Joma slams Duterte’s call for ceasefire, invitation to come home
Exiled communist leader Jose Maria “Joma” Sison slammed the renewed call of President Rodrigo Duterte for an immediate ceasefire and for him to come home. “Nangloloko si Duterte sa bagong statement niya. Luma ang laman. Binibingwit (niya) ang mga NPA (New People’s Army) pati ako na pumasok sa bitag niya para kontrolin at katayin niya sa anumang oras na gusto niya,” Sison, Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder, said in an online interview from Utrecht in the Netherlands early Wednesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

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Duterte appeals to Communist rebels: ‘Spare my soldiers, go after corrupt officials’
In a rare appeal, President Duterte has asked Communist rebels to spare government troops and, instead, target corrupt men in government for liquidation.
Manila Bulletin

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DOJ sees progress in bid to declare Reds as terror group
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said prosecutors pursuing court action to formally declare the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) in the country as a terrorist organization will be gaining ground soon.
Philippine News Agency

'Red-tagging' suit a smokescreen to stop 'Salugpungan' probe
Communist rebels and their supporters are using "red-tagging" of their front organizations as a smokescreen to the House of Representatives from conducting a probe into the Salugpungan schools being operated by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA), a military official said Wednesday.
Philippine News Agency

Bayan Muna Rep. accuses Año of ‘weaponizing’ PNP vs. progressive groups
Bayan Muna Party-List Rep. Carlos Zarate has accused Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año of further “weaponizing” the Philippine National Police (PNP) against progressive groups and their peasant supporters.
Manila Bulletin

Makabayan bloc files complaint vs officials of AFP over ‘red-tagging’
The Makabayan Bloc filed a complaint-affidavit on Wednesday at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) against high ranking officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for “red tagging.”
Philippine Daily Inquirer, GMA News

CHR : Red-tagging of labor groups violates presumption of innocence
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has warned government agencies that tagging labor groups as members of communist or terrorist movements violates the constitutional provision on the presumption of innocence.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Rappler

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CHR condemns killing of Mangyan leader, sets probe
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Wednesday condemned the killing of a Mangyan tribe leader, allegedly carried out by the New People’s Army (NPA) in Occidental Mindoro earlier this month.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, GMA News, Philippine Star

Eliminate a just man and he inevitably multiplies
Quiet, unassuming, and humble. That is the kind of effective leadership that best describes Datu Kaylo Bontulan, the deputy secretary-general of PASAKA, the Confederation of Lumad Organizations in Southern Mindanao. Once known to have also taught in Lumad schools, his was a leadership that was innately indigenous, something that even if he does not project himself, his presence was always recognized and very much felt by his people. 
Davao Today

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DILG cites Quezon City’s E-CLIP, the only one in the Metro
The Department of Interior and Local Government – National Capital Region (DILG-NCR) has cited the Quezon City government for its successful and effective implementation of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) for rebel-returnees.
Manila Bulletin

NegOcc cop stations hold condemnation rallies vs. CPP-NPA
Various police stations in Negros Occidental held condemnation rallies to denounce the atrocities of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in their respective areas in the past two days.
Philippine News Agency

Soldiers join NPA returnees in Lenten ‘pabasa’
Army soldiers and former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels observed the Holy Week in a joint “pabasa,” a public chanting of verses depicting the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

71 rebels, supporters receive aid through E-CLIP program
A total of 71 former rebels and Militia ng Bayan (MB) members received financial assistance during the mass awarding of Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) benefits on Tuesday, Ifugao Governor Pedro Mayam-o has said.
Philippine News Agency

Fake news ng 85th IBPA, pagtatakip ng kanilang kapalpakan    
Isang malaking kasinungalingan at resulta ng kanilang kapalpakan ang ipinakalat na balita ng Bravo Coy ng 85th Infantry Battalion ng Philippine Army na diumano’y engkwentro nila sa New People’s Army (NPA) sa San Francisco, Quezon nitong ika-10 ng Abril 2019. 
NDFP

2 NPA members surrender in Bukidnon
Two members of the New People's Army (NPA)surrendered to the military in Barangay Poblacion, Impasug-ong in Bukidnon on Wednesday morning. The NPA member is identified by the military as a certain Jeffrey, is Team Leader of Squad 2, Platoon 2, RSDG COMPAQ, North Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC) and his wife, who was identified only as Maymay is the medical and former supply officer of the same platoon surrendered to the 8th Infantry “Dependable” Battalion, 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division through localized negotiation efforts that started last year.
GMA News

Peace Talks

Duterte kills GRP-NDFP peace negotiations, prods the people to intensify armed revolution    
In the experience of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) in negotiating with the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP), the reactionary pro-US military officers at the highest level have always interfered to stop the peace negotiations for the following reasons:
NDFP

Joma: No more peace negotiations under Duterte regime
Communist Party of the Philippines founding chair Jose Maria Sison said there would be no more peace negotiations between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the communists through the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) as long as his former student, President Rodrigo Duterte, remains in power.
Davao Today

Sison blames military for repeated collapse of peace talks
Exiled Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria “Joma” Sison blamed the military for the repeated collapse of the peace talks between the government and the communist rebels.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Business World Online

Bagong “peace panel” ni Duterte, isang kontra-rebolusyonaryong military panel    
Kahungkagan ang muling pagbubuo ng sira-ulo at ulyaning si Duterte ng bagong “peace panel” nito matapos buwagin ito noong nakaraang buwan. Sa kahangalan niya, nangangarap pa siyang mapasusuko ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan at mapapaniwala ang taumbayan na makakamit nito ang kapayapaan sa bansa.
NDFP

AFP optimistic of ending insurgency via local peace talks
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is optimistic of ending the communist insurgency in the country through localized peace talks with the support of government agencies. Maj. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr., AFP deputy chief of staff for Civil-Military Operations (CMO), said that a local peace panel will soon be created that will "talk to the local leaders of the NPA and the community will be part of that".
Philippine News Agency

Surrender of rebel arms big part of peace process: AFP
The laying down of arms by surrendered communist rebels in localized peace talks is a sign of goodwill, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief, Col. Noel Detoyato, said Wednesday.
Philippine News Agency

Incidents/ Operations   

NPA attack kills 9-year old child (updated)
Following the death of 2 soldiers on Monday, a child was killed in another attack by suspected members of the New People’s Army in Las Navas, Northern Samar at around 09:45 a.m. Wednesday (April 17). The improvised explosive device (IED) blast fatally wounded a child identified as Armando Remolde, 9 years old and a resident of Brgy San Miguel, Las Navas, Northern Samar.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer

Fighter under new Philippine ISIS leader Sawadjaan arrested in Sulu
An Abu Sayyaf fighter under new Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in the Philippines leader Hajan Sawadjaan was arrested while the body of another suspected terrorist was recovered in the ongoing military offensive in Sulu, the military said Wednesday.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine News Agency

MARAWI

Marawi Catholics have nowhere to hold Holy Week rituals
There is nowhere to hold Holy Week rituals for Catholics in the city of Marawi in the southern Philippines, two years after a conflict that displaced close to half a million people. Genesis Ranao, a resident of Moncado Colony, remains in a temporary shelter, a cluster of tents right in the middle of the war-torn city.
UCA News

SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE WORLD     

Shamima Begum: Why women support terror
When women make the news because of terrorism, the focus has often been on their role as victims or as potential allies in countering the threat. By contrast, women who take part in and support extremism have sometimes been overlooked. This changed when runaway teenager Shamima Begum was described as the "poster girl" for Islamic State after being tracked down at a Syrian refugee camp.
BBC News

Pakistan: A Terrorized Rather than Terrorist State
It is not hard to analyze the human audacity in engaging itself towards violence particularly in modern world. The charm of subjugating others through oppression or use of violence is not something new, it had been done in the past but since the inception of the modern world into its true shape, it has shifted its discourse in new and different modes. 
Modern Diplomacy

Security Union counterterrorism measures approved
The Security Union counterterrorism measures, proposed by the European Commission, cover interoperability programmes which will enable better communication and coordination between security and border management authorities of Member States; and tighter regulation restricting the access of EU residents to chemicals which could be used in the manufacture of homemade explosives. 
European Government

EU struggles over law to tackle spread of terror online
EU officials are struggling to agree on a law aimed at preventing the spread of "terrorist content" online. The European Parliament approved a draft version of the law on Wednesday evening, which would impose a one-hour deadline to remove offending content.
BBC News

How to Measure Countering Violent Extremism Programs?
Renowned extremism expert, Jessica Stern, has been commissioned by NATO and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to review an international portfolio of countering violent extremism (CVE) programs to evaluate their successes and pitfalls.
Clarion Project

Boko Haram Evolves and Persists in Northeast Nigeria
Command and control among Boko Haram factions operating in Nigeria’s Borno state and adjacent territories remains obscure. One faction appears to be led by Abubakar Shekau, well-known for his taunting, bloody videos, and his kidnapping of the Chibok school girls in 2014
Council on Foreign Relations

Fact Check: Can algorithms screen out hate content on social media at a moment's notice?
The Federal Government put social media companies on notice after the Christchurch massacre for failing to prevent the shooter's actions being broadcast and promoted online. On March 20, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said in an interview on the Seven Network's Sunrise program:
ABC News

Italy arrests two men for allegedly training to fight with IS in Syria
Two men, one Italian and one Moroccan, were arrested in northern Italy on Wednesday for allegedly training to fight for the Islamic State (IS) radical group in Syria, Italian authorities said.
Xinhua

BARMM

BARMM: No collection of contribution for 2019 Palarong Pambansa
The Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MBHTE-BARMM) has warned public schools officials in the region not to collect any monetary contribution from public schools for the 2019 Palarong Pambsansa to be held in Davao City from April 26 to May 4, 2019.
The Manila Times

MAGUINDANAO AND COTABATO CITY

Families demand audit of donations to Maguindanao massacre victims
The families of the Maguindanao massacre victims through the Socsksargen (South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos) Press Club (SPC) are demanding a full audit of all donations and financial pledges intended for them.
The Manila Times

Lady solon wants Cotabato City declared BARMM capital
Maguindanao and Cotabato City Rep. Bai Sandra Sema has filed a bill seeking to declare Cotabato City as the capital of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Manila Bulletin

Poll bets in conflict-plagued Maguindanao town sign covenant
Aspirants for local positions in one of the conflict-affected towns in Maguindanao vowed to ensure the conduct of peaceful and orderly elections on May 13. Candidates of Talitay town on Tuesday signed a covenant and pledged to ensure the peaceful and orderly conduct of elections.
Philippine News Agency

NORTH COTABATO

Clash erupts in Cotabato while serving warrant vs. BIFF member
Clash erupted between security forces and members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) when authorities served a warrant of arrest against Samad "Madrox" Masgal on Tuesday in Midsayap, North Cotabato.
GMA News, NDBC News, Kalinaw News

LANAO PROVINCES

BASILAN

SULU 

Marines, BFAR install artificial reefs in Sulu
The Marine Battalion Landing Team-3 (MBLT-3), has partnered with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in a marine life preservation and protection project in Sulu, officials said Wednesday.
Philippine News Agency

TAWI-TAWI 

DRUGS

Duterte: Will finish off big-time drug lords before my term ends
The government is determined to run after six drug lords engaged in the illegal trade in Cagayan, Baguio, and Mountain Province, President Duterte announced on Tuesday.
Manila Bulletin

Duterte tags Lucena, Batangas for drugs
President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday pointed to the prevalence of illegal drugs in Lucena City in Quezon and in Batangas, two areas with mayors now facing administrative charges for their alleged involvement in the narcotics business.
GMA News

33 mayors in Duterte narco list to be stripped of police powers – DILG
The 33 incumbent mayors in the latest installment of President Rodrigo Duterte's infamous drug list will be stripped of police powers, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said on Wednesday, April 17.
Rappler

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Albayalde says Bikoy’s video ‘self-serving, highly scripted’
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Oscar Albayalde on Wednesday dismissed as self serving and higly scripted the online video linking close allies and relatives of President Rodrigo Duterte to a drug syndicate.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

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PDEA drug screening operations increase in coverage
The drug tests conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) during its “OPLAN: HULI WEEK’’ is by far the agency’s largest number of public transportation employees screened and sites visited in the different terminals across the country.
Manila Bulletin

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SC to Calida: 'Ridiculous' to say tokhang documents involve national security
The Supreme Court (SC) en banc said that it is “ridiculous” for Solicitor General Jose Calida to claim that the release of tens of thousands of documents related to killings in the Duterte administration’s campaign against illegal drugs would risk national security.
Rappler, Manila Bulletin

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DOJ oks indictment of 8 persons over drugs smuggled thru magnetic lifters
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has approved the filing of charges against eight persons including former officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for their involvement in the 2018 smuggling of billions of pesos of illegal drugs using magnetic lifters.
Manila Bulletin, GMA News

Operations/ Incidents

BOC seizes P2 million worth of illegal drugs in Pasay
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Wednesday said it seized an estimated P2 million worth of illegal drugs in Pasay City.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin

3 blocks of cocaine found floating off Basco, Batanes  – PNP
Three blocks of cocaine were found by a fisherman as it floated near the Naidi Light House off Basco, Batanes on Tuesday night. Police said fisherman Roger Gallo Gabotero surrendered the blocks of suspected cocaine to the Basco Police Station.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Rappler, Philippine News Agency

Dismissed cop yields shabu at Comelec checkpoint 
The Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) arrested at dawn Tuesday a dismissed policeman for possession of shabu and drug paraphernalia, the chief of police said Wednesday. 
Philippine News Agency

Palau national busted for P400K shabu at Naia
Authorities at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on Tuesday arrested a citizen of the tiny Pacific archipelago of Palau who was attempting to smuggle out of the country 59.5 grams of shabu worth an estimated P404,600 .
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Recovery and Rehabilitation  

ILLICIT FIREARMS, EXPLOSIVES AND AMMUNITION

CROSS-BORDER TRADING/ SMUGGLING  

BOC officers now have police powers to fight smuggling
Bureau of Customs (BOC) officers now have police powers to go after smugglers as well as importers and exporters of restricted goods, including narcotics.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

BOC-Zambo to run after vessel owners involved in smuggling
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) vowed to run after owners of vessels involved in smuggling activities in this southern port city. Segundo Sigmundfreud Barte Jr., BOC district collector, on Wednesday issued the warning as he advised vessel owners to refrain from chartering and carrying smuggled items.
Philippine News Agency

KIDNAPPING

ILLICIT FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS 

Keep off Kitty: Duterte vows to unmask video perpetrators
President Duterte warned those behind the “Totoong Narco List” videos to lay off his children, especially his daughter 14-year-old Veronica or Kitty. The President said he would retaliate against those behind what he described as black propaganda against him and his family.
Philippine Star

Nograles: Duterte will be readily available on Holy Week
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said that despite the Holy Week break, President Duterte can run the government from Davao City, and will be readily available if he is needed in Malacañang.
Manila Bulletin

Palace assures signed 2019 budget ‘pork-free’
The recently-signed 2019 national budget underwent scrutiny to ensure that it “conforms strictly” with the law and is free of any unconstitutional “pork” allocations.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Palace: No Congress ‘retaliation’ seen for Duterte veto in 2019 budget
Malacañang is not expecting any “retaliation” from the House of Representatives after President Rodrigo Duterte vetoed the questionable allotments in the 2019 national budget.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Sara Duterte says her father’s bashing of critics, Church to remain until end of his term
Filipinos will have to endure President Rodrigo Duterte’s manner of lambasting critics and the political opposition with highly offensive statements that are laced with vulgar words until his term ends in 2022.
Manila Bulletin

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ELECTION RELATED

Comelec says 2 ballots found inside single mailing packet in Rome not identical
The Commission on Elections confirmed that the two ballots allegedly found inside a single mailing packet of a voter in Rome were not identical.
Manila Bulletin

Comelec to monitor websites, social media of candidates during Holy Week
Since campaigning is not allowed on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) will monitor the political advertisements in websites and social media of candidates.
Manila Bulletin

Poll officer: Candidates in Mindanao seeking more security 'paranoid'
While the Commission on Elections (Comelec) itself had already declared the whole of Mindanao as an election hotspot, a poll officer believed that candidates in the region seeking additional security suffered from “paranoia.”
Rappler

AFP assures residents of Pagasa Island will be able to vote in mid-term polls
The military is now looking for ways so that residents of Pagasa Island in the disputed Kalayaan Group of Island (KIG) will be able to vote in the May 13 midterm elections.
Manila Bulletin

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QCPD asks Comelec to look into ballot boxes found in demolished house
The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) has asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to look into the three ballot boxes discovered during a house demolition in Bago-Bantay, Quezon City.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Oppositions

Duterte offers to campaign for Mar but he needs to explain Mamasapano first
President Duterte has offered to campaign for Otso Diretso senatorial bet Mar Roxas if he can give a reasonable explanation for the 2015 Mamasapano debacle.
Manila Bulletin

Roxas camp says he knew nothing about Mamasapano ops that led to SAF 44 deaths
There was no way then Interior Secretary Mar Roxas could have known the operation that killed terrorist Marwan but also led to the deaths of 44 police commandos in 2015.
GMA News

Duterte: God made a mistake, Hilbay is gay
President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday accused senatorial candidate Florin Hilbay of being gay as he said God made a mistake when he created him.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin

Hilbay: I’m straight, but being gay is not shameful
Senatorial candidate Florin Hilbay shot back at President Rodrigo Duterte’s recent tirade about his sexuality, saying he was a straight man who saw no shame in being from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) community.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Agot on Duterte calling Hilbay gay: 'Straight po siya. Straight din ako'
Agot Isidro on Wednesday took to Twitter to respond to President Duterte, who called her boyfriend, Pilo Hilbay, gay. "Straight po siya. Straight din ako. Straight kami. Straight 8," the actress tweeted, taking the opportunity to name-drop the opposition coalition Otso Direcho, of which Hilbay is a member.
GMA News

Samira Gutoc and her showbiz connections
She had us with her “Hello!” We at the Entertainment Section recalled that famous line from Jerry Maguire (starring Tom Cruise and Renee Zelwegger) when Samira Gutoc dropped by to say “Hello!” with a big smile last month when she and some members of the Otso Diretso team came for a session with STAR editors and reporters.
Philippine Star

Administration

Sara Duterte mulls leaving Hugpong after speculations on her presidential ambition
Hugpong ng Pagbabago chairperson and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte is contemplating on leaving the 14-month-old regional political party, fueling speculations that she is feeling burnt out by continued claims that she had set her sights on the 2022 presidential race, and the pressure of trying to land many of her 13-man senatorial team to election victory.
Manila Bulletin, GMA News

Duterte, PDP-Laban campaign rallies: Showbiz, insults, late night rants
Eight- to 10-hour gatherings filled with song and dance numbers, insults against critics, and late night rants led by President Rodrigo Duterte define most PDP-Laban campaign rallies for the 2019 elections.
Rappler

Election-related Violence, Incidents and operations

DISASTER

MINDANAO

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

JUDICIARY

SC to judges: No politics in issuance of search warrants
The Supreme Court’s Office of the Court Administrator (OCA) enjoined judges to be “very circumspect” in issuing search warrants to make sure that they are not being used for political purposes.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Rappler, Manila Bulletin

LEGISLATIVE

Koko files bill seeking to ban the importation of solid waste to the Philippines
Senator Aquilino Pimentel III is seeking to ban the importation of solid waste in the Philippines. Pimentel had filed Senate Bill No. 2144, which proposes to make illegal the importation of solid wastes, as well as the use, treatment or processing of the imported wastes.
Manila Bulletin

BUDGET, FINANCE and TAXATION

BIR reshuffles 36 key officials
Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Caesar R. Dulay has reshuffled 36 key field officials nationwide signalling the start of an intensified investigation of 2018 income tax returns (ITR).
Manila Bulletin

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)

DEFENSE AND SECURITY

Even with pay hike, some cops still involved in robbery-extortion
Even with the increase in salary of uniformed personnel last year, 42 police officers are still facing charges for robbery-extortion, data from the Philippine National Police-Counter-Intelligence Task Force (PNP-CITF) showed.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

ECONOMY AND INVESTMENTS

Philippines, South Korea to pursue free trade agreement
The Philippines and South Korea, formally the Republic of Korea (ROK), have agreed to pursue a free trade agreement (FTA) in a bid to improve economic relations, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Rappler, ABS-CBN News, GMA News

Philippines remains attractive for foreign investors, British trade group says
The Philippines remains attractive to investors from the UK as businesses are looking at “new growth prospects” in Southeast Asia, British Chamber of Commerce Philippines chairman Chris Nelson said Wednesday.
ABS-CBN News

BUILD, BUILD, BUILD

OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE

GRAFT AND CORRUPTION

Sandiganbayan convicts ex-Iloilo town mayor of graft
The anti-graft court Sandiganbayan has convicted a former mayor of Iloilo province of graft over the misuse of funds meant for her town's projects.
Rappler

FOREIGN RELATIONS  

Filipino wounded in Tripoli rocket attack
A Filipino national was slightly wounded on the forehead following a rocket attack in a residential area in Tripoli on Tuesday. According to a report from the Philippine Embassy in the Libyan capital, the unnamed wounded Filipino national “now wants to go home” as clashes between warring factions continue to escalate.
Manila Bulletin

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West Philippine Sea

What triggered Duterte's change in tune on West Philippine Sea
The Duterte administration has recently been uttering stronger statements on Beijing's recent actions in the West Philippine Sea. Contrary to President Rodrigo Duterte's previous pronouncements that he would invoke the July 2016 arbitral ruling on the South China Sea "at a proper time," the administration has been insisting that its position never changed.
Philippine Star

Gov’t doing its job but needs additional resources to secure the WPS – Palace
The government might have to deploy more coast guard personnel and purchase additional vessels to guard the West Philippine Sea, a Palace official said Wednesday in a bid to prevent entry of poachers in the area.
Manila Bulletin

Chinese vessels in EEZ not fishers but militia, poachers —Locsin
The Chinese vessels massed up near Philippine claims in the South China Sea are either militia or poachers, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr.said on Wednesday.
GMA News

Chinese vessels spotted near Kota, Panata Islands — int’l think tank
Chinese vessels have reportedly been spotted near Philippine-occupied Kota and Panata Islands in the South China Sea, according to international think tank Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative.
GMA News

Analyst Heydarian’s take on China harvesting giant clams at Scarborough Shoal
GMA resident analyst Richard Heydarian said Wednesday it is high time for President Rodrigo Duterte to recalibrate his policy with Beijing amid reports that Chinese fishermen are harvesting giant clams at Scarborough Shoal.
GMA News

LABOR

DOLE inspectors tracking down illegal foreign workers in Philippines
Labor law inspectors are now on red alert in tracking down illegal foreign workers in the country, Department of Labor and Employment Secretary (DOLE) Silvestre Bello III said Wednesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

TRANSPORTATION

Gordon: Implement Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act now
Senator Richard Gordon on Wednesday renewed his call for the immediate implementation of the new motorcycle license plate law, following a series of crimes in Central Visayas carried out by riding in tandem suspects.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

HEALTH 

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

Bulk of P10-B rice fund earmarked for farm modernization — NEDA
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said that bulk of the rice competitiveness enhancement fund (RCEF) will be used to modernize palay farms and support the government’s goal of increasing the sector’s productivity.
Manila Bulletin

EDUCATION

CHED allots P1 billion for short-term student loan program
Starting this year, students from public and private universities can avail of short-term loans from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).
Rappler, Manila Bulletin

Teachers decry conditional implementation of benefits
A federation of teachers on Wednesday expressed concern over the “conditional” implementation of some of their benefits. The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) said that with the 2019 budget finally signed into law, teachers may soon be entitled to a Php500 annual medical allowance and Php1,000 World Teachers’ Day bonus.
Manila Bulletin

ENERGY

DOE assures steady power supply on election day
The Department of Energy (DOE) has assured the Cabinet that there will be no power supply interruptions on election day (May 13), Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said Wednesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

POVERTY

HOUSING

TOURISM

DOT to travelers: Practice responsible, sustainable tourism this Holy Week
The Department of Tourism (DOT) reminded tourists and pilgrims on Wednesday to practice responsible and sustainable tourism this Holy Week. In a statement, DOT requested that “travelers practice responsible tourism by respecting local traditions and practices.”
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin

TESDA approves two training courses for the tourism sector
Published training regulations (TRs) for two qualifications or training courses under the tourism sector has been approved by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
Manila Bulletin

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES 

DPWH aims to finish Manila Bay cleanup by July
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is looking to finish the “Sagip Manila Bay” clean-up works of the 1.5-kilometer area of Manila Bay in the next three months.
Philippine News Agency

Int’l, local groups cite Canada’s violations of Basel Convention for dumping trash in PH
Environmental group EcoWaste Coalition said a  new legal opinion said that Canada violated an international treaty with reference to the thousands of tons of garbage shipped to the Philippines in 2013 and 2014 and is continuing to act illegally now by not taking back the wastes.
Manila Bulletin

Water crisis

Duterte to decide fate of MWSS execs after Holy Week
President Rodrigo Duterte will decide whether or not to fire officials of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage Chairman (MWSS) after the Holy Week over the recent water supply shortage that affected parts of Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin

INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY

PH Internet speed improves significantly
The country’s Internet speed has significantly improved, according to the latest OOKLA’s Speedtest Global Index. The Philippines’ average download speed for fixed broadband improved 143.74% from 7.91Mbps in July 2016 to 19.28 Mbps in February 2019.
Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard

DEVELOPMENT SECTOR