Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Monday confirmed that the task force looking into extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during the drug war is also probing former President Rodrigo Duterte’s possible violation of Republic Act 9581 or the International Humanitarian Law (IHL). In a chance interview with reporters, Remulla was asked about possible violations committed by Duterte. The Department of Justice chief said while several laws are being looked at, including the Revised Penal Code, “it is RA 9581 that is what we are looking at right now.” Signed into law on December 11, 2009, the IHL defines and penalizes […]…

Keep on reading: Task force probing Duterte’s possible violation of humanitarian law

From “supling” to “sanggano,” GMA’s historical drama revives rare and poetic Filipino vocabulary   (Note: Spoilers ahead) The 2024 GMA television drama series “Pulang Araw,” directed by acclaimed filmmaker Dominic Zapata (known for the 2005 hit “Mulawin”) and written by the brilliant Suzette Doctolero, has inspired a deeper appreciation for our language.  With its poetic script, viewers are taken through the dramatic, emotions-wrought journey of four, closely-linked characters during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines—from childhood to adulthood during World War II that began in 1939. The four friends include the compassionate belle, Teresita “Moreno” Borromeo (Sanya Lopez), her cartoonish […]…

Keep on reading: How ‘Pulang Araw’ revives forgotten Filipino words and phrases

LEGAZPI CITY — Government work and classes in Catanduanes remained suspended on Monday after the extensive damage caused by Super Typhoon Pepito (international name: Man-yi). Gov. Joseph Cua said the suspension would allow government offices and employees to recover from the impact of the typhoon. However, personnel involved in emergency response and essential services were instructed to continue their operations. The suspension of classes was also extended to give students and educational institutions adequate time to recover. The governor initially ordered the suspension of classes on Thursday. Cua advised local government units (LGUs) to consider implementing localized suspensions as necessary, […]…

Keep on reading: Work, classes still suspended after Pepito hits Catanduanes

Israeli strikes Sunday have killed 11 people and wounded dozens more in Lebanon’s southern Tyr region, the Lebanese health ministry said. “The raids of the Israeli enemy on villages in the Tyr district have left 11 dead and 48 wounded,” said a ministry statement. The region is a stronghold of the Iran-backed Hezbollah. Meanwhile, Israel’s army confirmed they had “eliminated” Hezbollah spokesman Mohammed Afif in the Beirut area, who it described as the militant group’s “chief propagandist”. The army “conducted a precise, intelligence-based strike in the area of Beirut and eliminated the terrorist Mohammed Afif”, it said, adding Afif was […]…

Keep on reading: 11 killed, 48 wounded in Israeli strikes in Lebanon’s south

BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the Negros Island Region (NIR) has started preparing its contingency plans should a massive eruption occur at Mt. Kanlaon leading to or during the May 12, 2025 midterm elections. Lionel Marco Castillano, the Comelec NIR regional director, said in an interview on Nov. […]…

Keep on reading: Comelec sets contingency plans if Kanlaon erupts during polls