Security operations to continue during elections: AFP
Military operations will continue against communist rebels and other threat groups despite the mid-term elections. Col. Noel Detoyato, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief, said around 30,000 to 40,000 military troops are committed to aiding the Philippine National Police and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in ensuring that the May 13 elections will be peaceful and orderly.
Philippine News Agency

On the May 13, 2019 elections in the Philippines    
he senatorial race in the May 13, 2019 elections in the Philippines is of crucial importance because if Duterte’s candidates in Hugpong ng Pagbabago and PDP-Laban win in an overwhelming way, Duterte will have complete control of the government and will have two-thirds vote in the Senate to push his federalism project. 
NDFP

AFP sees fewer militant group supporters on Labor Day rallies
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is expecting fewer left-leaning group supporters to participate in activities in observance of Labor Day. "Left-leaning organizations will stage rallies in Welcome Rotonda (Quezon City) Isetann Recto (Manila), PGH (Philippine General Hospital), San Andres Rotonda, FEU (Far Eastern University in Morayta, Manila) to Mendiola. 
Philippine News Agency

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DOJ to start probe on Sagay massacre
The Department of Justice (DOJ) will begin its probe on the Sagay City massacre where nine farmers were killed. Assistant State Prosecutor Ferdinand Fernandez on Tuesday said the preliminary investigation is set for May 22 where respondents for the multiple murder case are required to submit their counter-affidavits.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, GMA News

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CPP-NPA making fuss over martial law; Mindanao thinks otherwise
As the mid-term elections nears, critics of the Duterte administration intensify mass actions and protest rallies. Major General Antonio Parlade, Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations, shared in a phone interview Tuesday that these, in fact, are exploited by the terror group Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-New People’s Army (NPA)
Philippine News Agency

AFP to intensify info drive vs alleged communist fronts
The military on Monday vowed to step up its information drive against groups identified as fronts for the communist movement. In a statement, Maj. Gen. Antonio Parlade, deputy chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, admitted that the military “needs to work some more” to inform the public about the “duplicity” of some groups that topped the latest Pulse Asia poll on party-list organizations.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine News Agency

Victims of NPA urged to come forward
As the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) vows to make change happen, the military is encouraging Filipinos who have fallen prey to harassments and deceptive schemes of the New People’s Army’s (NPA) to seek justice.
Philippine News Agency

Teacher org leader gets death threats
A PROGRESSIVE teachers group, Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) in Northern Mindanao, was alarmed after its president received a death threat.
Sunstar Pampanga

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Agusan’s Manobo tribe seeks justice; declares CPP-NPA Persona Non-Grata
The Communist Party of the Philippines- New People’s Amry (CPP-NPA) suffered yet another setback after an entire tribe of lumad (Indigenous People) declared the communist-terrorist group (CTG) “Persona Non-Grata” in their territory.
Kalinaw News

Barangay San Isidro Emulated in Agusan del Norte
In response to the call of their barangay leaders, more or less 200 residents manifested their support by doing the symbolic signing of the resolution declaring the CPP/NPA Terrorists (CNTs) as Persona Non-Grata on April 29, 2019 at the Barangay Gym, Canaway, Kitcharao, Province of Agusan Del Norte.
Kalinaw News

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DILG doles out over P800-K to ex-rebels in Central Visayas
The Department of the Interior and Local Government in Central Visayas (DILG-7) has given more than PHP800,000 worth of financial assistance to rebel returnees in the region.
Philippine News Agency

Former rebel tops the class of Candidate Soldier Course in Compostela Valley
In the just concluded closing Ceremony of the Candidate Soldier Course Class 569 – 2018 held at 10TH Infantry (AGILA) Division, Philippine Army on 28 April 2019, Pvt Albert I Diez (INF) PA a Former Rebel and a Political Instructor of the Guerila Front 33 who served the armed group in the span of almost Four (4) years graduated Top 1 among the 132 Candidate Soldiers.
Kalinaw News

Rebel escapes front unit, surrenders to government
THE military said Tuesday, April 30, that a New People's Army (NPA) fighter escaped from his group and voluntarily surrendered to authorities. A certain alias "Marco," 18, a Matigsalog and resident of Lorega, Kitaotao, Bukidnon, turned himself in to the members of the 88th Infantry Battalion (88IB) last Friday, April 26, in Valencia City. 
Sunstar CDO

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Revolutionary tribute to Comrade Julie and Comrade Zero, martyrs of the encounter in Marcelo, Calatrava    
The Roselyn Jean Pelle Command  New Peoples Army Northern Negros Guerilla Front (RJPC-NPA) and the whole revolutionary movement and people of Negros convey the highest revolutionary tribute to Comrade Julie and Comrade Zero, the two Red fighters who offered their lives in a raid of the 79th IB Philippine Army against a squad of the RJPC-NPA in Sityo Banwa Minatay, Barangay Marcelo, Calatrava on April 17, 2019 past 4:00 in the afternoon.
NDFP

Peace Talks

Incidents/ Operations   

Army claims foiling NPA Labor Day attack in Batangas
The Philippine Army claimed thwarting a planned attack by the New People’s Army (NPA) in Batangas in time for the Labor Day celebration. As of Tuesday, government soldiers were still pursuing a band of NPA rebels, who escaped following an encounter in San Juan, Batangas on Monday morning.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, GMA News, Kalinaw News 

Military, police overrun NPA lair in Mindoro
Two successive military offensives by troops of the 4th and 76th Infantry Battalions (IBs), along with Mindoro police, on Sunday overrun a New People’s Army (NPA) lair in Sitio Masay, Barangay Monteclaro, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.
Philippine News Agency

MARAWI

Marawi troops vote early, Army vows non-partisan role
Fifty (50) Army soldiers of the 103rd Infantry “Haribon” Brigade exercised their right to vote during the Local Absentee Voting (LAV) held at Kampo Ranao in Marawi City on April 29, 2019.
Kalinaw News

SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE WORLD     

What the Easter Attacks in Sri Lanka Tell Us About the Islamic State
The attacks against three churches and four hotels in Sri Lanka on April 21, Easter Sunday, rocked the island nation, reverberating around the globe. While the attack location — Sri Lanka — was a surprise, a holiday attack of some kind had been anticipated. In fact, Stratfor's Threat Lens team had warned clients of the elevated threat of attacks against houses of worship over Passover and Easter.
Stratfor

Sri Lanka Bombings: A New Pattern of Transnational Terror
On Easter Sunday morning, April 21, the world witnessed one of the century’s biggest terror attacks. The multiple suicide bombs that ripped through three churches and three luxury hotels in Sri Lanka ended the lives of at least 259 people. As the massive death toll indicates, the attack was not an ordinary one by any measure.
The Diplomat

After Sri Lanka blasts, government targets the niqab veil
As Sri Lanka’s long civil war ended in this once-contested region along its eastern coast, Muslim women eager to show their piousness began wearing the black niqab veil to hide their faces.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

BAN ON FACE-VEIL RISKS STIGMATIZING MUSLIM WOMEN IN SRI LANKA
Responding to Sri Lanka’s emergency regulations imposing a ban on clothing that conceals the face, Amnesty International’s Deputy South Asia Director, Dinushika Dissanayake, said: “At a time when many Muslims in Sri Lanka fear a backlash, imposing a ban that effectively targets women wearing a face veil for religious reasons risks stigmatizing them. 
Amnesty International

Sri Lanka’s President Lifts Ban on Social Media
Sri Lanka’s president on Tuesday called for the “immediate” lifting of a temporary ban on several social media networks, a clampdown that had been intended to prevent the spread of misinformation after devastating suicide bombings on Easter.
The New York Times

‘Active planning underway’: Sri Lankan officials and U.S. diplomat warn of more attacks by militant group
More than a week after devastating bombings in Sri Lanka, a government minister and a U.S. diplomat warned that the group that carried out the attacks could launch further strikes. 
The Washington Post, Reuters

Rural Catholic church defies Sri Lanka threats, holds Mass
The checkpoints started just outside of an east Sri Lanka village, the strictest seen in the days after Islamic State-aligned militants launched suicide attacks that killed over 250 people. The trucks stopped first, soldiers digging through crates and produce. Buses disgorged their passengers. Cars lined up single file so soldiers could open their hoods to inspect engine blocks and pull everything out of trunks.
Associated Press

Saudi embassy advises Saudis to leave Sri Lanka: state TV
Saudi Arabia advised its nationals to leave Sri Lanka, Al Ekhbariya state TV said on Tuesday, citing the kingdom’s embassy in Colombo. “Due to the current security situation in the Republic of Sri Lanka, the embassy advises citizens in Sri Lanka to leave,” the embassy said in a tweet.
Reuters, Anadolu Agency

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MIGRATION AND TERRORISM: THE UNITED STATES CAN LEARN FROM EUROPE’S MISTAKES
When asked what kept him up at night in September 2018, Kevin McAleenan, then commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and now acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, replied “I’m concerned about potential terrorism threats attempting entry in the regional migration flow toward the U.S. southern border.”
War on the Rocks

Is there a ‘feminine’ response to terrorism?
After a terrorist shot and killed 50 people in two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, in March, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern responded differently than most leaders have after similar attacks.
The Standard

Trump Administration Seeks to Designate Muslim Brotherhood as Terrorist Organization
The Trump administration is seeking to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization, the White House said Tuesday, a move that could complicate relations with U.S. allies where Muslim Brotherhood affiliates currently serve in parliament and other government roles.
Wall Street Journal
 

KISSA AND DAWAT: Impetus for Moro’s traditional sports and games
The Palarong Pambansa is in progress in Davao City. The BARMM delegation is performing well with news of winnings. As of today, BARMM is at 7-9 place in the overall medal tally.
Mindanews

BARMM

Duterte signs EO implementing annex of normalization under Bangsamoro
President Rodrigo Duterte has signed an executive order (EO) implementing the normalization program under the Bangsamoro peace agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Rappler, Philippine News Agency, GMA News, Business World Online, ABS-CBN News

Senators ask for close monitoring of BARMM normalization program
Two senators on Tuesday said the government should closely monitor the implementation of the normalization program for the new Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), particularly the decommissioning of former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants.
Manila Bulletin

GPH, MILF panels reaffirm commitment to fully implement CAB
Members of the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Peace Implementing Panels reaffirmed their commitment to fully implement the five-year-old Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) and other signed peace pacts in a special meeting here Monday (April 29).
Philippine News Agency


MAGUINDANAO AND COTABATO CITY

BARMM police now in control of Cotabato City
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao police started Monday its gradual takeover of security operations in the city, now the capital of the fledgling BARMM. Cotabato City, which has 37 barangays, was originally under the Police Regional Office-12 based in General Santos City.
NDBC News

Court allows Andal Ampatuan Jr. to present additional witnesses
A Quezon City court has allowed Andal Ampatuan Jr., the Maguindanao massacre case principal accused, to present additional witnesses as part of his surrebuttal evidence on the murder charges filed against him.
Manila Bulletin

NORTH COTABATO

LANAO PROVINCES

Army settles feud involving Maranao families
As part of its advocacy, the military’s 6th Infantry Battalion (IB) has helped prevent more bloodshed by facilitating a clan war settlement, involving Maranao families in a coastal town of Lanao del Sur. Lt. Col. Clairemont Pinpin, 6th IB battalion commander, led the settlement on Monday - along with the Philippine National Police and the local government of Balabagan, Lanao del Sur.
Philippine News Agency

BASILAN

SULU 

Tausug athletics standout pockets double gold
A 12-year-old Tausug from Panglima Estino, Sulu delivered two gold medals for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao Athletic Association (BARMMAA). Rozikan Sali Balli dominated the elementary boys triple jump of the athletics event in the 2019 Palarong Pambansa on Tuesday, April 30, at the University of Mindanao Track Oval here.
Rappler

TAWI-TAWI 

DRUGS

How Duterte gov’t tried to fix legal loopholes of drug war
The Duterte government tried to fix the legalities of its anti-drug campaign policy by releasing corrective issuances along the way, but not before more than 6 million houses were subjected to Oplan Tokhang and tens of thousands were left dead in the drug war.
Rappler

Ateneo dean welcomes PNP response to their study on Duterte drug war
The dean of the Ateneo School of Government (ASoG) on Tuesday welcomed the response of Philippine National Police (PNP) to their study on the Duterte administration's war on drugs.
GMA News

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PDEA says P10-M reward to hasten Acierto’s arrest
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said on Tuesday that the P10-million bounty being offered by the government may hasten the arrest of dismissed Police Colonel Eduardo Acierto.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

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Espenido testifies on legality of police ops vs Parohinogs
The counsel for Ozamiz City Vice Mayor Nova Princess Parojinog-Echavez on Tuesday presented photos and videos before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court to test the credibility of Ozamiz City Police Maj. Jovie Espenido.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

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Mauling victims file criminal raps vs 3 Cebu cops
At least three policemen were charged on Monday for allegedly beating up a drug suspect and two other civilians on Holy Thursday. Facing a case of torture, robbery, grave threats, and serious physical injuries were Reoven Carmelo Rota, Vernie Magdali, and Brenro Tudtud—all of the Talamban Police Station.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

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Kabataan Party hits drug war over Gian’s death
Kabataan Party-List is up in arms over the death of six-year-old Gian Habal over the weekend, claiming it is proof of the “unsafe environment” that the Duterte administration’s anti-illegal drug war has created for children.
Manila Bulletin

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Police warns drug personalities of ‘bloody fight’
The Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO-6) warned illegal drug personalities that they will "suffer the same fate" as Leoner Jalandoon, a drug lord who was killed in an encounter with the police, if they also try to go against government operatives.
Philippine News Agency

Operations/ Incidents

School principal nabbed in buy-bust, P80K worth of shabu seized
A school principal is now facing charges for allegedly selling illegal drugs and for possession of an unlicensed gun during a buy-bust in Calbayog City, Samar.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

2 drug suspects nabbed, over 80k worth of shabu seized in Marikina bust
Two drug suspects were arrested while P80,000 worth of shabu was seized in a buy-bust operation in Marikina on Monday evening. Operatives of the Marikina City Police Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) nabbed Idawiya Mithonong, 30, alias Ipah and Saad Dida Agun, 20, alias Gerry.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

'Pusher' wounded in SoCot drug raid
An alleged drug pusher was wounded in a shootout with police operatives during a raid in Norala town, South Cotabato on Tuesday morning. Brig Gen. Eliseo Tam Rasco, regional director of the Police Regional Office-12, said the brief firefight erupted after suspect Sison Doyal Dalongdong, 35, resisted arrest during a search operation at his house in Barangay Puti, Norala.
Philippine News Agency

‘Pusher’ killed, P63-K shabu seized in Zambo anti-drug op
A drug personality was killed in a shootout while some PHP63,000 worth of suspected shabu were recovered in an anti-drug operation in this southern port city, a police official said Tuesday. Police Major Elmer Solon, Police Station 11 chief, identified the slain suspected drug pusher as Alnajir Najirul, a resident of Sitio Masepla, Barangay Mampang.
Philippine News Agency

4 ‘drug pushers’ killed, 8 arrested in Bulacan buy-bust ops
Four drug peddlers were killed and eight other drug suspects were arrested during the simultaneous operations conducted by Bulacan police on Monday and early Tuesday morning.
Philippine News Agency

Recovery and Rehabilitation  

Cavite town bares 10 drug-cleared villages
Local police here presented on Monday the 10 drug-cleared villages to the local chief executive during a simple ceremony at the town plaza. Maj. Resty Soriano, acting police chief of Silang Municipal Police Station, presented the drug-cleared barangays to Mayor Emilia Lourdes "Omil" Poblete and Ma. Normita Arceo, Municipal Local Government Operations Officer-Silang.
Philippine News Agency

ILLICIT FIREARMS, EXPLOSIVES AND AMMUNITION

CROSS-BORDER TRADING/ SMUGGLING  

Ombudsman orders dismissal of ex-NFA administrator, 2 BOC officials for rice smuggling
The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the dismissal from service of former National Food Authority (NFA) administrator Jason Aquino and two Bureau of Customs officials over the smuggling of Vietnam rice in Cagayan De Oro.
Manila Bulletin, Rappler

HUMAN TRAFFICKING

ILLICIT FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS 

Press Freedom/ Freedom of Expression

41 journalists ask SC to lift Duterte’s coverage ban vs Rappler
Forty-one journalists from different news organizations on Tuesday filed a petition for intervention asking the Supreme Court (SC) to lift President Rodrigo Duterte’s coverage ban against online news site Rappler.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Rappler

UK, Canada underscore role of free press in fostering democracies
Days ahead of World Press Freedom Day celebrated on May 3, the British and Canadian embassies organized Pahayag: A Forum on Media Freedom and Responsibility at the Ateneo de Manila University.
Rappler

Iligan radioman held for cyberlibel
A radio announcer in this city was arrested on Monday in connection with a cyberlibel case filed against him in 2017. Juanito Enriquez had just finished his program at Edge FM Iligan at about 11 a.m. when he was apprehended.
Philippine Star

Martial Law  

Martial law victims start receiving checks today
Victims of human rights violations during the martial law period will start receiving $1,500 or around P78,000 today.  Former Commission on Human Rights chair Loretta Ann Rosales confirmed that the distribution of checks would begin in Butuan City for eligible claimants in the Caraga region. 
Philippine Star
 

Palace: Latest Pulse Asia survey shows Duterte’s ‘strong endorsement appeal’
The latest result of the Pulse Asia survey, showing most of the Duterte-backed senatorial candidates in the top 12 only showed that the President’s endorsement power remains strong, Malacañang said Tuesday. “That means the people believed in the President,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a Palace briefing.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, GMA News

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Of Orcs and the Matrix
It makes you want to laugh and scream at the same time. You can’t make this up. Well, actually you can, but then why would you? I refer to a diagram tagged a “matrix” released by Malacañang to graphically show how various individuals and groups are allegedly linked in a conspiracy to oust the president.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

The rise and fall of dynasties
One of the perennial issues about our political system and practice is the proliferation of political dynasties. I remember having enumerated in a column written for another newspaper sometime in 2008, entitled “A Gaggle of Dynasties,” about the political families who have monopolized political power in their respective provinces, from the Abads of Batanes to the Matbas and Jaafars of Tawi-Tawi.
Manila Standard

ELECTION RELATED

Comelec: Buying or selling votes? You can be jailed
Buying and selling votes are election offenses that have corresponding penalties and jail time under the law, a Commission on Elections (Comelec) official warned Tuesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Jimenez tells public: Do not sell your votes
As election day nears, Commission on Elections (Comelec) spokesperson James Jimenez urged the public not to sell their votes.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Comelec: Proclamation of winning senators ‘roughly within 2 weeks’ after May 13
Winning senators in this year’s midterm polls may be proclaimed “roughly within two weeks” after May 13, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Tuesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, GMA News

Police not allowed inside Comelec facilities – Jimenez
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday  underscored that police officers are not allowed to enter its facilities without authorization, Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez said Tuesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

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PNP to deploy 143,000 officers for May 13 polls
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Tuesday it will deploy a total of 143,000 police officers nationwide on May 13 to ensure the security of the public during the midterm polls.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

AFP to deploy at least 30,000 soldiers for poll duties
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will be deploying at least 30,000 soldiers to perform election duties for the midterm polls on May 13. Col. Noel Detoyato, military information officer, said the military election deployment will serve as an augmentation for the Philippine National Police which will be at the forefront of poll duties.
Manila Bulletin, GMA News

PNP assures coordination with Comelec in entering warehouses with VCMs
The Philippine National Police (PNP) vowed on Tuesday to coordinate with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) when entering warehouses containing vote-counting machines (VCM).
Philippine Daily Inquirer

PNP says Albayalde’s comment on vote-buying said in jest
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Oscar Albayalde’s statement on vote-buying was only said in jest, PNP spokesman Colonel Bernard Banac clarified on Tuesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin

1,000 Nueva Ecija cops cast votes ahead of May 13 elections
About 1,000 policemen from Nueva Ecija on Tuesday cast their votes as part of the local absentee voting (LAV).
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Soldiers take part in local absentee voting
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) personnel on Tuesday took part in the local absentee voting for this year’s midterm elections.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Over 7,500 police officers to vote on Tuesday
Over 7,500 police officers are set to cast their votes in local absentee voting on Tuesday for this year’s polls, data from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) showed.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Poe, Villar share lead in Pulse Asia senatorial survey for April
Reelectionist Senators Grace Poe and Cynthia Villar share the lead in Pulse Asia’s April senatorial survey, the major pollster revealed Tuesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin

Poe thanks supporters for latest Pulse Asia survey ranking
Independent senatorial candidate Senator Grace Poe on Tuesday thanked her supporters after she landed in the top spot of the latest Pulse Asia survey with fellow reelectionist Senator Cynthia Villar.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Oppositions

Kiko: Senate race far from over, Otso bets’ surprise win possible
Barely two weeks before the May 13 midterm elections, Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan remains hopeful that the opposition coalition’s Otso Diretso Senate slate could pull off a surprise victory,  saying “hindi pa tapos ang boxing (the fight is not yet over).”
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Robredo optimistic of ‘Otso Diretso’ win in Negros
Vice President Leni Robredo has high hopes for voters from Bacolod City and Negros Occidental to deliver votes for “Otso Direto” senatorial bets.
Manila Bulletin

Roxas’ campaign manager blames low survey ranking to ‘absence’
Former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas’ campaign manager has blamed the low survey ranking — two weeks before the elections — to the candidate’s long absence from the campaign trail.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Bam Aquino sole Otso Diretso bet to enter Pulse Asia’s ‘Magic 12’
Reelectionist Senator Bam Aquino was the only opposition candidate to enter the list of the probable winners in the senatorial elections, the latest Pulse Asia survey showed Tuesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Administration

Tolentino urges local executives to calibrate disaster prevention, management plans
Disaster preparedness advocate and administration senatorial bet Francis Tolentino Tuesday called on local chief executives in the country, particularly those heading disaster-prone localities, to make sure their respective disaster management and prevention plans are well-calibrated and are ready for quick implementation.
Manila Bulletin

Election-related Violence, Incidents and operations

4,839 people arrested in election-related operations — PNP
A total of 4,839 people have been arrested during the focused police operations in relation to the security of the 2019 midterm elections, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Tuesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, GMA News

DISASTER

MINDANAO

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

A federal revamp may no longer be needed
There  has not much discussion on the issue of federalism for months now.  The last major discussion on this matter was in  September and October last year when  the Consultative Committee created by President  Duterte to study the issue came  up with a  proposed  draft  of a constitution providing   for 18  regions, each with  a regional governor  with a  cabinet,   regional agencies,  a regional legislative assembly,  and a regional supreme court. 
Manila Bulletin

JUDICIARY

LEGISLATIVE

SWS: Satisfaction rating ‘very good’ for Senate, ‘good’ for House
The Senate received a “very good” satisfaction rating while the House of Representatives was rated “good” in the first quarter of the year, a survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) revealed.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Lacson files bill urging public to guard national budget vs pork
Sen. Panfilo Lacson has filed a bill that will institutionalize the direct participation of people’s organizations and nongovernment organizations (NGOs) in the preparation of the country’s annual spending bill.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, GMA News

Sotto expects passage of bill that will make ‘endo’ illegal before 17th Congress ends
The Senate will most likely approve the bill prohibiting the abusive contractualization of workers, or more commonly called “endo”, before the 17th Congress ends.
Manila Bulletin

Solon files measure that will peg a national minimum wage of P600
As the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) is not expected to grant wage increase to workers in Metro Manila and other regions nationwide, KABAYAN party-list Rep. Ron Salo vowed yesterday to push for the passage of a measure seeking to raise the minimum wage nationwide to P600.
Manila Bulletin

BUDGET, FINANCE and TAXATION

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)

DEFENSE AND SECURITY

Hackers ‘sabotaged’ Army recruitment website – official
The Philippine Army’s recruitment website, jointhearmy.ph, went offline Tuesday morning after it was allegedly compromised by hackers.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, GMA News

ECONOMY AND INVESTMENTS

S&P upgrade of PH rating due to PRRD's 10-point agenda: Dominguez
Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III on Tuesday attributed to President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s leadership the upgrade by Standard and Poor (S&P) of Philippines’ investment grade credit rating to ‘BBB+’, a notch away from A-level, with Stable outlook.
Philippine News Agency

BUILD, BUILD, BUILD

Gov't indicators dispel Ibon claim on infra project
An official of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said excess demand for workers and improvement of wages mean that the “Build, Build, Build” (BBB) flagship program of the government is effective.
Philippine News Agency

Enrile calls on Duterte gov’t to ensure work for Filipinos in ‘Build’ program
Former Senate President and Puwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) senatorial candidate Juan Ponce Enrile on Tuesday urged the Duterte administration to ensure more work for Filipinos in its “Build Build Build” program which is expected to get a boost from China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Manila Bulletin

OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE

GRAFT AND CORRUPTION

FOREIGN RELATIONS  

Duterte assures Xi that nuclear weapons are not allowed in PH territory – Panelo
The Philippines has assured China that it would not allow the presence of nuclear weapons in the country, including the West Philippine Sea.
Manila Bulletin

DFA seeks probe of ‘leaked’ document
The Department of Foreign Affairs on Monday called on “relevant agencies” to investigate the supposed leak of a confidential document pertaining to a supposed warning to the Philippine government about the risks of partnering with Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei.
Manila Bulletin

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West Philippine Sea

PH gov’t open to multilateral approach in resolving South China Sea dispute
The Philippine government may resort to multilateral approach in resolving the South China Sea dispute if the bilateral negotiations with China fail, a Palace official said Tuesday.
Manila Bulletin

PHL tells China: Leave Pag-asa Island
The Philippines had urged China to withdraw its supposed fishing vessels near Pag-asa Island, according to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.
GMA News

LABOR

13.5 M grads joining work force
A staggering 13.5 million senior high school students who chose vocational courses as well as college graduates will be joining the country’s labor force this summer, a lawmaker whose party-list group has advocated education revealed yesterday.
Philippine Star

Supervening condition for pay increase needed – DOLE
Workers shouldn’t expect much from the petitions for wage increases as a labor official pointed out on Monday that these should first justify a supervening condition that would merit a second wage hike in less than a year.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Labor Day rallies to demand pay hike, end to contractualization
A militant labor group said on Monday it expected 100,000 workers to join nationwide rallies on May 1, Labor Day, in a stinging rebuke of President Duterte, whom it accused of accepting lopsided deals with Chinese businessmen at the expense of Filipino workers.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Filipino workers to march to call on Duterte to fulfill campaign promises
As the country observes Labor Day (May 1), thousands of Filipino workers are expected to march on the streets to call for an end of the contractualization scheme, increase in wages, and to urge for the passage of the Security of Tenure bill into law.
Manila Bulletin

Joining Labor Day protests? Do not vandalize, destroy public fixtures — PNP
The Philippine National Police (PNP) encouraged the protesters who will join the Labor Day rallies today (May 1) to avoid vandalizing and destroying public fixtures.
Manila Bulletin

Palace backs Gordon call to probe influx of illegal foreign doctors in PH
Malacañang on Tuesday backed the call of Sen. Richard Gordon to probe foreign doctors working in local hospitals in the country without permits.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

9,700 jobs up for grabs in Eastern Visayas on Labor Day
About 9,700 local and overseas jobs are up for grabs during the May 1 Labor Day celebration in Eastern Visayas, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

20,000 protesters to join Bicol caravan on Labor Day
Around 20,000 members of various militant groups are expected to stage protest actions in capital cities and towns of Bicol as the country observes Labor Day on Wednesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

TRANSPORTATION

Sumitomo-Mitsubishi-TESP consortium to start rehab on MRT-3
The maintenance and rehabilitation of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) has been formally handed over to the consortium of Sumitomo Corporation, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), and TES Philippines (TESP).
Philippine Daily Inquirer

MMDA exec to AKO Bicol: ‘What alternatives do you have for us’ in NCR?
“What alternatives do you have for us here in Metro Manila?” This was the question posed by Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Edsa Traffic head Bong Nebrija to AKO Bicol Partylist, which asked the Supreme Court (SC) to stop the agency’s policy barring provincial buses from passing through Edsa.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

HEALTH 

Don’t blame Dengvaxia controversy for rising dengue cases – DOH
The Dengvaxia controversy did not cause the increase of dengue cases in the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) clarified on Tuesday. “There is no direct relationship between the Dengvaxia and observed outbreaks of dengue in many regions,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said in a press briefing at Hotel H2O in Luneta, Manila.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

DOH: Measles immunization program regains public confidence on vaccines
The Department of Health’s (DOH) immunization programs on measles helped regain public confidence on vaccines, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said on Tuesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

DOH to implement stricter measles quarantine
Philippine health officials will implement stricter measures to prevent infectious diseases like measles from spreading around the country and even abroad, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said on Tuesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

DOH to restart measles vaccination in schools on 2nd week of classes
Measles vaccination programs in schools will restart on the second week of classes, the Department of Health (DOH) announced on Tuesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

WHO: Responsible reporting on vaccination key to saving lives
Philippine media must ensure responsible reporting on the benefits of vaccination and prevent the spread of misinformation and misconceptions on the government’s immunization program, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

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DOH to probe presence of foreign physicians working in PH
The Department of Health (DOH) said it will investigate reports about the presence of foreign doctors in the Philippines, who were reportedly do not have the necessary work permits.
Manila Bulletin

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

EDUCATION

Briones thanks Duterte for ‘consistent’ support to Palarong Pambansa
Education Secretary Leonor Briones commended President Rodrigo Duterte for his “consistent” support to the programs of the Department of Education (DepEd) – particularly in its flagship sports program: the Palarong Pambansa.
Manila Bulletin

Teachers stage ‘empty breakfast’ protest
To urge President Rodrigo Duterte to fulfill his promise to increase the salary of public school educators, members of a federation of teachers on Tuesday staged “empty breakfast” protest action.
Manila Bulletin

ENERGY

Meralco bill deposit is illegal, petitioners tell SC
A petition has been filed before the Supreme Court to nullify the order of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) allowing utility giant Manila Electric Company (Meralco) from collecting bill deposits and commingling it with its general funds for capital and operations-related purposes.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, GMA News

POVERTY

HOUSING

TOURISM

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES 

Uy presses agencies for updates on Canada, Korea garbage cases
Misamis Oriental 2nd district Rep. Juliette Uy is prodding the concerned government agencies to give updates on the status of cases filed against those who imported garbage from both Canada and South Korea to the Philippines.
Manila Bulletin

DENR fetes UNDP for biodiversity project at Mission: PHL rites
THE United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) was recently recognized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for its efforts in biodiversity conservation at the culminating rites of Mission: PHL, the BusinessMirror Envoys & Expats Awards.
Business Mirror

Water crisis

5 cities under Maynilad to experience water interruption for 15 days
Maynilad Water Services Inc. customers in the cities of Muntinlupa, Las Piñas, Parañaque, Imus, and Bacoor will experience water service interruptions of up to 22 hours for 15 days.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Water level in Angat Dam further drops
The water level at Angat Dam further declined to 178.95 meters on Tuesday morning. In an update from Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), the water level at Angat Dam dropped 0.55 meters from 179.5 meters at 6 a.m. on Monday to 178.95 at 6 a.m. on Tuesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY

DEVELOPMENT SECTOR