CPP: Terror tag also targets political opposition
The Anti-Terrorism Council’s designation of the Communist Party of the Philippines as a terrorist group is also directed at the legal political opposition, CPP Central Committee information officer Marco Valbuena claimed yesterday.
Philippine Star
AMLC okays freeze on CPP-NPA assets
Bank deposits and other assets of the terrorist Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, New People's Army (NPA), have been put on freeze by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Sunday.
Philippine News Agency
CPP-NPA weakened by surrender of rebels, failed operations
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Debold Sinas on Sunday said the surrender of nearly 3,000 communist terrorist personalities from January to November this year and major operational setbacks have weakened the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).
Philippine News Agency
Reds' ideologies are senseless: ex-NPA cadre
Letting people fall under the wrong ideologies introduced by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) are senseless, a former rebel said Monday.
Philippine News Agency
NUPL ‘lawyers’ for arrested commies: Parlade
The National Union of Peoples' Lawyers (NUPL) is always in the know when it comes to the arrest of ranking Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) officials and their allies as it is their role is to lawyer for them.
Philippine News Agency
Davao Oriental awards former rebel livelihood assistance and housing units
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Davao Oriental spearheaded the distribution of Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) cash and livelihood assistance to the 25 former rebels in Davao Oriental. The turnover of cash assistance was witnessed today December 28, 2020 by Honorable Niño Sotero L. Uy Jr, Vice Governor of Davao Oriental, Mr. Orle A. Cabaobao PD, DILG, Davao Oriental, Ms. Sarah D. Gudes, PSWDO, Davao Oriental and Maj Alex A Alod PA, CMO Officer of 701st Brigade at Happy Home, Brgy. Martin Marundan, Mati City, Davao Oriental.
Kalinaw News
Jungle Fighters Donate Half A Day’s Meal Allowance to CARAGA’s Vicky Victims
Soldiers of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division donated half a day’s meal allowance to the typhoon-affected residents of CARAGA region on Monday, December 28.
Kalinaw News
Army cites role of CAFGUs vs. insurgency in Surigao Sur
The Army’s 3rd Special Forces Battalion (3SFBn) recognized the contributions of the Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) Active Auxiliaries (CAAs) in an activity conducted Monday (Dec. 28) at the unit’s headquarters in St. Christine, Lianga, Surigao del Sur.
Philippine News Agency
Peace talks
Duterte renews call for communists to surrender
President Rodrigo Duterte has renewed his call to members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) to surrender, assuring them of government assistance if they decide to return to the fold of the law.
Philippine News Agency
Incidents/Operations
2 CPP-NPA leaders nabbed in Quezon
Joint police and military operatives arrested two leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) wanted for a string of criminal cases in Quezon province, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Debold Sinas on Sunday said.
Philippine News Agency
Army says 3 more NPA guerrillas killed in Sultan Kudarat military offensives
The Philippine Army said at least three more communist rebels were killed in another clash in Sultan Kudarat province on Sunday, bringing the number of rebel casualties to 13 since the military launched counterinsurgency offensives starting on Dec. 24, Christmas Eve.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
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MARAWI
AMLC OKs freeze order on bank accounts, assets of IS-linked terror groups
The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has approved a freeze order on bank accounts and other assets of 16 sympathizers of the Islamic State (IS) and other Daesh-affiliated groups in the Philippines.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE WORLD
Money Laundering Watchdog Turns Focus to Digital Tools, Extremism
he coronavirus halted a wide range of economic activities, but it hasn’t stopped criminals from using the global financial system to commit fraud and engage in other types of illicit behavior.
Wall Street Journal
Cross border links of far-right extremists in Germany is a matter of concern
On December 12, the Austrian Interior Minister Karl Nehammer announced that Austrian police seized dozens of weapons and 100,000 rounds of ammunition that were intended to be supplied for setting up of far-right militia in Bavaria state of Germany. According to reports, authorities found 76 semi-automatic and automatic weapons, 14 handguns, more than 100,000 rounds of various calibers, as well as six hand grenades and various types of explosives. A Vienna based newspaper said that the cache included detonators and explosives as well as hundreds of weapons, among which were AK-47 assault rifles, Kalashnikovs, Uzi submachine guns, and around 100,000 rounds of ammunition.
New Delhi Times
US-Backed SDF Targets IS Militants in Eastern Syria
U.S.-backed forces are carrying out new raids against militants affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) terror group in eastern Syria.
Voice of America
Germany alarmed by threat posed by coronavirus deniers
Germany is facing a growing threat of attacks by right-wing militants who deny the existence of the coronavirus pandemic and its health risks, a senior security official said on Monday.
Reuters
Quatorzaine to glottophobie: The French words of 2020
From new coinages to obscure vocabulary that became part of the mainstream, we have all learned some new French phrases this year. Julia Webster Ayuso looks back at some which are likely to remain useful well into 2021.
Local France 24
Macron in far-right row over adviser’s lunch with Le Pen niece
President Macron was accused of reneging on his pledge to fight extremism after an Elysée adviser admitted having had lunch with the niece of the National Rally leader, Marine Le Pen.
The Times UK
China announces ratification of extradition treaty with Turkey
China has announced the ratification of an extradition treaty with Turkey, a text that Beijing wants to use, among other things, to speed up the return of certain refugees and Muslim Uighurs suspected of "terrorism".
France 24
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BARMM
MAGUINDANAO AND COTABATO CITY
2 killed, 16 injured in North Cotabato road mishap
Police are set to file criminal charges against a jeep driver who accidentally lost control of the vehicle while traversing a descending highway in Alamada town that resulted in the death of two people including his five-year old daughter and injury of 16 others on Christmas day.
Manila Bulletin
LANAO PROVINCES
Meranaws condemn alleged atrocities by Australian peace contingent in Afghanistan
Residents have protested atrocities reportedly of members of Australian peace contingent forces against Afghan civilians. A letter to the United Nations signed Tuesday by resident-protesters said: “In our sincere intent and purpose to help end the violence against innocent civilians, including women, children and youth in that country (Afghanistan) in the hands of few racist elements among converging peace contingent forces from several countries, we appeal to the Office of the UN Secretary-General to step-in and help resolve the issue.”
NDBC News
Lanao del Norte farmers receive P81.4-M infra projects from DAR
Agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in five municipalities here recently received infrastructure projects from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).
Philippine Information Agency
BASILAN
PWDs, seniors receive livelihood cash assistance from LGU-Isabela City
A total of 213 persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Isabela City and 180 senior citizens received livelihood cash assistance from the local government unit before Christmas.
Philippine News Agency
SULU
Closure of BaSulTa-Sabah border mulled to deter entry of new COVID strain
The city government is mulling the possible closure of Basilan-Sulu-Tawi-Tawi (BASULTA) -Sabah border to prevent the entry of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) variant in this city, which is a transit area.
Manila Bulletin
Sulu seeks IATF help in talks regarding repatriation of Pinoys from Sabah
Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan has requested the national government to help the province in its negotiation with the Malaysian government about the repatriation of Filipinos from Sabah following the detection of a new COVID-19 variant there.
GMA News
TAWI-TAWI
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DRUGS
PDEA says 5,980 suspects killed; 269,046 nabbed in anti-drug ops since July 2016
Anti-drug operations by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) since July 2016 when President Rodrigo Duterte assumed office, have resulted in the deaths of 5,980 suspected drug traffickers and the arrests of 269,046 suspects.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Operations/ Incidents
Zamboanga anti-drug ops net P7-M shabu, 7 suspects
Two businessmen and five other suspected big-time drug personalities were arrested and about PHP7 million worth of illegal drugs were seized in separate anti-drug operations in the region, a top police official said Monday.
Philippine News Agency
Recovery and Rehabilitation
ILLICIT FIREARMS, EXPLOSIVES, AND AMMUNITION
35 'MNLF' members nabbed in Rizal for illegal use of guns
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Monday said joint elements of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) arrested some 35 suspects who identified themselves as members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Rizal and were caught illegally discharging firearms and engaged in illegal paramilitary training.
Philippine News Agency
CROSS-BORDER TRADING/ SMUGGLING/ COUNTERFEIT GOODS
BOC intercepts P62-M agarwood in Davao
The Bureau of Customs (BOC)-Davao has intercepted six boxes containing agarwood weighing over 70 kilograms worth PHP62 million.
Philippine News Agency
Smuggled tea, medicines from Indonesia seized in GenSan
Police recovered over the weekend some PHP450,000 worth of smuggled herbal tea and medicines from Indonesia in a law enforcement operation here.
Philippine News Agency
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
KIDNAPPING/ ABDUCTION
ILLEGAL GAMBLING
ILLICIT FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS/ EXTORTION
Public warned vs. fake DOF FB account
The Department of Finance (DOF) on Sunday warned the public against a fake Facebook page promoting fraudulent activities using the name of the department.
Philippine News Agency
Scams competed for attention with pandemic in Senate’s busy 2020
From unwrapping an immigration bribery scheme at the country’s main gateway, which has been christened pastillas scam, to digging into new reports of anomalies at Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) that led to the resignation of its president, the Senate found 2020 to be not only the year of the pandemic but also of scandals.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
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Press Freedom/ Freedom of expression
Women journalists in the Philippines: 'We transcend fear every day'
Since President Rodrigo Duterte rose to power in 2016, the attacks against the press in the Philippines have increased exponentially, and the storytellers, bruised with threats and legal charges left and right, have become the story in their search for truth.
Rappler
Surviving a pandemic, defending human rights, and ousting dictators – a look at Seattle’s Filipinx community
December 10 was International Human Rights Day. The United Nations adopted the day in 1948 and, according to its website, 2020’s theme is “Recover Better – Stand Up for Human Rights”. Filipinos in Seattle have been answering that call in various ways.
Examminer
Martial Law
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COVID-19
Cases
PNP’s COVID-19 infections rise to 8,935; active cases at 347
The number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) within the ranks of Philippine National Police (PNP) has reached 8,935, according to a post from its official Facebook page.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Department of Health
DOH, RITM deny releasing expired COVID-19 test kits
The Department of Health and the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine have denied they distributed expired COVID-19 test kits to any testing center in the country.
CNN Philippines
IATF/NTF COVID-19
Metro Manila, 9 other areas remain under GCQ until Jan. 31
President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday night announced that Metro Manila and nine other areas in the country will remain under general community quarantine (GCQ) status until January 31, 2021.
Philippine News Agency
No need to impose stricter lockdown amid new virus strain
There is no need to impose a stricter lockdown as long as there is no proof that the new strain of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) from the United Kingdom has entered the country, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said on Monday.
Philippine News Agency
DOH, IATF to discuss travel restrictions
The Department of Health and the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) will discuss travel restrictions following reports of detection of United Kingdom’s new variant of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in more countries.
Philippine News Agency
Proactive measures needed to contain new Covid-19 strain: Galvez
Proactive measures must be imposed in the country to prevent the possible entry of the new strain of coronavirus detected in the United Kingdom (UK), National Policy Against Covid-19 chief implementer and vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said on Saturday night.
Philippine News Agency
FDA 'surprised' by Cabinet officials, soldiers' use of unregistered COVID-19 vaccine
As soldiers and top officials of the Duterte government rolled up their sleeves to receive COVID-19 vaccines, not even the director general of the country’s Food and Drug Administration was aware of the early inoculation activities.
Rappler
Regions
Luzon including NCR
Visayas
22 detainees in Dumaguete City test positive for COVID-19
Nearly two dozen people temporarily detained at the Dumaguete Police Station have tested positive for COVID-19.
CNN Philippines
Mindanao
TF-Davao intercepts 3K LSIs in checkpoints
Task Force Davao (TFD) has intercepted some 3,052 Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs) in various entry points who evaded health protocols imposed by the city government including at the Davao International Airport in the last six months of the year.
Philippine News Agency
Sara warns Dabawenyos vs. fake Covid 'disinfecting' agents
Mayor Sara Z. Duterte warned Dabawenyos on Monday against people posing as City Health Office (CHO) employees offering disinfection services in the homes of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) patients.
Philippine News Agency
World
Several countries confirm fresh cases of new COVID-19 strain
In just a few days following the discovery of a new strain of COVID-19 in Britain, more countries worldwide confirmed their own cases of the mutated virus. After Christmas day, the list of countries affected by the new variant reached 15.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Russia admits to world's third-worst Covid-19 death toll
Russia said on Monday that its coronavirus death toll was more than three times higher than it had previously reported, making it the country with the third-largest number of fatalities.
The Guardian
How to distribute Covid-19 vaccines fairly around the world
As the number of countries that have authorized the use of a Covid-19 vaccine grows, many are sighing with anticipated relief. Yet now comes another challenge: how do we distribute vaccines safely and equitably to those most in need in our own countries and across the world?
CNN
Diplomatic, Development and Private Sector
Fueling the Christmas Spirit: RAFI DACF Gives Joy to 1,900 Kids
While the new norm of wearing masks, social distancing and travel restrictions have changed the way we celebrate the holidays – no pandemic is going to stop us from celebrating the season of giving.
Cebu Daily News
Incidents and Violations
Editorial, Analysis, Opinion and Features
2020: Containing Covid-19, mitigating impacts
In response to a fast-spreading novel coronavirus early this year, the government has ramped up efforts to mitigate the impact of the public health crisis.
Philippine News Agency
Pinoys confident 2021 would be better year: Veritas survey
With only four days before the New Year, a Church-run survey showed Filipinos are confident that 2021 would be a better year.
Philippine News Agency
A Deadly and Disastrous 2020 for the Philippines
A major volcanic eruption, massive flooding in several regions, surging COVID-19 cases, and a worsening human rights situation are among the disasters that made the lives of Filipinos more miserable in 2020.
The Diplomat
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
Palace defends AFP personnel for getting Sinopharm vaccine
Malacañang on Monday defended the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) after some military personnel received Chinese pharmaceutical company Sinopharm’s coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccine despite having not been approved yet by local regulators.
Philippine News Agency
PRRD hasn’t received any Covid-19 vaccine shot: PSG
President Rodrigo Duterte has not yet received any vaccine shot against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), Presidential Security Group (PSG) Chief Col. Jesus Durante said on Monday.
Philippine News Agency
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
VP Robredo not yet vaccinated vs. COVID-19
Vice President Leni Robredo has not yet been vaccinated against the coronavirus disease, her spokesperson said on Monday. Spokesperson Ibarra Gutierrez said Robredo has “neither been vaccinated nor has an offer to do so been made.”
Manila Bulletin
AUDIT, GRAFT, AND CORRUPTION
Sandiganbayan nixes bid of 2 ex-Iloilo execs to reverse graft ruling
The Sandiganbayan has denied the motions for reconsideration filed by two former Iloilo provincial government officers who were convicted for graft in relation to an anomalous laptop computer purchase.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Duterte names lawmakers linked to corruption but says ‘no hard evidence’
President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday bared the names of lawmakers included in the list made by the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission’s (PACC) of government officials allegedly involved in corruption.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
BUDGET, FINANCE, and TAXATION
Duterte signs 2021 budget with eyes set on pandemic rebound
President Rodrigo Duterte signed on Monday evening the P4.5 trillion spending plan for next year, targeted to fund programs to ensure the economy realizes an ambitious bounce-back next year.
Philippine Star
Net dollar inflows to PH almost doubled in Jan-Nov period on foreign loans, import slowdown
The Philippines retained almost twice many dollars in the first 11 months of the year as the coronavirus pandemic caused the government and the private sector to borrow more from abroad while the economic contraction caused imports to drop sharply.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Philippines to pursue other free trade agreements
With the signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement, the Philippines is now setting its sights on the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a official of the Department of Trade and Industry said.
Manila Times
BUSINESS, ECONOMY AND INVESTMENT
More banks waive fees for digital cash transfers
More banks have extended free digital cash transfers after the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) waived for the fifth time the fees of fund transactions until the end of next year amid the changing consumer behavior due to the global health pandemic.
Philippine Star
BUILD, BUILD, BUILD and PUBLIC WORKS
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
DISASTER AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Public urged to brace for possible floods, landslides
Malacañang on Sunday urged the public to brace for possible floods and landslides brought about by two low pressure areas (LPAs) and the northeast monsoon.
Philippine News Agency
AFP teams on standby during weather disturbances: NDRRMC
Disaster response teams (DRTs) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are always ready to help with government efforts to mitigate the effects of low pressure areas (LPA), tropical depressions, typhoons, and other calamities.
Philippine News Agency
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
DEFENSE AND SECURITY
Armed Forces of the Philippines
PSG members first to be vaccinated against Covid-19: AFP
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday confirmed that members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) were the ones who were given the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) vaccine.
Philippine News Agency
PH Navy upgrades make waves amid pandemic
Despite the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic bringing almost everything to a standstill this year, efforts to modernize the Philippine Navy (PN) remain on track as exemplified by the delivery and commissioning of its first-ever guided-missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) early this year.
Philippine News Agency
Philippine National Police
EDUCATION
INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Malacañang awaits NTC evaluation on telco services
Malacañang is waiting for the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to submit an official evaluation on the extent of improvements made in services of telecommunication companies.
Philippine News Agency
Globe partners with Aboitiz InfraCapital to provide affordable internet in key urban VisMin cities
GLOBE Telecom and Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC), the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group, join forces in accelerating the availability of community broadband access in select barangays in Davao and Cebu, through the former’s KonekTayo WiFi service.
Sunstar Bacolod
ELECTION RELATED
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
LABOR
Duterte OKs gratuity pay for JO, contractual gov't workers
President Rodrigo Duterte has authorized the grant of a one-time gratuity pay to contract of service (COS) and job order (JO) workers in government for their hard work, especially those part of the emergency Covid-19 response efforts.
Philippine News Agency
Almost 1-M informal workers get cash-for-work aid: DOLE
Nearly 1 million informal sector workers have so far benefited from the cash-for-work program of the government, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reported on Monday.
Philippine News Agency
LEGISLATIVE
Senate of the Philippines
House of Representatives
LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)
OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
FOREIGN RELATIONS
Threat to scrap VFA not blackmail, but independent foreign policy
President Rodrigo Duterte is not "blackmailing" the United States, the Philippines’ longtime ally, in a bid to secure US-made vaccines for the country but is just exercising independent foreign policy, Malacañang said on Monday.
Philippine News Agency
Japan firms tweak supply chains to PHL, other nations
NEWLY DESIGNATED Japan Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko told Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III that Japanese companies are exploring ways of realigning their supply chains to other countries like the Philippines.
Business Mirror
West Philippine Sea
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
HOUSING and SETTLEMENT
POVERTY
SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT
TRANSPORTATION
DPWH, SMC to partially open Skyway 3 on Tuesday
The government and the private sector are set to partially open on Tuesday the Skyway Stage 3, which will link the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).
Philippine News Agency
TOURISM
DOT arm ties up with children’s hospital on Covid-19 testing
The Department of Tourism (DOT) is contracting the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) for subsidized Covid-19 tests for travelers, even though there are a few takers for its subsidized tests with another partner-hospital.
Business Mirror
WATER and ENERGY
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