70 former NPA rebels in NoCot ready for reintegration
North Cotabato Governor Nancy Catamco on Friday lauded 70 former communist rebels who are now ready for reintegration into mainstream society after completing their 15-day deradicalization program.
Philippine News Agency
Caraga police chief warns cops vs. NPA assassins
The Police Regional Office in Caraga (PRO-13) has warned its personnel to be on alert in the wake of a new threat by the communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the area.
Philippine News Agency
Peace talks
Joma looks past the ‘treacherous’ Duterte for peace talks resumption
National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) chief political consultant Jose Maria Sison looks past the Rodrigo Duterte administration for the possible resumption of the stalled peace negotiations between the Left and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP).
Kodao Productons
Incidents/Operations
NPA, Dawlah Islamiya supporters surrender firearms to Army
The military collected Friday 42 assorted firearms from sympathizers of the New People’s Army and the Dawlah Islamiya in Maitum and nearby towns in Sarangani province.
Philippine Star
5 suspected NPA rebels, sympathizer surrender in Isabela — Army
Five suspected New People’s Army rebels and a militiaman surrendered with their weapons to the Philippine Army’s 95th Infantry Battalion and police on Thursday here, a belated military report said on Saturday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
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A year into Anti-Terror Law, kin of terror-tagged peace consultant left with frozen assets, constant anxiety
Peace consultant Rey Claro Casambre has been detained since 2018 for a crime that he said he did not commit. While in jail, he found himself being accused in May of being a terrorist.
Philippine Star
As Anti-Terror Law turns year old, BAYAN says proven right over its 'weaponization'
Critics of the controversial Anti-Terror Law were “proven correct” in their opposition towards the measure, as they recorded incidents that the law is being used to “terrorize the public,” Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) said on the anniversary of the measure becoming law.
ABS-CBN News
Student journos appeal anew to junk Anti-Terror Law
As the nation marked the first year of the Anti-Terror Law, student journalists sought anew for its scrapping due to its provisions “meant to crush down every campus journalists’ responsibility for critical reportage.”
Manila Bulletin
MARAWI
SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE WORLD
Dirty money: How the banks and AUSTRAC are fighting back against financial crime
Earlier this year in the National Australia Bank’s Docklands headquarters, a fraud officer noticed a suspicious pattern of transactions made by a 70-year-old woman.
The Sydney Morning Herald
Lone-wolf terrorist attacks ‘unlikely’ to become popular in HK but external incitement won’t stop: experts
Hong Kong Secretary of Security Chris Tang Ping-keung on Saturday strongly slammed those mourning the suspect who stabbed a police officer before killing himself on Thursday night, saying it is glorifying and encouraging violence and terrorism.
Global Times
Associate of London Bridge attacker jailed over 9/11 anniversary video
A known extremist has been jailed for sharing a video glorifying terrorism on the 18th anniversary of the 9/11 atrocities.
The Independent UK
Radicalization Of Women A Worrying Trend – Analysis
A former part-time religious teacher and housewife in Singapore was detained in April this year for planning to Syria to join Islamic State (IS) group. In August last year, she was found to have been radicalised by her Malaysian husband and supported his intention to travel together along with their two children to join IS.
Eurasia Reviews
Conspiracy theories and religion invade political mainstream
Over the past few years, we have witnessed extremist politics penetrating the U.S. Republican Party, alongside the burgeoning of insane conspiracy theories like QAnon.
Big News Network
[Opinion] Trickle Down Extremism
The outstanding feature of politics nowadays goes something like, “They can’t possibly top this.” And then they do.
Sierra Nevada Daily
Facebook warns users of extremism as conservatives slam ‘Orwellian thought police’
An eyebrow-raising new Facebook feature warns users when they might have been exposed to extremist content or if they know someone who is becoming an extremist — prompting concerns it may target conservative voices and stifle free speech.
New York Post
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BARMM
Barmm releases P37-M medical aid for indigents
THE Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm), through the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD), has already released some P37 million in medical fund intended to support destitute patients across Barmm.
Sunstar Zamboanga
[Opinion] Unity caravans for the BARMM's 1st election postponement and transition extension
Two major activities in mid-June 2021 triggered the Mindanao-wide unity caravans on June 23, 2021 that called for the postponement of the first Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) election in 2022 that would subsequently extend the region's transition timeline to 2025.
Manila Times
MAGUINDANAO AND COTABATO CITY
Daulah Islamiyah member killed in Maguindanao clash —military
A member of the Daulah Islamiyah-Hassan Group was killed in a gun battle with the military in Ampatuan, Maguindanao on Friday.
GMA News
BARMM opens another Covid-19 facility in Maguindanao
Maguindanao has a new 100-bed isolation facility for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) patients in Buluan town.
Philippine News Agency
LANAO PROVINCES
Police chief warns of possible circulation of fake bills in Iligan City
The Iligan City Police Office issued on Saturday a warning to the public of the possible proliferation of fake bills, a day after the owner of a food store reported receiving a fake 1,000-peso bill as payment.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
BASILAN
SULU
TAWI-TAWI
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DRUGS
PNP chief: No clear info yet on whereabouts of drug suspect Peter Lim
The Philippine National Police is continuing to verify reports that suspected drug lord Peter Lim has escaped the country, its chief Police Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said Saturday.
ABS- CBN News
Operations/ Incidents
Drug suspect busted in Lucena City sting
A 31-year-old jobless man who turned to the illegal drug trade was arrested and yielded over P220,000 worth of shabu (crystal meth) here on Friday, police said Saturday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Pasay wages war vs. illegal drugs amid pandemic
Despite the gargantuan task of containing the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic, the Pasay City local government still managed to clear five more villages of illegal drugs, bringing the total to 66 out of 201 barangays as of Saturday.
Philippine News Agency
P1.25-M shabu seized in Taguig drug busts
Authorities seized 195 grams of suspected shabu worth P1.25 million in two buy-bust operations in Taguig City. On June 2, a joint operation of the Regional Intelligence Division and Taguig Police in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) resulted in the arrest of suspect Rohane Palog at the vicinity of Lakay restaurant in New Lower Bicutan.
Manila Bulletin
P3.4-M 'shabu' seized in Cavite, 2 suspects nabbed
AT least two drug suspects were arrested and P3.4 million worth of shabu was confiscated during an anti-narcotics operation in Cavite.
Manila Times
Man yields P30,000 in `shabu’
LAW ENFORCERS arrested a 30-year old man who yielded about P30,000 in what was believed to be shabu at the Task Force Davao checkpoint in Licanan, Lasang on Thursday.
Mindanao Times
3 drug personalities nabbed in Marikina sting
Police seized Friday night over P400,000 worth of shabu from three drug personalities in a buy-bust operation in Marikina City.
Manila Bulletin
Recovery and Rehabilitation
ILLICIT FIREARMS, EXPLOSIVES, AND AMMUNITION
Arms cache, marijuana seized in Bulacan raid
An alleged supplier of guns and ammunition to private armed groups was arrested in Malolos, Bulacan on Thursday.
Philippine Star
CROSS-BORDER TRADING/ SMUGGLING/ COUNTERFEIT GOODS
BOC destroys P2-B counterfeit items in Bulacan
The Bureau of Customs (BOC)-Port of Manila (POM) on Saturday destroyed counterfeit items including branded shoes, beauty products worth PHP2 billion in Bulacan.
Philippine News Agency
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Country still Tier 1, but lacks convictions in trafficking
The Philippines continues to meet the minimum standards for the elimination of human trafficking, but failed to “convict any officials for complicity in trafficking crimes” and “did not vigorously investigate labor trafficking crimes,” the US State Department said in a report.
Philippine Star
KIDNAPPING/ ABDUCTION
ILLEGAL GAMBLING
ILLICIT FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS/ EXTORTION
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Bukidnon families forced out of military reserve ask to be allowed to farm
Five hundred farming families – properly registered with the government as a cooperative – appeal to be allowed to farm again after the Army utilized their village for training, as part of a 46,000-hectare military reserve.
Rappler
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Rights group urges Tagum court to junk murder raps against 6 rights defenders
In his reinvestigation report dated May 24, Prosecution Attorney James Noel V. Morente stated, “After a careful perusal of the records of this case, this office is constrained to dismiss the instant complaint for lack of probable cause against the aforementioned accused-movants.”
Bulatlat
Rights groups welcome efforts to hold Duterte accountable
"We shall continue to work in all possible venues to seek justice, make this regime accountable for its crimes, and put a stop to the killings or else, this will go on and on as long as Duterte remains in power and beyond.”
Bulatlat
Antique PDLs sustain families through mushroom production
Persons deprived of liberty (PDL) at the Antique Rehabilitation Center (ARC) here sustain their families through their income from mushroom production.
Philippine News Agency
Press Freedom/ Freedom of expression
[Opinion] Media empires in time of pandemic
The two-sided face of show business has never been as volatile and game-changing since the onslaught of the Covid-19 pandemic with its resurging equally fatal variants.
Manila Times
https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/07/03/entertainment-
Martial Law
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COVID-19
Cases
PH’s active COVID-19 cases down to 53,665 due to 7,698 recoveries
The country’s active COVID-19 case count as of Saturday, July 3 was at 53,665, slightly lower compared to the previous day’s tally due to 7,698 new recoveries.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
90 new COVID-19 deaths push PH’s death toll past 25,000-mark
COVID-19 deaths in the country breached the 25,000-mark after the Department of Health (DOH) reported 90 new casualties on Saturday, July 3.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Department of Health
PH still studying possible use of mixed Covid-19 vax
The Department of Health (DOH) is waiting for additional studies that would prove that combining different coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines is safe.
Philippine News Agency
Duque: No local cases of Delta COVID-19 variant in Philippines yet
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Saturday said there are no local cases of the more dangerous Delta variant in the Philippines yet.
GMA News
IATF/NTF COVID-19
PH pandemic situation ‘fragile’ despite low risk status
The country's coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) situation remains "fragile" despite a low risk classification, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Saturday.
Philippine News Agency
Filipinos express increasing ‘likes’ for vaccines
More Filipinos are reacting positively to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines as the government continues to ramp up the national vaccination program.
Philippine News Agency
NTF, law enforcers go after sellers of Covid-19 jabs
The National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 will not take cases of illegal vaccine sales sitting down.
Philippine News Agency
Regions
Luzon including NCR
Benguet’s active Covid-19 cases down to 290
Consistent adherence to health and safety protocols resulted in Benguet’s lowest single-day record of seven cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) on June 16.
Philippine News Agency
Visayas
Bacolod City administers almost 65K doses of Covid vax as of June
The city government has administered some 64,513 doses of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines to its residents from March 5 up to June 30, data from the Emergency Operations Center-Task Force (EOC-TF) on Friday showed.
Philippine News Agency
Mindanao
Zambo biz group seeks inoculation of A4 group
The Zamboanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation Inc. (ZCCIFI) has requested the Department of Health (DOH) and City Health Office to vaccinate persons under the A4 priority group here.
Philippine News Agency
World
Indonesia expects COVID-19 cases to rise despite stricter curbs
Indonesia expects COVID-19 infections to keep rising for up to two weeks before curbs introduced on Saturday on more than 100 million people begin to reduce cases, a government minister said.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Diplomatic, Development and Private Sector
Incidents and Violations
Editorial, Analysis, Opinion and Features
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
Duterte downplays 'legacy'
President Rodrigo Duterte downplayed the legacy he will leave behind when his term ends in 2022. "Nothing," the President replied when asked by reporters about his administration's accomplishments.
Manila Times
Seat of Power: Duterte supporter on why President still popular on last year
Rodrigo Duterte's teflon popularity is one of the biggest riddles of his presidency, at least to many political analysts and observers.
Rappler
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
Robredo’s Swab Cab rolls out in Naga City
Vice President Leni Robredo’s Swab Cab, a mobile antigen testing program, has arrived in her hometown of Naga City to help its local government unit to curb rising coronavirus cases.
Manila Bulletin
PNoy wrote letter to Robredo after husband’s death
More than a month after former Interior and local government secretary Jesse Robredo was laid to rest, then President Benigno Aquino III penned a personal letter to his widow, now Vice President Leni Robredo. He wrote that she and her children “were a source of strength” and assured them that his door would remain open for them.
Manila Bulletin
AUDIT, GRAFT, AND CORRUPTION
DSWD ready to face probe, clarify Pacquiao’s corruption claims
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has assured the public that it is willing to face any investigation on the disbursement of subsidies under the social amelioration program (SAP) after Senator Manny Pacquiao made claims of corruption.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
BUDGET, FINANCE, and TAXATION
PH plans cryptocurrency exchange
The Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) wants to be front and center when regulators give the go signal for the trading of cryptocurrencies.
CNN Philippines
DBM: Gov’t workers from home can reimburse P75-300/month for internet expenses
Government employees who worked from home amid the pandemic can reimburse P75-300 per month to cover their internet expenses, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Port of Davao collects 18.6 B pesos in revenues first half of 2021, surpasses target by 1.1 B
The Port of Davao posted PhP 18.6 billion in revenues collected from January to June 2021, surpassing by PhP 1.1 billion its collection target of PhP 17.5 billion for the first half of the year.
MindaNews
BUSINESS, ECONOMY AND INVESTMENT
Industry leaders urge coordinated policies, new recovery strategies
Industry thought leaders called for urgent coordinated policy reforms and new development strategies to strengthen the country’s competitiveness through trade and investments.
Manila Bulletin
BUILD, BUILD, BUILD and PUBLIC WORKS
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
DISASTER AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Taal Volcano remains restive, minor eruptions recorded — Phivolcs
Taal Volcano’s main crater lake has remained restive, resulting in a volcanic plume that is around 2.4 kilometers high according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Highest volcanic SO2 gas emission recorded from Taal Volcano
The highest levels of volcanic sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas emission and tall, steam-rich plumes from the Taal Main Crater have been recorded Saturday.
Philippine News Agency
[Opinion] Why do disasters happen? Debunking common misconceptions
We often hear the term “natural disasters” – referring to how a natural phenomenon causes a disaster. But this commonly used phrase is a fallacy, a misconceived notion that presumes disasters as naturally occurring.
Rappler
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
DEFENSE AND SECURITY
Armed Forces of the Philippines
Philippine National Police
EDUCATION
149 senior high school teachers in Zambo face termination
A total of 149 senior high school teachers here are facing termination for lack of qualification, an education official said Saturday.
Philippine News Agency
INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY
ELECTION RELATED
Amid PDP-Laban infighting, political parties opening doors for Pacquiao
Many political groups are now opening their doors for Senator Manny Pacquiao amid the infighting in the ruling PDP-Laban, the senator himself disclosed on Saturday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Pacquiao thinks Duterte unaware, ‘misinformed’ on gov’t corruption
Senator Manny Pacquiao believes President Rodrigo Duterte may be clueless or “misinformed” on the alleged corruption that the senator himself disclosed on Saturday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Gibo back in Davao, to promote COVID-19 vaccination with Mayor Sara
Former defense secretary Gilbert Teodoro on Saturday travelled to Davao City to get his second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as part of efforts with Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio to encourage more people to get the jab.
ABS-CBN News
‘Lust for power, fear fuel Duterte’s VP run’
President Duterte’s “interest” in another high-ranking position is only fueled by a “lust for power and fear of retribution,” a member of the House of Representatives said on Friday after the 76-year-old leader said he would run for Vice President in next year’s election “to maintain equilibrium.”
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Duterte 'showing selfish, twisted interests' in Halalan 2022, says PDP-Laban official
An official of the ruling PDP-Laban lashed out at President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday amid a widening rift in the administration party.
ABS- CBN News
Can Duterte run for VP? Lawyer says no prohibition in Constitution
A lawyer on Saturday said there is no prohibition in the Constitution that prevents President Rodrigo Duterte from seeking another elective post in the 2022 national elections, unless if he’s running for the same position. Domingo Cayosa, president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, said there is no categorical prohibition in Article 7, Section 4 of the Constitution.
ABS- CBN News
[Opinion] 2022 is PNoy versus Digong: Decency versus loudmouth braggart
Duterte highlights his power with constant bragging, with 'panghulga' – threats to those who go against him. But he now has only less than a year left in office.
Rappler
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
LABOR
LEGISLATIVE
Senate of the Philippines
Go recognizes crucial role of social workers in communities
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go lauded President Rodrigo Duterte for declaring June 19 of every year as Filipino Social Workers’ Day to recognize the indispensable role of social workers and their invaluable contribution to nation-building particularly in promoting the welfare of poor and vulnerable sectors.
Philippine News Agency
House of Representatives
LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)
OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
FOREIGN RELATIONS
West Philippine Sea
[Opinion] Duterte should reconsider ICC strategy
In this column, part of a series on ICC Prosecutor Ms. Fatou Bensouda’s Request for authorization filed before the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate the situation in the Philippines between 1 November 2011 and 16 March 2019 in connection with President Duterte’s war on drugs (WoD) campaign, I highlight the dynamics of the murders allegedly committed as Bensouda analyzed.
Manila Standard
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
HOUSING and SETTLEMENT
POVERTY
Cooperatives to rebound from Covid pandemic
INDUSTRY stakeholders expressed optimism on the recovery of different cooperatives in the country that will help address unemployment and poverty amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
Manila Times
SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT
TRANSPORTATION
TOURISM
D.O.T. reignites local food tourism as culinary trips reopen
The local food tourism scene hopes to get back on its feet following the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) latest leg of KAIN NA! Food and Travel Festival in Angeles City, Pampanga, from June 11 to 13.
Business Mirror
WATER and ENERGY
Three hydro power plants in Benguet forced to shut down
Three three run-of-river hydropower plants in Benguet have been forced to stop operations. This, as members of the Bakun local government unit, together with representatives from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples-Cordillera Administrative Region (NCIP-CAR) and the Bakun Indigenous Tribes Organization (BITO), implemented on Wednesday a forced shutdown of Lower Labay, Lon-oy, and FLS hydropower plant facilities in Bakun.
Manila Times
DOE grants 6 months emergency power supply to Albay power
The Department of Energy (DOE) on Friday has issued to the Albay Power Energy Corporation (APEC), the concessioner of the Albay Electric Cooperative (ALECO), the temporary exemption to procure under a negotiated emergency power supply agreement (EPSA) 40 megawatts power supply from June 26 to Dec. 25, 2021.
Philippine News Agency
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