ACT’s claim baseless, misplaced: DILG chief
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año on Saturday described the claim of left-leaning group Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) that President Rodrigo Duterte favors the police and military over public school teachers as "misplaced" and baseless.
Philippine News Agency, GMA News

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Centcom cascades nat’l task force plan vs. insurgency
More than 50 military and police officials on Friday attended the cascading of the national plan to be implemented through the national task force created by President Rodrigo Duterte to end local communist armed conflict.
Philippine News Agency

Southern Luzon voters’ support for left-leaning groups wanes
The support of the electorate from the Southern Luzon provinces for left-leaning party-list groups has waned, according to a poll analysis by the Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) on Wednesday night. Lt. Gen. Gilbert I. Gapay, Solcom Commander who has operational jurisdiction over the Calabarzon Region (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), Mimaro (Mindoro Oriental/Occidental, Marinduque, Romblon) and Bicol Region (Camarines Norte/Sur, Masbate, Catanduanes, Albay and Sorsogon), presented data showing that voters' support has dramatically dropped based on a comparison of combined votes during two electoral exercises in 2016 and 2019 in the three regions.
Philippine News Agency

Task force to be created to fight insurgency in Leyte
Leyte’s provincial government is in the process of creating a local task force to come up with mechanisms to completely wipe out insurgency in the province. Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla said on Friday that they are preparing documents for the creation of the task force and are looking into legal considerations before issuing a local executive order.
Philippine News Agency

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Former Bastion of NPA in Compostela opens a new DepEd School for Lumads
The Philippine National Anthem was played once again as the School Year of 2019 opens in the newly established Mangayon Elementary School, Side Four Extension at Sitio Side Four, Brgy Mangayon, Compostela, CVP. 
Kalinaw News

Peace Talks

Incidents/ Operations    

MARAWI

SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE WORLD     

New Zealand mosque massacre suspect first to face country’s anti-terrorism laws
The man accused of carrying out the twin massacres at New Zealand mosques in March will become the first suspect charged under the country’s anti-terrorist laws passed after the 9/11 attacks.
The Washington Post

Lebanese president: No tolerance with terrorism
Lebanese President Michel Aoun stressed on Saturday that there is no tolerance with terrorism, noting that he will not go easy on those who find justifications for assailants of the state sovereignty and its security institutions. 
Egypt Today

Amnesty urges Saudi Arabia to rule out death penalty for teenager
Amnesty International has urged Saudi Arabia to rule out the death penalty for a teenage boy who was arrested five years ago. Murtaja Qureiris was arrested at the age of 13 for taking part in protests against the government and has been detained ever since, according to Amnesty.
Aljazeera
 

BARMM

MAGUINDANAO AND COTABATO CITY

Army settles ‘rido’ between 2 Maguindanaoan families
The military in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao on Friday successfully brought two warring Muslim families to a “peace table” inside its battalion headquarters to end a long-running conflict. Lt. Col. James Fernando, commander of the Army’s 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion (1MIB), said it took a while to convince the Muslim families locked in a “rido” (clan war) to settle their dispute peacefully.
Philippine News Agency

NORTH COTABATO

Jail escapee dies, another nabbed in NoCot shootout
Authorities shot dead a longtime jail escapee and arrested his accomplice, following a shootout in Midsayap, North Cotabato on Thursday.
Philippine News Agency

LANAO PROVINCES

BASILAN

DOH official berates Rappler journalist for covering hospital inspection
A Department of Health (DOH) official berated Basilan-based Rappler journalist Richard Falcatan for covering a hospital inspection he was invited to cover on Saturday, June 8. DOH Director Leonita Gorgolon, director for Health Facilities Enhancement Program, shouted at Rappler correspondent and DXNO Basilan station manager Richard Falcatan at the Basilan General Hospital in Isabela City, demanding that he provide a formal letter to authorize him to cover the event.
Rappler

SULU 

TAWI-TAWI 

Seaweed farming face dilemma with ice-ice disease
Carrageenan, a food enhancer which has been used in processing food, such as in thickening sauces, emulsifying and preserving, and even used in cosmetics, is sourced from a vegetable that grows in the sea—the seaweed.
Business Mirror
 

DRUGS

Panelo: UN call for probe of PH drug deaths an ‘outrageous interference on sovereignty’
The call by United Nations (UN) rapporteurs to probe “unlawful” deaths in the government’s war on drugs is “an outrageous interference on Philippine sovereignty” said Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine Daily Inquirer, GMA News, Philippine Star

HRW exec: Ensure ‘overdue’ probe on PH drug war killings is ‘put in place’
Members of the Human Rights Council must ensure that the investigation of drug-related killings in the Philippines “is in place,” an official of the Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on Saturday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Operations/ Incidents

Pusher yields P68,000 in meth in Catanduanes town
Police arrested on Saturday (June 8) a street drug dealer who yielded P68,000 in crystal meth (shabu) in the town of San Andres, Catanduanes province. A police spokesperson said Jose Henry Aldave was arrested at home in the village of Esperanza past 4 a.m.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

3 fall in drug operation in Batangas city
Police arrested three suspects and seized some P1.6 million of crystal meth (shabu) during an operation in Tanauan City, Batangas province on Saturday (June 8). Arrested were Elmar JD Velado and Mohammad Habbir Usman, both 20, and Abdulwalid Usman, 18, all of Dasmarinas City, Cavite province.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Recovery and Rehabilitation  

3 more Zambo villages to get drug-cleared status
The Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) is currently working on the drug-cleared status for three more barangays in this southern port city. Lt. Col. Roberto Marcos, ZCPO deputy director for operations, said that Barangays Tictapul, Sibulao, and Pangapuyan have all registered the lowest number of drug surrenderers.
Philippine News Agency

ILLICIT FIREARMS, EXPLOSIVES AND AMMUNITION

Village chief nabbed for unlicensed guns
Police arrested a village chief in the town of Pandan in Catanduanes province for possession of unlicensed guns and ammunition. Police Maj. Luisa Calubaquib, Bicol regional police spokesperson, said police swooped down on the house of Oriel Candelaria, village chief of San Roque in Pandan, to serve a search warrant.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

CROSS-BORDER TRADING/ SMUGGLING  

HUMAN TRAFFICKING

KIDNAP FOR RANSOM

ILLICIT FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS 

Duterte wants Kapa, other investment scams probed, shut down
President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to probe and if warranted, shut down Surigao del Sur-based religious corporation Kapa-Community Ministry International Inc. (Kapa) and other groups for alleged involvement in investment scams.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Philippine News Agency, Mindanews

Cops hunt 10 gunmen in break-in at get-rich-quick scheme office
Police are on the hunt for 10 armed men who broke into the office of a get-rich-quick scheme religious firm and took cash and belongings from its employees before setting fire to the building.
Philippine Daily Inquirer 

KAPA robbery in Compostela: 10 armed men also take 21 workers’ belongings
There were 10 armed men involved in the robbery and the burning down of the KAPA Community Ministry Foundation office in Compostela town in northern Cebu at dawn on June 8. Police Corporal Roland Alu, Compostela Police Station Desk officer, told CDN Digital that aside from the 10 armed men, there were also 21 employees inside the KAPA office that were also robbed by these armed men.
Cebu Daily News
 

Karapatan challenges government to allow UN independent human rights probe
Human rights group Karapatan has challenged the Duterte administration to allow the United Nations (UN) independent probe on supposed rights violations in the country.
Manila Bulletin

Press Freedom/ Freedom of Expression

Martial Law   

Duterte calls Rizal a ‘god,’ praises his stance vs Church
More than just a national hero, Jose Rizal is a “god” for President Rodrigo Duterte. “Ang tingin ko kay Rizal, talagang god. He’s my hero,” Duterte said in an interview with Pastor Apollo Quiboloy’s program, “Give Us This Day” on Saturday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, GMA News

Duterte: ‘Smooth-sailing’ 5-minute travel from Cubao to Makati soon
“Just wait,” President Rodrigo Duterte said this as he vowed that traveling from Cubao, Quezon City to Makati City will be reduced to just five minutes.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, GMA News

Duterte equates Christianity to subjugation, sees no reason to celebrate 500th year in the country
President Duterte said he has no plans of celebrating the 500th anniversary of Christianity in the country in 2021 as it also marks the start of the subjugation of the Philippines.
Manila Bulletin

Duterte says Catholic Church to blame for PH’s rapid population growth rate
President Duterte said the Catholic Church’s opposition to alternative family planning methods was the reason for the surge in the country’s population.
Manila Bulletin

Duterte claims journalist Ellen Tordesillas has cancer
President Rodrigo Duterte claimed on Saturday that veteran journalist Ellen Tordesillas of VERA Files has cancer. In his interview with Pastor Apollo Quiboloy on Sonshine Media Network, Duterte alleged that Tordesillas has been soliciting financial help because of her condition.
GMA News

Duterte denies claims he underwent heart surgery last May
On the heels of rumors that he was hospitalized last month, President Rodrigo Duterte finally addressed the issue and denied that he had undergone a heart surgery. "Hindi… I’m not without —may sakit. Pero kung sabihin mo na na-operahan daw ako sa heart," Duterte said in an interview on Sonshine Media Network on Saturday.
GMA News

Don’t run for national post with Trillanes around, Duterte tells Sara
President Rodrigo Duterte appealed to his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, to not run for national office as long as there were politicians in the opposition like Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV or those belonging to the Magdalo party-list.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Duterte says he has lost his trust in Philippine media
President Rodrigo Duterte claimed to have completely lost his trust in the media as he chided journalists for picking up what he described as "trash" allegations against his family. Duterte said he would be choosy in granting media interviews because of reports linking his family to illegal drugs trade.
Philippine Star

Duterte says to reconsider purchasing US weapons
President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday said he would reconsider purchasing weapons from the United States, since he "likes" US President Donald Trump. This after he said earlier this year that Manila would no longer procure weapons from its traditional ally after Washington threatened to impose sanctions on countries buying military equipment from Russia. 
ABS-CBN News

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De Lima blasts Duterte’s ‘crass leadership style’ affecting youth
Senator Leila de Lima said on Saturday that President Rodrigo Duterte’s “crass leadership style” has promoted a culture of misogyny that distorts the Filipino youth’s sense of morality.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

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Ben Tulfo lashes at demands of DSWD’s Bautista: ‘Daig mo pa si Padre Damaso’ 
Radio broadcaster Ben Tulfo slammed Department of Social Welfare and Development (DWSD) Secretary Rolando Bautista for telling his brother Erwin to apologize on various media platforms as a way to prove his “sincerity.”
Philippine Daily Inquirer, GMA News

Banac: Nothing personal in PNP order vs Tulfo to surrender guns
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said there is nothing personal in its directive issued against radio personality Erwin Tulfo to surrender his firearms with expired licenses as this is also a standard practice for other gun owners.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin

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Remembering the Filipino struggles for freedom
On Wednesday, June 12, we commemorate Philippine Independence, a celebration of our declaration of independence day. Many people often ask why do we celebrate the past, why do we study history? 
Philippine Star

ELECTION RELATED

Poll watchdog to launch People’s Initiative for amendment of the AES law
Poll watchdog group Mata sa Balota is planning to launch a People’s Initiative to push for amendments in Republic Act 9369 or the Automation Election Systems (AES) law.
Manila Bulletin

DISASTER

MINDANAO

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

JUDICIARY

LEGISLATIVE

Senate of the Philippines

Senate cites contributions of the late Abul Khayr Alonto to peace, development in Mindanao
The Philippine Senate has paid tribute to the late Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) chief Abul Khayr Alonto, citing in a resolution his contributions to government peace and economic development strides in the south.
Manila Bulletin

Koko aims to find out who are behind move that questions his proclamation
Senator Koko Pimentel said he wants to find out the people behind two quo warranto petitions that questioned the legality of his proclamation in the 2019 May midterm polls.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

House of Representatives

House adopts resolution commending Cebu Rep. Raul del Mar; records perfect attendance since 8th Congress
The House of Representatives has adopted a resolution commending Cebu first district Rep. Raul del Mar for his outstanding performance and perfect attendance since the 8th Congress.
Manila Bulletin

House urges PPA to discontinue weighing fee on RORO vehicles
The House of Representatives is urging the Philippine Ports Authority to discontinue the imposition of weighing fee on big rolling cargoes using ports that cater to roll-on/roll-off (RORO) vessels.
Manila Bulletin

House ratifies bicam report on bill seeking to strengthen and reorganize the CDA
The House of Representatives has ratified the bicameral conference report on a bill seeking to strengthen and reorganize the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA).
Manila Bulletin

BUDGET, FINANCE and TAXATION

WB lauds Philippines for ‘proactive’ tax reform
A top World Bank official has lauded the Duterte administration for implementing a “proactive and forward-looking” tax reform program, which is seen to raise enough funding for the government’s infrastructure and social program and help sustain economic growth, the Department of Finance (DOF) said.
Philippine Star

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)

DEFENSE AND SECURITY

Solcom launches interactive website for info-sharing
The Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) based in this camp now has its official website to boost its link to the media and the general public on its “need to share” information for a more engaging and pro-people 27/7 interaction. Solcom commander, Lt. Gen. Gilbert I. Gapay, who led the launching Wednesday night, assured the website could generate a 24/7 interaction for a very engaging social media platform where they could upload their activities, photos and other events.
Philippine News Agency

COA flags Navy's 'ineffective' procurement outsourcing
The Commission on Audit has deemed "ineffective" the Philippine Navy's outsourcing of a supply and services transaction to the Philippine International Trading Corporation. According to its recently-released 2018 audit report, COA found that "non-implementation or delayed completion of procurement procedures" resulted in accumulated fund transfers totaling to P2,267,040,511.09 with the PITC.
GMA News

ECONOMY AND INVESTMENTS

BUILD, BUILD, BUILD

OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE

Chinese embassy, firm give aid to kid center
The Chinese embassy and the Road and Bridge Corp. on Saturday donated school bags and toys to private organization Joy Kiddie Center to celebrate the friendship between Chinese and Filipinos.
The Manila Times

GRAFT AND CORRUPTION

Nueva Vizcaya’s ex-provincial administrator convicted of graft
Former Acting Provincial Administrator Manuel Nilves Tabora, who was also Nueva Vizcaya’s Budget Officer, has been found guilty of graft by the Sandiganbayan for receiving money in exchange for his services as a local government official.
Manila Bulletin

FOREIGN RELATIONS  

PH, Russia affirm ‘solid’ cooperation
The Philippines and Russia affirmed their commitment to strengthen their collaboration not only in defense but also in trade, investment, and socio-cultural ties. The two countries celebrated their strong bilateral relations during the commemoration of the Day of Russia in Makati City on Friday.
Philippine News Agency

PH-EU meet under cooperation accord set on 2nd half of 2019
The European Union (EU) and the Philippine government are expected to hold their "first formal meeting" under the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) on the second half of the year.
Philippine News Agency

Duterte: PH to cooperate with US but will never go to war vs China
President Duterte said that the Philippines is ready to cooperate with the United States as it comes up with new policies but said the country will never go to war against China as doing so would put an end to mankind.
Manila Bulletin, GMA News

West Philippine Sea

Duterte asks China: Why surround my islands with so many ships?
President Duterte revealed that he was frank with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his last trip to Beijing in April about China’s activities in the disputed West Philippine Sea.
Manila Bulletin

Lorenzana pushes for ASEAN template in managing South China Sea dispute
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana is pushing for an ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asia Nations) template of managing territorial dispute in the wake of overlapping maritime claims in the vast South China Sea, the Philippine side known as the West Philippine Sea.
Manila Bulletin

LABOR

Operation Nemesis: Investigating the exploitation of Filipinas in Czech Republic
"My contract is for 13,000 Czech crowns a month (P29,000), but lately, I’ve been receiving more – sometimes my salary gets close to 20,000 (P45,000). Besides, we don’t have to pay for accommodation here,“ says Jodelyn, a 38-year-old Filipina, as she held a cup of coffee in her hands.
Rappler

Philippines working to keep status as top producer of seafarers – Tugade
The Philippines will continue to improve the quality of maritime education in the country to maintain its status as the leading provider of seafarers in the world, according to Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade.
Philippine Star

TRANSPORTATION

MIAA expects US travel advisory to be lifted soon
The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) is optimistic that the travel advisory issued by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on the country's airports will soon be lifted.
GMA News

SCTex to implement toll hike starting June 14
Motorists who plan to traverse the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTex) may expect an increase in toll starting June 14 as the Toll Regulatory Board approved the P0.51 per kilometer toll hike.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

HEALTH 

Duterte to NBI: Arrest owners of health centers in ‘ghost’ dialysis scam
President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the arrest of owners of dialysis centers who were implicated in the so-called “ghost dialysis” treatment scam.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, GMA News

Drilon to COA: Conduct special audit vs PhilHealth
Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon has appealed to the Commission on Audit (COA) to undertake a “special audit” on the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) after reports came out concerning its alleged payments of “ghost” dialysis treatments.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Overpayments not tantamount to fraud, says state insurance company
Amid allegations that overpayments and other fraudulent schemes have cost Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) P154 billion over the last five years, the state insurance company maintained that its finances were “robust” and it was going after erring hospitals and health professionals.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

PhilHealth ‘mafia’ seen behind padded claims
If allegations of padded or manufactured medical benefit claims are true, how could hospitals be so brazen in defrauding Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth)?
Philippine Daily Inquirer

DOH warns healthcare providers against fraud
The Department of Health (DOH) warned healthcare providers accredited with PhilHealth that they may lose their accreditation if found involved in fraudulent activities.
Manila Bulletin

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

LOOK: DA’s Piñol now a PhD degree holder in Rural Development 
Learning never stops for Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel “Manny” Piñol as he obtained his Doctorate degree in Rural Development on Saturday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin

Meet Grabao, the carabao-for-hire
Like any farmer, John Michael Campos starts his day even before the sun rises on the horizon. After sipping his favorite coffee, John Michael or Macky as he is fondly called, heads to where he has tied his eight-year-old carabao the night before.
GMA News

EDUCATION

DepEd to focus, mobilize resources to narrow the gap for ‘last mile’ schools
Recognizing the need to reach out and close the gap between marginalized schools in the rural areas and those in the urban centers, the Department of Education (DepEd) will prioritize the development of the “last mile” schools.
Manila Bulletin

DepEd tells school officials to work with LGUs in ensuring safety of learners
The Department of Education (DepEd) enjoined officials of public schools that implement double and triple shifting of classes to coordinate with their respective local government units (LGUs) to help ensure the safety of learners.
Manila Bulletin

Robredo recognizes the bigger role of teachers
Beyond the typical lessons in class, Vice President Leni Robredo recognized the vital role of country’s teachers to ensure inclusive education for Filipinos, especially those who are in need.
Manila Bulletin

TESDA calls for more involvement from women in the automotive sector
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) called for an increased economic participation for skilled women amidst the rapid developments in the automotive and land transport sector.
Manila Bulletin

ENERGY

PSALM sets auction of 650-megawatt Malaya Thermal plant in August
State-run Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) will bid out the 650-megawatt Malaya Thermal Power Plant (TPP) in August, after tapping PricewaterhouseCoopers Philippines to do the valuation of the asset.
Philippine Star

DOE presses progress on $2-billion Phoenix-CNOOC LNG project
As the major competitor has already jumped the gun on them at project implementation phase, Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi indicated that he also wants to see progress in the $2.0-billion integrated liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal and gas-fired power projects being led by Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc. of businessman Dennis Uy.
Manila Bulletin

POVERTY

HOUSING

Mass housing developers prod government on establishment of one-stop processing centers
Mass housing developers urged the government to prioritize the housing of one-stop processing centers in various regions of the country. The Organization of Socialized and Economic Housing Developers of the Philippines (OSHDP) and the Socialized Housing Alliance Roundtable Endeavor (SHARE) said the newly created Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) should pave the way for the establishment of these centers.
Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin

TOURISM

Philippines seeks to host UNWTO General Assembly in 2021
The Philippines is seeking the support of tourism leaders in the East Asia region as it aims to host the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) General Assembly in 2021.
Philippine Star

Tourism: A major driver of the economy
In 2018, an estimated 129 million tourists visited the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region, with projections that the number of visitors will increase to 155.4 million by 2022. Despite the closure of Boracay from April to October, the Philippines still attracted 7.1 million tourists last year, up 7.6 percent compared to 2017.
Philippine Star

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES 

Duterte to arrest Customs official who will sign release papers of garbage shipment
President Duterte is serious in his remark that he will not allow the country to be treated as a dumpsite, saying he will order the arrest of any Customs official or employee who will sign the release papers of any garbage shipments from other countries.
Manila Bulletin

How to keep imported waste out of the Philippines
In less than a week, the Philippines managed to re-export two shipments of trash: the remaining 69 containers from Canada and one container from Hong Kong. Canada’s trash lingered on Philippine soil for 6 years, while Hong Kong’s cargo remained for only about 4 months.
Rappler

Landslide keeps trash stuck in 15 towns
What the mayor of this town failed to do, an act of nature did—close a landfill servicing, at least 15 towns in Bulacan province. A landslide, caused by heavy rains, let loose boulders and debris on a road leading to the landfill, effectively cutting access for trucks hauling garbage to the site from the towns of Santa Maria, Angat, Dona Remedios Trinidad, San Miguel, Marilao, Guiguinto, Hagonoy, Bulakan, Bustos, Plaridel, Baliwag, Pulilan and Balagtas.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Coca Cola invests P1 billion for Philippine recycling plant
Coca Cola Beverages Philippines Inc. (CCBPI) is investing P1 billion in a recycling facility to turn plastic bottles into new ones. In a statement, CCBPI, Coca Cola’s bottling arm, said the investment is the first to be made by the company for a recycling facility in Southeast Asia.
Philippine Star

Water crisis

INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY

DEVELOPMENT SECTOR