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Communist Rebellion
AFP-PNP admits spending ₱5 billion per year vs NPA in Eastern Visayas
In a “multi-sectoral conference” led by the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC)-8 last May 25 in Catbalogan City, Samar, 8th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Pio Diñoso III admitted that the AFP-PNP in the region spends P5 billion of the people’s money every year to defeat the New People’s Army (NPA).
Communist Party of the Philippines 

3IDPA and PRO-6 unwittingly admit rights violations on Bocala murder
It is not surprising that Mr. Cenon Pancito, spokesperson of the 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army in Jamindan, Capiz was caught boasting in radio interviews about their murder of the 75-year old Reynaldo Bocala and his elderly aide, Willie Epago. Together with the PNP-CIDG 6, they celebrate Bocala’s murder as an “achievement of justice”. For the rabid fascists ang mercenaries, it is just to murder the sick and elderly. The callous spokesperson even said it is fine to “kill women, young people” to achieve their made-up “justice”. Indeed, the military and police involved in Bocala’s murder are shameless criminal thugs.
Communist Party of the Philippines

Generals Eleazar, Parlade and Esperon are hiding prisoner taken during May 21 Sta. Rosa Massacre
We demand police chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar and National Security Adviser Gen. Hermogenes Esperon to reveal the status and whereabouts of Kemuel Ian Cometa, a youth community organizer, who was taken by police and military operatives last May 21 in the assault on a private home in Barangay Macabling, Sta. Rosa, Laguna where three people were massacred.
Communist Party of the Philippines 

DOJ evaluates Task Force probe of NDFP members death
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is evaluating whether the Administrative Order (AO) 35 Task Force will investigate the deaths of National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) members Rustico Tan and two others.
Philippine News Agency 

BDP can end poverty, halt recruitment by CTGs
The Barangay Development Program (BDP), aside from its main goal to end poverty and empower far-flung communities that were infiltrated by communist terrorist groups (CTGs), will end the vicious cycle of violence and recruitment by insurgents.
Philippine News Agency 

DTI-Aurora grants livelihood kits to 21 former rebels
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Aurora Provincial Office grants livelihood kits to 21 former rebels (FRs) on Thursday, May 27, 2021, according to the top military official in this province.
Kalinaw News

Caraga RTF-ELCAC SAKM Cluster, Caraga State University Agrees to Prevent NPA Recruitment
The Situational Awareness and Knowledge Management Cluster (SAKM) of the Caraga Regional Task Force Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict conducted a courtesy call and dialogue with the President and other key officials of Caraga State University (CSU) to prevent NPA recruitment in the said school on May 27, 2021, at CSU Conference Room, Amazon Campus, Brgy Ampayon, Butuan City
Kalinaw News

LGUs' persona non grata declaration vs. Reds voluntary
The declaration of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples Army (CPP-NPA) members as personae non gratae is a "voluntary gesture" from local government units (LGUs), particularly at the barangay level, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said on Monday.
Philippine News Agency 

Local residents Bayugan City, receive aid from the government in community outreach program in Agusan del Sur
The 23rd Infantry “Masigasig” Battalion (23IB) joined with the local government unit (LGU) of Bayugan City in Agusan del Sur in the conduct of the ongoing series of outreach programs in the barangays. The program was started on May 2, 2021 until June 8 of the same year. The program aims to alleviate the health situation, provide quality healthcare programs and services to the remote communities in Bayugan City.
Kalinaw News

[Opinion]  Doomed from the start: Why the communist insurgency is an unwinnable war
THE armed Philippine communist insurgency bred martyrs to its cause, posers after ego and gain and enormous collateral damage in its wake. For more than half a century, it raged from the cities to the countryside. But it is not going anywhere. Its unraveling began long before it even seized power.
Manila TImes

Peace talks

Incidents/Operations

Three 20th IB troops killed in NPA-Northern Samar harassment

Three operating soldiers of the 20th Infantry Battalion were killed after a unit of the New People’s Army-Northern Samar (Rodante Urtal Command) attacked them outside Barangay San Miguel, Las Navas on the morning of May 24.
Communist Party of the Philippines 

NPA Terrorists’ High-Powered Firearms Recovered in Sibagat, Agusan del Sur
Troops of the 65th Infantry “Stalwart” Battalion (65IB) recovered war materials after the recent firefight against the terrorist members of the Guerilla Front 21 of North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) on, May 28, 2021, at around 2:40 PM in the hinterlands of Brgy. El Rio, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur.
Kalinaw News

Former Rebels revelation yields to the discovery of NPA arms and IEDs cache in North Cotabato
Through the help of former rebels, the 39th Infantry (Smash’em) Battalion troopers discovered firearms (FAs) and improvised explosive devices (IED) cache at Sitio Sagpangon, Brgy. Biangan, Makilala, North Cotabato on May 30, 2021.
Kalinaw News | 

Soldier hurt in clash with suspected NPA rebels in Samar town
A soldier was wounded in an encounter with suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPAs) in San Jose de Buan town, Samar province on Monday morning.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Extremism
MARAWI 

SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE WORLD

At least 16 members of UK military referred to anti-extremism scheme
At least 16 members of the armed forces have been referred to the UK’s terrorism prevention programme – in the majority of cases because of concerns about far-right activity.
The Guardian

From Salford schoolboy to Neo-Nazi next door - Oliver Bel and the rising threat of far right extremism
Wearing a tweed jacket, rimmed glasses and carrying a briefcase, it looked as though Oliver Bel was on his way to a university lecture rather than a crown court.
Manchester Evening News

'Acts of domestic terrorism': Police hunt for suspects as new details emerge in Miami-area shooting that left two dead, 21 injured
Police in South Florida hunted for suspects Monday after two people were killed and 21 were injured in a shooting outside a banquet hall in what authorities called an act of domestic terrorism.
USA Today

Spreading extremism: Mufti Amir Hamza gives confessional statement
Mufti Amir Hamza, a well-known speaker on Islam, confessed to a magistrate today that he was involved with misinterpreting religion and spreading extremism through waz mahfils.
The Daily Star

Australia and New Zealand unite over China human rights issues 
Australia and New Zealand on Monday expressed grave concerns over developments in Hong Kong and the human rights situation in the Xinjiang region of China, as the two nations sought to get in lockstep over their biggest trading partner.
EuroNews

Macron says stable Mali, not only French troops, can fight terrorism
French troops on their own can not fight terrorism in Africa’s Sahel region, and stable political institutions in Mali also have a role, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday.
National Post
Bangsamoro
BARMM 

If simplified, bill resetting BARMM polls to 2025 could pass Senate next week, says Senator Zubiri
Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri recommended simplifying Senate Bill 2214 to just changing the date of the BARMM election from 2022 to 2025 as "it will be easier to stand the issue of constitutionality if somebody challenges this in the Supreme Court." "I think, if it is just Section 1 of the bill (which refers to only changing the date of the BARMM election), I believe we may even pass this next week without any problems," Zubiri projected.
Luwaran
i
MAGUINDANAO AND COTABATO CITY 
 
LANAO PROVINCES

Conviction of ex-mayor, town accountant affirmed
The Sandiganbayan has affirmed the conviction of former Mayor Norlaine Mitmug Limbona of Pantar, Lanao del Norte and Municipal Accountant Paganaibae Abinal Macaumbos for graft and violations of the Government Auditing Code in the irregular grant of P11.8 million cash advances in 2008.
Manila Bulletin

BASILAN

SULU 

TAWI-TAWI 

Duterte grants reward to Marines for neutralization of ASG leader, rescue of kidnap victims in Tawi-Tawi
President Rodrigo Duterte has conferred medals and monetary reward to the Philippine Marine troops behind the rescue of Indonesian kidnap victims and the killing of an Abu Sayyaf sub-leader in Tawi-Tawi, the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Mindanao Command (AFP-WestMinCom) said Monday.
UNTV
 
Shadow economies
DRUGS

Operations/ Incidents

PNP to strengthen ties with BuCor, BJMP vs. drug ops behind bars
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday vowed to intensify coordination with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) to stem the continuing illegal drug operations of inmates behind bars.
Philippine News Agency 

Man yields P4.3-M shabu in QC sting
Police seized a total of P4,352,000 worth of shabu from a drug suspect during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Holy Spirit, Quezon City, on Sunday.
Manila Bulletin

San Fernando bust: 1 dead, 1 nabbed; P27K shabu seized
A drug suspect was killed after he allegedly tried to shoot an undercover police officer with a handgun during a buy-bust operation today, May 31, in Barangay North Poblacion, San Fernando town in southern Cebu.
Cebu Daily News

Recovery and Rehabilitation

ILLICIT FIREARMS, EXPLOSIVES, AND AMMUNITION

CROSS-BORDER TRADING/ SMUGGLING/ COUNTERFEIT GOODS  

HUMAN TRAFFICKING

KIDNAPPING/ ABDUCTION

ILLEGAL GAMBLING

ILLICIT FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS/ EXTORTION

New AMLC rule on scrutinizing dubious investments now effective
The new rules that will allow inquiries into deposits and investments account relating to an unlawful activity or money laundering even before the filing of information is effective starting Monday.
Philippine News Agency 
 
Land issues
Indigenous People's
LGU and DepEd to put up an IP school for the Higaonons of Gingoog City
The 58th Infantry Dimalulupig Battalion attended the Ceremonial Signing of Usufruct Agreement between the Department of Education Region X Division of Gingoog City North III District and the Higaonon Tribal Community of Barangay Eureka, Gingoog City, at Sitio Muya of the said barangay, last May 26, 2021.
Kalinaw News
Human Rights
Security issues prevent cops from sharing files to CHR
President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday said he understands why the Philippine National Police (PNP) refused to share information to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) regarding illegal drug-related killings.
Philippine News Agency 

DOJ to assess if deaths of 2 NDFP peace consultants should be probed by EJK committee
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has yet to assess if the deaths of three persons, including two National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) peace consultants, should be investigated by the inter-agency committee on extra-judicial killings (EJKs), Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra said on Monday, May 31.
Manila Bulletin

Press Freedom/ Freedom of expression

Martial Law 
Governance

COVID-19

Cases

Of 6,684 new COVID-19 cases, 972 came from Metro Manila, DOH says
Of the 6,684 new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases, the Department of Health (DOH) said 972 came from the National Capital Region (NCR).
Manila Bulletin

Department of Health

DOH fears surge in cases in VisMin
THE Department of Health (DOH) yesterday expressed concern that the continued upward trend in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the Visayas and Mindanao regions could lead to a repeat of the April surge in the National Capital Region (NCR) and its neighboring provinces.
Malaya

IATF/NTF COVID-19

GCQ status in NCR Plus extended until June 15
The general community quarantine (GCQ) quarantine classification in Metro Manila and other areas has been extended until June 15, President Rodrigo Duterte said on Monday night.
Philippine News Agency 

PH has highest daily COVID-19 inoculations among 5 largest Asean nations – Galvez
The Philippines has the highest number of daily COVID-19 jabs so far administered among the five largest countries in Southeast Asia, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., the country’s vaccine manager, reported on Monday during the weekly “Talk To The People” of President Rodrigo Duterte.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Regions

Luzon including NCR

OCTA says Covid-19 downtrend in NCR Plus slowed down
The OCTA Research Group on Monday said the downward trend in new Covid-19 cases in the National Capital Region (NCR) Plus has slowed down with a one-week growth rate of just -1 percent.
Philippine News Agency 

Visayas

Uniformed medical personnel to augment Iloilo Covid hospitals
Medical personnel of the government’s uniformed agencies will augment the manpower of city-based hospitals with facilities dedicated to coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
Philippine News Agency 

Mindanao

After its mayor, Makilala vice mayor tests positive for COVID-19 too
Another local official in North Cotabato announced today he has contracted COVID-19. “I inform my constituents that I have tested positive to COVID-19 despite my extra efforts of observing maximum health protocols,” Vice Mayor Ryan Tabanay of Makilala town said in a statement.
NDBC News

Samal off limits to tourists from June 1 to 14 as precautionary measure vs COVID-19
The tourist destination Island Garden City of Samal is off limits to tourists from June 1 to 14 “as a precautionary measure to prevent uncontrollable surge of COVID-19 transmission,” Mayor Al David Uy said.
Mindanews

World 

WHO, at heart of world’s sluggish COVID response, could face shake-up
The World Health Organization, at the heart of the world’s sluggish handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, faces a potential shake-up to prevent future outbreaks as a top official warned that “the pathogens have the upper hand”.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Diplomatic, Development and Private Sector 

Incidents and Violations

QCPD clears councilor of safety protocol violations
Councilor Franz Pumaren of Quezon City’s Third District has welcomed police findings that his group did not violate health protocols during a food distribution activity last week in Barangay Old Balara.
Philippine News Agency 

Editorial, Analysis, Opinion and Features

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

PRRD signs law extending electricity lifeline rate till 2071
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has signed a law extending the electricity lifeline rates, especially for the poor, for a period of 50 years.
Philippine News Agency 

PRRD inclined to give western-made vax to seafarers
President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday said he is “inclined” to approve calls to provide western-made Covid-19 vaccines to Filipino seafarers if required for work.
Philippine News Agency 

Duterte pledges to donate $1-M to COVAX Facility  
President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday night said he will donate USD1 million to the World Health Organization-led COVAX Facility to repay its efforts in providing developing countries, including the Philippines, with free Covid-19 vaccines.
Philippine News Agency 

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

Gov’t should ‘inspire’ citizens for nation-building, Robredo says
Vice President and opposition leader Leni Robredo on Monday, May 31, took time to thank her office’s volunteers highlighting their valuable contribution in building the nation.
Manila Bulletin

AUDIT, GRAFT, AND CORRUPTION

SC turns down ex-Budget exec appeal to dismiss PDAF-related case
The Supreme Court (SC) has turned down a petition filed by former Budget Undersecretary Mario Relampagos and his staff who questioned their indictment before the Sandiganbayan for their alleged part in anomalies involving lawmakers’ pork barrel fund, or the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).
Philippine News Agency 

BUDGET, FINANCE, and TAXATION

PH insurers readied for shift to more transparent accounting rules by 2025
Insurance firms in the Philippines will shift to a more transparent accounting system by 2025 — a change that will require operations, financial reports and actuarial calculations to be reassessed, according to the industry regulator.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Gov’t Q1 tax take exceeds goal but spending falls short of program
The government has underspent by 13.9 percent in the first quarter despite continuing efforts to lift the economy out of the pandemic-induced recession.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

BUSINESS, ECONOMY AND INVESTMENT

PH economy swimming in cash but bank loans dry for fifth month in April
The steady growth in liquidity in the Philippine financial system has once more failed to translate into new loans necessary to boost economic growth, meaning both lenders and borrowers remain risk-averse due to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

BSP sees May inflation easing slightly
The Philippine central bank expects the rate of increase of prices of basic goods and services to have eased slightly in May as some food items became more affordable during the period, offsetting an increase in fuel prices caused by rising global demand.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Aboitiz firm to issue third tranche of P30-B bonds
ABOITIZ Equity Ventures, Inc. (AEV) is preparing to issue the third tranche of its P30-billion shelf-registered bonds consisting of a P5-billion primary offer, with an oversubscription option of up to P5 billion.
Business World

Sustainable fashion still a confusing concept for consumers — survey
Aware of the urgent need to switch to more environmentally respectful lifestyles, consumers are gradually turning to sustainable fashion. Yet it can be hard to know what lies behind this notion of sustainability and, crucially, how and where to find more sustainable options. 
Philippine Daily Inquirer

[Editorial] Entrepreneurs need help
Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) account for more than 90 percent of businesses in the Philippines. It follows, according to think tank Moody’s Analytics, that they would suffer the most from a prolonged economic recovery from the pandemic, exacerbating the hardships they have been going through since the onset of the recession last year.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

BUILD, BUILD, BUILD and PUBLIC WORKS

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

Gordon to lead ConCon ’71 golden anniversary celebration
As part of the year-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of the 1971 Constitutional Convention (ConCon), Senator Richard Gordon will lead commemoration activities on Tuesday at the Manila Hotel.
Philippine News Agency 

DISASTER AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE

Zambo farmers, fisherfolk lament losses worth P34-M due to flash floods
As the Mes de Siembrador y Pescadores (Farmer’s and Fishermen’s Month) ended Monday, farmers and fisherfolk in the east coast here lamented the losses to their farms following the flash floods caused by heavy rains that were triggered by the Intertropical Convergence Zone on May 18 and 19.
Mindanews

Storm Dante leaves 2 dead in Mindanao
A teenage girl and an elderly man drowned in swollen rivers while another man was reported missing as heavy rains spawned by Tropical Storm “Dante” (international name: Choi-wan) caused flooding in parts of Mindanao on Sunday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

DOJ ordered to determine raps filed vs. suspected vax sellers
President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday ordered the Department of Justice (DOJ) to determine specific charges to be filed against suspects in the alleged sale of Covid-19 vaccines and inoculation slots in Mandaluyong City.
Philippine News Agency 

DEFENSE AND SECURITY

Armed Forces of the Philippines

Philippine National Police

EDUCATION
 
New law includes labor education in tertiary curriculum

President Rodrigo Duterte has signed a law integrating labor education in the tertiary education curriculum.Duterte signed Republic Act 11551, also known as the Labor Education Act, on May 27 and a copy of the law was released to reporters on Monday.
Philippine News Agency 

INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY  
 
ELECTION RELATED

2022 national elections | Will the opposition wield enough strength to frustrate Duterte’s camp?
The Filipino people deserve a better government.” This is the statement of retired Supreme Court Chief Justice Antonio Carpio when 1Sambayan, a broad coalition of political forces from all ideological persuasions was launched in March.
Bulatlat

Mayor Sara admits talking politics with Marcos siblings, but coy on details
Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte admitted Monday that she discussed politics with Senator Imee Marcos and former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., the children of the late dictator President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., when they met over lunch here last Saturday.
Mindanews

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

LABOR

LEGISLATIVE

Senate of the Philippines

House of Representatives

Bills creating dep’t of OFWs, taxing POGOs certified as urgent
President Rodrigo Duterte has certified as urgent two measures -- one to help the government to better collect taxes from Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and another to create a separate department for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
Philippine News Agency 

House panel pushes for creation of PH center for disease control
A measure seeking to modernize the country's public health emergency preparedness through the creation of the Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) has hurdled committee level at the House of Representatives.
Philippine News Agency 

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)

OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE

FOREIGN RELATIONS  

West Philippine Sea

UP law professors to Duterte: Act in the best interest of Filipinos, retract remarks on WPS
Faculty members of the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Law on Sunday reminded President Rodrigo Duterte "to act in the best interest of the Philippines and the Filipino people" as they urged him to retract his controversial statements on the West Philippine Sea.
ABS-CBN News

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

HOUSING and SETTLEMENT

POVERTY

SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT

TRANSPORTATION

TOURISM

WATER and ENERGY

Rotating brownouts hit Luzon
Parts of Luzon were hit by rotating power interruptions on Monday as high temperatures pushed electricity demand too close to available supply, according to the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP).
Philippine Daily Inquirer

International Alert Philippines is an independent peacebuilding organization that focuses on eradicating vertical and horizontal conflicts through research and analysis, advocacy, and capacity-building. We pool relevant news articles, blog posts, social media materials, and press releases through this daily digest to update ourselves and our partners on important events and ideas that may affect our programmes. Know more about us by following our social media accounts:
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