Red-tagged and jobless: The plight of ex-Holcim workers in Davao
Over two years since losing their jobs at Holcim Philippines, unionists fear for their lives. Holcim denies harassment of its former workers. John* (not his real name) spent a decade working at Holcim Philippines' cement plant in Davao City, under contractor Fort Steel Cargo Integrators Incorporated.
Rappler
Existing projects face derail with calls to defund NTF ELCAC: guv
Davao de Oro Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy on Tuesday said defunding the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC) runs the risk of interrupting our development projects and derailing the momentum that the province has already started.
Philippine News Agency
Drilon questions seeming rush to release anti-communist agency’s funds
SENATE Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon questioned the government’s speedy release of the anti-communism agency’s 2021 budget, noting that over half of its fund had already been released. In a statement, Mr. Drilon said the fund released to the National Task Force to End Local Communism and Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) has already reached P10.68 billion as of April out of its P19-billion budget for 2021, citing data from the Budget department.
Business World
Malaya ‘seriously doubts’ police profiling of community pantry organizers
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya “seriously doubts” reports of police profiling of community pantry organizers as he sought evidence to prove that such incidents indeed took place.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Pantry organizers red-tagged? No, it was ‘truth tagging’ – gov’t lawyer
The government does not red-tag individuals or groups suspected to have communist ties, but rather does “truth-tagging,” a government lawyer told the Supreme Court.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
NPA agitates public to fan discontent: ex-rebel
A rebel returnee who is now working with a group advocating peace in Bohol province warned the public about the strategy of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) to survive, that is to feed the people’s discontent.
Philippine News Agency
Peace talks
Incidents/Operations
17 NPA rebels surrender in Bukidnon
SEVENTEEN communist New People's Army (NPA) terrorists have surrendered to government authorities in the province of Bukidnon.
Sunstar Cagayan de Oro
12 Zambales youth activists released after Labor Day arrest
Twelve activists including youth leaders and a campus journalist have been released two days after they were arrested in Castillejos, Zambales on their way to a Labor Day protest.
Bulatlat
Army Clash Against Communist Rebels, Recovers Numerous Firearms
Troops of 78IB engaged in an exchange of fire with an undetermined number of NPA rebels while conducting a security patrol at Brgy. San Andres (Upper), Borongan City, Eastern Samar on May 03, 2021, 02:20 pm (Monday).
Kalinaw News
Ex-NPA mother reunites with daughter after 2 years
After two years of separation because of her membership with the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), a mother has finally met her daughter at the Headquarters of 8th Infantry (Dependable) Battalion, Impasugong, Bukidnon on April 28, 2021.
Kalinaw News
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Anti-Terror Council’s ‘undue delegation of power’ questioned
Justice Edgardo Delos Santos questioned the “undue delegation of power” provided to the council, saying that the law is silent on how it will arrive at the conclusion in designating persons or groups as terrorists.
Bulatlat
'Truth tagging' rhetoric reaches SC as anti-terror law debate resumes
In Supreme Court debates on anti-terrorism law, the Office of the Solicitor General brushed off claims that the government engages in red-tagging — the practice of labeling critics as communists, rebels or terrorists.
Philippine Star
3-day detention limit under Constitution not applicable to Anti-Terrorism Act – gov’t lawyers
The three-day limit to detaining a suspect under the Constitution does not apply to a suspected terrorist who, under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) of 2020, can be detained from 14 to 24 days while under investigation.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
MARAWI
SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE WORLD
Justice Dept. Seeks Funding to Fight Domestic Extremism and Inequality
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland told lawmakers on Tuesday that the Justice Department needs more money for Biden administration priorities including combating domestic extremism, racial inequality, environmental degradation and gender violence.
New York Times
The Normalization of Antidemocratic Extremism in the United States
Joe Biden began his presidency on the steps of a heavily guarded Capitol, encircled by miles of austere barbed wire. There, he delivered an appeal to end America’s “uncivil war” to a public still reeling from the events of January 6, when a violent mob inspired by outgoing President Donald Trump descended on the U.S. Capitol, leading to five deaths.
The Cairo Review
Fight against violent extremism a ‘war of ideas’, says Muslim World League chief
Winning the war of ideas is as important as military confrontation in overcoming violent extremism worldwide, the secretary-general of the Muslim World League (MWL), Mohammed Al-Issa, told a group of leading US defense analysts in a special address.
The rahnuma Daily
Proud Boys Canada’s demise could stiffen resolve of members, expert warns
Targeting the Canadian chapter of the Proud Boys with anti-terror legislation has led to the group’s apparent demise, but a leading expert says it might have little effect on the broader far-right movement.
Canadian Inquirer
Why do some Muslim-majority countries support China’s crackdown on Muslims?
China continues to reject accusations of human rights abuses in the northwestern region of Xinjiang — despite widespread reports of the detention and harsh treatment of more than 1 million Muslims. In 2017, Beijing stepped up efforts to “reeducate” China’s largely Muslim Uyghur ethnic minority group, citing the need to fight domestic terrorism and extremism.
Washingtom Post
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BARMM
Moro network presses Congress to extend Bangsamoro transition period
An umbrella of Moro civic groups in the country pressed Congress anew on Tuesday to immediately approve the proposal extending for another three years the transition period in the Bangsamoro region, considering that time is almost running out before lawmakers adjourn their session.
MindaNews
Terrorist threats declining in BASULTA, Westmincom says
Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) Chief Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan, Jr. said terrorist threats in the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi have significantly declined in the last two years. Vinluan said this during his courtesy visit to Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim on Monday, May 3, at the Bangsamoro Government Center in this city.
Bangsamoro Government
MAGUINDANAO AND COTABATO CITY
BARMM to build Covid-19 isolation center for 6ID within 45 days
Bangsamoro Government is set to build a two-storey Covid-19 isolation facility for the 6th Infantry (KAMPILAN) Division, Philippine Army (PA) at Camp Siongco, Awang, Maguindanao. On Monday, a ceremonial groundbreaking for the construction of the said 60-bedroom capacity isolation center—which costs Php11.24 million—was held, and is projected to be finished within 45 days.
Bangsamoro Government
Maguindanao buy-bust nets 3 suspects, P20-K shabu
Police arrested three drug suspects in a buy-bust operation in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, and seized some PHP20,000 worth of shabu, authorities said Tuesday.
Philippine News Agency
LANAO PROVINCES
Lanao Sur guv urges ‘discipline’ among constituents to help combat COVID-19
Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. has asked for his constituents’ “cooperation” in combatting the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) “by practicing discipline” as the province and Marawi City recorded a combined 26 new cases on Tuesday.
Mindanews
BASILAN
SULU
AFP, BARMM seek peace in Sulu
Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) chief Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr. met with BARMM chief minister Ahod “Al-Hajj Murad” Ebrahim at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex in Cotabato City to discuss mechanisms in sustaining peace and development in Sulu.
Manila Times
TAWI-TAWI
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DRUGS
Operations/ Incidents
P6-M illegal drugs seized in SoCot in Q1
Authorities recovered around PHP6 million worth of illegal drugs in a series of operations in parts of South Cotabato province in the first quarter of the year.
Philippine News Agency
Recovery and Rehabilitation
3 more drug rehab centers to rise in Region 12
Three more government-operated drug rehabilitation centers will be established starting this year in Region 12 (Soccsksargen). Katryn Gaye Abad, spokesperson of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Region 12, said that initial preparations are underway for the implementation of the projects funded by the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB).
NDBC News
ILLICIT FIREARMS, EXPLOSIVES, AND AMMUNITION
Intensified drive nets 271 loose firearms in Caraga Region
Police have seized at least 271 loose firearms in Caraga Region from September 2020 until May this year, the chief of the Police Regional Office in Caraga (PRO-13) said Tuesday.
Philippine News Agency
CROSS-BORDER TRADING/ SMUGGLING/ COUNTERFEIT GOODS
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Young Pinays trafficked via fake passports
Fake passports have triggered the trafficking of underaged Filipino women to Syria, Sen. Risa Hontiveros revealed yesterday.
Manila Standard
Muslim Filipina links DFA, BI execs to human trafficking
THREE minor Muslim Filipinas had become victims of human trafficking in Syria as illegal recruiters forged their passports to make them look older and qualified for labor deployment overseas.
Manila Times
KIDNAPPING/ ABDUCTION
ILLEGAL GAMBLING
ILLICIT FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS/ EXTORTION
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17 Indigenous People Soldiers Complete 2-Year DepEd ALS A&E Program in Butuan City
Seventeen (17) Indigenous People who enlisted as soldiers under the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade completed the two (2) years Alternative Learning System Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) program facilitated by the Department of Education Division of Butuan City on April 30, 2021 at Headquarters, 402nd Brigade, Camp Romualdo P Rubi (P), Brgy Bancasi, Butuan City.
Kalinaw News
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Cult leader Ecleo back in Bilibid
Former Dinagat Island congressman and cult leader Ruben Ecleo Jr. has been returned to the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City three days after he was taken to a private hospital in Taguig City due to liver complications.
Philippine News Agency
Press Freedom/ Freedom of expression
Martial Law
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COVID-19
Cases
PH lists 5,683 new COVID-19 cases
The country logged on Tuesday 5,683 new COVID-19 cases, its lowest daily count in nearly seven weeks, the Department of Health said, adding that the number excludes data from 21 laboratories. It is the lowest count after March 18, when 5,290 new cases were recorded.
CNN Philippines
Department of Health
IATF/NTF COVID-19
PH ready for Covid-19 vax with subzero storage requirement
The government is exerting all efforts to prevent vaccine spoilage and wastage even with the arrival of coronavirus vaccines that require ultra-cold storage facility, National Task Force (NTF) against Covid-19 Carlito Galvez Jr. said Tuesday.
Philippine News Agency
PH vax acceptance high despite negative reports: Galvez
National Task Force (NTF) against Covid-19 Chief Implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. cited three parameters for a successful vaccination program in the Philippines.
Philippine News Agency
Regions
Luzon including NCR
COVID-19 vaccine czar eyes herd immunity in Metro Manila, 6 nearby areas by November
Authorities aim to generate herd immunity from COVID-19 in Metro Manila and 6 surrounding provinces by November this year, an official leading the coronavirus vaccination strategy said on Tuesday.
ABS-CBN News
Visayas
Mindanao
Tourists entering Davao City may be required to present RT-PCR test result
Tourists may be required to present a negative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) result before they can be allowed to enter Davao Region once the resolution on the regionwide “uniform border control” of the Regional Inter-Agency Task Force for COVID-19 (RIATF)-Davao Region takes effect.
MindaNews
Zambo Sur fights COVID-19 surge with bar, resort closures, ban on alcoholic drinks
Gov. Victor Yu has ordered all beach resorts and bars in Zamboanga del Sur closed in the meantime as COVID-19 cases in the province surge.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
World
Diplomatic, Development and Private Sector
Incidents and Violations
Editorial, Analysis, Opinion and Features
In Southeast Asia, income woes most severe, economic aid most lacking in PH
Among all members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the impact of the pandemic on incomes is worst in the Philippines. The even more dreadful news is that the Duterte administration is providing the least resources for economic aid to support affected workers and other vulnerable sectors.
Bulatlat
‘Rules for mere mortals do not seem to apply’ to Duterte – Bayan secretary-general
Renato Reyes Jr., secretary-general of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), called out President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday for doing things “such that rules for mere mortals do not seem to apply to him anymore.”
Philippine Daily Inquirer
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
Quarantine to be lifted once things clear up’
President Duterte has vowed to immediately lift quarantine restrictions “once things start to clear” even as he assured the public that efforts are being done to address hunger caused by prolonged lockdowns.
Philippine Star
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
AUDIT, GRAFT, AND CORRUPTION
Heart Center should follow PhilHealth rules to get P71.17 million worth of claims – COA
The Philippine Heart Center (PHC) should follow the rules of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) if it wants its P71.17 million worth of claims approved, the Commission on Audit (COA) said in its annual audit report on the government hospital.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
BUDGET, FINANCE, and TAXATION
P19 billion in disaster funds yet to be released – DBM
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said on Tuesday, May 4, that around P19.45 billion of the P25-billion calamity fund has yet to be released, part of which would be tapped for COVID-19 efforts if needed.
Rappler
NDRRMC insists calamity funds are being utilized
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Tuesday insisted that the calamity funds for 2020 and this year have been and were still being utilized in efforts to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
PH barely makes it out of ‘uncooperative tax haven’ list
The Philippines likely avoided inclusion on the so-called “grey list” of “uncooperative tax havens” after it scrapped, although later than its commitment, the fiscal perks extended to multinational corporations’ (MNCs) regional operating headquarters (ROHQs).
Philippine Daily Inquirer
BUSINESS, ECONOMY AND INVESTMENT
Underutilized, local PPE makers ask gov’t: What’s the plan?
A group of local manufacturers, who heeded a government request to repurpose their facilities, is now capable of making tens of millions of personal protective equipment (PPE) in a year but the Duterte administration had bought only a portion of that supply, forcing the group to lay off workers.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
'Green' investments to create up to 30 million jobs in Southeast Asia by 2030: ADB
Economies in Southeast Asia including the Philippines can create up to 30 million new jobs through 2030 if they invest more in green growth opportunities, according to the Asian Development Bank.
ABS- CBN News
Aboitiz Construction takes part in delivery of largest high-speed ferry in PH
ABOITIZ Construction (ACI) announced it has fabricated and installed 20 tons of pillars to the FSTR, a 109-meter high-speed catamaran ferry that was completely delivered by Austal Philippines and considered to be the largest aluminum vessel ever constructed in the country.
Yahoo News
BUILD, BUILD, BUILD and PUBLIC WORKS
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
DISASTER AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
DEFENSE AND SECURITY
Armed Forces of the Philippines
Herbal Wellness Community Garden launch in 10th Civil-Military Operations Battalion vicinity
Committed to their mandate in serving the Filipino people, TESDA Region XI in convergence with the 10th Civil-Military Operations Battalion (10CMOBN), Local Government Unit of Tagum City, and other partner stakeholders, launched the Herbal Wellness Garden yesterday May 3, 2021, at the Garden Site, Headquarters 10CMO Battalion in San Agustin, Tagum City.
Kalinaw News
Philippine National Police
EDUCATION
INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY
ELECTION RELATED
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
LABOR
LEGISLATIVE
Senate of the Philippines
Agencies asked to explain why calamity funds unspent
Senator Sonny Angara, chair of the Senate finance committee which has oversight of the national budget, on Tuesday (May 4) said he asked agencies to report how they spent their calamity funds as the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released P2.91 billion of the funds for 2020 and 2021 in April.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Go joins observance of Laylatul Qadr
SEN. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go is joining 1.8 billion Muslims across the world in celebrating Laylatul Qadr, the holiest night of the year for Muslims also known as the Night of Power. In his Facebook post, Go said, “I encourage our Muslim brothers to continue caring for others providing service to fellow Filipinos, especially during this pandemic season.”
Manila Times
House of Representatives
LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)
OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
FOREIGN RELATIONS
West Philippine Sea
‘We can actually demand China accountability’
“We can actually demand China accountability for its relentless occupation and plunder of West Philippine Sea. China’s monetary liabilities to the Philippines are indeed far greater than the loans and assistance that it would extend to the country.” — Fernando Hicap, National Chairperson, Pambasang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas
Kodao Productons
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
HOUSING and SETTLEMENT
DHSUD Chief Lines Up Shelter Projects With 50 More LGUs
The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) is aiming to forge agreements with 50 more local government units (LGUs) to provide more shelter units for more Filipinos nationwide.
Business Mirror
POVERTY
PopCom hopes more pantries will hand out contraceptives to avoid unplanned pregnancies
The Commission on Population and Development (PopCom) hopes that more community pantries will give away contraceptives to help the government’s reproductive health programs and to avoid unintended pregnancies.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT
TRANSPORTATION
TOURISM
WATER and ENERGY
ACEN working on robust pipeline of 12 GW RE projects
AC Energy Corp. (ACEN) is working on a robust pipeline of 12 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy projects to meet its five GW target by 2025 and become the largest listed renewables platform in Southeast Asia.
Philippine Star
Asia's energy transition needs to pick up pace
ASIA'S energy transition is underway but the pace has been insufficient to curb emissions. Reducing reliance on coal, accelerating the deployment of renewable energy sources, developing hydrogen and improving energy efficiency are key to lowering the region's carbon footprint.
Business Times
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