Senator dela Rosa sees mandatory ROTC training could help prevent communist recruitment
Senator Ronald dela Rosa on Saturday believes that the revival of the mandatory Reserved Officers Training Corps (ROTC) in schools could help stop the recruitment of minors by communist groups.
Manila Bulletin

Bato to groups tagged in disappearance of minors: Appear in Senate probe  
Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa wants leftists groups tagged as behind the disappearance of some student-activists to appear in the Senate and explain themselves in the next hearing.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Bato to parents: Observe unusual activities of children who turned activists  
Neophyte Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has cautioned parents to observe the unusual activities of children who may have been recruited by communist organizations.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Army shields youth from Red’s recruitment
The Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB) has intensified its effort to prevent young people from being deceived and recruited by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA).
Philippine News Agency

Antique cops to Reds: Stop recruiting minors
Policemen here will intensify their school visits to covert recruitment activities of leftist groups. Municipal police station chief Lieutenant Colonel Mark Anthony Darroca on Friday said that they plan to make more frequent visits to schools in the municipality starting next week.
Panay News

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Lawmakers cross partylines to call for House probe on Negros killings
Lawmakers have crossed partylines to seek a congressional probe on the spate of killings in the islands of Negros, and urge the authorities to work towards the immediate delivery of justice for the victims.
Manila Bulletin

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CPP-NPA declared persona non grata in Bulacan
The province of Bulacan has declared the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP-NPA-NDFP) as "persona non grata".
Philippine News Agency

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Fact-finding mission proved unsuccessful
Placard-bearing residents of Bgy. Dibuluan, San Mariano, Isabela on Friday (Aug. 9) protest the “fact-finding mission” by Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas and her group on alleged military abuses.  The fact-finding mission proved unsuccessful.
Kalinaw News

Troops find arms cache disclosed by ex-NPA rebels in Sibugay
Military troops discovered an arms cache, disclosed by four communist rebels after they surrendered in Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay on August 8, 2019. Soldiers recovered one M14 rifle, one AK-47, one Carbine rifle, and one Caliber .38 Revolver from the arms cache on Thursday.
NDBC News

Peace Talks


Incidents/ Operations    

AFP checks on report of entry of Sri Lankan suicide bombers in PH
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) disclosed on Saturday that it is validating reports about the supposed entry of two Sri Lankan suicide bombers in the Philippines.
Manila Bulletin, The Straits Times, Rappler

Church official: Manaoag basilica taking military info ‘very seriously
A church in Manaoag town, Pangasinan, purportedly considered a target by terrorists is taking such a report "very seriously," one of its officials said on Saturday. Fr. Anthony Eudela, prior of the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, said the church has sat down with authorities to see what steps need to be taken to make the place and the entire town safe.
ABS-CBN News

MARAWI

SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE WORLD     

What is "domestic terrorism" and what can the law do about it?
The deadly shooting in El Paso is being treated as a "domestic terrorism" case, prosecutors there said. And the FBI said it has opened a "domestic terrorism" investigation into the July shooting at the garlic festival in Gilroy, California.
CBS News

Facebook, Twitter Pressed to Help Prevent Domestic Terrorism
Social media companies came under fire again last week after another mass shooting was linked to a hate-filled manifesto posted online.
Bloomberg

Words matter. Trump bears a responsibility for El Paso
From his campaign rhetoric to his daily onslaught of divisive tweets issued under the banner of the presidential seal, Donald Trump has stoked the flames of white fear and hate to fuel his own power.
The Guardian

Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid’l Adha
Muslims across the globe celebrate today Eid’l Adha, one of two most important feasts in Islam, marking the end of the yearly performance of hajj (pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia) and the day Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) was tested of his loyalty to God.
Manila Bulletin

Over 2 million Muslims in Mecca for start of hajj pilgrimage
More than 2 million pilgrims were gathered in the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia on Friday to perform initial rites of the hajj, an Islamic pilgrimage that takes the faithful along a path traversed by the Prophet Muhammad some 1,400 years ago.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

BARMM

Adapting to bureaucracy a big challenge for BTA
Since the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s (BARMM) inauguration on March 29, it has been challenging for the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) members to adapt to a new autonomous bureaucracy.
The Manila Times

BTA to use ₱30B funds to improve social services in barangay levels
The Bangsamoro Transition Authority will use ₱30 billion in unprogrammed funds to improve the quality of social services in the barangay levels of the Bangsamoro autonomous region.
NDBC News

Minister Sinarimbo provides updates on Bangsamoro transition
Since the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s (BARMM) inauguration on March 29 this year, it has been challenging months for the members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) to transition into a new autonomous bureaucracy.
NDBC News

DSWD, OPAPP sign deal on Moro Packages
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process and the Department of Social Welfare and Development have signed a Memorandum of Agreement through which socioeconomic packages will be provided to soon-to-be decommissioned Moro Islamic Liberation Front.  
Manila Standard

Lady peace advocate named TESDA-BARMM head
The minister of education in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has named a lady peace advocate to head the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA-BARMM).
NDBC News

NC-II holders join BARMM skills tilt
A total of 27 National Certificate Level II (NC-II) holders of technical vocational institutions across the Bangsamoro region are competing for this year's regional skills competition organized by the Technical, Education, and Skills Development Authority – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (TESDA-BARMM).
Philippine News Agency

MAGUINDANAO AND COTABATO CITY

Sandiganbayan affirms graft, malversation charges vs Ampatuan
The Sandiganbayan has affirmed the graft and malversation charges filed against former Maguindanao Governor Datu Sajid Islam Uy Ampatuan in relation to the reportedly anomalous purchase of fertilizers back in 2009 since his motion for reconsideration was denied for lack of merit.
Manila Bulletin

IP children get help from women org, soldiers, NGOs
A total of 135 pupils of a far-flung primary school in Maguindanao have benefitted from an outreach program organized by Women Organization of Rajah Mamalu Descendants (WORMD) and participated by multi-sectoral groups on Friday.
NDBC News

LGU suspends no parking policy for “Eid’l Adha” prayers
The city government here will suspend the no parking policy along selected major thoroughfares here on Sunday for Eid'l Adha, a Muslim holiday.
NDBC News

452 indigents get ‘pangkabuhayan’ package from DOLE
A total of 452 residents here have received “Pangkabuhayan” Package from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), through its Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP), on Friday morning. 
Philippine News Agency

NORTH COTABATO

Sandiganbayan rules to stay North Cotabato gov’s suspension
The Sandiganbayan Sixth Division has ruled that there is no basis for it to reverse the 90-day preventive suspension order against North Cotabato Governor Nancy Catamco due to her pending charges involving the fertilizer fund scam case.
Manila Bulletin

Controversial Central Mindanao Airport soon to open 
Officials started resolving this week the right-of-way issues that hindered the supposed operation of the multi-million Central Mindanao Airport since its construction in 2007.
NDBC News

LANAO PROVINCES

Eid’l Adha: 224 calves to be butchered in Lanao Norte
The Muslim community in the Lanao provinces is preparing for a grand observance of one of Islam’s biggest feasts, Eid’l Adha. Muslims will gather for prayer in mosques on Sunday (Aug 11).
Philippine Daily Inquirer

BASILAN

SULU 

TAWI-TAWI 

DRUGS

Cayetano: We will not tolerate 'narco politicians' in Congress
House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano vowed to rid the lower chamber of narco politicians. “Kung meron po gumagamit (ng droga), and worse nagbebenta ng droga or protector ng droga sa Kongreso, kasama po ako sa paglilinis sa ating Kongreso," Cayetano said in a statement issued on Saturday.
GMA News, Manila Bulletin

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OSG stands pat on legitimacy of lawyering for PNP-CIDG after Saguisag’s ‘tuta’ tag
The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) has assured that it can represent the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) in the sedition complaint that was filed against Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo and her co-respondents in connection with the “Ang Totoong Narcolist” viral videos.
Manila Bulletin

LP leader says ‘Bikoy’ not qualified to become state witness
Peter Joemel Advincula, the hooded man known as “Bikoy” in the viral anti-Duterte videos, can’t be a state witness in the sedition complaint filed by the police against Vice President Leni Robredo and 35 others, a Liberal Party (LP) official said.
Manila Bulletin

Meet the lawyers fighting Bikoy's sedition complaint
Excitement, not tension, was palpable at the Department of Justice (DOJ) executive lounge on Friday morning, August 9, for the first hearing on the highly-political inciting to sedition complaint against key members of the opposition and high figures in the Catholic Church.
Rappler

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DOJ won’t oppose de Lima’s appeal for furlough to visit ailing mother in Iriga City
The Department of Justice (DOJ) will not oppose before the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court (RTC) the appeal of detained Senator Leila de Lima to visit her ailing mother in Iriga City, Camarines Sur, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra assured.
Manila Bulletin

Pangilinan urges court to allow de Lima to visit ailing mother
Opposition Senator Francis N. Pangilinan has expressed strong support for a colleague in the Senate minority bloc, Senator Leila de Lima, that she be given a chance to be beside her ailing mother in Camarines Sur.
Manila Bulletin

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Gov’t ‘winning’ war vs. illegal drugs in Soccsksargen: police
The government has been “winning” the war against illegal drugs in Region 12 (Soccksargen) as reportedly shown by the significant decline in drug-related activities in the area in the past three years, police authorities said.
Philippine News Agency

Operations/ Incidents

PDEA nabs teen, 19, for P3.4-M worth of shabu in QC drug bust 
Agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) apprehended a 19-year-old teenage boy and confiscated from him over P3.4 million worth of shabu (crystal meth) following a buy-bust operation in Quezon City on Saturday afternoon.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

12 suspects fall in series of anti-drug ops in Zambales
Twelve drug suspects were arrested following separate police operations in three towns of Zambales on Friday night (Aug. 9).
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Suspected drug pusher dies in Cavite buy-bust
A suspected drug pusher was killed after resisting arrest and tried to shoot at the policemen during a buy-bust operation in Cavite City early Saturday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Recovery and Rehabilitation  

ILLICIT FIREARMS, EXPLOSIVES AND AMMUNITION

CROSS-BORDER TRADING/ SMUGGLING  

HUMAN TRAFFICKING

KIDNAP FOR RANSOM

ILLEGAL GAMBLING

ILLICIT FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS/ EXTORTION

Press Freedom/ Freedom of Expression

Martial Law 
 

Lacson objects to Duterte’s statement absolving generals of wrongdoing in involvement in STL
Senator Panfilo M. Lacson took exception Saturday to President Duterte’s statement that there is nothing wrong with police and military generals to own Small Town Lottery (STL) franchise from the PCSO as long as they are complying with the law and they are not cheating the government of its rightful share.
Manila Bulletin

Lacson, Bato weigh in on Duterte's 'gifts not bribes' remark to cops
Senators on Saturday gave their opinions regarding President Rodrigo Duterte's remark that police officers may receive gifts as "it is not bribery." For Senator Panfilo Lacson, such actions may start off "insatiable greed" among cops.
GMA News

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DSWD starts automating financial transactions
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has started automating its internal and external financial transactions for a better and more efficient government financial management system.
Manila Bulletin

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

Robredo proposes for ‘holistic approach’ in solving metro traffic woes
Enough trains in good condition and optimization of the routes and operations of public utility vehicles were just among the solutions offered by Vice President Leni Robredo to ease traffic flow in Metro Manila.
Manila Bulletin

ELECTION RELATED

COA chides Comelec for delayed liquidation of P1.63 billion in cash advances
The Commission on Audit has chided the Commission on Elections for failing to delay on time some P1.63 billion in cash advances covering payrolls, official local and foreign travels and special purpose yet time-bound activities.
Manila Bulletin

Namfrel lauds Comelec for voter registration push
Election watchdog, National Citizen's Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) has lauded the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for pushing through with the two-month voter registration period amid plans to postpone the May 2020 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (Comelec).
Philippine News Agency

DISASTER

MINDANAO

Funding sought for P4.5B, 66km road linking Davao, Malaybalay cities
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has began work to secure funding for a P4.5 billion, 66-kilometer road connecting Davao City and Malaybalay City in Bukidnon.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

From ‘Tokhang’ to ‘Kalinaw’
Davao City is known to be one of the safest cities in Asia. In fact, in the 2019 Midyear South-Eastern Asia Crime Index survey by Numbeo.com, Davao City was listed as the safest city in the Philippines, and second in the Asian region. Despite the city’s past experience bombings and crimes, it is still undeniable that the hometown of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is where one can feel safe even when walking the streets at night. So how does Davao do it?
Manila Bulletin

China to become biggest market of Davao durian
China will soon become the top export destination of durian from Davao Region, Davao Durian Industry Association Council (DIADC) president Larry Miculob said.
Mindanews

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

JUDICIARY

LEGISLATIVE

Senate of the Philippines

Zubiri bats for creation of Commission of Immigration to reinforce immigration policies
A bill that would create a Commission of Immigration and require foreigners to get visas before entering the country has been filed in Senate.
Manila Bulletin, ABS-CBN News

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Go says divorce process should not be easy
Should divorce be institutionalized in the country, couples must undergo a rigid process before being allowed to separate, said Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go.
Manila Bulletin

House of Representatives

Deputy Speaker Villafuerte disagrees with proposed extension on use of 2019 funds
Deputy Speaker and Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte said Saturday he does not see the need for Congress to extend the validity of the 2019 Appropriations for maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) and capital outlays (CO) until December 31, 2020.
Manila Bulletin

BUDGET, FINANCE and TAXATION

Former Finance Secretary De Ocampo favors TRABAHO Bill, sees tax compromise for ecozone firms
Former Finance Secretary Roberto De Ocampo favors the Tax Reform for Attracting Better and Higher-quality Opportunities (TRABAHO) bill, the second package under the administration’s comprehensive tax reform program (CTRP). 
Cebu Daily News

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)

DEFENSE AND SECURITY

Litmus for Lorenzana
I already had doubts that day in November last year when former ambassador Alberto Encomienda called a meeting among like-minded friends to tackle the issue of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana agitating for review of the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) between the United States and the Philippines.
The Manila Times

NCRPO honored as PNP’s best regional office
After several years of being relegated to the sidelines every anniversary celebration of the Philippine National Police (PNP), the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) finally bagged the best police regional office award during the 118th Police Service Anniversary.
Manila Bulletin

ECONOMY AND INVESTMENTS

BUILD, BUILD, BUILD

OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE

AUDIT, GRAFT AND CORRUPTION

FOREIGN RELATIONS  

West Philippine Sea

Senators hail Duterte’s plan to invoke PH arbitral win in Beijing visit
Senators lauded President Rodrigo Duterte for his plan to discuss the Philippines’ arbitral win over China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea in his upcoming meet with Chinese Pres. Xi Jinping.
Manila Bulletin

Defense chief says China ‘aggressive’ but no longer ‘a bully’
China’s reclamation works and militarization of some artificial islands in the South China Sea (SCS), the swarming of fishing boats near the islands claimed by the Philippines, and the uncoordinated passage and activities of their warships and survey ships within our exclusive economic zone (EEZ) are signs of “aggressiveness” which do not necessarily make the Asian military powerhouse “bullies.”
Manila Bulletin

LABOR

DOLE findings on Eddie Garcia death show need for occupational safety standard in entertainment industry
Initial findings of the Department of Labor and Employment in its probe of the Eddie Garcia death has underscored the need for the passage of an occupational safety and health standards law in the entertainment industry.
Manila Bulletin

TRANSPORTATION

HEALTH 

WHO expert: Surge in dengue cases is alarming
The spike in dengue cases reported mostly in the Western Pacific and Asian region is alarming, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Go dares FDA officials, health experts to vaccinate themselves with Dengvaxia
To prove that the controversial Dengvaxia is safe, members of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other health experts should vaccinate themselves with it, Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go has dared.
Manila Bulletin

Dengue epidemic is depressingly Third World
In our collective hearts, we really dream of the day of translation and transition. That our sustained growth rates would really translate into improved lives across the board. Then, we take the next step, that inevitable transition into a status just a few notches from developed country ranking, as dynamic as our neighbors. 
The Manila Times

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

Use agri index to measure women empowerment, agencies urged
Agencies planning to launch development programs for women in the agriculture sector should consider using an index to measure whether its gender-sensitive project is geared toward empowering women, an expert said.
Philippine News Agency

EDUCATION

DepEd already addressing COA concerns on ‘undistributed learning materials’
The Department of Education (DepEd) assured that it was already “working” with its internal and regional units to “comply” with recommendations of the Commission on Audit (COA) regarding “undistributed learning materials” – among others.
Manila Bulletin

ENERGY

POVERTY

HOUSING

TOURISM

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES 

Water crisis

Angat’s water level may normalize this month – PAGASA
Angat Dam’s water level may reach the 180-meter minimum operating level (MOL) as Luzon is expected to experience more rain, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration said on Saturday.
Manila Bulletin

INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY

PH 5th in number of detected online threats
In its Global Q2 2019 Security Bulletin, data from the Kaspersky Security Network (KSN) showed nearly 7 million or 37.4 percent of Kaspersky users in the Philippines were attempted to be attacked by threats while surfing the web from April to May this year.
The Manila Times

DEVELOPMENT SECTOR