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Communist Rebellion

Gov't bares CPP-NPA behind torture, murder of own members
The Philippine government has found more evidence proving the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army’s (CPP-NPA) responsibility behind tortures and murders of its own members since the 1980s. The seven-member Philippine delegation presented its report in Saravejo, Bosnia to the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances (WGEID) on Feb. 14 to clarify the 625 “desaparecidos" (disappearances) cases filed before the United Nations High Commissioner on Human Rights.
Philippine News Agency

Reds free 2 militiamen in Agusan del Norte
Two members of the Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit snatched by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Barangay San Antonio in this town on Dec. 22 were released in Barangay Tagbongabong yesterday. 
Philippine Star

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Women in Action: A female – led gov’t troops score against CTs
Just in time when the women’s month is yet to come, an early explosion skyrocketed the world when the news come out that a female officer of the Philippine Army nailed it again, had overcome stereotyping and further cemented of what a woman in the military can deliver as expected of a soldier.
Kalinaw News

Caraga declares NPAs persona non grata
The local Peace and Development Zone (PDZ) in Barangay Camam-onan, one of the conflict-affected areas in Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte, recently professed its full support to the government and declared the New People’s Army (NPA) as persona non grata.
The Manila Times

Villagers call NPA rebels ‘undesirable’
ONE of the two army soldiers who were killed in a clash against the New People's Army (NPA) was the team leader of the Army's 1st Special Forces Battalion in Sitio Green Valley, Dalwangan, Malaybalay City.
Sunstar Cagayan de Oro

NPA rebel surrenders in Bukidnon
ANOTHER high-ranking official of the New Peoples Army (NPA) has turned himself in to authorities in Bukidnon over the weekend, the military said. The Army's 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB) facilitated the surrender of 23-year-old Jurnaven Napungahan alias Jibber, of San Luis, Agusan del Sur. 
Sunstar Cagayan de Oro

11 former rebels in NegOcc get P231-K reintegration aid
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has provided a total of PHP231,000 in reintegration assistance to 11 former rebels in Negros Occidental. The checks were released by the DILG-Negros Occidental headed by provincial director Carmelo Orbista to the Philippine Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion and the 3rd Civil Military Operations (CMO) Battalion, the units assisting the former rebels, in a meeting held at the agency’s office here Monday afternoon.
Philippine News Agency

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Worsening fascism in the heat of the May 2019 Elections
Duterte’s tyrannical style of brutal murders, widespread illegal arrests and detention, intensifying threats against innocent lives, violations of human rights and the blatant propagation of lies and chicanery are building up in Negros Island since the Sagay massacre in October 20, 2018.
PRWC

Condemn the de facto martial law in Samar and the worsening political repression in the country – NDF-EV
The National Democratic Front-Eastern Visayas (NDF-EV) today called on the Filipino people to condemn the martial law conditions in peasant communities across the province of Samar , as the dictatorial US-Duterte regime intensifies political repression. 
PRWC

Peace Talks

Incidents/ Operations   

One NPA terrorist slain in MisOcc Clash
One Communist NPA terrorist (CNT) was killed in an encounter with the 10th Infantry Battalion in Brgy San Pedro, Aloran, Misamis Occidental at around 9:40 a.m. Monday, the military said.
Ranao Star, Philippine News Agency, The Manila Times 

NPA overran 1st SFB patrol base; soldiers suffer 4 KIA
North Central Mindanao Region (NPA-NCMR) lauds the Red armies of NPA-Bukidnon who successfully overran the 1st Special Forces Civilian Active Auxiliary Patrol Base in Sitio Green Valley, Brgy. Dalwangan, Malaybalay City on February 14, 2019, 9:40 PM.
PRWC

Extremism

3 ISIS linked gunmen yield to Army in Lanao Sur
Three Islamic State for Iraq and Syria (ISIS)-inspired Maute group remnants have surrendered to military authorities in the province of Lanao del Sur, military officials said Monday.
NDBC News, Ranao Star, Kalinaw News, Sunstar Zamboanga

MARAWI

Spain commits $50M for Marawi rehab
The Spanish government has committed to provide some $50 million or roughly P2.617 billion to the planned rehabilitation of war-torn Marawi City, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) public relations head Adrian Tamayo announced on Monday.
Mindanews

SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE WORLD      

Besieged Islamic State militants refuse to surrender, ask for an exit
More than 300 Islamic State militants who are holed up in a tiny area in eastern Syria were refusing to surrender to U.S.-backed Syrian forces and trying to negotiate an exit.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

EU states mixed on Trump demand to take back Islamic State fighters
U.S. President Donald Trump’s demand that European countries take back their citizens fighting in Syria is receiving a mixed reaction, as nations pondered how to bring home-grown Islamic State (IS) extremists to trial.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Germany: Trump IS fighter demand very hard to fulfill
Germany’s foreign minister said President Donald Trump’s demand that European countries take back Islamic State (IS) group militants held in Syria would be “extraordinarily difficult” to fulfill.
Philippine Daily Inquirer 

ISIS Smuggler: Sleeper Cells and ‘Undead’ Suicide Bombers Have Infiltrated Europe
Europe is bracing for a new wave of jihadist attacks by terrorists affiliated with the so-called Islamic State, what “you might call ISIS 2.0,” as Interpol chief Jürgen Stock recently told reporters. Some previously imprisoned jihadists are being released from jail, others are returning to Europe—and to prison—while still others, we have learned, have never been known to police and operate as “sleeper cells” waiting to be mobilized.
Modern Diplomacy

Erdogan: NATO gives arms to 'terrorists' but not to Turkey
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused NATO allies of supporting "terrorists" with thousands of truckloads of weapons while ignoring Turkey's request to buy their arms.
Aljazeera

Decriminalising extremism in Crimea
In Russia, new legislation is designed to reduce the number of people facing criminal charges for reposting materials on social media. But how will these amendments fare in annexed Crimea, where Russian law enforcement has long been unaccountable?
Open Democracy

Isis Briton compares Manchester bombing to western airstrikes
The east London schoolgirl who left the UK to join Islamic State has compared the Manchester Arena bombing to airstrikes by the western allies that killed non-combatants in Isis-held areas.
The Guardian

Egyptian writer’s life turns into ordeal after penning book against hijab
Dena Anwer says she is afraid to leave her home, prevents her children from going out and, before driving her car, checks whether an explosive device had been planted in it.
Middle East Online

 

Bangsamoro

BANGSAMORO ORGANIC LAW

Bangsamoro Transition Authority to take oath Feb. 20; ARMM to BARMM turnover on Feb. 25
The 80-member Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) will take their oath of office on February 20 in Malacanang on the same day of the “ceremonial confirmation” of the canvass results of the January 21 and February 6 plebiscite on RA 11054 or the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Mindanews

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3 priorities for the interim Bangsamoro body
The Bangsamoro Organic Law has been ratified — a milestone in the long road to lasting peace in Mindanao. The 80 members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front-led Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) will be appointed by the President in the coming days. The BTA will soon start to assert its influence in the region.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

BARMM ‘last chance for peace’
THE soon-to-be-established Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm) was the last chance to achieve peace and economic prosperity in the Muslim South and the whole country, according to a respected Muslim leader.
The Manila Times

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Sabah monitoring potential threats in southern Philippines
The Sabah government is keeping track of what is happening in the southern Philippines to ensure that threats and unwanted elements do not creep into the state. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said this included concern about the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) in the southern Philippines, which might affect Sabah.
New Straits Times, The Malaysian Insights

MAGUINDANAO AND COTABATO CITY

DAR distributes 834 land titles in Maguindanao
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Agrarian Reform Secretary Dayang Carlsum Sangkula-Jumaide said the emancipation patents (EP) and certificate of land ownership award (CLOA) received by 780 landless farmers cover at least 1,740.3 hectares in 17 municipalities of Maguindanao.
Manila Bulletin

Cop, guard killed, 2 hurt in separate ambushes in Cotabato City
Police are hunting down two men riding tandem on motorbike who ambushed and killed a police officer and wounded another along Yapsy Street Sunday night.   
NDBC News

NORTH COTABATO

MILF brigade commander gunned down
Gunmen shot dead a brigade commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and wounded his companion in M’lang, Cotabato, police reported yesterday. A report reaching Camp Crame in Quezon City said police identified the victim as Jun Pananggulon, commander of the 7th Brigade of the 108th Base Command of the MILF.
TempoManila Bulletin, NDBC News

LANAO PROVINCES

BASILAN

SULU 

TAWI-TAWI 

Shadow Economies

DRUGS

PNP: 11,000 villages cleared of drugs
Over 11,000 villages across the country have been cleared of illegal drugs, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Senior Supt. Bernard Banac said Monday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Senators back SWS survey on declining illegal drug users
Senators on Monday backed the Social Weather Station (SWS) survey finding the decline in the number of illegal drugs users in the country.
Manila Bulletin

Alleged P6.4 B shabu shipment middleman Kenneth Dong pleads not guilty
Filipino-Chinese businessman Dong Yi Shen or Kenneth Dong on Monday pleaded not guilty to the illegal drug charges against him.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin

PNP warns fishermen against selling illegal drugs discovered offshore
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday warned fishermen who discover illegal drug shipments off the country’s coastlines not to sell the same to drug groups or syndicates.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin

Floating cocaine seen as ‘decoy’ to entry of bigger drugs in PH
PHILIPPINE Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Aaron Aquino on Monday said he believed that the cocaine that was discovered floating on the shorelines of Dinagat Island and Camarines Norte was a “diversionary tactic” so that drug groups would be able to slip into the country.
The Manila Times

Operations/ Incidents

Brick of suspected cocaine found ashore in Mauban, Quezon
A brick of suspected cocaine was found ashore in a coastal barangay in Mauban, Quezon on Monday. Police report said that a barangay tanod Johnel Escudero initially found the brick along the coastline boundary of Barangay Rosario and Barangay San Jose in the town on Monday morning.
GMA News

2 suspected drug pushers killed in Camarines Norte shootouts
Two suspected drug pushers died in separate shootouts with police anti-narcotics operatives in the towns of Vinzons and Talisay in Camarines Norte province on Sunday night and early morning Monday, police said.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Village chair survives ambush in Leyte
A barangay chairman of this town survived an ambush on Monday morning, police said. Based on initial investigation, Barangay Benolho chair Alberto “Bebot” Sumaljag managed to evade death as he quickly reclined after seeing a man aim an armalite at his vehicle.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Recovery and Rehabilitation  

ILLICIT FIREARMS, EXPLOSIVES AND AMMUNITION

CROSS-BORDER TRADING/ SMUGGLING  

KIDNAPPING

ILLICIT FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS 

Land Issues
Indigenous Peoples
Human Rights
Bishop urges victims of clergy abuses to speak out
An official of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has urged victims of clergy abuses to speak out and not remain silent.
Manila Bulletin

Families of desaparecidos slam PH plan to delist cases from U.N.
Families of victims “strongly object” to the move of the Philippine government to have official records of enforced disappearances deleted from the United Nations (UN).
Rappler

UN rapporteur includes De Lima, Sereno, Ressa in report on rights defenders
A United Nations special rapporteur raised concern over the situation of Filipina human rights defenders, which he said include Sen. Leila de Lima, former Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno and Rappler CEO Maria Ressa.
Philippine Star, Business World Online

Press Freedom/ Freedom of Expression

Palace: President has no links with Rappler chief’s accuser
Malacañang on Monday said President Rodrigo Duterte has no links with the businessman who filed a cyberlibel case against Rappler chief executive officer and journalist Maria Ressa.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Panelo okay with decriminalizing libel, but leaves it to courts to decide on cyber libel
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said that a civil lawsuit could be a possible substitute for libel amid efforts of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) to get a collective stand on the decriminalization of the laws on libel and cyber libel.
Manila Bulletin

Press freedom caravan not solely to explain Ressa arrest, says Andanar
The Presidential Communications Operations Office’s (PCOO) ongoing press freedom caravan in Europe is not to solely to explain to the European media the “real nature” of the cyberlibel case against Rappler chief executive officer Maria Ressa, PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar insisted Monday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Andanar: No public funds wasted in European press freedom caravan
Presidential Communications Operations Office’s (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar assured on Monday that no public funds were wasted in the ongoing press freedom caravan in Europe.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin

Poe: No need for PCOO’s press freedom caravan in Europe
Sen. Grace Poe on Monday questioned the need for a “press freedom caravan” to make the European media understand the “real nature” of the cyberlibel case filed against Duterte administration critic and Rappler chief executive officer Maria Ressa.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

‘Kiko’ questions Palace communication team’s trip to Europe
The Malacanang communications’ arm may just want a whiff of winter in Europe to clear the name of President Duterte before the international community.
Manila Bulletin

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U.N. rights office: Maria Ressa arrest latest in ‘pattern of intimidation’ vs Rappler
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed concern over the arrest of Rappler CEO and executive editor Maria Ressa over cyber libel charges.
Rappler, Manila Bulletin, ABS-CBN News

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SOMEONE ELSE’S WINDOWS: Cyber libel doesn’t exist
The arrest of Rappler executive Maria Ressa for cyber libel charges has triggered a heated debate on whether the Philippine press is under attack under the present administration. Inevitably, it has revived discussions on the utility and place of libel in a supposedly liberal democracy such as ours.
Mindanews

Killings 

After ambush, police eye EDSA ban on men riding in tandem
Following the EDSA ambush that left two dead and one injured, Mandaluyong City police are planning to recommend a ban on men riding one motorcycle together along the major thoroughfare.
Rappler, Philippine Daily Inquirer

Crimes committed by motorcycle-riding suspects down by 53% in NCR
Crimes committed by motorcycle-riding suspects (MRS) in Metro Manila went down by 53.11 percent in 2018 compared to the previous year, data from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) revealed.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Martial Law  

Court set to uphold martial law extension
THE Supreme Court is set to deliberate and vote on Tuesday on the petitions assailing the declaration of President Rodrigo Duterte to prolong martial law in Mindanao, and Congress for agreeing to it.
The Manila Times

 
Governance

Duterte asks Congress to pass general tax amnesty bill lifting bank secrecy
After vetoing several provisions on the recently-signed Tax Amnesty Act, President Rodrigo Duterte has asked the Congress to pass a general tax amnesty bill that would lift bank secrecy for fraud cases.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Duterte veto: Coconut trust fund bill may be unconstitutional
President Rodrigo Duterte vetoed the much-awaited Coconut Farmers and Industry Development bill because he thinks it could be unconstitutional and it lacked safeguards against abuses.
Rappler

Palace welcomes questions on legality of Rice Tariffication Law
Malacañang on Monday said it would welcome any move by farmers to question the legality of the recently-signed Rice Tariffication Law.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Duterte to sign Universal Healthcare bill this week — Ejercito
President Rodrigo Duterte is set to sign into law the Universal Healthcare bill this week, reelectionist Senator JV Ejercito said Monday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Sotto hits PLLO over vetoed bills: We don’t consult a ‘crystal ball’
Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III blamed the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) on Monday for legislation vetoed by President Rodrigo Duterte.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin

Palace names former Army Scout Rangers chief new DSWD undersecretary
President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed another retired military official to take on a top post in the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Rappler, Philippine Daily Inquirer

Rallyists decry Duterte admin’s ‘manipulation’ of government resources vs. poor (updated)
Members of urban poor group Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay) slammed Monday the alleged manipulation of government resources by the Duterte administration to “suppress the forms of dissent for the interest of the President’s ruling clique.”
Manila Bulletin

Palace: We’re used to Trillanes’s falsities
Malacañang brushed off the recent allegation made by Senator Antonio Trillanes IV that President Duterte went to Hong Kong over the weekend to get treated for an illness and not to rest or go shopping.
Manila Bulletin

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Sara Duterte to decide on presidential bid by 2021
Davao City Mayor and presidential daughter Sara Duterte on Monday, February 18, said she will decide on a possible bid for presidency by 2021.
Rappler, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin

Face-off with Sara Duterte in 2022? Robredo 'still busy' being VP
Vice President Leni Robredo is still not considering running for president in 2022, let alone going head-to-head with Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.
Rappler

ELECTION RELATED

Comelec powerless over premature campaigning
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) said it is powerless when it comes to the spending on premature campaigning advertisements of candidates since this happened before the start of the campaign period.
Manila Bulletin

Comelec welcomes DepEd plan to ban candidates from grad exercises
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) spokesperson welcomes the plan of the Department of Education (DepEd) to ban candidates from speaking during graduation ceremonies. "That’s a very good development," James Jimenez said.
GMA News

Comelec mulls taking down illegal campaign materials this week
After documenting illegal campaign materials in various places in Metro Manila and Bulacan last Friday, the Commission on Elections is now coordinating with the Philippine National Police and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to take these down.
GMA News

DILG orders LGUs: Take down campaign materials on gov't properties
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has ordered all local government units (LGUs) to take down campaign materials posted on government properties.
Rappler, Philippine Daily Inquirer

PNP to rid government properties of campaign materials
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Oscar Albayalde on Monday directed his subordinates to take down campaign materials for the May elections on government properties.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

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Can progressives win Senate seats?
They are straight-forward with their platform: end contractualization, raise wages and improve working conditions for the Filipino. Yet many of the voters do not know their names, most don’t even care.
Rappler

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(TRANSCRIPT) Harapan 2019: The ABS-CBN Senatorial Town Hall Debate
Manila Bulletin

Senate bets agree: Bahay Pag-Asa funding needed for children in conflict with law
While 9 senatorial candidates were divided on the proposal to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility (MACR), they agreed that there was a need to focus on the funding and improvement of Bahay Pag-Asa or rehabilitation centers for children in conflict with the law.
Rappler

Oppositions

Robredo urges voters: Look beyond candidates’ popularity
Three months before the May midterm elections, Vice President Leni Robredo called on voters to look past the popularity of the candidates and instead focus on their track record.
Rappler

Robredo pitches for Otso Diretso bets in Pampanga, Nueva Ecija
True to her word, Vice President Leni Robredo on Monday campaigned for the “Otso Diretso” slate during her visit in the provinces of Pampanga and Nueva Ecija.
Manila Bulletin

Gutoc appeals for more incentives, safety insurance for barrio doctors
Otso Diretso opposition senatorial candidate Samira Gutoc has rallied behind the country’s barrio doctors, saying that incentives and protection for them should be strengthened and institutionalized through a law.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Administration

Hugpong slams Otso Diretso for negative campaigning
Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP), the regional party of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, on Monday said it would not engage in “politicking” against its elections competitors and would instead focus on presenting to the people its campaign platforms.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Hugpong caravan lures thousands on Marcos, Singson turfs
Supporters of the Marcos family made their presence felt on Monday during the campaign caravan of the Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) here that included nine of the coalition’s 13 senatorial candidates in May’s midterm elections.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, ABS-CBN News

Backed by Singsons, Marcoses, Hugpong bets break into Solid North
The powerful clans of the Ilocos Region vouched for Senate slate of Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) for the May 2019 elections.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Sara undaunted by President’s withdrawal of support for Bong, Jinggoy
Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) chairperson and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio on Monday said she respects the decision of her father, President Rodrigo Duterte, to exclude former senators Jinggoy Estrada and Bong Revilla from his preferred senatorial candidates.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Pro-Duterte movement to campaign for 7 senatoriables
The Kilusang Pagbabago (KP) in the Visayas will be throwing its support to seven senatorial candidates of the administration in the coming May 2019 elections. Kilusang Pagbabago Visayas lead convenor, Doris Isubal-Mongaya, said in an interview Monday that KP, the grassroots movement of supporters of President Rodrigo Duterte, looks forward to the realization of federalism and anti-poverty programs of the administration when these seven candidates join the Senate.
Philippine News Agency

JV Ejercito counting on track record to fuel reelection bid
Despite lagging behind in the recent senatorial survey, reelectionist Senator JV Ejercito on Monday said he will bank on his Senate accomplishments and his corruption-free track record.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Jinggoy: I’ve filed 600 Senate bills, how about the ‘yellows’?
Former Senator Jinggoy Estrada on Monday took a swipe at opposition senators, claiming that an actor-politician like him has filed more bills.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Election-related Violence, Incidents and operations

DISASTER

MINDANAO

Silk Road eyes investments in Mindanao, Palawan
Chinese firm Silk Road Investment HK has expressed interest to invest in Palawan and Mindanao, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) public relations head Adrian Tamayo said.
Mindanews

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

JUDICIARY

No criminal case if filed with wrong court – SC
In the prosecution of a criminal offense as a result of a failed business transaction, the place where the transaction was consummated with finality – like signing of an agreement and issuance of check payment – determines which trial court has jurisdiction, the Supreme Court (SC) said in a recent decision.
Manila Bulletin

LEGISLATIVE

Move to grant pension, health benefits for Comfort Women gains ground in House
Calls to grant a P3,000-monthly pension and health benefits for the country’s so-called “Comfort Women,” or victims of sexual abuse from Japanese soldiers during World War 2, have snowballed in the House of Representatives.
Manila Bulletin

BUDGET AND FINANCE

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)

DILG warns local officials vs politicking
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has warned local officials against politicking and allowing candidates to post campaign materials on government properties.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

DEFENSE AND SECURITY

PHL, Canada begin 5-day course on military-resource management
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Canadian Ministry of Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces began a five-day Defense Resource Management Course (DRMC) on Monday that aims to help the military to properly allocate its resources from manpower to equipment and funds.
Business Mirror

Majority of Filipinos back ROTC revival — Gatchalian
A Pulse Asia survey commissioned by Sen. Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian’s office revealed Monday that a majority of respondents support the return of the Reserve Officers’ Training Course (ROTC) in the country.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

US Marine Commander in the Pacific ends 3-day PH visit
A high-ranking United States Marine official on Monday ended his three-day official visit to the Philippines aimed to strengthen the interoperability between the two countries’ Marine corps as well as the US-Philippine alliance in the Indo-Pacific region.
Manila Bulletin

ECONOMY AND INVESTMENTS

European bank eyes PH operations
A Europe-based financial institution is reportedly eyeing the possible expansion of its operations to the Philippines. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier declined to identify the said bank but added that an official has approached her and indicated interest in the domestic market.
Philippine News Agency

World Bank sees BSP rate cuts as inflation further eases
To support economic growth, it would be prudent for the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to cut policy rates once headline inflation falls below target, an economist of the World Bank said.
Philippine Star

BUILD, BUILD, BUILD

OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE

GRAFT AND CORRUPTION

FOREIGN RELATIONS  

PHL, Italy extend debt swap program for 2 years
The governments of the Philippines and Italy on Monday agreed to a two-year extension of a debt conversion program which funds environmental protection and poverty reduction projects. The Philippines-Italy Debt for Development Program, initially signed on May 29, 2012, paved the way for the conversion of the Philippine debt obligation amounting to P160 million.
GMA News

West Philippine Sea

LABOR

TRANSPORTATION

7 new RoRo routes to open this year
At least seven new routes for the Roll-On Roll-Off (RoRo) System are set to open within year after Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo prodded authorities to explore more pathways for the transport system. This development came during the oversight Committee on Transportation meeting to discuss the issues of the RoRo system in Cebu City.
GMA News

HEALTH 

Measles cases breach 8,000-mark over a week since outbreak
A week after a measles outbreak was declared in several regions in the country, over 8,000 cases have been recorded, according to the Department of Health (DOH).
Rappler

Why are measles cases still rising? Duque explains
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Monday, February 18, said the increase in measles cases has not yet waned as the government has yet to achieve its target of 95% vaccination coverage.
Rappler

Red Cross boosts campaign vs measles with immunization drive
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) conducted a vaccination drive for children and information and education campaign for parents in Baseco Compound over the weekend to help reduce the number of measles cases.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Duque, Garin set to file counter-affidavits for 3rd batch of Dengvaxia complaints
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, former Health Secretary Janette Garin and their fellow respondents are set to file this Thursday their respective counter-affidavits over the third batch of complaints concerning their liability over those who died after getting shots of the anti-dengue vaccine Dengvaxia.
Manila Bulletin

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

VP wants farmers represented in PCA
Vice President Leni Robredo wants more farmer representatives to be part of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) board that will manage the P100-billion trust fund for coconut farmers.
Manila Bulletin

Opposition solons reject Rice Tariffication Law
Opposition lawmakers strongly rejected the impending implementation of the Rice Tariffication Law, citing that it would not solve the chronic rice crisis and would just transform the Philippines into an import-dependent rice consuming nation.
Manila Bulletin

Hopes high with priority for agriculture this year
A great deal of public attention is now focused on the midterm election in May, while government keeps a close watch on market prices to ensure that they will not soar as they did last year.
Manila Bulletin

Drop in rice prices due to market speculation
Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel "Manny" Piñol clarified that the fall in the buying price of rice by commercial traders is the result of speculation, which was fueled by the anticipated "flooding" of the market with cheap imported rice under a liberalized market.
Philippine News Agency

NFA told to submit restructuring plan as open rice trade starts on March 3
A council headed by Cabinet officials asked state-run National Food Authority to submit a restructuring plan within 30 days as the open rice trade is set to start on March 3.
Manila Standard

EDUCATION

DepEd looks forward to approval of 2019 national budget
The Department of Education (DepEd) welcomed the bicameral report on the proposed 2019 national budget, and is looking forward to its approval by President Rodrigo Duterte.
Manila Bulletin

ENERGY

Growth and electric cooperatives
On the Philippines’ GDP growth rates, the good news is that from 2010 to 2018, the Philippines has been growing above 6% yearly except in 2011. High growth was experienced in 2010 with 7.6% (recovery from 2008-2009 global financial turmoil) and 2013 (election year) with 7.1%.
Business World Online

Senate backs franchise for Leviste solar firm, limited to 13 provinces
THE SENATE committees on public services and energy have recommended the approval of a “non-exclusive” franchise for Solar Para sa Bayan Corp. (SPSBC) subject to the adoption of amendments from the chamber.
Business World Online

POVERTY

HOUSING

TOURISM

DOT unveils ‘more fun, more Pinoy’ tourism font
The Department of Tourism (DOT) unveiled on Monday a custom-made tourism font which drew inspiration from local signages.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Rappler

Renewed tourism campaign focuses on crowd-sourcing to promote PH – Puyat
Crowd-sourcing or getting the participation of Filipino travelers online will be the Department of Tourism’s (DOT’s) biggest tool in promoting Philippine tourism anew.
Manila Bulletin

Gov't committed to ensure tourists' safety
Despite the recent Jolo bombings that prompted the issuance of fresh foreign travel advisories on the Philippines last month, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) assured on Monday foreign tourists the government is committed to their safety and security in the country.
Philippine News Agency

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES 

LIST: At least 6 Manila Bay reclamation projects to start soon
There are currently 19 Manila Bay reclamation projects in various stages of development. According to the list from the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), 12 of the projects are still in the application stage and still have to go through rigorous processes under various government agencies.
Rappler

INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY

Act now on third telco, Poe tells DICT
Senator Grace Poe on Monday said the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) need not wait for Congress to come up with a final resolution on the franchise of the Mindanao Islamic Telephone (Mislatel) consortium to allow it to operate as the third telecommunications player.
Manila Bulletin

DEVELOPMENT SECTOR 

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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