16 former rebels in Masbate to help gov't end insurgency
From being outlaws, 16 members of the communist terrorist group (CTG) who abandoned the armed struggle have pledged allegiance to the government and vowed to help end insurgency.
Philippine News Agency | Kalinaw News
4 ex-rebels in N. Ecija get gov't cash aid
Some four former members of the New People's Army (NPA) on Wednesday received livelihood assistance as part of the government’s efforts to help them start a new life and become productive members of society.
Philippine News Agency
82 former rebels have received P20,000 each as additional assistance from the Government
These former rebels, who were members of the New People’s Army (NPA), are beneficiaries under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) in 2016-2020.
Kalinaw News
Peace talks
Incidents/Operations
3 troopers killed in NPA E. Samar attack
An army personnel and two members of Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (Cafgu) were killed while six others were injured after they were waylaid by alleged members of the New People’s Army near their detachment in Barangay 4, Jipapad, Eastern Samar Wednesday morning.
Manila Standard
NPAs on the run as army seizes additional firearm in Agusan-Bukidnon boundary
The New People’s Army Terrorists continue to flee after series of encounters with the troops of the 8th Infantry (Dependable) Battalion, Philippine Army in the hinterlands of Agusan del Sur-Bukidnon boundaries last June 30, 2021.
Kalinaw News
Troops discover NPA arms cache in Isabela
Information from former New People's Army (NPA) rebels whose identities were not revealed, led to the discovery of another arms cache in the province, the Army's 5th Infantry Division (ID) told media on Wednesday.
Manila Times
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Terror tag by anti-terror council stands even if court disagrees – OSG
In memoranda submitted by the OSG to the High Court, it says, ‘Such person cannot insist on the protection of his/her reputation. The person has no one to blame but himself/herself,’ and any appeal should be taken up with the President
Rappler
A year into terror law, ‘meager’ assets of rights defenders frozen
“With a little over P72,000 ($1,447) in the bank, how in the world can the United Churches of Christ in the Philippines finance terrorism?”
Bulatlat
MARAWI
Senate urged to probe alleged corruption in Marawi rehab program
Displaced residents in Marawi are calling for a Senate investigation into alleged anomalies in the city's snail-paced rehabilitation program 4 years since the Islamic city was besieged by terrorists.
ABS- CBN News
Rights advocates say policies neglect needs of displaced people in Mindanao
Government policies are neglecting the needs of residents displaced by the Marawi siege and of the Moro people affected by escalating military violence in Mindanao, a global coalition of human rights advocates said.
Philippine Star
Bangsamoro government allots P400M for water system in Marawi
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has allotted P400 million for the construction of a water system in areas of Marawi City not covered by the rehabilitation program under the Task Force Bangon Marawi.
MindaNews | Bangsamoro Government
Digital IDs enable faster access to financial aid in Marawi
Software provider AID:Tech developed digital IDs that have helped 3,000 displaced Filipinos in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur province, get faster access to financial aid from Save the Children Philippines.
Business World
SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE WORLD
Don't return to the era of 'your terrorists' and 'my terrorists': India cautions UN
India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador T S Tirumurti said the world should not return to the era of “your terrorists” and “my terrorists” but fight the scourge of terrorism collectively.
India Today
Children among ‘staggeringly high’ number of autistic people being drawn into terrorism, watchdog warns
A “staggeringly high” number of autistic people - including children - are being drawn into terrorism, it has been warned.
The Independent
Hong Kong arrested six high school students in alleged 'local terrorism' plot
Hong Kong authorities said they have thwarted an alleged plot to bomb train stations, court buildings and tunnels organized by advocates for the city's independence from China. Nine people between the ages of 15 and 29 had been arrested, including six high school students. CNN's Kristie Lu Stout reports.
CNN
Proposal would push VA leaders to address issue of extremism in the veterans community
House lawmakers want Veterans Affairs officials to start talking to veterans about misinformation and extremism online.
Military Times
‘Alarming’: Austria passes heavily criticised terrorism law
Austria's National Assembly on Wednesday adopted a heavily criticised anti-terror law that was formulated in the wake of a deadly jihadist terror attack and allows for increased surveillance.
The Local
VOA Exclusive: Inside a US Military Base in Syria
In a remote part of Syria’s northeast, a few kilometers from the oil-rich town of Rumeilan, U.S. soldiers are busy helping local Kurdish forces ensure that militants affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) terror group do not again pose a threat to the region.
Voice of America News
HRW Criticizes Kazakhstan For Increased Targeting Of Government Critics
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused authorities in Kazakhstan of increasing their misuse of vague and overreaching criminal charges relating to the crime of “extremism" to harass and prosecute government critics.
Radio Free Europe
YouTube's recommender AI still a horror show, finds major crowdsourced study
For years YouTube's video-recommending algorithm has stood accused of fuelling a grab bag of societal ills by feeding users an AI-amplified diet of hate speech, political extremism and/or conspiracy junk/disinformation for the profiteering motive of trying to keep billions of eyeballs stuck to its ad inventory.
Yahoo news
The Campaign Against 'Extremism' Looks Like an Attack on Speech
Some Facebook users have recently received warnings about "extremism" and offers of help for those with acquaintances attracted to "extremist" ideas. It's part of an international push to discourage and restrict communications considered radical and hateful. While often couched in concern about the potential for violence, this effort looks increasingly like a scheme to narrow the boundaries of acceptable discussion and muzzle speech that makes the powers-that-be uncomfortable.
Reason Magazine
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BARMM
Rep. Mangudadatu: MILF to still lead interim Bangsamoro gov’t if transition period is extended
Maguindanao 2nd District Rep. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu said he wants the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to continue leading the Bangsamoro government if the regional election is postponed, which will effectively extend the transition period in the Bangsamoro region for three more years until 2025.
MindaNews
BARMM grants ECCs to Aboitiz firm, LGUs and other companies
An Aboitiz power firm, two other companies and three local government units in the Bangsamoro Region were given by the region’s environment office certificates of environmental complicance certificates.
NDBC News
NEA spins off transfer of mandate to supervise ECs to BARMM government
THE National Electrification Administration (NEA) has commenced the transfer of its authority to supervise electric cooperatives (ECs) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to the Bangsamoro government.
Business Mirror | Manila Times
MAGUINDANAO AND COTABATO CITY
LANAO PROVINCES
Aboitiz turns Iligan farmers into agripreneurs
THE Aboitiz Group, through its corporate social responsibility arm Aboitiz Foundation and food unit Pilmico, is assisting farmers in Iligan City to be efficient "agripreneurs" and create more sustainable livelihood.
Manila Times
BASILAN
SULU
JTF-Sulu recommends award for Tausug responders in C-130 crash
The Joint Task Force (JTF)-Sulu is recommending to award the Bronze Cross Medal to 27 militiamen, who are Tausug natives, for extraordinary bravery in the face of great danger.
NDBC News | CNN Philippines
Military identifies 19 of 49 cadavers in Sulu C-130 crash
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced on Wednesday, July 7, that it has already identified 19 out of 49 cadavers from the ill-fated C-130 that crashed in Sulu.
Rappler
Plane crash victims identified through dental records return home
Vilma Monera of Maramag, Bukidnon wept as six military trucks bearing flag-draped white caskets rolled into the parking lot of the gym at the 4thInfantry Division headquarters here on Wednesday afternoon.
MindaNews
[Editorial] Unreserved commiserations
What was supposed to be a routine, uneventful flight on a bright and clear Sunday morning suddenly turned tragic just before noon, when the C-130 Hercules carrying 96 military personnel that took off from Laguindingan airport crashed in Patikul town in Sulu.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
TAWI-TAWI
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DRUGS
Año confident Duterte admin’s ‘war on drugs’ can be sustained
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año is confident that the Duterte administration’s controversial “drug war” would be sustained.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Operations/ Incidents
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Drug-cleared, unaffected barangays in Soccsksargen rise to 985
The number of drug-cleared and unaffected barangays in Region 12 (Soccsksargen) has increased to 985 as of start of July and more are expected to join the list in the coming months.
Philippine News Agency
ILLICIT FIREARMS, EXPLOSIVES, AND AMMUNITION
CROSS-BORDER TRADING/ SMUGGLING/ COUNTERFEIT GOODS
BIR raid reveals some vape, e-cigarettes sold on malls are unregistered
A raid conducted by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in various Metro Manila malls revealed that some vapor and electronic-cigarette products being sold are not registered with the tax-collecting agency.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
KIDNAPPING/ ABDUCTION
ILLEGAL GAMBLING
ILLICIT FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS/ EXTORTION
Unscrupulous groups use Palace official’s name to collect money
The Palace warned the public against bogus groups and individuals claiming to be part of the third telecommunications company in the country, DITO Telecommunity, and collects money by using names of government officials.
Philippine News Agency
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Autopsy on ‘bloody Sunday’ victims reveals 9 activists ‘really shot to be killed’
The nine activists targeted by simultaneous police and military operations last March in Calabarzon were “really shot to be killed” by the raiders, Dr. Raquel Fortun, a forensic pathologist from the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Medicine.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Press Freedom/ Freedom of expression
Veteran journo Nonoy Espina writes 30
"Like many journalists, he was materially poor. But in his devotion to the profession and our people he was, as Danny Fabella sang, hindi pangkaraniwang tao.”
Bulatlat
Duterte’s predatory cyberwar against press freedom
For the past months, the websites of Bulatlat, Altermidya, Kodao Productions and Northern Dispatch have been subjected to a series of distributed denial of service (DDOS) attacks, a type of cyberattack aimed at making our content inaccessible to our subscribers.
Bulatlat
Sweden-based forensic experts now subjected to cyberattacks
The Sweden-based digital forensic experts who have been mitigating cyber-attacks against independent news websites in the Philippines are now getting a share of it, following a series of penetration-testing attacks that began on Friday, July 2.
Bulatlat
DOJ junks police’s plea to revive charges vs youth activists
The groups are firm that the filing of charges against them and their members are pure harassment as these charges were later dismissed by the courts.
Bulatlat
Martial Law
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COVID-19
Cases
DOH tallies 164 new COVID-19 deaths, 4,289 more cases
The country logged 164 new COVID-19 fatalities on Wednesday, pushing the total to 25,459, the Department of Health said. It's the second day in a row this week with over a hundred new deaths.
CNN Philippines
Department of Health
DOH: Big possibility of another COVID-19 wave
Another wave of COVID-19 infections caused by more transmissible variants is a “big possibility” so measures to prevent the further spread of the virus should be sustained, the Department of Health (DOH) said.
Philippine Star
LGUs can still require travelers' negative swab test result: DOH
The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday clarified that local government units (LGUs) can still require fully-vaccinated travelers a negative swab test result as requirement for entry into their jurisdictions.
Philippine News Agency
IATF/NTF COVID-19
Lorenzana: No timetable yet for lifting of COVID-19 restrictions
The government has no timeline yet for the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions pending the vaccination of at least 50% of the population, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Wednesday.
GMA News
No hold up of vax for private sector: Galvez
National Task Force (NTF) against Covid-19 Chief Implementer, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr, on Wednesday said the hounding issue circulating online that the government is holding up vaccine supply intended for the private sector is "untrue."
Philippine News Agency
Regions
Luzon including NCR
QC stops giving first dose of COVID-19 vaccines, too, due to supply shortage
Quezon City is the latest among local government units (LGUs) that have halted the administration of the first doses of COVID-19 vaccines due to supply shortage.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Visayas
Aklan gov’t: COVID-19 testing still required for Boracay tourists
The provincial government of Aklan on Wednesday said visitors to the resort island of Boracay are still required to submit a negative swab test for COVID-19 even if already fully vaccinated as shown by their vaccination cards.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Mindanao
Region 12 COVID update: highest single day new infection, deaths
Overall, there are a total of 22,835 COVID-19 confirmed cases reported to DOH CHD SOCCSKSARGEN region. 3,287 (14.39%) are active cases, 18,835 (82.48%) recoveries and 709 (3.10%) COVID-19 related deaths.
NDBC News
World
Vietnam orders virus lockdown in Ho Chi Minh City
Nine million people in Ho Chi Minh City have been ordered into lockdown, state media said Wednesday, as the commercial hub struggles to contain Vietnam’s most serious Covid-19 outbreak so far.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
As lockdown bites, Malaysians hoist white flags in plea for help
When Malaysian mother Hadijah Neamat was struggling to cope during the coronavirus lockdown, she hung a scrap of white cloth outside her window in a plea for help.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Diplomatic, Development and Private Sector
Partnerships for recovery: Bayanihan in Action
This week, Australia’s Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Senator Zed Seselja, is visiting the Philippines as part of his first official visit to the region to build engagement in the country.
Philippine Star
Incidents and Violations
Editorial, Analysis, Opinion and Features
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
Duterte spews expletives at Trillanes over rehashed plunder allegations
President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday pelted former senator Antonio Trillanes IV with expletives, claiming that the latter’s plunder accusations against him were only rehashed allegations.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Online gambling allowed to boost Covid response funds: PRRD
Despite previously being against online gambling in the country, President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday said he was forced to allow the activity to boost the country’s Covid-19 response funds.
Philippine News Agency
Duterte signs law enhancing congressional oversight over energy sector
President Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law a bill enhancing the powers and functions of the Joint Congressional Energy Commission (JCEC).
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Duterte declares July as month of nat’l anti-trafficking in persons awareness month
President Rodrigo Duterte has declared July every year as “National Anti-Trafficking in Persons Awareness Month” to “instill social consciousness” among the public and “mobilize more advocates.”
Philippine Daily Inquirer
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
AUDIT, GRAFT, AND CORRUPTION
CA junks suit of immigration employee in 'pastillas' scam
The Court of Appeals (CA) has turned down a petition filed by one of the 44 Bureau of Immigration (BI) employees facing charges before the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with the "pastillas" bribery scandal last year.
Philippine News Agency
BUDGET, FINANCE, and TAXATION
DTI: Some LGUs base 2021 business renewal fees on pre-pandemic sales
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez has raised concern over some local government units (LGUs) that supposedly base 2021 business renewal fees of restaurants as well as other micro-enterprises on their pre-pandemic earnings, which, according to a senator is “quite alarming.”
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Duterte to ensure oligarchs won't evade taxes
President Rodrigo Duterte is proud of having taken down the country’s oligarchs over the past five years of his administration, vowing to ensure that they would no longer evade taxes.
Philippine News Agency
BUSINESS, ECONOMY AND INVESTMENT
BUILD, BUILD, BUILD and PUBLIC WORKS
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
DISASTER AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Kobong Nawa, Container of Life: An outreach program for the landslide evacuees
MAJORITY of the Tboli families living in Barangay Lamcade rely on farming as their livelihood, specifically those from Sitios Tbob, Upper Lemnongu, and Lower Lemnongu. And so when they needed to evacuate after the heavy flooding and tension cracks in their area, they began to worry about how to feed their families. Around mid-June this year, 250 families from Norala and Tboli, South Cotabato have evacuated due to ground fissures and heavy flooding because of heavy rainfall days before.
Sunstar Davao
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
DEFENSE AND SECURITY
Armed Forces of the Philippines
Philippines to buy more C-130s despite crash in Sulu
The Philippines will continue its procurement of new aircraft even after the crash of a C-130 in Sulu over the weekend, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on Wednesday.
GMA News
Philippine National Police
PNP Chief commends strong AFP-PNP partnership in Northern Luzon
AFP and PNP Commanders in Northern and Central Luzon converged on Tuesday, July 06 at Headquarters Northern Luzon Command for the Area Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Committee (JPSCC) Meeting which was graced by PNP Chief, Police General Guillermo Lorenzo T Eleazar.
Kalinaw News
EDUCATION
INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY
PH population hits 109.03 million in 2020 — PSA
The country’s total population has reached 109,035,343 in 2020, based on the Census of Population and Housing (2020 CPH) conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
Manila Bulletin
ELECTION RELATED
Mayor Sara still mum on political plans for 2022
Wait until the filing of certificate of candidacy from October 1-8, Mayor Sara Duterte told supporters who wanted to know if she was planning to run as president in the 2022 general elections.
MindaNews
Miriam’s supporters, allies disown PRP’s decision to back Sara Duterte
Supporters and close relatives of the late senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago have disowned the decision of the People’s Reform Party (PRP) to support the possible bid for the presidency of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio in 2022.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Pacquiao absence strongly felt in Duterte meeting with PDP-Laban
Senator Manny Pacquiao was notably missing during the meeting of President Rodrigo Duterte with members of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), which was taped Tuesday and aired on Wednesday afternoon.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Duterte ‘seriously thinking’ of running for VP
President Rodrigo Duterte has admitted that he is “sold on the idea” of joining the 2022 vice presidential race.
Philippine News Agency
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
LABOR
DOLE set to lift suspension of OFW deployment to Israel
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is set to lift the temporary suspension of deployment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to Israel anytime soon.
Philippine News Agency
Isabelo de los Reyes: Labor rights trailblazer still relevant 83 years after his death
Not many people are likely to know who Isabelo de los Reyes is but his work continues to be relevant 83 years since his death.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
LEGISLATIVE
Senate of the Philippines
House of Representatives
House panel OKs bill declaring part of PH Rise as protected area
A measure seeking to declare a portion of Philippine Rise as a protected area has hurdled committee level at the House of Representatives.
Philippine News Agency
LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)
OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
FOREIGN RELATIONS
‘We do not make friends in anticipation of what China can give’
President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday denied that his administration has befriended China because of what the East Asian nation could give.
Philippine News Agency
West Philippine Sea
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
‘Not your ordinary cookbook’ | Stories, recipes of women amid lockdown launched
A group of women farmers launched a cookbook that contains stories and recipes in the time of a militarist lockdown and insufficient aid from the government.
Bulatlat
Rice supply in North Cotabato enough
The National Food Authority (NFA) in North Cotabato ensured the public there is enough supply of rice for emergency situations and disaster relief operations. NFA Provincial Manager Angelica Pellein, however, said the agency's buffer stock is only intended for calamity relief operations and emergency response situations based on the request of the local government of North Cotabato and the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
Manila Times
HOUSING and SETTLEMENT
POVERTY
#UndoingDuterte | Food remains out of reach for the poor
For a mother of seven, putting food on the table is a daily struggle.
Bulatlat
SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT
Faster aid distribution expected after SAP: DSWD
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rolando Bautista on Wednesday said the government’s experiences in the implementation of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) proved helpful to come up with faster and more efficient assistance distribution.
Philippine News Agency
TRANSPORTATION
TOURISM
WATER and ENERGY
Davao City water distributor completes infra for bulk water supply
THE DAVAO City Water District (DCWD) has completed the rehabilitation and expansion of its distribution network in preparation for the bulk supply project that is expected to be online before yearend.
Business World
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