Ka Joma et al are not in UN Security Council’s list
Gen. Hermogenes Esperon is misleading the public in his repeated claims that Prof. Jose Ma. Sison and the peace consultants of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) are in the “terrorist listing” of the United Nations Security Council.
Communist Party of the Philippines
NPA-Leyte dismisses AFP claim about ties to warlord’s goons
The New People’s Army in Eastern Visayas today dismissed allegations by the Armed Forces of the Philippines saying that goons whom state forces killed in April and serve a warlord politico in Leyte have connections to the NPA.
Communist Party of the Philippines
AFP squanders funds for relentless combat ops in Borongan
The New People’s Army in Eastern Visayas today blasted the Armed Forces of the Philippines for squandering public funds to conduct relentless military operations and helicopter overflights in Borongan City, Eastern Samar this month.
Communist Party of the Philippines
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Galvez work in peace process continues amid NTF duties
Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. assured that his job as the country's vaccine czar and Chief Implementer of the National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 is not interfering with his role as Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process.
Philippine News Agency
Samar town heavily relies on BDP funds to beat insurgency
Defunding the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) will mean taking away funds intended for the Barangay Development Program (BDP) and its beneficiaries.
Philippine News Agency
ARMY successfully culminated the Peace Building Seminar to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC)
The 89th Infantry (Makatao) Battalion, Philippine Army successfully culminated the Peace Building Seminar to former members of the Underground Mass Organization under the command of Lt. Col. Donald P Gaffud in partnership with the local government of Davao City together with Davao City Police Office, City Agriculture Office in Sitio Kiman-anao, Brgy Salapawan, PD, Davao City on 12-16 May 2021
Kalinaw News
Zambo Norte village youths empowered as government partner
THE Community Support Program (CSP) team of the 97th Infantry Battalion (IB) and Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company has launched an outreach activity to empower the youths as partner of the government.
Sunstar Zamboanga
Peace talks
Incidents/Operations
Northern Negros biz owners vow to fight CPP-NPA extortion
The business community in Escalante City, Negros Occidental has vowed to fight the extortion activities of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) during a peace awareness seminar held recently at San Marino del Norte Resort and Hotel in Barangay Alimango.
Philippine News Agency
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MARAWI
SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE WORLD
What links cybercrime, terrorism and illegal trade? Dark money
In March, the government published its review of all the threats facing this country, and how it would respond to them, from hostile autocracies and cybercrime to terrorism and trade. Running through the pages of this huge and complex document, like lead through a pencil, is one consistent vulnerability: dark money.
The Guardian
CYBER SECURITY AS COUNTER-TERRORISM: SEEKING A BETTER DEBATE
arlier this month, a senior Justice Department official referred to ransomware as a potential “cyber weapon of mass destruction.” When hackers subsequently disabled the Colonial Pipeline, causing fuel shortages and disruptions along the East Coast, it seemed to validate this warning. But it would be a mistake for the policy establishment to double down on an outdated view of cyber conflict rooted in Cold War analogies. To improve U.S. cyber security, policymakers should draw instead on more relevant strategic lessons from the study of terrorism and counter-terrorism.
War On The Rocks
Pentagon pushes back on report of anti-extremism social media surveillance program
The Defense Department is not planning to troll troops’ social media accounts for extremist activity, the Pentagon’s top spokesman told reporters on Tuesday, contrary to a Monday report about a pilot program to that effect.
Military Times | New York Post
Jacinda Ardern calls for 'ethical algorithms' to combat online extremism. What this means
New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has called for “ethical algorithms” to help stop online radicalisation. She made her call on the weekend at the second summit of the “Christchurch Call” for action to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online.
Reseller News NZ
Sahel Force Vital in Fight against Extremist Armed Groups, Peace Operations Chief Tells Security Council, Calling for Increased Funding
Amid a worsening security situation marked by mounting terrorist attacks, troops deployed to stem the tide of violent extremism in Africa’s Sahel region require more predictable funding and broader international support, the United Nations senior peace operations official told the Security Council during a videoconference meeting today.
United Nations
China offers to host intra-Afghan talks and help anti-terrorism effort
China has offered to host talks between the parties in Afghanistan and pledged to help its anti-terrorism effort, in a move seen as Beijing positioning itself as a conflict mediator.
South China Morning Post
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BARMM
MOH turns over health projects under BTA’s fund
Bangsamoro Government’s Ministry of Health (MOH) turned over on Tuesday, May 18, several ambulances, medical equipment, and financial assistance to various recipients under the Bangsamoro Transition Authority’s (BTA) Transition Development Impact Fund (TDIF) project. The project is an initiative of the Members of the Parliament (MPs) which is aimed at boosting quality health care services, and addressing the gaps and challenges in the region’s health services.
Bangsamoro Government
MAGUINDANAO AND COTABATO CITY
Mangudadatu suspends Isulan vice mayor, 5 councilors over graft charges
Sultan Kudarat Gov. Suharto “Teng” Mangudadatu on Monday ordered the 45-preventive suspension against a town vice mayor and five town council members for alleged violation of Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
NDBC News
Maguindanao guv installs caretaker-mayor opposed by BARMM
Controversy continues to hound the local government here after a caretaker-mayor was appointed by the provincial government of Maguindanao, rejecting the argument of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) officials that it was illegal under the local government code.
Philippine News Agency
Two BIFF extremists neutralize in Maguindanao clash; raising extremist’s casualties to 6 killed and 2 arrested
Two (2) extremists from Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) – Karialan Faction, who reportedly took part in an attempted attack in the public market of Datu Paglas town, were killed in an armed clash with security forces from Joint Task Force Central on May 16, 2021, as government troops continuously hunt down the said group.
Kalinaw News
MSSD continues to provide aid to Maguindanao evacuees
Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) provided assistance on Saturday, May 15, to 100 displaced families in the Municipality of Datu Paglas in Maguindanao who have been affected by the recent armed conflict. The evacuees fled their homes during Eid’l Fit’r (feast of breaking the fast) and are now staying at the Mahad Mamalangcap evacuation center and covered court in Barangay Dungoan, M’lang, North Cotabato as a temporary shelter.
Bangsamoro Government
5 nabbed, P102K shabu seized in Cotabato ‘drug den’ raid
nti-narcotics agents arrested five suspected drug peddlers and seized PHP102,000 worth of shabu and a firearm in a raid conducted at a “drug den” here, an official of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said Monday.
Northbounda Philippine News Online
LANAO PROVINCES
Marawi, Lanao del Sur governments condemn Israeli attacks on Gaza
The Marawi City government and the Lanao del Sur provincial government joined Muslim countries on Sunday in condemning the attacks by Israeli troops on the Hamas militant group in Gaza.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
BASILAN
SULU
5 IS-linked Filipino Militants Killed in Sabah Shootout, Malaysian Police Say
Malaysian police said Tuesday that they killed five suspected members of Abu Sayyaf, a pro-Islamic State militant organization based in the southern Philippines, during a shootout in Sabah while a local cell had stepped up recruitment among undocumented immigrants.
Benar News
TAWI-TAWI
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DRUGS
Operations/ Incidents
4 drug suspects fall in Lucena; P630k worth of shabu seized
Police arrested four drug suspects and seized over P630,000 worth of shabu (crystal meth) in a series of buy-bust operations here on Monday and Tuesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
PDEA destroys over P61-M illegal drugs in CDO
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Region 10 (PDEA-10) destroyed Tuesday illegal drugs amounting to over P61.4 million
Philippine News Agency
Recovery and Rehabilitation
ILLICIT FIREARMS, EXPLOSIVES, AND AMMUNITION
CROSS-BORDER TRADING/ SMUGGLING/ COUNTERFEIT GOODS
Smuggled cigarettes seized in Zamboanga City
The Philippine Navy announced on Tuesday the seizure of smuggled cigarettes worth P17.5 million from two motorboats off the southern port city here.
Manila Times
P55-K pirated DVDs, CDs seized in Surigao Norte town
Authorities seized some PHP55,000 worth of pirated DVDs, CDs, and pornographic films in an entrapment in Placer, Surigao del Norte, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Surigao del Norte (CIDG-SDN) said on Tuesday.
Philippine News Agency
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
KIDNAPPING/ ABDUCTION
ILLEGAL GAMBLING
ILLICIT FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS/ EXTORTION
SEC: Capital market at ‘medium’ risk to becoming haven for money launderers
The Philippine capital market is at “medium” risk of being exploited for money laundering and terrorist financing activities, especially as the rise of digitalization makes it easier for criminals to avoid detection and conceal their financial pipeline, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) assessment.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
SEC in NorMin warns public on 28 entities engaged in investment scams
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) here has warned the public of the proliferation of at least 28 groups and individuals allegedly engaging in fraudulent activities.
Davao Today
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Groups urge SC to act on attacks against rights lawyers and clients
Human rights and civil society organizations petitioned the Supreme Court (SC) to take urgent action against threats, red-tagging and killings of judges and lawyers as well as their clients.
Kodao Productons
Press Freedom/ Freedom of expression
Karapatan chairperson posts bail after arrest over attempted murder charge
Human rights worker and Karapatan National Chairperson Elisa Tita Lubi posted bail after her arrest in Marikina City over an attempted murder charge, Karapatan announced on Tuesday, May 18.
Rappler
Martial Law
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COVID-19
Cases
PH logs 4,487 new COVID-19 cases
The Philippines on Tuesday confirmed 4,487 additional COVID-19 cases, the lowest announced in more than 2 months, raising the country's cumulative total to over 1.154 million. The country now has 1,154,388 total recorded infections, of which 4.5 percent or 52,291 are active.
ABS- CBN News
Department of Health
DOH flags upward COVID-19 trend in Visayas, Mindanao; NCR Plus sees decline
The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday flagged an upward COVID-19 trend in Visayas and Mindanao as it noted a “marked decline” in infections and hospital occupancy in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces.
GMA News
IATF/NTF COVID-19
Regions
Luzon including NCR
Several MP residents refuse to be vaccinated
In an information gathering done by the Cordillera People’s Democratic Front – Mountain Province, it was discovered that not only a few have refused to be vaccinated with anti-COVID vaccines due to several reasons. Many have refused the vaccine, particularly senior citizens, after some reports of its adverse effects and its effectivity.
Communist Party of the Philippines
Visayas
NegOcc guv hopes for continuing downtrend in Covid-19 cases
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson is hoping that local cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) will continue to decrease.
Philippine News Agency
Contact tracing on for B.1.1.7. variant carrier in NegOr
Massive contact tracing is now ongoing in a city in Negros Oriental to locate people who have been exposed to a coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) patient carrying the “more contagious” B.1.1.7 variant that was first detected in the United Kingdom.
Philippine News Agency
Mindanao
Mayor Sara supports proposal to use churches as vaccination sites
Mayor Sara Duterte has endorsed to the vaccine cluster of Davao City COVID-19 Task Force the proposal of Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles to use churches as sites for the mass vaccination program of the government.
Mindanews
World
Diplomatic, Development and Private Sector
Incidents and Violations
‘Fake cop’ nabbed in Zambales after eluding checkpoint
A man allegedly posing as a police officer was arrested at a checkpoint along the national highway in Cabangan town on Tuesday, May 18.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Editorial, Analysis, Opinion and Features
[Fact Check] Liberal Party, NPA DID NOT ask to return Sinopharm vaccines to China
Neither the Liberal Party (LP) nor the New People’s Army (NPA) has called for the return of Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines to China, contrary to the claim in a May 6 post by Facebook (FB) page PH Latest and its YouTube channel.
Vera Files
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
PH to ‘prepare for the worst’ with new Covid variants: Duterte
The government might be forced to go full blast on the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), in case the country faces a worst-case scenario, President Rodrigo Duterte said on Monday. Duterte raised the possibility as he lamented that the Covid-19 is becoming “dangerous” because of the discovery of more “serious” variants.
NDBC News
Duterte tasks DILG to supervise vaccine handling, transport
PRESIDENT Duterte has ordered the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to oversee the delivery and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines nationwide to prevent mishandling and wastage.
Malaya
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
'Nagdu-duty ako': Robredo shares role in OVP's Bayanihan e-Konsulta program
Vice President Leni Robredo shared some of her office's COVID-19 pandemic response and how she gets her hands dirty to ensure that programs of the Office of the Vice President reach the public.
ABS- CBN News
Fast talk with Vice President Robredo: Maglalakad o tatakbo?
Vice President Leni Robredo bared some interesting things about herself as she took on the fast talk challenge during a radio interview aired on Tuesday.
ABS- CBN News
AUDIT, GRAFT, AND CORRUPTION
BUDGET, FINANCE, and TAXATION
Program to boost LGUs’ revenue-generation capabilities
Local governments’ revenue-generation capabilities are expected to get a boost from a project financed by Manila-based Asian Development Bank (ADB), which is aimed at shoring up real property tax collection.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
BUSINESS, ECONOMY AND INVESTMENT
Duterte’s economic managers scale down 2021 growth goal to 6-7%
Amid the lingering threat of newer, more contagious COVID-19 variants and the recent most stringent lockdown reimposed in areas accounting for half of the economy, President Rodrigo Duterte’s economic managers have turned less bullish in the Philippines’ growth prospects, downscaling their target range to 6-7 percent from 6.5-7.5 percent previously.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
BUILD, BUILD, BUILD and PUBLIC WORKS
‘Build, Build, Build’ projects in SoCot on track: Nograles
The government is on track to complete various vital infrastructure projects in South Cotabato province and the neighboring areas before the end of President Rodrigo Duterte’s term in 2022.
Philippine News Agency
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
DISASTER AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Impeach raps vs SC’s Leonen referred to House justice committee
The impeachment complaint against Supreme Court Associate Justice Marvic Leonen has been referred to the House committee on justice, five months after its filing.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
DEFENSE AND SECURITY
Armed Forces of the Philippines
Philippine National Police
EDUCATION
Re-imagining EdTech and the classroom in a post-pandemic era
The educational system’s response to the global health crisis demonstrated how technology can transform the way teachers teach and students learn. This new transformative approach and beyond-the-classroom learning found schools in all levels embracing education technology apps and online remote classes, with every teacher and student trapped in the online space for more than a year.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY
PH internet speeds continue to improve as of April 2021, NTC says
Internet speeds in the country have continued to improve as of April as shown in the Speedtest Global Index by Ookla, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).
Philippine Daily Inquirer
ELECTION RELATED
Proposed raising of campaign spending limit will favor rich candidates – Pimentel
A proposal to raise the allowable campaign spending would be “too favorable” for rich candidates, Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III said on Tuesday during the Senate’s plenary session.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
10 held over illegal mining in Cagayan town
Ten people, including a minor, were arrested after they dug stones along the shoreline of Claveria, Cagayan on Monday, May 17, police said.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
LABOR
Davao City Council approves ordinance to aid workers’ woes
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the workers protection desk of Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) in Southern Mindanao has been receiving complaints with an average of three workers seeking assistance on unjust labor practices every week.
Davao Today
LEGISLATIVE
Senate of the Philippines
Bills that seek to improve hospitals pushed
SEN. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go sponsored several bills that seek to improve and develop public hospitals in different parts of the country.
Manila Times
Is funding boxing body best use of P150M amid pandemic? – Pia Cayetano to Pacquiao
Sen. Pia Cayetano questioned on Tuesday the P150-million initial funding needed for the boxing and combat sports commission being proposed by boxer-turned-politician Sen. Manny Pacquiao.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
[Opinion] Final ‘act’
As earlier announced, the Senators have agreed to hold sessions four days starting this week. Both chambers of the 18th Congress just resumed sessions last Monday. Our legislators enjoyed more than a month-long session break that started before the Holy Week.
Philippine Star
House of Representatives
Advocates propose over P120-B allocation for education under Bayanihan 3
A multi-stakeholder group has suggested raising the fund portion for the education sector under the proposed Bayanihan to Arise as One Act or Bayanihan 3.
Bulatlat
LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)
OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
FOREIGN RELATIONS
West Philippine Sea
Zambales lawyers urge Duterte to retract statements on West Philippine Sea
A group of lawyers in this province facing the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on Monday, May 17, urged President Rodrigo Duterte to “publicly uphold” the Constitution by retracting his “defeatist” statements on China’s illegal activities in the WPS.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
Tapia Unified Farmer’s Association, launched their Mushroom Products in Davao de Oro town
Members of Tapia Unified Farmers Association (TUFA), an organized People’s Organization in Brgy. Tapia, Montevista, Davao de Oro launched their Mushroom Binagoongan and Mushroom Chili Garlic Sauce, the product of their organization from their livelihood of Mushroom Production today, 18 May 2021.
Kalinaw News
‘Tariff cuts should lead to affordable prices’
Two executive orders (EOs) easing imports on rice and pork should be accompanied by a strong strategy on food security and price stability, industry stakeholders said yesterday.
Malaya
HOUSING and SETTLEMENT
South Cotabato town to expand housing project for informal settlers
More poor informal settler families in Tampakan town, South Cotabato province are expected to benefit from the planned expansion of a flagship resettlement housing project in the area.
Mindanews
Displaced families in DavSur benefit from NHA housing
The National Housing Authority in Region 11 (NHA-11) turned over at least 240 permanent housing units in Barangay Balnate here Monday.
Philippine News Agency
POVERTY
SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT
TRANSPORTATION
PAL recovery seen after restructuring
Philippine Airlines (PAL) president Gilbert Santa Maria expects the flag carrier to bounce back after an ongoing restructuring program launched during the COVID-19 crisis.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
TOURISM
WATER and ENERGY
It’s over! Water concessionaires rescind arbitration awards, end legal actions vs gov’t
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Tuesday said that water concessionaires have already waived the arbitral award and terminated all proceedings against the Philippine government.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
NEA adds guidelines on writing-off lost, destroyed power bills
THE NATIONAL Electrification Administration (NEA) has issued additional guidelines on writing-off uncollected power bills that have been lost or destroyed due to natural calamities and man-made disasters.
Business World
8 more power projects endorsed to NGCP for system impact study
The Department of Energy (DOE) has endorsed eight more projects to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) for it to undertake system impact studies (SIS), bringing the total to 24 for for the year. An SIS is an engineering study that assesses the impact of a proposed interconnection or transmission service request on the safety and reliability of a transmission system.
Power Philippines
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