DepEd reaffirms commitment to protect the rights of IPs to education
As it joins the celebration of the National Indigenous Peoples’ Month this October, the Department of Education (DepEd) assured that it continues to uphold the right to basic education of Indigenous People (IP) learners nationwide.
Manila Bulletin
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P3-B needed for projects in Bicol's conflict-affected villages
A total of PHP3 billion would be spent to jumpstart the implementation of various socio-economic projects in hundreds of insurgency-affected villages in Bicol.
Philippine News Agency
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Two community groups in former rebel held villages get P1.5 million for self-help projects
Two people’s organizations in remote parts of Davao Oriental got their most awaited assistance, a year after the military cleared the area of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels.
Business Mirror
'Service caravan' benefits conflict-torn village in Bislig City
Various national government agencies joined hands with private stakeholders and the local government of Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, to deliver services to a community that has long been a flashpoint of communist rebel activity.
Philippine News Agency
33 NPA rebels, 181 supporters surrender in Caraga
THIRTY-THREE New People's Army (NPA) rebels and 181 supporters have separately surrendered to government authorities in Caraga, the military reported Monday, October 28. Lieutenant Colonel Isagani Criste, Army's 29th Infantry Battalion commander, said eight regular members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) from North-Eastern Mindanao and five Militia ng Bayan (MBs) led by two former team leaders voluntarily surrendered to his command and Governor Dale Corvera and Representative Ma. Angelica Amante-Matba of Agusan del Norte.
Sunstar Zamboanga
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AFP using E-CLIP for landgrabbing, corruption
In Leyte, troops of the Armed Forces of the Philippines led by 802nd Infantry Brigade commander Gen. Lope Dagoy continue to use the Enhanced Community Livelihood and Integration Program (E-CLIP), the Duterte regime’s program for forced surrenders, to conduct large-scale land-grabbing among poor peasants and corruption of millions of public funds.
Communist Party of the Philippines
NDF calls on the people to condemn the worsening human rights situation in Eastern Visayas
The National Democratic Front-Eastern Visayas today called on the Filipino people to unite and stand against the atrocities brought by the US-Duterte regime through the 8th Infantry Division-Philippine Army.
Communist Party of the Philippines
NPA scores victories in Northern Samar, chides 8th ID for lying about clashes
The New People’s Army in Northern Samar (Rodante Urtal Command or RUC) today claimed victories against forces of the 8th Infantry Division-Philippine Army in the past weeks, as it called out the government troops for lying about its own casualties and exaggerating those of the NPA.
Communist Party of the Philippines
Peace Talks
Incidents/ Operations
Farmer discovers IEDs, bullets buried in his farm
An alert farmer prevented explosives to go to wrong hands after he alerted police authorities about his discovery in his farm in Magpet, North Cotabato over the weekend, police said today.
NDBC News
57 NPA lairs fall in Caraga Region: Army
Intensified military operations conducted by the Philippine Army in various parts of the Caraga Region since January this year have resulted in the seizure of 57 hideouts of communist rebels, an official said.
Philippine News Agency
(Update) Military launches airstrikes on alleged NPA lair in Northern Samar
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) attacked what it said was a "confirmed encampment" of the New People's Army (NPA) on Saturday morning, October 26, in a remote area of Barangay Caputoan, Las Navas, Northern Samar.
Rappler, Philippine News Agency, Manila Standard, CNN Philippines
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Palace: Death of leader doesn’t mean extinction of terror group
Malacañang on Monday said the death of a leader of a terrorist network does not necessarily translate to the extinction of such group.
GMA News, Manila Bulletin, Philippine News Agency, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Sunstar Manila
Lorenzana: Baghdadi's death just a 'momentary setback'
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana believes that the death of Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was just a "momentary setback" because of the depth of his terror group around the globe.
GMA News, Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer
Military remains on high alert after death of Islamic State leader Baghdadi
Following the death of Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday said government troops would remain on high alert to "thwart possible attempts to ride on this development."
GMA News, Philippine News Agency
Police brace for possible attacks after death of IS leader
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is bracing for possible retaliatory attacks of local sympathizers of the Islamic State (IS) after the death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the fugitive emir of the infamous terror group, in a United States military raid in Syria.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Revenge attacks by pro-ISIS groups ‘very likely’ after Baghdadi killing – analyst
Filipino terror groups linked to Islamic State (ISIS) will “very likely” attempt violent attacks to avenge the reported killing on Sunday of ISIS top leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, a leading terrorism analyst told journalists on Monday, October 28.
Rappler
Westmincom on alert for sympathy attacks after ISIS leader's death
The military in the southern Philippines is monitoring local terror groups in case of plans to stage sympathy attacks after the death of Islamic State in Iraq and Syria leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
Philippine Star
MARAWI
SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE WORLD
The tip, the raid, the reveal: The take down of IS leader al-Baghdadi
The helicopters flew low and fast into the night, ferrying US special forces to a compound where Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was hiding in Syria. Half a world away, President Donald Trump watched the raid in real-time via a video link as troops blasted into the hideout and sent the most-wanted militant running the last steps of his life.
Philippine Daily Inquirer/AP
How the Kurds Helped in the Hunt for Baghdadi
One could be forgiven for concluding that the widespread national security panic following President Donald Trump’s abrupt withdrawal of U.S. forces from northeastern Syria was overstated.
Bloomberg
Doubts over Donald Trump's dramatic account of Baghdadi raid
Footage of the US special forces raid on Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi’s Syrian compound reportedly consisted of overhead surveillance footage and no audio, prompting questions over the extent of the dramatic licence taken by Donald Trump in describing the final moments of one of the most wanted terrorists in the world.
The Guardian
ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is dead. Here are 6 things you need to know
Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the elusive and highly secretive leader of ISIS, died during a raid conducted by the US military in northwest Syria on Saturday night, President Donald Trump said. The world's most wanted man oversaw the militant group's transformation from a ragtag insurgency to a global terror network that attracted tens of thousands of fighters to its so-called "caliphate" in Iraq and Syria.
CNN
With Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi gone, what next for ISIL?
World leaders and regional analysts have warned of the remaining threat from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL or ISIS) armed group - even after the death of its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
Aljazeera
Islamic State still poses threat after death of al-Baghdadi
Eliminating the Islamic State’s elusive leader gives President Donald Trump a new argument for leaving Syria, but the U.S. military campaign against the extremists is far from finished.
Philippine Daily Inquirer/AP
Baghdadi may be dead, but groups linked to Islamic State continue to pose threat in regions far and wide
With the death of Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, in a U.S. raid in northern Syria this weekend, the militant group has suffered a serious setback. But it is, by no means, an insurmountable blow — neither in Syria nor elsewhere.
The Washington Post
What Survivors of ISIS Carnage Say About al-Baghdadi’s Death
Those who lived under the Islamic State greeted the news about the group’s leader with grim satisfaction at best. “He deserves a worse and more abhorrent death,” one said.
The New York Times
After Baghdadi death, Southeast Asia expects long fight against Islamic State’s influence
Southeast Asian countries fighting Islamic State’s influence in the region lauded the killing of its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi but said security forces were preparing for a long battle to thwart the jihadist group’s ideology.
Manila Bulletin/Reuters
After Baghdadi raid, Trump adds insult to injury for Kurds
President Trump has been widely accused of abandoning the Kurds by withdrawing from Syria. And now he appears to be adding insult to injury by downplaying the role they played in Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi’s death.
The Washington Post
Egypt says killing of IS leader "important step in fight against terrorism"
Egypt said Monday that the killing of Islamic State (IS) leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi during U.S. military raid "is an important step in the fight against terrorism," according to Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ahmed Hafez.
Xinhua
Baghdadi’s death is not the end of terrorism
There can be no denying the importance of the death of Islamic State (Isis) leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in a United States-led raid in northwest Syria. He was a masterful strategist, persuasive recruiter and inspirational figure.
South China Morning Post
The death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi could make a fragmented Isil more dangerous
Notwithstanding President Trump’s declarations, Islamic State (Isil) has not been destroyed by the death of its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Like most terrorist groups, the organisation is more than its leader.
The Telegraph
Mother of slain journalist hopeful Baghdadi's death will end ISIS, but warns US to stay vigilant
The mother of James Foley, an American journalist who was abducted in 2012 by ISIS and later brutally murdered, said Monday that she hopes the death of the terror group's leader this weekend will lead to its demise but warned the US to remain vigilant in its fight against terrorism.
CNN
How to Really Make the Death of ISIS’s Leader Bigger Than Bin Laden’s
When President Trump announced the death of the Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi following a raid in northwestern Syria this weekend, he made sure to take the opportunity to one-up his predecessor: Mr. al-Baghdadi’s death, Mr. Trump said, was bigger than Osama bin Laden’s. Mr. al-Baghdadi was “the biggest there is,” the president said, “the worst ever.”
The New York Times
Turkey says shared information with U.S. before Baghdadi operation
Turkey and the U.S. were engaged in intense diplomacy and exchanged views on the operation the night that U.S. special forces conducted a mission to kill Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in northwest Syria, Ankara’s foreign minister said on Monday.
Reuters
ISIS spokesman Abu Hassan al-Muhajir, potential al-Baghdadi successor, also killed in Syria, official says
Islamic State spokesman Abu Hassan al-Muhajir, considered a potential successor to terror leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, also was killed in Syria in a separate attack by U.S. forces, a senior State Department official confirmed to Fox News on Monday.
Fox News
Mosul residents relieved after death of ISIL leader al-Baghdadi
Iraq's second-largest city, Mosul, is still trying to rebuild after being virtually torn apart during the rise of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL or ISIS) and the battle to retake it.
Aljazeera
Washington Post criticised, and lampooned, over Baghdadi headline
The Washington Post faced criticism on Sunday for calling Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of the Islamic State group who had died the day before, an "austere religious scholar". The newspaper amended its headline to call him an "extremist leader".
BBC News
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BARMM
28 Barmm LGUs to receive Seal of Good Local Governance
THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is set to award this year the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) to 28 local government units (LGUs) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm).
Sunstar Zamboanga, NDBC News
MAGUINDANAO AND COTABATO CITY
Army, MILF intensifies manhunt vs. BIFF in Maguindanao
Joint military and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) forces have intensified their operation against members of the Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Maguindanao, an official said.
Philippine News Agency
Court junks Datu Unsay Ampatuan’s bid to re-open trial of Maguindanao massacre
A Quezon City court has junked the bid of Maguindanao massacre prime suspect Datu Andal “Unsay” Ampatuan, Jr. to re-open the trial into the gruesome murder of 58 people nearly 10 years ago, paving the way for a possible decision on the case in November.
ABS-CBN News, Manila Bulletin
DOH confirms 3rd polio case in PHL
The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday reported the third confirmed case of polio in the country. In a statement, Health Secretary Francisco Duque said a four-year-old female from Datu Piang in Maguindanao tested positive for poliovirus.
GMA News, Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine Star
NORTH COTABATO
CHR-12: Troops in death of 7 in Tumbras, Midsayap to face human rights raps
Human rights violations will be filed against the policemen and soldiers involved in the October 23 operation that killed seven alleged members of the Islamic State-aligned Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Barangay Tumbras, Midsayap, North Cotabato, the Commission on Human Rights-Region 12 (CHR-12) here said Monday.
Mindanews
LANAO PROVINCES
30 loose firearms surrendered in 6 Lanao Norte towns
A total of 30 assorted loose firearms were voluntarily surrendered by residents of six towns in Lanao del Norte to military authorities, officials said Monday. Maj. Gen. Roberto Ancan, Army’s 1st Infantry Division commander, said the firearms were surrendered around 2 p.m. Friday to the 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion in Lanao del Norte.
Philippine News Agency
BASILAN
SULU
TAWI-TAWI
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DRUGS
EJK victims’ kin to hold candle lighting
Families of victims of extrajudicial killings (EJK) under the Duterte administration will troop to police stations nationwide as early as Wednesday in remembrance of their slain relatives.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
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Robredo on her comments on drug war pitfalls: Where is the lie?
Vice President Leni Robredo has denied lying about the administration’s drug war, saying that the figures on the increasing number of drug users amid the government’s bloody drug war came from President Rodrigo Duterte himself.
GMA News, Manila Bulletin
Cayetano on VP Leni's call for tweak in drug war: 'I disagree with her'
The huge number of drug users and traffickers only reveals the magnitude of the drug problem in the country and does not make the administration’s drug war a failure, Speaker Alan Cayetano said Monday.
GMA News, Manila Bulletin
Robredo’s statement against Duterte’s anti-illegal drugs war continues to draw flak
Senator Christopher Lawrence ‘’Bong’’ Go asserted Monday that the fight against the multi-billion-peso illegal drugs trade must continue.
Manila Bulletin
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PNP-IAS to decide fate of Pampanga ‘ninja cop’ in a week — Gamboa
The Philippine National Police-Internal Affairs Service (PNP-IAS) is set to release next week its resolution on the administrative case of one of the policemen involved in an alleged irregular anti-drug operation in Antipolo City, PNP officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa said Monday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
One of the ‘ninja cops’ will no longer be suspended; result out next week — PNP OIC Gamboa
Philippine National Police (PNP) officer-in-charge Police Lieutenant General Archie Francisco Gamboa on Monday said the 59-day suspension against Police Lieutenant Joven de Guzman would no longer be implemented.
GMA News
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Veloso deposition set to be taken this December
Convicted illegal drugs courier Mary Jane Veloso is set to make her deposition inside the Indonesian jail where she is being against her alleged illegal recruiters who are facing charges here in the Philippines.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer
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Who was David Navarro, the mayor from Mindanao killed in Cebu City?
Mayor David Navarro of Clarin, Misamis Occidental, was practically unknown in this city before he figured in an alleged assault of a massage therapist in a hotel on October 24. A day later, he was shot dead.
Rappler
Before his death, Misamis Occidental mayor feared for life in police hands
Hours before he was killed in an ambush in Cebu City, Mayor David Navarro of Clarin, Misamis Occidental felt uneasy about his safety in the hands of police, his wife disclosed.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
PNP’s Gamboa: Slain mayor Navarro’s alleged link to robbery group will be probed too
Philippine National Police (PNP) officer-in-charge Police Lieutenant General Archie Francisco Gamboa on Monday said he would direct the special task force, which is probing the slay of Clarin, Misamis Occidental Mayor David Navarro, to investigate the alleged link of the latter to a robbery group.
GMA News, Philippine Daily Inquirer
Still no suspect in Clarin mayor slay —police
Three days after the fatal attack that claimed the life of Clarin, Misamis Occidental Mayor David Navarro, the Central Visayas Police remains clueless on the identity of the suspects behind the ambush in Cebu City, Jonathan Andal reported on GMA News TV’s Balitanghali on Monday.
GMA News
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Failed war
Malacañang got into a massive snit a few days ago over the call by Vice President Leni Robredo to stop the “failed” drug war and allow the United Nations to conduct an investigation into the extrajudicial killings linked to police and vigilantes.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Operations/ Incidents
PDEA conducts surprise drug test on bus drivers for Undas
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Monday conducted surprise drug test on bus drivers in various bus terminals in Pasay and Quezon cities to ensure the safety of passengers who will travel during the observance of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.
GMA News, Manila Bulletin
PDEA, police dismantle GenSan 'drug den'
A team of anti-narcotics agents and policemen dismantled an alleged drug den and arrested five “high-value” target drug personalities in an operation over the weekend here.
Philippine News Agency
Recovery and Rehabilitation
DDB-cleared villages told to continue campaign vs. drugs
Mayor Noel Rosal on Monday reminded the leaders of villages here that were earlier declared as drug-cleared to prevent the re-entry of illegal drugs and activities in their respective areas.
Philippine News Agency
ILLICIT FIREARMS, EXPLOSIVES, AND AMMUNITION
CROSS-BORDER TRADING/ SMUGGLING/ COUNTERFEIT GOODS
Navy seizes P300-million worth of smuggled cigarettes off Sulu
Authorities confiscated some P300 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in the waters off Siasi, Sulu on Sunday. The contraband was on board a Sulu-bound cargo vessel, M/L 3 Brothers, which came from Malaysia, said Lt. Chester Cabaltera of Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM).
ABS-CBN News, Philippine News Agency
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
KIDNAPPING
ILLEGAL GAMBLING
ILLICIT FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS/ EXTORTION
DOJ expected to conclude Kapa preliminary probe next week
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is expected to conclude next week the preliminary investigation over the criminal complaint filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) against Kapa-Community Ministry which is accused of engaging in an investment scam.
Manila Bulletin
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CHR: Water shortage remedy shouldn’t violate IP rights
The government should not solve a water shortage — in this case, building Kaliwa Dam to give Metro Manila a new water source — at the expense of indigenous people (IP) rights, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Duterte mulls using police powers to start Kaliwa dam project
A planned dam project to be constructed by Chinese companies may finally move forward, if President Rodrigo Duterte pushes through with a declaration he will use police powers if he has to, for the project to start.
CNN Philippines, Philippine Star
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IRR for Bawal Bastos Law signed
At least 16 government agencies and private organizations gathered as they signed the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Safe Spaces Act, or the Bawal Bastos Law, during a ceremony on Monday.
GMA News
Bawal Bastos Law ensures due process for accused offenders, Hontiveros says
Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday expressed confidence that the newly signed implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the Bawal Bastos Law or Safe Spaces Act ensure due process for accused violators.
GMA News, Manila Bulletin
FAST FACTS: How does the Safe Spaces Act protect you?
The Safe Spaces Act enacted earlier this year now has implementing rules and regulations in force. It is closely related to the first Anti-Sexual Harassment Act (RA 7877) of 1995.
Rappler
American human rights volunteer shot in Cordillera back in the U.S.
Two members of the board of supervisors of the City and County of San Francisco in California confirmed that Brandon Lee, a journalist and volunteer worker shot by unkown gunmen in Cordillera in August, is back in his home city.
Rappler, Bulatlat
Press Freedom/ Freedom of expression
Martial Law
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Duterte to yield enforcement power to Robredo
“You think you’re brighter than me?” President Duterte said he will surrender his power to enforce the law to Vice President Leni Robredo for six months as he doubted her capability to lead the country anew.
Manila Bulletin, Reuters, Philippine News Agency, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Rappler
Duterte to let Ombudsman pursue criminal liabilities of ‘ninja cops
President Rodrigo Duterte will leave it to the Office of the Ombudsman to pursue criminal liability of the so-called “ninja cops” or those policemen who recycle seized illegal drugs.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Duterte admits having hard time selecting new PNP chief
President Rodrigo Duterte admitted that he is having difficulty in selecting an “appropriate guy” who will take over as new Philippine National Police (PNP) chief.
Philippine News Agency
Duterte says Pasig River 'already clean,' wants river rehab body abolished
President Rodrigo Duterte thinks Congress should abolish the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC), saying the famous river is already "clean" anyway.
Rappler
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Duterte to attend all ASEAN meetings in Thailand — Palace exec
President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to attend all his engagements in Thailand for the 35th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit amid concerns on his health, a Palace official said Monday.
GMA News
Duterte feeling lesser pain, has managed to exercise on treadmill – Palace
From the unbearable pain that forced him to cut short his Japan trip last week, President Duterte is feeling lesser pain from his lower back after taking some rest and medication.
Manila Bulletin
Palace ‘not transparent enough’ on Duterte’s health — Hontiveros
Malacañang, particularly Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo, is not being “transparent enough” about President Rodrigo Duterte’s health amid calls to publicize his medical bulletin, Senator Risa Hontiveros said Monday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
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Palace: Duterte may take ‘drastic action’ on looming water crisis
President Rodrigo Duterte may take “drastic action” after water companies began rotational supply reductions due to the drop in the water level in Angat Dam, his spokesperson said Monday.
GMA News, Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer
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Palace raps Robredo for being ‘divorced from reality’
Vice President Leni Robredo appears to be sometimes “divorced from reality” amid her apparent confusing statements on issues, Malacañang said Monday.
Manila Bulletin
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
PET rules do not allow for the annulment of votes – Robredo
As the Supreme Court, sitting as Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET), asked Vice President Leni Robredo and former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to comment on the latter's bid to annul votes in Basilan, Lanao del Sur, and Maguindanao due to alleged poll fraud, Robredo on Monday argued that PET rules did not provide for the annulment of votes in an election protest.
GMA News
ELECTION RELATED
DISASTER
MINDANAO
MinDA, DILG to launch USD500-M water project
o provide water supply in remote villages of Mindanao and Palawan, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) are set to launch the $500-million Mindanao Rural Water Supply project on November 22 here
Philippine News Agency
MinDA leads trade and business mission in Manado
A delegation of 20 businessmen from the different regions in Mindanao has embarked on a five-day trade mission in Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia spearheaded by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), starting Monday (October 28) until November 1.
Philippine News Agency
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
JUDICIARY
Peralta to Supreme Court workers: Let us be united, follow rules
New Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta urged unity among the officials and workers of the Supreme Court (SC) as he bared plans for a term of more than two years as leader of the Philippine judiciary.
GMA News
Peralta bares 10-point program as Chief Justice
De-clogging of the courts’ dockets, from the Supreme Court (SC) down to the lowest courts is one of the priority programs of new Chief Justice Diosdado M. Peralta in the more than two years that he will head the judiciary.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine News Agency
SC to probe dubious court decisions
Newly appointed Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta said he would lead by example as he called on judges as well as justices to speed up the resolution of court cases.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Duterte urged to appoint Muslim magistrate to SC
Muslim lawmakers are lobbying for the appointment of the second Muslim magistrate in the Supreme Court, saying the time is ripe for Moro representation at the highest tribunal in the land.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
LEGISLATIVE
Senate of the Philippines
Bill empowering out-of-school youth filed in the Senate
A bill seeking to institute policies and programs for the development of out-of-school youth and encourage them to seek and avail opportunities including educational, employment, and entrepreneurial assistance has been filed in the Senate.
GMA News
House of Representatives
Cayetano ‘open’ to serving full term as Speaker
Taguig-Pateros Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano says he’s “open” to serving as House Speaker for the entirety of the 18th Congress, but at the same time claims he’s mentally set to serve only 15 months under his term-sharing pact with Marinduque lone district Rep. Lord Allan Velasco.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer
Cayetano hoping to focus on more domestic matters after Speakership
If, indeed, his term-sharing agreement with Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco pushes through, Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano plans to spend his relaxed schedule focusing on more domestic matters.
Manila Bulletin
House leader bats for moratorium on pork imports
House Deputy Speaker Conrado Estrella on Monday said the moratorium on the importation of pork products in the country has become inevitable as the local hog industry has started to absorb over P1 billion in losses since the African swine fever (ASF) virus entered the country.
Manila Bulletin
House urged to prioritize BFP modernization
A party-list lawmaker on Monday urged the leadership of the House of Representatives to prioritize the measures seeking to modernize the Bureau of Fire and Protection (BFP).
Philippine News Agency
House debates on ABS-CBN franchise will be ‘fair,’ Cayetano assures
The House of Representatives will observe “fairness” in deliberating the franchise renewal of television giant ABS-CBN Corp., Speaker Alan Cayetano assured Monday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
BUDGET, FINANCE, and TAXATION
LandBank income up 23% in 9 months
Land Bank of the Philippines, reported a net income gain of 23 percent year-on-year at P13.97 billion as of end-September from P11.36 billion same time in 2018.
Manila Bulletin, Business World Online
LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)
DEFENSE AND SECURITY
Baguio students light candles on 40th day of Dormitorio death
Students at different Baguio universities lit candles for Cadet Fourth Class Darwin Dormitorio on the 40th day of his death from hazing at the Philippine Military Academy on Monday, Oct. 28, a Christian tradition of remembering the dead after 40 days, the amount of time that Jesus was believed to have spent on Earth after his resurrection and before ascending to Heaven.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
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Gamboa: No 'bata-bata' system in PNP
Philippine National Police (PNP) officer-in-charge Police Lieutenant General Archie Francisco Gamboa on Monday denied that there is an existing "bata-bata" system in the police organization following the major revamp of some police officials.
GMA News
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NCRPO chief: I didn’t kick media out
The newly installed head of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said that he was not “antimedia” after he took a lot of flak for ordering reporters to vacate a room they had turned into a press office at a police station in Quezon City.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Sinas ready to be relieved over ‘anti-media policies’
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) acting chief Brig. Gen. Debold Sinas stood his ground amid criticisms over his alleged “anti-media policies,” noting that he is ready to step down if Philippine National Police (PNP) Officer-in-Charge Lt. General Archie Gamboa asks him to do so.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Gamboa: Let us give Sinas a chance
Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa, officer-in-charge of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said Monday he will give a few reminders to Brig. Gen. Debold Sinas, acting director of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), amid allegations on the latter’s “anti-media policies.”
Philippine Daily Inquirer
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ROTC seen to equip future professionals with necessary skills
Mandatory Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) will equip future professionals in the country with the basic skills necessary to perform their responsibilities in the community that they will serve.
Philippine News Agency
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Creation of K9 Academy mulled to eliminate fake, untrained security dogs
A K9 academy that will train security dogs is being mulled by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) amid reported existence of fake K9 dogs manning establishments and terminals in the country, a PCG top official said Monday.
Manila Bulletin
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PNP vows support for BuCor plan to expand corruption purge to other penal colonies
The Philippine National Police (PNP) vowed on Monday full support to the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) if the agency wants to expand its purge of corrupt prison guards and employees to other penal colonies in various parts of the country.
Manila Bulletin
Bantag should be accountable for inmate deaths, visitors' inconvenience –De Lima
Detained Senator Leila de Lima said on Monday that Bureau of Corrections Director-General Gerald Bantag should be held accountable for the reported deaths of inmates due to lack of medical attention and the inconvenience inmates' relatives experience when they visit.
GMA News
De Lima likens conditions at NBP maximum security compound to WW 2 Nazi camp
Detained opposition Senator Leila de Lima said on Monday the current inhumane treatment by New Bilibid Prisons (NBP) officials of inmates was reminiscent of the treatment by Nazis of prisoners at Auschwitz during World War II.
Manila Bulletin
Agony continues for families shut out from Bilibid
Mariam* sat outside the national prison on Wednesday, October 16, twelve days since she was last allowed to visit her husband who has been in Bilibid for 19 years. Suddenly, an ambulance blared putting her on edge.
Rappler
29 New Bilibid Prison inmates dead in 17 days
A total of 29 inmates at New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City have died of various causes within a 17-day period, based on data from the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor).
Philippine Daily Inquirer
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Brahmos Supersonic Missile Talk Spotlights India-Philippines Defense Cooperation
Last week, there was renewed talk of the Philippines’ interest in acquiring Brahmos missiles from India following a briefing that army personnel had received during a visit of Indian warships. The new round of chatter spotlighted some of the ongoing activity between the two sides within their broader defense relationship.
The Diplomat
ECONOMY AND INVESTMENTS
Sustain ease of doing business in PH
From 124th to 95th in rank, or a jump of 29 notches. This is where the Philippines stands in the 2020 edition of World Bank’s yearly Doing Business Report.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Peso firms up on US-China trade talks optimism
The Philippine peso appreciated against the US dollar for the second consecutive trading day on Monday, buoyed by optimism about the trade talks between China and the United States.
GMA News
BUILD, BUILD, BUILD and PUBLIC WORKS
OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
AUDIT, GRAFT, AND CORRUPTION
Hontiveros fears dismissal of Marcos cases part of ‘historical revisionism’
Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday expressed fear that dismissal of several cases against the Marcoses in relation to their ill-gotten wealth could be part of alleged efforts to revise the nation’s history.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Sandiganbayan dismisses charges vs Nueva Ecija governor
The graft and malversation charges against Nueva Ecija Governor Aurelio Umali before the Sandiganbayan Second Division have been dismissed due to the violation of his right to speedy disposition of cases.
Manila Bulletin
FOREIGN RELATIONS
DFA says Iranian beauty queen’s application for political asylum ‘still being considered’
The application for political asylum of an Iranian beauty queen, who was barred from entering the Philippines after her name was found in the “red notice” list of the Interpol, is still “being considered,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Monday.
Manila Bulletin
DFA advises Filipinos against traveling to Iraq
The Philippine government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), has advised Filipinos traveling to Iraq to postpone their scheduled travel in view of the ongoing violent protests in that country.
Manila Bulletin
‘Intensive nego’ for South China Sea code of conduct won't take place at ASEAN Summit — DFA exec
“Intensive negotiations” for the conclusion of a South China Sea Code of Conduct will not likely take place at the 35th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Thailand, a Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) official said Monday.
GMA News
West Philippine Sea
PH-China joint oil deal to proceed: Palace
Malacañang on Monday said the joint oil exploration between the Philippines and China will proceed as long as the terms of the 60-40 sharing scheme to explore the West Philippine Sea is in favor of the Philippines.
Philippine News Agency, Philippine Daily Inquirer
Locsin: ‘China doesn’t need our oil and gas; we do’
“China doesn’t need our oil and gas. We do.” Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said this on Monday, reacting to Vice President Leni Robredo’s call for China to recognize the Philippines’ ownership and sovereignty in the West Philippines Sea first before the two countries enter into a joint oil deal.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
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Arbitral ruling should be part of South China Sea code of conduct —Del Rosario
Former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario on Monday said the international arbitration ruling, which nullified China’s vast claim in the resource-rich South China sea, should be an integral part of a regional code of conduct being hammered out by Southeast Asian nations and Beijing.
GMA News, Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer
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China must recognize PHL EEZ for joint exploration to proceed –Robredo
Amid National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon's assessment that the joint exploration venture with China in the West Philippine Sea was fair given that China would finance the initiative, Vice President Leni Robredo on Monday suggested that the Philippines should not enter into such a deal unless Beijing recognized the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the West Philippine Sea.
GMA News, Manila Bulletin
Palace brushes aside Robredo suggestion, to pursue joint oil exploration with China
The Philippine remains interested in teaming up with China on a possible oil exploration despite Vice President Leni Robredo’s plea to require Beijing to recognize the nation’s sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea first.
Manila Bulletin, ABS-CBN News
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Del Rosario hails Carpio as PH’s ‘staunchest defender’ of maritime rights
Former foreign affairs secretary Albert Del Rosario on Monday extolled retired Supreme Court associate justice Antonio Carpio for having served as a “clear voice” in cautioning the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte on its policy in the South China Sea.
Manila Bulletin
Carpio offers 5 ways ASEAN can counter Chinese intimidation in South China Sea
As China declared it wanted the South China Sea Code of Conduct signed by 2022, retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio warned the sea code must not be used to legitimize Beijing's unlawful behavior in the maritime region.
Rappler
China eyes sea code after building Scarborough military base: ex-justice Carpio
Beijing will sign a code of conduct seeking to manage tensions in the South China Sea only after it has built an air and naval base on Scarborough Shoal, retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio said Monday.
ABS-CBN News
Antonio Carpio: Our one-man Justice League
Not worth a comment.” That was how the recently retired Associate Justice Antonio Carpio once responded to the rambling insults of no less than a president, who has shown little qualms about descending to the pits to humiliate his opponents. Revealing the depth of his character, Justice Carpio chose dignified silence in response.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
LABOR
‘No work, no pay’ on All Saints’, All Souls’ days – DOLE
The “no work, no pay” policy shall be in effect during All Saints’ Day on November 1 and All Souls’ Day on November 2, which are special non-working days.
Manila Bulletin
TRANSPORTATION
MMDA, traffic body inspect bus terminals ahead of Undas
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Inter-Agency Council for Traffic (I-ACT) on Monday inspected some bus terminals ahead of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
GMA News
Immigration on heightened alert for Undas
Immigration personnel are on heightened alert in anticipation of an expected increase in passenger arrivals and departures during the Undas break, the bureau said Monday.
GMA News
Coast Guard commandant appeals to public to follow rules on overloading
The commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday called on the public to strictly follow protocols on overloading so that accidents would be prevented during the observance of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.
GMA News, Manila Bulletin
Almost 30K outbound passengers recorded in ports days before Undas
Nearly 30,000 outbound passengers were monitored by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) days before the observance of the All Saint’s Day and All Soul’s Day. Data from the PCG on Monday bared that a total of 29,822 passengers were recorded in various ports across the country.
GMA News
Manila’s traffic mess is about to get even worse as Christmas nears
Travel times have gotten longer in Asia’s most congested metropolitan area, and they’re expected to get even worse in the run-up to the Christmas holiday, according to Waze Inc.
South China Morning Post
HEALTH
Gordon urges gov’t to implement law setting nurses’ base pay at SG 15
Senator Richard Gordon on Monday urged the government to immediately implement the law setting the minimum base pay for government nurses at Salary Grade 15.
GMA News, Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer
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FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
Areas most affected by ASF already cleared – DA
The Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Monday that the areas most affected by the African swine fever (ASF) have been cleared.
Manila Bulletin
QC veterinarian refutes DA claim that the city is ASF-free
Quezon City veterinarian Dr. Ana Marie Cabel refuted Department of Agriculture (DA) Spokesperson Noel Reyes’s claim that the city was cleared of African swine fever (ASF), saying that around 2,000 pigs have yet to be culled.
Rappler
DA exec: Results of tests on processed meat products out this week
Results of tests conducted on the processed meat products confiscated recently in Mindoro may be released Wednesday this week.
GMA News
P3.5-M misdeclared pork, other meat products seized
Instead of vermicelli noodles and tomato paste, pork and other meat products worth P3.5-million were found inside two containers at the Port of Manila, the Bureau of Customs said Monday.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine News Agency
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Corporate farming harmonizes with DA's new thinking vision: solon
A party-list lawmaker at the House of Representatives on Monday pushed for the passage of a measure that would boost the performance of the private sector and help farmers secure financial and technical support through a corporate farming program.
Philippine News Agency
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Use TRAIN law to directly grant cash to farmers: solon
House Deputy Speaker Mikee Romero on Monday called on the Department of Agriculture and Department of Finance to use the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law to directly disburse cash to farmers who are reeling from low palay prices.
Philippine News Agency
DA releases P130M worth of aid to Eastern Visayas rice farmers
THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said it has released over P130 million worth of loans to rice farmers in the Eastern Visayas region. In a statement, the DA said it has disbursed P136.425 million worth in loans under the expanded Survival and Recovery Assistance (SURE Aid) program, which targets 9,095 farmers from Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, and Samar provinces.
Business World Online
Asia’s ‘farming crisis’ complicated–experts
ASIAN countries face a farming crisis and no amount of income support will be enough to address the problems and risks faced by farmers, according to agriculture experts.
Business Mirror
Sugar Regulatory Administration chief in hot seat
CALLS for resignation of Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) head Heminigildo Serafica have mounted, as he failed to make a concrete stand on the pressing issue on sugar import liberalization. Joining the call for Serfica's resignation were various groups of sugar farmers and workers.
Sunstar Bacolod
How we can help the Filipino farmer
For Filipinos, rice completes a meal. We love rice so much that we each consume an average of 110 kg of it per year. As the seventh highest rice-consuming country in the world, we spend 16-37 percent of our daily household food budgets on rice.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
EDUCATION
ENERGY
POVERTY
SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT
HOUSING
TOURISM
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
PH can still rescind Kaliwa Dam project contract – Palace
Malacañang said the government can still rescind its contract with China for the New Centennial Water Source-Kaliwa Dam Project if it would be proven that the project is disadvantageous for the country.
Manila Bulletin
Water crisis
INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY
OMB chief admits they can’t address ‘online piracy’ due to loophole in law
The chief of the Optical Media Board (OMB) has admitted that they cannot act on the proliferation of pirated movies in social media sites and penalize people who watch or share these links due to loopholes in the agency’s mandate.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
DEVELOPMENT SECTOR
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