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CEMS Bulletin - July & August 2019
 The Bangsamoro confronted a growing insurgency problem, just as the rains, which provided relief from the heat, turned into a deluge that brought misery to the people. Meanwhile, winners of the May polls began their terms, eager to deliver on election promises, yet aware of the many challenges they face.
Read our July and August Critical Events Monitoring System (CEMS) Bulletin, which was pieced using International Alert’s CEMS reports. The CEMS is a platform used by the Early Response Network to capture, record, and relay critical events to relevant stakeholders in order to coordinate quick and context-specific response.
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SC junks Fil-Am NPA recruit's amparo plea
The Supreme Court (SC) has dismissed a petition for amparo and habeas data by Filipino-American Melissa Roxas who underwent training with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) in northern Luzon.
Philippine News Agency
The Trouble with the New Anti-Subversion Act Push for the Philippines
Last year, the Philippines moved forward with a key executive order designed to shore up its approach to defeating a decades-old communist insurgency. The move bears noting within the broader question of the country’s overall approach to resolving the manifold security challenges it continues to confront under Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.
The Diplomat
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Bayan Muna rep’s attitude vs. IPs very disconcerting: Parlade
A ranking official of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC) on Wednesday said he finds it odd that Bayan Muna Party-list Representative Eufemia Cullamat continues to pin the blame on the military the abuses committed against the indigenous peoples (IPs) even when they are telling the whole world that the atrocities are the handiwork of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA).
Philippine News Agency
No government funds spent for IPs’ Europe trip
THE Duterte government did not use taxpayers’ money for the Europe tour of select members of indigenous communities in the country, a Palace official said Wednesday, October 10.
Sunstar Manila
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Salugpungan closure draws mix reactions
The decision of the Department of Education-Region 11 (DepEd-11) to shut down the 55 Salugpungan Ta'tanu Igkanugon Community Learning Center Inc. (STTICLCI) has drawn mixed reactions, with several sectors applauding it while others remain critical.
Philippine News Agency
Solon hits DepEd over closure order of Salugpongan schools
Bayan Muna partylist Representative Eufemia “Ka Femia” Cullamat condemned the closure order issued by the Department of Education (DepEd)-Davao against the 55 schools operated by the Salugpongan Ta’ Tanu Igkanogon Community Learning Center, Inc. in Davao Region nearly eight months after National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon sought the closure of the schools for their alleged links to the communist movement.
Mindanews
‘Permanent closure order to deprive Lumad children of education’
The Save Our Schools Network assailed the recent Department of Education (DepEd) resolution, ordering the permanent closure of at least 54 schools catering to indigenous peoples as a completion of the “full cycle of systematic attack” on tribal schools.
Bulatlat
Army in Caraga welcomes closure of Salugpungan schools
Top officials of the Philippine Army in Caraga Region welcomed the decision of the Department of Education in Davao Region (DepEd-11) to shut down the operations of Salugpungan schools in Region 11.
Philippine News Agency
Authorities, datu laud Salugpungan's closure
AUTHORITIES and a Lumad leader lauded the decision of the Department of Education (DepEd) for the total closure of the Salugpongan Tatanu Igkanugon Community Learning Center Inc. (Salugpungan) and its affiliated schools.
Sunstar Davao
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Reds refute AFP’s claim that Laguna is ‘insurgency -free’
A regional spokesperson of the communist rebels strongly refuted the claim of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that the province of Laguna is now “insurgency-free.”
Philippine Daily Inquirer
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Director questions PNP’s campaign against his film in anti-insurgency drive
Award-winning director Kip Oebanda was not particularly pleased that the Philippine National Police is trying to campaign against his film “Liway” in its efforts against communist rebels. He claimed in a tweet the state forces were “distributing anti-terrorism flyers” against the Martial Law-related movie and “lumping it with their anti-NPA (New People’s Army) and anti-drug campaign.”
Interaksyon
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Northern Samar town denounces NPA
The local government of Mondragon, Northern Samar on Tuesday declared the New People’s Army (NPA) persona non grata, saying that insurgency is a major setback to development.
Philippine News Agency
NoCot sets ‘service caravan’ to sustain gains of EO 70
The North Cotabato provincial government seeks to sustain the gains of peace initiatives across the province by pushing for the full implementation of Executive Order (EO) 70 or the "whole-of-nation" approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace, an official said Wednesday.
Philippine News Agency
P5-M halfway house for ex-rebels to rise in Ilocos Norte
The construction of a halfway house for former rebels in the province of Ilocos Norte is expected to break ground here before the year ends.
Philippine News Agency
Iloilo contractors told: Ask police help for projects’ protection
The Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) has advised contractors handling road projects in the hinterlands to inform them of their operations for security and protection.
Philippine News Agency
Teenage NPA rebel surrenders in Bulacan
A 17-year-old female member of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to authorities last month, citing the neglect she felt from the leftist group when she gave birth.
Philippine News Agency
Peace Talks
Incidents/ Operations
3 communist leaders nabbed in Cagayan
Three alleged high-ranking female leaders of the New People’s Army (NPA) and a suspected member were arrested in twin operations in Gattaran town and this city on Tuesday, police said.
Philippine News Agency, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine Star, Business Mirror, Business World Online
Joint police-military force clash with suspected NPAs in Kabankalan City
A firefight has erupted between a joint police-military team and a group of suspected rebels in a hinterland area of Kabankalan City this evening, October 9, 2019, the military said.
Cebu Daily News
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MARAWI
Dealing with distress from the Marawi siege
The five-month conflict in Marawi City in 2017 continues to affect many Filipinos today. The heavily damaged structures and the thousands who remain displaced are grim reminders of what armed conflicts can do.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE WORLD
Trump, Pentagon Have No Contingency Plan for ISIS Jailbreakers As Turkey Attacks U.S. Allies in Syria
As Turkish warplanes bomb U.S.-backed Kurdish allies in northeastern Syria, the Trump Administration has yet to draw up a strategy to safeguard and maintain the more than 30 detention camps that hold tens of thousands of ISIS fighters, families and sympathizers spread across the region.
TIME
Public opinion and domestic terrorism: What we can learn from Israel
The U.S. government is starting to pay more serious attention to domestic extremism. Acting Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan acknowledged recently that domestic terrorism was becoming a priority “for the first time.”
The Hill
Terrorism crisis protocol to arrest spread of extremist content
The fifth annual meeting of the EU Internet Forum has produced a terrorism Crisis Protocol to address the spread of viral terrorist content online.
Government Europa
US counter-terrorism analyst arrested for leaking classified reports
US Defense Intelligence Agency analyst Henry Frese is accused of divulging top secret reports, including details about a foreign country's weapons system. Officials say he was romantically involved with one of the two journalists.
BBC News
China strongly condemns U.S. inclusion of Xinjiang police departments in "Entity List"
China's national anti-terrorism leading group office on Wednesday voiced strong condemnation of and firm opposition to the United States adding Chinese entities including police departments in Xinjiang to its "Entity List."
Xinhua
Extremists find new home in online app Telegram
Experts say that two months after 8chan, the fringe social network known as a breeding ground for white supremacists, went offline, other platforms are now attracting extremist voices.
The Hill
Cameroon's electoral body vows action against extremism during general elections
Cameroon's electoral body Elections Cameroon (Elecam) on Wednesday said it is working to ensure that misinformation and violent extremism is made impossible in the upcoming general elections.
Xinhua
American hostage held by ISIS is alive: Niger president
An American missionary abducted by Islamic State-linked terrorists in Africa three years ago is still alive and in captivity, the president of Niger said in a recent interview with ABC News.
ABC News
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BARMM
MAGUINDANAO AND COTABATO CITY
PDEA-BARMM arrests suspects, dismantles 'drug den'
Anti-narcotics operatives on Wednesday arrested five people, including a woman, during a drug sting operation in Barangay Kabuntalan here, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-BARMM) said.
Philippine News Agency, NDBC News
NORTH COTABATO
LANAO PROVINCES
Lanao Norte townsfolk surrender 28 loose firearms
A total of 28 loose firearms with ammunition were surrendered by the residents to government authorities in Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte, military officials said Wednesday.
Philippine News Agency
BASILAN
Isabela City mayor reports 100 days accomplishments
Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman on Wednesday highlighted the enactment of four city ordinances as among the modest accomplishments of her administration during the first 100 days in office.
Philippine News Agency
Air Force choppers drop toys, candies for Basilan kids
When the whipping blades of Philippine Air Force choppers roar in the skies of Basilan, it usually means military operations are underway. But on Friday last week, two helicopters of the 206th Tactical Helicopter Squadron did not drop bombs but poured out toys, balloons and candies for the children of Barangay Tuburan in the town of Mohammad Ajul.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
SULU
TAWI-TAWI
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DRUGS
Gordon: Most foreigners in illegal drug trade are Chinese
Most foreigners involved in big-time illegal drug trade in the Philippines are Chinese, Senator Richard J. Gordon said on Wednesday.
Manila Bulletin
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Lacadin implicates Albayalde in 2013 drug sting in Pampanga
“Kaunti lang naman ang napunta sa akin dyan.” This was what Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde allegedly told retired General Rudy Lacadin during a previous phone conversation about the probe on the 2013 drug sting rife with irregularities conducted by 13 Pampanga police officers.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Albayalde denies hand in 2013 Mexico, Pampanga buy-bust
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde on Wednesday maintained that he did not have a hand on the case of the 13 Pampanga policemen, who were his former subordinates and who were involved in an alleged illegal drug buy-bust operation in 2013.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin
Gordon: Lacadin’s claim vs. Albayalde carries weight
“I was shocked. I thought I was going to fall off my chair.” Sen. Richard Gordon told reporters that this was his reaction to the revelation of retired Police Gen. Rudy Lacadin about Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde on Wednesday during the Senate hearing on the so-called ninja cops.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Magalong: Ex-cop gave ‘strong evidence’ vs Albayalde
The testimony of a retired police general during the Senate probe on Wednesday on the so-called ninja cops provided strong evidence against Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong said.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Albayalde says he’s ready to approve dismissal of former subordinates tagged as ‘ninja cops’
The beleaguered PNP chief made the assurance at the resumption of the Senate inquiry on the alleged involvement of “ninja cops” in the recycling of seized illegal drugs.
Manila Bulletin
Magalong calls Albayalde a ‘liar’ in Senate ‘ninja cops’ hearing
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong confronted on Wednesday Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Oscar Albayalde for “lying” about his involvement in the controversial drug bust in Pampanga in 2013.
Manila Bulletin
‘Ninja cop’ probe: No-show police officer ordered arrested
A police officer tagged in the mishandling of evidence during a drug sting in Mexico, Pampanga, in November 2013 has been cited in contempt at the Senate and ordered arrested for his non-attendance at the probe on the so-called “ninja cops.”
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin
Ex-top cop Purisima, other former PNP execs to testify vs ‘ninja cops’
Former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Alan Purisima and former Central Luzon police director retired Brig. Gen. Raul Petrasanta appeared at the Senate on Wednesday to testify during the resumption of the committee hearing on the “ninja cops” controversy.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin
Albayalde concedes: ‘Very inappropriate’ to ask not to enforce an order
Philippine National Philippines chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde admitted on Wednesday that asking someone not to enforce an order was “very inappropriate.”
Philippine Daily Inquirer
PNP relieved from apprehension on Albayalde’s fate with Duterte pronouncement
The entire Philippine National Police (PNP) has been relieved from apprehension following the pronouncement of President Rodrigo Duterte that he wants “clear proof” first before deciding the fate of PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde in relation to the issue on drug recycling.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Sotto to critics of Senate probe on ‘ninja cops:’ Zip it
Senate President Vicente Sotto III hit back at critics of the Senate panel’s investigation into the “ninja cops” issue, saying that those who are not familiar with the Senate rules should just “zip it.”
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin
Drilon: ‘Unseen hand’ evident in case of Pampanga cops
Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon believes that an “unseen hand” intervened in the implementation of a dismissal order against a group of Pampanga cops who allegedly stashed millions worth of “shabu” seized from a buy-bust operation in November 2013.
Manila Bulletin
Banac: Drug recycling controversy at PNP won’t affect credibility of drug war
The credibility of President Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war will not be affected amid the alleged drug recycling controversy in the police force, a Philippine National Police (PNP) official said.
Manila Bulletin
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PNP training service chief warns trainees: ‘Never be involved in drugs’
“First and foremost that is my advice to them, never be involved in illegal drugs.” This was the message of Brig. Gen. Rey Lyndon Lawas, head of the Philippine National Police Training Service (PNPTS), to 100 newly-accepted police recruits amid the controversial issue of law enforcers linked to drug recycling.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
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Senators grill PDEA chief on why he left case folder of Baloyo, ‘ninja cops’ unattended
Senators grilled Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) chief Aaron Aquino Wednesday on why he left the case of P/Major Rodney Baloyo and the 12 other police officers involved in the “agaw-bato” case in Mexico, Pampanga in 2013 unattended on his desk.
Manila Bulletin
PDEA chief admits adding security for family
Philippine Drug Enforcement Authority (PDEA) Director General Aaron Aquino on Wednesday admitted having additional security measures for his family after he testified at the Senate probe on the so-called “ninja cops.”
Philippine Daily Inquirer
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700 ‘rogue’ cops under tight watch – PNP
The Philippine National Police is closely monitoring some 700 active and former police officers allegedly involved in the drug trade and other illegal activities, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said Wednesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Operations/ Incidents
P102-M 'shabu' seized in QC Circle buy-bust
Authorities seized 15 kilos of suspected shabu and arrested a Chinese national, who is allegedly a member of a drug syndicate, in a buy-bust operation at the Quezon City Memorial Circle (QCMC), the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said on Wednesday.
Philippine News Agency
Elusive high value target falls in Toledo City
Police arrested a provincial-level high-value target (HVT), who was in possession of almost P10 million worth of illegal drugs, in a buy-bust operation in Toledo City on Wednesday, October 9.
Cebu Daily News
'Pusher' carrying P581K shabu slain in GenSan drug bust
A target-listed drug personality from Maguindanao province was killed in a shootout with police operatives in a village here on Tuesday night, a police official said Wednesday.
Philippine News Agency
P500-K worth of shabu seized from 2 Marawi drug couriers
Two alleged teenage drug couriers from Marawi City yielded more than P500,000 in shabu during a buy-bust operation yesterday morning.
The Mindanao Times
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Pangasinan town exec proposes 'adopt a surrenderer' project
Mayor Leopoldo Bataoil of this town plans to reintegrate drug dependents here who surrendered themselves for reformation through a project called 'Adopt a Surrenderer'.
Philippine News Agency
ILLICIT FIREARMS, EXPLOSIVES AND AMMUNITION
CROSS-BORDER TRADING/ SMUGGLING
BOC intercepts P4-M worth of chemical refrigerants from China with no DENR permit
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has intercepted a 20-feet container van which had P4 million worth of chemical refrigerants which did not have the necessary clearance from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – Environmental Management Bureau.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
KIDNAPPING
ILLEGAL GAMBLING
ILLICIT FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS/ EXTORTION
NBI set to refute denials of KAPA respondents over involvement in investment scam
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will be given the opportunity to refute the denials made by Kapa-Community Ministry founder and president Joel Apolinario and his co-respondents over allegations of being involved in an investment scam.
Manila Bulletin
Investment scam 'agent' from Cavite nabbed in GenSan
olice arrested an alleged agent of an investment scam in an entrapment operation in a village here on Tuesday. During a media briefing on Wednesday, Maj. Tirso Pascual, chief of the Bula police station, said the suspect, Emmanuel Orcullo, 22, was nabbed following a transaction around 10 a.m. inside a vehicle on Acharon Boulevard, Barangay Dadiangas South.
Philippine News Agency
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DAR awards land titles to 176 agrarian reform beneficiaries
The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has distributed land titles covering 153.9 hectares of agricultural land to 176 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARB) in Tanay, Rizal.
Manila Bulletin
KMP deplores alleged attacks against land rights defenders
Militant farmers’ group Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) has slammed the alleged successive attacks against land rights defenders and chiding the government for abetting these atrocities.
Manila Bulletin
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Press Freedom/ Freedom of expression
MMDA spox files cyberlibel complaints vs 2 socmed pages for ‘fake news vs MMDA’
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Spokesperson Celine Pialago on Wednesday filed cyberlibel complaints against two social media pages for “malicious and fake” posts.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Martial Law
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China ignores Duterte's drug war as Philippines softens stand on South China Sea — report
China ignored President Rodrigo Duterte's bloody war on drugs while the Philippines has scaled down its opposition against Beijing's activities in the disputed South China Sea, a London-based think tank reported.
Philippine Star
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What the President’s Russia trip revealed
President Duterte visited Russia for the second time to broaden and deepen ties with the world’s largest country—Russia occupies one-tenth of all the land on Earth—in all areas of cooperation from security and defense to trade and investment, agriculture, energy, science and technology, and socio-cultural exchanges. The trip was capped by a pledge from his idol, Russian President Vladimir Putin, who promised to support the Philippines in fighting terrorism.
Business Mirror
What Does Duterte’s Valdai Speech Mean for Philippine Foreign Policy?
A week before the start of the country’s third annual Kamandag (Venom) military exercises with the United States, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, in his second visit to Russia, reaffirmed his administration’s foreign policy thrust. In his speech at the Valdai Discussion Club at Sochi, he also outlined challenges to the global order.
The Diplomat
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Duterte is fit to lead the country, says DOH secretary
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Wednesday said that the public should not be alarmed with the health status of President Duterte, assuring that the latter was still “fit” to lead the country.
Manila Bulletin
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Duterte’s satisfaction rating slips, but remains ‘very good’ – SWS
Filipinos’ satisfaction with the performance of President Duterte slightly waned but remained “very good” in the third quarter 2019 Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey results.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine News Agency
Palace: Food on the table a sign of good life
Malacañang said that putting food on the table is already a sign of living a good life, along with the availability of healthcare services.
Manila Bulletin
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Gov’t asked to reconsider purchase of P2-B luxury aircraft
Opposition Senator Francis N. Pangilinan asked on Wednesday defense officials to reconsider their plans to buy a P2-billion Gulfstream luxury aircraft for the Philippine president and other top government officials.
Manila Bulletin
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
ELECTION RELATED
Parties in VP poll protest reminded anew: Observe gag order
The parties in the vice presidential poll protest pending before the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET) were reminded anew Wednesday to refrain from making public statements regarding the case.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine Star
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Elections for congressmen in 1st and 2nd districts of Southern Leyte set on Oct. 26
The October 26 first regular elections for congressmen in the first and second districts of Southern Leyte will be automated, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said.
Manila Bulletin
DISASTER
MINDANAO
MinDA chief calls for collaboration of national agencies
Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol has urged members of the Association of Regional Executives of National Agencies in Region 11 (ARENA-11) to closely collaborate on planning and implementing development programs and projects in Davao Region.
Philippine News Agency
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
JUDICIARY
SC upholds validity of minimum base pay for gov’t nurses at SG 15
The Supreme Court (SC) has upheld the validity of a provision in the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002, which states that the minimum base pay of government nurses should not be lower than salary grade 15.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin
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Bantag must ‘overcome’ persistent bribery at Bilibid – DOJ chief
The continuing cases of bribery at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) is a challenge that newly-appointed Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag has to beat, Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Wednesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin
Senate panel orders release of 2 BuCor officers held in contempt
The Senate has ordered the release of two Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) officers earlier cited in contempt for lying about their involvement in the so-called “GCTA for sale” scheme at the national penitentiary.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
LOOK: BuCor, police demolish shanties in Bilibid
Riding a Special Action Force (SAF) armored vehicle, Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag led the demolition of shanties inside the New Bilibid Prison on Wednesday, October 9.
Rappler
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De Lima disputes Bersamin: ‘US senators’ move to ban my oppressors not a PR tour de force
Senator Leila de Lima disputed on Wednesday the pronouncement of Supreme Court Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin that the proposal of the United States Senate appropriations committee to ban Filipino officials who are behind her detention from setting foot in the country is “obviously a PR tour de force” and an act of “interference.”
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin
LEGISLATIVE
Senate of the Philippines
Lacson bares billion-peso lump sums in House version of 2020 budget
The House of Representatives’ version of the 2020 national budget contains lump sum funds worth billions of pesos, Senator Panfilo Lacson said on Wednesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Senator Go marks first 100 days in office
Time flies when you are working and having fun. Neophyte Senator Christopher Lawrence ‘’Bong’’ T. Go has lost count of his days in office when asked how he would describe his first 100 days as a member of the 24-man Senate.
Manila Bulletin
House of Representatives
House panel ready to exercise oversight function on implementation of climate change laws
Citing the urgency of addressing the worsening effects of climate change in the country, the chairman of the House Special Committee on Climate Change has declared that it has become imperative for Congress to exercise its oversight function over the implementation of climate change laws.
Manila Bulletin
BUDGET, FINANCE and TAXATION
BIR rejects POGO’s tax proposal
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has turned down the proposal of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) seeking to lower the income tax payment of their more than 138,000 alien employes.
Manila Bulletin
LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)
Over 100 Manila barangay captains defied order to clear roads – DILG
More than 100 barangay captains in the City of Manila will be issued show-cause orders for their failure to clear sidewalks and streets of obstructions within President Rodrigo Duterte’s 60-day deadline, a Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) official said Wednesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin
DEFENSE AND SECURITY
Letters for the Philippine ‘Merciless’ Academy
Seven years ago, I wrote a column with the title “Hazing victims, willing victims.” It was a cruel thing to say while a family was mourning the loss of a beloved—that hazing victims are partly to blame for their own deaths. It is not nice to blame the dead, but some things have to be said.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
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PH-US military drill kicks off in Subic Bay
A 10-day joint military training involving more than 1,500 Filipino and American troops officially began here on Wednesday. The military drill was dubbed “Kamandag” or “Kaagapay ng mga Mandirigma ng Dagat (Cooperation of Warriors of the Sea)is on its third edition.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Japanese minister meets with Army Chief, wants stronger military ties with PH
The Philippine Army (PA) disclosed on Wednesday that the Japanese government has sought to bolster ties between the two countries, particularly in the area of military cooperation.
Manila Bulletin
ECONOMY AND INVESTMENTS
BUILD, BUILD, BUILD and PUBLIC WORKS
OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
AUDIT, GRAFT AND CORRUPTION
FOREIGN RELATIONS
Travelers to Saudi Arabia get warning
Filipinos traveling to Saudi Arabia are warned to strictly follow a new regulation related to public decency and 19 other offenses to avoid committing violations and face penalties.
Manila Bulletin
PH to take ties with Korea ‘further, forward, upward’: Locsin
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. reaffirmed to strengthen bilateral ties between the Philippines and South Korea, as both countries celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations with each other.
Philippine News Agency
Nigeria eager to expand linkages with PHL
WITH its vibrant culture, the positive disposition of its citizens and their adaptability, Nigeria has become the “Giant of Africa,” in more ways than just sheer size of population. The country’s strength lies in the multitude of young Nigerians who make up a major part of their country’s 180 million people. About 43 percent of them are 15 years old.
Business Mirror
West Philippine Sea
China's expansion
Hello from Siem Reap in northwestern Cambodia, where I’m taking a quick leave. While chatting with a local here, I was told about how the complexion of Sihanoukville in the southwestern coast of the country has changed drastically due to the Chinese “invasion.” The province, known for its beaches and resorts, has become one of Asia’s gambling hubs.
Rappler
LABOR
Job generation efforts of DOLE, PESO bearing fruit: Panelo
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo has commended the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Public Employment Service Office Managers Association of the Philippines (PESOMAP) for their efforts in generating jobs for Filipinos.
Philippine News Agency
Labor chief urges more LGUs to create employment office
Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III has urged more local government units (LGUs) to create a Public Employment Service Office (PESO) to boost the government’s job generation initiatives.
Philippine News Agency
Villanueva urges gov’t to stem entry of illegal foreign workers
Senator Joel Villanueva has called anew on the government to increase its efforts against illegal alien workers following the spate of crimes involving foreign nationals.
Manila Bulletin
DOLE cautions OFWs anew as Hong Kong protests worsen
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Wednesday reiterated its warning to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Hong Kong to be vigilant amid the escalating protests and public disruptions on the island.
Philippine News Agency
TRANSPORTATION
Challenge accepted: Panelo will commute to Malacañang
Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo accepted Wednesday night the challenge of youth group Anakbayan to commute to work so he could experience the daily travails of commuters.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Rappler
House transpo panel chair to commuters: Sorry, you deserve better
An emotional Samar 1st District Rep. Edgar Mary Sarmiento apologized to commuters Wednesday for suffering from the “mass transport crisis” tormenting Metro Manila.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Panelo aware of Metro commuters’ plight, maintains no transpo crisis stand
Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo on Wednesday stressed that he is well aware of the travails commuters go through daily, after drawing flak for earlier declaring there is no transportation crisis in Metro Manila.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Gov’t will not allow sufferance of commuters to be ‘constant and permanent’ — Panelo
The government will not allow the daily suffering of commuters to be “constant and permanent” and will continue to strive its best to resolve the nation’s traffic problem and inadequate mass transit system, Malacañang declared Wednesday.
Manila Bulletin
Biazon berates transport officials: ‘Be sensitive when people feel there is a crisis’
Muntinlupa Representative Ruffy Biazon could not help but show his disappointment after a Department of Transportation (DOTr) official refused to say there is an ongoing mass transportation crisis in Metro Manila.
Rappler
DOTr maintains there is no mass transport crisis in Metro Manila
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) refuted the claim of a militant group that Metro Manila was already in the midst of a “mass transport crisis”, and maintained that the government was exhausting all efforts to address backlogs in public transport infrastructure in the country.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine News Agency
LRTA exec admits it has no disaster recovery plan
An official of the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) admitted Wednesday that they do not have a disaster recovery plan or playbook to follow in events such as when a burning power rectifier paralyzed the operations of its LRT Line 2 last Thursday, October 3.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Government open to LRT-2 privatization
The government on Wednesday expressed openness to privatizing the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2), the operations of which will remain suspended for the next nine months after a rectifier caught fire.
Manila Bulletin
‘Angkas’ suspends its driver accused of molesting female passenger
Angkas has temporarily suspended one of its driver who was accused of molesting a female passenger last Saturday.
Manila Bulletin
HEALTH
IRR of landmark UHC set for signing
The signing of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the landmark Universal Health Care (UHC) Law is set on Thursday, October 10.
Manila Bulletin
Duque wants review of Local Government Code to renationalize healthcare
Renationalizing the Philippine healthcare system could help address gaps in the country’s delivery of health services, according to Health Secretary Francisco Duque III.
Rappler
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
Safeguard duty on rice imports seen in place soon
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is expected to address the influx of imported rice in the market this week by imposing a safeguard duty, although the agency has yet to make any pronouncement until now.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
DA chief urges farmers to diversify farming practice
Agriculture Secretary William Dar has urged farmers to diversify their farming practices while continuing to produce rice, corn, and coconut -- the main agricultural products in the country.
Philippine News Agency
DA, SRA urged to thumb down proposed sugar import liberalization
The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) should thumb down the proposed liberalization of sugar importation, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri urged Wednesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Villar hits DA for high budget on corn research: ‘Baliw na baliw kayo sa research’
A visibly irked Senator Cynthia Villar did not mince her words when she found out a huge part of the Agriculture department’s National Corn Program will be allocated for research.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
DavNor town inaugurates P5.9-M rice processing complex
In a bid to modernize farming in the province and help local farmers improved their productivity, a PHP5.9-million rice processing complex located in New Visayas village, Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte was inaugurated on Wednesday morning.
Philippine News Agency
EDUCATION
DepEd eyes 4 new teaching positions
The Department of Education (DepEd) has proposed the addition of four new teaching positions in an effort to recognize the need for teachers to have improved professional growth and opportunities.
Manila Bulletin
Free education in peril
In a country where a framed diploma on the wall takes pride of place in most households, the deep slash of P11.6 billion in the 2020 budget of the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) cuts deep, and may well spell doom for the dream of many ordinary Filipino families to scale the economic ladder through a college degree by their children.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
ENERGY
PCC approves sale of AC Ayala’s shares in 552-MW coal plant
The Philippine Competition Commission said Wednesday it approved the acquisition of shares by an American company in GNPower Kauswagan Ltd. Co., the builder and operator of a 552-megawatt coal-fired power plant in Lanao del Norte, from three subsidiaries of AC Energy Inc.
Manila Standard
POVERTY
SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT
DSWD, DILG agree to clean up ‘Listahan’ of 4Ps beneficiaries
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will join hands in ensuring that only legitimate impoverished families are accorded with the benefits from the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
Manila Bulletin
HOUSING
PACC to Ombudsman: File charges vs NHA officials over Yolanda housing ‘fraud’
The Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) prodded the Office of the Ombudsman Wednesday to expedite the filing of administrative and criminal charges against former and current officials of the National Housing Authority (NHA) linked to an alleged fraudulent housing project for victims of super typhoon “Yolanda” in Eastern Samar.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin
Navotas housing project to benefit 1.8K poor families
More informal settler families in Navotas will no longer have to put up with the “constant danger” of living beside the coastline and waterways after the city government acquired a 5-hectare unproductive fishpond that will be used for a housing site.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
TOURISM
DOT launches new one-stop-shop website
In a bid to further enhance the travel experience of both local and foreign tourists in the country, the Department of Tourism (DOT) launched its new tourism website that highlights the country’s culture and premier tourist destinations.
Manila Bulletin
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Water crisis
Public urged to conserve water as Angat Dam’s level remains below normal
The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) has appealed to the public to continue to conserve water as the Angat Dam still remains way below its normal high water level of 210 meters.
Manila Bulletin
Manila Water warns of 780% water rate hike
Consumers should brace for a P26 increase in water rates in the long-term following the massive fines slapped on water firms due to non-compliance with environmental laws.
Philippine Star
INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Twitter says it mistakenly used phone numbers for ads
Twitter says it mistakenly used the phone numbers and email addresses people provided for security purposes to show advertisements to its users.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Ransomware attacks 'getting bolder' – Europol
Global ransomware attacks are on the decline, but such cyber strikes are getting bolder and homing in on more profitable companies, with data encryption a key target, Europe's police agency said Wednesday, October 9.
Rappler
DEVELOPMENT SECTOR
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