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Communist Rebellion
PRRD bending backward to talk with Reds for lasting peace: Badoy
President Rodrigo R. Duterte's desire to forge a lasting peace cannot be doubted or sneered at as he is willing to negotiate with hardcore communist rebels and their allies despite the numerous atrocities carried out by the New People's Army (NPA).
Philippine News Agency

Duterte won’t heed Sison’s preconditions for resumption of talks
President Rodrigo Duterte will not give in to the preconditions set by Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chair Jose Maria Sison for the possible resumption of peace negotiations, Malacañang said on Friday.
Philippine News Agency

Joma on Duterte meet: Anywhere in Asia except Philippines
Exiled Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison is open to a one-on-one meeting with President Duterte, but not in the Philippines, as the President wanted.
Philippine Star

Sison’s refusal to return to PHL shows insincerity — Panelo
Communist Party of the Philippines founding chairman Jose Maria Sison’s refusal to return to the Philippines to talk with President Rodrigo Duterte shows his insincerity, presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Friday.
GMA News

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Palace dares Sison: Go ahead, cancel your ceasefire
Malacañang challenged Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Ma. Sison to cancel its unilateral ceasefire with the government, saying it already violated the Holiday truce from the moment it was declared.
Manila Bulletin, Tempo

Sison confirms receipt of GRP’s SOMO, SOPO, says no need to cancel ceasefire order
There is no need to cancel the Communist rebel groups’ own ceasefire order as Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Ma. Sison confirmed Friday that the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) has finally received copies of the written ceasefire orders from the government.
Manila Bulletin

NDFP confirms receipt of GRP’s SOMO, SOPO
The Negotiating Panel of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) has confirmed receipt of the Philippine government’s (GRP) Suspension of Offensive Military Operations (SOMO) and Suspension of Offensive Police Operations (SOPO) on Thursday.
Manila Bulletin, Rappler, GMA News

NPA-ICR strictly adheres to the CPP nationwide ceasefire declaration during the holiday season
The New People’s Army (NPA) – Ilocos Cordillera command fully supports and will strictly adhere to the directive of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) for a nationwide ceasefire from 12 AM of December 23, 2019 to 11:59 PM of January 7, 2020. 
Communist Party of the Philippines

CPDF: People’s war, not ELCAC will resolve the roots of armed conflict
In the past few months, consultations and activities under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict or NTF-ELCAC were launched one after another in several municipalities and barangays in Mt. Province.
Communist Party of the Philippines

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NAD holds anti-communists rally as CPP celebrates anniversary
The National Alliance for Democracy (NAD) has called on the remaining New People’s Army (NPA) rebels to return to the folds of the law as they held a peace rally Thursday in this city.
Philippine News Agency

Davao groups condemn NPA
Various groups convened here on Thursday to condemn the anti-government, anti-people and atrocities brought by the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front-New People’s Army (CPPNDF-NPA).
Philippine News Agency

Advance the people’s war in the new decade of struggle!
he Roselyn Jean Pelle Command New People’s Army (RJPC-NPA) and the broad masses of the people in Northern Negros are one with the revolutionary movement and people in the whole country in celebrating the 51st anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines today, December 26, 2019.
Communist Party of the Philippines

Overcome conservatism and further intensify the people’s war to expose and fight the brutality of the US-Duterte regime!
Let us celebrate, with utmost joy, the 51st anniversary of the re-establishment of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), today, December 26, 2019. Let us render the highest tribute to all cadres and members of the Party and the revolutionary forces who gave their lives for the people’s democratic revolution.
Communist Party of the Philippines

The US-Duterte regime and the AFP/PNP failed to destroy a single guerilla front in NEMR!
The New People’s Army in North Eastern Mindanao Region (NPA-NEMR) salutes and gives tribute to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on the occasion of the 51st anniversary of its re-establishment, celebrated today, December 26, 2019.
Communist Party of the Philippines

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Stop recruiting children, parents ask CPP-NPA
A parents’ group called on the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) to stop recruiting their children as fighters in the armed conflict.
Manila Bulletin

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NoCot guv urges RPOC-12 to sustain EO 70 support
North Cotabato Governor Nancy Catamco has called on all members of the Soccsksargen Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) to fully support President Rodrigo Duterte’s desire to end the communist-led armed fighting and terrorism in the southern Philippines.
Philippine News Agency

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Army criticized for releasing digitally manipulated photos of alleged rebel surrenderers
The Philippine Army (PA) earned the ire of netizens on Friday after one of its units in the Bicol Region allegedly used digitally edited photos of several people whom it said were Communist rebels that surrendered in Masbate province.
Manila Bulletin, Rappler, GMA News

Army unit apologizes, admits manipulating photo ‘to protect former rebels’
The Philippine Army's 9th Infantry Division has admitted that its line unit manipulated a picture supposedly depicting the surrender of New People's Army rebels in Masbate recently.
GMA News

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After 15 years, couple decides to quit NPA
Too much exhaustion and disillusionment forced a couple in Surigao del Sur to finally leave the New People’s Army (NPA), armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) that they served for more than 15 years.
Philippine News Agency

306 CTG members, supporters surrender in Masbate
A total of 306 New People's Army (NPA) fighters, Milisyang Bayan (MB) members, Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad (SPL) officers, members, and supporters surrendered in Masbate Province on Thursday, a military official said Friday.
Philippine News Agency, The Manila Times

Peace Talks

Peace talks must resume despite ceasefire imbroglio
Above the din of blaming and vituperations in the imbroglio on alleged violations at the start of the unilateral-reciprocal ceasefire declarations separately issued, first by the National Democratic Front and then by the Duterte government, on Dec. 23, peace advocates are firmly reminding both sides that mutual goodwill must prevail.
Philippine Star

Despite possible Duterte-Sison one-on-one, Lorenzana still skeptical of peace talks with Reds
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Friday said he supports President Rodrigo Duterte's interest in having a one-on-one talk with exiled communist leader Jose Maria "Joma" Sison, but maintained that he doesn't trust the insurgents.
GMA News

Peace is farthest from communists’ mind
It's a welcome development that both the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines have declared a unilateral ceasefire during the holidays through January 7th.
Manila Standard

CPOC supports Sara to block peace talks
The City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) is supporting Mayor Sara Duterte’s stance to exempt the city from the 15-day ceasefire with the communist rebels. On Thursday afternoon, the Duterte-led CPOC pushed for the exemption of the city from the ceasefire and the Suspension of Military Operation (SOMO).
The Mindanao Times

Incidents/ Operations    

 
Extremism
Who were the Indonesian husband and wife behind Jolo bombing?
The churchgoers did not notice the woman who left a bag in one of the pews as they began filing into the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Jolo for Sunday morning Mass in January 2019.
Rappler

MARAWI 

Women of the Eastern Caliphate Hiding in plain sight
From the battlefield, the Marawi siege and the establishment of the Philippines as the eastern province of ISIS was led by men who headed militant troops. But war requires money, weapons, trained soldiers – and as a Rappler research found out – women who established the ties of the key terrorist groups in the Philippines.
Rappler

SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE WORLD


ISIS claims execution of 11 Christians in Nigeria
Jihadists aligned to the Islamic State group have released a video claiming to show the execution of 11 Christians in restive northeast Nigeria.
Rappler

Islamic State group claims responsibility for Burkina Faso attack on military base
Islamic State claimed responsibility on Friday for an attack on a military outpost in Burkina Faso on Tuesday in the town of Arbinda, in the Northern Soum province
France24

Egypt condemns recent ‘terrorist’ attacks in Burkina Faso
Egypt condemns the terrorist attacks that targeted civilians and military personnel in northern Burkina Faso over the past days, causing the death of many citizens mostly women, the foreign ministry said in a statement. The ministry described the incident as one of the bloodiest attacks the African country has suffered.
Egypt Today

Bosnia Jails Ex-ISIS Militant for Four Years
A Bosnian Muslim who pleaded guilty to terrorism charges was sentenced to four years in prison on Friday for organizing a terrorist group and fighting for Islamic State (IS) in Syria, a Bosnian court said.
Asharq Al-Awsat

Indonesian moderation and ‘Indonesianness’
Indonesia recently endured an apparent state of emergency with regard to radicalism, which along with terrorism have become major issues and served as justification for acts to control. Narratives to watch out for “jihadists”, “caliphate”, “Wahhabists” and others along with various deradicalization policies have filled public spaces.
The Jakarta Post

With Uighur Comic, Japanese Manga Artist Aims to Highlight Everday 'Suffering'
A Japanese artist whose manga comics about a Uighur woman went viral wants to use the simple power of her work to raise awareness of the "daily suffering" endured by the Chinese mostly Muslim minority, she told Reuters.
The New York Times
 
Bangsamoro
BARMM 

Locsin to file protest vs. Turkey for slap at Philippine sovereignty
Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on Friday said he would file a diplomatic protest against Turkey and was studying a suit against Bangsamoro officials, citing violation of Philippine sovereignty.
GMA News

Murad’s trip to Ankara had Palace authority, BARMM says
The recent trip to Ankara of Bangsamoro Administrative Region for Muslim Mindanao Chief Minister Al Haj Murad Ebrahim was covered by a travel authority from Malacañang, the spokesperson for the BARMM said on Friday.
GMA News

DFA chief ‘aborts’ diplomatic protest against Turkey
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on Friday said his plan to file a diplomatic protest against Turkey was “aborted” after a “swift response” from Turkish Ambassador to Manila Artemiz Sumer.
Manila Bulletin, GMA News, ABS-CBN News, Manila Standard, Philippine Daily Inquirer

PH, Turkey agree to coordinate on all engagements with Bangsamoro
The Philippines and Turkey have agreed to coordinate all engagements with the government of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, after Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro "Teddyboy" Locsin flared up over meetings between Turkish officials and BARMM Chief Minister Ahod "Murad" Ebrahim.
CNN Philippines

MAGUINDANAO AND COTABATO CITY 

Maguindanao massacre verdict just a ‘partial victory’ – Zarate
At least one lawyer-congressman is viewing the celebrated verdict on the Maguindanao Massacre case as just a “partial victory.”
Manila Bulletin

NORTH COTABATO

Soldiers hunting down BIFF found abandoned house with IEDs in Pikit
Combined troops of 7IB; 602nd Infantry Brigade; 34IB; 62nd Division Reconnaissance Company; EOD Team; and Pikit PNP recovered Improvised Explosive Devices (IED's) and other paraphernalias today, 27 December 2019 at Sitio Blah, Brgy Manaulanan, Pikit, North Corabato while pursuing the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF).
NDBC News

LANAO PROVINCES


NorMin 2019: Tales of 2 Lanao, mass surrenders, call for justice
The first month of 2019 marked a new chapter in Mindanao's history when the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) was ratified through a plebiscite on January 21.
Philippine News Agency

BASILAN

SULU 

Abus holding Indonesian, Pinoy in Sulu
Two persons remain in the hands of Abu Sayyaf bandits in the mountains of Sulu. “As of now, there are still two hostages, an Indonesian and a local,” Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command chief, confirmed yesterday, citing the encounters with the kidnappers that led to the rescue of two Indonesian hostages last Sunday.
Philippine Star

Indonesia closes somber year with one more Sulu hostage to rescue
Wa Daya was at a loss for words when she was asked by officials to speak to the press about the recent rescue of her spouse, Maharudin Lunani, 48, from the clutches of militant rebels operating in the southern Philippines.
The Jakarta Post

TAWI-TAWI 
Shadow Economies
DRUGS

How ‘drug pilfering’ six years ago haunted PNP in 2019
As if the controversy on alleged vigilante-style killings on drug suspects was not enough, the Philippine National Police (PNP) this year found itself grappling with another issue so huge that it altered the PNP leadership, even forcing its chief to step down from his post.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

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De Lima disputes Palace claim she was ‘accorded procedural due process’
Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima belied on Thursday the Duterte administration’s claim that she was “accorded procedural due process” in the prosecution of her ‘’trumped-up drug charges’’ in reply to the recent US Senate resolution calling for her immediate release.
Manila Bulletin

Sen. De Lima, official docs show US entry ban is as fake as fake news gets
The story about the supposed entry ban on Senator De Lima’s supposed persecutors is, for the lack of a better term, more f*cked up than you think it is.
Manila Bulletin

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GenSan cops probe spread of tarps of alleged drug suspects
The city police have launched an investigation into the proliferation of tarpaulins with photos of alleged illegal drug personalities, which were posted in public places in at least three villages here.
Philippine News Agency

Operations/ Incidents

P23.7-M ‘shabu’ seized, 445 drug personalities fall in Christmas anti-drug ops in Metro Manila
About 3.49 kilos of crystal meth worth P23.752 million were seized from 445 drug suspects who got arrested in simultaneous anti-illegal drug operations in Metro Manila during the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) revealed Friday.
Manila BulletinPhilippine News Agency

P7.2-M illegal drugs seized in SoCot in 3 months
Police units in South Cotabato province have seized around PHP7.2 million worth of illegal drugs in a series of anti-drug operations in the last three months of the year.
Philippine News Agency

Davao resident nabbed in Maguindanao for shabu possession
Police authorities in Pagalungan, Maguindanao arrested a 43-year-old man for alleged possession of PHP300,000 worth of shabu while onboard a public transport vehicle on Tuesday.
Philippine News Agency

Zambo Christmas Day anti-drug ops nab 4
Four drug personalities were arrested while about PHP108,000 worth of suspected shabu seized in separate anti-drug operations on Christmas Day her in the Zamboanga Peninsula, the police reported Thursday.
Philippine News Agency

Recovery and Rehabilitation

ILLICIT FIREARMS, EXPLOSIVES, AND AMMUNITION

CROSS-BORDER TRADING/ SMUGGLING/ COUNTERFEIT GOODS  

HUMAN TRAFFICKING

KIDNAPPING

ILLEGAL GAMBLING

ILLICIT FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS/ EXTORTION

 
Land Issues
Philippine Peasants Were Promised Land. Staking a Claim Can Be Deadly.
On the day the gunman murdered her husband, Elza Balayo was planning a treat for her five children, a fish to accompany the rice that was typically their sole lunch.
The New York Times
Indigenous Peoples
Polomolok firefighters give IPs Christmas to remember
The Bureau of Fire Protection-Polomolok Fire Station (BFP-PFS) and partners enjoyed a Community Outreach Program (COP) held for an upland Indigenous People (IP) community in Barangay Landan, Polomok, South Cotabato on Wednesday, December 18.
Philippine Information Agency

Quezon City street dwellers get aid
Several street dwellers and members of indigenous people (IP) communities have received aid and transportation assistance from the Quezon City government as part of its intensified efforts against mendicancy.
Philippine Star

 
Human Rights
The magnificent Magnitsky Act
In the field of law, one of the best things that has happened recently is the enactment of the Global Magnitsky Act in the United States. It is expected that the European Union will enact a similar law soon. Likewise, it has been reported that Australia is considering a similar law.
Manila Standard

Press Freedom/ Freedom of expression


De Lima chides Duterte for vilifying columnist
Senator Leila M. de Lima has taken to task President Duterte for verbally attacking economist and columnist Professor Solita Collas-Monsod for the latter’s commentary praising the administration’s poverty reduction efforts.
Manila Bulletin

Martial Law 

 
Governance

SWS: More Filipinos will greet the coming year with hope rather than fear
Majority of Filipinos will greet the coming year with hope rather than with fear, the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showed. In the survey results released on Friday, the SWS said 96 percent of Filipinos will enter the 2020 with hope, while only four percent will enter the New Year with fear.
Manila Bulletin, GMA News

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Duterte to skip Rizal Day rites anew
Malacañang said President Duterte has decided not to attend any celebration of the 123rd martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal, and instead opted to go “someplace else” and honor other heroes.
Manila Bulletin

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Duterte to formally decline Trump’s invitation to visit US — Panelo
President Rodrigo Duterte will formally decline the invitation of US President Donald Trump to visit Washington, presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Friday.
GMA News

PRRD orders immediate ban on 2 US senators supporting de Lima
President Rodrigo R. Duterte has barred American Senators Richard Durbin and Patrick Leahy from entering the Philippines following their role in the United States' travel ban imposed on Philippine officials responsible for Senator Leila de Lima's arrest.
Philippine News Agency, Rappler, GMA News, Newsweek

Gov’t to require visas from Americans if PH officials are banned – Palace
Malacañang said the Philippines will be requiring Americans to secure a visa before they could enter the country should the United States ban any Filipino official from entering their territory by reason of Senator Leila de Lima’s imprisonment.
Manila Bulletin

Guevarra: Visa requirement for Americans to be implemented only if US proceeds with ban of PH officials
The visa requirement for visiting Americans will only be implemented when the United States government proceeds with its ban against Filipino officials who were behind the detention of Senator Leila de Lima, said Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Friday, December 27.
Manila Bulletin

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

ELECTION RELATED

DISASTER

Ursula toll: 28 dead, 12 still missing
At least 28 people were killed, and 12 remain missing, as reports of the extent of ty­phoon Ursula’s destruction started reaching disaster officials at the national level, with the restoration of power and communication lines, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) disclosed Friday.
Manila BulletinPhilippine Daily Inquirer, Rappler, GMA News

‘Ursula’ leaves P139.6 million in infrastructure damage – DPWH
Typhoon “Ursula” left about P139.6 million in damage to roads, bridges, and other public structures in the country, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said Friday.
Manila Bulletin

DA reports P695-M initial agri damage due to 'Ursula'
The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Friday reported that the damages and losses incurred by farmers and fisherfolk due to Typhoon Ursula (Phanfone) are placed at PHP 695.85 million.
Philippine News Agency

PH Red Cross helps typhoon-displaced families in Visayas, Mimaropa
Families in Visayas and the Mimaropa region (Mindoro provinces, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan), displaced by the onslaught of Typhoon Ursula were assisted by staff and volunteers of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) during the holiday season.
Manila Bulletin

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Central Mindanao proves resilience in 2019
Central Mindanao has stood by the facets of life in 2019, capped with both pleasant and distressing events. Amid all these fusion of events though, Central Mindanao continues to hurdle the trials gearing towards progress.
Philippine News Agency

MINDANAO

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

JUDICIARY

LEGISLATIVE

Senate of the Philippines

Revilla files bill seeking to ban bullying in the workplace
A measure proposing to require government and non-government offices to implement anti-bullying policies has been filed in Senate.
Manila Bulletin

House of Representatives

Passage of fiscal measures was ‘highest point’ of House in 2019
The House of Representatives’ passage of priority fiscal measures was the “highest point” of the chamber this year, according to Camiguin lone district Rep. Xavier Jesus “XJ” Romualdo.
Manila Bulletin

Solons support House probe into billion-peso substandard steel scam
wo congressmen expressed support recently for calls in the House of Representatives to look into the reported rampant smuggling of raw materials used to make steel rebars, as well as the alleged connivance between officials of the Bureau of Customs (BoC), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and local manufacturers to misrepresent, and sell structurally-compromised steel in the country.  
Manila Standard

BUDGET, FINANCE, and TAXATION

Consumers warned of price hikes with 3rd tranche of TRAIN law
Consumers should brace for price shocks as the government implements the third tranche of the hike in excise tax on oil as provided under the much-criticized Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion or TRAIN law.
Manila Bulletin

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)

DILG chief assures all barangay officials, functionaries will receive social assistance benefits
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Friday assured that all barangay officials and functionaries will receive a social assistance benefit not exceeding their monthly compensation.
Manila Bulletin

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

BI arrests more than 2,000 foreigners in 2019 for illegally staying, working in PH
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said Friday it arrested more than 2,000 illegal aliens this year as a result of its intensified campaign against foreigners who violated the country’s immigration laws.
Manila Bulletin

DEFENSE AND SECURITY

No foreseen threat to nat’l security if PH shelters Rohingya refugees – Lorenzana
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana believes that there will be no threat to national security should the Philippines accepts refugees from the persecuted Rohingya minority in Myanmar.
Manila BulletinPhilippine News Agency

Armed Forces of the Philippines

Philippine National Police

PNP evaluating performance of regional directors
Lt. Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa, Philippine National Police (PNP) officer-in-charge, said on Friday he is considering a reshuffle of police regional directors in the first month of 2020 if they fail to meet the criteria of evaluation.
Philippine News Agency

More than 6,400 pass entrance, promotional exams conducted by PNP
The National Police Commission (Napolcom) said on Friday that 6,492 (14 percent) of the 46,386  examinees passed the police examinations conducted by the commission last October 27 at the various designated testing centers in the country.
Manila Bulletin

ECONOMY AND INVESTMENTS

PH trade deficit ‘alarming,’ says BOI official
The trade deficit of the Philippines has been growing at a “quite alarming” rate, said Board of Investments (BOI) executive director Ma. Corazon Dichosa. At the Annual Public Policy Conference (APPC) organized by state think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) in September, Dichosa said the trade deficit of the country for the past 5 years has averaged 76.54%.
Rappler

BUILD, BUILD, BUILD and PUBLIC WORKS

OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE

AUDIT, GRAFT, AND CORRUPTION

Ex-Isabela mayor convicted of 36 graft charges
Former Gamu mayor Fernando Ocampo Cumigad of Isabela has been convicted by the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division of 36 graft charges involving the anomalous purchase of gasoline and petroleum products from 2012 to 2013.
Manila Bulletin

Sandiganbayan denies fertilizer trader’s bid to dismiss graft raps
The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division has denied the motion to dismiss filed by BALS Enterprises proprietor Jonar Buraga Balisi Jr., one of the co-accused in the graft case filed against former officials of the Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Field Office I, involving the reportedly irregular purchase of liquid fertilizers back in 2004.
Manila Bulletin

FOREIGN RELATIONS  

PH ambassador to US should show diplomatic prowess in averting diplomatic row
Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez should muster his diplomatic skills and work double time to avert a full scale diplomatic crisis between the Philippines and United States government.
Manila Bulletin

DFA assisting hundreds of distressed Filipinos awaiting deportation from Sabah, Sarawak
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) continue to provide consular assistance to hundreds of distressed Filipinos who are currently detained in Sabah and Sarawak, many of them awaiting deportation back to the Philippines.
Manila Bulletin

West Philippine Sea

The second sinking of Gem-Ver
When the men of Gem-Ver returned from the West Philippine Sea, they appeared unstoppable. Shoulder to shoulder, they stood at the bow of the Philippine Navy’s BRP Tausug, gazing towards the horizon as they sailed home while the sun set on June 14.
Rappler

LABOR

TRANSPORTATION

Pilot program, not livelihood — Suansing
Transportation Department and Technical Work Group Consultant Alberto Suansing said that the government’s recent decision that affected ride-hailing app Angkas is a pilot program and not just a livelihood.
Manila Bulletin

Angkas helps in traffic problem, but risk involved cannot be ignored — Suansing
A consultant for the Department of Transportation (DOTr) believes although Angkas in a way is helping address the need of commuters, the risk involved in the service is still something that government is looking into.
Manila BulletinPhilippine Daily Inquirer

TWG receives reports ‘Angkas’ also operating in General Santos City
Amid issues surrounding the extended motorycle taxi dry run, transport regulators called out on Friday bike firm Angkas for “deliberately disregarding” its guidelines by operating outside the designated areas of the pilot implementation.
Manila Bulletin

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Transport groups to file consolidated petition vs excise tax hike on fuel
Pasang Masda President Obet Martin on Friday said they would taking part in the filing of a consolidated petition against the excise tax hike on fuel products which was scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2020.
GMA News

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Overnight parking suspended at NAIA until Jan. 5
Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Eddie Monreal informed the public yesterday that he has suspended the overnight parking in all four NAIA Terminals’ parking areas beginning  December 26, 2019, until January 5, 2020.
Manila Bulletin

HEALTH

NBI ordered to probe ‘lambanog’ poisoning
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will also be conducting an investigation on the “lambanog (distilled palm liquor)” poisoning which has already claimed the lives of around 13 persons and downed around 300 individuals.
Manila Bulletin

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Firecracker-related injuries climb to 22 — DOH
A few days before the New Year, the number of recorded firework-related injuries has already reached 22, the Department of Health (DOH) said Friday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Rappler

Sen.Go urges public to refrain from use of firecrackers this New Year
Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go Friday cautioned the public against using firecrackers this holiday season. Go also reminded the public that using firecrackers in residential areas is prohibited.
Manila Bulletin

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

EDUCATION

Use of ‘komiks’ as instructional materials in schools proposed
A lawmaker has proposed the use of Filipino “komiks” as instructional materials in public and private elementary and high schools, as well as government information dissemination campaign materials.
Manila Bulletin

DepEd personnel given 6-month extension to apply for GSIS financial assistance loan
Employees of the Department of Education (DepEd) will benefit from the extended deadline in applying for Financial Assistance Loan (GFAL) of Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).
Manila Bulletin

ENERGY

Solar panels bring bright Xmas joy to Manay villagers
Residents of three hinterland sitios in the far-flung village of Barangay Taocanga in the municipality of Manay said they will be celebrating Christmas and welcoming the New Year more joyously as their communities light up with the new solar panels they received under the government’s Off-Grid Electrification Project.
Philippine News Agency

POVERTY

SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT

HOUSING

TOURISM

DOT eyes 8.2-M foreign visitors by year end
The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Friday expressed hopes that it would hit its target of 8.2 million foreign visitor arrivals with just four days left before the year ends.
Manila Bulletin

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

Gov't reforestation program failed to meet 80% of its targets – COA
Haste makes waste. This is what happened to the Philippine government’s National Greening Program (NGP) or reforestation program which failed to meet its 1.50 million hectare target by 88 percent, with forest cover only resulting in a paltry increase of 177,441 hectares in the last five years, according to the latest report from the Commission on Audit (COA).
GMA News

Water crisis

‘Ursula’ raises Angat Dam’s water
Rains brought by Typhoon Ursula in the past days have raised Angat Dam’s water level by 1.78 meters in three days. Records of Bulacan’s Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) showed the rise in Angat Dam’s water elevation from 198.9 meters on Wednesday to 199.72 meters on Thursday, and 200.68 meters on Friday.
Philippine News Agency

INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY  

PH Internet pioneer Benjie Tan dies
Benjamin "Benjie" Tan, who connected the Philippines to the Internet 25 years ago, died on Thursday, December 26. Newsbytes.ph reported Tan died due to cancer in a lymph node.
Rappler

International Alert Philippines is an independent peacebuilding organization that focuses on eradicating vertical and horizontal conflicts through research and analysis, advocacy, and capacity-building. We pool relevant news articles, blog posts, social media materials, and press releases through this daily digest to update ourselves and our partners on important events and ideas that may affect our programmes. Know more about us by following our social media accounts:
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