In House briefing, AFP, DND accuse Gabriela of being 'communist front'
Gabriela Women's Party – which won a seat in the 18th Congress – was red-tagged by both the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Department of National Defense (DND) in a hearing held inside the Batasang Pambansa.
Rappler
Oxfam: We are a development and humanitarian organization, not a “front for local communist terror groups”
It has come to our attention that Oxfam in the Philippines has been included in a list of ‘front organizations of local communist terrorist groups (CTG)’ from the Department of National Defense (DND). In another list from the DND, Oxfam International and Oxfam UK are mentioned as ‘foreign funding agencies wittingly or unwittingly providing funds to CTG front organizations.’
OXFAM Philippines
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‘Checkpoints meant for orderly distribution of post-quake aid’
Authorities have set up checkpoints along major roads in Mindanao to process and screen donations to families affected and displaced by the recent earthquakes in the region.
Philippine Star
Prelates differ on need for AFP checkpoints in Mindanao’s earthquake-stricken areas
A Catholic prelate backed the order of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to set up checkpoints in earthquake-affected areas in Mindanao.
Manila Bulletin
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Help return Joma so he can face trial, Dutch embassy urged
Firm in their stance to have Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison take responsibility for the murder raps filed against him, a group of anti-communists staged a rally in front of the Dutch Embassy in Makati City on Tuesday, seeking the latter’s help to return Sison to the country.
Philippine News Agency
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Davao rights activist reported missing
A human rights worker in Southern Mindanao has been reported missing, according to rights group Karapatan. In a Facebook alert, Karapatan-Southern Mindanao Region said that Honey Mae “Hanimay” Suazo, who is also the group’s former secretary general, has been reported missing since on Saturday (Nov. 2).
Bulatlat
Metro Manila police chief denies hand in search warrants vs. left-leaning groups
New Metro Manila Police Chief Brigadier General Debold Sinas denies having any hand in the recent search operations conducted against left-leaning groups.
ABS-CBN News
3 militant leaders yield firearms in Tondo raid
Three leaders of an activist group were arrested in a police operation in Tondo, Manila, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said on Tuesday. Based on the report from Manila Police District (MPD), NCRPO chief Brig. Gen. Debold Sinas identified the suspects as Ram Carlo Bautista, Alma Estrada Moran and Reina Mae Asis Nasino.
Philippine News Agency, Rappler
Charges filed vs. 42 suspected CPP-NPA members in Bacolod City
The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) has filed cases for illegal possession of firearms and explosives against 42 suspected Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) members arrested in four operations in this city on October 31.
Philippine News Agency
Palace: No ‘evidence-planting’ in progressive groups’ offices raided by cops
Malacañang has denied a human rights group’s allegation that authorities planted evidence during raids in offices of progressive organizations in Bacolod City, Negros Oriental last week.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
No one harmed in Bacolod crackdown vs. activist groups: Andanar
There was no one harmed during joint operations conducted by police and military personnel in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental which resulted in the arrest of suspected militants, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said on Tuesday.
Philippine News Agency
Explain kids’ presence in raided offices, militant organizations asked
Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Carlos Zarate and lawyer Neri Colmenares should explain why there were children in the offices of militant organizations in this city that were raided by government forces on Oct. 31.
Philippine Star
Bayan insists: Our QC office not a rebel safehouse, not a firearms storage facility
Militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) has insisted that their office in Quezon City, which houses several organizations, is neither a safehouse for communist rebels nor a storage facility for firearms and explosives.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
CHR hoping police raids not meant to silence legitimate dissent
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has assured that they are aware of the government’s role to secure the country, amid recent raids of militant group offices in Negros Occidental and Manila.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
[OPINION] If Duterte thinks 62 arrests can stop us, then he's wrong
Last October 31, Bacolod police used a search warrant from Quezon City to raid offices of Bayan Muna, Gabriela, Kilusang Mayo Uno, and the National Federation of Sugar Workers. At the same time, police raided the house of Gabriela leader Cora Agovida and her her husband Michael Bartolome in Manila. 62 arrests right on Halloween.
Rappler
Joma: ‘State terrorism running high’
Top rebel leader Jose Maria “Joma” Sison believed there were sweeping violence and harassment against the political opposition and critics of the Duterte administration.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
State crackdown on dissent hit
The leftist Bagong Alyansang Makabayan yesterday scored the government for the systematic arrest of members of progressive and left-leaning groups.
Manila Standard
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Bukidnon IP parents want NPA to return their children
Three parents who belong to the Umayamnon indigenous peoples’ group have called on the New People's Army (NPA) to return their children, whom they believed were recruited by the rebels.
Philippine News Agency
Army official hits CPP-NPA's continued recruitment of minors
The chief of the Army's 402nd Brigade based in this city has denounced the communist rebel movement's continuing recruitment of minors. Col. Maurito L. Licudine issued the rebuke against the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New People's Army (CPP-NPA), following the capture of a 19-year-old combatant after a 15-minute firefight in Barangay San Isidro, Santiago town, Agusan del Norte last Saturday.
Philippine News Agency
Bayan Muna rep asks House to investigate forced closure of Lumad schools
Bayan Muna Rep. Eufemia Cullamat recently filed a resolution in Congress calling for an investigation on the closure of Salugpongan schools in Mindanao. Cullamat filed House Resolution 476 urging the House Committee on Indigenous Peoples and National Cultural Communities to investigate the closure order on Salugpongan schools issued by the Department of Education (DepEd) last month.
Davao Today
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Military denounces NPA use of landmines
The Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division (2ID) on Tuesday denounced the New People’s Army (NPA) communist terrorist group’s use of anti-personnel mines in their insurgency armed movement. This, after a landmine, exploded and killed a soldier while on his way to report to the temporary patrol base in Barangay Sta. Rosa in Lopez, Quezon on Sunday.
Philippine News Agency
Bacolod City gov’t backs AFP, PNP in anti-insurgency campaign
The city government here has declared support for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the campaign to end the local communist armed conflict.
Philippine News Agency
2 NPA members in Sagada surrender with weapons, ammo
Two more members of the New People's Army (NPA) have surrendered to the security forces in Sagada, Mountain Province, turning over to authorities firearms and ammunition, a military official said on Tuesday.
Philippine News Agency
10 NPA rebels yield in Quezon, Bukidnon
Ten New People’s Army rebels surrendered to the 56th Infantry Battalion in Sitio Gamot, Barangay Sta. Felomina, Quezon, Bukidnon last Saturday, Nov. 2.
The Mindanao Times, Kalinaw News
Peace Talks
Incidents/ Operations
Anti-NPA drive yields firearms, unearths lair in Samar
The Philippine Army is gaining grounds on its drive to wipe out insurgents in Samar provinces with the seizure of high-powered firearms and discovery of a rebel’s lair on Sunday.
Philippine News Agency
Military: 3 alleged NPA rebels killed in encounter in Quezon
Three members of rebel group New People's Army (NPA) were killed in an encounter with the military in Mauban town, Quezon, the Army said Tuesday. The 1st Infantry Battalion did not suffer casualties.
ABS-CBN News
Army Clash NPA Terrorist in Agusan del Sur
Operating troops of 75IB encountered undetermined number of CPP-NPA Terrorist (CNTs) believed to be members of Platoon 1, Weakened Guerilla Front 14, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (WGF14, NEMRC) under Arnold Orlanes Y Conejar @ JORLAN at Barangay Sta Cruz, Rosario, Agusan del Sur yesterday, November 3, 2019 at 3:14 in the afternoon.
Kalinaw News
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SK fishermen armed with "holen guns" mistaken as ISIS
There was not truth to reports that IS linked gunmen were sighted in town, security and local officials today said. Speaking during the Sultan Kudarat Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) meeting presided by its chair Mayor Shameem Mastura, Police Major Julhamin Asdani said the reported presence of ISIS in Barangay Dalumangcob, Sultan Kudarat was a mere “tsismis” (rumor) and that this “tsismis” was spread through the social media.
NDBC News, Mindanews, GMA News
MARAWI
Marawi rehab a ‘failure,’ residents say as they appeal to return home
The government failed in rehabilitating the war-torn city more than two years after the Maute siege, residents of the Islamic city in Mindanao lamented Tuesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Marawi’s displaced offer prayers for Christians killed in 2017 siege
More than a thousand Maranaos, including internally displaced persons and religious leaders, gathered at Ground Zero of the 2017 siege here on Friday to offer prayers to those who perished in the siege, including Christians.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Over P4 billion unused 2018 Marawi fund nears expiration
Over P4 billion of 2018 fund for the Marawi rehabilitation remains unreleased by the Department and Budget and Management (DBM) and will expire by yearend, further delaying the recovery of the Islamic city more than two years after it was put under siege by extremists aligned with the Islamic State.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Review Marawi rehab efforts — Mindanao solons
Two lawmakers from Mindanao have sought an update on the status of the Marawi rehabilitation program being implemented by an inter-agency body to enable Congress come up with a legislation that will help bring back normalcy in the war-torn area two years after the fated siege.
Manila Standard
SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE WORLD
Malaysia a transit hub for terrorists due to visa-free travel, police say
Malaysia has remained a transit point for terrorists as those coming from most Middle Eastern countries and several African nations do not require a visa, says counter-terrorism chief Ayob Khan.
The Straits Times, The Star Online
WhatsApp becomes battleground in Mali's jihad conflict
A digital war is unfolding in Mali alongside a jihadist conflict that has claimed thousands of lives: the battle to sway young minds is being waged on the mobile phone. "Jihadists today are recruiting on WhatsApp. We have to stop the bloodshed," said Hama Cisse, a moderate imam.
Rappler
Report by US not stops Turkey's fight against terrorism
Turkish vice president reiterated on Tuesday Turkey’s determination on fight against terrorism amid recently released U.S. terrorism report. "U.S.'s terror report cannot prevent us from our struggle with either the FETO or the YPG terrorist organization," Fuat Oktay said at a congress organized by Turkey’s Council of Higher Education (YOK).
Anadolu Agency
UK removes Al Qaeda-linked group from terrorism list
The UK government has removed a “defunct” Al Qaeda-linked Libyan group from a list of terrorist organisations just 18 months after it was forced to apologise for handing over a former leader to the regime of Col Muammar Qaddafi.
The National UAE
Government announces UK special envoy for countering violent extremism
The Home Secretary has today appointed John Woodcock MP as the UK special envoy for countering violent extremism. The new role will focus on improving the UK’s response to violent extremism, with a particular focus on tackling far right violent extremism, taking lessons from global best practice.
UK Government, BBC News
Terrorist Cell Linked to ISIS Leaders Uncovered in Tunisia
Tunisian National Guard units uncovered a four-member terrorist cell that has pledged allegiance to ISIS. They said defendants were in contact with elements who joined extremist organizations in hotbeds outside Tunisia.
Asharq Al-Awsat
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BARMM
Duterte thanks Japan for help in BARMM creation
President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday expressed his gratitude to Japan for its assistance in the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), which paves the way for lasting peace in the region.
ABS-CBN News
BARMM is 2019 Mindanao’s top region in good governance practices
The moral governance inspired leadership is considered as “good harvest” for the Bangsamoro Government. This was how Interior and Local Government Minister Attorney Naguib Sinarimbo described the 28 Local Government Units (LGU’s) conferred today in the Seal of Good Local Governance awarding by the Department of Interior and Local Government in Manila.
GMA News
BARMM to manage Sultan Bolkiah mosque in Cotabato City
The Bangsamoro autonomous regional government will take over the management of the Grand Masjid, known as Grand Golden Mosque of Brunei Sultan Bolkiah in this city, to ensure its efficient operations and preserve its value as a place of worship and one of tourist spots in the region.
Manila Bulletin
Carvajal: BBL myths
THERE are many myths about the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) that are being circulated and discussed on print and in social media that cloud the minds of our nation and most especially our lawmakers. As part of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), I think it is unfair that these myths are being spread without those behind them consulting and asking us about this matter.
Sunstar Cebu
MAGUINDANAO AND COTABATO CITY
Lawyer: Main suspects in Maguindanao massacre case will be convicted or else PHL press freedom is dead
The lawyer for the families of 38 of 58 victims of the infamous Maguindanao massacre on Tuesday said she is certain the main suspects in the 10-year-old case would be convicted. Otherwise, press freedom in the Philippines would be good as dead.
GMA News, Rappler, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Business World Online, Philippine News Agency
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School principal nabbed in Parang drug buy bust
Police and anti-narcotic operatives arrested here Monday afternoon a school principal during drug buy bust operations.
NDBC News, Mindanews
Lidasan: The modern datu in Maguindanao
IN THE past few days, I have been asking myself a certain question. I wonder, who can we best describe as a modern day “datu” in Maguindanao? By the word datu, I mean someone who has the bloodline to the Datus of old, someone with the strong leadership and political will, and above all, someone whose word is his bond.
Sunstar Davao
NORTH COTABATO
LANAO PROVINCES
Fire guts ex-mayor’s ancestral house in Bubong, Lanao del Sur
Fire razed the two-story ancestral house of former mayor Haji Ali Munder of Bubong, Lanao del Sur at 3:46 p.m. on Monday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
BASILAN
SULU
1 Filipino, 2 Egyptian ‘suicide bombers’ killed in army clash in Sulu – AFP
Three alleged suicide bombers from the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) were killed in a clash with Philippine Army troops in Sitio Itawon, Barangay Kan Islam, Indanan, Sulu, on Tuesday, November 5, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana confirmed to Rappler.
Rappler, Philippine Daily Inquirer, ABS-CBN News
Kidnapped Indonesian hostages change hands in Sulu: Official
Three Indonesian fishermen kidnapped in waters off Tambisan Island in Lahad Datu on Sept 23 and later held in Sulu have been transferred to another kidnap group leader, Daily Express has learned.
Daily Express Malaysia
TAWI-TAWI
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DRUGS
Duterte designates Robredo as co-chair of committee vs illegal drugs
President Rodrigo Duterte has designated Vice President Leni Robredo to be his partner in his drive against illegal drugs. In a letter dated October 31, 2019, Duterte, through Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, asked Robredo to lead the campaign against illegal narcotics.
ABS-CBN News, Manila Bulletin, Rappler
Robredo spokesman scoffs at 'empty, powerless' anti-drug post
It seems unlikely that Vice President Leni Robredo will accept President Rodrigo Duterte's designation for her to be co-chairperson of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD).
Rappler, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin
Panelo believes Robredo ‘bright enough’ to lead drug war
Malacañang believes Vice President Leni Robredo is “bright enough” to lead the government’s crackdown against illegal drugs, contradicting the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Aaron Aquino’s assessment that she lacks the experience to curb one of the country’s perennial problems.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Robredo’s appointment as drug czar a ‘ladder to the presidency’ – Palace
Malacañang said on Tuesday that President Rodrigo Duterte had effectively given Vice President Leni Robredo a “ladder to the presidency” by appointing her co-chairperson of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD).
GMA News
Palace: Robredo can again join Cabinet meetings with new appointment
Vice President Leni Robredo is again welcome to join Cabinet meetings once she accepts the position of Co-Chairperson of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD), Malacañang said Tuesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
PDEA’s Aquino now says Robredo can help in Duterte’s war on drugs
The head of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency on Tuesday welcomed President Rodrigo Duterte's designation of Vice President Leni Robredo as his co-chair in the inter-agency body against illegal drugs.
GMA News
PNP to extend ‘full assistance’ to Robredo in leading drug war
The Philippine National Police (PNP) vowed on Tuesday to extend full assistance to Vice President Leni Robredo in the drug war, after she was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte as co-chairperson of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD).
Philippine Daily Inquirer
DOJ hopes Robredo will inject ‘fresh, constructive’ insights into illegal drug campaign
The Department of Justice (DOJ) hopes that Vice President Leni Robredo will “inject fresh and constructive insights” into the anti-illegal campaign of the government.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Senators welcome Duterte's decision to let Robredo co-chair inter-agency body vs. drugs
Senators welcomed Tuesday the decision of President Rodrigo Duterte to designate Vice President Leni Robredo as co-chairperson of the inter-agency body created to handle the government’s war on drugs.
GMA News
Sotto urges Robredo to accept antidrug post; it’s ‘baloney’ to call drug war a failure
Vice President Leni Robredo should accept the anti-drug post so she and her allies would realize that the war on drugs could not be stopped.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Bong Go to Robredo: Try killing all the drug lords
“Patayin mo lahat ng mga drug lords.” (Kill all the drug lords).
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Go goads Robredo to take ICAD post: ‘Tignan natin kung makakatulog ka pa’
Long-time presidential aide-turned-lawmaker, Senator Bong Go, has challenged Vice President Leni Robredo to accept the new designation given to her by President Rodrigo Duterte as co-chair of a committee leading the administration’s campaign against illegal drugs.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Pangilinan: From drug czar to co-chair? Are they afraid to give VP real power?
Senator Francis Pangilinan questioned the motive behind the designation of Vice President Leni Robredo as the co-chairperson of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD).
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin
Trillanes: VP should accept drug czar post only if it had ‘absolute authority’
A staunch critic of President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday, Nov. 5, listed the perils of Vice President Leni Robredo accepting appointment as co-chair of a new anti-drug body being formed by Malacanang, saying she shouldn’t accept it unless she had absolute authority to run the campaign against drugs.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin
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Gatchalian urges Robredo to accept ‘drug czar challenge’
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian prodded Vice President Leni Robredo on Tuesday to accept the challenge of leading the government’s war on drugs. “I strongly suggest that VP Leni should accept the “drug czar challenge,” Gatchalian said in a Twitter post.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
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19 senators sign report vs Albayalde, 'ninja cops'
Majority of the senators signed the committee report recommending the filing of criminal charges against resigned top cop Oscar Albayalde and the 13 "ninja cops" tagged in an anomalous anti-drug operations in 2013.
Rappler, GMA News, Philippine Daily Inquirer
Albayalde seeks dismissal of raps over ‘ninja cops’ op
Resigned Philippine National Police chief Police General Oscar Albayalde asked the Department of Justice to dismiss criminal complaints filed against him in connection with a controversial operation by his men when he was Pampanga police chief.
GMA News
Albayalde: Guevarra does not have power to reopen drug recycling probe
Former police chief General Oscar Albayalde said Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra does not have the authority to reopen a previously dismissed case of the so-called Pampanga ninja cops, in which the ex-top cop has been belatedly included for alleged mishandling of drugs and falsifying documents.
Rappler
PNP-CIDG confident Albayalde will be indicted in ‘ninja cops’ scandal
The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) on Tuesday (November 5) expressed confidence that former PNP chief General Oscar Albayalde will likely get indicted over his alleged involvement in the questionable 2013 anti-illegal operations in Pampanga of the so-called “ninja cops”.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer
No hard evidence to file admin case vs Albayalde over ninja cops – Año
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año found no hard evidence that would merit an administrative complaint against former police chief General Oscar Albayalde over the "ninja cops" controversy, despite the criminal complaint filed by the national police investigators.
Rappler
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YA novel about Duterte's 'drug war' nominated for CILIP Carnegie Medal
Patron Saints of Nothing, a young adult novel set in the backdrop of the Philippines' bloody "war on drugs" has been nominated for a 2020 CILIP Carnegie Medal.
Rappler
Operations/ Incidents
P36-M worth of ‘shabu’ seized in Pasay
Around P36 million worth of suspected “shabu” was seized in a buy-bust operation in Pasay City, police said Tuesday. Operatives of the Police Drug Enforcement Group launched the buy-bust at about 8 p.m. Monday in front of a fast food store along Roxas Boulevard, according to a report forwarded by the Pasay City police. A certain Emerson Fernandez and another unnamed cohort were arrested.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Jail visitor busted for shabu concealed in meal
Police arrested a woman who tried to smuggle a sachet of shabu (crystal meth) concealed in a packed meal at the Quezon City Police District’s Fairview station early Tuesday morning.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Couple, 8 others nabbed for drugs, firearms in Makati
A live-in couple and eight accomplices were arrested for selling illegal drugs and illegal possession of firearms during a buy-bust operation in Makati on Monday night, police said Tuesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
2 drug pushers nabbed in Mandaue City raid
Police arrested on Tuesday, November 5, two drug pushers in two separate anti-drug operations in Barangay Canduman.
Cebu Daily News
Recovery and Rehabilitation
ILLICIT FIREARMS, EXPLOSIVES, AND AMMUNITION
CROSS-BORDER TRADING/ SMUGGLING/ COUNTERFEIT GOODS
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
KIDNAPPING
ILLEGAL GAMBLING
ILLICIT FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS/ EXTORTION
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Press Freedom/ Freedom of expression
Martial Law
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Duterte back in Manila from Asean Summit in Thailand
President Rodrigo Duterte arrived Manila on Monday night after participating in the 35th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit and Related Summits in Bangkok, Thailand.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, GMA News
Duterte urges PH’s Asia Pacific partners ‘not to be pawns in geopolitical chessboard’
As the strategic rivalry between the United States and China threatens to disrupt global growth, President Duterte has urged Asia Pacific nations “not to be pawns in a geopolitical chessboard.”
Manila Bulletin
Relations, regional issues discussed during Duterte-Abe talks – Palace
President Rodrigo Duterte and Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met in Thailand on Monday during which they discussed matters concerning bilateral relations and regional issues.
GMA News, Rappler
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Palace welcomes report on drop of PH inflation rate
Malacañang has lauded the latest drop in the country’s inflation rate and vowed to continue to monitor the prices of basic commodities, especially with the approaching Christmas season.
Manila Bulletin
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OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
OVP distances itself from scathing Mindanao quake remarks
The Office of the Vice President (OVP) has clarified that it is not in any way connected with Yoly Ong, who made distasteful tweets about the recent Mindanao earthquakes and Duterte administration supporters.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, GMA News
ELECTION RELATED
Guanzon assures Comelec will comply with law postponing May 2020’s brgy, SK polls
Commission on Elections Commissioner Rowena Guanzon said the poll body will comply in the event that a law is passed postponing the May 2020 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE).
Manila Bulletin
DISASTER
3.1-magnitude quake jolts Cotabato; Intensity III felt in Kidapawan City
A magnitude 3.1 earthquake jolted Cotabato anew on Tuesday afternoon, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
188,583 persons affected by quakes in Regions 11, 12
At least 37,716 families consisting of 188,583 persons have been affected in Soccsksargen and Davao regions by the series of earthquakes that jolted a large part of Mindanao last month, government data showed Tuesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Environmental planners urge gov't: Clear West Valley Fault zone
Amid the quake destruction in Mindanao, the Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners is calling for more political will in ensuring the country's disaster-preparedness. As urban planning expert Edgardo Sabado points out, local government capacity to respond in times of disaster may not exactly match the population density that it needs to secure.
ABS-CBN News
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DSWD aid finally reach hard-to-reach brgys in North Cotabato
Earthquake victims in Mindanao, who were shown in news reports appealing for aid along the highway in North Cotabato, have already been provided with relief assistance, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) assured.
Manila Bulletin
Quake victims told to get aid at evacuation centers
To expedite the release of relief items and goods for those severely affected by the Mindanao earthquakes, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana urged quake victims to go to their designated evacuation centers and barangay halls for assistance.
Philippine News Agency
Australia, PH partners send aid to quake-hit Mindanao
Australia, Austria, China and the European Union (EU) have separately offered sympathies and humanitarian aid to the people of Mindanao following the series of earthquakes that hit parts of the region last month.
Philippine News Agency
Ilonggos heed Mindanao’s call for relief aid
Help from Iloilo is coming to families devastated by the recent earthquakes that struck parts of Mindanao as government agencies and other organizations here have already initiated relief operations.
Philippine News Agency
6th ID brings aid to Mindanao earthquake victims
The 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central immediately provided necessary aid to most affected municipalities in North Cotabato as a result of the powerful earthquakes that hit Mindanao in the last 3 weeks.
Kalinaw News
DOTr officials to donate 14th-month pay to Mindanao quake relief effort
Officials from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) pledged to donate their 14th month pay to the earthquake relief effort in Mindanao, according to DOTr's Facebook post.
GMA News
Kidapawan mayor warns traders hiking prices
Mayor Joseph Evangelista has warned of drastic measures against unscrupulous businessmen who raise the prices of basic commodities amidst the prevailing natural calamity. Evangelista said Monday he received reports that prices of rice, canned goods, sugar, milk, including tarpaulin and bottled water have skyrocketed.
Philippine News Agency
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Water tanker mishap in Cotabato
A water tanker on its way to deliver water for earthquake victims crashed into a canal along the highway in Barangay Malasila, Makilala, Cotabato on Tuesday. Witnesses said the tanker's brakes failed, causing the vehicle to fall into the canal. The tanker's driver was injured while his helper was killed in the crash.
ABS-CBN News, NDBC News, Mindanews
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[OPINION] Apollo Quiboloy, stop!
Pastor Apollo Quiboloy wants us to be grateful. “You should thank me for stopping the earthquake because otherwise many of you will be dead.” He was referring to his divine encounter with the earthquake in Mindanao last week. In a viral video, Pastor Quiboloy recounted how it obeyed him when he commanded the earthquake to stop.
Rappler
Singer Leah Navarro declared ‘persona non grata’ in GenSan after ‘retribution’ remark
The General Santos City Council has declared singer Leah Navarro “persona non grata” after insinuating that the recent Mindanao quakes were a “retribution.”
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Quakes trigger questions on safety of mining ventures in Region 12
The spate of powerful earthquakes and aftershocks that jolted mainland Mindanao last month casts doubts on the safety of mining ventures in Region 12 or Soccsksargen, which hosts small-scale gold tunnel mining operations and the Tampakan project, the largest known undeveloped copper and gold minefield in Southeast Asia.
Mindanews
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Phivolcs launches tsunami exposure level assessing app
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Tuesday launched a web application that assesses the tsunami exposure level of specific areas around the country.
Manila Bulletin
MINDANAO
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
JUDICIARY
Ilocos Sur judge killed in ambush in La Union
Tagudin, Ilocos Sur Judge Mario Anacleto Bañez was shot to death by unidentified gunmen late afternoon of Tuesday, November 5, the Supreme Court (SC) confirmed. Court Administrator Midas Marquez relayed to reporters Tuesday night the incident report of Bañez's death, and added that the judge was proclaimed dead on arrival. He was 54.
Rappler
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[OPINION] About that election question in the bar exams
The annual bar exams are held for 4 Sundays, and the first day is split between political and labor laws. Political law is relatively the easiest subject, but being the first subject makes it the most nerve-wracking as most bar examinees (“baristas,” we call them) would have no idea what to expect.
Rappler
LEGISLATIVE
Senate of the Philippines
Lacson wants bicam hearing on budget open to public
Senator Panfilo Lacson said Tuesday he wanted the bicameral conference committee hearing on the proposed P4.1-trillion national budget for 2020 to be open to the public.
GMA News
Poe bill: Remembrance is ‘precursor’ of justice for road crash victims
The chair of the Senate public services committee on Tuesday, Nov. 5, took the floor to formally endorse for approval a bill declaring a day of remembrance for road crash victims and their loved ones.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
House of Representatives
Manila solon bats for passage of 14th month pay bill
Manila Rep. John Marvin “Yul Servo” Nieto has batted for the passage of a bill seeking to provide 14th month pay to all employees in the government and private sector in a bid to ease their financial plight.
Manila Bulletin
House OKs bill declaring November 8 ‘Yolanda Commemoration Day’ in Eastern Visayas
The House of Representatives on Monday approved on third and final reading the measure declaring November 8 of every year a special non-working holiday in Eastern Visayas in commemoration of the day Super Typhoon Yolanda struck in 2013.
GMA News, Rappler
House panel approves bills creating additional courts in certain parts of the country
The House Committee on Justice approved yesterday bills seeking the creation of additional courts in certain parts of the country to address the snowballing and clogged cases in courts.
Manila Bulletin
House OKs on 2nd reading reso allowing gov’t to buy palay from farmers
The joint resolution that would allow the government to directly purchase palay stock from rice farmers will soon hurdle the House of Representatives.
Rappler
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Solon wants gov’t to disclose real income from POGOs
A ranking congressman has asked the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to account for and publicly disclose the real income that the government has derived from so-called Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
Manila Bulletin
LPGMA congressman Albano dies at 85
LPG Marketers Association Inc Representative Rodolfo Albano Jr died on Tuesday, November 5. This was confirmed to Rappler by his son, Isabela Governor Rodolfo “Rodito” Albano III, who said his father died due to heart failure. The family patriarch was 85 years old.
Rappler, Manila Bulletin
BUDGET, FINANCE, and TAXATION
LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)
DILG reprimands Cainta mayor for riding motorbike without a helmet on
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has castigated Cainta Mayor Kit Nieto for riding a motorcycle without wearing a helmet an act which many perceived as an act of arrogance making it appear that he was above the law.
Manila Bulletin
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
NCRPO chief says cops 'not equipped to deal with prisoners'
Metro Manila's newly-installed police chief on Tuesday said he does not want policemen manning the national penitentiary. The Bureau of Corrections had tapped the metro's police force after its chief removed personnel from the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa as part of its internal cleansing amid corruption allegations.
ABS-CBN News
NCRPO: Phones of cops in ‘smuggling try’ not used for transactions at NBP
The cellphones of 14 police officers implicated in the alleged attempt to smuggle contraband at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City were not used for transactions inside the national penitentiary.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
DEFENSE AND SECURITY
Armed Forces of the Philippines
Philippine National Police
New NCRPO chief says he’s not ‘anti-media’
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Brig. Gen. Debold Sinas denied claims on Tuesday that he was “anti-media.”
Manila Bulletin, ABS-CBN News
Sinas: Transfer of 143 Central Visayas cops to NCRPO did not cause demoralization
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) acting chief Police Brigadier General Debold Sinas on Tuesday refuted information that the transfer of 143 cops from Central Visayas to the office he now leads caused demoralization among the police force in Metro Manila.
GMA News
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4 more senior PNP officials reshuffled
Four senior officials were included in the latest reshuffle at the Philippine National Police (PNP) which took effect on Monday. This came after PNP officer-in-charge, Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa approved the designation of Brig. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia as the acting regional director of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 3 (Central Luzon).
Philippine News Agency
ECONOMY AND INVESTMENTS
Inflation further slows to 0.8% in October 2019
Prices of goods continued to rise at a desirable pace, with inflation clocking in at just 0.8% in October. The Philippine Statistics Authority on Tuesday, November 5, announced the latest inflation figure, which is lower than the 0.9% registered in September and well within analysts' projections.
Rappler, Philippine Daily Inquirer
Peso appreciates for 4th straight session on inflation data
The Philippine peso appreciated against its US counterpart for the fourth consecutive trading day on Tuesday, following the positive economic data. The local currency gained 9 centavos to close at P50.41:$1 from P50.5:$1 on Monday.
GMA News
BUILD, BUILD, BUILD and PUBLIC WORKS
Construction of NLEX Connector expected to start this month
Initial civil works for the NLEX Connector, an eight-kilometer elevated expressway that will be linked to the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3, will this month.
Manila Bulletin
OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
Envoy says PHL didn’t seek new grant from US Millennium Challenge Corp
The Philippines did not seek a second development grant from a United States agency amid reports that the country failed to qualify for a multi-million dollar assistance for its poor rating on curbing corruption and rule of law.
GMA News
AUDIT, GRAFT, AND CORRUPTION
Sandiganbayan affirms dismissal of graft raps vs. Locsin’s brother
The Sandiganbayan Second Division gave no weight to the appeal of the private prosecution to reinstate the civil liability of Enrique Locsin and Manuel Andal, both nominees to the Philippine Communication Satellite Corp. (Philcomsat) and Philippine Overseas Telecommunications Corp. (POTC), even though their graft cases have already been dismissed.
Manila Bulletin
FOREIGN RELATIONS
Outgoing Chinese envoy lauds Cayetano’s efforts in strengthening PH-China relations
Outgoing Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua has cited House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano’s contributions to the strengthening of relations between Manila and Beijing.
Manila Bulletin
On being a Filipino in Mexico
For sure it will take more than a day’s visit to truly understand the culture, the nature, and the essence of a nation, but there is something about Mexico and Mexicans that can make a Pinoy feel “at home” upon setting foot on the United States’ southern neighbor.
Business World Online
West Philippine Sea
AFP: China fired warning flares at PH military planes over West PH Sea
China fired warning flares at Philippine military planes conducting maritime patrols near the artificial islands controlled by China in the West Philippine Sea early this year, the military said Tuesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
It’s ‘necessary’ for PHL to defend its claim over Scarborough Shoal, says Batongbacal
The Philippines should uphold and assert its claim over the Scarborough Shoal by filing corresponding protests against China, after a Greek-flagged vessel has been harassed by a Chinese naval vessel in the disputed waters, maritime expert Jay Batongbacal said on Tuesday.
GMA News, Rappler
PH urged to remind China to be 'mindful of maritime law'
The Philippines should remind China to be "mindful of maritime law," a former envoy said Tuesday after Beijing's Coast Guard supposedly harassed a Filipino-crewed commercial vessel near Scarborough Shoal in late September.
ABS-CBN News
U.S. accuses Beijing of 'intimidation' in South China Sea
Washington and Beijing traded tit-for-tat barbs over the disputed South China Sea at a regional summit in Bangkok Monday, November 4, with the US accusing the fellow superpower of intimidating claimants in the resource-rich waterway.
Rappler
Japan backs code of conduct in sea dispute
Japan has expressed support for the crafting of a code of conduct in the disputed South China Sea during the bilateral meeting here on Monday between President Rodrigo Duterte and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
LABOR
POEA advices Filipino jobseekers to be wary of ‘fake job ads’ online
The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) advised on Tuesday Filipinos seeking jobs abroad to be more cautious in applying for employment opportunities being offered in social media sites, particularly in Facebook, where some were found to be masquerading as POEA-owned accounts.
Manila Bulletin
TRANSPORTATION
CAB set to enforce regulation on ‘chronic flight delays’ this month
The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) will be implementing this November a new regulation that will penalize commercial airlines which have “chronic flight delays”.
Manila Bulletin
Obstruction of traffic is top violation of bus drivers in NCR in 2019 — MMDA
Obstruction of traffic is the top violation of traffic rules for bus drivers in Metro Manila for the first 10 months of 2019, data from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) showed Tuesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
MMDA wants over 1,000 drivers suspended, stripped of licenses
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Tuesday turned over an initial list of 100 public bus drivers with at least 100 traffic violations each to the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Commuters’ group rejects entry of foreign TNVS
A commuters’ group has urged the government to support local transport network companies (TNCs) instead of opening the country’s ride-sharing market to foreign-owned firms.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer
HEALTH
Higher cigarette prices fail to stop Filipinos from smoking
The increase in the price of cigarettes has not discouraged Jerry Marso from smoking or made him consider reducing his two-pack-a-day tobacco consumption.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Salt tax? Why not healthier food, says group
Rather than consider imposing a tax on salty products, the civil society group Sin Tax Coalition said on Monday that the government should instead urge food manufacturers to ensure that they produce healthier goods.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Traveling? You may need to get a polio vaccine certificate – here’s how
Tourists departing the Philippines may have one other thing to consider when they make their plans to travel abroad: getting a polio vaccine certificate.
Rappler
‘Out of reach’: Hontiveros bats for lower price of medicine
“Out of reach.” That was how Senator Risa Hontiveros described on Tuesday the prices of medicines in the country as she pushed for making medicines more accessible by lowering their prices.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
DOH confirms 4th polio case in Mindanao
The Department of Health (DOH) confirmed Tuesday another polio case, the fourth since its re-emergence in the Philippines. The fourth case is from Mindanao. The DOH did not disclose details about the victim.
ABS-CBN News, Rappler
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
Revilla wants stricter implementation of food safety law amid ASF outbreak
Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. has appealed for a stricter implementation of the Republic Act No. 10611, or the Food Safety Act of 2013 to make sure that the public’s health is being protected amid the outbreak of swine fever.
Manila Bulletin
Filipinos shift to chicken and beef as African swine fever spreads
The African swine fever (ASF) scare has led to consumers eating more chicken and beef, even though the disease does not harm humans.
Rappler
EDUCATION
ENERGY
POVERTY
SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT
HOUSING
TOURISM
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Water crisis
INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Snowden warns of Web giants' 'irresistible power'
Technology has given internet giants "irresistible power" when they work in concert with governments, whistleblower Ed Snowden told the Web Summit that opened in Lisbon on Monday.
Rappler
New Facebook logo arrives as its 'family' grows
Facebook on Monday unveiled a new logo to represent the Silicon Valley company, distinct from its core social network. The move aims to highlight the Facebook "brand" which operates a range of apps and services including messaging, photo-sharing, virtual reality and is developing wallets for digital currency.
Rappler
DEVELOPMENT SECTOR
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