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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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