberal Party (LP).
Rappler

Roxas files COC for senator, vows to be a force for change
Liberal Party’s 2016 presidential bet and former Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas led Tuesday’s early birds in the filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) at the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Manila Bulletin

Enrile running for Senate as independent candidate, files COC thru representative
Former Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile on Tuesday confirmed that he is running again for senator in the upcoming May 2019 midterm elections.
Manila Bulletin

VP Leni happy over Mar’s political comeback
Vice President Leni Robredo said on Tuesday she was elated by the political comeback of former Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II, who will be running for senator in the 2019 elections.
Manila Bulletin

Palace welcomes Roxas’ decision to join 2019 senatorial elections
Malacañang has welcomed former Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas’ decision to join the 2019 senatorial elections, saying this was part of the county’s vibrant democracy.
Manila Bulletin

Pia Cayetano bats for English proficiency in Senate bid
Taguig Rep. Pia Cayetano eyes Filipinos’ improvement in the English language if ever she returns to the Senate.
Manila Bulletin

‘I cried over this,’ Nancy says of Abby-Junjun showdown in Makati
An emotional Senator Nancy Binay on Tuesday admitted having shed tears over the feud between her sister Makati City Mayor Abigail “Abby” Binay and her brother former mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay Jr.
Manila Bulletin

Election-related Violence

PNP spox says COC filing still peaceful despite some shooting incidents
Despite reports of shooting incidents, the filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) have remained peaceful, Philippine National Police (PNP) Spokesperson C/Supt. Benigno Durana Jr said.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

JUDICIARY

All SC justices get nominated for CJ post
All justices of the Supreme Court (SC) have been nominated for the vacant chief justice post, said Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra.
Manila Bulletin

Carpio: a leader the judiciary deserves – De Lima
Opposition Senator Leila de Lima on Monday said she was happy and relieved to know that Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio has accepted the nomination to be the next Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
Manila Bulletin

SC names members in its three divisions
The Supreme Court (SC) has re-organized the membership in its three divisions with the assumption to office of newly appointed Associate Justice Ramon Paul L. Hernando.
Manila Bulletin

DOJ gets 22 more new prosecutors
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Malacañang released the list of the new prosecutors on Monday.
Manila Bulletin

LEGISLATIVE

House approves 778 bills in 31 days under Arroyo
In just 25 session days since Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo took over, the House of Representives tackled 778 measures, or an average of 31 a day. This means that in only 25 session days, Arroyo was able to accomplish 21 percent of the total 3,707 measures or output of the 17th Congress that opened on July 25, 2016.
Manila Standard

Solon files bill that will provide free legal assistance to all indigent Filipinos
Deputy Speaker and Bulacan Rep. Linabelle Ruth Villarica has filed a bill seeking to provide free legal assistance to all indigent Filipinos.
Manila Bulletin

Recto seeks repeal of Continuing Professional Development Law
Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto is seeking the repeal of Republic Act 10912, or the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Law which he claims hinders the improvement of the country’s professionals.
Manila Bulletin

Sotto maintains ‘very good’ satisfaction rating — SWS
Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III’s net satisfaction rating remained “very good” with a 1-point increase in the third quarter of 2018, according to the Social Weather Stations (SWS).
Philippine Daily Inquirer

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)

DEFENSE AND SECURITY

PN contingent onboard BRP Dagupan City to depart for China
The Philippine Navy will render on Wednesday a send-off ceremony for the 300-man contingent onboard BRP Dagupan City departing for Zhangjiang, China to participate in the first maritime exercise between China and the ASEAN Navies from October 21 to 28, 2018.
Manila Bulletin

ECONOMY AND INVESTMENTS

PHL jumps 12 rungs up Global Competitiveness Index of 140 economies
MANILA has jumped 12 notches in the Global Competitiveness Index 4.0 to 56th among 140 economies on the backbone of a strong labor market and macroeconomic stability. Among the nine Southeast Asian economies covered by the survey, the Philippines landed as the fifth most competitive in the region. On the other hand, Singapore was second, Malaysia was 25th, Thailand 38th and Indonesia 45th.
Business Mirror

Philippines cuts growth targets as inflation erodes consumption
The Philippines on Tuesday slashed its growth target for 2018 in response to global economic uncertainty and rising commodity prices, which are lifting the country's inflation rate and dragging down household spending.
Nikkei Asian Review

Plan to remove excise on fuel a victory for Filipinos – Aquino
Senator Paolo “Bam” Aquino said the government’s plan to remove the excise tax on petroleum products in January 2019 under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law is a victory for Filipinos already reeling from the high prices of basic goods and services due to inflation.
Manila Bulletin

BUILD, BUILD, BUILD

OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE

GRAFT AND CORRUPTION

FOREIGN RELATIONS  

West Philippine Sea

Draft WPS exploration framework ‘looking good’ in all aspects: DFA
A Philippine-crafted draft framework on the joint exploration in South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) is now shaping up ahead of the visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said.
Philippine News Agency

LABOR


TRANSPORTATION



HEALTH 



FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

‘Make food security a priority’
In observance of World Food Day, farmers yesterday challenged candidates in next year’s midterm elections to address the country’s problems on food security and poverty. “The issue of food security is important. We are closely watching who among those filing their certificates of candidacy (COCs) are making a clear stance on how to address the problem on poverty and food security,” Antonio Flores, secretary-general of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), said.
Philippine Star

EDUCATION

ENERGY

Reverting oil prices to 2017 rate needs act of Congress – DOF
The government could not roll back the excise tax on oil products to the 2017 rates without any congressional action, according to Finance Assistant Secretary Tony Lambino.
Manila Bulletin

POVERTY

Duterte admin must demonstrate its resolve to liberate Filipinos from malnutrition, hunger – Pangilinan
The Duterte administration must demonstrate its resolve to liberate Filipinos from malnutrition and hunger, and give the means to lead productive lives and contribute to a progressive Philippines.
Manila Bulletin

HOUSING

TOURISM

Duterte credits Cimatu, Año for Boracay clean-up
Boracay could not have been cleaned and rehabilitated without two former military officials at the helm of these efforts, President Duterte conceded last Monday.
Manila Bulletin

Boracay Island: A tale of EOs, LOIs, presidential decrees
THE Duterte administration is eyeing the management of Boracay Island by the Department of Tourism (DOT), absent any law creating a separate development authority.
Business Mirror

Duterte’s saving of Boracay: A triumph of political will
Six months ago, President Duterte made the bold move to close down Boracay island, a popular party and beach place for tourists, which he said in his inimitable, no-holds-barred style, had turned into a stinking “cesspool.”
Manila Bulletin

Major changes expected on Boracay's reopening
Visitors can expect an entirely new Boracay when the island reopens on October 26. The changes will happen long before visitors get to the tourist spot, as authorities are set to enforce a policy that tourists must have booked a room at a government-accredited hotel before they are granted access to the island.
CNN Philippines

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES 

COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY



DEVELOPMENT SECTOR