‘Joma’ and friends commemorate 50th anniversary of the FQS
NDFP chief political consultant, Prof. Jose Ma. Sison, led several Utrecht-based First Quarter Storm veterans today in commemorating the 50th anniversary of the First Quarter Storm (FQS), described as an “uprising that created and nurtured people power” and whose significance continues to manifest in the advance of the revolutionary movement in the Philippines.
NDFP
Joma: Don’t blame Reds for PH underdevelopment
Top communist rebel Jose Maria “Joma” Sison refuted President Rodrigo Duterte’s assertion that the more than five decades of insurgency was the cause of the country’s underdevelopment.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
CPP dares Duterte to terminate VFA
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) dared President Rodrigo Duterte to make good on his word to abrogate the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States and mocked the President in anticipation of another recantation.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
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Senate report recommends PNP, AFP to probe its men over Negros killings
The Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines should investigate its men in connection with the killings on Negros islands that happened between October 2018 and July 2019, a Senate committee report said.
Philippine Star, GMA News, Philippine Daily Inquirer
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RPOC 11 backs rescue attempt of IPs from Haran center
Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC 11) chairperson Nelson Dayanghirang lauded the efforts of Davao del Norte Edwin Jubahib and the tribal leaders in their attempt to liberate the indigenous peoples (IP) housed at the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) Haran Mission Center, on Saturday.
Philippine News Agency
PRO-Davao builds up case against UCCP Haran
THE Police Regional Office (PRO) Davao said they are in the process of building up a case against the people responsible behind the United Church of Christ of the Philippines (UCCP) Haran claiming to have sheltered distressed Lumad.
Sunstar Davao
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Wife appeals to NPA to return missing husband
The wife of a Manobo tribesman seized by armed men believed to be members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the Surigao del Sur town of San Miguel last month has appealed to the rebels to release her husband.
Philippine News Agency
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P7.82-M aid released for ex-rebels in Eastern Visayas
The national government has released PHP7.82 million in financial assistance to former rebels in Eastern Visayas from 2019 to early 2020, indicating the sincerity of the national government to convince enemies to return to the fold of the law, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said on Monday.
Philippine News Agency
Peace Talks
Duterte’s Peace Overture to the NPA: Another False Dawn?
Late last year, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte indicated a willingness to reverse his prior decision to terminate the peace process with the New People’s Army (NPA) – a communist rebel group at odds with Manila since the 1960s. On 26 December, Duterte appealed to Jose Maria Sison – the exiled head of the NPA’s political wing, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) – to return home from exile in the Netherlands for one-on-one talks in an attempt to revive the peace process.
Geopolitical Monitor
Incidents/ Operations
NPA organizer captured, war materiel recovered in Davao de Oro
A certain EDNA REMEGIO TAN alias MADAME, 48, an NPA political instructor and organizer was captured in BrgyAnibongan, Maco, Davao de Oro, 9:00 o’clock of January 24, 2020. Recovered in her position were war materiel and subversive documents.
Kalinaw News
Bomb recovered
An improvised explosive device (IED) was recovered by authorities in Sitio Latel, Kiblawan, Davao del Sur last Friday. Maj. Eudisan Gultiano, the spokesperson of the Police Regional Office XI, said the Kiblawan Municipal Police Station received a report regarding a suspected bomb found in Sitio Latel, Brgy. Abnate.
The Mindanao Times
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Dangerous ‘Marwan’ protégé on the loose
Authorities are still hunting one of the most notorious protégés of slain Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, also known as “Marwan,” five years after the costly anti-terror raid in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.
Tempo
Israeli envoy to PH reminds younger generation to be vigilant against anti-Semitism
Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Rafael Harpaz called on the younger generation on Monday to continue remembering the millions of Holocaust victims in view of the rise in anti-Semitism in many parts of the world, including in some Muslim countries.
Manila Bulletin
What’s Next for Israel-Philippines Counterterrorism Cooperation?
Last week, Israel’s defense attaché to the Philippines held a meeting with the Philippine army chief. While they both discussed a range of issues, the conversation also spotlighted what could lie ahead for the counterterrorism aspect of defense collaboration between the two countries, which has been a point of focus in recent years.
The Diplomat
MARAWI
P406M in Marawi funds for 2018 expire
At least P406.5 million in funds allotted in 2018 for the rebuilding of Marawi City expired and reverted to the national treasury mainly because of the slow approval of the national disaster agency and the Office of the President.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Benarnews
Solons learn from Marawi, vow to nix reversion to national coffers of Taal rehab funds
Saying they have learned lessons from the Marawi Fund experience, Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and key leaders of the House of Representatives Monday vowed to stop the reversion of billions of pesos in funds that Congress will allocate for the rehabilitation of areas devastated by the Taal eruption.
Manila Bulletin
Marawi ‘bakwit’ flees wrath of Taal too
A young mother of two, Nashiba Radia’s famaily left Marawi City in 2017 to escape the siege there to faraway Lemery, carrying her two young children Mohammad Reihan and Hafizah Radia, and whatever it was that they could pick-fold-and-pack of their household belongings.
Manila Standard
SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE WORLD
Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism: The Erosion of Children’s Rights in Armed Conflict - Policy Note
The evolving nature of warfare and increase in conflict intensity, duration, and complexity present new challenges for the protection of children in armed conflict. In particular, the rise of non-State armed groups resorting to acts of terrorism has created unprecedented threats to children’s rights, as well as to international peace and security.
Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict
ISIS and Their Use of Slavery
2019 marks the fifth year of the Sinjar massacre that was performed by the terrorist organisation known as the “Islamic State” (Daesh). As each year passes, the issue may feel further removed for people not directly affected. Yet—for those awaiting family members to return—it marks yet another year in which the perpetrators of this crime against humanity are not brought to justice.
International Centre for Counter-Terrorism - The Hague
Zarif denounces Trump’s threats against cultural sites as terrorism
Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Monday that U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to target cultural sites in Iran is “clear example of cultural terrorism”.
Tehran Times
Egypt’s court: 36 people found guilty for joining IS terrorist group
An Aswan terrorism court handed down on Monday sentences of imprisonment ranging from 3-25 years to 36 convicts over charges of joining the Islamic State terrorist group (Daesh).
Egypt Today
Kenya vows to intensify fight against contraband, smuggling to curb terror
The Kenyan government on Monday vowed to intensify fight against contraband and smuggling as part of the comprehensive strategy on countering terrorist financing.
Xinhua
Somalia, Ethiopia and Eritrea pledge joint anti-terror war
Three Horn of African countries have pledged to join forces in the fight against terrorism. A joint communique from the leaders of Somalia, Ethiopia and Eritrea after a meeting in Asmara said the countries will adopt a Joint Plan of Action with two main objectives; consolidating peace, stability, and security as well as promoting economic and social development.
CGTN
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Joint Task Force Zamboanga boosts security measures
The chief of the Joint Task Force Zamboanga said their forces are being realigned while conducting "target hardening" as part of a broader effort to enhance security despite the absence of imminent threat in this southern port city.
Philippine News Agency
MILF launches Qur'anic institution in Sultan sa Barongis
The MILF Sub-Committee on Qur'anic Affairs spearheaded the launching of Markaz Suhail, a newly established Qur'anic Institution at Sitio Mamalo, Brgy. Barurao, Sultan sa Barongis, Maguindanao on January 25, 2020.
Luwaran
BARMM
MAGUINDANAO AND COTABATO CITY
Army vows to keep Maguindanaons safe from 'extremism'
The chief of the Army’s 57th Infantry Battalion (57IB) has assured Muslim religious leaders and residents that government forces will continue to protect communities against "violent extremism" being propagated by the Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao.
Philippine News Agency
Another soldier hurt in attack by suspected Dawlah hitmen
Suspected members of the Dawlah Islamiya shot and wounded an off duty soldier in another attack here Sunday. Private 1st Class Ryan Itao, who is assigned in the headquarters of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division in Datu Odin Sinsuat town in Maguindanao, sustained bullet wounds in the shoulder and neck.
NDBC News, Philippine News Agency
Maguindanao village exec nabbed for illegal firearms, ammunition
Authorities arrested over the weekend a village chairman in Ampatuan town, Maguindanao for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
Philippine News Agency
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RIVERMAN’S VISTA: Layman’s guide to understanding the Ampatuan Massacre verdict (3): A Conspiracy to kill
An accepted badge of conspiracy is when the accused, by their collective acts aimed at the same object, one performing one part and another performing another so as to complete it with the view to the attainment of the same objective, indicating closeness of personal association, concerted action and concurrence of sentiments. In conspiracy, the act of one is the act of all.
Mindanews
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Charges can still be refiled vs Purisima, Napeñas, says Gordon
Sen. Richard Gordon believes that charges can be refiled against the personalities involved in the Mamasapano antiterror operation that took the lives of 44 Special Action Force (SAF) members and several Moro fighters.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
NORTH COTABATO
LANAO PROVINCES
2.5M worth of smuggled goods seized by JTFC Central troops
Smuggled goods worth around P2.5M was confiscated by the Joint Task Force Central (JTFC) on Wednesday (January 22) in Malabang, Lanao del Sur.
Kalinaw News
IS affiliate’s ‘eyes and ears’ in Lanao Sur surrender to Army
Two suspected members of the Dawlah Islamiya, a group with links to the terror network Islamic State, surrendered to the Army’s 82nd Infantry Battalion in Piagapo town, Lanao del Sur province on Sunday (Jan. 26).
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine News Agency, Philippine Star, Business Mirror
BASILAN
Ranger battalion cites Basilan lawmaker’s peace initiatives
The Army’s 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion awarded with a special citation plaque over the weekend Deputy Speaker Mujiv Hataman, lone congressional representative of Basilan, for his extensive support to the peacekeeping missions of the unit.
NDBC News
SULU
MNLF in Sulu welcomes GPH-MNLF peace developments
Around 2,000 members of the Moro National Liberation Front in this province met here last week to thank the government for taking steps to fulfill the remaining commitments under the 1996 Final Peace Agreement signed between the government and the MNLF.
Manila Standard
TAWI-TAWI
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DRUGS
DOJ targets filing charges against ‘ninja cops’ this week
The Department of Justice (DOJ) hopes to file within a few days the charges against 12 so-called “ninja cops” for their alleged involvement in questionable 2013 drug operations in Pampanga.
Manila Bulletin
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De Lima sets condition before accepting Locsin’s apology on ‘fat lady’ remark
Senator Leila de Lima is willing to accept the apology of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. for describing her as “fat lady” in a tweet but on one condition – stop making offensive statements.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Operations/ Incidents
Drug den ‘maintainer,’ 4 others nabbed in Dipolog City
Backed by the police, agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) arrested five people and dismantled a drug den in Dipolog City, an official said Monday.
Philippine News Agency
6 drug personalities nabbed in Talisay City checkpoints
One week after President Rodrigo Duterte mentioned this city’s drug problem in his Sinulog speech, the police station here has launched “Oplan Limpyo Talisay” (operation plan clean) and arrested six drug personalities in a checkpoint.
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
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DAR installs farmers, distributes titles in northern Negros
The Department of Agrarian (DAR) installed 64 farmers and distributed land titles to 25 others in separate landholdings in northern Negros Occidental in the month of January.
Philippine News Agency
World Bank approves P24-B DAR’s SPLIT program
Department of Agrarian (DAR) Secretary John Castriciones on Monday said the World Bank has approved the DAR’s “Support to Parcelization of Land to Individual Title (SPLIT),” a program that seeks to give farmer-beneficiaries, covered under collective certificates of land ownership awards (CCLOA), the chance to identify and own their respective shares of farm lots.
Philippine News Agency
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Gabriela slams ‘obscene’ clothing line
Gabriela Women’s party list on Saturday condemned what it described as “shameless” promotion of a T-shirt line, which supposedly treats women as objects of sexual desire.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Internet surveillance and censorship in ASEAN
An analysis of 65 countries has found that only 20 percent of the world's internet users enjoy "free" access according to international watchdog organisation, Freedom House. The remaining 32 percent are "partly free" and 35 percent are "not free", while 13 percent of users have yet to be assessed.
The ASEAN Post
Press Freedom/ Freedom of expression
Makabayan solons filed 11th franchise bill for ABS-CBN
The militant Makabayan bloc on Monday said upholding the freedom of the press is one of the main reasons why its members filed a separate bill proposing a renewal of the legislative franchise of network giant ABS-CBN Corporation.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer
PTFoMS ‘not framing up’ people: Egco
A Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) top official denied the agency is into “framing up” people amid its quest for justice for slain media workers.
Philippine News Agency
Martial Law
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Ex-top diplomat urges PRRD to attend US-ASEAN summit
Former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario on Sunday encouraged President Duterte to accept the invitation of United States President Donald Trump in order to give him the opportunity to present his full expectations on the Philippines-US bilateral relations.
Manila Bulletin
Palace to Del Rosario: Stay retired
Malacañang advised former Foreign Affairs secretary Albert del Rosario to just enjoy his retirement as President Duterte does not need the advice of someone who lost part of the country’s territory to China.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer
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Duterte’s hands tied by ‘due process’ vs. corruption: Palace
Even if President Rodrigo Duterte wants to get rid of crooked public officials as quickly as possible, Malacañang on Monday said due process is making the fight against corruption a "struggle" for his administration.
Philippine News Agency
Palace sees PH slide in global corruption index as motivation to improve
Malacañang said the Philippines dropping 14 places in the 2019 global corruption index will serve as a motivation for the government to work harder in its anti-corruption drive.
Manila Bulletin
Solon hits report on PH turning ‘more corrupt’ under Duterte
Albay Rep. Joey Salceda on Monday slammed the recent Forbes article claiming that the Philippines is becoming a “more corrupt” state under the leadership of President Rodrigo Duterte.
Philippine News Agency
PACC belies report on PH turning ‘more corrupt’ under Duterte
The head of the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) on Sunday belied reports that the Philippines is becoming a “more corrupt” state under the leadership of President Rodrigo Duterte.
Philippine News Agency
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Duterte’s decision to terminate VFA was ‘studied’: Palace
The decision of President Rodrigo Duterte to terminate the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) is a “studied response” against the United States for meddling in Philippine internal affairs, Malacañang said on Monday.
Philippine News Agency
Andanar: If VFA is junked, we can ask Russia, China for defense help
The Philippines may tap Russia and China for assistance in battling terrorism and other transnational crimes amid the imminent termination of a military pact with the United States, a Palace official said Monday.
Manila Bulletin
Andanar to US: Don’t intervene in PH affairs when we didn’t meddle in Trump impeachment
Communications Secretary Martin Andanar slammed the United States’ “intervention” with the country’s local affairs, mentioning how the Philippines did not get involved when the US impeached President Donald Trump.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
‘The US needs us’: Salceda backs VFA abrogation
The United States “needs us.” This was declared by Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, chairman of the House committee on ways and means, as Malacañang directed the Department of Justice (DOJ) to conduct an impact assessment of the planned abrogation of the 21-year old Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).
Manila Bulletin
Senate can’t review, petition VFA abrogation: lawmakers
Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Monday said the Senate cannot review or even petition President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to scrap the government’s Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States.
Philippine News Agency
DOJ to assess impact of VFA termination
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has been instructed by Malacanang to conduct a preliminary impact assessment on the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and the United States.
Manila Bulletin
Duterte ally slams move to revoke VFA
A House leader thinks the potential abrogation of the Philippines’s Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States (US) could make the country more vulnerable to outside threats.
Manila Bulletin
VFA cancellation detrimental to PH – De Lima
Opposition Senator Leila de Lima said on Sunday President Duterte’s threat to terminate the Philippines’ Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States will be detrimental to the country.
Manila Bulletin
US Marine Pemberton may be released if VFA is scrapped –Marcos
Neophyte Senator Imee R. Marcos said Monday the Philippines could lose custody of US Marine Corps Lance Corporal and homicide convict Joseph Scott Pemberton if the Duterte administration cancels the 22-year-old PH-US Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).
Manila Bulletin
Reason for VFA scrapping 'flimsy' and 'unreasonable' — former Philippine envoy to US
The Philippines has been benefiting from the Visiting Forces Agreement which provided a strategic boost to the development of the country's military forces, the country's former ambassador to the United States said.
Philippine Star
The hefty price of Bato
Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa surely carries a hefty price. No Philippine celebrity or ordinary person has been used as reason for a presidential complaint against the United States over the cancellation of a US visa.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Sergei Magnitsky and Bato dela Rosa
My last column was on Sergei Magnitsky and Leila de Lima. Some friends checked in to say that they thought Magnitsky was a US senator. Perhaps, for the benefit of others who are not familiar with Magnitsky, let me restate some of the information I mentioned about him.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
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How to manage a wayward President
Once again, President Duterte has threatened to end the PH-US Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) signed in 1998. Abrogating the VFA is in some superficial sense a logical threat. Mr. Duterte in effect cancels the visa-free status of hundreds of American soldiers on Philippine soil.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
Robredo camp underscores importance of Duterte’s participation in US-ASEAN Summit
The camp of the Vice President Leni Robredo underscored the importance of President Rodrigo Duterte’s attendance to the United States-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (US-ASEAN) Summit in Las Vegas, Nevada in March.
Manila Bulletin
ELECTION RELATED
An early look at the 2022 presidential race
As the term of the incumbent President of the Philippines progresses, the list of individuals widely believed to be (1) interested in seeking the highest position in the land and (2) capable of mounting a credible Presidential run lengthens.
Manila Standard
DISASTER
Taal continues weak steam emission; Alert Level 3 still up
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Monday said activity in the main crater of Taal Volcano in the past 24 hours has been characterized by weak to moderate emission of white steam-laden plumes 50 to 800 meters high that drifted northeast.
Philippine News Agency
7-kilometer zone around volcano island still restricted
Despite the lower alert level of Taal Volcano, state volcanologists advised local officials that entry into the seven-kilometer zone around the volcano island and lakeshore communities should remain strictly prohibited as hazards can still occur.
Manila Bulletin
Residents near Taal told not to be complacent
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) warned the affected local government units (LGUs) and residents of the Taal Volcano eruption to prepare for any eventuality despite its lowering from alert level from 4 to 3.
Manila Bulletin
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NDRRMC eyes rehabilitation, recovery of Taal-hit communities
Without dismissing its humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) disclosed on Monday that it is shifting its focus to the rehabilitation and recovery of the areas that were heavily affected by the Jan. 12 Taal volcano eruption.
Manila Bulletin
Taal resettlement, rehab program needed –Tolentino, Dela Rosa
Senators Francis Tolentino and Ronald dela Rosa are calling on Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) to immediately formulate a “sustainable” resettlement and rehabilitation program for the residents displaced by the Taal Volcano eruption.
Manila Bulletin
Sotto urges long-term rehab plan for Batangas
Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Monday called on his fellow lawmakers to come up with a comprehensive, long-term rehabilitation plan for Batangas province following eruption of Taal Volcano.
Manila Bulletin
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DSWD gives P9.8 million aid to Taal Volcano eruption victims
The Department of Social Welfare and Development said on Monday (Jan. 27) it has extended P9.8 million assistance to Taal Volcano eruption victims.
Manila Bulletin
Military aid Taal evacuees; 11 areas still off-limits to returning residents
Thousands of displaced residents in Batangas province have received relief aid from the Philippine Navy (PN) as part of the military’s sustained humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) efforts in San Luis town amid the ongoing unrest of Taal volcano.
Manila Bulletin
PCG assists in rescuing farm animals off Taal Volcano Island
The Philippine Coast Guard on Monday assisted Batangas residents who sneaked inside the Taal Volcano island to secure their farm animals -- despite the declaration of a “total lockdown” in the area.
Philippine News Agency
PNP to assist orderly return of evacuees after alert downgrade
A sizable contingent of the Philippine National Police (PNP) will remain on the ground to assist in the orderly return of evacuees following the downgrading of the alert status to Level 3 of the Taal Volcano, PNP chief, Gen. Archie Gamboa, said on Monday.
Philippine News Agency
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CBCP warns against climate change; urges building of evac centers, more funding for Phivolcs
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said the calamities that have hit the country call for conversion and deeper compassion.
Manila Bulletin
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Consunji firms to buy back units in quake-damaged condos at 125% to 150% of purchase cost, from 200% as demanded
Two Consunji firms have offered owners of units in their condominiums that collapsed or were rendered unsafe by the series of powerful earthquakes late last year, buyback options of from 125% to 150% of acquisition cost, from 200% as demanded by their clients, and 40,000 pesos a month displacement assistance instead of 50,000.
Mindanews
MINDANAO
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
JUDICIARY
Lower courts resolve more cases
The country’s municipal and metropolitan courts have been performing “beyond expectations” in its work of disposing of 15,000 to 17,000 cases a month and Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta wants them to handle more cases.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
LEGISLATIVE
Senate of the Philippines
Villar pushes law to mandate LGUs to set at least 10% of funds for agriculture
Senator Cynthia Villar on Monday proposed to mandate local government units (LGUs) in the country to allocate at least 10 percent of their annual funds to agriculture.
Manila Bulletin
Senators pay tribute to NBA legend Kobe Bryant
Senators on Monday paid tribute to NBA legend Kobe Bryant, who died with his daughter Gianna and three others in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California.
Manila Bulletin
Gordon open to probe SEA Games spending
After the euphoria of winning 149 gold medals in the 30th Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) last month, the head of the Senate blue ribbon committee expressed willingness to investigate the allegedly lavish government spending for the biennial sports event.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
House of Representatives
House TWG panel approves bill amending GSIS Charter
The technical working group of the House committee on government enterprises and privatization approved on Monday (Jan. 27) a substitute bill seeking to amend the charter of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).
Manila Bulletin
Bill delineating forestlands passes House committee
The House Committee on Appropriations has approved a substitute bill seeking to delineate the specific limits of forestlands of the public domain for the conservation, protection, and development of the country’s forest resources.
Manila Bulletin
LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
DEFENSE AND SECURITY
Bolstering of PH-Russia defense coop on 'right track': Envoy
The effort to establish defense cooperation between Manila and Moscow is on the right track, Russian Ambassador to Manila Igor Khovaev said Monday.
Philippine News Agency
PH ships for Mideast mission makes historic stop in Sri Lanka
Two Philippine Navy (PN) ships bound for the Middle East made history as the first Filipino naval vessels to make a stop at the East Container Terminal in The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka on Sunday.
Philippine News Agency
Armed Forces of the Philippines
AFP chief Santos promoted to 4-star rank
New Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. on Monday received his fourth star when he was promoted to the rank of General, the highest post in the Philippine military.
Philippine News Agency
Philippine National Police
Año warns PNP personnel against insubordination
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo M. Año warned all police officers on Monday to straighten out and perform dutifully their assigned tasks during their working hours to avoid being penalized.
Manila Bulletin
PNP reminds cops of 'one-strike policy'
Police officials and personnel will be relieved under a 'one-strike policy' once their involvement in illegal activities is proven, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa, reiterated this on Monday.
Philippine News Agency
BUDGET, FINANCE, and TAXATION
BSP chief: Review of gov’t contracts with businesses won’t dampen investor confidence
The back-to-back reviews of government contracts with the private sector won’t hurt investor confidence in the Philippines, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno said Monday.
Philippine Star
BIR to file criminal charges vs. CPAs signing records of dubious taxpayers
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said it will file criminal charges against certified public accountants (CPA) who signed the financial statements of business taxpayers that can no longer be located (CBL).
Manila Bulletin
ECONOMY AND INVESTMENTS
BUILD, BUILD, BUILD and PUBLIC WORKS
OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
AUDIT, GRAFT, AND CORRUPTION
Jinggoy’s graft trial continues
The graft trial of former senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada continued before the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division yesterday morning with his lawyer taking a jab at whistleblower Benhur Luy as a “well-rehearsed” witness.
Manila Bulletin
Forfeiture case vs ex-DPWH exec junked, but gov’t allowed to seize one property
The Sandiganbayan has dismissed the government’s petition to forfeit the properties of a former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) official but allowed the state to seize one property in Laguna.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
FOREIGN RELATIONS
DFA holds emergency meeting today on nCoV
The Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA) Migrant Workers’ Affairs office will convene an emergency meeting today to discuss strategies to properly respond to the urgent situation caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus.
Manila Bulletin
West Philippine Sea
The Next Front: China and Indonesia in the South China Sea
“There is no territorial dispute between Indonesia and China,” has been an often-heard refrain from Indonesia’s leaders for decades. But reality belies the statement. While there may be no land dispute between China and Indonesia, there certainly is a maritime one. That was made clear in December 2019 when a Chinese coast guard vessel escorted several Chinese fishing boats into waters that are within China’s self-proclaimed “nine-dash line,” but are also inside Indonesia’s exclusive economic zone near the Natuna Islands in the South China Sea.
Foreign Policy Research Institute
LABOR
OFWs in S. Korea to receive higher pay starting this month
Overseas Filipino workers in South Korea are getting a higher pay starting this month after the minimum wage for all workers has increased, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) said.
Philippine News Agency
TRANSPORTATION
HEALTH
Macau to deny entry to visitors from Hubei unless they can show they are virus-free
Macau said on Monday it will deny entry to visitors from China’s Hubei province or those who visited the province 14 days prior to arrival unless they can provide documentation showing they are not infected with the virus that broke out in the province.
Manila Bulletin
Malaysia bans travelers from virus-affected area in China
Malaysia’s government has announced it will ban travelers from the central Chinese city of Wuhan and other parts of surrounding Hubei province beginning immediately.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
No bat soup, people collapsing in Wuhan, China —Filipina resident
A Filipina who has been living in Wuhan, China for four years said there is no truth to photos and videos circulating online showing Chinese people eating bat soup or randomly collapsing in public.
GMA News
70 to 80% of passengers to and from China not showing up for flights —airline operators
Around 70 to 80 percent of passengers headed to or coming from China are not showing up at airports for their flights, the Airline Operators Council said on Monday.
GMA News
None of 150 Pinoys in Wuhan infected by 2019-nCoV
None of the 150 Filipinos in Wuhan has been infected by the 2019 novel coronavirus that already killed at least 40 people in China, the Philippine Embassy in Beijing confirmed.
Philippine News Agency
50 OFWs in Wuhan homesick—Bong Go
Up to 50 out of the 150 Filipinos in Wuhan, the Chinese city at the epicenter of the new coronavirus outbreak, want to come home, Senator Christopher ‘‘Bong’’ Go said Monday.
Manila Standard
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11 persons under investigation for possible nCoV infection —Duque
The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday said there are at least 11 persons under investigation (PUIs) for suspected 2019 novel coronavirus-related (2019-nCoV) in the Philippines.
GMA News
DFA requests DOH for health protocols for Filipinos arriving in PH from China, Wuhan
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday sought the guidance of the Department of Health on the establishment of evacuation protocols for Filipinos who will be repatriated from affected areas in China, specifically from Wuhan City which is considered ground zero of the novel coronavirus outbreak.
Manila Bulletin
Airlines required to disinfect aircraft before landing & departure
The Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) have directed all foreign and local carriers with international routes to conduct double aircraft disinfection in a bid to prevent the spread of viruses and deadly diseases.
Manila Bulletin
Tourists lament treatment at Kalibo airport amid nCoV scare
Some tourists lamented how they were seemingly avoided by Filipinos upon their arrival at the Kalibo International Airport amid the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) scare.
GMA News
No discrimination please, says Garin over coronavirus fears
Department of Health (DOH) secretary-turned-congresswoman Janette Loreto-Garin has asked Filipinos not to discriminate out of fear or ignorance over the existence of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).
Manila Bulletin
Pagcor imposes quarantine period on POGO workers
State-run Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) has ordered offshore gaming operators in the country employing foreign nationals to implement a 10-day quarantine period on all inbound workers.
Manila Bulletin
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CAAP correction: Last batch of Boracay tourists from Wuhan left Monday, not Saturday
A group of tourists from Wuhan City in China who went on vacation in Boracay Island was set to fly home Monday evening (Jan. 27), contrary to an earlier statement of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) that the group was the last batch that had already left on Saturday (Jan. 25).
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Muntinlupa City Hospital says ‘no person under investigation for coronavirus’
The Muntinlupa City Hospital said on Monday there is no person under investigation for novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) at the Ospital ng Muntinlupa. According to a social media post by the Muntinlupa Public Information Office, the city hospital made a statement after news circulated online allegedly involving “two persons under investigation for coronavirus in a hospital in Muntinlupa.”
Manila Bulletin
Camiguin free from coronavirus – health office
The Camiguin Health Office said on Monday there is no case of novel Coronavirus (nCov) in the province. The local health office said the person suspected of having been infected has been found negative and is recovering from the symptoms.
Manila Bulletin
DOH sees no need to suspend classes for now due to nCoV
The Department of Health is not encouraging schools at the moment to suspend classes as a precaution against the deadly novel coronavirus.
GMA News
DOH warns public vs. raw meat, exotic animals amid nCoV scare
The Department of Health on Monday urged the public not to eat raw meat and exotic animals following reports that the new strain of coronavirus discovered in China may have crome from bats or snakes.
GMA News
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Huge budget cut for disease surveillance triggers concern over coronavirus monitoring
With an over 50 percent reduction of the 2020 national budget for disease surveillance, concerns about the country’s preparedness against the deadly novel coronavirus were raised Monday.
Manila Bulletin
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Polio Vaccination
90,000 children given Oral Polio Vaccine by Red Cross
Over 90, 000 children aged zero to five in Mindanao were given Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) by the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) within the first week of the third round of the campaign. The immunization campaign started January 20 and will end on Feb. 2.
Manila Bulletin
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
DA temporarily suspends importation of poultry from Poland
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has temporarily suspended on Monday the importation of domestic birds and their products including poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and semen originating from Poland amid the outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in that country.
Manila Bulletin
Cynthia Villar slams gov’t dairy agencies for helping make kids ‘dull’
Senator Cynthia Villar on Monday blamed the government’s poor dairy program for supposedly making Filipino school children “dull”.
Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard
EDUCATION
Special education gets funding for 2020
For the first time under the administration of Education Secretary Leonor Briones, the Department of Education (DepEd) confirmed that Special Education (SPED) was given funds in the 2020 national budget.
Manila Bulletin
Solon says teachers’ pursuit of higher evaluation scores hurting students
Camiguin lone district Rep. Xavier Jesus “XJ” Romualdo has raised concerns over the alleged penchant of some public school teachers for promoting pupils to the next grade even if they’re not yet ready.
Manila Bulletin
ENERGY
POVERTY
SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT
Ilocos Region has 15K new 4Ps beneficiaries
Some 14,962 households in the Ilocos Region have been chosen as new beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the national government through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Philippine News Agency
HOUSING
TOURISM
Public told to observe 'responsible tourism'
The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Sunday called on travelers to practice responsible tourism in the Philippines as a photo of a man seemingly defecating in the heritage site of Intramuros went viral on social media.
Philippine News Agency
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Environmental documentary 'The Story of Plastic' explores a global crisis
Plastic pollution has many hazardous effects on the planet, and environmental documentary film The Story of Plastic delves deep into its roots to better understand the crisis that's affecting people all over the world.
Rappler
INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY
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