#afp-pnp

[pannaginip]

Since 2021, such attacks have been documented by human rights groups, who stressed that these put marginalized communities in danger. As such, Karapatan said these incidents constitute a clear violation of international humanitarian law (IHL).

From 2021 to 2024, Karapatan documented 9,163 individuals or about 1,953 families who were affected by aerial bombing and indiscriminate strafing in the province of Cagayan. Human rights groups attribute these attacks to the Philippine Air Force.

During this time, a total of 17 incidents were recorded in Cagayan: 11 bombings and strafing, 2 bombardment, and 4 strafing attacks. Six occurred under the Duterte administration while 11 happened during the Marcos Jr. administration. This is part of the 13 regions in the Philippines subjected to aerial bombings where Karapatan documented 378,203 victims.

“One of the emblematic cases under the Duterte administration was the bombing of Marawi City, when the President declared martial law in Mindanao on May 23, 2017 that lasted until December 31, 2019.“ said Karapatan Secretary General Cristina Palabay.

In the first year of Marcos Jr., there were 6,931 victims of bombings documented as part of the government’s counterinsurgency campaign, Karapatan said.

In May, an international people’s tribunal issued a guilty verdict to Marcos Jr. and the US government for violating the international humanitarian law.

In the initial verdict furnished to the media, the five-member jurors of the [International Peoples Tribunal or] IPT revisited the US government’s role in the counterinsurgency program that allowed such war crimes to happen, saying that the “heavy bombardment and forced displacement of communities, and the killing of civilians and hors de combat of state forces would not have been possible without the direction, arms, and training provided by the US government.

2024 Aug. 12

[carlocarrasco]

Several Chinese nationals arrested in Camarines Norte for illegal construction of processing plant

Recently in the province of Camarines Norte, eleven Chinese nationals were arrested by local authorities for the illegal construction of a mineral processing plant, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface… The Police Regional Office (PRO) 5 (Bicol) reported on Monday the…

[rambolineramboloft]

VP Sara's protection will be replaced by new PNP and AFP officers.

[beingjellybeans]

Generika Drugstore honors heroes with special discount program for National Heroes Day

As National Heroes Day approaches, Generika Drugstore is paying tribute to both uniformed and non-uniformed heroes through a special discount program designed to bring a little extra ginhawa to those who serve our communities. Starting August 6, 2024, all active personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of…

[jennyfoodrecipes]

Current Event:

Entry 1:

Illegal selling is a crime. Especially the vape because it can harm children or e-cigarettes smokers. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is harmful to health and an urgent action is needed to control e-cigarettes to protect the children. Selling illegal vape for the sake of money is ethically wrong. On June 1, 2024, the Department of Trade and Industry confiscated illegal vape products worth Php25,874,175. The confiscated products violated R.A. 11900. In March, the DTI suspended the sale and distribution of 'Flava' due to the illegal selling of vapes, because their establishment is 20 meters away from Paranaque Elementary School. This is action is a clear violation of R.A. 11900, which prohibits the sale of vapes within 100 meters of areas frequented by minors. Obviously, the DTI's decision to heighten the enforcement of the law aims to save the greatest number of victimized adolescents and children who were unaware of the illegal activities conducted by this group.

Entry 2:

On May 30, 2024, President Marcos intends to intervene to put an end to the illegal selling of babies through the internet. The PNPWCPC filed a complaint before the Department of Justice against Malaban and Dizon, based on the report by the National Authority for Child Care, regarding the ‘black market’ in social media groups where aspiring parents seek to illegally adopt children. Malaban was entrapped by the PNP-WCPC; he is selling a newborn for Php 90,000 to undercover law enforcers. Malaban's actions are immoral; babies are not goods or services that can be bought or sold. They are human beings with rights, gifts from God, and not products that can be purchased whenever and wherever one wants. Egoism can be linked to Malaban; he disregards the interest of the child in favor of his own to earn money from selling the child. However, he is not entirely equated with selfishness because it might be in his self-interest to help the aspiring parents and protect the child from suffering due to poor or unfavorable circumstances that are not good for the child's future or growth. Nonetheless, his actions are still wrong; they are illegal and violate the law. As for those who buy the children, they are also in the wrong because illegally buying children is not allowed. Even if they do not know or choose to close their eyes, ignorance of the law does not excuse them. They have another choice, which is to legally adopt children. Illegal child selling would not exist if there were no individuals willing to buy illegally.

Entry 3:

June 2, 2024 by GMA Integrated News, the AFP arrested a Chinese for possessing equipment possibly for communications hacking. When we heard the word hacking, we often think that it’s wrong. Yes, hacking is illegal, breaching the security system of a company or collecting private information without their consent or permission is what makes it illegal. A hacker action will be considered unethical, illegal or even morally based solely on whether the hacker has a permission to access the system or collect information. Hacking can be justified, when the hacker uses his acquired skills and techniques to identify vulnerabilities and loopholes in a system.it is justifiable if it is done with the intention of improving security rather than causing harm.

[thxnews]

Marawi Tragedy: PNP, AFP Collaborate

In a shocking turn of events, a blast at Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City on Sunday claimed four lives and left over 50 individuals injured. Contrary to initial fears, the Philippine National Police (PNP) dispelled concerns of a suicide bombing, shedding light on the incident.  

No Suicide Bombing Involved, Confirms PNP Spokesperson

Addressing the media at Camp Crame in Quezon City, PNP Public Information Office Chief Col. Jean Fajardo assured the public that there is no evidence of a suicide bombing. Speaking about the victims, she emphasized, "The four individuals tragically lost in the incident were Christians, attending a Mass when the explosion occurred. No indicators point to suicide bombing involvement." Fajardo further revealed that among the two persons of interest (POIs), one is a local terrorist. While their identities remain undisclosed, there are indications linking them to a group previously associated with bombings, especially bus bombings.   Heightened Security Measures in Mindanao as AFP and PNP Collaborate In response to the incident, the PNP has deployed additional teams to potential hotspots and areas of convergence. Fajardo emphasized the full alert status in all Police Regional Offices in Mindanao, ensuring swift responses to potential threats. At a command conference in Marawi City, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. urged troops to utilize all available resources and closely coordinate with the PNP. In a proactive move, Brawner engaged in a dialogue with Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim and regional police officials to strategize interventions and enhance security measures. As investigations unfold, the authorities remain committed to providing clarity on the incident, assuring the public of their relentless efforts to maintain peace and order in the region. The collaboration between the AFP and PNP underscores a united front against potential threats, ensuring the safety of the community.   Sources: THX News & Philippine News Agency. Read the full article

[connorthemaoist]

“In the last few weeks, Sara Duterte is under public scrutiny for spending Php125 million of people’s taxes within an outrageous short period of time. This is just a sample of the deep-rooted bureaucratic corruption in the reactionary government. Duterte may be the one in the spotlight now but both she and Marcos Jr, the two highest state officials, and their respective families and cohorts are responsible to the people for squandering millions up to billions of people’s money for many years.

The revolutionary movement has long been used as scapegoat by bureaucrat capitalists like the Marcoses and Dutertes to justify the allocation of large sums intended for education, healthcare, infrastructure and a wide-selection of dole-out programs to the anti-insurgency campaign. The pockets of corrupt generals of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) are on the receiving end...”

- Cecil Estrella | Spokesperson | NPA-Northern Negros

[shopabbar]

Extortionist na miyembro ng Teroristang Grupo, huli sa PNP AFP Joint Ope...

[pannaginip]

Environmental defender Rowena Dasig has gone missing after a court dismissed the trumped-up charges against her.

Dasig, who was reportedly freed from the Lucena City District Jail (LCDJ) on August 22, has not been seen or heard from since her supposed release, leaving her family, legal team, and human rights advocates concerned for her safety.

Dasig was arrested alongside community health worker Miguela Peniero on July 12, 2023, by elements of the 85th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army (IBPA).

The human rights group [Karapatan Southern Tagalog] recounted how their humanitarian team, along with the Free Owen & Ella Network, had been coordinating with LCDJ since August 21 to process Dasig’s release papers. Despite their efforts, they were met with what they called as “delaying tactics” from jail officials. The group said they were given the runaround by various offices without providing clear information.

According to LCDJ paralegal Almira Alfuerta, Dasig was allegedly picked up by her family—a claim immediately refuted by her relatives, who confirmed they had no knowledge of her whereabouts.

The disappearance of Dasig has heightened fears for her safety, especially given the long history of human rights abuses against political prisoners in the Philippines.

During her more than a year in detention, Dasig endured harassment and isolation, with her paralegals deprived from visiting and herself denied participation in activities with other persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).

2024 Aug. 24

[onenettvchannel]

COMELEC will hold a Negrosanon-wide Public Hearing on the proposal to postpone BSKE 2023 in Dumaguete City and Negros Oriental

(Prepared by Chzianelle Salazar and Anthony Maguinsay / Faculty Teacher of U.E. or University of the East & Radio Reporter of DZXL-AM 558khz's RMN: Radyo Trabaho Manila, along with a separate male contributed news writer and news anchor of DYWC-AM 801khz's Radyo Bandilyo Dumaguete)

DUMAGUETE, NEGROS ORIENTAL -- The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) will hold a joint coordinating conference related to the proposed postponement of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections 2023 (BSKE) in the town of Dumaguete and a municipal province of Negros Oriental were all presided with COMELEC chairman named George Erwin Mojica Garcia, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Benjamin Casuga Acorda Jr. and chief of staff in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) - Gen. Andres Castor Centino.

A localized public hearing will be held from June 27th-29th, 2023 starting at 8am and 2pm (Dumaguete local time) in some selected places in the province.

Cluster 1 begins to Canlaon, Vallerhermoso, Guihulngan, La Libertad and Jimalalud. Cluster 2 will be implemented in Tayasan, Ayungon, Bindoy, Manjuyod and Mabinay. There will also be a public hearing for Cluster 3 in Bais, Pamplona, Tanjay, Amlan and San Jose. Cluster 4 includes Sibulan, Dumaguete, Valencia, Bacong and Dauin; while the last one ends in Cluster 5 are the municipal places in Zamboanguita, Siaton, Santa Catalina, Bayawan and Basay.

Here in Cluster 4, the scheduled public hearing on the postponement of the BSKE will begin locally at 2pm at the Lamberto L. Macias Sports and Cultural Complex in Brgy. Taclobo, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental and it will be streamed LIVE and exclusive on Facebook. This is to give way to give voices and to end public election violence per the assassination of the late Dumaguete governor Roel Ragay Degamo against a suspected murder mastermind and suspended Negros Oriental congressman Arnulfo "Arnie" Alipit Teves Jr.

The rest of our nation will continue to vote for BSKE, once its later approved by the COMELEC.

PHOTO COURTESY: COMELEC via FB PHOTO BACKGROUND PROVIDED BY: Tegna

SOURCE: *https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZn7UL6xWYI [Referenced News Item via RMN News (skip the timestamp of 15m55s to listen this news item)] *https://www.facebook.com/100064675240177/posts/651504900348679 [Referenced FB Captioned Photo in Public Hearing Schedule Listings via COMELEC National] *https://www.facebook.com/100069326464967/videos/651710710163795 [Referenced FB LIVE Video via Police Regional Office 7] and *https://www.facebook.com/100068668860878/posts/561460372819587 [Referenced FB Captioned Photo via COMELEC Sibulan]

-- OneNETnews Team

[halkonensis]

Rumaragasang ilog ang katarungan:

Ang masaker sa pamilya Fausto at ang Kristiyanong pagsisikap para sa kapayapaan

Sa halip ay padaluyin ninyo ang katarungan, gaya ng isang ilog; gayundin ang katuwiran tulad ng isang di natutuyong batis. Amos 5:24 MBBTAG

Trigger warning: graphic descriptions of military violence

Nakagigimbal ang pagpaslang ng pamilya Fausto, mga magsasaka at kapanalig ng Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI), sa kamay ng mga kagawad ng 94th Infantry Battalion ng Philippine Army (IBPA), sa Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Oriental noong Hunyo 14.

Kumikintil pa rin sa diwa ang mga litrato ng kubong tinutuluyan ng mag-anak: mga duguang bangkay na nakalaylay sa pintuan at sa hagdan. Apat na katawang balot sa puting tela, nakahandusay sina Roly Fausto, ama; Emelda Fausto, ina; at sina Ben at Ravin, mga anak.

Sinasalaysay lamang ng mga litrato ang isang parte ng kuwento. Marami pang mga pinagkakait ang 94th IBPA at ang Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) na mga detalye.

Ayon sa September 21 Movement, isang grupo para sa karapatang pantao, matagal nang target ng panliligalig ang mga Fausto sapagkat kasapi ang pamilya ng Baklayan, Bito, and Cabagal Farmers and Farmworkers Association (BABICAFA). Kasama sa mga ginawang paglabag sa karapatang pantao ng mga kagawad ng 94th IBPA ang panunutok ng sundang kay Emelda, pagnanakaw, pangtotortyur kay Roly upang pasukuin bilang di-umanong kasabwat ng New People’s Army (NPA), at pangraransak sa bahay, bago ang sukdulang pangmamasaker sa mag-anak.

Ngunit sa pag-iral ng kasamaan ng AFP, imbes na itaguyod ang hustisya at panagutin ang mga maysala sa kanilang hanay, pilit nilang binabalahura ang alaala ng pamilya sa pamamagitan ng pagbabaluktot sa katotohanan. Ayon kay Orlando Edralin, opisyal ng 94th IBPA, sa isang panayam sa DNX News, asset daw ng militar si Roly na nais nang bumaklas sa pagkakasabwat mula sa NPA, at ang pumatay raw sa mga Fausto ay ang mga NPA, bagay na pinabulaanan ng kaanak ng mga biktima.

Kade-kadenang Paglabag sa Karapatang Pantao

Di makakaila ang track record ng AFP (at ng estado sa pangkabuuan) sa karapatang pantao. Sa kasamaang-palad, pinupuno lamang ito ng mga paglabag.

Sa Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, minasaker noong Hulyo 22, 2022 ng pinagsanib na puwersa ng 62nd IBPA at PNP ang 18 taong gulang na si Everly Kee Jacolbe, buntis niyang ina na si Maria Christina Jacolbe, at kamag-anak na si Rodan Montero, matapos ang walang-humpay na red-tagging at pagpapahirap.

Sa ulat naman ng Karapatan Negros, pinatay naman noong Enero 9 ang magsasakang si Jose Gonazales sa Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City ng 94th IBPA, kapwa mga kagawad ding pumaslang sa mga Fausto. Nilapastangan pa ng mga sundalo ang bangkay ni Gonzales sa pagparada nito bilang babala sa mga mamamayan sa di-umanong rebelyon, ngunit pinasinungalingan ito ng mag-anak ng pinaslang.

Kamakailan lang din, nagsagawa ng seminar ang NTF-Elcac na primaryang pinatatakbo ng kasundaluhan sa mga pagawaan ng Philfoods Fresh Baked Products Inc. at Gardenia Bakeries, Phils. sa probinsya ng Laguna upang pigilan ang pagtatayo at paglakas ng unyon ng mga manggagawa. Di nagpapigil ang mga sundalong i-red-tag ang Unyon ng Panadero-Gardenia Bakeries, Phils. (PANADERO-OLALIA-KMU) at paratangang NPA ang opisyal nitong si Rhoel Alconera. Ganito ring panliligalig ang ginagawa ng mga kagawad ng NTF-Elcac at mga sundalo sa mga pagawaan tulad ng Wyeth-Nestle at Fuji sa Laguna.

Ang Kristiyanong Sagot: Kapayapaang batay sa Katarungan

Ngunit sa harap ng lantarang paglabag sa karapatang pantao, ano ang dapat itugon ng kabataang Kristiyano?

Ang sagot ay nakasaad sa Banal na Aklat: pagsikapang matamo ang kapayapaang nakabatay sa katarungan. (Isa 2:4, Mik. 4:3, Joel 4:10)

Batay sa katotohanang ang tao ay nilalang na kawangis ng Diyos, ang katarungan ay ang pagtataguyod ng dignidad ng bawat buhay ng tao. Nilalapastangan ng rehimeng Marcos-Duterte ang dignidad na ito sa porma ng pagkakait ng pagtataas ng sahod, pagpapabayang tumaas ang presyo ng bilihin, kawalan ng reporma sa lupa, hindi pagsasaayos ng matagalang krisis sa edukasyon, at pagpapatahimik sa mga balidong daing ng mamamayan. Isama pa ang pagdaragdag ng base-militar ng US sa lupain ng Pilipinas, pagraratsada ng Mandatory ROTC, at pagtutulak sa Maharlika Wealth Fund.

Kung totoo ngang kapayapaan ang nais makamit ng rehimen gamit ang mga galamay nito tulad ng AFP at PNP, ano ba ang pagpapakahulugan nila sa kapayapaan? Ito ang kalagayang wala nang lumalaban sa kanila upang magawa ang lahat ng gusto nila at makuha ang lahat ng luho nila.

Labis naman itong kaiba sa kapayapaan para sa sambayanang Pilipino. Simple ang hangad: magkaroon ng marangal na kabuhayan, tamang oras ng masustansyang pagkain, tirahang sasanggala mula sa init at ulan, karapatan sa pagpapahayag, at edukasyon ng mga kabataan. Kung ikukumpara sa kasalukuyang kalagayan, talagang nakaririndi ang kawalan ng kapayapaan lalo na at nabubuhay ang sambayanan sa panahon ng kawalang-katarungan.

Bilang mga kabataang Kristiyano naghahangad ng kapayapaan at nagtataguyod ng katarungan, kailangang balikan ang Mabuting Balita ayon kay Lucas. Mula sa pagsasalaysay, sinabi ni Cristo na kaakibat ng pagsunod sa kanya ang pagtatakwil sa sarili at pagpapasan sa krus (9:23). Mapapatotoo natin ang pangakong Kaharian ng Diyos dito sa lupa sa pagsunod natin kay Jesus. Dapat nating iwaksi ang pagkamakasarili sa pamamagitan ng pag-ugnay ng problema ng kabataan sa mas malawak na problemang kinahaharap ng sambayanang Pilipino. Ang krus na papasanin natin ay ang mabigat na krus ng aktibong pagbaka at pakikibaka laban sa namamayaning kasamaang nagpapahirap sa bayan ng Diyos.

Wika nga ni Jesus sa kanyang sermon sa bundok, “Pinagpala ang mga gumagawa ng paraan sa kapayapaan, sapagkat sila’y ituturing na mga anak ng Diyos.” (Mt. 5:9 MBBTAG) Gayong mahaba ang landasin ng Kalbaryo para sa Kristiyanong kabataan at sambayanang lumalaban, tayo rin ang bubukalan ng katuwiran upang dumaloy ang katarungang parang ilog (Amos 5:24).

Magsumikap para sa kapayapaan! Paragasain natin ang ilog ng katarungan!

Hustisya para sa pamilya Fausto! Singilin ang 94th IBPA at ang rehimeng Marcos-Duterte!

[sirkulongpulis]

AFP at PNP, bantay-sarado ang buong Negros Island; checkpoints at patrol...

[cbholganza]

How the AFP Can Play a Significant Role in the National Sports Development Program

The AFP and PNP can play a big role in Philippine Sports. First, it can provide a sustainable career path for athletes. But more importantly, it can play a lead role in the country's grassroots sports development program.

Last week, we discussed how we can create a comprehensive grassroots sports development program for Bohol. This week, we talk about the AFP participation, and how it holds a significant role in that endeavor. Republic Act 6847 provides for the mandate of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). Among others, it states that the “The State shall promote physical education and encourage sports…

[sampungmgadaliri]

The current state in the Philippines!

Breaking news from the Philippines. Last Friday, president Rodrigo Duterte ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to kill Communist rebels and to ignore human rights.

This Sunday, the Southern Tagalog region experienced a simultaneous bloodbath as human rights activists and union leaders were killed and captured "tokhang"-style.

In the province of Rizal, the homes of peasant leaders were raided and Michael Dasigao and Makmak were killed.

Meanwhile, in the province of Cavite, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) Cavite chapter coordinator Emmanuel "Manny" Asuncion was killed by gunshot when the police raided their headquarters.

Three human rights activists were captured in the province of Laguna namely Steve Mendoza, executive vice president of OLALIA-KMU, a workers' alliance, Elizabeth Camoral, a member of Alyansang Manggagawa sa Probinsya ng Laguna, and Nimfa Lanzanas, a staff of KARAPATAN-Southern Tagalog.

Lastly, in the province of Batangas, Chai Lemita-Evangelista and her husband Ariel Evangelista, and were captured and it wasn't until noon that they were found dead in a morgue near Nasugbu, Batangas. Their 10-year-old son Raymart was fortunately able to escape.

[pannaginip]

PAMALAKAYA on Facebook:

ALERT!

Denounce the series of harassment against elderly fisherfolk leader Ka Romy Antazo.

Antazo, 80 years old, is former Secretary General of PAMALAKAYA and now a retired fisherman in Laguna de Bay.

During his active years in PAMALAKAYA, he was at the forefront of the fisherfolk’s campaign for the conservation of Laguna de Bay against profit-driven and destructive projects, including coastal conversion, reclamation, and proliferation of corporate-owned fish pens.

The veteran fisherfolk leader has been repeatedly approached by state agents and offered him livelihood support and assistance in exchange for his “cooperation”.

It has been presumed that the said “cooperation” equates that Antazo will be presented by the authorities as a “rebel returnee” to turn against and establish the red-tagging of progressive and mass-based organizations.

[...]

We are extremely alarmed over these incidents, as these could subject Antazo to further and worse kinds of attacks because of his firm stand against the authorities’ demands.

Moreover, the consistent effort to coerce Antazo to cooperate with the authorities is part of the Marcos Jr. administration’s tactics in counterinsurgency campaign, which blatantly violates the rights of civilians to freedom of expression and association.

We call on the human rights and environmental defenders, fisherfolk advocates, and champions of democracy, to denounce the government’s anti-democratic schemes that put our leaders and members at risk of exploitation and injustice.

2024 Jun. 11

[southeastasianists]

The major trend in central-local relations in the Philippines under the regime of President Rodrigo Duterte has been the capacity of the presidential palace to exert a very tight grip over local politicians—arguably the tightest since the martial-law dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos (1972-1986).

This trend has emerged even as Duterte has done strikingly little to advance the reforms that many local politicians have been keen to champion. He abandoned the federalism agenda which he had touted in the lead-up to his presidential campaign in 2016, and which had been eagerly supported by local government coalitions. In addition, the president backpedaled in delivering a financial windfall to local governments as promised in a landmark 2019 Supreme Court ruling on the primary national revenue sharing program. This decision, known as the Mandanas ruling, is the only major win for local politicians since Duterte came to power. Yet its implementation has been conveniently pushed out to the very end of his term in 2022.

If Duterte has failed to deliver, why do so many local politicians remain beholden to him?

Our report outlines the combination of old and new schemes employed by Duterte to ensure his effective grip on local structures throughout the archipelago. These strategies highlight the president’s predilection for authoritarian rule and successful consolidation of political power at the centre.

Since his election in 2016, Duterte has positioned himself as a powerful patriarchal boss who proves decisive and unapologetic in shielding and vindicating those loyal to him, including those allegedly involved in high-level scandals. The guarantee of political protection, along with the dispensing of material benefits, creates a potent incentive for local politicians to curry favour with the president and seek to be included within his broad political coalition. Equally powerful is Duterte’s propensity to demonise and attack those who have opposed him, including former allies who have fallen out of favour. And, contrary to the expectations of many seasoned political observers, Duterte’s charismatic hold seems to remain very potent well into the latter half of his administration.

One of Duterte’s mechanisms for exerting control over local politicians is the longstanding practice of dispensing large quantities of presidential pork to localities. These patronage resources, handed out with high levels of executive discretion, have been considerably enhanced during the Covid-19 pandemic. Aside from being a grandmaster in this well-established practice, Duterte has also employed four other key means of exerting control over local politicians. These techniques are largely unprecedented in scope and character.

Active intervention in local electoral politics, targeting those who dared oppose him. As a rule, Duterte’s enduring popularity meant that those running for gubernatorial or mayoral office in the May 2019 midterm elections frequently scrambled to obtain his political endorsement. This proved to be the most critical currency for winning, and most of his endorsed local candidates emerged victorious. There is, however, at least one major exception to this rule. In Cebu City, Mayor Tomas Osmeña had earned the ire of the president.  Given the strength of the mayor’s local electoral machine it was likely doubtful that Duterte’s personal endorsement of his local allies would be sufficient to topple Osmeña. There are well-documented reports of police harassment of Cebu City local candidates not aligned with the president, including checkpoints placed outside the mayor’s home and operations in the city’s upland areas seeking to undercut support for Osmena. According to insiders, this police intervention may have played a critical role in the electoral outcome, and—after three decades in which he was frequently the dominant figure in Cebu politics—Osmeña was ousted by Duterte’s ally. While Osmeña appears to have been the most prominent target of the palace in the 2019 mid-term election, it seems that targeted verbal attacks and public shaming tactics were not uncommon elsewhere. As explained by investigative journalist Miriam Grace Go, “the pattern…of local officials getting killed weeks or months after being cited in the drug list or cursed by the President in his speech” can have a strong influence on electoral dynamics. “If the President doesn’t like you, it’s like the death sentence to your candidacy.”

Killings of mayors and other local politicians as part of his so-called “war on drugs.”  Duterte’s tight grip on local political structures is also advanced by his effective deployment of intimidation. The centerpiece of his presidency is known as the “war on drugs” campaign, which has involved the killing of thousands of people. More than two dozen local officials have been assassinated since 2016; one of the most recent—in December 2020—was the mayor of a town south of Manila who had been put on the president’s ‘narco-list’. The climate of fear under Duterte’s regime has reshaped power dynamics between the centre and localities, with far less room for manoeuvre at the subnational level. For nearly five years, local politicians have had to confront fearsome examples of what happens to those who fall out of favour with the presidential palace.

Withholding funds from barangays (villages and urban wards) in support of a reinvigorated anti-communist counterinsurgency campaign. Duterte’s political machinery is further bolstered by his huge influence over the country’s security forces, both the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).  In what was viewed as “pork for the generals”, the 2021 budget allocated a staggering P16.44 billion (roughly USD342 million) for Duterte’s National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC). Notably, the funds for this anti-insurgency task force were lodged under the P28.82 billion Local Government Support Fund allocated to barangay projects. The NTF-ELCAC, created by the president in 2018, now manages the funds, and those barangays deemed infiltrated are only able to access the fund once the NTF-ELCAC certifies that their jurisdictions are cleared of insurgency.  With the task force’s direct intervention in barangay affairs, this fund is seen as a tool not just to try to end the insurgency but also to control barangay leaders.

Issuances of ‘Show Cause Orders’ as part of a very substantial ramping up of national government supervision over its subnational units. Under the Duterte regime, particularly since retired Philippine Army General Eduardo Año took the helm of Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in 2018, one can observe the enhanced use of “Show Cause Orders” (SCOs) against local officials facing accusations or complaints of having acted improperly or illegally.  Within a given deadline, they must explain why no administrative cases should be filed against them. Failure to do so leads the Office of the Ombudsman to file an automatic administrative case against the local officials concerned; criminal charges may also be filed as appropriate by the National Bureau of Investigation of the Department of Justice. DILG’s use of SCO’s has intensified throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, as local governments have been called out on various violations of quarantine protocols and directives issued by the national government.

As our report surveys the numerous ways that President Duterte wields his power, it is clear that he has greatly entrenched his control over local structures and that many subnational politicians seem to acquiesce to their own subjugation. The president has proven to be highly adept not only in the standard game of dispensing patronage resources but also in offering political protection to those loyal to him—and in vilifying those who oppose him.

Attention now turns to the May 2022 elections, where Duterte will seek to promote the victory of his chosen successor, whomever that may be. Toward this goal, Duterte will want to ensure that his current grip over local politicians can be sustained and that they will support the candidate he chooses to back. As long as he maintains his high levels of popularity, assisted by threats of coercion (both implicit and explicit) against those who dare cross him, Duterte will continue to be able to reach into local bailiwicks throughout the archipelago to tamp down any significant threat of opposition—while also offering valuable support to those who have flocked to his camp. If Duterte succeeds in getting his anointed candidate elected, it is quite possible that many of his extremely effective strategies of presidential control over local politicians could endure into the next administration.