Rehashed amended petition to proscribe CPP-NPA is a piece of legal fiction with dire consequences for the people    
The amended petition submitted by the Department of Justice of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) seeking to proscribe the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People’s Army (NPA) is a piece of legal fiction with dire consequences for the people.
NDFP

Trimmed list? Proven CPP-NPA members may still be ‘covered’ by sought terror tag — DOJ
Despite their removal from the Department of Justice's (DOJ) list of alleged communist rebels, the more than 600 people in the original "terror list" may still be "dealt with" by law if the government succeeds to get the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) outlawed. They will be "covered" if their alleged connections to the CPP and its armed wing, the New People's Army (NPA), are "established," Justice Undersecretary Markk Perete said Friday.
GMA News

Groups welcome NDF consultant Baylosis' release
National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) consultant Rafael Baylosis was released on Friday, a few days after a Quezon City court dismissed the charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives that were filed against him last year.
GMA News

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A ‘strategist’ to assume EastMinCom leadership 
A “strategist” will assume as the new Commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Eastern Mindanao Command (AFP-EastMinCom) in a Change of Command Ceremony in Davao City on Monday, January 21. No less than AFP Chief of Staff General Benjamin Madrigal Jr. will preside the turn-over to be held at Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine News Agency

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‘No negotiations, we’re going to rescue hostages,’ 4th ID chief
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will no longer negotiate, as operations will continue to rescue the two Army soldiers and 14 militiamen believed hidden by Communist New People’s Army (NPA) kidnappers somewhere in the Diwata ranges in the forested mountains of Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur.
Manila Bulletin

Lorenzana: ‘No letup in military ops vs NPA’
The Armed Forces of the Philippines would not stop its operations in the northeastern part of Mindanao against communist rebels, even after the New People’s Army (NPA) in the region has expressed plans to release captured soldiers and militiamen, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on Friday.
The Manila Times

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6 NPAs surrender in Occidental Mindoro
Six active members of the Milisyang Bayan (MB) of the New People’s Army (NPA) Communist Terrorist Group, who belong to the Iraya tribe, voluntarily surrendered to government troops in Occidental Mindoro on Thursday, January 17. A military report disclosed that the six turned themselves into the Community Support Program (CSP) troops of the 76th Infantry Battalion (76IB) in Sitio Kabilugan and Kalinyawan all of Barangay San Vicente, Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer

Peace Talks

Incidents/ Operations   

Army slams NPA for torching civilian truck in Bukidnon
At least 20 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) burned down a truck in Valencia City, Bukidnon at dawn on Friday, the military said. Military and police reports said that after burning the truck in Barangay Lilingayon at about 3 a.m., the rebels robbed the driver and a civilian security escort of their cellular phones. Police said charges will be filed against the rebels.
Philippine News Agency

Economic hardships fuel violent extremism – report
Unemployment and other economic difficulties are pushing Moro youth into joining extremist groups, a consolidated report based on visioning workshop sessions attended by various groups and sectors in the Bangsamoro said.
Mindanews

MARAWI

Seeds of insurgency: The youth of Marawi
"That is the ideal death," said 24-year-old aspiring filmmaker Sakeena*. For her, to be a freedom fighter  or  a mujahideen  is the greatest honor for a Muslim. In her first year in college, Sakeena recalled being invited to a 3-month training with an armed group to prepare for an upcoming jihad –  an Arabic word often associated with war against non-Muslims but can also refer to efforts to make society better.
Rappler

A new jihad: Helping Marawi
Zaldy and Sakeena's view of jihad was shaken when they saw Moros struggling in evacuation centers days after the Marawi siege in May 2017. "Look at what happened to our fellow Muslims, they are the ones suffering. What more if we were part of those who did this to them?" Zaldy told us, referring to the time when he trained to be a mujahideen.
Rappler

SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE WORLD      

Kenya vows to strengthen counter-terrorism efforts in wake of attack
 Kenya vowed on Friday to strengthen its counter-terrorism efforts and enhance cooperation with international community to tackle extremism, three days after the attack on an upmarket hotel and office complex in Nairobi. Monica Juma, cabinet secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed Kenya's commitment to tackling all forms of terrorism, saying security officers will track and bring to justice all those who may have played a role in the execution of the attack in which 21 people were killed and several others injured.
Xinhua

Tony Blair: UK Muslim activist groups promote ‘extremist world view’ 
Former British prime minister Tony Blair has accused some Muslim organizations in Britain of spreading views that often mirror those of extremists.  While they are non-violent, such groups stir up resentment by portraying Muslims in Britain as victims, alienated from British society and in constant conflict with the non-Muslim world. 
Arab News

Bulgaria detains 43 people in raids on suspected terrorist financing ring
Bulgarian special police forces arrested 43 people on Friday in coordinated raids across the country on a suspected terrorism financing ring. Prosecutors said one of those arrested was a Syrian citizen residing in Bulgaria who is suspected of sending money to people who back what they termed international terrorist groups.
Reuters

Oslo stabbing investigated as terrorist attack: police
A knife attack in a supermarket in Oslo is being investigated as a possible act of terrorism, the head of the Norwegian police’s security service (PST) said on Friday. A woman was knifed on Thursday as she was paying at the till and the suspect, a 20-year-old Russian man, was arrested soon after, police said.
Reuters 

Bradford 'extremism claims' school in outstanding award
A school once accused of failing to protect students from extremism has been given an award for going "beyond outstanding". Carlton Bolling in Bradford was rated "inadequate" by Ofsted in 2014, and put into special measures - but by 2017 it had achieved outstanding status. It has now been awarded the World Class Schools Quality Mark, an award for offering pupils the best education.
BBC News 

Radical Indonesian Cleric Who Inspired the Bali Bombers Will Be Freed, His Lawyer Says
A lawyer for the ailing radical cleric who inspired the Bali bombers says the Indonesian government will release him from prison next week. The lawyer, Muhammad Mahendradatta, said Friday the decision to release 80-year-old Abu Bakar Bashir was made on humanitarian grounds.
TIME
 

BANGSAMORO ORGANIC LAW

ARMM youth widen support for the BOL; No votes gain ground in Isabela and Cotabato cities – Alert survey
A majority of the youth in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao will vote 'Yes' to the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), according to a survey released by peacebuilding NGO International Alert in the Philippines. The survey showed that 70% of all youth respondents in the ARMM are in favour of the measure, compared to 60.4% in their earlier survey released in December last year.
International Alert Philippines

Tough battle ahead for Bangsamoro law in 2 cities, youth survey shows
Youth voters likely to reject a new Bangsamoro law are gaining momentum in two key cities in southern Philippines, a new survey showed, with more non-Muslims questioning whether they would benefit from it. A survey of 328 youth respondents from the present Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) indicated 70-percent support for the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).
ABS-CBN News

Vote vs BOL 'gains momentum' among youth in Cotabato City, Isabela City
The "no" vote against the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) has "gained momentum" among youth in Cotabato City and Isabela City, according to the results of the latest survey conducted by peace-building organization International Alert (IA) Philippines. The plebiscite is set to take place on Monday, January 21, in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Cotabato City, and Isabela City. 
Rappler

More ARMM youth support Bangsamoro Law – survey
Days before the plebiscite, more youth in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) said they would vote in favor of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, according to the results of the latest survey conducted by peace-building organization International Alert (IA) Philippines.
Rappler

BOL plebiscite set, voting ‘fluid’
Majority of the youth in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao would vote “yes” to the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, according to a survey done by the peace group International Alert Philippines. Nikki dela Rosa, IAP country manager, said based on their survey of 328 youth respondents in areas that are set to vote in the plebiscite on Jan. 21–ARMM, Cotabato City, and Isabela City—70 percent are in favor of the BOL, up from 60.4 percent in a similar poll of 614 respondents in December 2018.
Manila Standard

70% of young voters in ARMM agree with BOL
Majority of young voters in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) are in favor of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL). Based on the survey conducted by International Alert Philippines, 70% of the youth in ARMM voted ‘yes’ to BOL’s ratification.
UNTV

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Power brokers in the Bangsamoro region
When Mindanaoans step out to vote in the Bangsamoro plebiscite on Monday, January 21, they will determine whether or not the envisioned new autononomous regional government will expand its territory or remain limited to its current set-up. But the future Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is merely a political structure. For decades, it's the power brokers – the political clans, Moro rebel groups, and even terrorist groups – that have shaped and will shape past and future autonomous regions in Mindanao.
Rappler

What you need to know about the Bangsamoro plebiscite
Six years after the peace deal between the Aquino administration and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and 6 months after the Bangsamoro law was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte, voters in the Bangsamoro region will cast their "yes" or "no" votes on Monday, January 21.
Rappler

What areas will vote to be part of the Bangsamoro region?
The plebiscite on Monday, January 21, is a historic vote that several administrations and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have worked towards since the 1970s. If it becomes a reality, residents will see a new Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) with more power, resources, and possibly bigger territory. 
Rappler

Campaign period for BOL plebiscite set on January 21 ends Saturday
The Commission on Elections said this means that campaigning will no longer allowed by Sunday, the eve of the referendum. “It will already be a prohibited activity by Sunday to promote whether you’re on one side or the other,” COMELEC Spokesman James Jimenez said in press briefing Thursday.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine Star

Referendum myth-busting: supporting an informed vote in Mindanao
On 21 January 2019, a referendum will take place in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in the Philippines. The vote will decide the future status of the predominantly Muslim region of Western Mindanao, called the Bangsamoro. As we count down the days to this crucial vote, Conciliation Resources and partners are working to ensure voters are adequately informed.
Conciliation Resources

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Duterte in Cotabato City: Vote 'yes' for Bangsamoro Organic Law
President Rodrigo Duterte made a last pitch for the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) from Cotabato City, the "crown jewel" of the Bangsamoro region deemed critical to the plebiscite. "Let us forget the bitterness of the past and look forward to the future. Which means ladies and gentlemen, mga mahal kong mga Moro brother or sister, magboto kayo ng 'yes,' (to my beloved Moro brother or sister, vote, 'yes')" he said to thunderous applause from his audience.
Rappler, Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer, ABS-CBN News, CNN Philippines

After Bangsamoro plebiscite, Duterte wants new agreement with Misuari
After the Bangsamoro Organic Law is approved by the people in a plebiscite, President Rodrigo Duterte wants to work on a new "agreement," this time with Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leader Nur Misuari. Referring to the aged rebel as his "beloved friend," Duterte said he and Misuari agreed to talk about a deal after the Bangsamoro plebiscite.
Rappler, Manila Bulletin, Business World Online, GMA News

Duterte thanks Allah for BOL, hits priests anew
President Rodrigo Duterte praised Allah for the progress in the passage of the Bangsamoro Organic Law but continued to call out Catholic priests who have been critical of some of his administration's policies.
GMA News

MILF lauds PRRD for 'siding with Bangsamoro'
The chief of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has commended President Rodrigo Duterte for making the dream of every Moro a reality with the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL). Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, chair of the MILF, was all praises for the President during the peace assembly for the ratification of Republic Act No. 11054 or the BOL at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex (SKCC), the provisional seat of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao here Friday afternoon.
Philippine News Agency

Duterte: ‘There’s a part of me which is Islam’
President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday heaped praise on Allah, as he again blasted members of the Catholic clergy. Speaking before a Muslim-dominated crowd in Cotabato City, Duterte exclaimed: “There is a part of me which is Islam actually.” “Kaya kung magaway-away kami ng mga buang na pari na ‘yan, hindi man ako Katoliko. Islam man… Totoo,” he added.
ABS-CBN News

MILF’s Ebrahim to vote in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat
Without special treatment, Moro Islamic  Liberation Front (MILF) Chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim will cast his vote in Simuay town in Sultan Kudarat—near the MILF’s seat Camp Darapanan— for the upcoming plebiscite on Monday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Red-wearing MNLF-Misuari members oppose Duterte’s BOL
While President Rodrigo Duterte was rallying the Bangsamoro to vote for the ratification of Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), about 3,000 members of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF-Misuari faction) gathered at the Cotabato City Hall here, opposing what Duterte was campaigning for.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

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AFP, PNP hold lockdown drill in Lanao del Norte ahead of Bangsamoro plebiscite
Days before the plebiscite on the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), the military and police conducted a "secret" emergency response exercise in the towns of Balo-i and Tagoloan in Lanao del Norte on Wednesday afternoon, January 16. Soldiers and cops placed the Matungao-Balo-i-Tagoloan road on lockdown Wednesday, as "explosions and abductions" were heard in some places.
Rappler

AFP, PNP send off troops for BOL plebiscite
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Benjamin Madrigal Jr. together with the Chief of Philippine National Police (PNP) Police Director General Oscar Albayalde, led the send-off ceremony for personnel deployed to secure the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) plebiscite held at the Headquarters of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division here.
Manila Bulletin

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‘Ideal Mindanao’ now within reach with BOL – Lorenzana
“The ideal Mindanao we are all aspiring for is now coming into reality.” Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana made the remark during the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) “Meeting de Avance” held at the Mindanao State University Campus in Jolo, Sulu on Thursday, January 17.
Manila Bulletin

Tales of hope from war survivors on eve of Bangsamoro plebiscite
There is a sense of euphoria and a lot of early celebration in this city leading to the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) plebiscite on Monday, January 21 as the Moro people see an overwhelming approval of the BOL. At the Governor Gutierez Avenue leading to the regional headquarters of the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), thousands of Moro flocked to join and listen to President Rodrigo Duterte who was campaigning for a "yes" vote.
Rappler

Muslims in the Philippines Emerge From the Fog of War to Vote on Self-Rule
In the crumbling concrete ruins of this city laid waste by a battle with Islamic State-linked militants, thousands of still homeless people cling to hope that a vote on self-rule will lay a path for lasting peace in one of Southeast Asia’s worst breeding grounds for extremism.
Wall Street Journal

Bangsamoro Voice: Peace, finally?
BARRING no last-minute hitches, Mindanao is all set to hold its plebiscite for the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), with defense, military and police officials expecting that the political exercise would go smoothly, if not peacefully, given the elaborate security preparations they have laid out.
Business Mirror

Over a century of struggle for freedom: Bangsamoro
Countdown has started for a plebiscite that will grant the Bangsamoros -- a collective term for Filipino Muslims living on an island south of the Philippines -- long-awaited comprehensive autonomy.
Anadolu News Agency

MAGUINDANAO AND COTABATO CITY

Dacawi: In memoriam: The power of presence
We must not forget the date – January 25, 2015 - a day of tragedy when 15 Cordillera warriors under the Special Action Force of the Philippine National Police fell in the Mamasapano Massacre. This piece revisited was written after the remains of the SAF heroes were returned home through Camp Dangwa. The final homecoming haunts us still, as it should, for the gallantry and heroism of the native Cordillerans and other Filipino police officers who perished in the massacre should be part of Cordillera memory.
Sunstar Baguio

LANAO PROVINCES

BASILAN

SULU 

Duterte: I will never talk peace with Abu Sayyaf
President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday said he would never initiate and agree to peace talks with the dreaded Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), citing how he detests the rebel group’s practice of beheading innocent people.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

TAWI-TAWI 

DRUGS

Duterte tears up over video of minors’ arrest in Navotas drug operations, asks to see them
PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte wants to meet the minors who were arrested in a drug operation in Navotas City and their parents after he teared up watching the video, according to Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Aaron Aquino on Friday.
The Manila Times

Activists decry Sri Lankan president's praise for Duterte's drugs war
Human rights groups expressed alarm at Sri Lanka's leader on Friday for praising Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and his bloody war on drugs as an "example to the whole world". Despite international condemnation of a crackdown that has killed thousands of Filipinos, visiting Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena told Duterte during a banquet this week that he wanted to "follow your footsteps to control this hazard".
ABS-CBN News, The Straits Times, Philippine Daily Inquirer

Sri Lanka President to visit PNP headquarters to discuss RP drug war
Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena will meet top officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in his first official visit to the police national headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Saturday. In a statement Friday, PNP chief, Director General Oscar Albayalde said Sirisena and the other visiting delegates will attend a meeting with top Philippine officials to discuss President Duterte’s campaign against illegal drugs.
Manila Bulletin

Sri Lanka should tweak drug approach to their own situation – Lacson
Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena was merely articulating the frustration of the Sri Lankan authorities in grappling with their own drug abuse problem when he told President Duterte that his government would follow his (Duterte’s) footsteps to control the drug hazard, Senator Panfilo M. Lacson said Friday.
Manila Bulletin

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Minors used as drug couriers should be sent for rehab – De Lima
Detained Senator Leila de Lima on Friday urged authorities to ensure the proper rehabilitation of minors who were allegedly used as drug couriers. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), she said, should help send the recently-apprehended minors allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade. Agents of PDEA, during a drug operation in Navotas City last Jan. 16, were able to arrest about 28 suspected drug offenders, which included 12 minors aged four to 15 years old, and presented them to the media for photo opportunities.
Manila Bulletin

Minors paraded? PDEA chief says it never happened
Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) chief Director General Aaron Aquino on Friday denied that his agents had paraded before the media several minors rescued from the clusters of suspected drug dens in Navotas City.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

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Baguio council backs NUJP bid to exempt journalists as drug case witnesses
The Baguio City Council has joined media groups in their bid to remove the government requirement for journalists to become witnesses and signatories to documents involving illegal drug operations.
Rappler

Sotto elated by President Sirisena’s remarks on Duterte’s war on drugs
The pronouncements of Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena about President Duterte’s campaign against illegal drugs prove that the government is on the right track in addressing the country’s drug problem.
Manila Bulletin

PDEA officials, employees undergo surprise drug test
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) conducted on Friday a surprise drug test on its officials and employees shortly after a command conference was held at the agency’s national headquarters.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Operations/ Incidents

Japanese, 5 others nabbed in Zambo City anti-drug ops
Six people, including a Japanese, were arrested in two separate anti-drug operations here, a top police official said Friday. Chief Supt. Emmanuel Luis Licup, Police Regional Office 9 (Zamboanga) director, identified the arrested suspects as Hiroyuki Takahashi, 59, a Japanese businessman; Mary Jane Huerto, 43; Julfadar Jaji, 39; Rodhan Alihud, 32; Omarsharif Umandac, 24; and Al-Shaima Saral, 30.
Philippine News Agency

3 dead in Laguna drug operations, gunfights
Separate cases of shootings in Laguna province left three people dead, two of them drug suspects slain in a gunfight with police. In Lumban town, drug suspect Jeremy Villegas was killed in a buy-bust operation in the village of Maytalang I around 4:35 a.m. on Friday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Recovery and Rehabilitation  

ILLICIT FIREARMS, EXPLOSIVES AND AMMUNITION

CROSS-BORDER TRADING/ SMUGGLING  

KIDNAPPING

ILLICIT FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS 

Almost half of Filipinos think Duterte can fulfill promises – SWS
Almost half of Filipinos think President Rodrigo Duterte will fulfill most of his promises, according to a Social Weather Stations survey conducted last December 2018. The survey found that 48% of Filipinos believe this of Duterte, a slight increase, by two percentage points from the 46% who thought the same back in March.
Rappler, Manila Bulletin, Business World Online

Sotto won’t give up on mission to mediate between Duterte, Catholic church
Senate President Vicente Sotto III refused to be discouraged from pursuing his plan to mediate between President Duterte and leaders of the Catholic Church. Sotto on Friday commented on the statements made by opposition Senator Antonio Trillanes IV who, despite wishing him “good luck,” said his plan to hold a dialogue between the Chief Executive and the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) will end in vain.
Manila Bulletin

Duterte taps ex-Malabon vice mayor as DSWD undersecretary
President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed former Malabon City vice mayor Mark Allan Jay Yambao as an undersecretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Duterte signed Yambao's appointment on Tuesday, January 15. Malacañang sent it to media on Friday, January 18.
Rappler

Palace: Reappointed officials not tainted with corruption
Malacañang insisted that appointees of President Duterte who were either removed or resigned from their posts and were later on reappointed are not tainted with corruption. Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo made the statement after former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales criticized the recycling of dismissed officials in the current administration.
Manila Bulletin

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AFP deploys at least one platoon for each Customs port – Guerrero
At least one platoon from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has been deployed in each port in the country to assist the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in its operations, Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero said.
Manila Bulletin

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'Enough is enough': PH Catholicism under attack, says bishop
Catholicism in the Philippines is under attack by the highest elected official in the land, and it's time for the Church to stand its ground. This was the response of Balanga, Bataan Bishop Ruperto Santos to Malacañang's recent statement that members of the Catholic clergy angered by President Rodrigo Duterte's tirades should know better than fire back.
ABS-CBN News

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DISASTER

DPWH receives disaster reduction equipment, knowhow from Japan
The Japanese government on Friday led the turnover of disaster reduction equipment under the JY110 million (approximately PhP52.5 million) Non-Project Grant Aid (NPGA) package to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Flood Control Management Office.
Manila Bulletin

MINDANAO

Usman-like storm brewing off Mindanao
The state weather bureau yesterday warned the public in Southern Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao against possible flooding and landslides due to an approaching low-pressure area, which weather forecasters likened to Tropical Depression Usman, the last and deadliest cyclone to hit the Philippines in 2018.
Philippine Star

ELECTION RELATED

Labor leaders coalition on Senate bid: End contractualization
A coalition of labor leaders gunning for seats in the Senate launched their bid on Friday, January 18, promising pro-worker policies for Filipinos. Former Bayan Muna representative Neri Colmenares along with 4 other "Labor Win" senatorial bets want to finally bring an end to contractualization through legislation.
Rappler

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Toy guns, replicas prohibited during poll period: PNP
The Pangasinan police has warned the public that the sale and use of gun replicas or toy guns and bladed weapons outside residences are prohibited under the election gun ban. “For vendors, please cooperate and don’t sell toy guns to avoid being subject to our operations. But, of course, we do warn them at first and if they don’t listen then, that’s the time we will strictly enforce the law,” Senior Insp. Ria Tacderan, Police information officer of the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (PPO), said in an interview Friday. 
Philippine News Agency

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From tarpaulins to funds from mining: What 2019 candidates should avoid
Civil society organizations urged 2019 candidates to veer away from waste and embrace a green platform this election season. Green Thumb Coalition (GTC) said on Friday, January 18, candidates should commit to advance policies in promoting the environment, sustainable development, and people’s welfare.
Rappler

LOOK: Cebu City Mayor Tommy Osmeña takes down Imee Marcos tarp
Cebu City Mayor Tommy Osmeña ordered a tarpaulin of Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos taken down on Friday, January 18, saying the “Cebuanos do not appreciate the politicization of Sinulog.”
Rappler

Ex-PNP chief to boost Senate bid with anti-drugs stance
Former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Ronald dela Rosa vowed to campaign harder despite the latest Pulse Asia survey that placed him among the Top 12 candidates. “Magsusumikap pa ako dahil maraming hindi pa nakakaalam na ako ay tumakbo bilang senator. Ang akala ng iba ako ay tumakbo bilang gobernador (I will have to work harder because many people still do not know that I am running for senator. People think that I am running for governor),” he said in an interview with reporters here Friday, referring to earlier talks that he was gunning for the Davao del Sur gubernatorial seat.
Philippine News Agency

Election-related Violence

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

Change of plans? Duterte hints at possible shift in ‘Cha-cha’ approach
President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday indicated a possible shift in the government’s approach in amending the Constitution, a move he had been pushing to give way for the change to a federal form of government. Speaking in a peace assembly for the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) in Cotabato City, Duterte raised the idea of amending “not all” but just a “few economic provisions” of the Constitution.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, GMA News

JUDICIARY

JBC set to close applications for SC spot vacated by Bersamin
The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) is set to close next week applications for an opening seat at the Supreme Court (SC) vacated by Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin. After opening applications for the spot last Dec. 7, the JBC will close the applications this January 22. Justice Secretary and JBC Ex Officio member Menardo Guevarra said a number of applicants have applied for the post and expects more to submit their applications before the deadline.
Manila Bulletin

LEGISLATIVE

Lacson expects battle on ‘pork-to-pork’ in bicameral conference committee meet
Lawmakers are expected to gather for the bicameral conference committee on the P3.757-trillion proposed 2019 budget next week. This, as the Senate, wrapped up last Wednesday the interpellations on the 2019 General Appropriations Bill (GAB). Senators will then introduce and approve amendments to the priority measure in the continuation of their session on Monday, January 21.
Manila Bulletin

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)

DBM authorizes LGU, GOCCs to start implementing salary increases
Local government units and government-owned and controlled corporation have been authorized to start implementing the fourth and last tranche of salary increases for their employees, House Majority Leader and Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando Andaya Jr. revealed Friday.
Manila Bulletin

DEFENSE AND SECURITY

ECONOMY AND INVESTMENTS

Commentary: Philippine economy set up for a tough start to 2019
One thorny issue that dominated the economy last year was inflation—one of the top concerns of Filipinos. With only a few months left before the midterm elections, political hopefuls are treading carefully. Some have kept their distance from the issue, while others have used it to underscore the shortcomings of the Duterte administration. 
Philippine Star

Peso weakens on US jobless claims decline
The Philippine peso depreciated against the US dollar for the third straight session on Friday as the weekly decline in the number of jobless Americans supported the greenback. The local currency shed 10.5 centavos to close at P52.515:$1 from 52.410 on Thursday.
vvv

Beyond Hanjin
The collapse of the local unit of heavyweight Korean shipbuilding company Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Corp. is sending tremors across not only the economy, but also the body politic. What has become the biggest corporate default in Philippine history puts at risk the jobs of some 30,000 Filipino workers and the stability of a number of Filipino banks with a combined loan exposure to Hanjin of $412 million, most of it reportedly lent without collateral.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

BUILD, BUILD, BUILD

‘Build, Build, Build’ not enough to decongest Metro Manila traffic – Enrile
To address the worsening traffic situation in Metro Manila and other cities in the Philippines, former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile urged the government to decongest the nation’s capital by giving tax incentives to create economic centers in other areas, citing that the current drive to increase transportation infrastructure under the ‘Build, Build, Build’ program would not be enough.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE

GRAFT AND CORRUPTION

FOREIGN RELATIONS  

Can we still trust America?
The surveys continue to conclude that we trust the United States but we don’t trust China. For all the good will most of us feel towards America, it is time we subject this conclusion to further scrutiny. For sure, the best test of America as a trusted ally was when China invaded Philippine territory – Scarborough Shoal off the coast of Zambales – in 2012. Our treaty with the United States says that the US will assist us if we are attacked.
Philippine Star

West Philippine Sea

Lorenzana admits they know about presence of Chinese militia in Subi, Mischief
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana Friday confirmed the presence of Chinese maritime militia loitering in the lagoons at Subi and Mischief Reefs, as well as nearby waters around Philippine-claimed islands. In an interview, Lorenzana also said that reports of increased presence of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) or South China Sea are also no longer new to them.
Manila Bulletin

LABOR

TRANSPORTATION

NAIA Immigration staff revamped to handle passenger increase
More than 500 Bureau of Immigration (BI) officers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) were reshuffled Friday to handle the surge of passengers this year. Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said he ordered the reshuffle in accordance with his policy of rotating every quarter NAIA personnel performing primary line duties.
Manila Bulletin

Arroyo calls for RORO revival, expansion
Former President and now Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Friday called for the revival and expansion of the Roll-On, Roll-Off (RORO) transport, one of the projects discontinued by her successor, former President Benigno Aquino III.
Manila Bulletin

HEALTH 

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

DAR awards new trucks to farmers’ groups in East Visayas
The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has distributed PHP81 million worth of heavy-duty dump trucks to agrarian reform beneficiary (ARB) organizations in Eastern Visayas. Agrarian Reform Secretary John Castriciones, Undersecretary Emily Padilla, and Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla led the distribution of 18 trucks to recipients in a ceremony held at the regional office here Thursday.
Philippine News Agency

EDUCATION

DepEd personnel avail of debt-consolidation loan from GSIS
Over 36,000 personnel of the Department of Education (DepEd) continue to benefit from the PhP13 Billion loan program by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). Issuing a statement, the State pension fund said it has released a total of PhP12.95 billion in GSIS Financial Assistance Loan (GFAL) since the program started in May 2018. The said program has been benefiting 36,692 personnel of the DepEd.
Manila Bulletin

ENERGY

POVERTY

HOUSING

Informal settlers in gov't projects should get housing: DPWH
Informal settlers to be affected by flood-control projects under the government’s “Build, Build, Build” program should be transferred to resettlement sites through a public housing program, the head of the regional public works office said Friday.
Philippine News Agency

TOURISM

Gov't mulls reopening Boracay's Bulabog beach
Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu on Friday said they are mulling reopening to the public the island's Bulabog Beach, which draws kiteboarding and windsurfing enthusiasts. Coliform level in the waters off the eastern side of the island has dropped, he said. Boracay was closed to tourists for 6 months after President Rodrigo Duterte described its waters as "cesspools" because of sewage problems.
ABS-CBN News

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES 

COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY

Duterte signs law renewing franchise of Globe subsidiary
President Rodrigo Duterte has signed a law renewing the franchise of Innove Communications, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of major mobile and broadband network operator Globe Telecom. Duterte signed Republic Act 11151 on December 14 last year.
GMA News

DEVELOPMENT SECTOR