Philippine military says Senate probe will be chance to expose Reds’ ‘duplicity’
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday (Oct. 30) said it welcomed the Senate plan to investigate red-tagging being pushed by Sen. Panfilo Lacson.
Philippine Daily Inquirer | Philippine News Agency
Ex-activist comes out as NTF-ELCAC source
A former activist actively involved in the anti-communist campaign using an assumed identity has turned out to be the “ace resource person” of controversial Southern Luzon Command chief Maj. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr., after being unmasked by a leader of a militant student organization.
Philippine Star
[Opinion] Pushback slows down red-tagging spree
It seems that time is up for reckoning on the crude, arrogant and irresponsible red-tagging campaign, waged mainly by the military and police at the behest of the National Task Force to End the Local Communist Armed Confict or NTF-ELCAC. Created and nominally headed by President Duterte, the task force is overseen by his national security adviser, retired Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr.
Philippine Star
[Opinion] Parents and activists unite in 2020
Who wouldn’t sympathize with parents Francis and Relissa Lucena who went to the Supreme Court to beg that their daughter Alicia Jasper (AJ) Lucena, a full-time activist, be returned to them?
Manila Bulletin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Army hails ‘courage’ of teener in confessing to rape by NPA leader
A 20-year-old woman filed a complaint of rape against an alleged communist rebel leader for the sexual assault of her 17-year-old sister in a case which the military bannered as a confirmation of recruitment of minors by the rebels.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Revolutionary forces to assist typhoon-struck communities
Red fighters of the New People’s Army together with other revolutionary organizations have started relief and rehabilitation efforts in communities affected by the recent typhoon Quinta. “Efforts are underway to collect and distribute food, water and other aid,” CPP Chief Information Officer Marco L. Valbuena, said in a Twitter post.
Communist Party of the Philippines
“LOCAL PEACE ENGAGEMENT CLUSTER of NOTF-ELCAC MEETS Bishop Cortes”
The 302nd Infantry Achiever Brigade Commander, COL LEONARDO I PEÑA (MNSA) PA together with the Local Peace Engagement cluster of NOTF-ELCAC members spearheaded by Provincial Director Johnjoan Mende of DILG met the Diocese of Dumaguete being led by Bishop Julito Cortes pertaining to the efforts on collaboration of the programs to advance peace and security development in the province on October 28, 2020 at the Marian Priest Center, Dumaguete Cathedral Compound, Brgy 3, Dumaguete City, NOR.
Kalinaw News
“Surrender now so we can marry and have a family,” girl tells NPA lover
Love can move mountains, so as the saying goes.The old maxim rang true when the women who helped convince their would-be husbands to abandon the communist rebel movement tied the knot in a mass wedding in Antipas, North Cotabato on Thursday.
NDBC News | Philippine News Agency
Peace talks
Incidents/Operations
|
|
Putting persons on surveillance should have authorization under anti-terror law, says Biazon
Muntinlupa City Rep. Ruffy Biazon said Friday proper process should be followed if the controversial Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 would be used to justify putting persons—such as the House of Representatives’ Makabayan bloc members—under surveillance.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Red-tagging may jeopardize Anti-Terrorism Act implementation — Zubiri
The “red-tagging” of groups and personalities by military officials only worsened confusion and fear on the Anti-Terrorism Act, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri said on Friday.
Manila Bulletin
Bayan Muna files new motion vs anti-terror law
Expressing fear for their lives, the Makabayan bloc at the House of Representatives has again asked the Supreme Court to stop the implementation of Republic Act (RA) 11479 or the “Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) of 2020.”
Manila Times
Assets of 'terrorists' will be frozen without thorough AMLC probe or court order
Senators criticize the 'broad' power of the AMLC to issue freeze orders without court permission even though they voted to pass the anti-terror law
Rappler
MARAWI
Bangsamoro gov't creates P500-M Marawi rehabilitation program
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has launched a rehabilitation program which will focus on all its Marawi-related projects.
Rappler
Rebuilding Marawi: Too Early for Congratulations
Peace might have returned to Marawi, but the social conditions underpinning the region’s radicalization persist.
The Diplomat
SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE WORLD
US to Use Iranian Fuel Sale Proceeds to Support Victims of Terrorism
The US administration plans to use proceeds from the sale of fuel confiscated from Iranian tankers to benefit victims of terrorism, officials announced Thursday.
Asharq Al-Awsat
Terrorists not Muslims, says ex-French president
The terrorists must not be confused with Muslims, former French President Francois Hollande warned Friday.
"These Islamist terrorists want there to be a war between religions," Hollande said while reacting to the deadly knife attack in Nice city, which left three people dead.
Anadolu Agency
Council of Europe leaders condemn terrorist attack in Nice
We are deeply shocked and saddened by the barbaric and cowardly terrorist act in Nice on Thursday.
Council of Europe
After terrorist attacks, Muslims wonder about their place in France
At the age of 42, Mehdy Belabbas embodied the French republican promise of upward social mobility: As the son of a Muslim construction worker of Algerian descent, he was the first in his family to attend graduate school and for 12 years was deputy mayor of the work-class city where he grew up .And yet, Mr Belabbas has only thought about one thing in the last two weeks: “I wonder if I should leave France.”
AlKhaleej Today
[Opinion] After another tragedy, France should be combating terrorism, not criminalizing Muslims
Once more, France has been struck by tragedy. A knife attack on Thursday at a church in Nice — by a man who later reportedly shouted “Allahu akbar” at police — killed at least three people. Less than two weeks earlier, the horrific murder of a teacher had spread rage and emotion across the country. The alleged killer, a Muslim teenager who was offended by the cartoons of the prophet Muhammad that Samuel Paty shared in his classroom, beheaded the teacher near a school in a Paris suburb on Oct. 16.
The Washington Post
[Opinion] The Answer to Extremism Isn’t More Extremism
America’s left and right are radicalizing each other, and the precedents from overseas are deeply unsettling.
The Atlantic
5 reasons not to underestimate far-right extremists
Far-right extremists have been in the news, with an alleged plot to kidnap Michigan’s governor and rallies like the one the Proud Boys held in Portland in September.
The Conversation
Vocational training to prevent terrorism can be counterproductive
Numerous programmes to prevent and counter violent extremism in Africa, including those aimed at peacebuilding, include vocational training in their activities. Many push and pull factors are linked to terrorism and conflict, including a lack of education and job opportunities. Filling these gaps can help build societies resilient to conflict and in which individuals are less likely to be recruited by armed groups.
Institute for Security Studies
Facebook hits pause on algorithmic recommendations for political and social issue groups
With just days to go before the U.S. election, Facebook quietly suspended one of its most worrisome features.
During Wednesday’s Senate hearing Senator Ed Markey asked Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg about reports that his company has long known its group recommendations push people toward more extreme content. Zuckerberg responded that the company had actually disabled that feature for certain groups — a fact Facebook had not previously announced.
Tech Crunch
Trump awards special ops unit that took out ISIS leader Baghdadi with presidential citation
President Trump this week awarded a Presidential Unit Citation to the U.S. special operations unit involved in the killing of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi last year.
The Washington Times
Turkey arrests 16 Daesh/ISIS terror suspects
Provincial anti-terror teams in Black Sea province carried out simultaneous operations to arrest suspects
Anadolu Agency
|
|
BARMM
Minister Iqbal files Bangsamoro Education Code
Education Minister and Member of Parliament Mohagher Iqbal filed the proposed Bangsamoro Education Code (BEC) in the Bangsamoro Transition Authority parliament during a special session on Wednesday, October 28.
NDBC News
MAGUINDANAO AND COTABATO CITY
[Excerpt] The Maguindanao Massacre
from Jesus Dureza's still-to-be published book I Walked with Presidents
In 2009, after Congress created the Mindanao Development Authority (MINDA) (after being Press Secretary and my short stint as Chief Presidential Legal Counsel) I was appointed as chairman of MINDA during the presidency of President Gloria Arroyo. It was during that time that another tragedy took place. It was known as the infamous MAGUINDANAO MASSACRE.
Mindanao Times
NoCot guv backs learning innovation amid pandemic
North Cotabato Governor Nancy Catamco on Friday expressed support for innovations that would boost education under the “new normal” in the province.
Philippine News Agency
LANAO PROVINCES
IS-inspired militant yields in Lanao
A member of the Islamic State-inspired Dawlah Islamiya terrorist group has surrendered to government troops in Lanao del Sur, officials said Friday.
Philippine News Agency
BASILAN
Abu Sayyaf Leader in Basilan Killed, Philippine Military Says
A senior Abu Sayyaf militant suspected of planning a 2018 suicide bomb attack on Basilan Island in the southern Philippines was killed in a firefight with government forces last month, the military belatedly confirmed Friday.
BenarNews | Business Mirror
SULU
Abu Sayyaf member behind kidnapping of Indonesian sailors surrenders
An Abu Sayyaf Group member, involved in the kidnapping of Indonesian seafarers off Sabah, Malaysia last January, surrendered to the military on Friday.
CNN Philippines | Sunstar Zamboanga
Bombing plot foiled in Sulu
A bombing attempt in Jolo, Sulu was prevented after a concerned netizen reported an improvised explosive device (IED) made allegedly by a local terrorist, the military said Friday.
ABS- CBN
TAWI-TAWI
|
|
DRUGS
First in Asia: Podcast on Duterte’s drug war in US Library of Congress’ archives
A podcast series about President Rodrigo Duterte‘s signature drug war becomes the first audio documentary series in the Philippines and Asia to be archived in the US Library of Congress’ Podcast Preservation Project.
Interaksyon
Operations/ Incidents
Midsayap tanod nabbed for selling P680,000 worth of shabu
State agents seized P680,000 worth of shabu from a barangay tanod who fell in an entrapment operation in Midsayap, North Cotabato Wednesday.
NDBC News
Gov’t employee, pal nabbed in Zambo anti-drug op
Police arrested on Friday a government employee and a colleague who are both listed as high-value individuals (HVI) in a predawn anti-drug operation in this southern port city, an official said.
Philippine News Agency
HVT drug personality nabbed
Operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) backed by policemen arrested a high-value target (HVT) drug personality in an anti-drug operation in the province of Zamboanga del Norte, a PDEA official said.
Sunstar Zamboanga
CCPO collars Carreta resident, hauls over P3M worth of shabu
Police seized P3.5 million worth of illegal drugs after they arrested a suspected pusher in La Tresas, Barangay Labangon, Cebu City past 10 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, 2020.
Sunstar Cebu
Recovery and Rehabilitation
ILLICIT FIREARMS, EXPLOSIVES, AND AMMUNITION
CROSS-BORDER TRADING/ SMUGGLING/ COUNTERFEIT GOODS
Malaysia still world's top country for illegal cigarette trade
The contraband cigarette trade continues to grow in the country, despite the Covid-19 pandemic, which has brought much of the economy to a halt.
New Straits Times
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Malaysia tightens security in Sabah amid Covid-19 surge, by checking on 'rat lanes'
Malaysian security forces in Sabah state have stepped up operations against illegal immigrants trying to slip into the state via backdoor routes, amid a surge in Covid-19 cases.
The Straits Times
KIDNAPPING/ ABDUCTION
NBI arrests 4 Chinese, 2 Filipinos for alleged kidnapping racket
Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested four Chinese nationals and two Filipinos cohorts in Las Piñas City for alleged kidnapping activity.
Philippine Daily Inquirer | CNN Philippines
ILLEGAL GAMBLING
ILLICIT FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS/ EXTORTION
|
|
Manila’s new China-backed airport bogged down by land reclamation controversy
Activists say officials are exploiting anti-Covid restrictions to go ahead with major development projects when communities are unable to protest
China Dialogue
|
|
Filipina architect for culture and heritage
"I BELIEVE that architects play a vital role in showing the cultural identity of a place may it be a small site or as huge as an entire country. It is vital that we have this cultural identity so that when people come to our place, they see the Philippines and not just a collage of different international identities. Architects can promote the relevance of architecture by promoting the culture of the place."
Sunstar Davao
PSC upholds IP traditions in spite of pandemic
The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) continues to uphold and preserve the culture of indigenous people (IP) in spite of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
In 2018, the PSC established the IP Games, where the sports of IPs are celebrated to keep their traditions alive.
Manila Times
|
|
‘Undas’ sans justice for slain activists
The widow of human rights lawyer Benjamin “Ben” Ramos Jr. has chosen to stay outside the country, away from her three children, as she remains unsure of her safety following the assassination of her husband almost two years ago.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
[Editorial] The Pope’s strong signal
One story that has emerged from the AIDS years illustrates exactly what Pope Francis meant when he called for allowing “civil unions” between LGBTQ couples, the better to “protect” their rights.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
[Podcast] How Can Filipinxs Join the Fight Against Anti-Blackness?
Truth Be Told is a space where Black and Indigenous people and other people of color can talk to each other about identity and find wisdom within our own communities. We get questions from our listeners all the time, but we can't answer them all in our podcast. So we are trying something new by introducing our new column, “Conversations with Wise Ones.”
KQEd
Press Freedom/ Freedom of expression
Martial Law
|
|
|
COVID-19
Cases
87.2% Covid-19 cases have recovered: DOH
The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday reported that 330,457 individuals, or 87.2 percent of the country’s total coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases, have recovered after 636 new recoveries were recorded.
Philippine News Agency
Department of Health
DOH assures public flu vaccines in PH are safe
The Department of Health (DOH) assured the public that the influenza vaccines in the country are safe for use amid concerns raised on such vaccines in Singapore and South Korea.
Manila Bulletin
IATF/NTF COVID-19
NDRRMC advisory: Brace for double whammy of COVID-19, Typhoon Rolly
The government’s main disaster preparedness agency advised people to exercise extra vigilance against coronavirus while they brace for Typhoon Rolly (international name Goni) or take shelter when the storm, packing winds nearing super typhoon strength, whips their communities.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Galvez lauds Makati City gov’t for sharp drop in COVID-19 cases
Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., chief implementer of the National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19, has commended the efforts of the local government unit (LGU) of Makati City to prevent the spread of the disease in one of the biggest financial hubs in the country.
Manila Bulletin
Regions
Luzon including NCR
DPWH’s biggest quarantine facility in Metro opens in Marikina
A 136-bed capacity quarantine facility built and funded by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the biggest in Metro Manila, was inaugurated in Marikina City on Friday (Oct 30) boosting the city’s isolation capacity of people infected with coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Manila Bulletin
It’s final: Metro Manila under GCQ in Nov
MetroManila will remain under general community quarantine (GCQ) in November amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
Manila Times
Batangas, Cavite top latest count of new COVID-19 cases; less than 6 per cent of active cases are critical, severe
The country’s COVID-19 cases crossed the 378,000-mark after 2,006 new infections were reported by the Department of Health (DOH) on Friday.
Manila Bulletin
Visayas
Mindanao
Duterte-Carpio: Public has until November 1 buy liquor
With several Dabawenyos seen storming different liquor stores days before the effectivity of the reimplementation of the 24-hour liquor ban, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio reminded the public not to resort into panic-buying.
Sunstar Davao
Mayor Sara tells Davao folk to replace alcoholic drinks with water, juice
As residents flocked to supermarkets to stock up on alcoholic drinks on Friday, a day after Mayor Sara Duterte announced she would restore the 24/7 liquor ban from Nov. 2 to Dec. 31 this year, the official told them to drink water and fresh juice instead during the holidays.
Mindanews
World
What we can learn from 1918's deadly second wave
In the deadly fall wave of the 1918 flu pandemic, millions of people were doomed because they didn't know what we know now about how viruses and respiratory illnesses spread.
CNN Philippines
Europe tried a scalpel on the second wave. Now it's going back to the sledgehammer
Europe's whack-a-mole strategy of imposing local lockdowns to squash the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic didn't work. Now it's time to pull out the big guns.
CNN Philippines
China’s ‘Secret Weapon’ Against COVID-19 Won’t Work for Post-Pandemic Economic Recovery
China enjoyed the international spotlight recently because more than 630 million people traveled during the Golden Week holiday surrounding National Day, October 1. The Chinese government pitched the resumption of travel as the apex of China’s victory against the COVID-19 pandemic. Many specialists in China attribute the effective management of the pandemic to the nationwide lockdown, and the “secret weapon” of this successful lockdown was mobilization. Despite successful mobilization in enforcing the lockdown, however, the Chinese government has encountered difficulties in the post-pandemic economic recovery phase. The government has tried to harness mobilization efforts to boost consumption and reduce unemployment, but both attempts have ended in failure.
The Diplomat
Florida becomes third state to surpass 800,000 total COVID-19 cases
Florida has surpassed 800,000 total COVID-19 cases, according to the Johns Hopkins University Covid-19 dashboard, becoming the third state in the US to surpass this mark, behind California and Texas.
CNN Philippines
9 new Covid-19 cases in Singapore, including 1 in community and 7 imported
There were nine new coronavirus cases confirmed as at Friday noon (Oct 30), taking Singapore's total to 58,003.
The Straits Times
Australia bushfire inquiry warns ‘compounding disasters’ to come
Australians should be ready for “compounding” overlapping crises as they face more frequent, costly and severe climate change-worsened disasters, an inquiry into the nation’s recent historic bushfires warned Friday.
Manila Bulletin
Diplomatic, Development and Private Sector
Incidents and Violations
Editorial, Analysis, Opinion and Features
Scientists want tax on meat consumption
Policymakers should consider levying taxes on livestock production and meat consumption to reduce the risk of future deadly pandemics, international experts said on Thursday, as they published a study calling for better protection of nature.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
Duterte creates task force on covid-19 Immunization
The government is setting up a task force to manage the distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine once it becomes available, as well as the conduct of nationwide immunization.
Philippine Star
Eyebrows raised over a mascot Duterte punching a mascot virus
A mascot of President Rodrigo Duterte throwing a punch at another mascot representing the coronavirus appeared at a press conference for a joint movement that aims to help the government secure China’s Sinovac vaccine.
Interaksyon
Cayetano to remain Duterte ‘partner for change’
Taguig Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano has vowed to remain an ally of President Duterte despite his ouster as House speaker earlier this month.
Philippine Star
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
Asked where she’d focus if she were president, Robredo says trust, accountability
Anyone including Vice President Leni Robredo would find it difficult to explain, in a limited time, the things she would have done if she were this country’s president.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
AUDIT, GRAFT, AND CORRUPTION
Why experts have serious doubts about Duterte’s ‘corruption crackdown’
President Duterte is known for turning to dramatic shows of outrage and the firing of officials to 'fight' corruption. Is the latest task force just another 'show'?
Rappler
Ombudsman to continue with own corruption probes parallel with ‘mega task force’
Ombudsman Samuel Martires assured that it will continue to conduct its own investigations into alleged anomalies in the government parallel with the anti-corruption task force formed by President Rodrigo Duterte to probe irregularities in the “entire government.”
Philippine Star
Red flag on DepEd’s P1.9 billion
COA rings alarm over unpaid cash advances as corruption probe widens
The Commission on Audit has flagged the Department of Education for unliquidated cash advances of P1.9 billion in 2019.
Manila Standard
BUDGET, FINANCE, and TAXATION
As tax base shrinks during pandemic, proposed law seeks to cut revenue sources
The Duterte government is pushing for a bill cutting the corporate income tax in exchange for strict limits to tax perks enjoyed by investors. Economists however warn against eroding the revenue base at a time of a pandemic, when funds are needed the most.
Mindanews
BUSINESS, ECONOMY AND INVESTMENT
Aboitiz InfraCapital eyes expansion of small cell business
Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. on Friday said it is studying to expand its small cell network business in key cities in the Visayas and Mindanao to help telcos improve their services.
Business World
BUILD, BUILD, BUILD and PUBLIC WORKS
Developers seen to benefit from resumption of infra projects
The resumption of construction activities, particularly for key infrastructure projects, bodes well for property developers and the economy.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
IBON asks: How much of Villar wealth is driven by BBB?
Sen. Cynthia Villar has just been reported as the richest government official with a reported net worth of Php3.81 billion. Sen. Villar’s net worth is by far the biggest among the Senate, House of Representatives, and Cabinet. The Villar family is one of the largest property developers in the country. Because of this, IBON points out, it is among the biggest beneficiaries of soaring land values from transport projects under the Duterte administration’s flagship Build, Build, Build (BBB) infrastructure program.
Kodao Productions
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
DISASTER AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Adverse bad weather, delivery of basic services will continue
Adverse bad weather, remote distance and slippery route will not stop the team of LIEUTENANT COLONEL ENRIQUE RAFAEL, Executive Officer of 701st Infantry Brigade and 1LT JHOCELL ASIS together with 1LT FRANCIS HERNAEZ of 66th IB, 1103rd Regional Mobile Force Battalion of PNP and youth volunteers from Lumon Community to bring the basic services at Sitio Bitanagan, Brgy. Old Macopa, Manay, Davao Oriental. On the same day is the Launching of Project HALIK (Health, Agriculture, Livelihood, Indigenous Culture, Knowledge) on October 29, 2020, 8:00am.
Kalinaw News
‘Rolly’ prompts mass evacuations in Luzon
Officials ordered mass evacuations and stopped ferries and other vessels from sailing in waters off the country’s northeastern seaboard on Friday as they braced for a possible super typhoon that was expected to slam into northern Luzon late this weekend.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
DEFENSE AND SECURITY
Armed Forces of the Philippines
DND vows to secure PH ID system registration nationwide
The Department of National Defense (DND) on Friday committed to provide security support for the realization of the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) across the country.
Manila Bulletin
Philippine National Police
NCRPO thanks Makati for firearms donation
Only the Makati City police, among the police units in the country, has high-quality rifles from Israel, courtesy of a donation from the city government, National Capital Region Police Office chief Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas said on Thursday.
Philippine Star
PNP eyes lifestyle check on cops to stop corruption
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it will also conduct lifestyle checks among its ranks following President Rodrigo Duterte’s order to end corruption in the government.
UNTV
Baloyo being transferred to Pampanga jail from Bilibid -BuCor
Alleged "ninja cop" Police Major Rodney Raymundo Baloyo IV is now being transferred to a jail in Pampanga after the Senate allowed him to be moved out of the New Bilibid Prison, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) said Friday.
GMA News
EDUCATION
Back To School Program Ignites Students’ Esports Passion
Students have eased themselves into the academic year and Mineski Philippines’ Youth Esports Program (YEP), in partnership with Moonton, held its Back To School campaign to resounding success in igniting the gaming passion of students through various activities last October.
Manila Bulletin
INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY
NTC to telcos: Ensure presence of personnel, generators amid Typhoon Rolly’s threat
As Typhoon “Rolly” threatens to batter the Central and Southern Luzon in the next days, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has ordered all telecommunication companies to maintain a sufficient amount of staffers aside from placing generators on standby.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Duterte’s Initiative to Bring 3rd Telco Player Expected to Improve Services and Lower Prices
President Duterte’s initiative of bringing in a third major telco provider continues to gain momentum as DITO Telecommunity announced on Thursday that it has completed the construction of 1,532 towers to date.
Manila Bulletin
ELECTION RELATED
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
The United States’ contribution of plastic waste to land and ocean
Plastic waste affects environmental quality and ecosystem health. In 2010, an estimated 5 to 13 million metric tons (Mt) of plastic waste entered the ocean from both developing countries with insufficient solid waste infrastructure and high-income countries with very high waste generation.
Science Advances
LABOR
Abused OFW back home; ambassador returns November 2
The Filipina housemaid captured on video being maltreated by the Philippine ambassador to Brazil has returned home to Cotabato, while Ambassador Marichu Mauro is expected to be back in the country on Nov. 2 to face investigation by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
Philippine Star
After Freedom, Filipino Seafarers Captured by Pirates Battle Trauma
Every day for nearly 5 years, Elmer Balbero was afraid to die.
He had already watched 3 of his crewmates die. One immediately after being shot. Two others, slowly from illness — one of them they covered with sand and buried. “Parang aso,” said Balbero. (As if he were a dog.)
Pulitzer Center
LEGISLATIVE
Senate of the Philippines
Zubiri bats for budget to procure CCTV cameras for all PH embassies
Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri proposed on Friday the allocation of an additional budget for the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in all Philippine embassies and diplomatic residences.
Manila Bulletin
Amend procurement law to expedite AFP modernization — Sen. Revilla
Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. is seeking to amend the government procurement law to expedite the modernization program of the Armed Forced of the Philippines (AFP).
Manila Bulletin
House of Representatives
LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)
Landbank extends P51.3 billion loans to LGUs
State-run Land Bank of the Philippines has extended P51.3 billion in loans to local government units (LGUs) as of end-September this year, benefiting 639 cities, provinces and municipalities.
Philippine Star
OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
USAID vows to double down assistance to PH in 5 years
The US government through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the federal-funded agency responsible for administration of all foreign funds for developmental programs, has vowed to double down its assistance to the Philippines over the next five years.
Manila Bulletin
FOREIGN RELATIONS
West Philippine Sea
China now waging ‘gray zone’ war to enforce claim of South China Sea through PH, says ex-AFP chief
China is now waging a war in what a former Philippine military chief said was a “gray zone” where the fighting goes on without guns but with information, investments, and other tactics to pursue its strategic objectives in the Philippines.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
Disease-afflicted PH seaweed farms see hope with help of scientists
SEAWEED farming, a multi-million dollar export industry in the Philippines, is at the centerpiece of a worldwide effort by scientists to better address the outbreak of diseases and pests that are plaguing the farms.
Panay News
Tourism graduate left corporate job, proves that farming can be sustainable livelihood
Tired of working in the corporate world, a millennial farmer is proving that there is a future in integrated farming even just utilizing a one-hectare land.
Manila Bulletin
HOUSING and SETTLEMENT
POVERTY
SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT
TRANSPORTATION
‘Travel Philippines’ app launched
The Department of Tourism and attached agency Tourism Promotions Board today launched “Travel Philippines” – the country’s official travel companion which provides users the access to the latest travel advisories and safety guidelines in various destinations that have reopened to tourism.
Manila Bulletin
TOURISM
WATER and ENERGY
|
|
|
|
|
