Youth told to ditch NPA recruitment and get into sports, arts instead
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año condemned on Tuesday the New People’s Army (NPA) recruitment of  minors and urged the youth to watch out for traps and lies laid out by the left-leaning rebels.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin

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Child rights groups working with PNP, AFP to check on lumad schools
Child rights groups said they will coordinate with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to verify reports that some lumad (Indigenous Peoples) schools are allegedly being run by the communist New People’s Army.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

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9 ex-rebels in NegOcc get P485-K in cash aid
A total of nine former communist rebels and militia members in Negros Occidental received PHP485,000 in cash assistance from the government’s Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) on Monday afternoon.
Philippine News Agency

DILG appeals to NPA: ‘Spare vital Samar road project’
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Tuesday urged the New People’s Army (NPA) to stop its attacks on a long-awaited road project vital in the development of Northern and Eastern Samar provinces.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine News Agency

Region 10 Determined To End Local Communist Armed Conflict, Conducts Cascading Workshop for EO70 and CAPDev
Determined to end local communist armed conflict and attain sustainable peace and development, the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF ELCAC) Technical Working Group in Region 10 conducted a Cascading Workshop for EO70 and Convergence Areas for Peace and Development (CAPDev) for Misamis Oriental. 
Kalinaw News

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Apolinario Gatmaitan Command on the pressing issues affecting Negros Island
After Duterte’s rigging of the midterm elections this May 2019 in favor of his cronies we expect an increase of the Duterte-style deception, maneuvers and attacks against the people.
NDFP

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Army Commander in Caraga Lambasts NPA Terrorist
“The NPA here in Caraga has degenerated as plain bandits and lowlife terrorists. Said group has perpetrated numerous atrocities particularly kidnapping, arson, murder of innocent and unarmed civilians, recruitment of minors to bear arms, and ambush of government troops. Have these violent acts translated to change and uplifted the people’s lives after fifty (50) years?”
Kalinaw News

NPA releases 3 civilian hostages
Three civilians were released by their New People’s Army (NPA) abductors Monday somewhere in the boundary of Tandag City and Lanuza town, Surigao del Sur province.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine News Agency, Kalinaw News

Peace Talks

Incidents/ Operations    

US to launch new program to fight extremism in Philippines
US and Philippine officials on Tuesday were discussing a new program to thwart efforts by Muslim extremists to recruit and mobilize followers in the country's south after a bloody siege by jihadists aligned with the Islamic State group.
Sunstar

Army shares counter-terrorism strategies to visiting Japanese delegates
Delegates from the Japan Ministry of Defense participated in a one-day training on counter-terrorism Tuesday at the Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Quezon City. Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said that aside from strengthening the bilateral relationship of both forces, the training is meant to counter the rising threat of terrorism.
Manila Bulletin

Israel-Philippines Military Ties in Focus with Counterterrorism Training Talk
Last week, indications surfaced that Israel and the Philippines would move forward with more counterterrorism collaboration. While the development is in line with current trends, the suggestion of future prospects nonetheless once again put the spotlight on the ongoing defense ties between the two countries.
The Diplomat

MARAWI

Marawi rehab painfully slow – ICRC
The “painfully slow” reconstruction of Marawi City is causing discontent, the head of the International Committee of the Red Cross said on Tuesday. The 2017 invasion of Marawi by gunmen waving the black flag of the Islamic State group sparked a five-month battle with the Philippine military.
The Manila Times, Reliefweb

HUDCC may face malversation raps over Marawi fund diversion
The Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) may face technical malversation charges if proven that it had diverted P5 million Marawi fund to cover expenses of victims of the Marawi City siege who went on a Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia in 2018.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine News Agency, The Manila Times, Manila Standard, Philippine Star

Displaced Marawi households to get sewing machines from Philippine Red Cross
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has promised to give away sewing machines to households that have been displaced by the 2017 Marawi City siege. PRC Chairman and Senator Richard Gordon made the promise on Monday during a field visit to this war ravaged city.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

12th CMOBn, OPPAP take part in Grand Iftar of the IDPs in Marawi City
The 12th CMO Battalion Commander Lieutenant Colonel Andres Soriano took part in the Grand Iftar of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the temporary shelter in Mipaga and Sagonsongan, Marawi City.
Kalinaw News

MY, MY, MY MARAWI: So many memories, an amazing, grace-packed journey
 God Almighty gifted me with wonders…. family, friends, great campaign teams, mentors, volunteers, working hands near and far. Some gave up their jobs, some gave up family time. It was an unbelievable journey, so much love…. I am thankful despite “torture” by trolls.
Mindanews

SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE WORLD     

F.B.I., Pushing to Stop Domestic Terrorists, Grapples With Limits on Its Power
Dakota Reed’s mind brimmed with thoughts of mass murder. In November, he wrote on Facebook, “I am shooting for 30 Jews.” The next month, he uploaded a video of himself in his bedroom of his mother’s Seattle-area home proudly displaying new gun sights he had mounted on his AR-15-style semiautomatic rifle. White supremacist propaganda adorned the walls. He said he was “fixing to shoot up” a school.
The New York Times

The business of funding terrorism threats
There’s a house on Harley Street in London—a street best known for its tony doctors—that reportedly houses 2,159 companies. Tight quarters, you might think, but these are shell companies, and Harley Street is an address of convenience, similar to thousands, probably millions more around the world. This gaping regulatory loophole is facilitating crime, corruption, terrorism and dictatorship. It’s time to fix it.
American Enterprise Institute 

Sheffield terror plot accused had 'common terrorist purpose'
Two men accused of planning acts of terrorism in the UK worked together "for a common terrorist purpose", a court has heard. Sheffield Crown Court heard Farhad Salah, 24, of the Fatima Community Centre in Sheffield, planned to place explosives in a driverless car.
BBC News

Sudan Is Poised to Be Iran’s New Proxy. Why That’s Bad for the US
Will Sudan become Iran’s new proxy? First, we was the news in April 2019 that Sudan’s president (read: dictator) Omar al-Bashir was deposed by the country’s military because of the untenable economic situation.
Clarion Project
 

Eid’l Fitr: Muslims’ most joyful day
Just as Christiandom regards Christmas Day as its merriest celebration, to the Muslim world, Eid’l Fitr is the most joyful day. In consideration of this, President Rodrigo Duterte early last month declared Wednesday, June 5, a national holiday to enable the country’s Muslims — Tausugs, Samals, Maranaos,
The Manila Times

Eid’l Fitr celebration slated June 5
The Bangsamoro Grand Mufti here has declared June 5 as the celebration for Eid’l Fitr, marking the official end of the month-long fasting period of Ramadan for the Muslim faithful.
Philippine News Agency

UNYPAD hosts iftar, series of Ramadhan Symposia in Bangsamoro communities
The United Youth for Peace and Development (UNYPAD) have intensively implemented its Da’wah program this month of Ramadhan 2019 in Mindanao and in Manila chapters that included free iftar and community Islamic symposia.
Luwaran

On Eid, it is Wise to Remember That Duterte Has Done More For Muslims Than Any Previous Leader of The Philippines
It has been widely stated that in spite of not having African American heritage, Bill Clinton was America’s “first black president”. This expression tended to become a less common refrain after the 2008 election of Barack Obama, but prior to that time, Clinton was seen as someone who embraced African American culture and was attuned to African American political issues, more so than any of his predecessors.
Eurasia Future

Lidasan: To Eid or not to Eid, again
THE Darul Ifta of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao declared that today, June 5th, is Eid Al-Fitr, or Hari Raya Buka. This holiday usually commemorates the end of the month of Ramadhan and is met with celebrations for Muslims all over the world.
Sunstar Davao

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Senate OKs bill allowing more Islamic banks in PH
The Senate has approved on third and final reading the bill which seeks to expand the Islamic banking system in the country. With 20 affirmative votes, no negative and no abstention votes, the senators approved on Monday House Bill No. 8281, entitled “An Act Providing for the Regulation and Organization of Islamic Banks.”
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin

Mindanao solons laud Congress approval of Islamic banking bill
The current and former representatives of the Anak Mindanao (AMIN) party-list group on Tuesday hailed the passage of a proposed measure authorizing the establishment of Islamic banks in the country, saying the enactment of the measure will greatly help the Philippine economy as it pursues financial inclusion for Filipino Muslims in the Bangsamoro region.
Philippine News Agency

Bill on Islamic banking awaits Duterte signature
The Senate and the House of Representatives are set to transmit to Malacañang the Congress-approved bill that seeks to create an Islamic bank in war-torn Mindanao, especially now that a new Bangsamoro independent region has been established. The measure, likewise, aims to attract more investments in the country’s banking sector and complement the newly created Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao which replaced the three-decades-old ARMM. 
Philippine Star, Manila Standard

BARMM

BARMM chief minister calls for support in building a ‘better Bangsamoro’ in Eid’l Fitr message
BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chief Minister Alhadj Murad Ebrahim called for support towards a “better Bangsamoro” as the Islam community, along with the rest of the nation, observes the Eid’l Fitr holiday. 
Business World Online

Chief Minister Ebrahim names MNLF official as BARMM minister of labor, employment
Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim (aka Al Hajj Murad) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has appointed Romeo K. Sema as Minister of Labor and Employment (MOLE) of the BARMM.  The appointment was announced at the flag ceremony attended by BARMM employees Monday morning.
Luwaran

MAGUINDANAO AND COTABATO CITY

Cotabato police issues guidelines on Eid’ al Fitr observance
The Cotabato City Police Office (CCPO) has reminded the public against the use of firearms in welcoming Eid’ al Fitr celebration on June 5. Colonel Portia Manalad, city police director, issued the reminder after expressing that many city police personnel of the Islam faith are also welcoming the end of the fasting month.
Philippine News Agency

Endangered bird released back into wild in Maguindanao
Military and tourism officials freed Monday a captured Oriental Darter, one of the endangered bird species, back to the wild in the Maguindanao marshland. "No bird was born to live in a cage. Oriental Darter was saved, rescued and released (to) where it belonged," said 1Lt. Mary Grace Orden, the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion (33IB) civil-military operations officer.
Philippine News Agency, NDBC News

NORTH COTABATO

LANAO PROVINCES

BASILAN

SULU 

Duterte in Sulu for Eid’l Fitr?
President Duterte was set to visit Sulu yesterday to mark the end of Ramadan with Muslims in the area, Malacañang officials said. Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said the President would go to Sulu but had yet to provide details of the visit at press time.
Philippine Star

'Frustratingly close’: Friend remembers Dutch bird watcher killed by Abus in escape try
For seven years, family and friends of Dutch bird watcher Ewold Horn, 59, was hoping he would be saved from terrorist captivity in the Philippines.  That was until news came last Friday, May 31, that Horn was killed by his Abu Sayyaf captors as he tried to escape during an early morning rescue attempt by the Philippine military.
ABS-CBN News

TAWI-TAWI 

DRUGS

PNP to probe claims of ‘Bikoy’ vs priests, ex-DepEd chair
The investigation into the narcolist videos that linked family members and allies of President Rodrigo Duterte to drugs will include the new personalities mentioned by Peter Joemel Advincula, the man claiming to be “Bikoy,” in his affidavit submitted to the police.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Another no-show for ‘Bikoy’ in DOJ estafa probe
A businessman named Arven Valmores, president and CEO of Ardeur World Marketing, filed a complaint against Advincula for using the name of their company in organizing a pageant in Polangui, Albay on Aug. 11, 2018.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Production director justifies estafa complaint vs ‘Bikoy’
A pageant production director who earlier linked Peter Joemel Advincula, alias “Bikoy,” in an estafa case, on Tuesday filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ) a witness affidavit supporting a complaint.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Operations/ Incidents

2 suspected drug pushers killed in Laguna, Batangas
Two suspected illegal pushers were killed in separate buy-bust operations in Laguna and Batangas. In Rosario, Batangas, Nicky Corachea was killed in a shootout with the police around 2 a.m. Tuesday in Barangay Maligaya.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Trader, entertainer nabbed in Dipolog, Zambo drug busts
A fruit trader and a bar entertainer were arrested while some PHP72,500 worth of illegal drugs seized in separate anti-drug operations in the region, a police official said Tuesday.
Philippine News Agency

Cops arrest 4, seize at least P80-K worth of ‘shabu’
Personnel of the Calasiao police arrested four persons and confiscated from them some 20 grams of suspected shabu with a street value of PHP80,000 to PHP100,000, in an operation in Barangay Nalsian here Tuesday.
Philippine News Agency

Recovery and Rehabilitation  

ILLICIT FIREARMS, EXPLOSIVES AND AMMUNITION

CROSS-BORDER TRADING/ SMUGGLING  

HUMAN TRAFFICKING

ILLICIT FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS 

IRR for protection of children in armed conflict signed
The Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Special Protection for Children in Situations of Armed Conflict Act was signed Tuesday by representatives of government agencies and non-government agencies in Quezon City.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

[OPINION] Someday they will understand why we hold each other’s hands
I went on my very first date with a girl (who is now my girlfriend) 5 months ago. Seeing her for the first time after weeks of flirting online was amazing. As I made my way to her, my heart started to pound twice its normal speed and my hands shook while I was trying to think of the first words to say.
Rappler

Press Freedom/ Freedom of Expression

Martial Law   

Duterte and the power of symbols
IT borders on the hilarious how the Yellows’ apologists undertake mental contortions or tear their hair out in exasperation to explain President Duterte’s overwhelming popular support, as demonstrated in his power to convince Filipinos in the recent elections to vote into office such candidates as Bong Go and Bato dela Rosa, unknown barely three years ago.
The Manila Times

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BREAKING: Palace lifts ban on travel to Canada by gov’t execs 
Malacañang has lifted its directive for government officials to refrain from traveling to Canada, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said Tuesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin

PRRD always conscious not to offend LGBT sensibilities
Malacañang on Tuesday defended President Rodrigo Duterte from backlash following the chief executive’s remark that he used to be gay in his younger years.
Philippine News Agency

Palace respects Comelec ruling on Cardema substitution
Malacañang on Tueday said it respects the decision of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) approving the petition for substitution of former National Youth Commission (NYC) chairman Ronald Cardema as Duterte Youth party-list nominee.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Malacañang attributes Filipinos’ happiness to Philippines’ safe streets, robust economy
The country’s safe streets and robust economic growth have contributed to the happiness and optimism of Filipinos towards life, Malacañang said Tuesday.
Manila Bulletin

Panelo wants mandatory military training for all ‘able-bodied’ Filipinos
Military training should be mandatory for all “able-bodied” Filipinos, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said, as President Rodrigo Duterte is pushing for the revival of the mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) for senior high school students.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

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Duterte appoints ex-general Morales into MWSS Board of Trustees
President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed retired army general Ricardo “Dick” Morales as board member of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS).
Philippine Daily Inquirer

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Albayalde ‘advises’ media: Let’s just be balanced and be responsible
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Oscar Albayalde on Tuesday advised media practitioners to be ‘balanced and responsible.” “Let’s just be balanced and be responsible,” Albayalde said in an interview over CNN Philippines.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Albayalde: I was also hurt by Tulfo’s remarks on DSWD Secretary Bautista
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde on Tuesday said he too was hurt by Erwin Tulfo’s remarks hurled against Social Welfare Secretary Rolando Bautista.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Albayalde praises Erwin Tulfo’s ‘sincere’ apology
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police Gen. Oscar Albayalde praised on Tuesday the “sincere” apology of broadcaster Erwin Tulfo after berating Social Welfare Secretary Rolando Bautista.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

ELECTION RELATED

Comelec approves Cardema’s party-list nominee substitution
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday approved the petition for substitution of former National Youth Commission (NYC) chairman Ronald Cardema as Duterte Youth party-list nominee.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin

Guanzon: Cardema not yet official Duterte Youth substitute 
Commission on Elections Commissioner Rowena Guanzon on Tuesday clarified that former National Youth Commission chair Ronald Cardema is not yet the official substitute of the Duterte Youth party-list.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

DICT set to present new tech provider for 2022 elections
Information Technology Secretary Eliseo Rio said on Tuesday the agency would present an alternative technology provider to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) within the month as part of the preparations for the 2022 elections.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin

Makabayan to Comelec: Release certificates of proclamation for winning party-lists
Members of the House Makabayan bloc on Tuesday asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to release the certificates of proclamation of winning party-lists weeks after the proclamation last May 22.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin

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16 early transmission attempts made in midterm elections — IT expert
A former technology manager of Smartmatic confirmed on Tuesday that there were at least 16 early “transmission attempts” prior to the official start of transmission during the May 2016 elections. According to IT expert Jeff Dy, the technical working group (TWG) have observed the attempts happening even before the polling precincts closed at 6 p.m.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Outgoing solons eye suit vs Comelec execs over May 13 polls snags
Outgoing members of the House Minority bloc are eyeing possible criminal charges and impeachment cases against some commissioners of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) if proven they are liable for glitches during the May 13 elections.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

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OVP says favorable opinion from COA shows its commitment to excellent public service
The Office of the Vice President is taking the highest audit rating it received from the Commission on Audit (COA) last year as a recognition of its commitment to excellence in public service.
Manila Bulletin

DISASTER

Chinese officials visit DSWD warehouse
Delegates from the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China have visited the Philippines’ relief goods storage facilities in Manila to learn about the country’s disaster relief responses. 
Manila Bulletin

PH gets first-ever volcanic lake monitoring system from Belgium
The Philippines can now further monitor Taal Volcano and possibly detect an impending eruption through a volcanic lake monitoring system given by Belgium. In a recent lunch meeting at the residence of Belgian Ambassador Michel Goffin, Prof. Alain Bernard, a volcanologist who had been studying the Taal Volcano since 2014, introduced the instrumentation to monitor Taal's main crater lake to stakeholders and members of the press.
Philippine News Agency

MINDANAO

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

JUDICIARY

LEGISLATIVE

Heydarian's assessment of the 17th Congress
The 17th Congress has passed many landmark legislation  during the past year but "did not end on a good note," according to GMA resident analyst Richard Heydarian.
GMA News

CA confirms 1 JBC member, 50 military officers before adjournment
Before adjourning sine die this Tuesday, the powerful Commission on Appointments (CA) confirmed the ad interim appointment of a new member of the Judicial Bar and Council (JBC) and the promotions of 50 military officers.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

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Sotto says 17th Congress special session unlikely
A 17th Congress special session to pass other urgent bills is not likely, even if President Rodrigo Duterte calls for it, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said Tuesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Sotto hopes next Senate would remain ‘cooperative but independent’
As he closed the 17th Congress on Tuesday, Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III looks forward to a new Senate that would remain “cooperative but independent balanced, transparent and sincere.”
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Lacson wants Senate’s electoral reforms committee
Senator Panfilo Lacson revealed on Tuesday that he wants to head the Senate committee on electoral reforms and people’s participation in the 18th Congress.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Two Senate committees for education in 18th Congress — Gatchalian
In the incoming 18th Congress, the Senate will have two committees devoted to education, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said Tuesday. There will be a committee for basic education and there will be another committee for higher education, the senator said.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Pimentel tells Villar: Don’t meddle with PDP-Laban’s affairs
Senator Cynthia Villar should not interfere with the affairs of the ruling PDP-Laban. Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, president of PDP-Laban, said this a day after Villar confronted him and another partymate, Senator Manny Pacquiao, over the issue of Senate presidency.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

‘Bato’ as Dangerous Drugs Committee head a ‘hard sell’ – Hontiveros
Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday thinks that the investigation on abuses associated with the war on drugs would be a “tough sell” if Senator-elect Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa ends up heading the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Hontiveros confident SOGIE bill will pass next Congress
Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros expressed confidence Tuesday that the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) Equality bill would be passed in the coming 18th Congress that begins July 22.
Manila Bulletin

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House okays Duterte’s pet bills, over 1,300 other measures in 17th Congress
The House of Representatives adjourned its last session in the 17th Congress on Tuesday after passing over 1,300 measures that led to the enactment of more than 300 laws. Among the House measures of national significance that eventually became laws were the Duterte administration's pet bills.
GMA News

Arroyo leaves ‘legacy of support’ for Duterte as House honors ‘graduates’ in closing rites
THE House of Representatives formally adjourned on Tuesday and paid tribute to its “graduating” third termers and outgoing Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo whose “concern” during her brief term was “to support President Rodrigo Duterte’s legacy.”
The Manila Times

Solon appeals to Duterte: Endorse a PDP-Laban member as next Speaker
President Rodrigo Duterte should endorse a House Speaker from the contenders of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), Pampanga 3rd District Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr. appealed Tuesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

‘Vote-buying’ in speakership race may reach P7M per House member – solon
Some candidates for Speaker of the House of Representatives would allegedly expend up to P7 million per member of the lower chamber as the battle for the post heats on. This was the claim of Pampanga 3rd District Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr., who also aspires to be Speaker of the incoming 18th Congress.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin

BUDGET, FINANCE and TAXATION

DOF eyes Philippines’ full transition to e-invoicing by end-2022
The Department of Finance (DOF) aims to complete the full shift to an electronic invoicing (e-invoicing) system by the end of 2022 as part of the Duterte administration’s digital transformation in tax administration so the government could provide better and faster services to taxpayers.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)

DEFENSE AND SECURITY

US sale of arms to PH reflects ‘long-term defense partnership’
The Trump administration’s arms sale strategy to the Philippines and its allies in the region is not just about the product itself but more of the broader aspect of a “long-term” defense partnership.
Manila Bulletin

PNP appoints 4 senior officers to new posts
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police Gen. Oscar Albayalde has approved the appointment of four senior officers to new posts in a minor reorganization in the PNP leadership, spokesperson Police Col. Bernard Banac Tuesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

ECONOMY AND INVESTMENTS

Diokno sees 2% inflation in Q3
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin E. Diokno on Tuesday said the infla­tion rate will be in the vicinity of two percent by the third quarter, firmly placing the consumer price index within the two to four percent target range for this year.
Manila Bulletin

Profit taking snaps PSEi’s 5-day upswing
The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi), the local stock market barometer, went back to negative territory yesterday as investors took profits after a five-day upswing. Traders said profit taking caused the decline but added that this was normal as market investors usually take money from the market when the stocks are attractive enough.
Philippine Star

Philippines among the gainers in US-China trade war — Nomura
The Philippines could benefit from the escalating US-China tariff battle, as the Southeast Asian country is likely to be among the recipients of trade and investment opportunities as the world’s two largest economies divert imports away from each other to other nations, a global bank said.
Philippine Star

‘Uncompetitive’ PHL
Colgate-Palmolive Philippines Inc. shuttered its manufacturing operations and moved out of the country in 2008. The multinational firm cited the lack of infrastructure and the high cost of water and electricity as some of the factors behind its decision to transfer the production of hair-care and home-care products to Malaysia and Thailand. 
Business Mirror

BUILD, BUILD, BUILD

Antiflood project: DPWH finishes river wall in Marikina
In anticipation of the start of the rainy season, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has completed the construction of flood control projects in two areas that were hit hard by strong typhoons.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE

GRAFT AND CORRUPTION

Duterte formally OKs sale of  P704.8M Marcos jewels 
President Rodrigo Duterte has formally issued an order for the public auction of the P704.8-million jewelry collection seized from former first lady and now Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Romualdez Marcos, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said Tuesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin

FOREIGN RELATIONS  

Mexico and the Philippines: Economic relations with the US compared
This week, Mexico was brought again into the trade wars of President Donald Trump. The US president threatens to put unilateral tariffs on Mexican goods mainly to enlist the latter to cooperate on immigration issues.
Philippine Star

Philippines-Japan ‘non-confrontational/cooperative’ middle way
I join the nation in rejoicing and congratulating President Rodrigo Duterte on his return from his visit to Japan with whom our relationship has now gone full circle.
Manila Bulletin

West Philippine Sea

US presence on South China Sea okay if it will promote peace, stability – Palace
US troops on South China Sea? No problem. Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Manila would not oppose Washington’s presence on the South China Sea – as Beijing admitted deploying military and weapons there – if it would promote peace and stability in the disputed area.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin

ASEAN leads way in peaceful dispute settlement: Lorenzana
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a good example of a regional bloc supporting conflict avoidance and peaceful dispute settlement.
Philippine News Agency

SC to hold oral argument on fisherfolk petition for WPS protection — source
The Supreme Court (SC) will conduct an oral argument on the petition filed by fisherfolk from Palawan and Zambales calling for government to protect the West Philippine Sea (WPS). The oral argument will happen on June 25, a source said during Tuesday’s en banc session.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin

LABOR

BI revokes working visas of 528 foreigners
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has cancelled the working visas of 528 foreign nationals for fraud as it intensified reviewing and monitoring the status of aliens working in the country.
Manila Bulletin

Amazon to create 3,200 PH customer service jobs this year
Amazon on Tuesday announced the creation of 3,200 customer service jobs in the Philippines this year to serve online shoppers around the world. The new Manila and Cebu-based roles will provide 24/7 support to North America and UK-based customers, the e-commerce giant said in a statement. Some 1,800 local jobs were created in 2018, it said. 
ABS-CBN News

TRANSPORTATION

Probe set as computer error cuts plane arrival, departing rate at NAIA
An investigation is underway on the computer glitch that resulted in “reduced arrival and departing rate of aircraft” at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Tuesday morning, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Airline execs call for fair, transparent airport slots
Executives from AirAsia Philippines, as well as from other carriers globally, said there is a need for fair and transparent airport slots. Airport slots determine a carrier's landing and take-off slots.
Philippine News Agency

HEALTH 

DOH finalizing AO on e-cigarettes regulation
The Department of Health (DOH) is finalizing the administrative order (AO) that will regulate electronic cigarettes and will be issued after a thorough review. “Itong (AO) ilalabas pa lang ng DOH from the regulatory perspective yung administrative order, regulating the use of ENDS (Electronic Nicotine Delivery) and ENNDS (Electronic Non-Nicotine Delivery)- yung nicotine and non-nicotine delivery systems.
Manila Bulletin

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

P600K meat products from China seized in Subic port
Meat products worth about P600,000 were seized by port authorities here after discovering these were shipped from Guangzhou in China, which is affected by the dreaded African swine fever (ASF).
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Fisherfolks may borrow P1-M each
AT LEAST 300 fisherfolks and operators in Davao Region are now allowed to borrow a maximum amount of P1 million each for fish cage farming. Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Davao director Fatma Idris told SunStar Davao Tuesday, June 4, that with this fund, they expect to increase fish production by 1,500 metric tons (MT) this year. 
Sunstar Davao

Your fish is your future
Lying within the global center of marine biodiversity, the Philippines is one of the world’s top fish producing countries, and millions of Filipinos derive their livelihood from fishing.  However, these rich and precious resources are declining rapidly, with research showing that 10 of the country’s 13 major fishing grounds are already under threat due to overfishing, destructive fishing practices, habitat degradation, pollution, improper waste disposal, and extreme weather.
Manila Bulletin

EDUCATION

Palace to teachers on salary hike: Be patient
Malacanang appealed to public school teachers to be more patient as the government looks for the huge budget for the proposed salary increase.
Manila Bulletin

Involve teachers in government plans to hike salaries, ACT says
The Alliance of Concerned Teachers said Tuesday that the government should involve teachers in proposals to hike their salaries. In a statement, ACT said “teachers are keen on taking part in the discussions as they want to ensure that the pay hike will be of substantial amount will be done in the soonest time possible.”
Philippine Daily Inquirer

PNP chief urges gov’t to correct old flaws in mandatory ROTC
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police Gen. Oscar Albayalde on Tuesday urged the government to correct old flaws to fine tune the bill that proposes the mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) for Grades 11 and 12 in public and private schools.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

ENERGY

NGCP: Luzon grid under yellow alert until Tuesday afternoon
The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) placed the Luzon grid under yellow alert on Tuesday, June 04, 2019. In an advisory,  the NGCP said the yellow alert on the country’s largest power grid will be in effect from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

POVERTY

HOUSING

TOURISM

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES 

Dinagat mining firm wins responsible, ethical biz citation
A mining firm in Dinagat Islands has been recognized for responsible business practice by the largest employer organization in the country. Cagdianao Mining Corp. (CMC) received the special citation on "Responsible and Ethical Business Conduct" during the 40th national conference of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) in Pasay City on May 28-29.
Philippine News Agency

Water crisis

INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY

Bid to create PH Space Agency gets boost from Japan Exploration Agency
Recognizing the opportunity to support the creation of the Philippine Space Agency, the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) top officer sought to firm up the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Space Cooperation with Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency or JAXA during the Nikkei Conference on the Future of Asia.
Manila Bulletin

DEVELOPMENT SECTOR