AFP working on immediate indictment of Sison, cohorts
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Monday said the decision to request for the extradition of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chair Jose Maria Sison to the Philippines came from the political leadership and not the military.
Manila Bulletin, CNN Philippines, Philippine News Agency

---------------------------------

CPP-NPA wiped out in 2 years, says DILG chief
The Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) will be wiped out in the next two years, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año predicted on Monday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, The Manila Times

--------------------------------

KMP claims ‘non-stop military ops’ forced 700 to flee residences
The militant group Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) insisted the recent evacuation of residents of Toboso, Negros Occidental was a result of the non-stop military operations led by the 79th Infantry Battalion (79th IB) of the Philippine Army.
Manila Bulletin

Army tracing source of medicines recovered from NPAs in NegOcc
The Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Battalion (303IB) is tracing the source of the medicines worth almost PHP300,000 seized by government troops from communist rebels they encountered in Escalante City, Negros Occidental on Thursday night.
Philippine News Agency, The Daily Guardian

-------------------------------

NDFP Strongly Condemns the Unjust Arrest of Frank Fernandez and Companions and Demands Their Immediate Release
Frank Fernandez is a publicly known consultant of the NDFP in the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations as NDFP spokesperson in Negros. He holds Document of Identification Number PP 978544 as provided for in the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG).
NDFP

Where is Frank Fernandez? NDFP asks former priest’s captors    
The whereabouts of National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NFFP) peace consultant Frank Fernandez reportedly nabbed by the police and military in Nagcarlan, Laguna early Sunday morning have yet to be known more than 24 hours after his arrest.
Kodao

PNP surfaces NDFP’s Frank Fernandez    
The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Army finally surfaced National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) peace consultant Francisco “Ka Frank” Fernandez after arresting him early Sunday morning and denying he was in their custody to human rights responders.
Kodao

------------------------

Martial law in Mindanao favorable to IPs
Some members of Mindanao's indigenous peoples (IPs) have expressed their continued support to the ongoing martial law in the island. Datu Ramon Dayaan, in an interview with DWDD Radio on March 20, said the reports claiming that IP are being abused or having problems due to martial law are not true, adding that sources of these information are coming from Luzon, not from Mindanao.
Philippine News Agency

------------------------

Victims and families backed Karapatan amid red tagging by the military
Victims of human rights violations and their families expressed their support for rights group Karapatan who was accused of being a front organization of the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).
Bulatlat

No more ‘red election hotspots’ in Cebu, says PRO-7 official
The start of the campaign period for the local candidates of the May 2019 elections is only four days away from today, Monday (March 25), and Cebu is now free from any areas with grave concerns in relation to the upcoming elections.
Cebu Daily News

------------------------

Exodus of surrender: NPA terrorist disintegrates in northern mindanao and caraga
Deceit, lies and manipulation are the reasons why 71 dismayed Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army Terrorist (CNTs) members in CARAGA and Northern Mindanao voluntarily surrendered to the Community Support Program (CSP) teams under 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division, Philippine Army before the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the NPA this 29 of March.
Kalinaw News

NPA rebels surrender in Misamis Oriental
Four New People’s Army (NPA) rebels recently surrendered to government troops in Misamis Oriental, the military Monday disclosed. It was learned that the Army’s 58th Infantry Battalion received the four NPA members coming from the Guerilla Front “Toto” of the NPA’s Sub-Regional Committee 1, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee at the battalion headquarters in So Migbanday, Brgy. Poblacion, Claveria, Misamis Oriental on Wednesday, March 20, 2019.
Manila Bulletin, Kalinaw News

Peace Talks

Duterte on peace talks with Reds: It’s useless, I give up
President Rodrigo Duterte said that he has “surrendered” engaging communist rebels in peace negotiations, claiming that it is really “useless”. “With the NPAs, I am the one who surrendered. I said I will stop talking to them because it is really useless,” Duterte said Sunday night during the PDP-Laban campaign rally in Cagayan de Oro City.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin

AFP belies Joma: Talks progressing
Despite the rants of Communist Party of the Philippines founding chairman Jose Maria Sison, localized peace talks seem to be working well as the number of New People’s Army fighters and supporters who have surrendered continues to rise, military officials said Monday.
Manila Standard

Focus shifts to termination of the communist insurgency
IN the book, Force and Statecraft by Gordon A. Craig and Alexander L. George (Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1995), the authors, one a historian of international affairs and the other a distinguished political scientist, make this startling claim:
The Manila Times

Dead as a doornail
If there are still doubts that the political negotiations between the national government and the communist-led National Democratic Front have reached an inevitable, irrevocable dead-end, the recent decision of President Rodrigo Duterte to dissolve the government negotiating panel should put them to rest.
Manila Standard

--------------------------

AFP Central Command backs localized peace talks
The Armed Forces of the Philippines-Central Command (AFP-CentCom) fully supports localized peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).
Manila Bulletin

Incidents/ Operations   

9 alleged NPA members yield, 4 others captured in Sultan Kudarat
Nine alleged members of communist New Peoples’ Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered to authorities in Sultan Kudarat, police said Monday. The rebels, along with their firearms and explosives, yielded to Chief Supt. Eliseo Tam Rasco, police director in the Soccsksargen region.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine News Agency

Another CPP-NPA-NDF peace consultant arrested
Police and military operatives have arrested a consultant of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) in the leftist group’s botched talks with the government in a raid in Liliw, Laguna Monday morning.
Manila Bulletin, Business Mirror, Panay News

‘Ex-kagawad’ killed in Miag-ao clash
A former barangay kagawad (village council member) is the lone fatality in the recent encounter between state troopers and New People’s Army (NPA) in Miag-ao, Iloilo on Sunday. Police identified the slain NPA combatant as Leonardo S. Seterra, a former barangay kagawad of Danawan, San Joaquin, Iloilo.
The Daily Guardian 

Clash between the government troops and communist terrorists group in Sorsogon
Soldiers and NPA Terrorists Clash Anew in Sorsogon CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur- Another clash between the government troops and Communist Terrorists Group (CTG) transpired in Barangay Salvacion, Bulusan, Sorsogon on Sunday afternoon, March 24. According to the report, the operating troops from 91st Division Reconnaissance Company were conducting security operation in response to the report about the presence of the terrorist group in area when the firefight ensued.
Kalinaw News
 

Duterte says he can’t eliminate ISIS problem within his term
President Rodrigo Duterte has conceded that he cannot eradicate the prevalence of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in the country in the remaining three years of his presidency.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, GMA News

----------------------------

3 Abu Sayyaf killed in Sulu encounter — AFP
Three members of the Abu Sayyaf Group were believed to be killed in an encounter with the Philippine Marines in Sulu, the military said Monday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine News Agency, GMA News

MARAWI

Marawi’s ‘Ground Zero’ residents declare 91-B peso damages due to siege
The Integrated Bar of the Philippines’ Lanao del Sur – Marawi City Chapter has submitted to the House Sub-Committee on Marawi Rehabilitation documents pertaining to the claims of 15,102 residents displaced from Ground Zero of a total of 91.6 billion pesos in damages brought about by the five-month war between government forces and the Islamic State-inspired Maute Group and its allies in 2017.
Mindanews

Marawi residents to get livelihood assistance
Residents who remain displaced more than a year since the war in Marawi City ended will receive livelihood assistance worth P20,000 per family, announced the city government.
Rappler

SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE WORLD      

New Zealand opens inquiry into Christchurch mosque attack
The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, is opening an inquiry into the Christchurch mosque attacks that left 50 people dead. Speaking at a press conference in Wellington, Ms Ardern said, "it is important that no stone is left unturned to get to the bottom of how this act of terrorism occurred."
BBC News

New Zealand to investigate role of spies, guns in mosque attacks
New Zealand will hold a top-level inquiry into the massacre of 50 people at two Christchurch mosques that will look into what roles semi-automatic guns, social media, and intelligence agencies had preceding the attacks.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Reactions In Arab World To New Zealand Mosque Massacre: Accusations Of Islamophobia, Terrorism Against West, U.S., Alongside Calls For Joint Fight Against Extremism
The March 15, 2019 massacre perpetrated by Australian white supremacist Brenton Tarrant in two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, in which 50 Muslim worshippers died and dozens more were wounded, evoked harsh reactions in the Arab and Muslim world. Arab and Muslim leaders stressed the responsibility of the West and the international community to protect Muslims against terror and to fight the radical right and the racism and Islamophobia it is spreading. Islamic organizations called to promote legislation criminalizing incitement against Muslims, similar to the laws against antisemitism that exist in some countries.
Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI)

French Muslim group sues internet giants over New Zealand massacre video
A French Muslim group on Monday, March 25, said it was suing Facebook and YouTube for allowing the live broadcast of the grisly video of a massacre at a New Zealand mosque, reviving the debate over how social media amplifies such attacks.
Rappler

---------------------------  

Jihadists emerge from tunnels to surrender after ‘caliphate’ falls
Dozens of Islamic State group jihadists emerged from tunnels to surrender to US-backed forces in eastern Syria on Sunday, a day after their “caliphate” was declared defeated.
Philippine Daily Inquirer 

Indonesia: MIT Militants Still Recruiting Despite Setbacks, Analysts Say
The Eastern Indonesia Mujahideen (MIT) group is a shadow of its former self after its leaders were killed or arrested in recent years, but the tiny band of militants linked to the Islamic State (IS) is capable of recruiting more members, analysts said. Last week, government forces shot and killed three MIT suspects during a gunbattle in the jungles of Parigi Moutong, a regency of Poso district on Sulawesi Island where the group has operated for years, authorities said.
Benar News

HRW: Eight Lebanese citizens face 'terrorism' trial in UAE
Eight Lebanese citizens, all Shia Muslims, have been charged with "terrorism" in the United Arab Emirates and denied legal representation in a trial "marred with violations", Human Rights Watch said on Monday.
Aljazeera, France24

Fighting extremism more important than fighting terrorism
Declarations of victory are everywhere, and on the lips of everyone concerned with the war on terror in Syria. In my opinion, this is a temporary victory, and it is only a matter of time until another Daesh organization emerges.
Arab News

With End of Islamic State Caliphate, U.S. Shifts to Long New Fight Ahead
The final defeat of the Islamic State extremist group’s self-declared caliphate marked an important battlefield victory in the fight against the terrorist network, but it also signaled a shift to a more difficult fight to come, U.S. military officials and experts said.
The Wall Street Journal

Russia calls on global community to join anti-terrorism database
Russia calls on the global community to join the International Counterterrorism Database that is operating under the aegis of the National Counter-Terrorism Committee, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Oleg Syromolotov said at an anti-terrorism conference of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in Bratislava on Monday.
Russian News Agency (TASS)

Moscow warns justifying extremists to fight autocratic regimes leads to color revolutions
Justifying actions of terrorists and extremists on the pretext of fighting authoritarian regimes opens the door to color revolutions, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Oleg Syromolotov said on Monday at the OSCE-wide Counter-Terrorism conference.
Russian News Agency (TASS)

UK Joins Other Western States in Warning of Possible Terror Attacks in Libya
The United Kingdom has joined the United States and Germany to advise against all travel to Libya. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) updated on Sunday its travel advice to Libya, also calling on British nationals still in the country “to leave immediately by commercial means.”
Asharq Al-Awsat

Britons went to Syria for 'research not terrorism'
A man who denies trying to join the Islamic State group has told a jury he and a friend only wanted to go to Syria to carry out research. Hanzalah Patel, 22, of Leicester, and Safwaan Mansur, 22, of Birmingham, deny preparation of terrorist acts. Mr Mansur told Birmingham Crown Court he wanted to see the "reality" of what was happening in the country because he believed the news was "quite biased".
BBC News

Do not take threat of terrorism lightly – Muhyiddin
Malaysia must learn from the recent attacks on the two mosques in New Zealand and not take lightly the threat of terrorism, especially from extremists, said Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. He said this was because attacks by terrorist or extremist groups can happen anywhere.
Borneo Post

Call to stop war on children raised
Save the Children Philippines has expressed concern over what it called the displacement of 76,383 children in Mindanao who suffer hunger, trauma and missing out on school. Save the Children Philippines is seeking protection and access to humanitarian support for displaced children in five provinces in Mindanao, reaching 76,383 due to heightened hostilities in the last two months.
Manila Standard

------------------------

Misuari war threat a hard sell — Alejano
Opposition senatorial bet, Magdalo Party-List Rep. Gary Alejano is insinuating that President Rodrigo Duterte’s disclosure about Nur Misuari’s threat of war should federalism fail is just plain propaganda.
Manila Bulletin

House: Don’t blame us if war breaks out
If war breaks out in Mindanao due to the failure of the federalism bid, don’t blame the House of Representatives. The House leadership on Sunday asserted that it had already done its part in response to the supposed threat of war issued by the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chair, Nur Misuari, if the push to shift to a federal form of government failed to materialize.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Misuari’s Powder Keg
HAVE you ever been so pissed that you wind up destroying half a city and causing the death of at least 200 people? Apparently, this has been the trademark of many warlords who operate on their own impulses and without due regard for the consequences of their shenanigans. It’s because of this indifference to the rule of law that justifies their idiotic drive toward self-destruction. 
The Daily Guardian

BARMM

Duterte hopes BOL will reflect true sentiments of Moros
President Rodrigo Duterte is hopeful that the implementation of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) would reflect the true sentiment of the Moro people.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin

BARMM sets inaugural session on Friday
Officials of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) will take their oath of office before the Qur’an during their inaugural session in this city on Friday.
The Manila Times

MAGUINDANAO AND COTABATO CITY

2009 Maguindanao massacre promulgated soon
A Quezon City court gave the prosecution and defense panels in the November 2009 Maguindanao massacre case 15 days within which to submit their respective memoranda before it resolves the 58 counts of murder charges filed against at least 93 accused, including principal suspect Andal Ampatuan Jr.
Manila Bulletin

Bangsamoro police to assume control of Cotabato City soon
Police personnel deployed here can stay and work under the Bangsamoro regional police or opt for assignment to areas under Region 12, a senior official said Monday. Members of the police command in Cotabato City, now a component-area of the newly-created Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, belong to the Regional Police Office-12, whose headquarters is in General Santos City.
NDBC News

Maguindanao declares state of calamity
The provincial government of Maguindanao has declared a state of calamity after a four-office assessment report showed that some P130-million worth of crops and livestock have been damaged in the ongoing dry spell, officials announced Monday. Engr. Abdulrahman Asim, provincial administrator, said the declaration came through a resolution passed on March 19 by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
Manila Bulletin

NORTH COTABATO

LANAO PROVINCES

Westmincom deactivates Task Force Ranao
The Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) has deactivated one of its special task forces, commending its commander for "meritorious and valuable service." Lt. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, Westmincom chief, spearheaded the deactivation ceremony of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Ranao on Monday at Camp Basilio Navarro, which houses the Westmincom headquarters in this city.
Philippine News Agency

BASILAN

SULU 

TAWI-TAWI 

DRUGS

Duterte: Drug problem in PH has ‘worsened’
Despite the government’s brutal war on drugs, President Rodrigo Duterte admitted that the drug problem in the country had “worsened” and warned that the Philippines might end up like Mexico controlled by drug cartels.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin

--------------------------

Gov’t verifying link of ‘around 20’ more politicians to drug trade — Año
Almost two weeks after the names of 46 politicians allegedly involved in illegal drugs were exposed by President Rodrigo Duterte on national television, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said Monday that authorities are validating the involvement of “around 20” more politicians in the illegal drug trade.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

--------------------------

Ex-cop Acierto speaks out: Duterte, PNP ignored intel on Michael Yang's drug links
A disgruntled veteran anti-drug operative who had been implicated in drug smuggling accused President Rodrigo Duterte and the Philippine National Police (PNP) of ignoring an intelligence report and blocking further probe into presidential economic adviser Michael Yang’s alleged drug links.
Rappler

Palace: Michael Yang not involved in drug trade 
Malacañang on Monday maintained that Michael Yang, one of President Rodrigo Duterte’s economic advisers, was not involved in illegal drugs. Dismissed former deputy director for administration of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group (DEG) Eduardo Acierto surfaced on Monday and accused the President and former PNP chief Ronald Dela Rosa of dismissing an intelligence report about Yang’s supposed link to illegal drugs.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

---------------------------

PDEA cites role of coastal communities in fight vs. drugs
An official of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Western Visayas underscored the role of coastal communities in the fight against illegal drugs. PDEA 6 officer-in-charge Alex Tablate said the region has many ports of entry considering its topography.
Philippine News Agency

Party drugs: The dark side of Cebu’s club scene
Nineteen-year-old Ashley Abad was having fun with friends at a party on Jan. 19, the eve of the Grand Sinulog parade, when she suddenly collapsed. She never regained consciousness.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

NCRPO brands shabu planting of valet parking boys as a hoax
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has branded as a hoax a circulating social media post about the alleged ‘shabu-planting’ scheme of valet parking boys of a posh hotel in Manila.
Manila Bulletin

Operations/ Incidents

7 blocks of cocaine worth P43 million found in Catanduanes waters
Seven blocks of suspected cocaine worth an estimated P43.175 million were found floating in the municipal waters of Bagamanoc, Catanduanes on Monday, police said. Police said three fishermen found the seven blocks of suspected cocaine in a fishnet container at around 1 p.m.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Drug suspect killed, P3.4M shabu seized in Alabang buy-bust — PDEA
A drug suspect was killed and approximately P3.4 million worth of suspected “shabu” was seized by authorities during a buy-bust operation in Alabang, Muntinlupa City on Sunday night, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Man nabbed for ‘growing’ marijuana at his backyard in Olongapo City
Police here on Sunday arrested a man who allegedly grows marijuana (cannabis) plants in his backyard. Insp. Mar Joseph Ravelo, commander of Police Station 4 here, said they were tipped off by village officials that suspect Gilbert Caruel, 26, a native of Negros Occidental, has been maintaining the marijuana plantation behind his house.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Alleged drug pusher slain in Lucena buy-bust
Police killed an alleged drug pusher when shooting erupted during a buy-bust operation here Sunday night, police said.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

2 target-listed pushers nabbed in South Cotabato raids
Police operatives arrested two target-listed drug personalities in South Cotabato province in separate operations in a village in Tantangan town on Sunday. Brig. Gen. Eliseo Tam Rasco, regional director of the Police Regional Office-12, identified the suspects as Jomare Bacas Mangudadatu, 49, and Ranny Magon Baguilan, 42, both residents of Barangay Magon in Tantangan.
Philippine News Agency

P750k halaga ng Marijuana plants binunut sa Tampakan, SoCot
Abot sa 3,000 na puno ng marijuana ang binunut ng Tampakan PNP, PDEA 12, Provincial Intelligence Branch at PMFC South Cotabato sa Sitio Datal Alyong, Barangay Danlag, Tampakan, South Cotabato kahapon.
NDBC News

Recovery and Rehabilitation  

PDEA, QC setting up rescue center for street kids involved in drugs
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Quezon City Anti-Drug Abuse and Advisory Council (QC-ADAC) have agreed to join forces in helping street children involved in illegal drugs and substances.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

ILLICIT FIREARMS, EXPLOSIVES AND AMMUNITION



CROSS-BORDER TRADING/ SMUGGLING  

HUMAN TRAFFICKING

BI alarmed with trafficking of underage workers
Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente has expressed serious concern over the resurgent activities of syndicates sending minors and underage Filipinas to work as household workers abroad.
Manila Bulletin

ILLICIT FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS 

2 police execs relieved over P2-B illegal investment scheme
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has relieved two top police officials in Region 12 (Soccksargen) on Monday pending investigation into the nearly P2-billion illegal investment scheme that victimized police personnel and residents in the region. Col. Manuel Lukban, chief of the directorial staff of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-12; and Col. Raul Supiter, the police director here, were ordered transferred effective Monday (March 25) to the police holding and accounting unit of the Directorate for Personnel and Records Management (DPRM).
Philippine News Agency

BIR officer, two others collared for extortion — NBI
A Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) officer and two others were arrested in an entrapment operation in Plaridel, Bulacan on March 21, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said Monday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer 

Police captain nabbed for extortion
In a complete irony of things, a ranking police officer was arrested by his fellow cops right inside the main camp of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Camp Crame, Quezon City over allegations of extortion.
Manila Bulletin

Duterte blasts Church, drugs, communists anew in CDO sortie
President Duterte lashed out at the usual personalities and institutions – drug lords and users, the Commission on Human Rights, communist insurgents, opposition senatorial candidates and priests and the Catholic Church during the political activity here Sunday night.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Duterte at it again, says world is better off sans priests
President Rodrigo Duterte issued yet another sweeping tirade against the Catholic Church, saying that the world would be better off without priests who commit lewd acts.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Palace: Duterte likely to visit Japan anew in May
Malacañang said that President Duterte will most likely visit Japan in May this year primarily to attend a regional conference.
Manila Bulletin

---------------------

No offer to settle libel case at court-ordered mediation, Trillanes lawyer says
Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV has not offered to settle in the libel case filed against him by former Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte and lawyer Manases Carpio outside of court, his lawyer said.
Philippine Star

ELECTION RELATED

Comelec asks Go to take down ‘Malasakit’ posters
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has asked the Department of Health (DOH) to take down all Malasakit Center posters bearing the name and picture of senatorial candidate Bong Go displayed in government-run hospitals.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Rappler

DOH denies ordering hospitals to put up Bong Go posters
The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday, March 25, denied it ordered government hospitals to put up posters bearing the face of senatorial candidate Bong Go.
Rappler

---------------------

Oppositions

Otso Diretso: Don't use Silawan rape-slay to push for death penalty
Otso Diretso candidates condemned the rape and gruesome murder of Cebuano teen Christine Lee Silawan, but they believe her case cannot be used to justify the reimposition of the death penalty in the Philippines.
Rappler

Administration

Arroyo spearheads Hugpong’s sortie in family bailiwick Negros Occidental
Former president and now Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo brought the Hugpong ng Pagbabago senatorial candidates here, bailiwick of the Arroyo family, with an assurance of strong support from local and community leaders.
Manila Bulletin

Sara writes Leila: Make law requiring honesty for politicians
Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio on Monday hit opposition Senator Leila de Lima’s tirade against her and Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo over the issue of honesty in public office.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin

Sara: Hugpong bets satisfy Pinoy’s preference for candidates unlikely to be corrupt
The candidates endorsed by Sara Duterte's Hugpong ng Pagbabago all fall into the characteristic that a good number of Filipino voters would want from their senatorial bets, that of being invulnerable to corruption, President Rodrigo Duterte's daughter said on Monday.
GMA News

Election-related Violence, Incidents and operations

Over 900 areas now tagged as ‘election hotspots’ — PNP
Less than two months before the May 13 polls, the number of areas identified as “election hotspots” increased to 941 as of March 20, Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, The Manila Times

DISASTER

MINDANAO

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

JUDICIARY

OSG asks SC to junk challenge vs. Mislatel
Government lawyers asked the Supreme Court (SC) to turn down a suit questioning the awarding of the third telecommunications slot to Mindanao Islamic Telephone Co. (Mislatel).
Philippine News Agency

‘PH Justice system worse under Duterte’
An official from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines’ Episcopal Commission on Prison Pastoral Care (CBCP-ECPPC) on Monday said the criminal justice system in the country has gotten worse under the headship of President Rodrigo Duterte.
The Manila Times

LEGISLATIVE

Senate, House reach ‘some progress’ on 2019 budget but deadlock stays
Congress still failed to break the deadlock on the 2019 General Appropriations  Bill (GAB) even after a meeting on Monday. Instead, a three-man panel both from the Senate and the House of Representatives agreed to meet again on Tuesday to once and for all resolve their issues on the budget.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin

House to ensure ‘legal, transparent, accountable’ 2019 budget – Castro
The House of Representatives’ contingent to last-ditch talks to break the budget deadlock has to “ensure” that the spending bill would “not only be constitutional and legal” but also “pass the test of transparency and accountability,” House Majority Leader Fredenil Castro said Monday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Breaking budget impasse to depend on Senate, says GMA
Breaking the 2019 budget impasse will depend on when Senate is ready to “dance the tango” with the three-man panel sent by the House of Representatives.
Manila Bulletin

Arroyo keeping hands off on who next Speaker will be
Apparently torn between loyalty to her political party and political ally, former president and now Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has chosen to keep mum on who her preferred successor would be.
Manila Bulletin

BUDGET, FINANCE and TAXATION

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)

DEFENSE AND SECURITY

Albayalde orders IAS to review all police operations
Director General Oscar Albayalde, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), has ordered the review of all operations that led to a shootout with cops following the questionable operation that led to the death of the son of the mayor of Sariaya, Quezon.
Manila Bulletin

ECONOMY AND INVESTMENTS

Stocks down on global recession jitters
The local stock barometer slid to the 7,800 level on Monday as fresh global growth jitters caused a bloodbath across regional markets. The main-share Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) lost 150.4 points, or 1.88 percent, to close at 7,863.02.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

BOC issues new guidelines for faster trade with ASEAN members
Trade facilitation among members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is expected to be smoother as new guidelines in the processing of electronic certificates of origin (e-CO) were issued.
Manila Bulletin

BUILD, BUILD, BUILD

OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE

Palace: ‘Onerous’ provision in Chico River project loan just ‘standard’
The “onerous” provision in the Chico River Pump Irrigation Project between the Philippines and China is just “standard,” Malacañang said Monday, as it dismissed criticisms that Manila would not be able to pay the loan to Beijing.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin

Philippines has no say in loan deals with China – Panelo
The Philippine government is powerless when it comes to determining the terms of loan agreements it enters into with China, said Malacañang on Monday, March 25.
Rappler

BFP receives 22 donated emergency vehicles from Japan
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) on Monday received 22 emergency vehicles donated by the Japanese government, which will be distributed to far-flung municipalities and cities in Luzon.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

GRAFT AND CORRUPTION

Anti-corruption body asks Duterte to probe Duty Free 'smuggling' scheme
The Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) recommended to Malacañang an investigation into contracts entered into by Duty Free Philippines Corporation (DFPC) which appear to allow private companies to benefit from the tax-free privileges of the government corporation.
Rappler

De Lima dares Duterte: Fire Sandra Cam
Detained opposition Sen. Leila de Lima on Sunday challenged President Rodrigo Duterte to fire former whistleblower Sandra Cam, who allegedly amassed more than P500 million in unexplained wealth after he appointed her to the board of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Duterte tells Ombudsman: File raps, probe fired gov’t officials
President Rodrigo Duterte has urged the Office of the Ombudsman to file charges and investigate government officials he fired for corruption.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Palace: Duterte won’t fire Sandra Cam; fate up to Ombudsman
President Rodrigo Duterte would not fire Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) board member Sandra Cam, Malacañang said Tuesday, saying it was now up to the Ombudsman to investigate her alleged unexplained wealth.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Alcala faces another graft charge over garlic cartel
Former Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Proceso Alcala is facing another graft charge before the Sandiganbayan in relation to the reported manipulation of the country’s garlic cartel from 2010 to 2014.
Manila Bulletin

FOREIGN RELATIONS  

Philippines-China ties cordial – Palace
Relations between the Philippines and China remain cordial and healthy, Malacañang said Monday, despite the maritime dispute between Manila and Beijing in the West Philippine Sea.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

West Philippine Sea

Palace admits China controls West PH Sea
Malacañang conceded on Monday that China controls the West Philippine Sea and that the country could not do anything for now but ask the Asian powerhouse for negotiations.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

China shooing away PH fishermen from Panatag Shoal? 'What can we do?' – Panelo
For Malacañang, the Duterte administration can't do much about the harassment by Chinese vessels of Filipino fishermen trying to enter Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal. This was Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo's response to a Neri Colmenares video featuring interviews with Zambales fishermen who claim to have experienced intimidation tactics by China.
Rappler

Palace to file protest if Filipino fishermen are indeed being driven away from Panatag Shoal
The Philippine government is determined to file a protest if elements of the Chinese Coast Guards are found to be really driving away Filipino fishermen from Panatag Shoal.
Manila Bulletin

LABOR

Hanjin ex-workers march to DoLE to seek dialogue over benefits
THE PAYMENT of separation benefits to workers of Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Corp. Philippines (HHIC-Phil) may have been clouded by the workers’ expectations of remaining employed by the failed shipyard, with the Labor department expressing doubt that the remaining workers can obtain relief.
Business World Online

CBCP hails PH-Japan pact to protect OFWs
The head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People (ECMI) welcomed the signing of the memorandum of cooperation between the country and Japan.
Manila Bulletin

TRANSPORTATION

Motorbikers told to contest bigger license plates before SC
Malacañang on Monday urged motorcycle riders’ groups to challenge the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act before the Supreme Court (SC) after they tagged it as unconstitutional and discriminatory.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin

Bigger plates for motorcycles not ‘discriminatory’ — Albayalde
Republic Act 11235 or the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act of 2017 that mandates the use of bigger, readable, and color-coded license plates is not discriminatory for motorcycle riders, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said Monday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Rappler

HEALTH 

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

Agri-development: more than irrigation, post-harvest facilities, and farm-to-market roads
Many politicians propose solving rural poverty via three areas: irrigation, post-harvest facilities and farm-to-market roads. I beg to differ. It is much more than that. Indeed, needs are area and crop-specific. High productivity and diversification require these investments, but there are more to spur investments.
Business World Online

UAE food security minister embarks on 2-day visit to Philippines
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Minister of State for Food Security Mariam Al Mehairi will embark on a two-day visit in the Philippines to explore cooperation in agriculture and food sciences, particularly in rice.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin

Angara urges gov’t to address the rising number of young people’s interest in agriculture.
Reelectionist Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara has urged the government to come up with mechanisms that would make the agriculture industry appealing to young Filipinos.
Manila Bulletin

EDUCATION

DepEd ready to give Senate update on K to 12 implementation
The Department of Education (DepEd) is set to make a presentation in the Senate to provide an updated report on the status of education in the country, particularly in the basic education sector amid the implementation of the K to 12 program.
Manila Bulletin

ACT says teachers deserve more than the pay hike mandated under Pnoy’s term
A teachers group decried anew the “unfair” and “insubstantial” salary adjustment provided by the former administration and reiterated its demand for salary hike for employees in the public sector.
Manila Bulletin

ENERGY

Power situation bad in countryside, solon bares
Metro Manila residents may not know it, but the power situation in the countryside is anything but rosy. According to 1st Consumers Alliance for Rural Energy (1-CARE) Party-List Rep. Carlos Uybarreta, provincial folk have long been grappling with rotating brownouts or power outages.
Manila Bulletin

POVERTY

HOUSING

Why luxury condo prices continue to soar in PHL
PLANNING to get a luxury condominium anytime soon? Better snap it up quick, as surging demand for posh digs in central business districts is pushing prices higher and higher. “Property prices all-time high and you see that from Bonifacio all the way to El Nido [Palawan],” David Leechiu, chief executive officer of Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC) noted during the company’s media briefing in Makati City on March 18.
Business World Online

Socialized housing project for municipal gov’t workers to rise in Bayambang, Pangasinan
The local government of this central Pangasinan town and the Pag-IBIG Fund on Monday held the groundbreaking rites for a socialized housing project for municipal government employees.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

TOURISM

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES 

Water crisis

MWSS aims for full rebates for Manila Water customers
Manila Water customers affected by service interruptions may receive rebates in full by June or July 2019, Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) chief regulator Patrick Ty said on Monday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

MWSS exec says agency exercised caution amid crisis to protect public welfare
An official from the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) has claimed that their careful stance on the Manila Water’s service interruption issue was meant to avoid jeopardizing public interest.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Groups want Manila Water penalized
A petition seeking the imposition of penalties against Manila Water Company Inc. was filed by consumers before the Manila Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) on Monday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Enrique Razon joins efforts to solve water supply woes
Another tycoon has joined efforts to address the water crisis gripping Metro Manila. Businessman Enrique Razon, through Prime Infra, plans to develop a water facility at the Wawa catchment area with a capacity of over 500 million liters per day in partnership with San Lorenzo Ruiz Builders & Developers Group Inc.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY

Colmenares says nat’l ID system could be a ‘data breach nightmare’
The possible data leak that hit the government-run Freedom of Information (FOI) website raises serious doubts about the National Identification System law that would roll out this September, Makabayan senatorial candidate Neri Colmenares warned on Monday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

DEVELOPMENT SECTOR