Archived News Headlines from January 1, 2017 to January 31, 2017
(Please note: some articles may have been removed by their respective publications)

01/30/2017

MANILA, Philippines -- President Rodrigo Duterte accused the United States on Sunday of risking regional stability by building permanent arms depots in his country, and threatened to respond by scrapping a security treaty between them.

Photo of Pia Wurtzbach hugging Maxine Medina gives netizens collective ‘awwws’
MANILA, Jan 30 (PNA) -- After passing on the crown to her successor, Miss Universe-France Iris Mittenaere, 2015 Miss Universe-Philippines Pia Wurtzbach was quick to run to the back part of the stage to hug Miss Philippines Maxine Medina ...

Anti-money laundering chief resigns, cites AMLC work amid Duterte tirade
MANILA - The head of the Anti-Money Laundering Council on Monday confirmed she was resigning effective Jan. 31, but defended the agency's record in terms of combating money laundering and terrorism financing.

ARMM tourism officer to push ‘hazard tourism’ in Maguindanao
DAVAO CITY, Jan. 30 (PNA) -- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is home to beautiful natural wonders but two areas of major security incidents have been surprisingly attracting visitors – the sites of the 2009 Ampatuan Massacre and the 2015 Mamasapano attack.

Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) chief quits post
MANILA, Jan. 30 (PNA) - - Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) Secretariat Executive Director Julia Bacay-Abad has given up her post citing the need for new leadership.

Duterte's War on drugs placed on hold
PHILIPPINE National Police chief Ronald dela Rosa suspended the government’s war on drugs on Monday and created a new unit to go after police scalawags, hours after President Rodrigo Duterte described the police force as “corrupt to the core ...”

Suspected NPA members storm resort, burn staff house in Batangas town
CAMP VICENTE LIM, Calamba City, Jan. 30 (PNA) -- Suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) stormed the security detachment of Costa del Hamilo Inc. (CDHI) offsite office compound at Hamilo Coast, Barangay Papaya, Nasugbu, Batangas Sunday evening.

Cagayan De Oro to host ASEAN meeting in July
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Jan. 28 (PNA) – A run-up meeting of members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is scheduled in this port capital of Northern Mindanao in July this year.

Philippine Clearing House Corp. (PCHC) clarifies advisories for handling of checks
MANILA - The Philippine Clearing House Corp. (PCHC) has issued an advisory to banks and the public, clarifying the new rules for writing and handling of checks, as embodied in its earlier guidelines for implementing the new Check Image Clearing System (CICS).

Palace welcomes survey results on deepening bilateral relations with China and Russia
MANILA, Jan. 28 (PNA) -- Malacañang on Saturday lauded the results of the latest Pulse Asia survey showing that many Filipinos support the Philippines’ thrust to deepen its bilateral relations with China and Russia.

01/26/2017

MANILA, Philippines -- Economics and the experiences of other countries that have tried the same approach foretell nothing but failure for President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs, which has claimed more than 7,000 lives in the seven months since he took office ...

Fall in Philippines' corruption rating reflects perception of previous administration--Andanar
MANILA, Jan. 26 (PNA) -- Malacanang explained on Thursday that the Philippines' global corruption index ranking which dropped by six notches reflects the corruption perception of the previous administration.

Former President Aquino breaks silence on Mamasapano
MANILA, Philippines - Saying it was “only right that I respond,” former President Benigno Aquino III said he was breaking his pledge to remain silent for a year after ending his term to address issues raised by President Rodrigo Duterte ...

Miss Universe preliminary competition in PHL excites beauty pageant fans
MANILA, Jan. 26 (PNA) -- The next Miss Universe won’t be crowned until the finals competition next week, but the preliminary pageant held at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena on Thursday night excited many fans rooting for their respective countries.

Lumad-leader, Katribu Provincial Coordinator sot and killed in Surigao del Norte
Surigao del Norte –Veronico “Nico” Lapsay Delamente, 27 years old, leader of a Mamanwa tribe in Claver, Surigao del Norte, was shot dead by unknown motorcycle riding assailants at around 12:20 noon last January 20, 2017 in Punta Naga, Brgy. Caagdianao.

Duterte's Police murder squads may have gone too far
The killing by Philippine police of South Korean businessman Jee Ick-joo is an ominous indicator of the breakdown of rule of law under President Rodrigo Duterte. A government investigation released this week concluded that the Philippine National Police (PNP) ...

Palace official recommends shift from Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program to more government interventions
MANILA, Jan. 26 (PNA) -- A government official has recommended for a gradual shift in paradigm from the government’s Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program towards more government interventions.

Lamitan City eyes construction of airport
LAMITAN CITY, Basilan, Jan. 26 (PNA) -- The city government here is set to undertake a gargantuan project that would boost local economic development as well as that of the entire province.

Bishop Bacani: I have 2 wives? I'll reward the President P10M if he can prove it
MANILA - Saying he was "praying" for President Duterte to see the light and have the humility to listen to others' views, Novaliches Bishop Teodoro Bacani said he would be willing to go into debt to raise P10 million for the President if the latter can prove his claim ...

Trump's order to build border wall draws strong response from Mexico, criticized across Latin America
MEXICO CITY, Jan. 26 (PNA/Xinhua) -- New U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order to "build a large physical barrier on the southern border" with Mexico, causing outcry from Latin American countries, especially neighboring Mexico.

01/20/2017

MANILA, Philippines – The Angeles Regional Trial Court has ordered the arrest of two active police officers and five others in connection with the kidnapping of a South Korean national in Angeles City, Pampanga last October, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II disclosed on Friday.

Floods displace 22,000 families in Lanao Sur, Maguindanao low-lying towns; disaster workers send aid
DATU MONTAWAL, Maguindanao, Jan. 20 (PNA) -- At least 22,000 families have been affected by floods in Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur following torrential rains brought about by inclement weather in Mindanao, disaster officials said Friday.

Trump: "America first!"
Donald Trump was sworn in as the 45th president of United States on Friday, issuing a staunchly nationalist vow to put "America first" in his opening address to a country -- and a world -- watching a page of history turn.

As the Philippines chairs ASEAN, the goal is to make it a more people-oriented institution
QUEZON CITY, Jan. 16 - As the Philippines has been agreed to chair the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this 2017, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is also leading the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC), one of ASEAN’s three pillars.

Department of Tourism chief sees boom in Philippine cruise tourism
SINGAPORE, Jan. 20 (PNA) -- With archipelagos in ASEAN to rival the Aegean, the Caribbean, or the South Pacific, not to mention, the year-round tropical weather and diverse and attractive destinations within short sailing distances ...

Shippers avoid new 'pirate hotspot' in waters west of the Philippines
SINGAPORE - A surge in piracy to the west of the Philippines is forcing ship owners to divert vessels through other waters, stoking their costs and extending the time it takes to transport goods such as Australian iron ore to key Asian destinations.

Department of Agriculture cracks down on illegal fishing, awards outstanding coastal communities
QUEZON CITY, Jan. 20 - Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol on January 18 said the government will crack down on illegal fishing and seek administrative punishment for local executives who fail to curb the illegal practice in their communities.

Angeles City RTC orders arrest of 2 cops, 5 others over abduction of S. Korean businessman -- Aguirre
MANILA, Jan. 20 (PNA) – Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on Friday disclosed that the Angeles Regional Trial Court Branch 58 has ordered the arrest of two active police officers and five others in connection to the kidnapping of a South Korean national ...

3rd round of GRP-NDF talks opens in Rome
MANILA - Reports received from Rome late Thursday afternoon indicated that, despite major problems before its convening, the third round of formal peace negotiations between the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and the Government of the Philippines ...

Philippines working with other Southeast Asia countries to stop terror attacks
MANILA, Jan. 20 (PNA) -- To prevent terror groups from launching deadly attacks against innocent civilians, the Philippines is now working closely with the militaries of Southeast Asian nations to prevent these lawless bands from slipping in each others shores.

01/16/2017

MANILA - China's militarization of the South China Sea is "very troubling" and neither peaceful nor friendly, the Philippines' defense secretary said on Tuesday. President Rodrigo Duterte has sought to improve his nation's relations with China ...

International Monetary Fund hikes 2016 GDP forecast for the Philippines to 6.8%
MANILA, Jan. 16 (PNA) -- Higher-than-expected growth of the Philippine economy in the third quarter of 2016 made the International Monetary Fund (IMF) revise upwards its projection for the domestic economy this year to 6.8 percent.

NO JUSTICE FOR EMAN | Hit squad takes out wrong target, snuffs out scholar's life
MANILA - A priest once said, "wala man tayong makuhang hustisya sa lupa (Even if there is no justice to be had on earth), God will be the one to judge them." But, for one family in dizzying grief, that hardly counts for assuagement.

Gov’t officials, celebrities, other VIPs attend Miss U Governor’s Ball
MANILA, Jan. 16 (PNA) -- With less than two weeks left until the next Miss Universe is crowned on Jan. 30, pageant host country Philippines gave at least 86 candidates a taste of Filipino hospitality in a welcome dinner attended by several cabinet secretaries ...

Bistek vetoes ordinance providing RPT discounts for senior citizens, solo parents
QUEZON CITY, Jan. 16 (PIA)—Mayor Herbert Bautista vetoed the proposed ordinance that aims to provide tax discounts to real property owners who are senior citizens or solo parents.

'TOKHANG FOR RANSOM' | NBI finds Korean victim Jee Ick-Joo – in mortuary
MANILA - Korean businessman Jee Ick-Joo, whose October 2016 abduction by a ring allegedly led by rogue cops showed the ugly side of law enforcers misusing the war on drugs, is dead, the National Bureau of Investigation confirmed late Tuesday.

Duterte attracts a record P1 trillion in official development assistance (ODA) in 7 months
MANILA, Jan. 16 - The Duterte administration has posted a historic first by raising the highest amount of official development assistance (ODA) to Php 1 trillion in just seven months in office.

Iran keen on buying more Philippine bananas, pineapples
MANILA, Jan. 17 (PNA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) will ask Iran for reduced tariff for bananas in a bid to increase penetration in the huge market.

Severe flood hits Mindanao; 7 dead
AT LEAST seven people are believed to have been killed while one was still missing following the flooding in northern Mindanao caused by a low-pressure area affecting Mindanao, the Office of Civil Defense said Tuesday.

Classes suspended in Bohol due to floods
TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Jan. 17 (PNA) -- Classes in kindergarten, elementary and high school are still suspended Tuesday as the state weather bureau placed the entire Bohol province under yellow rainfall alert.

01/09/2017

MANILA, Philippines - Since President Rodrigo Duterte had said that the Philippines is willing to share natural resources with Beijing in contested South China Sea areas, the government is seriously studying the possibility of entering into a joint exploration with China.

Black Nazarene procession: Red Cross attends to 1,303 devotees, 8 taken to hospitals
MANILA, Jan. 9 (PNA)--The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) said it has attended to a total of 1,303 Black Nazarene devotees as of 7 p.m. Monday at the PRC first aid stations set up along the route of the procession.

McDonald's sells China operations; South China Sea row a factor in US companies' woes
Beijing, China - US fast-food giant McDonald's will sell a controlling stake in its China and Hong Kong business for up to $2.08 billion to a consortium including state-owned Citic and the Carlyle Group, it was announced Monday.

EcoWaste Coalition backs firecracker ban to curb preventable injuries and pollutants
QUEZON CITY, Jan. 9 - The EcoWaste Coalition, a waste and pollution watch group, reiterated its strong support for a ban on firecrackers as the Department of Health (DOH) concluded its monitoring of firecracker injuries covering the period December 21, 2016 to January 5, 2017

Dureza encourages indigenous people (IP) leaders to form advisory council for peace talks
PASIG CITY, Jan. 9 - Presidential peace adviser Jesus G. Dureza asked the leaders from different indigenous peoples (IP) groups in the province to come up with an advisory council, which will aid the peace process with different rebel groups in tackling various IP concerns.

Terror group rises from jihadist ashes
SECURITY officials are closely monitoring a new umbrella organization of Mindanao-based terrorist groups, police and military sources told the Manila Standard Monday. Called Dawlatul Islamiyah Waliyatul Masrik, the group replaces Ansar Khilafa Philippines ...

President Duterte satisfied with security preparations for Black Nazarene Feast
MANILA, Jan. 9 - President Rodrigo Duterte is satisfied with the security preparations for the feast of the Black Nazarene on Monday particularly with the contingencies being carried out by the police and the military, a Palace official said on Sunday.

Petron denies ash spill in Bataan
MANILA, Jan. 9 (PNA) -- Petron Corp. has denied reports that its ash fill material in its Bataan plant has polluted the river. The company said in a statement that "reports of ash spill and tons of ash found along the coastline of a distant river ...

Anti-drugs cop linked to Korean's kidnap under restrictive custody - Bato
MANILA - A police officer linked to the abduction of a Korean businessman in Angeles City in October 2016 has been placed under restrictive custody, the chief of the Philippine National Police said Monday.

DSWD on alert for first weather disturbance this year
QUEZON CITY, Jan. 9 - The Field offices of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) along the path of Tropical Depression Auring are now on alert status to monitor the occurrence of this first weather disturbance in the country this year.

01/01/2017

MANILA, Philippines - Since President Rodrigo Duterte had said that the Philippines is willing to share natural resources with Beijing in contested South China Sea areas, the government is seriously studying the possibility of entering into a joint exploration with China.

Black Nazarene procession: Red Cross attends to 1,303 devotees, 8 taken to hospitals
MANILA, Jan. 9 (PNA)--The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) said it has attended to a total of 1,303 Black Nazarene devotees as of 7 p.m. Monday at the PRC first aid stations set up along the route of the procession.

McDonald's sells China operations; South China Sea row a factor in US companies' woes
Beijing, China - US fast-food giant McDonald's will sell a controlling stake in its China and Hong Kong business for up to $2.08 billion to a consortium including state-owned Citic and the Carlyle Group, it was announced Monday.

EcoWaste Coalition backs firecracker ban to curb preventable injuries and pollutants
QUEZON CITY, Jan. 9 - The EcoWaste Coalition, a waste and pollution watch group, reiterated its strong support for a ban on firecrackers as the Department of Health (DOH) concluded its monitoring of firecracker injuries covering the period December 21, 2016 to January 5, 2017

Dureza encourages indigenous people (IP) leaders to form advisory council for peace talks
PASIG CITY, Jan. 9 - Presidential peace adviser Jesus G. Dureza asked the leaders from different indigenous peoples (IP) groups in the province to come up with an advisory council, which will aid the peace process with different rebel groups in tackling various IP concerns.

Terror group rises from jihadist ashes
SECURITY officials are closely monitoring a new umbrella organization of Mindanao-based terrorist groups, police and military sources told the Manila Standard Monday. Called Dawlatul Islamiyah Waliyatul Masrik, the group replaces Ansar Khilafa Philippines ...

President Duterte satisfied with security preparations for Black Nazarene Feast
MANILA, Jan. 9 - President Rodrigo Duterte is satisfied with the security preparations for the feast of the Black Nazarene on Monday particularly with the contingencies being carried out by the police and the military, a Palace official said on Sunday.

Petron denies ash spill in Bataan
MANILA, Jan. 9 (PNA) -- Petron Corp. has denied reports that its ash fill material in its Bataan plant has polluted the river. The company said in a statement that "reports of ash spill and tons of ash found along the coastline of a distant river ...

Anti-drugs cop linked to Korean's kidnap under restrictive custody - Bato
MANILA - A police officer linked to the abduction of a Korean businessman in Angeles City in October 2016 has been placed under restrictive custody, the chief of the Philippine National Police said Monday.

DSWD on alert for first weather disturbance this year
QUEZON CITY, Jan. 9 - The Field offices of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) along the path of Tropical Depression Auring are now on alert status to monitor the occurrence of this first weather disturbance in the country this year.

01/01/2017

WATCH | Duterte admits there were some EJKs in war on drugs
MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte admitted that it will be very difficult to hold accountable all personalities involved in illegal drugs in six-months' time and it may take all of his six-year term to accomplish the almost impossible task. But, he said, it can be done.

PNP chief lauds DOH, LGUs for big drop in fireworks-related injuries
MANILA, Jan. 1 (PNA) -- Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa lauded on Sunday the Department of Health (DOH), other government agencies and the local government units (LGUs) for the successfully minimizing fireworks-related injuries.

'FEAR OF DIGONG' | President a factor in fireworks injuries being reduced to 10-year low
MANILA - For the first time in the last 10 years of continuous surveillance of fireworks-related injuries (FWRI) as of New Year’s Eve (December 31) revelries, more Filipino lives were spared from deadly and injurious firecrackers this time around, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Sunday.

Yearender: High growth sustainable in 2017-- Department of Finance
MANILA, Jan. 2 - The Department of Finance (DOF) remains bullish on prospects for continued high growth in 2017 and onwards, and is committed to helping Malacanang pursue its accelerated spending program not only to sustain the economic momentum ...

DAR chief awards 1,441 hectares of lands to Bicolano farmers, turns over P48 million infra projects
QUEZON CITY, Dec. 30 - The Department of Agrarian Reform distributed 1,441 hectares of agricultural land to some 858 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in Bicol during the recent visit of Secretary Rafael “Ka Paeng” Mariano in Camarines provinces, December 8-9, 2016.

Join my war, Duterte urges all Pinoys
PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte called on all Filipinos to help the government in fighting the society’s ills as he vowed to continue the government’s unrelenting war on illegal drugs, crime and corruption to attain peace and development.

4 stray bullet incidents; 15-year-old girl is latest victim -- Department of Health
MANILA, Jan. 1 (PNA) -- The Department of Health (DOH) on Sunday said another stray bullet incident marred the New Year's Eve revelries anew after a 15-year-old female student was struck by a stray bullet in Malabon City.

Davao Mayor Sara Duterte lauds authorities, Davaoeños for zero firecracker casualty
DAVAO CITY, Jan. 1 (PNA) -- Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte lauded Davaoeños for following the firecracker ban as the city registered zero firecracker injuries or deaths during the New Year's revelry.

Tarlac cops foil P24-M New Year's eve mall heist
CAMILING, Tarlac - Noise from the New Year's revelry was not enough to provide cover for four robbers using heavy-duty tools who broke through a room housing vaults where mall sales are kept.

New UN chief calls on citizens, governments to make 2017 year for peace
UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 1 (PNA/TASS) -- On January 1, the ninth UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addressed the world community for the first time, calling on citizens and governments to make 2017 a year for peace.

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