Philippines Review

China vessels swarm Panatag anew – PCG

Chinese vessels – including a warship – were again seen swarming around Bajo de Masinloc or Panatag Shoal, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported yesterday.

China embassy defends, wants to visit PH-jailed spying suspect

The Chinese Embassy in Manila on Saturday denied the espionage allegations against its detained citizen, Deng Yuanqing, and asked the Philippine government to refrain from making groundless speculations. It also asked the Philippine government to be allowed to visit Deng, who has been in custody since last week, so they could provide him with consular assistance.

Roque Calls For Edsa People Power

Former presidential spokesman Harry Roque, in an interview with One News, said the gathering would serve as a means to exercise democratic rights and oppose what he called an unconstitutional arrest of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte.

Ex-Army captain Clemente ‘Dado’ Enrique faces sedition complaint filed by PNP
VP Sara Duterte's alleged plot against Marcos a 'serious crime' — House leaders
People power ni Roque vs Marcos admin, treason!
VP Duterte as ‘designated survivor’? No such thing in PH – House SecGen
Bongbong Marcos slams destabilization plots at PMA graduation
Alvarez not sorry for asking military to withdraw support for Marcos Jr.
Sara Duterte’s ‘silence’ on China’s hostility in West PH Sea hit

“The Filipino people need real leaders, not traitors. The deafening silence of Vice President Duterte speaks volumes about her priorities”
-Akbayan Party President
Chinese accounts pounce on Mindanao secession issue to warn of 'civil war' in Philippines

Vloggers apologize in House under intense grilling in ‘fake news’ probe

Facing a contempt citation and possible detention, a group of social media personalities and vloggers summoned by the House tri-committee finally appeared on Friday for the panel’s third hearing, where they were put on the spot over their controversial online posts.

NHCP refutes Chinese claims over Palawan Island

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) on Friday, February 28, debunked recent Chinese claims over Palawan Island, which have been circulating on microblogging platform Weibo and other Chinese social media platforms.

PH Army, Navy launch counter measures vs database hacking attempt

The Philippine Army (PA) confirmed on Monday that it detected an “illegal access attempt of a certain group to breach” its network.

Pull out US’ Typhon missile launchers amid redeployment -China to PH

China on Thursday again urged the Philippines to pull out the Typhon missile launchers of the United States after they were reportedly moved to another location in Luzon.

What the law says as China flag spotted in Valenzuela warehouse

The law regarding the national flag was brought up online after a China flag was spotted in a warehouse facility in Valenzuela City.

‘Chinese mafia’ using retiree visas – Senator

Alleged members of a “Chinese mafia” passing themselves off as retirees could compromise national security, a senator warned yesterday. “Visa fraud and fake identities adversely impact national security. What’s largely alarming is the PRA policy of allowing Chinese SRRV applicants who are 35 years old, which can be categorized as ‘soldier’s age.’ There should be security measures and the vetting process of applications regardless of nationality should be tightened,” Binay said.

‘AFP training in China a slap on our face’

“That’s part of Chinese promoting influence globally,” Tulfo noted. He believes the program could even allow the PLA to “infiltrate” the Philippine military hierarchy.

“This is indeed very alarming. This has to be explained. We have not been accepting cadets from our (military) treaty ally while we have been sending (our soldiers) to the country harassing us in the West Philippine Sea… What’s the rationale behind this? How did this happen?”
-Senator Tolentino

“This has to stop. It’s a slap on our face because while China is bullying us, our military could not retaliate.”
-Senator Tulfo

“This is the first time I heard this… I find it very alarming that we are sending or encouraging our cadets and senior military officers to Beijing”
-Senator Estrada

The woman who ‘sold Spratlys to China’

We will never forget the Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking (JMSU) that the Arroyo administration entered with China in 2004. The JMSU allowed China and Vietnam to explore the Philippine-occupied islands in the Spratlys, including the Reed Bank in western Palawan.

First in 10 years: Gov’t boosts military support with P16.9B allowance hike

The Department of Budget and Management has approved the release of ₱16.89 billion to fund an increase in the daily subsistence allowance for military personnel, the first adjustment in a decade.

PH will never waver in protecting its national territory —NMC

The National Maritime Council (NMC) stood firm in its position in the West Philippine Sea, saying that the country remains resolute against foreign intrusions and will never waver in defending its sovereignty.

‘PH firm on sovereignty, but also looking to deescalate tensions’

House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has assured participants of the 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) that while the Philippines will always protect its rights over territorial waters, it is also looking at deescalating tensions in the region.

Trump pick for Pentagon No. 2 blocked Chinese takeover of Subic shipyard — testimony

United States President Donald Trump's pick for deputy Defense secretary played a crucial role in preventing the Chinese acquisition of the former Hanjin Shipyard in Subic Bay in the Philippines, according to testimony at his Senate confirmation hearing on Tuesday, February 25.

After system intrusion, Army launches cyber defense exercise

The Philippine Army (PA) kicked off a two-day cyber defense exercise on Saturday, March 8, in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City to transform foot soldiers into highly-skilled defenders of the cyberspace.

Palace on US foreign freeze aid exemption: Huge help for PH

Malacañang welcomed Tuesday the decision of the Trump administration to exempt the $336-million assistance for the modernization of Philippine security forces from its foreign aid freeze.

AFP sees NPA vacuum after top leader’s slay

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said on Thursday the death of a top communist insurgent in Mindanao has created a “leadership vacuum” in the New People’s Army (NPA).

Marcos reorganizes NSC, removes VP as member due to irrelevance

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has issued an executive order reorganizing the National Security Council (NSC) and removing the vice president as a member due to the position’s irrelevance to the responsibilities of membership in the council.

New laws empower PH to promote peaceful maritime activities -NSC

The newly signed Maritime Zones Act and the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act will enable the government to effectively implement maritime laws and assert its jurisdiction amid tensions in the West Philippine Sea, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said Saturday.

US backs enactment of Philippines Maritime Zones Act

PH won't succumb to 'unprovoked aggression'; Marcos orders peaceful resolution of South China Sea dispute

The National Maritime Council (NMC) said that President Marcos wants the Philippines to pursue diplomatic channels to resolve the rising tensions in the South China Sea as the Council assured Filipinos that the country will not succumb to China's aggressive behavior in the disputed waters.

Philippines ‘cannot yield’ its West Philippine Sea position, Marcos says

Philippines and New Zealand in talks for defense pact

The Philippines and New Zealand have begun negotiating an agreement that would allow them to deploy troops on each other's soil, the two countries said Wednesday, as concerns over maritime tensions with China grow.

7 in 10 Filipinos willing to defend nation from foreign enemy — survey

Across major areas, at least 60% of adult Filipinos are willing to fight for the country, with the highest percentage observed in Mindanao (84%) and the lowest percentage in Visayas (62%),” OCTA Research said on Sunday.

PH wins arbitration case over South China Sea

It has finally been decided that the Philippines has exclusive sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea (in the South China Sea) and that China’s “nine-dash line” is invalid, according to the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

Description	Year
(Bank fraud on the rise) Cybercriminals steal P528B from PH financial sector Philippine banks and financial institutions suffered an estimated P528 billion in losses due to cyberattacks in 2024, according to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).	2025
Total credit limit wipeout! EastWest card tagged in alleged fraud A woman has posted a “cry for help” on social media after racking up over P240,000 worth of unauthorized purchases on her EastWest Bank credit card even before she had the chance to use it.	2025
Cybersecurity fail! AFP database reportedly hacked A database maintained by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has reportedly been hacked, with the sensitive information of aspiring soldiers allegedly exposed.	2025
Chinese hackers breach Marcos' office but PH downplays attack Sensitive data at the Office of President (OPS) under Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. were stolen by Chinese-state sponsored hackers in a yearslong campaign, the Bloomberg wire agency reported.	2025
(December dilemma) Maya users report unauthorized loans, fund transfers Some Maya users were in for an unpleasant surprise after discovering unauthorized transactions in their accounts that resulted in financial losses.	2024
GCash users raise howl over lost funds; e-wallet says it's correcting errors Several customers of e-wallet GCash on Saturday raised a howl on social media over thousands of pesos lost to what appeared to be unauthorized transactions.	2024
Data of 1,000 firms exposed as Maxicare suffers data breach The personal information of employees in 1,000 firms have been compromised after hackers breached into the database of Maxicare Healthcare Corporation, the National Privacy Commission has confirmed.	2024
Major data breach at Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) exposes sensitive information The Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) has been hacked, exposing sensitive data and raising concerns about government agency security. Ph1ns, a hacker who gained unauthorized access to the ACPC's internal systems, revealed the breach. The hacker was also responsible for several hack attacks on government agencies, including the DOST and the PNP.	2024
Data crisis in the Philippines? Digital Pinoys alarmed by leaked bank info Digital Pinoys are accusing banks of leaking sensitive personal information of account holders, which leaves clients more vulnerable to scams.	2024
Cyberattack locks DOST out of system, hackers steal 2TB worth of data The Department of Science and Technology confirmed that at least two terabytes of data have been compromised by local hackers in a cyberattack on Tuesday.	2024
Philippines has highest e-shopping scam rate in Asia In an advisory, the CICC said that the shopping scam rate in the country reached 35.9 percent, the highest among 11 Asian economies surveyed.	2024
CICC alarmed by online sexual abuse cases in PH The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) has expressed alarm over the rising cases of online sexual abuse and exploitation in the Philippines, stressing the need to step up the information drive against it.	2024
(Ivan Uy sleeping on the job) PH military data reportedly for sale on dark web Manila Bulletin tech columnist Bob Reyes shared that 500 megabytes worth of sensitive information from the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) is up for sale on the dark web, which the cybersecurity firm Kaspersky described as a “hidden collective of internet sites only accessible by a specialized web browser.”	2023
CA affirms conviction of ex-RCBC exec in $81-M Bangladesh bank heist The Court of Appeals (CA) has affirmed the conviction of a former bank manager found guilty of money laundering in connection with the $81 million stolen by hackers from Bangladesh’s central bank in 2016.	2023
8 gov’t agencies reportedly hit by cyber attack in 3 years At least eight Philippine government agencies have reportedly been attacked by cyber criminals in the last three years, indicating how poorly the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has been doing its job.	2023
DOST, PNP systems also hacked DICT says The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on Firday confirmed that the systems of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) were hacked.	2023
After PhilHealth, PSA suffers data breach The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) is next to suffer a data breach staged by cyber hackers, after the successful Medusa ransomware attack on Philippine Health Insurance Corp.	2023
13 million members affected by data breach -Philhealth A “staggering” amount of files equivalent to more than 730 gigabytes (GB) of data had been leaked from the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), the National Privacy Commission (NPC) said on Saturday.	2023
Probe cyberhacking of church website Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo of the Kidapawan Diocese is appealing to the Senate to investigate the massive hacking of web pages and personal social media accounts of priests and other government and academic institutions across the country.	2023
Philwin, Tapw1n, 1xbet.com, betjili77, pinasbet: DOJ, Pagcor, NTC urged to block illegal gambling websites blamed for e-wallet theft surge Philwin, Tapw1n, 1xbet.com, betjili77, pinasbet: DOJ, Pagcor, NTC urged to block illegal gambling websites blamed for e-wallet theft surge. A network of digital advocates has called upon the government to take immediate action against unregistered online gambling websites, which have been identified as the main culprit behind the surge in e-wallet theft incidents.	2023
Cybertheft hits GCash; P37-M transfers flagged Cybercriminals “hacked” into the accounts of several users of GCash, the popular digital payments app of Globe Telecom Inc., then siphoned off millions of pesos through a pattern of relatively small withdrawals and transferred the money to two recipient bank accounts late Monday night.	2023
For weeks, PNP staff database was exposed – cyber expert An unprotected database containing more than a million identity documents and private records of Philippine National Police personnel and applicants was exposed online for at least six weeks before access to the data was restricted in March, according to a report by a cybersecurity tracker.	2023
(No alerts received) BDO clients lose money due to unauthorized transactions Some depositors of BDO Unibank have reported losing as much as P200,000 due to unauthorized transactions involving their accounts, with the Sy-blings’ bank supposedly failing to notify them about the suspicious purchases or withdrawals.	2023
Axie Infinity left thousands of Filipino players in debt, and now they are leaving the game The $625 million hack on Axie Infinity’s Ronin Bridge was seen as the beginning of its woes as hundreds of thousands of players started leaving the platform. However, the cracks had started showing way before the hack, and as a new report reveals, thousands of players were plunging into debt playing the game, many of them from the Philippines.	2022

Random facts

Political killings are common in all regions. Although it's much more intense in Mindanao.
Petty crimes are more concentrated in Luzon and other developed cities.
Luzon and Visayas islands are generally more safer than Mindanao.
Places to be more careful in Mindanao: Zamboanga, Cotabato, Marawi, Lanao del Sur, Bukidnon, Sulu.
Rebels will ask for a revolutionary tax, if you don't pay they will burn or bomb your establishments. Although It's rare nowadays, thanks to the effort of our government forces.

Mayoral bet’s convoy ambushed; 2 killed

Gunmen ambushed an 11-vehicle convoy of a mayoral candidate, killing a village chairman and a driver, and wounding another in Pilar, Abra on Friday afternoon.

(DOJ admits) Justice system failed families of drug war victims

The Department of Justice (DOJ) admitted that the justice system failed the victims of extrajudicial killings (EJKs).

Abalos condemns Slovak tourist’s death in Boracay, calls it isolated case

Former Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos on Friday denounced in the strongest possible terms the tragic death of Michaela Mickova, a 23-year-old Slovak national whose body was discovered at an abandoned chapel in Boracay, a prime tourist destination in the Philippines.

Public safety top priority after 4 hostage-taking cases in a month

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday said public safety was its top priority after four hostage-taking cases took place in a month.

PNP chief blames social media for ‘impression’ that crimes are worsening

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Marbil has blamed social media for the “impression” that crimes in the country are worsening, saying incidents have declined according to the law enforcement agency’s data.

Alleged NPA’s ‘permit-to-campaign’ fee collector captured in Quezon

The attempt of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels to demand “permit-to-campaign” (PTC) fees from election candidates in Quezon province was foiled after government forces arrested the assigned collector.

Bishops say Duterte’s arrest pivotal in quest for justice

A of bishops from various Christian denominations in the country said that the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte as a significant step toward justice and accountability. “This moment is seen as a pivotal point in the quest for justice and accountability for the many impoverished victims and their families who have tirelessly sought truth and restitution,” the Ecumenical Bishops Forum (EBF) said in a statement on Thursday. “The arrest of a strongman like Rodrigo Duterte serves as a reminder that failing to punish wrongdoing encourages more evil,” the group said.

Crime rate down by over 26% since Jan. 1 -PNP

Crime incidents that go viral on social media do not reflect the peace and order picture of the country, the Philippine National Police (PNP) clarified on Wednesday, Feb. 19, as it presented data of a 26.76 percent drop in crime rate since January this year.

Ex-PNP cop denied Canadian residency due to drug war involvement

A former officer of the Philippine National Police (PNP) was denied permanent residence in Canada due to involvement in former president Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs.

PH gov’t sees new measures vs. online child sexual abuse

The government is exploring fresh approaches to stop online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSEAC).

PNP to intensify target-driven operations

To address the expected spate of violence during the election period, the Philippine National Police has intensified its target-driven operations against armed groups, criminal gangs and loose firearms.

Marcos funding upgrades for PNP’s IT system correct – Tiangco

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to reallocate funds for the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) information technology (IT) system upgrades is justifiable as law enforcement needs to keep up with changing times, Navotas City Rep. Toby Tiangco said on Friday.

Description	Year
31 cops sacked over robbery of Chinese businessman in Las Piñas Thirty-one police officers from the Eastern Police District's District Special Operations Unit were relieved from their posts for allegedly robbing a Chinese businessman of P85 million in cash and valuables in Las Piñas on April 2	2025
Young Filipino rights defenders forced to abandon advocacy amid online threats, red-tagging Young human rights defenders in the Philippines are abandoning activism and censoring themselves online due to relentless digital harassment, much of it state-sponsored, according to a new report by human rights organization Amnesty International. The operation was initially spearheaded by the US a long time ago to prevent real communism from spreading, before it eventually became twisted and devoid of its purpose. There's no point in preventing communism when the whole country is already a communist. They have blended themselves in all parts of the government specially in the party-list groups which functions as the "voice" of the people (who thought giving voices to the communists was a great idea?). In any case, the military already has a capable intelligence unit and having another agency who's sole purpose is to red-tag somebody reeks of malicious intentions. The operation now served as a way to control the masses, like a social credit score system. If you did something and the government doesn't like it? then surely your name will go straight to the red-tagging list. The ammended Anti-Terrorism Act during the Duterte administration will do just like that, it's so vaguely written that anyone can be arrested if they exhibits even a hint of speaking against the government. This level of deception and trickery by the government has fooled everyone including its "like-minded" allies into thinking that the Philippines is a free country, no it's not. PS: I'm suprised that the Marcos Jr. administration didn't weaponized the Anti-Terrorism Act against his current political opponents but I guess he doesn't need to.	2025
Magalong claims death threat after exposing corruption Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong confirmed Tuesday that he has received a death threat following his claims of corruption involving the use of the General Appropriations Act (GAA) 2025 as an election fund.	2025
3 Filipino call center agents detail torture in Cambodia after learning of scam hub Three Filipinos who moved to Cambodia to work as call center agents opened up about the abuse they were subjected to after learning that the company was a scam hub.	2025
FATF sounds alarm on Philippines’ role in child exploitation networks after grey list exit Less than a month after its removal from the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) grey list, the Philippines is once again under international scrutiny over its role in online child sexual exploitation.	2025
DFA to repatriate over 100 Filipino crypto farm victims in Myanmar The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is working to assist over 100 Filipinos who fell victim to human trafficking and crypto farms in Myanmar. Related: Nearly 200 Filipinos escape Myanmar scam hub, others still trapped, tortured	2025
IP elder beheaded in Maguindanao Sur An elder of the Teduray-Lambangian tribe in Maguindanao del Sur who went missing on Feb. 17 was found dead on Thursday in Datu Hoffer town. With the killing of Promboy, the Inquirer has counted 88 tribe members, mostly leaders and elders, killed since 2019, when Congress enacted the Bangsamoro Organic Law. Ethnic cleansing done by Muslims after Bangsamoro Organic Law (Islamic State, a special region) was enacted.	2025
More Filipino seafarers are being abandoned at sea A seafarer's salary in thousands of dollars is attractive to many Filipinos. But it comes with great cost — loneliness, danger, and possible abandonment at sea.	2025
PNP chief vows to get tough on 10 cops over warrantless raid Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rommel Marbil issued a stern warning to all personnel following the filing of charges against 10 officers who allegedly hurt several people as they carried out a warrantless search on a house in Taguig City.	2025
Child marriages illegal in PH regardless of religion, culture -ICC In a separate statement, CWC denounced the wedding between the two minors in a lavish ceremony attended by what seemed like their own families and relatives. It was featured in a same-day edit video uploaded by Tuladan Studios, a photo and video production company based in Iligan City.	2025
The Internal Affairs Service (IAS) recommended the dismissal of a police general over alleged irregularities in a September 2023 arrest in Parañaque City During the September 2023 arrest, Southern Police District (SPD) personnel apprehended 10 Chinese nationals and one Filipino individual for illegal possession of firearms at the Solemare Parksuites condominium... IAS said further investigation revealed the arresting officers confiscated P27 million in cash that was not covered by the warrant and not disclosed in the inventory of recovered evidence... The agency added that the operatives planted firearms at the scene, tried to destroy closed circuit television camera footage, and turned off their body cameras during the raid.	2025
Deployment ban to Kuwait pushed with another OFW death Sen. Raffy Tulfo has called for a total deployment ban of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to Kuwait following the death of another migrant worker in the Gulf state. On January 2, OFW Jenny Alvarado reportedly died from coal suffocation, along with other foreign workers, after inhaling smoke from a heating system. Adding to her family’s grief, they were initially sent the wrong body upon repatriation. Related: Another OFW in Kuwait dead; suspect nabbed	2025
DOJ files charges vs 2 PNP generals, 28 others for ‘staged’ drug bust The Department of Justice on Monday announced the filing of charges against 30 policemen, including two generals, for taking part in an alleged “grand conspiracy to cover up a criminal enterprise” within the Philippine National Police (PNP). The policemen were accused of violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act for planting evidence and mishandling a high-profile drug case involving PMSgt. Rodolfo Mayo related to the recovery of 990 kilograms of shabu worth P6.7 billion in Tondo, Manila back in October 2022.	2025
NACC calls on Filipinos to help bust online baby-selling scheme National Authority for Child Care (NACC) Undersecretary Janella Ejercito Estrada is urging Filipinos to report Facebook groups involved in online baby-selling to protect children and uphold their rights, as seven active groups remain.	2024
New trafficking scheme The arrest of 20 Filipino women trafficked to Cambodia for surrogacy shows how human trafficking in the country not only remains rife but has even evolved with the times. From mail-order brides in the 1980s to sex workers, laborers, domestic helpers, and drug mules in the 2000s, and now surrogate mothers, many Filipinos are still victimized by illegal recruiters who take advantage of their poverty.	2024
Torture, abuse rampant in Philippine drug detention centers — Amnesty International Individuals detained on drug charges in the country are subjected to torture, degrading treatment and other severe human rights violations, a report of the human rights group Amnesty International said.	2024
DOJ probing Filipino accomplices of graphic artist jailed over child rape in PH The Department of Justice (DOJ) is investigating the possible Filipino accomplices of the graphic artist who was convicted in France for ordering the livestreamed rape of preteen girls in the Philippines.	2024
Daughter recounts slain dad’s ordeal due to mistaken identity in ‘Tokhang’ Among the “tokhang” fatalities were Marlon Pepito and Maximo Pepito, who were both port workers in Navotas City.They were killed by authorities during a police operation in January 2017. Jecel said her father was a victim of mistaken identity, while her uncle was only trying to pacify the situation. “They said that while Papa was being arrested, my uncle tried to stand between them. He asked them: ‘what did my brother do?’ He was speaking in Bisaya so the police did not understand him, which is why he was shot” -Jecel	2024
Under Marcos, PNP still withholding drug war files from CHR While the president's allies in Congress are closing ranks to expose drug war abuses, the Philippine National Police has continued to deny the Commission on Human Rights access to crucial police records related to Duterte's brutal drug campaign.	2024
Harry Roque named in human trafficking case linked to Porac POGO Former human rights lawyer and presidential spokesperson Harry Roque is implicated in a human trafficking case involving individuals allegedly running the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) Lucky South 99.	2024
Duterte says DOJ yet to file case against him despite killings Former president Rodrigo Duterte said Monday that it he is wondering why the Department of Justice has not yet filed criminal charges against him, saying that he has been killing people for a long time. Related: Former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV presented on Wednesday bank documents and “paper trails” reportedly showing that former President Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war was “fake” and just a cover-up for his alleged “drug syndicate.” ‘Don’t name Paolo Duterte, Mans Carpio, Yang in 2018 shabu import mess’ Planting evidence was ‘a strategy’ in arresting suspected criminals -Duterte Duterte admits ordering cops to provoke suspects to fight back	2024
Kian delos Santos' uncle says he lost job after Bato falsely linked him to drugs The uncle of Kian delos Santos, the 17-year-old killed by the police during the war on drugs of the Duterte administration, said Monday that he lost his job and was banished by the community due to the false claim of then Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa that he was involved in the illegal drugs.	2024
Workers 'treated like slaves' on Scottish fishing boats Dozens of workers from around the world may have been trafficked into the UK to work for a small family-owned Scottish fishing firm, a BBC investigation has revealed. Thirty-five men from the Philippines, Ghana, India and Sri Lanka were recognised as victims of modern slavery by the Home Office after being referred to it between 2012 and 2020.	2024
Online attacks vs young Filipino activists spilling into real world Persistent online attacks against young human rights defenders in the Philippines have created a climate of fear and mistrust that ripples through families and communities, according to a new report by a human rights watchdog. Related: Gov't using social media vs freedom of expression, protest —Amnesty Int’l	2024
Umapad workers protest 10 months of unpaid salaries Workers in Barangay Umapad, Mandaue City, held a protest demanding their unpaid salaries for the past 10 month.	2024
POGO Filipinos now joining Pogo scams overseas Chinese national convicted for selling Pinays for sex to POGO workers Gov't goes after syndicate recruiting Pinoys for offshore gaming in Laos POGO hub in Pampanga caught in illegal activities including sex trafficking, kidnapping	2024
Asean lawmakers to gov’t: Find missing Pinoy activists The Asean Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) on Wednesday called on the government to find missing activists James Jazmines and Felix Salaveria Jr. and to revoke the law creating the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac).	2024
Ex-human rights worker arrested in Davao del Sur The former secretary general of the human rights group Karapatan in Southern Mindanao was arrested in Digos City for what the group described were trumped-up charges designed to send a chill and silence human rights defenders in the country.	2024
Alleged human trafficking victims rescued from KJC Compound Two alleged human trafficking victims were rescued from the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) Compound on Sunday, following the service of arrest warrants against its founder Apollo Quiboloy and others, according to Davao police. Related: 5 new ‘victims’ tell police they were raped by Quiboloy	2024
Environmental activist missing after supposed release from Lucena jail Environmental activist Rowena “Owen” Dasig has not been heard of since her supposed release from detention on Wednesday, August 21, according to her lawyers.	2024
‘Lost Sabungeros’ producer slams Cinemalaya’s cancellation of docu screenings One of the producers of the investigative documentary “Lost Sabungeros” considered its canceled Cinemalaya screenings a win for those who wanted to incite “fear.”	2024
(A deadly dream) How the Philippines fails its migrant fishers The Philippine government promises to protect its citizens who seek employment opportunities abroad. Too often, those workers fall through the cracks.	2024
Land Grabbing (Government and Friends Edition) It has been some eight years of wait already and Nacino finds their Certificate of Land Ownership Award (Cloa) covering 57 hectares seemingly useless as they are not able to even see their land as its former landowner, the family of former Bukidnon Gov. Carlos Fortich, had held on to it. Mary Grace Caballero said they would fight for their land because their family has a title, even as it is part of the contested land. She showed reporters a document of the extra-judicial partition of their land. “This is a private property and yet they demolished our houses. They will answer this in court,” Caballero said. Resort owners fear for safety as land-grabbing syndicate strikes in Zambales. The businessman said “powerful and influential individuals who finance their activities” back these syndicates. Angeles City cops probe ‘violent’ demolition try after 7 villagers hurt The presidential candidate made the remark after his party and a group of indigenous people were shot at while hearing the complaints of the Manobo-Pulanguihon on the alleged land grabbing of some 900 hectares by a corporation identified with a local official Raps filed vs 83 farmers, supporters nabbed over Tarlac land dispute Bulacan farmers decry delay in Villar 'landgrabbing' case 6 years after Hacienda Luisita massacre, killings unresolved. More.	2024
Maid dies after falling from roof as she was allegedly escaping from employer A 36-year-old housemaid died on Saturday, June 15, after she accidentally fell from a roof while trying to escape from her employer here, police said.	2024
4 more cops, civilian charged over theft in ex-prof’s house The five brought to 12 the total number of respondents in the case that stemmed from a supposed anti-drug operation, according to the National Police Commission (Napolcom). Lawyer Owen de Luna, chief of the Napolcom-Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), yesterday said that complainant Rebecca Caoile and the Napolcom filed additional criminal charges such as unlawful arrest, violation of domicile and planting of evidence against the respondents.	2024
Death penalty vs illegal garbage dumping in Abra draws 'deep concern' The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expressed its deep concern over a barangay ordinance in Bangued, Abra, which proposes "death penalty" for a third offense of illegal dumping of garbage.	2024
Surface Mindanao labor organizer a month into abduction -NGO to Marcos admin The Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR) called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s administration to surface veteran Mindanao labor organizer William Lariosa after being allegedly abducted by state agents on April 10.	2024
Sec Remulla orders probe on strip searches of female visitors at Bilibid Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla has ordered an investigation on alleged violations committed by prison personnel at the New Bilibid Prison NBP) in Muntinlupa City in the conduct of strip search on visitors of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).	2024
Journalist Incidents The CHR made the pronouncement after the belongings of a photojournalist were confiscated by a security agency, despite being a part of the media covering a land dispute in Silang, Cavite. Armed men intimidate journalists reporting on Pampanga demolition. One of the members pointed a gun at Quejada and told her to stop taking videos. P.5 million reward up for Cagayan De Oro radio broadcaster killer’s arrest Percy Lapid murder 1 year after: Brother relentless in seeking justice Police eye 2-3 motives in photojournalist's shooting Broadcaster stabbed dead in Negros Oriental Photojournalist, 6 relatives wounded in QC shooting incident CPJ, partners offer new leads in murder case of Philippine journalist Gerry Ortega	2024
CHR probes activist abduction, urges stricter implementation of anti-disappearance law The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Wednesday expressed grave alarm over the reported abduction of two environmental defenders in Pangasinan as it called for the strict implementation of the law protecting people from enforced disappearances.	2024
Monument stands as reminder of bloody Pamplona massacre Inside the Degamo compound in the town of Pamplona in Negros Oriental, a monument in memory of slain Governor Roel Degamo has been mounted. But unlike other statues on a pedestal, the monument depicts the March 4, 2023 massacre.	2024
Gov’t agencies to be mobilized to probe unionist death — Bersamin Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Friday said that all necessary government agencies will take action to investigate the death of a labor organizer in Rizal.	2023
UP concerned over missing alumni, urges gov’t to uphold their rights "De Jesus and Capuyan are known indigenous peoples’ rights activists, while Cierva and her companion Cedrick Casaño are peasant and youth organizers," UP said.	2023
Socorro 'cult' leader attends Senate hearings, young witnesses come forward Jey Rence Quilario, or "Senior Agila," the leader of the alleged cult in the town of Socorro, Surigao del Norte has attended last week's Senate hearing on the supposed abuse and illegal activities of his group. He was summoned by Senate Committees following the alleged operation of a shabu laboratory in the province, alleged systematic rape, sexual abuse, trafficking, forced labor, and child marriage involving the group.	2023
Anti-reclamation activists go missing in Bataan Two community organizers working with fishers opposing reclamation and coastal development projects in Manila Bay were reportedly abducted in Bataan province, rights and environmental groups said.	2023
Red-Tagging Quiboloy woes a ‘price to pay’ for fighting Reds. "The United States Department of the Treasury sanctions on televangelist Apollo Quiboloy, including a freeze order on his US-based assets, are all part of the sacrifice needed to end communism" -Lorraine Badoy “For more than a decade, Apollo Carreon Quiboloy engaged in serious human rights abuse, including a pattern of systemic and pervasive rape of girls as young as 11 years old, as well as other physical abuse” These are the same allegations contained in a federal indictment of Quiboloy and two other officials of his religious group for conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion and sex trafficking of children; sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion; conspiracy; and bulk cash smuggling. -US Treasury Journalist jailed since 2020 denies Red links Red-tagging of Iloilo LGBT community leader by TV show hosts alarms CHR The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) has again called out the Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), owned by televangelist Apollo Quiboloy, for red-tagging three journalists in one of its recent program episodes. Robredo's Angat Buhay Eyes Legal Action vs Lorraine Badoy. SC warns vs inciting attacks against judges. Lawyers, judges and fellow alumni of Manila RTC Branch 19 Judge Marlo Magdoza-Malagar condemned the threats against her and her husband, University of the Philippines Cebu chancellor Leo Malagar, who were vilified and red-tagged for her Sept. 21 decision. Intel chief red-tags publishing company for their effort in making Martial Law (History) Information more accessible to children. PNP takes down social media posts that red-tags Ninoy Aquino. Laguna mayor, groups condemn arrest of environmental defender. Health workers slam Badoy for red-tagging them again. UP Visayas slams red-tagging of its students. CHR probes red-tagging of teachers. Anonymous accounts mark Ninoy Aquino Day with CPP-NPA and Plaza Miranda bombing allegations. Meanwhile, some social media pages of law enforcement agencies posted photos commemorating Aquino’s death with references to the Plaza Miranda bombing anniversary, with some accounts also stating this was plotted by the CPP-NPA. Catholic religious superiors assail red-tagging among their ranks. Sara Duterte calls week-long transport strike ‘communist-inspired, pointless’. Atom Araullo sues Badoy, Celiz for P2M over red tagging. Bacolod transport strike on amid arrest threat. Bayan Negros particularly criticized a statement of NTF-ELCAC spokesman Jeffrey Celis, who reportedly called for the arrest of transport group leaders who would lead the strike. Another activist files complaint vs Badoy, Celis over red tagging.	2023
Helper allegedly blinded by employers in Mindoro detail grueling abuse A 44-year-old helper has gone blind and acquired numerous scars all over her body after she was allegedly abused by her employers in Mindoro.	2023
CHR conducts independent probe into Himamaylan peasant killings Contradicting allegations have surfaced since the killings took place on Wednesday. Farmers and rights groups assert that the killings are linked to the Philippine Army while the Army has denied involvement, redirecting blame to the New People’s Army (NPA).	2023
Cyber libel case is not about me, it’s about press freedom -Walden Bello Former vice presidential bet Walden Bello said the cyber libel case filed against him by Jefry Tupas, former press officer of then Davao City mayor now Vice President Sara Duterte, had been attracting international attention not because of him per se but because it involved an abridgment of the freedom of speech, which was very important in a democracy.	2023
Rights advocates worry about safety of missing activists Human rights advocates in the Cordillera on Thursday sounded the alarm following reports that an indigenous peoples’ rights defender and his companion went missing in Taytay, Rizal, on April 28.	2023
Calls for probe into killing of BPO union organizer mount Human Rights Watch is urging authorities to investigate the killing of trade unionist and labor rights defender Alex Dolorosa, who was found dead with multiple stab wounds on Monday.	2023
Two years since 'Bloody Sunday,' calls for justice, accountability and peace continue to ring Two years since the “Bloody Sunday” killings that claimed the lives of nine activists and indigenous community leaders, rights groups continue make the clarion call justice, accountability and peace.	2023
Forensic pathologist Dr. Raquel Fortun, who examined Jemboy Baltazar’s body, sounds alarm over visit from authorities “Wasn’t it your job to investigate? Why harass me for my findings? The requesting party is the family. The report, when ready, goes to them.” -Dr. Raquel Fortun	2023
Navotas police chief relieved from post over Jemboy Baltazar's death Navotas City Police chief Police Colonel Allan Umipig was relieved from his post on Wednesday in connection with the killing of 17-year-old Jemboy Baltazar by cops due to mistaken identity.	2023
Senate to probe NCMH situation The Senate committee on health is set to conduct an inquiry into the reported inhumane treatment of patients as well as possible corruption at the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH). “It was depressing to see the miserable conditions of some patients at the NCMH in Mandaluyong. If you do not have the stomach for it, I’m sure you would not be able to take the stench of their wards that is worse than a pigsty” “They sleep on the floor without mats, blankets or pillows and are packed like sardines. And their (wards) are hot like ovens because they have no ventilation or lack fans” -Senator Raffy Tulfo	2023
A pathologist, a priest and a hunt for justice in the Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs killed thousands of Filipinos. As the International Criminal Court weighs whether to push ahead with an investigation of possible crimes against humanity, families’ desire for justice is turning up new evidence in exhumed remains and official death documents.	2022
Philippine family allowed to correct death certificate of son killed in drugs war. A Philippine appeals court granted a father's petition to correct the death certificate of his nine-year old son, bringing to a close his years-long quest for justice for the boy who was killed in a drug-related shooting.	2022
Martial Law survivor Boni Ilagan bares death threat. “He said that his unit was tasked to wipe out communists and told me to desist from my activities. He said he ‘knew enough of me and still had some respect for me,’ but he and his unit were just waiting for ‘the final order from the higher-ups,’ and they would surely get me, and that I should not ask for mercy, it would be futile, because I had already been warned. Then, his phone went silent. He had spoken for one minute” -Bonifacio Ilagan	2022
Three cops to face charges over case of missing 'sabungero'. Kidnapping and robbery charges are to be filed against three Philippine National Police officers allegedly behind the kidnapping of "sabungeros," the Department of Justice said Monday.	2022
Caloocan cop convicted of planting evidence, torturing teenage drug war victims Carl Arnaiz, Kulot After 5 years, a Caloocan court has convicted a cop of planting evidence and torturing two teenaged drug war victims who were eventually killed in 2017.	2022
Torture by police still prevalent in the Philippines -Rights watchdog	2022
Here's why the 'Davao Death Squad' was included in the ICC 'drug war' probe Citing a Human Rights Watch report, Bensouda pointed out that more than 1,000 people from Davao City were killed from 1988 to 2018, and information showed that another 385 were killed from 2011 to 2015, 385. The majority of victims were young men suspected of involvement in small-scale drug dealing or minor crimes such as petty theft and drug use, while gang members and street children were also killed.	2021
Filipino journalist who investigated Duterte drug war killed Malabanan was a Pampanga correspondent for the national newspaper, Manila Standard Today and was part of the Reuters team in 2018 who won the Pulitzer Prize in International Reporting for reporting on the Philippine war on drugs. According to the Pulitzer citation, the stories exposed “the brutal killing campaign behind Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs.”	2021
Zara Alvarez is our 13th rights worker killed under Duterte admin — Karapatan Activist Zara Alvarez is the 13th human rights worker of Karapatan killed under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, the group said.	2020
Court convicts Caloocan cops in Kian delos Santos slay case A Caloocan City court has found three policemen guilty for murder over the death of 17-year-old Kian delos Santos last year, the first judgment in a high-profile case involving cops implementing President Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody war on drugs.	2018
Ex-policeman in Carl Arnaiz, Kulot deaths gets reclusion perpetua A former police officer has been convicted over the killings of teenagers Carl Angelo Arnaiz and Reynaldo "Kulot" De Guzman in 2017.	2017
4 drug war cops guilty of killing father, son Domingo said Gabriel refused to leave his father as she and her other children were dragged outside when they heard gunshots coming from the house.	2016
Planners of Maguindanao massacre found guilty of murder in Philippines ‘trial of the decade’. The men who planned a massacre which rocked the Philippines’ political establishment more than a decade ago have been found guilty of murder.	2009

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