Reds to declare holiday truce
Communist rebels are set to observe a holiday truce even after President Rodrigo Duterte had declared a full-scale war on the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, New People’s Army (NPA), according to CPP founder Jose Ma. Sison.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Palace eyes permanent ceasefire with Reds
Malacañang is hoping for a “permanent truce” with the New People’s Army (NPA) even if Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana earlier declared that he was not inclined to recommend a Christmas ceasefire with communist rebels.
The Manila Times, Manila Standard, Sunstar Manila, Philippine Daily Inquirer
NPA ready to foil attacks during its Yuletide truce – Joma
Top communist leader Jose Maria “Joma” Sison on Tuesday warned government forces that the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were ready to thwart attacks from its enemies during its forthcoming holiday truce. “They are on alert for active defense because the enemy forces continue to wage all-out war and commit all kinds of terrorist acts and atrocities,” Sison, founder of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), said in a statement from his base in Utrecht in The Netherlands.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
DUTERTE IS HELLBENT ON ESCALATING MASS MURDERS TO MAKE A FULL-BLOWN FASCIST DICTATORSHIP
By all indications, Duterte is hellbent on escalating mass murders in order to intimidate the people and the opposition and make a full-blown fascist dictatorship through the manipulation of the 2019 elections and chacha for a bogus federalism characterized by a hierarchy of oligarchs, dynasties and warlords.
Joma Sison FB Account
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NPA hitmen may be tapped for political assassinations amid midterm polls preps
Erring commanders of the New People’s Army (NPA) could offer the services of their hitmen to errant politicians who want to eliminate their rivals for the midterm elections next year. Director General Oscar Albayalde, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said such possibility is not farfetched, noting that the intelligence community has been monitoring some misled guerrilla fronts in some parts of the country.
Manila Bulletin
AFP’s EastMinComm setting stage to extend martial law, legalize hit squads with sham ‘engagements’ with NPA
The lies the spinmeisters of the AFP’s Eastern Mindanao Command and Region 11’s Philippine National Police are getting more ridiculous in their desperate bid to ensure that martial law and the atmosphere of hysteria persist in Davao City and elsewhere in Southern Mindanao. In addition, these fabricated stories are being capitalized by no less than GRP Pres. Rodrigo Duterte to institutionalize an “anti-SPARU unit” that will legitimize more and more summary killings against activists, suspected sympathizers of the revolutionary movement and critics of the US-Duterte regime’s anti-people programs and policies.
NDFP
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Mindanao’s tribal leaders vow to fight 'bloodless war' vs. NPA
Tribal leaders from across Mindanao on Monday vowed to keep the New People’s Army (NPA) out of their ancestral lands in response to the call of support by President Rodrigo Duterte to end the communist insurgency. Bai Pilar Libayao, the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of Talaingod town, Davao del Norte, said they would fight a "bloodless war" against the NPA that focuses on bringing development on tribal lands.
Philippine News Agency
Castro: Duterte’s red-tagging puts our safety at risk
Representative France Castro of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) party-list on Tuesday acknowledged that she does not feel safe after President Rodrigo Duterte labeled her a communist rebel.
GMA News
IP children in the crossfire of Talaingod incident
MORE than a dozen children, who were with the group in last week’s Talaingod incident, are now staying in government care facilities — for their protection or a violation of their rights? The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) asserts that keeping the 12 girls and two boys, who are members of indigenous people (IP) communities, under their custody is necessary while the case is being processed.
Business World Online
Court orders DSWD-11 to produce 12 Salugpungan learners
Executive Judge Emmanuel Carpio ordered the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Region 11 (DSWD-11) to produce the 12 minors rescued from the group of Bayan Muna president Satur Ocampo in Talaingod, Davao del Norte, last week. Judge Carpio on Monday granted a writ of habeas corpus filed by lawyers of parents of the 12 minors who were handed over to the DSWD-11 following the arrest of Ocampo, Act Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro, and 16 others consisting of a school administrator and teachers of the Salugpungan Community Learning Center (SCLC) in Talaingod.
Philippine News Agency
Davao Norte gov, Salugpongan school head trade barbs over arrest of Talaingod 18
The governor of Davao del Norte and the head of the school for Lumad (Indigenous Peoples) in Talaingod town exchanged tirades over the arrest of former Bayan Muna representative Satur Ocampo and other personalities last week.
Mindanews
DepEd says no closure order vs Lumad school
The Department of Education (DepEd) clarified on Tuesday, December 4, that it did not order the closure of the Salugpongan Ta’Tanu Igkanogon Community Learning Center in Talaingod, Davao del Norte. The DepEd was responding to claims that it had ordered a shutdown of the school after some of its students were evacuated during a humanitarian mission on November 28. The mission was carried out due to a food blockade and alleged harassment by state forces.
Rappler, Philippine Star, GMA News
Kalumaran tells President Duterte: ‘We fought the colonizers before NPA came’
The indigenous people in Mindanao has been waging war against Spanish and American colonizers, long before the communist New People’s Army (NPA) existed, said a militant lumad group on Tuesday, taking offense from President Duterte’s statement’s that the NPA has been using the Lumad.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine Daily Inquirer (2)
Palace to alleged communist fronts: Work within the law
Malacañang on Tuesday advised organizations supposedly allied with communist rebels not to violate the law after President Rodrigo Duterte backed the arrest of former Bayan Muna Representative Satur Ocampo and several others on kidnapping and trafficking charges.
GMA News
Davao region police chief assures fair probe on Ocampo, et al.
The chief of the Police Regional Office 11 (Davao Region) assured an impartial investigation on the cases involving Bayan Muna president and former House representative Satur Ocampo and 17 others, who are facing raps for alleged abuse and trafficking of minors. "The PNP will remain fair on the conduct of investigation and we will base our investigation on gathering facts and evidence and the testimonies of the victims and Lumad children," Chief Supt. Marcelo Morales said in a press briefing on Monday afternoon.
Philippine News Agency
Amid Satur Ocampo’s denial, DILG’s Año insists NPA recruiting minors to fight government
“BLATANT lie.” This is how Interior Secretary Eduardo M. Año refuted the claim of former Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo that the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), New People’s Army (NPA) and the National Democratic Front (NDF) are not recruiting minors to fight the government. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) chief was reacting to Ocampo’s remarks that recruiting child combatants is against the policy of the CPP and NPA.
Business Mirror
Disturbing pattern
On Wednesday last week, it was former Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo, ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro and 16 teachers, congressional staffers and pastors. On Monday, it was news website Rappler’s CEO Maria Ressa. The latest wave of arrests against vocal government critics paints a disturbing pattern of a crackdown on dissent under the Duterte administration.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
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NPA 'member' posts bail for illegal possession of firearm
A suspected member of the New People’s Army (NPA) who was arrested for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition in Guihulngan, Negros Oriental posted bail on Monday, thus was released from police custody.
Philippine News Agency
Rebel returnees get financial aid from Capitol
MISAMIS Oriental Governor Yevgeny Emano on Tuesday, December 4, vowed to extend financial aid on top of the national government's monetary assistance to communist rebels who will return to the folds of the law. Emano said this after the distribution of P4,000 financial assistance to each of the 13 former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who turned themselves in to the authorities in Misamis Oriental.
Sunstar Cagayan de Oro
Peace Talks
Incidents/ Operations
3 soldiers hurt in clash with NPA rebels in Quezon
Three Army soldiers were wounded in a clash with suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Sampaloc town, Quezon on Tuesday, the military said. First Lt. Felise Vida Solano, public information officer of the Armed Forces Southern Luzon Command (Solcom), said the encounter happened in Barangay San Bueno at 11:37 a.m.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
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DND verifying reports about entry of foreign terrorists through southern backdoor
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana Tuesday said that they are verifying reports about the reported entry to the country of foreign terrorists from Malaysia and Indonesia via the southern backdoor. In an interview over CNN Philippines’ The Source, Lorenzana said reports such as this are one of the reasons why there is a need to extend martial law in Mindanao for another year.
Manila Bulletin
Martial law needed vs foreign terrorists
Another one-year extension of martial law is needed to hunt down foreign terrorists who have entered the country through the southern backdoor, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on Tuesday.
The Manila Times
Martial law extension in Mindanao won’t solve terrorism — Samira Gutoc
Pursuing an armed approach in Mindanao is bound to fail, Marawi civic leader Samira Gutoc warned on Tuesday as she opposed the proposed extension of martial law in Mindanao for the third time.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Two Maute, ISIS remnants surrender to military in Lanao del Sur
Two Maute, ISIS remnants involved in the first week of the Marawi siege last year surrendered to the military in Tubaran, Lanao del Sur on Monday night. Lt. Col. Ian Noel Ignes, commander of the Army’s 55th Infantry Battalion under the Joint Task Force Ranao, said Comander and Mamac (not their true names) turned themselves in to government troops through the effort of local government units.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine News Agency
Peace Dialogue-Conference with youth leaders on PCVE and RA11054 held
Thirty Five (35) young leaders from the Bangsamoro (ARMM), North Cotabato, Sarangani Province and other areas converged to discuss issues confronting youth development highlighting efforts on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE), the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), including discrimination against minorities at Panorama Summit Hotel, Davao City on November 27-29, 2018.
Luwaran
MARAWI
Solons to visit Marawi to check property where permanent shelters will be constructed
Members of the House subcommittee on Marawi rehabilitation and reconstruction are expected to visit the battle-scarred city next week to personally check the property where permanent shelters for the siege victims are set to be constructed.
Manila Bulletin
SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE WORLD
Ahmed Kilani is using Islam to rehabilitate extremists
Disowned by his father, who refused to visit him, Imran was consumed by rage and hatred. But then he met Ahmed. Ahmed Kilani is one of four Muslim chaplains employed across NSW prisons to counter extremist doctrines and provide spiritual guidance to the small population of Muslim inmates. Every month, he drives hundreds of hours across the state to visit Goulburn Supermax, Long Bay, Lithgow, Bathurst and Oberon prisons.
ABC News
The Muslim World Remains Largely Mute on Uyghurs’ Plight
In 2005, the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten published caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad, initiating a wave of outrage across the Muslim world. Egypt, Gaza, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Malaysia were among the many sites of large protests related to the cartoons. Denmark suffered economic repercussions. Iran cut its trade ties with the country, for example, and Kuwait boycotted Danish dairy products.
The Diplomat
Egypt's Observatory for Monitoring Takfiri Fatwas: World Terrorism Declined in Nov.
The Observatory for Monitoring Takfiri Fatwas and Extremist Ideologies at Egypt's Dar al-Ifta said there was a relative decline in violence and terrorism during the last week of November in which a total of 191 victims were recorded compared to the third week of the same month which saw 685 victims.
Asharq Al-Awsat
Possible Terrorism Charges Against the New Mexico Jihadi Cultists
Federal authorities are now investigating possible terrorism charges against the New Mexico jihadi cultists, reported the Albuquerque Journal. The cult members are currently being held on firearms and conspiracy charges. Based on evidence found at their compound in New Mexico (on land which they illegally occupied between December 2017 and August 2018) as well as testimony by some of the older of the 11 starving children whom local police rescued from the compound, federal prosecutors say the group had “a common plan to prepare for violent attacks on government, military, educational and financial institutions.”
Clarion Project
Cyber threats, spying bigger threat to Canada than terrorism: spy chief
Foreign interference including cyber threats and espionage poses greater strategic challenges to Canada than terrorism, the nation’s spy chief said in a rare public speech on Tuesday. “Activities by hostile states can have a corrosive effect on our democratic systems and institutions,” said David Vigneault, head of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service.
Reuters
9/11 Commission leaders: Turning the tide on extremism in fragile states
Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Global Fragility and Violence Reduction Act (HR 5273) with a large majority but little fanfare. Buried under news about party and committee leadership races, the legislation signals an important bipartisan consensus on the need for a different approach to tackling some of our most pressing national security challenges.
The Hill
Misuse of anti-terror legislation threatens freedom of expression
“When terrorism spreads, states are often tempted to restrict fundamental freedoms for the sake of fighting it and preventing further attacks”, says Dunja Mijatović, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, in her Human Rights Comment published today.
Council of Europe
The Billions and Extremism – Qatar and the UK
Foreign funding of Islamist groups is one of the most contentious, sensitive and opaque problems in countering extremism. Terrorist money is not the issue here – it has been hunted down worldwide since 9/11. Outside that target zone, though, some socially divisive religious centers and activities in Europe have been generously funded by foreign donors, entirely legally and with little or no hindrance.
European Eye on Radicalization
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Nur Misuari arraignment for corruption set in 2019
The anti-graft court Sandiganbayan denied the plea of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari to dismiss the corruption charges against him, and set his arraignment for next year.
Rappler
Zubiri wants Galvez to replace Dureza; peace advocates say no to military Peace Adviser
A week after Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza resigned following President Rodrigo Duterte’s firing of his two undersecretaries due to corruption, no successor has been appointed even as names have been floated, including retiring Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Carlito Galvez.
Mindanews
EU vows continued support for Mindanao peace process
The European Union (EU) has reiterated its support for the Mindanao peace process during the launch of Mohagher Iqbal's book retracing the Bangsamoro's challenges to self-determination. EU Ambassador to the Philippines Franz Jessen was among the attendees at the launch of the book, "Negotiating Peace: An Insider’s Perspective to the Bangsamoros’ Struggle for Self-Determination", in Cotabato City on Monday.
Philippine News Agency
BANGSAMORO ORGANIC LAW
AFP, BIFF clash ahead of campaigning for the Bangsamoro plebiscite
A major firefight involving artillery fire erputed between Philippine security forces and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) gumen on Tuesday in Maguindanao province's Ampatuan town.
GMA News
Philippines: MILF head seeks end to decades of struggle
As the Philippines prepares to hold a plebiscite in January on the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, which is expected to bring greater autonomy to the predominantly Muslim region of Bangsamoro on Mindanao island, Turkish aid agency the Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH) hosted the chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Istanbul.
Anadolu News Agency (Turkey)
5 Zambo villages want to join BOL plebescite
At least five barangays here have expressed intention to be part of the January 2019 plebiscite that would determine the geographic composition of the new Bangsamoro region, an official of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) here said Monday. Lawyer Stephen Roy Cañete, District 1 election officer, on Monday named the five barangays as Busay, Landang Gua, Tumalutab, Cawit, and Arena Blanco.
Philippine News Agency
Comelec verifies petitioners’ signatures
AN OFFICIAL of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced that some of the petitioners who want to join the new Bangsamoro region have withdrawn their signatures from the appeal. First District Election Officer Stephen Roy Cañete revealed that only few appeared in his office to confirm that they have signed the petition.
Sunstar Zamboanga
Conversation on BOL from Bullets to Ballots
“Breaking Boundaries Conversation from Bullets to Ballots” was the title of a of teachers and students from different barangays of North Cotabato held on December 2, 2018 at Asian Foundation College of Technology, Kabacan, North Cotabato.
Luwaran
UBJP Maguindanao orients poll watchers, assistors for BOL Plebiscite
The United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP)-Maguindanao oriented selected poll watchers and assistors for the January 21st plebiscite to ratify the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL). UBJP Maguindanao Secretary Rahib Payapat told the participants that their overwhelming ‘Yes’ votes for BOL will result to the establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Government.
Luwaran
MAGUINDANAO AND COTABATO CITY
Army invites Cotabato mayoralty contenders in dialogue
Two female politicians vying for Cotabato City’s mayoralty position for the 2019 polls have vowed to work for the development of the locality amid their political ambitions. On Monday, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander invited Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi and Maguindanao first district and Cotabato City Rep. Bai Sandra Sema to speak before the troops during the flag-raising ceremony inside this camp.
Philippine News Agency
Police want murderers of 3 Teduray farmers prosecuted soon
A special task force is now investigating on last week’s execution by gunmen of three ethnic Teduray farmers in Datu Odin Sinsuat town. The victims, Virgilio Francis and his siblings Arnilo and Marlo, were killed by gunmen using assault rifles and an M60 machinegun in Barangay Sibuto, Datu Odin Sinsuat last November 27.
NDBC News
LANAO PROVINCES
BASILAN
SULU
TAWI-TAWI
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DRUGS
Duterte Using Marijuana Is No Joke
President Rodrigo Duterte said this week that he uses marijuana to stay awake, especially during foreign travel. Will anti-drug agents dare to raid Malacañang, the presidential palace, now that its occupant has admitted to using drugs?
Human Rights Watch, Newsweek
Duterte’s marijuana joke won’t affect ‘war on drugs’ – PDEA chief
President Rodrigo Duterte’s joke about using marijuana will not adversely affect the government’s “war on drugs.” Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) chief Director General Aaron Aquino made this declaration on Tuesday, as he encouraged the public to get used to Mr. Duterte’s gags.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Duterte belies PNP estimates, says 3M are on illegal drugs
The country has three million Filipinos hooked on illegal drugs, not 1.6 million as estimated by the Philippine National Police (PNP), President Duterte said last Monday. The President opted to believe the higher number of drug users presented by former Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) chair Dionisio Santiago than the figure given by the police.
Manila Bulletin
Gordon blames influx of illegal drugs in PH to corruption, incompetence
The influx of illegal drugs in the Philippines is very serious because those who are employed to block their importation or inflow are either lax, are not serious in doing their jobs or are involved themselves. Sen. Richard J. Gordon told Senate reporters that he would sit down with Department of Justice (DoJ) Secretary Menardo Guevarra and give him his notes that show circumstantial evidence enough to convict those to be charged criminally.
Manila Bulletin
CHR welcomes Duterte's order to 're-assess' drug war
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Tuesday welcomed President Rodrigo Duterte's order for the police and military to "re-assess" the campaign against illegal drugs. "With this recognition and admission of the existence of abuses, we are hopeful that the administration will utilize all means to exact accountability from all perpetrators," CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia said in a statement.
ABS-CBN News
Rappler CEO vows to report on Duterte drug war amid arrest threat
A Filipina journalist, who leads a news website that has questioned Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's deadly drug war, has vowed to continue reporting on his administration's policies despite threats to arrest her and efforts to shut down her company.
Aljazeera
Duterte amenable to medical marijuana legalization
President Duterte has “never in his life” smoked marijuana but he is amenable to the legalization of such drug for medical purposes, Malacañang said Tuesday. Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the President has no qualms with allowing medical marijuana as long as it is regulated or controlled.
Manila Bulletin , Philippine Daily Inquirer
Poe, Lacson open to legalizing medical marijuana
Senators Grace Poe and Panfilo Lacson on Tuesday said they were open to legalizing marijuana but only for medical use. Poe cited cases of patients being assisted with medical marijuana but noted that it could not yet be considered a cure.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
De Lima: PAO chief’s claim on Kian case ‘false and illogical’
Detained opposition Senator Leila de Lima on Monday branded as “false and illogical” Public Attorneys Office (PAO) chief Persida Acosta’s claim that the conviction of the three police officers in the murder of 17-year old Kian delos Santos at the heels of the Duterte government’s war on drugs, proves that there is no state-sanctioned extra-judicial killings (EJKs).
Manila Bulletin
Lagman: If drug war is serious, Duterte shouldn’t joke about marijuana use
President Rodrigo Duterte’s apparent joke on using marijuana, a prohibited substance, proves that the drug war is a fatal failure, opposition lawmakers said Tuesday. Representatives Edcel Lagman of Albay and Tom Villarin of Akbayan party-list issued their remarks following the comments made by President Duterte on Monday night where he admitted to taking marijuana to keep him awake during international conferences, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit last month.
GMA News
Duterte’s marijuana joke not bad for children —Palace
President Rodrigo Duterte’s joke that he uses marijuana to stay awake in the middle of his tight schedule will have no effect on children who heard his speech and who might take his remark seriously, spokesman Salvador Panelo said on Tuesday.
GMA News
Clearing of Lapeña in ‘shabu’ mess questioned
The Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) on Tuesday said the sincerity of the Duterte administration’s antidrug campaign might be put into question because of a Senate committee’s decision to clear former Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña of any responsibility in the P11-billion “shabu” (crystal meth) smuggling scandal at the Port of Manila.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Operations/ Incidents
Recovery and Rehabilitation
ILLICIT FIREARMS, EXPLOSIVES AND AMMUNITION
CROSS-BORDER TRADING/ SMUGGLING
KIDNAPPING
5 Chinese nationals arrested for kidnapping
Five Chinese nationals suspected of being members of a kidnap-for-ransom syndicate victimizing fellow Chinese were arrested by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and police authorities. Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said agents from the BI Fugitive Search Unit (FSU), together with elements from the Philippine National Police Anti Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG), arrested the suspects on Nov. 28 during the raid at their hideout along Sampaloc Street, Casimiro Village, LasPiñas City.
Manila Bulletin
ILLICIT FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS
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Iloilo town festival showcases authentic IP culture, tradition
The municipality of Lambunao takes pride in the authentic culture and tradition of its natives that will be showcased in the week-long Binanog Festival from December 9-14. The cultural festival aims to “preserve the rich culture of Panay Bukidnon”. It is mimicry of the movement of the bird, which is performed every time there is an occasion, said Jennifer Osorio, the town's tourism officer.
Philippine News Agency
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De Lima hails Liberal International’s call for release of political prisoners
Detained opposition Senator Leila de Lima on Tuesday welcomed the Liberal International’s (LI) call for the release of imprisoned liberals and democrats, noting the rising trend of government critics being jailed in many parts of the world.
Manila Bulletin
House panel approves substitute bill protecting human rights advocates
The House Committee on Human Rights has passed a “landmark” measure, seeking to define the rights and fundamental freedoms of human rights defenders, and mandating government agencies to act within three days all reports about possible human rights violations.
Manila Bulletin
Ressa’s sickening culture of impunity, and her patent lies against us
WE should be outraged at the lies Maria Ressa, the president of the news website Rappler, has been spreading all over the world in order to cover up her and her media outfit’s violations of the law. Such is the extent to which she has gone in her culture of impunity, that she is above our nation’s laws.
The Manila Times
Killings
Riding-in-tandem gunmen kill Zamboanga del Sur town councilor
Motorcycle-riding men on Tuesday, December 4, gunned down a town councilor in Zamboanga del Sur, police said. In a spot report, Police Regional Office 9 (PRO-9) identified the victim as Councilor Romeo Mainar Sr of Sominot, Zamboanga del Sur.
Rappler, Philippine News Agency
Raps filed vs father of Sagay massacre survivor, cops
The mother of the 14-year-old boy, who survived the so-called Sagay City massacre, filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ) yesterday, December 4, a complaint against her son’s father and the police for trying to take him from her so that he could be used as a key witness in the killings.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine Star
PNP welcomes filing of charges vs cops and witness’ father in Sagay massacre
The Philippine National Police (PNP) welcomed on Tuesday the filing of charges against the cops and the father of a 14-year-old boy who survived a massacre at a farm plantation in Sagay, Negros Occidental which killed nine sugar workers two months ago.
Manila Bulletin
Martial Law
Martial law in Mindanao until 31 Dec 2019: from 60 days to 952 days
From 60 days to 222 to 587 to 952 days. From two months to seven to 19 to 31 months. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) are recommending to President Rodrigo Duterte yet another extension of martial law in Mindanao’s 27 provinces and 33 cities for another year, until 31 December 2019, bringing to 952 days the period of martial law from only 60 days when the President issued Proclamation 216 on May 23, Day 1 of the Marawi Siege.
Mindanews
CHR continues to reject proposed extension of Mindanao martial law
There is no need to extend anew the martial law in Mindanao, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said Tuesday. CHR Chairperson Chito Gascon said they are not convinced that the martial law should be extended in the South for third time as recommended by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard
AFP must justify request for martial law extension, adhere to Constitution – Pangilinan
The political opposition expressed fears on Tuesday that the control of the military in areas to be covered by martial law could affect the campaigning of opposition candidates and those not allied with the administration as the country.
Manila Bulletin, GMA News
Solon calls for audit of martial law funds
An audit is in order as far as the government’s funds for the implementation of martial law in Mindanao is concerned. Opposition lawmaker Akbayan Party-List Rep. Tom Villarin had this to say in a press conference Tuesday amid talks to once again extend the validity of military rule in the region.
Manila Bulletin
Defense chief Lorenzana backs Mindanao martial law extension
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Tuesday said he would follow the recommendation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to extend the imposition of martial law in Mindanao for another year.
GMA News
Analyst Heydarian's take on possible 3rd Mindanao martial law extension
Although it is the Executive branch's prerogative to further extend the martial law declaration in Mindanao, it must ensure that it will not lead to human rights abuses, GMA News resident analyst Richard Heydarian said Tuesday.
GMA News
MisOr governor to respect possible martial law extension
MISAMIS Oriental Governor Yevgeny Emano was noncommittal on the recommended extension of martial law in Mindanao, but said he will abide by the decision of President Rodrigo Duterte and the Congress. "I will leave it to the Senate and Congress,” Emano said.
Sunstar Cagayan de Oro
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Marijuana, EJKs and cursing: 5 times Duterte was ‘just kidding’
"You have to respect to the joke, you cannot deprive any person [the right] to crack jokes," presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Tuesday after President Rodrigo Duterte cracked a joke about smoking marijuana to stay awake. "It's a killing activity and I think my age, ako — hindi masyado — kasi nagma-marijuana ako para magising, sa iba hindi na kaya," Duterte said in remarks he later said were part of a joke to keep his speech from getting boring.
Philippine Star
How can you tell if Duterte is joking?
If President Rodrigo Duterte’s statement is illogical but still makes his audience laugh, then he is joking, according to presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo. The President told an audience on Monday that he used marijuana to stay awake, and then told reporters right after a second event that the assertion was a joke.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Duterte assures gov’t workers their political preference won’t affect appointments, promotions
The political affiliation of government workers should not get in the way of their appointment or promotion, President Duterte assured last Monday. The President said government employees should continue to be promoted at work, based on merit, adding he did not discriminate against those who support the political opposition.
Manila Bulletin
If Duterte remark is 'illogical,' he's joking – Panelo
President Rodrigo Duterte's spokesman and chief lawyer gave the public a tip on how to tell if the Chief Executive is joking or not. He said that if Duterte's remark defies logic, it must be a joke.
Rappler
Senators hit Palace and House pressure to pass 2019 budget in 4 days
“They sat on the proposed 2019 P3.737 trillion for three months and they want us to approve it in four days?” Senator Gregorio B. Honasan II blurted this emotional reaction to pressures both from the Executive branch and the House of Representatives that the Senate pass the proposed 2019 General Appropriations Act (GAA or national budget) on Friday.
Manila Bulletin
Duterte seeks dialogue with COA for causing ‘gridlock’ in gov’t projects
President Duterte is seeking a dialogue with the Commission on Audit (COA) to address its controversial decisions that derail investments in the country. The President has expressed concern about the “gridlock” in government projects and other investments caused by COA, saying it should be “sane enough” to know about the constitutional prohibition on dishonoring contractual obligations.
Manila Bulletin, Business World Online
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Lorenzana: Return of Balangiga bells to serve as closure, give honor for deaths on both sides
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Tuesday confirmed that the Balangiga Bells are expected to be back on Philippine soil by next week. A report by Maki Pulido on GMA News TV's Balitanghali on Tuesday said Lorenzana will personally be receiving the bells, which are expected to arrive at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on December 11 at 9 a.m.
GMA News
Robredo says LP’s ‘Project Makinig’ to listen to people’s needs
Like any other volunteer, Vice President Leni Robredo has joined her party’s campaign to meet and hear the testimonies of Filipinos experiencing difficulties in their lives. Project Makinig, the official name of opposition Liberal Party’s movement, has mobilized more than 2,000 volunteers nationwide to engage in face-to-face conversations with their fellow Filipinos.
Manila Bulletin
DISASTER
MINDANAO
Proposal to change name of ComVal to Davao de Oro nears Senate approval
The Senate has approved, on second reading, a bill changing the name of Compostela Valley to Davao de Oro on Monday, governor Jayvee Tyron Uy said in a statement. Uy said he was elated with the passage of the bill on second reading, and expected that by the end of the year, it will be approved into law.
Manila Bulletin
ELECTION RELATED
Comelec to determine ballot listing Wednesday, urges partylist groups to attend raffle
Partylist groups better be at the Commission on Elections on Wednesday, December 5, if they want to be included in the raffle that will determine the order of their listing in the official ballot in the May 2019 midterm polls. The Commission on Elections said partylist groups, organizations or coalitions who fail or neglect to send a representative with a written authority under oath during the raffle shall be considered to have waived their right to participate.
Manila Bulletin
Election-related Violence
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
House ends debates on draft federal constitution
Efforts to amend the 1987 Constitution are moving fast at the House of Representatives, with plenary debates terminated for Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) 15 late Wednesday night, December 3. What is RBH 15? Penned by no less than Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and 35 other legislators, RBH 15 contains the House’s proposed draft constitution that would shift the country to federalism.
Rappler, GMA News
JUDICIARY
Ahead of JBC interviews, SC lists recommendation for next justice
The Supreme Court en banc on Tuesday, December 4, made known to the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) its official choices for the next justice. Court Administrator and new spokesperson, Midas Marquez, announced on Tuesday the en banc’s short list, which includes himself.
Rappler
16 state prosecutors appointed
Sixteen state prosecutors have been appointed for the Department of Justice (DOJ). Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra announced that Malacanang released the appointments just this Monday for the new prosecutors.
Manila Bulletin
LEGISLATIVE
House panels back withdrawal from IPU
TWO committees of the House of Representatives on Tuesday approved a measure supporting the country’s withdrawal from the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and a bill mandating government agencies to act within three days on all reports of possible human-rights violations.
Business Mirror
House oversight panel to hold hearings during Xmas break — Suarez
The newly-formed Committee on Public Accounts will spend the Christmas break holding public hearings at the House of Representatives. House Minority Leader Danilo Suarez, committee chairman, underscored the “broadened scope” of the erstwhile-known Committee on Oversight.
Manila Bulletin
Senators vow to finish 2019 budget deliberations by Friday
Senators yesterday went into a closed door caucus to discuss their difficult self-imposed deadline to pass the proposed P3.75 trillion national budget on Friday. ‘’It is impossible to accomplish this,’’ Senator Panfilo M. Lacson said at the start of the Senate plenary session presided over by Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III.
Manila Bulletin
House approves bill renaming Clark airport after Diosdado Macapagal
The House of Representatives on Monday, December 3, approved the bill that seeks to revert the name of the Clark International Airport to the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport, after the late president and father of Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Rappler
House wants to create Philippine Space Agency
Legislators are backing a bill that would create the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), which would be in charge of developing and promoting the country's national space program. On Tuesday, December 4, the House of Representatives approved House Bill (HB) 8541 on 3rd and final reading with a vote of 207-0-0. Its Senate version has passed the committee level.
Rappler
LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)
DEFENSE AND SECURITY
Philippines eyes possible chopper deal with Turkey — reports
The Philippine government may soon close an agreement with Turkey to purchase military helicopters, according to a report. Tokyo-based The Diplomat reported that the Philippines had identified the Turkish Aerospace Industries' (TAI) T129 multirole combat helicopters as the replacement for the canceled deal with Canada.
Philippine Star
ECONOMY AND INVESTMENTS
PH stocks rally above 7,700
Philippine stocks rallied above 7,700 on Tuesday ahead of the release of inflation data today. The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) was up 2.27 percent, or 171.02 points, to 7,703.92 as investors bet that inflation, whose upward trend in recent months was a major cause of market volatility, would continue to slow.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Duterte approves 2019 fuel tax hike
President Rodrigo Duterte approved the second round of diesel and gasoline excise tax hikes during the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, December 4, Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said. The meeting, ongoing as of posting, tackled the recommendation of Duterte's economic managers to push through with the hike, to be implemented on January 1, 2019.
Rappler
BUILD, BUILD, BUILD
OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
GRAFT AND CORRUPTION
FOREIGN RELATIONS
Chinese Expansionism
Norberto Gonzales, national security adviser during the incumbency of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, has rung alarm bells about a possible attack on the Philippines by China. This was his reaction to the co-exploration agreement signed by President Rodrigo Duterte and President Xi Jinping. Gonzales warned that the agreement is just another step in China’s covetous designs on the Philippines, characterized by its virtual occupation of Philippine territory in the South China Sea.
Business World Online
West Philippine Sea
Progress between China and the Philippines can’t guarantee peace in the South China Sea
Despite warmer ties over the past two years, China’s maritime row with the Philippines did not escape discussion during President Xi Jinping’s historic visit to Manila on November 20 and 21. It was tackled in the context of dispute management, confidence-building and the pursuit of practical cooperation, however, reaffirming both sides’ commitment to the present track. Nevertheless, while improved ties are welcome, they are no guarantee of a calmer South China Sea.
South China Morning Post
Palace expresses reservations about confirming China weather stations in West PHL Sea
Malacañang on Tuesday expressed reservations about a physical verification of the presence of weather observation stations in Chinese-occupied artificial islands in the disputed South China Sea, saying it might provoke Beijing.
GMA News
LABOR
Villanueva pushes for workers’ increased incentive leave pay to 10 days
Senator Joel Villanueva has urged his colleagues to pass the bill that would increase service incentive leave pay of workers in the private sector. Villanueva, chair of the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development, on Monday sponsored for plenary debates Senate Bill No. 1614 which seeks to raise the service incentive leave of employees to 10 days.
Manila Bulletin
Give 13th month pay, employers told
Employers should give the mandatory 13th month pay of their workers on or before December 24 as mandated by law, the Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (ALU-TUCP) said on Tuesday.
The Manila Times
TRANSPORTATION
LTFRB to sanction drivers who fail to charge minimum P9 fare rollback
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board warned drivers that they might face sanctions should they fail to implement the provisional minimum fare rollback to P9 which took effect starting Tuesday.
Manila Bulletin
HEALTH
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
EDUCATION
DepEd begins ‘Brigada Eskwela’ jingle contest for 2019
To drum up next year’s conduct of its annual cleanup initiative for public schools, the Department of Education (DepEd) enjoined schools to join next year’s jingle contest for the “Brigada Eskwela.” Education Secretary Leonor Briones, in DepEd Memorandum No. 186 series of 2018, issued the guidelines and criteria for the 2019 Brigada Eskwela Jingle Contest. DepEd, through the External Partnerships Service (EPS), will conduct the said jingle contest from November 2018 to January 2019.
Manila Bulletin
ENERGY
POVERTY
HOUSING
TOURISM
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY
#BeCyberSafe project aims to shield children from online abuse
The Department of Education (DepEd) has launched the #BeCyberSafe project to educate students, teachers, and parents regarding the online threats against children and how they can remain safe online. The DepED, along with Stairway Foundation and the Internet and Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines (IMMAP), introduced #BeCyberSafe to the press on November 9. It was unveiled to coincide with the National Children’s Month celebration every November.
ABS-CBN News
Internet users increasing, says SWS
The proportion of Filipino adults using the internet has been steadily increasing, based on the third quarter Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey results released on Tuesday. In the nationwide survey conducted from Sept. 15 to 23 among 1,500 respondents, SWS found that 41 percent of Filipino adults are Internet users.
Manila Bulletin, GMA News
DEVELOPMENT SECTOR
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