Duterte: Gov’t won’t help NPA members affected by quake
President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the government not to extend any assistance to New People’s Army (NPA) members who are affected by the powerful 6.5-magnitude quake that hit Visayas on Tuesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Joma: NPA members in quake-hit areas do not need anything from Duterte
Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria “Joma” Sison claimed that the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels affected by earthquakes do not need any assistance from the government.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

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'Otso Diretso', other bets slammed for supporting NPA
Former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, who are now members of the peace group Liga Independencia Filipina, urged the public to refrain from supporting candidates who are “allies” of communist terrorist groups.
Philippine News Agency

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'Reds-linked' orgs dared to seek justice for victims of NPA killings
A ranking official of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on Wednesday dared the National Union of Peoples' Lawyers (NUPL) and human rights group Karapatan to seek justice for the families of two people who were shot dead by suspected Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) terrorists in Butuan City on April 18 and 23. 
Philippine News Agency

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Ex-gov says drive vs left in Negros Occidental being committed with impunity
There seems to be a campaign against people perceived to be left-leaning on Negros Island, according to a former governor. “The killings have reached a point where it is being done with impunity,” said former Negros Occidental Gov. Rafael Coscolluela.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

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AFP on alert vs. Reds' attacks in aftermath of Luzon quake
The military remains on alert against possible attacks by communist rebels in the aftermath of the magnitude 6.1 earthquake that jolted parts of Luzon on Monday. "We are mindful of the security considerations in this regard, owing to the fact that the terrorist NPA (New People’s Army) take advantage of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) personnel performing humanitarian missions.
Philippine News Agency

Army, PNP join hands vs. insurgency in North, Central Luzon
Military and police authorities on Wednesday started to draw up collective strategic plans and programs that could effectively counter the insurgency problem in North and Central Luzon.
Philippine News Agency

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AFP vows justice for 2 murdered rebel returnees
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will do everything it can to ensure that justice will be given to two rebel returnees who were shot to death by Communist Party of the Philippines-News People's Army (CPP-NPA) terrorists on April 18 and 23. 
Philippine News Agency

Police, Army deny 'brutal killing' claims
SECURITY forces lambasted the Gabriela Women’s Party for claiming that police brutally killed a suspect in an operation, calling the allegations as "malicious imputation" against them.
Sunstar Davao

Peace Talks

Peace 911 expands coverage to 17 barangays
PEACE 911, a localized peace and development initiative program of the Davao City Government, will expand its coverage to 17 more villages after clamors from barangay captains in insurgency-prone areas. The program, initiated by Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, was launched last year to create a human-centered approach in addressing social and economic injustices in government services and assistance neglected areas. 
Sunstar Davao

Incidents/ Operations   

AFP, PNP back Duterte’s travel warning for Zamboanga: Be security conscious
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday expressed their support for President Rodrigo Duterte’s warning for tourists not to travel to Zamboanga.
GMA News

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MARAWI

Samira Gutoc slams Duterte over plan to leave Marawi rehab up to bizmen
Opposition senatorial bet Samira Gutoc on Wednesday slammed President Rodrigo Duterte after he hinted that he might just leave the rehabilitation of war-torn Marawi in the hands of rich businessmen and affluent residents in the conflict-stricken southern city. 
ABS-CBN News

DSWD info tech monitors cash assistance distribution
To track down the cash assistance extended by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to the internally displace persons (IDPs) here, its Information and Communication Technology experts have designed a monitoring system to record the program implementation.
Bangon Marawi

DWSD to cater to IDPs left out during payouts
With the ongoing distribution of cash assistance by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through its Livelihood Settlement Grant (LSG) and Transitory Family Support Package (TFSP), the agency has vowed to cater to internally displaced persons (IDPs) who failed to receive cash assistance during payouts for some valid reasons.
Bangon Marawi

SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE WORLD     

Death toll rises to 359 in Sri Lanka bombings, more arrested
The death toll from the Easter suicide bombings in Sri Lanka rose to 359 and more suspects have been arrested, police said Wednesday. The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility and released images that purported to show the seven bombers who blew themselves up at three churches and three hotels Sunday in the worst violence this South Asian island nation has seen since its civil war ended a decade ago.
Philippine Daily Inquirer 

Victims of the Sri Lanka Terrorist Attacks
Families celebrating a holiday and newlyweds toasting their new lives. Professionals and laborers, students and grandparents, Sri Lankans and foreigners. The coordinated attacks on Sri Lankan hotels and churches on Easter Sunday brought to a sudden, brutal end the lives of more than 350 people.
The New York Times

Sri Lankan terrorist studied in Australia
At least one of the Sri Lankan ­Islamic State terrorists involved in the Easter Sunday suicide bombings completed postgraduate studies in Australia, a minister confirmed yesterday, as the death toll from one of the worst attacks since 9/11 climbed to 359.
The Australian

Sri Lankan suicide bomber with UK ties is identified
One of the attackers who carried out the Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka, and was said by Sri Lanka’s defence minister to have studied in the UK and Australia, has been identified as Abdul Lathief Jameel Mohamed.
The Guardian, Sky News, The Independent

No sign Malaysians behind Sri Lanka bombings, says IGP
There are no indications of Malaysians involved in the Easter Day Sri Lankan bombings, Inspector-General of Police Mohamad Fuzi Harun said today. Fuzi was responding to questions on whether Malaysia is in any way linked to the series of bombings.
Free Malaysia Today

Sri Lanka Attacks: What We Know and Don’t Know
The investigation into the bombings on Sunday in Sri Lanka that killed more than 350 people entered a fourth day on Wednesday. Information continues to emerge, while some basic questions remain unanswered.
The New York Times

Live Updates: Sri Lanka investigates Easter bombings
What happened: A wave of deadly blasts hit Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday. Authorities now say there were nine suicide bombers, and have arrested around 60 people in a nationwide investigation.
CNN

Sri Lanka attacks: Government admits 'major intelligence lapse'
An Indian intelligence warning from the beginning of the month about planned attacks was not properly shared by the authorities, parliament heard. President Maithripala Sirisena has moved to sack the defence secretary and inspector general of police.
BBC News, The Guardian

Sri Lanka's President Asks For Top Security Officials To Resign After Dismissing Attack Warnings
Sri Lanka’s president has asked for the resignations of the defense secretary and national police chief, a dramatic internal shake-up after security forces shrugged off intelligence reports warning of possible attacks before Easter bombings that killed over 350 people, the president’s office said Wednesday.
TIME, Reuters

Sri Lanka: The worshipper who blocked a bomber
The family of one victim who died in Sunday's bomb blasts in Sri Lanka say his actions helped save lives. Ramesh Raju stopped a man with a backpack from entering the Zion church full of worshippers. If the attacker had entered there would have been many more casualties.
BBC News

Sri Lanka caught between grief and anger: Inside the 26 April edition of the Guardian Weekly
This week in the Guardian’s edit of our best international reporting: Sri Lanka searches for answers after Easter Sunday bombings kill hundreds. Plus, the Mueller report, redacted; Extinction Rebellion’s disobedience goes mainstream, and much more.
The Guardian

What the terrorist threat from Sri Lanka may really mean: ANALYSIS
This attack killed at least 359 people, including four Americans, and injured hundreds more. The motive isn't clear, but the Islamic State (ISIS), or an associated group, quickly claimed responsibility for the wave of coordinated bombings. If it was ISIS, it may be the most devastating terrorist attack it ever carried out.
ABC News

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New Zealand and France urge Facebook and Google to do more to kick out terrorists
ech CEOs have been invited to a summit of world leaders in Paris next month to agree on ways of preventing terrorists from using their platforms. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Wednesday that she and French President Emmanuel Macron would host the meeting to discuss how to end extremist activity on social media in the wake of recent terror attacks.
CNN, Arab News, DW

How Palestinian Leaders Encourage Terrorism
Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas recently reaffirmed his longstanding commitment to pay families of Palestinians who were imprisoned for or killed during terrorist attacks against Israelis. 
Gatestone Institute

The European Union: Nurturing Instability and Terrorism in the Middle East
Under the guise of "agricultural assistance," the Palestinian Authority is taking over Area C (the area placed under full Israeli jurisdiction in the Oslo Accords, pending a full peace agreement which would establish sovereignty over the area for one side or the other), with the help of massive European financial support -- in violation of the law, and of international agreements signed by the EU.
Gatestone Institute

Russia urges to form global UN-sponsored front against terrorism
Russia urges to assume efforts to create a global UN-sponsored anti-terrorist front, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at the opening of the Eighth Moscow Conference on International Security on Wednesday.
Russian News Agency (TASS)

Austria’s ban on Muslim Brotherhood symbols has further aims
At the backdrop of an attempt to minimize the role of civil society organizations, Austrian Muslim organizations seem to function as a playground for implementing more authoritarian policies.
Anadolu Agency
 

ERN Workshop and Orientation
The Early Response Network (ERN) of Lanao del Sur is continuously training for their important work of monitoring and sharing real-time information and coordinating action in order to prevent and respond to violent conflict, disasters, and displacement. 
International Alert Philippines

BARMM

TPMT cites Marawi City rehabilitation as one of crucial components in Bangsamoro transition
THE INDEPENDENT Third-Party Monitoring Team (TPMT) of the Bangsamoro peace process, in its 5th Public Report released on Tuesday, said the “immediate rehabilitation” of war-torn Marawi City is one of the crucial components in the region’s transition under the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).
Business World Online

MAGUINDANAO AND COTABATO CITY

Dutertes endorse different bets for Cotabato City mayor
President Rodrigo Duterte and his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio have different bets for mayor in this city, the proposed official seat of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Manila Bulletin

Maguindanao town councilor slain in ambush
A town councilor in Maguindanao was shot dead by still unidentified gunmen along a provincial road in Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao Wednesday morning. The victim, Berto Guiamadel, 55, incumbent town councilor of Shariff Saydona Mustapha, was on board a motorbike heading toward the town public market when ambushed at about 7:45 a.m.
NDBC News

NORTH COTABATO

Alert up in NoCot after death of BIFF sub-leader
A heightened alert had been declared by the North Cotabato police for possible retaliatory attacks by the Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), after one of its sub-leaders and two of his men were killed in recent clashes in Midsayap, North Cotabato, a police official said Wednesday.
Philippine News Agency

NoCot voters told: Take bribe money, vote based on your conscience
Aspirants for local posts in North Cotabato have advised the electorate to take bribe money but vote according to their conscience. Siblings Bernardo Piñol, currently Kidapawan City vice mayor and running for the city’s top post, and Efren Piñol, running for a seat in the House of Representatives, have openly asked voters to take money but vote rightly.
Philippine News Agency

LANAO PROVINCES

Craft and Culture: The Budding Livelihood of the Maranaos
In the outskirts of Barangay Emie Puned, a lady collects the sakurab for a dish in a big bilao. A man wakes up early morning in Barangay Bangco, and picks up his carabao for the day’s fruitful harvest. With much precision, a woman crafts a vibrant dress to be sold tomorrow in Poona Marantao’s market.
UNHCR

BASILAN

Four Abu Sayyaf fighters killed in clash with Marine commandos in Basilan
Security forces killed early Wednesday morning four suspected Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) fighters after the military launched offensive operations in Ungkaya Pukan town in Basilan. The clash occurred a day after Marine commandos killed ASG sub-leader Hapidz Abdurahman in Barangay Tambulian, Pata in Sulu.
Manila Bulletin, GMA News, The Manila Times, Philippine Star

Comelec conducts ‘Oplan Baklas’ in Basilan town
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has removed campaign materials posted in unauthorized areas in one of the towns in Basilan province during its “Oplan Baklas” that was launched Wednesday.
Philippine News Agency, Sunstar Zamboanga

SULU 

TAWI-TAWI 

DRUGS

PNP ready to implement arrest order vs Acierto
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Wednesday it is prepared to capture former police official Eduardo Acierto once it receives the copy of the court order.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

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Albay luxury hotel-resort management denies link to illegal drugs
The management of the Misibis Bay Resort here has vehemently denied allegations that link the luxury hotel establishment to illegal drug activities. Carlo Librea, cluster general manager of the resort, in an interview on Tuesday said the video entitled "Ang Totoong Narcolist (The True Narcolist) Episode 5 by Bikoy" that is circulating online and showing Misibis Bay as headquarters of a drug syndicate in Bicol is absolutely false and baseless.
Philippine News Agency

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Witness: Ex-NBI official owns lot of shabu lab discovered in 2016
A former police officer in Region 5 has identified former acting regional director of NBI-Central Mindanao Regional Office (NBI-CEMRO) Eric Isidoro as the owner of the 1,000 square meter lot in Virac, Catanduanes where a shabu laboratory was discovered in 2016.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Operations/ Incidents

Recovery and Rehabilitation  

ILLICIT FIREARMS, EXPLOSIVES AND AMMUNITION

Caraga police arrest 9 persons for carrying firearms
With the May 13 midterm elections drawing near, various police units of the Northeast­ern Mindanao Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13) arrested nine persons in a series of operations against loose firearms across Caraga region on Monday.
Manila Bulletin

CROSS-BORDER TRADING/ SMUGGLING  


KIDNAPPING

PNP-AKG nabs Korean businessman for kidnap of fellow Korean
The Philippine National Police – Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) rescued a Korean national and arrested his abductor, a Korean businessman, during an operation in Makati City.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

ILLICIT FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS 

President Duterte arrives in Beijing for four-day visit
President Duterte has arrived in Beijing, China for a four-day visit amid cold and rainy weather, making his fourth visit to the Asian giant since 2016.
Manila Bulletin, Rappler

Ahead of Duterte’s arrival in Beijing, Phil. Ambassador says China is a partner not an enemy
The Philippines considers China a partner in development, not a hostile or an enemy, as President Duterte embarks on a four-day visit to China, the country’s top diplomat here said Wednesday.
Manila Bulletin

Duterte to issue ‘Letters of Dismissal’ to erring gov’t execs before leaving for China
As part of his anti-corruption purge, President Duterte said he intends to leave “so many of letters of dismissal” before he departs for a four-day visit to China on Wednesday.
Manila Bulletin, GMA News

PRRD: I undergo blood testing for an illness every other day
Blood testing has become a regular procedure for President Duterte due to an illness caused by his previous smoking habit. The President admitted that his doctor takes his blood “almost every other day” after acquiring Buerger’s disease, an inflammatory condition of the blood vessels.
Manila Bulletin, GMA News, Philippine Daily Inquirer

Duterte: Cursing is not a crime
President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday defended his expletive-laden remarks in public, saying cursing is not a crime. Speaking before health professionals in Pasay City, Duterte addressed criticisms that he is not acting like a statesman due to his foul mouth.
GMA News, Philippine Daily Inquirer

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KMU slams ‘Oust Duterte’ matrix
A labor group slammed Malacanang’s “intelligence report” that allegedly exposes a plot to oust President Duterte. Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) Chairperson Elmer Labog dismissed the report, saying that it was “among the most unintelligent intelligence report ever put together.”
Manila Bulletin

Oust Duterte matrix ‘cripple democracy’, distract public from issues
The so-called “matrix” showing the alleged links among personalities involved in a purported plot to overthrow President Rodrigo Duterte, including the government’s red-tagging of its critics, “cripple” the country’s “democracy.”
Philippine Daily Inquirer

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Robredo credits improved ratings to pro-poor initiatives
Vice President Leni Robredo has credited her increased net satistaction ratings from 27 to 42 percent in March to her office's anti-poverty initiatives. Robredo was responding to the results of the latest Social Weather Stations survey.
GMA News

Robredo calls for stronger, sustained gov’t action against Chinese intrusion in PH territory
Vice President Leni Robredo on Wednesday called for stronger and sustained government action against Chinese intrusion in Philippine territory and cited human rights lawyer Chel Diokno for helping the affected fisherfolk.
Manila Bulletin

ELECTION RELATED

Comelec 90% ready for elections—Jimenez
Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said the poll body said it is “90 percent prepared” for the May 13 national and local elections scheduled, despite the recent series of earthquakes that hit the country.
Manila Standard

Comelec sees high voter turnout in overseas absentee voting
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has observed a high voter turnout during the first week of the overseas absentee voting for the May 13 midterm polls.
Manila Bulletin

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Poll watchdog urges Comelec to release election data
An election watchdog group called for more transparency from the Commission on Elections and asked them to publicize election data. In an interview with ANC, Eric Alvia, secretary general of the National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL), said this would help voters, as well as other stakeholders, gain confidence on the electoral process.
Manila Bulletin

Gatchalian: NPC formally endorsed candidacies of Poe, JV and Lapid
The Nationalist People’s Coalition has formally endorsed to its members Tuesday night three of the senatorial candidates it will support in the May 13 midterm polls, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said Wednesday.
GMA News, Philippine Daily Inquirer

Archbishop Villegas: We will not get tired of teaching voters
Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas said Wednesday they will not get tired of educating voters in the run-up to the May 13 elections, as he believes this is part of the Catholic Church’s contribution to nation-building.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Oppositions

Otso Diretso bets not thankful to Duterte for mocking them
Senatorial candidates under the Otso Diretso opposition coalition will not be thankful to President Rodrigo Duterte for mentioning them, albeit in the form of mockery, in his speeches during the campaign events of the PDP-Laban party.
GMA News

Duterte dared: Be bold against China and its invasive actions, too
Opposition senatorial candidates on Wednesday downplayed President Rodrigo Duterte’s threat of war against Canada, challenging the Chief Executive to be as bold in calling out China and its intrusive actions in Philippine territories.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Otso Diretso meets Archbishop Villegas in vote-rich Pangasinan
Opposition slate Otso Diretso went around the vote-rich province of Pangasinan on Wednesday, April 24, and met with Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas. Villegas has been among the more vocal bishops against the killings in President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs.
Rappler

Amid friction in the opposition, Pangilinan reminds allies to focus on May polls
Senator Francis Pangilinan has reminded his allies in the opposition not to be distracted by the discord within the team and instead focus on the upcoming elections.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Binmaley mayor throws support to ‘Otso Diretso’ bets for May 2019 polls
The mayor of this municipality, who is running under the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) political party, has pledged support to opposition senatorial candidates whom he described as close to his heart. 
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Administration

Sara advises HNP candidates to air TV ads, revisit other strategies to secure top 12 slot
The scramble for a slot in the top 12 of the senatorial campaign has now shifted from political sorties to electronic media which could make wonders to candidates who were unable to get into the winning circle of various poll survey results.
Manila Bulletin

HNP senatorial candidate calls for strict implementation of Building Code
As the country experiences intermittent earthquakes, administration senatorial candidate Jiggy Manicad called Wednesday for more stringent implementation of the National Building Code to help ensure public safety.
Manila Bulletin

Election-related Violence, Incidents and operations

DISASTER

Public response to quake better than before – Phivolcs chief
The people’s response to the 6.1-magnitude earthquake that shook Luzon on Monday afternoon showed more readiness for disasters, the chief of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said on Tuesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Luzon, Visayas quakes originate from two different faults
The powerful earthquakes that struck Luzon and Visayas in two consecutive days are not connected with each other, as they originated from two different faults.
Manila Bulletin

DILG orders local execs to oversee damage assessment in earthquake-affected areas
After ordering the inspection of all structures affected by the recent earthquake, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has compelled local chief executives (LCE) to be physically present in their respective turfs to further assess the damage caused by the tremor.
Manila Bulletin, GMA News, Philippine News Agency

Japan condoles with kin of quake victims in Luzon, Visayas
The Japanese government on Wednesday conveyed its sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims of the two separate major earthquakes that rocked Luzon and parts of the Visayas.
Manila Bulletin

Countries send condolences after earthquakes in PH
Countries sent their condolences to the Philippines after earthquakes recently rocked the Philippine island groups of Luzon and the Visayas, killing at least 16 people.
Rappler

Luzon earthquake

Meet the faceless heroes in Porac
Within hours after a four-storey building collapsed in Porac, Pampanga last Monday, rescuers from different organizations began pouring into the area, armed with basic tools and state-of-the-art equipment and sniffing dogs.
Manila Bulletin

Injured in Luzon quake now 86: NDRRMC
The number of people injured in the magnitude 6.1 earthquake that jolted parts of Luzon on Monday has climbed to 86. In its 6 a.m. update Wednesday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said the number of dead is still at 16 and the missing at 14.
Philippine News Agency

Duterte to Año: Check if 'shortcuts' led to Chuzon store collapse
President Rodrigo Duterte ordered Interior Secretary Eduardo Año to investigate if "shortcuts" taken by a construction firm led to the collapse of the Chuzon Supermarket in Porac, Pampanga, during the Luzon earthquake.
Rappler

Duterte vows assistance to young quake victim
President Duterte vowed to shoulder the wake and burial expenses of the girl who died when Chozun Supermarket in Porac, Pampanga collapsed during the 6.1-magnitude quake that rocked Luzon Monday afternoon.
Manila Bulletin

Gov’t aims swift return to normalcy for quake victims
The government is aiming to ensure the swift “return to normalcy” of the communities affected by the strong earthquake in Luzon, President Duterte declared on Tuesday.
Manila Bulletin

Duterte satisfied with gov’t response to Luzon quake
President Duterte said Tuesday that he was satisfied with how the government was able to meet the medical needs of those affected by the 6.1-magnitude earthquake that struck Luzon Monday.
Manila Bulletin

Visayas earthquake

10 hurt in Eastern Samar quake —NDRRMC
Ten people suffered injuries from Tuesday's magnitude 6.5 earthquake in Eastern Samar, according to National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). In its report issued Wednesday morning, the NDRRMC 35 structures and buildings sustained damage due to the quake.
GMA News

MINDANAO

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

JUDICIARY

SC asked to nullify Comelec ban on use of cameras, cell phone in polling precincts
The Supreme Court (SC) was asked on Wednesday (April 24) to nullify a Commission on Elections (Comelec) rule that bans the use of digital cameras and cellular phones in polling precincts in the May 13 national and local elections.
Manila Bulletin, Rappler

LEGISLATIVE

Endgame: here are the separate legacies of the four Philippine senators on their way out
As election day nears, and their days as senator come to a close, we look at four lawmakers and ask what they’ve done and where they’re going.
ABS-CBN News

Sotto vows to strive harder to make Senate more productive
Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Wednesday vowed to continue working for a “productive” Senate under his leadership following the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey baring his “very good” satisfaction rating for the first quarter of the year.
Manila Bulletin

Senate to ‘do its best’ to pass bill creating Department of Disaster Resilience
The Senate will do its best to pass the proposed creation of a Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR) before the 17th Congress ends its sessions.
Manila Bulletin

BUDGET, FINANCE and TAXATION

BIR releases draft IRR on estate tax amnesty
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) released yesterday the much-awaited proposed implementing regulations on estate tax amnesty for review and comment by stakeholders prior to its finalization and approval by the Department of Finance.
Manila Bulletin

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)

DILG to probe Marikina City Mayor Teodoro for ‘not supporting’ city police
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año on Wednesday said he will be ordering an investigation on Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro for allegedly withholding local government support to the city police.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

DEFENSE AND SECURITY

Esperon: Philippines should spend more on defense
The Philippines should increase its defense spending in order for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to fully perform its mandate in securing the country’s territory, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

ECONOMY AND INVESTMENTS

World Bank retains 6.4% Philippine growth forecast for 2019
The World Bank on Wednesday retained its growth forecasts for the Philippines, saying that “downside risks” remain as both domestic and external policy uncertainty stay elevated.
Philippine Star

BUILD, BUILD, BUILD

Duterte seeks more ‘Build, Build, Build’ deals in 4th China trip — Palace
President Rodrigo Duterte is seeking more infrastructure deals with Beijing to boost his government’s “Build, Build, Build” program in his fourth trip to China.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE

GRAFT AND CORRUPTION

Ex-Sultan Kudarat Mayor convicted of graft
Former Isulan Mayor Diosdado Gonzales Pallasigue of Sultan Kudarat has been found guilty of two counts of graft by the Sandiganbayan due to his refusal to rehire Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator (MPDC) Elias Segura Jr. despite the order given by the Civil Service Commission (CSC).
Manila Bulletin

FOREIGN RELATIONS  

Bayan wants ‘consistent’ foreign policy amid Duterte war threat over garbage
The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) has commended the “attitude shown” by President Rodrigo Duterte against Canada’s garbage brought into the country, but found it rather wanting and hoped the Chief Executive would show the same “tough  talk” against China on the issue of the West Philippine Sea.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Filipino worker hit by shrapnel in Tripoli mortar attack
A Filipino national working for an oil and gas service provider outside Tripoli was reportedly wounded when a mortar round fell and exploded in their compound near the Tripoli International Airport.
Manila Bulletin

PH, China could complete terms of reference for joint oil, gas exploration this year
The Philippines and China may complete the terms of reference of a possible joint oil and gas exploration deal this year, according to a Filipino diplomat.
Manila Bulletin

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West Philippine Sea

Locsin tells off netizen: Shut up about the clams
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. has appeared to have lost his cool over giant clams on Scarborough Shoal. On Wednesday, Locsin called out a netizen he described “boba” (stupid) after she insisted that the reported poaching of giant clams in Scarborough Shoal is about protecting Philippine territory.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Esperon wants Pag-asa Island declared protected area
The Philippines is considering declaring Pag-asa (Thitu) Island and the eastern part of the Kalayaan Island Group (Spratly Group of Islands) as maritime protected areas (MPA), National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said on Wednesday.
The Manila Times, Rappler

China willing to investigate poaching of giant clams in South China Sea
China is prepared to investigate the alleged illegal harvesting of giant clams by local vessels in the disputed South China Sea. According to Philippine Ambassador to China Jose Santiago Sta. Romana, China even proposed a joint investigation with the Philippines, particularly the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), on the matter.
Manila Bulletin

China vows not to occupy Pag-asa Island, preserve traditional fishing grounds
China has committed not to occupy Pag-asa Island and continue to safeguard the traditional fishing grounds in the disputed South China Sea, a Filipino diplomat here said Wednesday.
Manila Bulletin

LABOR

Dole cannot process foreign workers permit on its own — Bello
The labor department does not have enough manpower to single-handedly process alien employment permits for foreign workers, labor secretary Silvestre Bello III said Wednesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

TRANSPORTATION

Philippines' first hybrid train makes inaugural run
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) officially launched its hybrid electric train (HET) – the first train to be built by Filipinos – through an inaugural run from the Philippine National Railways’ (PNR) Alabang Station to Biñan station on Wednesday, April 24.
Rappler

Clark airport to resume operations, PAL, Cebu Pacific flights still canceled
Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Cebu Pacific flights going to and from Clark International Airport in Pampanga on Wednesday remain canceled even as the airport is set to resume operations in the afternoon.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Zarate warns MMDA against having centralized bus terminals
Bayan Muna partylist Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate cautioned Wednesday the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) against pursuing its planned centralized bus terminals, saying that it would only burden the riding public and will not solve the traffic problem.
Manila Bulletin

HEALTH 

Rise in HIV cases increases likelihood of TB spread – experts
The continued rise in the number of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases is causing an additional burden to the prevalence of tuberculosis in the country, according to health experts.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

EDUCATION

Incoming freshmen, college students start applying for CHED assistance programs
With still days before the deadline, incoming first year and current college students have started to flock to various regional offices of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to submit their applications for Commission’s financial assistance programs.
Manila Bulletin

ENERGY

NGCP implements rotational brownouts in parts of Luzon on Wednesday, April 24
The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) is set to implement rotational brownouts in some areas of Luzon amid the yellow and red alerts raised due to depleting reserves.
GMA News

POVERTY

Philippine hunger rate drops in Q1 2019 — SWS
An estimated 2.3 million families experienced involuntary hunger at least once in the last three months, the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey revealed. According to the survey, 9.5 percent of Filipinos experienced involuntary hunger in the first quarter of 2019.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

HOUSING

TOURISM

DILG sacks Aklan town mayor for negligence in Boracay management
The Department of the Interior and Local Government on Wednesday served a dismissal order on Mayor Ciceron Cawaling of Malay town in Aklan, hours after he returned to his post after serving a six-month preventive suspension.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Here's what you need to know about Love Boracay 2019
Boracay Island will mark the first anniversary of its April 26 closure with week-long events celebrating the ongoing rehabilitation of the world-famous tourist destination. Here's what you need to know about Sustainability Week themed "Love Boracay: Celebrate, Rehabilitate" which seeks to generate environmental awareness among residents, tourists, and stakeholders.
Rappler

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES 

Pimentel backs Duterte on garbage issue; prods Canada to act on it
President Duterte’s warning of declaring a war against Canada should prompt the country to finally act on the wastes it dumped in the Philippines several years ago, Senator Aquilino Pimentel III said Wednesday.
Manila Bulletin

Canada working towards ‘timely resolution’ on removal of waste in PHL
Canada on Wednesday said it is working with the Philippine government for a "timely resolution" to remove tons of Canadian waste shipment to the country, which has been the subject of diplomatic protests from Manila.
GMA News, Rappler

Water crisis

MWSS imposes P500-M fine on Manila Water for violating concession provisions
Manila Water Company Inc.’s failure to maintain a 24-hour water service connection to its customers will cost the Ayala-led firm additional P1.1 billion as part of the penalty scheme that the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) Board has decided to implement.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine News Agency

Manila Water to abide by MWSS order to pay P1.13-B fine
The Manila Water said Wednesday it will abide by the order of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) to pay fines worth P1.13 billion in relation to water supply shortage experienced by some of its customers in March.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Petitioners welcome MWSS decision to penalize Manila Water
A group which took part in the filing of a petition against Manila Water has welcomed the decision of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) to penalize the water concessionaire for service interruptions last March.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Hontiveros welcomes MWSS imposition of P1.13-B fine on Manila Water
The imposition by the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) of a P1.13-billion fine on Manila Water was clear proof that government regulatory agencies have ample powers to compel concessionaires of public services to serve the public’s needs and penalize them when they fail to do so.
Manila Bulletin

P1.13-B Manila Water fine over water shortage reasonable – Gatchalian
The P1.13 billion fine that the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) slapped against Manila Water Co. against Manila Water Co. Inc.  due to the water supply crisis is “reasonable,” Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said Wednesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Poe asks MWSS for computation on P1.13 B fine against Manila Water
The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) should make public their computation as to how they came up with the P1.13 billion fine against Manila Water over the ongoing water shortage in the East Zone concession, Senator Grace Poe said Wednesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY

DEVELOPMENT SECTOR