CEGP, youth groups file complaint vs alleged harassment, red-tagging by gov’t
Several youth groups, including the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP), trooped to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to file complaints against the government’s alleged harassment and red-tagging of youth leaders.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
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Continuous peace campaign yields more firearms gains in Central Mindanao
Seven high-powered firearms were handed over anew to the government forces in North Cotabato on May 20, 2021. According to Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command, this is a result of the concerted effort of the local government units and the security sector.
Kalinaw News
AFP, PNP, Stakeholders unite for “Kapwa Ko, Sagot Ko”
The Philippine Army in Bohol through the 47th Infantry Battalion initiated a gift-giving activity dubbed as “Kapwa ko, Sagot ko” in Barangay Dagohoy, Bilar on May 20, 2021. The activity was in partnership with the provincial Government of Bohol, Local Government Unit of Bilar, 62nd Special Action Company, PNP and other stakeholders.
Kalinaw News
Former Rebels as Adlai Farmers
A total of Forty One (41) Former Rebels (FRs) successfully finished the Adlai Enterprise Development Seminar in partnership with the 403rd Infantry “Peacemaker” Brigade and the Department of Agriculture (DA10) yesterday at Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Center (NMACLRC), Barangay Dalwangan, this city.
Kalinaw News
Peace talks
Incidents/Operations
Tip-off from locals leads 39th Infantry Battalion to successful combat operation
While answering to the information given by the community, 39th Infantry Battalion operating troops responded and encountered more or less 13 Communist-Terrorist Groups (CTGs) believed to be members of Pulang Bagani Command, Southern Mindanao Regional Command under alias MARUZ, Secretary, PBC, SMRC at around 9 o’clock in the morning at the hinterlands of Pangayawon, Purok 7, Brgy New Israel, Makilala, North Cotabato on May 20, 2021.
Kalinaw News
NPA returns to family after 11 years of uncertain life
A 56-year-old fighter of the New People’s Army (NPA) operating in Mountain Province has ended years of uncertainty by voluntarily surrendering to be with his family and children.
Philippine News Agency
Tips from locals prevent NPA harassment
Information from residents has preempted the planned harassment of the Communist Party of the Philippines –New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) against teams for the Community Support Program (CSP) in the mountainous village of Miagao, Iloilo on May 15.
Philippine News Agency
State agents kill three-man NPA hit squad in Laguna encounter
Members of a three-man hit squad believed to have been deployed by the communist rebel group New People’s Army (NPA) were slain in an encounter with arresting officers in Laguna, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Task force foils kill plot on ‘talking heads’
Elite government forces thwarted yet another plot by local communist terrorists to assassinate government officials in the security sector, including “talking heads” of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).
Manila Standard
Exploited north Negros villagers withdraw support from CPP-NPA
Some 35 residents of Barangay Minapasuk in Calatrava, Negros Occidental, who have been exploited by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) through the years, have withdrawn their support from the communist-terrorist group.
Philippine News Agency
70 NPA rebels lured out of armed struggle
The three-month engagement of community support program (CSP) teams in four municipalities of southern Iloilo have convinced 70 New People's Army rebels to return to the government fold.
Philippine News Agency
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MARAWI
Extremists Exploit Anger over Delays in Marawi’s Rebuilding, Philippine Experts Say
Four years after pro-Islamic State militants seized Marawi city in the southern Philippines, extremists are exploiting residents’ frustration over ongoing delays in its rehabilitation and loose ends in a transition to an autonomous regional government, analysts said Friday.
Benar News
Close to 500 houses for families displaced by Marawi siege now built
Nearly 500 house units for families who were displaced by the conflict in Marawi have been built in the war-stricken area, according to a building solutions provider.
Interaksyon
SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE WORLD
US to increase tracking of domestic extremism on social media
The Department of Homeland Security plans to ramp up social media tracking as part of an enhanced focus on domestic violent extremism. While the move is a response to weaknesses exposed by the deadly U.S. Capitol insurrection, it's raising concerns about undermining Americans’ civil liberties.
The Independent
The Community Factors That Drive Extremism And How To Counter Them
In episode 4 of our video series with CARR on radical right extremism, we speak to Dr. Mario Peucker about community-driven extremism and how to combat it.
Rantt Media
On Christchurch Call Anniversary, a Step Closer to Eradicating Terrorism Online?
Is it possible to eradicate terrorism and violent extremism from the internet? To prevent videos and livestreams of attacks from going viral and maybe even prevent them from being shared or uploaded in the first place? The governments and tech companies involved in the Christchurch Call are working with other public-private partnerships to develop the technical capacity and coordinated approach required to implement this ambitious agenda.
Just Security
4th suspect arrested in Maldives bombing targeting ex-leader
Maldives police have arrested the fourth and final suspect who was being sought for the bombing that severely wounded the country’s former president earlier this month.
Seattle Times
Japan's Mizuno and World Co to stop using Xinjiang cotton -Nikkei
Japanese apparel makers Mizuno and World Co will stop using cotton from China’s Xinjiang due to concerns over alleged human rights violations in the region, Nikkei reported on Friday.
Reuters
Rogue Belgian soldier lurked near potential target's home
A Belgian soldier with suspected extreme-right views who absconded with military weapons spent two hours lurking near the home of a potential assassination target, officials said Friday.
France 24
Jihadist gets life for deadly attack on German gay couple
A Syrian jihadist received a life sentence Friday for stabbing a German tourist to death and severely wounding his life partner in a homophobic attack.
France 24
5 German police officers investigated over ‘hateful’ content in group chat as authorities ramp up efforts to weed out extremists
Five officers are being investigated for sharing hateful content in a group chat, including banned symbols, German police have said. Authorities have increased efforts to weed out far-right views from security forces.
Russia Today
Bill on anti-Asian hate crimes signed
President Joe Biden signed a bill Thursday meant to address a proliferation of assaults and other crimes against Asian Americans since the outbreak of the covid-19 pandemic.
Arkansas Democrat Gazette
Iran denounces Canada ruling plane downed an ‘act of terrorism’
Iran’s foreign ministry has condemned as “shameful” a Canadian court ruling that said a Ukraine airliner was shot down intentionally last year in an “act of terrorism”.
Aljazeera
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BARMM
Multidonor trust fund set up to develop former MILF camps in Bangsamoro
The government has set up the Bangsamoro Normalization Trust Fund (BNTF) that will take care of the financial requirement for decommissioning the armed wing of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and to transform former rebel camps into productive enclaves.
Philippine Daily Inquirer | Philippine News Agency
Tolentino cites need for BARMM extension
Senator Francis N. Tolentino on Friday emphasized the need for an additional three-year transition period in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to implement the peace building and normalization efforts embodied in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).
Manila Standard | Business Mirror
MAGUINDANAO AND COTABATO CITY
Commander of the armed lawless group wanted for multiple murders nabbed in Datu Piang, Maguindanao
The joint elements of 6th Infantry ‘Redskin’ Battalion (6IB) under 6th Infantry ‘Kampilan’ Division (6ID) together with the elements from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (CIDG- BAR), and Datu Piang Municipal Police Station arrested the leader of an armed lawless group for multiple murder during a law enforcement operation conducted in Datu Piang, Maguindanao today (May 21, 2021).
Kalinaw News | Philippine Star
BIFF bomber slain in clash with gov’t forces in Maguindanao
A sub-leader of the Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) was killed in a clash with soldiers and police forces in Maguindanao on Friday morning (May 21).
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Notorious armed lawless personality killed during continuous military operation in Maguindanao
Troops from the 40th Infantry ‘Magiting’ Battalion (40IB) under Joint Task Force Central while conducting the intensified military operation in Brgy Lipao, Datu Paglas, Maguindanao clashed against an undetermined number of lawless armed group which led to the neutralization of a certain Abdulatip Pendaliday alias Grasscutter, a notorious armed lawless and illegal drug personality, early morning today (May 21, 2021).
Kalinaw News
Drug personality killed; drugs, war materials seized in Maguindanao
A drug personality was killed in an encounter with the government forces on Friday morning May 21, 2021, the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) Chief said.
Kalinaw News
LANAO PROVINCES
Maranaos in Marawi village hold solidarity prayer for Palestine
Around 500 Maranao youth braved quarantine restrictions and gathered in a covered court in Matampay village here on Friday morning for a prayer rally in solidarity with the besieged Palestinian people.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
BASILAN
Security sector, local government intensify collaboration to sustain peace in Basilan
Top security officers and local government officials signed on Friday morning (May 21, 2021) a memorandum to intensify the implementation of the small arms and light weapons (SALW) program in Basilan.
Kalinaw News
SULU
Abu Sayyaf Bandits surrender to AFP’s JTF-Sulu after 5 years of hiding
Eight Abu Sayyaf members formally yield to the military in Sulu in a localized integration program at 1101st Infantry Brigade (1101st Bde) Headquarters in Sitio Bayog, Brgy Samak, Talipao, Sulu on May 21, 2021.
Kalinaw News
TAWI-TAWI
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DRUGS
Operations/ Incidents
P13.8-M shabu seized in Cebu
A 22-year-old man was arrested while packs of suspected shabu valued at P13.8 million were seized in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City Friday.
MAnila Bulletin
Most wanted Negros drug lord found executed in Rizal
The reputedly most wanted drug lord in Negros Occidental was found dead in the town of Baras in Rizal on Wednesday. The alleged drug lord, Michael Divinagracia, was only positively identified late Thursday night, after the Baras Municipal Police Station received a phone call from the Silay City Police Station in Negros Occidental.
Manila Times
Recovery and Rehabilitation
ILLICIT FIREARMS, EXPLOSIVES, AND AMMUNITION
CROSS-BORDER TRADING/ SMUGGLING/ COUNTERFEIT GOODS
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
KIDNAPPING/ ABDUCTION
ILLEGAL GAMBLING
ILLICIT FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS/ EXTORTION
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CSC includes online platforms in rules vs sexual harassment in gov’t service
The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has amended its rules against sexual harassment in government service to include acts committed through text messaging or email, online platforms and in public spaces.
UNTV
Press Freedom/ Freedom of expression
Martial Law
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COVID-19
Cases
Philippines adds 6,285 COVID-19 cases
The Department of Health (DoH) reported 6,285 coronavirus infections on Friday, bringing the total to 1.17 million. The death toll rose by 141 to 19,763, while recoveries increased by 2,586 to 1.1 million, it said in a bulletin.
Business World
Department of Health
IATF/NTF COVID-19
IATF OKs inclusion of BPO workers in A4 priority list for COVID-19 vaccination: trade chief
The country's coronavirus task force on Friday approved the recommendation to include the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector in the A4 priority group for the government's COVID-19 vaccine deployment plan, the trade department said.
ABS- CBN News
P133-M allotted to study use of mix Covid-19 vaccines
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has allocated PHP133 million for the study on using different coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccine brands as the first and second dose, Secretary Fortunato de la Peña bared.
Philippine News Agency
Regions
Luzon including NCR
Visayas
Mindanao
SouthCot LGU rushing completion of dialysis center
The provincial government of South Cotabato has stepped up preparations for the planned full operation by July of its own dialysis center at the provincial hospital in Koronadal City.
MindaNews
5 MisOr LGUs shut down tourist spots to avert Covid-19 surge
Five local government units (LGUs) in Misamis Oriental announced Friday the temporary closure of tourist spots to prevent a surge in coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections.
Philippine News Agency
NTF turns over medical equipment, test kits to Zamboanga City
The National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 vowed to help the local government and health officials scale up their coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) response and mitigation efforts to address the ongoing surge here.
Philippine News Agency
World
Diplomatic, Development and Private Sector
Incidents and Violations
Editorial, Analysis, Opinion and Features
SWS: Only 3 of 10 Pinoys willing to get COVID shots
Only three out of 10 Filipinos are willing to get COVID-19 shots with the rest either still hesitating or outrightly refusing to be inoculated two months into the vaccine rollout in the country, according to a survey by Social Weather Stations (SWS).
Philippine Daily Inquirer
COVID vaccine profits mint 9 new pharma billionaires
COVID-19 vaccines have created at least nine new billionaires after shares in companies producing the shots soared. Topping the list of new billionaires are Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel and Ugur Sahin, the CEO of BioNTech, which has produced a vaccine with Pfizer. Both CEOs are now worth around $4 billion, according to an analysis by the People's Vaccine Alliance, a campaign group that includes Oxfam, UNAIDS, Global Justice Now and Amnesty International.
CNN
Pharma execs cash in on expensive Covid vaccines while billions wait inoculation
Nine new billionaires were created by excessive profits in the manufacture of coronavirus vaccines, a global alliance revealed. The People’s Vaccine Alliance (PVA) said its analysis of recent Forbes Rich List data showed massive wealth is being generated from the Covid pandemic and executives of corporations manufacturing vaccines are cashing in.
Kodao Productons
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
Duterte calls for greater global solidarity to fight Covid-19
President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday emphasized the importance to have greater global solidarity in order to defeat the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
Philippine News Agency
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
AUDIT, GRAFT, AND CORRUPTION
BUDGET, FINANCE, and TAXATION
Gov’t eyes sale of idle mining assets
The Duterte administration is pushing for the revival of the country’s mining industry to help counter the economic devastation wrought by the coronavirus pandemic.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
PH cited for improving cigarette tax policy
The Philippines ranked best in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in terms of tobacco taxation and making cigarettes less affordable based on a global study covering the period 2012 to 2018, the Department of Finance (DOF) said Thursday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
IMF proposes $50 billion plan to end the pandemic
The IMF on Friday proposed a $50 billion plan to end the COVID-19 pandemic, with a target of vaccinating at least 40 percent of the world’s population by the end of 2021.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
BUSINESS, ECONOMY AND INVESTMENT
Diokno: Pandemic-induced risks remain a threat to regional financial markets
The economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic continues to threaten the financial systems of nations and requires regulators around the Asia-Pacific to keep their guard up against so-called systemic risks, according to the head of the Philippine central bank.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
BUILD, BUILD, BUILD and PUBLIC WORKS
92 infra projects approved in last 5 years, 43 more in pipeline
In its nearly five years in office, the Duterte administration has green-lit 92 projects worth a total of P3.86 trillion, of which the bulk were big-ticket infrastructure projects financed by official development assistance (ODA) loans and grants, the latest National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) data showed.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
SLEx extension to Lucena City hits snags
Food, drinks and infrastructure conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) said a major project to extend the South Luzon Expressway to Quezon province was suffering delays due to “unsettled” right-of-way and COVID-19 restrictions.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
DISASTER AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
DEFENSE AND SECURITY
Armed Forces of the Philippines
Philippine National Police
EDUCATION
INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY
ELECTION RELATED
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Game-fishing competition in Misamis Oriental kicks off
Anglers from different parts of the country are now vying for the First Big Catch Game Fishing Tournament in this municipality.
MindaNews
LABOR
LEGISLATIVE
Senate of the Philippines
Senator calls for Duterte-Robredo infomercial to boost Filipinos' vaccine confidence
Senator Joel Villanueva is proposing a COVID-19 vaccine infomercial featuring the country's President and Vice President in a bid to encourage more Filipinos to get their coronavirus shots.
CNN Philippines
House of Representatives
Bayanihan 3 ‘lifeline’ bill advances in Congress
The House of Representatives is now ready for plenary deliberations on the P405.6-billion Bayanihan to Arise As One bill (Bayanihan 3) after the proposal hurdled the appropriations panel on Friday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)
OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
FOREIGN RELATIONS
West Philippine Sea
Senators react to foreign backing on WPS row
Japan’s and Australia’s expression of support for the Philippines’ position against China in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) drew mixed reactions from senators, with one saying it boded well for a “multilateral alliance” in the region, but another said the country’s allies must “put their money where their mouth is.”
Philippine Daily Inquirer
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
HOUSING and SETTLEMENT
Koronadal to develop public lands into housing sites for informal settlers
The city government is planning to develop available public lands here into resettlement housing sites for poor informal settler families.
MindaNews
Region 12 to establish one-stop processing center for housing concerns
The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) in Region 12 (Soccsksargen) is planning to establish a one-stop processing center here for housing-related concerns.
MindaNews
POVERTY
SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT
TRANSPORTATION
TOURISM
DOT urges creation of ‘green lane’ for vaccinated foreign travelers
The Department of Tourism (DOT) has proposed the creation of a “green lane” that will facilitate the entry of foreign travelers who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
WATER and ENERGY
AboitizPower supports Nestle’s Net Zero journey
NESTLE Philippines, one of the country’s largest corporations, continues to champion sustainability as it recently declared bigger and bolder commitments towards a net-zero future. A key step in this journey is Nestle Philippines’ use of 100-percent clean and renewable energy from AboitizPower’s MakBan geothermal power plant.
Sunstar Bacolod
AboitizPower expands share in RE space with second solar project
Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower) is set to expand its share in the renewable energy space, particularly in the business of harnessing energy from the sun, with a 74-megawatt (MW) solar power facility planned for Pangasinan this year.
PV Magazine
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