MANILA, Philippines – Some 44 cadets have been administratively charged for their alleged involvement in the 2018 graduation mauling in the Philippine National Police (PNP) Academy (PNPA), the country's premier school for police, fire, and jail officers.

In a list obtained by Rappler, all but one belong to the PNPA Class of 2019. The exception, Cadet 3rd Class Ronwaldo Intapan Cariño, belongs to Class 2020. (READ: PNP Academy cadets 'threatened' by seniors to join 2018 mauling)

Asked for clarification, Philippine Public Safety College legal officer Jason Ison told Rappler in a phone interview that the cadets are not yet guilty, as  they will undergo "due process" before being punished or cleared.

Beating up upperclassmen is apparently a “tradition” at the PNPA but PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa also believed it "should be stopped."

Here are the names of the cadets and the corresponding charge against them by the PNPA administration: 

Cadets charged with grave misconduct:
1. Cadet 2nd Class Clint John Cabbigat Baguidudol
2.  Cadet 2nd Class Jem Camcam Peralta
3.  Cadet 2nd Class Neil Ian Llanto Calamba
4. Cadet 2nd Class Mark Renly De Guzman Delos Santos
5. Cadet 2nd Class Christian Ken Carias Coplat
6. Cadet 2nd Class Ali-Adam Bili Amanon
7. Cadet 2nd Class Loreto Aquino Tuliao, Jr
8. Cadet 2nd Class Paul Christopher De Guzman Macalalad
9. Cadet 2nd Class Donald Lamirez Kissing
10. Cadet 2nd Class Renato De Guzman Niturada
11. Cadet 2nd Class Edmar Jade Macayanan Diazen
12. Cadet 2nd Class Claybourne John Ramil Albento Labastida
13. Cadet 2nd Class Alejandro Espolong Abonita
14. Cadet 2nd Class Melchor Rio Medes
15. Cadet 2nd ClassJohn Mark Gomez Singun
16. Cadet 2nd Class Albert Kenneth Subrado Abao
17. Cadet 2nd Class Bryan Kevin Mansing Temprosa
18. Cadet 2nd Class Joshua Saguid Castillo
19. Cadet 2nd Class Carljobel Perez Lofranco
20. Cadet 3rd Class Ronwaldo Intapan Cariño

Nine of the 20 cadets facing grave misconduct charges – Kissing, Santos, Peralta, Baguidudol, Macalalad, Tuliao, Calamba, Coplat, and Amanon – are already facing criminal complaints filed by two of the 6 victims. 

Cadets charged with neglect of duty:
1. Cadet 2nd Class Richard Ryan Barsaga Molato
2. Cadet 2nd Class Janzel-Rudolph Fegi Desumala
3. Cadet 2nd Class June Vaquilar Rivera
4. Cadet 2nd Class Mario Bacquian Dacillo
5. Cadet 2nd Class Christian Lyle Dillona Visario
6. Cadet 2nd Class Ryan jay Vigilia Esquivel
7. Cadet 2nd Class Jessie Leonard Ramos Dy
8. Cadet 2nd Class Bonifacio Palonga Manganip, Jr
9. Cadet 2nd Class John Ray Climaco Mejores
10. Cadet 2nd Class Asraf Saripada Grar
11. Cadet 2nd Class Ueniel Alden Salon
12. Cadet 2nd Class Klyde Jan Orbista Batilo
13. Cadet 2nd Class Rotsen Joshua Tupasi Segismundo
14. Cadet 2nd Class Jhobert Villahermosa Torrecampo
15. Cadet 2nd Class Kenneth Alimanza Puig
16. Cadet 2nd Class Bryan Tambalian Melad
17. Cadet 2nd Class Mark Pistol Tuano Torrecampo
18. Cadet 2nd Class Roy Quinanola Hualde
19. Cadet 2nd Class Pierre Jamil Buhalon Datong
20. Cadet 2nd Class Rexie Cabrido Tapulao
21. Cadet 2nd Class Jerwin Intong Badian
22. Cadet 2nd Class Ivan Rholan Galapon Canoy
23. Cadet 2nd Class Lino Tryss Dacudao Galvan III
24. Cadet 2nd Class Gomer Pasco Sacala Jr

The list matches the figure released by Romeo Magsalos, head of the Philippine Public Safety College panel investigating the 2018 mauling, who announced on Tuesday that 44 cadets have been detained to the PNP Academy as probes push forward. – Rappler.com

PNP Academy cadets file photo by Angie de Silva/Rappler. List courtesy of the PPSC.

MANILA, Philippines – Overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Fahima Alagasi, who suffered severe burns after her Saudi employer doused her with hot water several years ago, is finally coming home after years of waiting, a lawmaker announced on Wednesday, April 4.

ACTS-OFW Representative Aniceto Bertiz III said in a news briefing on Wednesday that Saudi Ambassador to the Philippines Dr Abdullah Bin Nasser Al-Bussairy relayed the good news to him in a phone call.

"[He] informed me that Fahima can now leave Riyadh and come home anytime," Bertiz said.

He credited Alagasi's homecoming to President Rodrigo Duterte, who raised the OFW's case to Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif when he paid a courtesy call on the Philippine leader in Malacañang in March.

The 26-year-old Alagasi was only 22 when she accidentally dropped the lid of a Thermos bottle filled with hot water while preparing coffee for her employer. This annoyed her female employer, who poured the contents of the container all over her body.

Alagasi sought treatment for her second-degree burn injuries on her neck, a large part of her back, and on her thighs. She ran away from her employer while she was undergoing treatment at the Raseel Medical Center, and sought refuge at a Philippine embassy shelter run in Riyadh.

Alagasi filed a complaint against her employer but the case was dismissed by a Saudi court. The employer retaliated with a false accusation charge and a claim for $66,000 (P3,435,960) in damages against Fahima, which was dismissed by a Saudi judge.

The employer elevated the case to the appeals court and also filed an absconding case against Alagasi. These cases held back Alagasi's repatriation for 4 years.

Bertiz said that the Saudi ambassador told him that the employer's retaliatory cases against Alagasi "have been resolved through the intercession of Saudi Prince and Interior Minister Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif soon after his official visit to the President in Malacañang."

The lawmaker said described Alagasi’s repatriation as a “heartwarming gesture" of the Saudi minister to Duterte.

“We thank President Duterte and the Saudi Prince for intervening in this case. Without their help, Fahima’s dream of seeing her children would have been impossible,” Bertiz said. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte has launched a foul-mouthed attack on the United Nations (UN) human rights chief, calling him "empty-headed" in a row over international criticism of the Philippine leader's deadly drug war.

Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights, had last month said Duterte needed "psychiatric evaluation" and that his verbal attacks on a UN rapporteur who condemned his anti-drug crackdown could not go unanswered.

"Hey son of a whore, you commissioner, I need to go to a psychiatrist?" asked Duterte in a speech late Tuesday, April 3.

"The psychiatrist told me: 'You are okay, mayor. You are just fond of cursing,'" Duterte said, referring to his former title.

The Philippine leader added he had been advised to refrain from commenting on the remarks of Zeid, a Jordanian prince, but he wanted to "seek revenge".

"Look, you have a big head but it's empty. There is no gray matter between your ears. It's hollow. It's empty. It cannot even sustain a nutrient for your hair to grow because his hair here is gone," Duterte said as he touched his head.

Duterte, 73, has launched curse-laden tirades on world leaders, including former US President Barack Obama and Pope Francis, as well as critics of his anti-crime crackdown.

Duterte won a presidential election in mid-2016 after promising to eradicate drugs in society within 6 months by killing tens of thousands of users and dealers.

Philippine police say they have killed roughly 4,100 suspects who fought back during arrest, but rights groups allege the actual number is 3 times higher and accuse the authorities of murder.

The International Criminal Court has launched a "preliminary examination" into killings in the anti-drug campaign.

Zeid, who has criticized alleged extrajudicial killings in the drug war, last month said Duterte's remarks about a UN rapporteur seeking to investigate the matter were "absolutely disgraceful".

Zeid last month also condemned Duterte's statement ordering troops to shoot female rebels in the vagina.

In Tuesday's speech, Duterte defended the comments along with his war on drugs.

"I am rude? I am really rude. There is nothing I can do about that," Duterte said.

"I kill people? Yes, I really kill people... go ahead and do drugs there. I already told you to stop."

Addressing human rights groups, Duterte said: "You are dreaming if you think you can jail me." – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Justice for Filipina worker Joanna Demafelis is not yet served until the murder suspects’ death sentence is carried out, ACTS-OFW Representative Aniceto Bertiz said on Wednesday, April 4. 

In a press briefing, Bertiz pointed out that the suspects in Demafelis’ murder are nationals of different countries and not from Kuwait, which handed the death sentence. 

He added that the Kuwaiti government does not hold custody of the suspects and “cannot carry out the penalty.”   

“The husband is Lebanese and is in Lebanon, while the wife is Syrian and is in Syria. Both Lebanon and Syria are separate states from Kuwait.

The couple were arrested in February following an Interpol manhunt. Syrian authorities handed the husband, Nader Essam Assaf, over to Lebanese authorities, while his Syrian wife remained in custody in Damascus. 

However, the sentencing can still be appealed if the couple returns to Kuwait, a source told Agence France-Presse. 

Don't lift deployment ban yet

Demafelis’ murder prompted the Philippine government to impose a total ban on the deployment of Filipino workers to Kuwait. The Kuwaiti government has since initiated talks with the Philippines to improve the working conditions of OFWs.

Bertiz also said the deployment ban should not be lifted, given that the sentence has not been carried out. 

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier said that the deployment ban would only be lifted if the memorandum of understanding with the Kuwaiti government had been signed, or if “justice has been served.” 

On Monday, April 3, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said he was “not yet ready” to recommend the lifting of the ban to the President.

But Bello also confirmed that a consensus had been reached on the memorandum, and the labor department was only waiting for Duterte’s approval.

The provisions of the memorandum include prohibiting employers from confiscating travel documents and communication gadgets, binding effect on contracts, and payment of a minimum month net pay of $400 through banks.

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration recorded a total of 196 deaths of Filipino workers in the Gulf country since 2016. This figure is on top of 6,000 cases of abuse, sexual harassment, and rape filed with the Philippine embassy in 2017.

There are about 252,000 overseas Filipino workers in Kuwait, mostly doing household service. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Wednesday, April 4, set conditions for a possible bilateral ceasefire between the military and the communist New People's Army (NPA).

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday, April 3, expressed openness to resuming peace talks with communist rebels. But he laid down several conditions, including a bilateral ceasefire agreement that would silence the guns until they have a final agreement to end the armed conflict. (READ: Joma to Duterte: We are ready to resume peace talks ASAP)

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the NPA, are behind Asia's longest running communist insurgency. Duterte promised to end the insurgency during his term, but talks have been on and off since last year.

Duterte's change of heart comes amid the military's claims that over 4,000 NPA combatants and supporters have surrendered to the government. 

Lorenzana's terms: The defense chief said he wants the bilateral ceasefire agreement to prohibit the communist rebels from further committing "atrocities," expanding their "so-called influence areas," and collecting revolutionary taxes.

"Dapat walang galawan. Ang ceasefire na gusto namin, kaakibat na diyan 'yung hindi na sila mangongolekta ng ang tawag nila ay revolutionary tax. Pero ang tawag ko diyan ay extortion lang 'yan eh," Lorenzana said.

(There should be no movements. We want the ceasefire agreement to also prohibit the collection of what they call revolutionary taxes. I call it mere extortion.)

"No attacking of government troops. Hindi mangingidnap ng civilian o sundalo. At saka hindi na sila mag-atake ng puwersa natin at ng pulis. And no more expansion of so-called influence areas," he added.

(No attacking of government troops. They should stop abducting civilians and soldiers. They should stop attacking our forces and the police. And no more expansion of so-called influence areas.)

Lorenzana dismissed claims by CPP founding chairman Jose Maria Sison about a draft ceasefire agreement supposedly ready for signing last year. Sison is the chief political consultant of the National Democratic Front (NDF), the group representing the rebels in talks with the government. 

"As far as we are concerned it doesn't exist kasi hindi namin nakita 'yun (because we haven't seen it)," the defense chief said.

If the peace talks do resume, Lorenzana said it is only reasonable to drop terror charges against the rebels and their supporters.

"Tignan natin kung ano maging result ng talks about resuming peace talks. Kung makikipag-usap tayo sa kanila, hindi siguro makatarungan that we tag them as terrorists kung may usapan na sinsero. Kung wala, we pursue the tag," he said.

(Let's see what happens to discussions about resuming peace talks. If we talk to them, I don't think it's right to tag them as terrorists if the talks are sincere. If they're not sincere, we pursue the tag.)

What's the DND and military position? Lorenzana, backed by the military, had taken a firm stand against resuming talks. He said he doesn't think the NPA supports the peace process, accusing the communist armed group of defying the NDF led by Sison.

"It's a political decision. Whatever the position of the President will be, we will support.... Ang masasabi ko lang (The only thing I can say is), we've been here many times before. We know how to deal with the situation regardless," said Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Rey Guerrero. 

With Duterte's pronouncement, Lorenzana said the rebels should "prove their sincerity."

"Sabi ko nga, kailangan magpakita ng sinseridad bago magpatuloy (They need to show sincerity before we resume negotiations). We are not closing doors to the peace talks," he said. 

What's Lorenzana's concern about a ceasefire? The defense chief said it appears that the "ground" doesn't support NDF efforts to resume talks, the same allegation the previous Aquino administration also cited when it suspended talks with the rebels.

"Parang sinasabotahe nila. Kung mayroon mang balak makipag-usap ang gobyerno, sinasabotahe nila dito sa baba. Gusto siguro ng nakakataas nila na makipag-usap but sinasabotahe sa baba," Lorenzana said, citing "atrocities" committed by the NPA.

The communist rebels were recently blamed for the burning of heavy equipment in Davao City.

"Definitely, hindi nakakatulong 'yun (violence doesn't help)," said Guerrero. "How could you say you are talking peace if there is violence happening around you?"

Lorenzana said even presidential peace adviser Jesus Dureza doesn't think there is an "enabling environment" to resume talks. 

"Ang question ko (My question is): Do they have control over their fighters on the ground? That is the question I was asking even before," the defense chief said. 

"They need to prove na kaya nila rendahan ang tao nila sa baba. Kasi kung magkaroon ng ceasefire – bilateral – kailangan assured tayo na kaya nilang rendahan ang tao nila sa baba," he added.

(They need to prove that they can rein in their men on the ground. If we're going to have a bilateral ceasefire, we need to be assured that they can rein in their people.)

Why did the talks collapse? Talks were promising in 2016. The military and the NPA silenced their guns from August 2016 to February 2017 or a good 6 months when separate unilateral ceasefires were in place in support of the peace talks. (READ: The end of the affair? Duterte's romance with the Reds)

A prolonged ceasefire was unprecedented. An end to hostilities is typically expected only after a final agreement. But the rebels agreed after concessions from Duterte, including the release of supposedly high-ranking communist leaders from prison. 

But the unilateral ceasefires separately declared by the military and the NPA became untenable because of the absence of common rules. A bilateral ceasefire is supposed to address this. 

Both sides accused each other of abusing the ceasefire. While the military accused the NDF of expanding influence areas, the NDF accused the military of entering their supposed bailiwicks. 

"Nakalamang sila. Tayo wala tayong nakuhang pakinabang doon (It was advantageous to them. We didn't get any benefit from the ceasefire)," Lorenzana said.

"Ang gusto namin bilateral ceasefire para mayroong mechanism to check who is violating what. Wala kami problema sa control sa tropa natin, even police at military, dahil we have this chain of command," he added.

(What we want is a bilateral ceasefire so there would be a mechanism to check who is violating what. We have no problems with control over our troops, the police and the military, because we have this chain of command.)

The NPA withdrew its ceasefire declaration in February 2017, but hoped for a "talk while fighting" scenario. This angered Duterte, and he scrapped the talks altogether. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – A shortlist of 5 generals who may succeed Armed Forces of the Philippines chief General Rey Leonardo Guerrero was submitted to President Rodrigo Duterte Tuesday night, April 3. 

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the list came from the Board of Generals which met earlier this week. He didn't name the 5 generals on the list. 

Lorenzana said the change of command ceremony will be held on April 18 or 6 days before Guerrero's scheduled retirement on April 24. 

"[The President] may approve the designation of the new Chief of Staff of the AFP not later than end of next week. Change of command is on April 18," Lorenzana said on Wednesday, April 4.

Lorenzana said Duterte will be busy on the week of April 24. 

Guerrero was originally supposed to retire on December 17, 2017 but his term was extended for 4 months. He is expected to lead the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) after his retirement. 

Lorenzana previously named 3 mistahs from the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1985 as among the contenders for the post.

They are Philippine Army chief Lieutenant General Rolando Joselito Bautista, Western Mindanao Command chief Lieutenant General Carlito Galvez Jr, and Eastern Mindanao Command chief Lieutenant General Benjamin Madrigal. 

Not all nominees are from PMA Class of 1985, Lorenzana said. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The government is planning to add more boats and terminals to the Pasig River ferry system to improve its services and turn it into a reliable mode of transportation.

On Wednesday, April 4, the Department of Budget and Management led the inspection of the ferry system with other government agencies that are part of the Pasig River Convergence Program.

Program manager Julia Nebrija said the government is planning to build 17 more stations to bring the total number of stations to 29. The new terminals are eyed along the cities of Marikina, Pasig, Taguig, Mandaluyong, Manila, all the way to the mouth of Laguna Lake.

Aside from the new terminals, 24 additional 50-seater boats will be deployed. The upgraded ferry system is expected to serve some 76,000 commuters per day or around 19.8 million a year, Nebrija told reporters on Wednesday.

Nebrija also said the government is planning to take advantage of the DBM's assistance program to city governments that aims to create more "breathing spaces" by constructing parks and esplanades that lead to the terminals.

Once construction works are completed, Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said the government will offer the ferry operations and maintenance to the private sector.

Currently, the  Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Pasig River ferry service runs the ferry from Pinagbuhatan in Pasig City to Plaza Mexico in Intramuros, Manila.

Pasig River rehab

Diokno also pointed out that improvements on the ferry system is "long overdue." He said that the department is looking at allocating a medium-term budget to rehabilitate the system, as well as Pasig River itself.

"The Pasig River ferry system also offers as an alternative mode of transportation if the 'Big One' happens," Diokno added, referring to the 7.2-magnitude earthquake that can happen when the West Valley Fault line moves. (READ: Is there hope for Pasig River rehab? Microorganisms can help)

Asked whether the rehabilitation of the Pasig River needs the go-signal of the President, Diokno said that they are working towards institutionalizing the program through an Executive Order.

"Ten agencies are involved but we are currently institutionalizing it. We are asking for the President to sign an EO which will then clarify the roles of the agencies," he said.

Diokno said that a technical working group (TWG) was created to coordinate and streamline programs and projects towards rehabilitation and utilization of the Pasig River.

The TWG includes the MMDA, the Department of Transportation, Philippine Coast Guard, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Tourism, Department of the Interior and Local Government, the National Economic and Development Authority, Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission, and the Laguna Lake Development Authority. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed Vincent Maronilla, Manila International Container Port district collector, to the Bureau of Customs (BOC), despite allegations that he accepts bribes.

According to appointment papers signed on Tuesday, April 3, Maronilla, an alumnus of San Beda like Duterte, is now an assistant commissioner at the BOC.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Vincent Maronilla, implicated by customs broker Mark Taguba in customs corruption, appointed customs assistant commissioner by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PresidentDuterte?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PresidentDuterte</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/rapplerdotcom?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rapplerdotcom</a> <a href="https://t.co/GLWIpJgOlM">pic.twitter.com/GLWIpJgOlM</a></p>&mdash; Pia Ranada (@piaranada) <a href="https://twitter.com/piaranada/status/981461176608436224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}

Maronilla was among the Customs officials whom broker Mark Taguba named during a Senate hearing as accepting "tara" or grease money. 

Senator Panfilo Lacson also included Maronilla's name in his "tara" list – what he claimed to be a carefully vetted and cross-matched list of names of officials who accept bribes from "players".

Maronilla has denied that his office ever received bribes from anyone or that he asked his staff to accept bribes on his behalf.

Maronilla is now the 3rd person in Lacson's and Taguba's list of alleged bribe-takers to be reappointed by Duterte to a new government post.

Before him, Duterte appointed Milo Maestrecampo and Gerardo Gambala to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

Maestrecampo, former Bureau of Customs import assessment services director Milo Maestrecampo, is now assistant director general of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).

Gambala, former deputy Customs commissioner, is now director of the Office of Transportation Security.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque previously defended their appointment by insisting on their innocence.

"It must be because these two officials were found not to be in any way involved in the P6.4-billion [drug smuggling] scandal," said Roque back in November 2017.

Lacson and Taguba made public their accusations of corruption amid public outrage over P6.4-billion worth of shabu that found its way into the Philippines from China.

Also implicated in the drug smuggling was former customs chief Nicanor Faeldon, whom Duterte also appointed deputy administrator III of the Office of Civil Defense.

The Department of Justice later on cleared Faeldon of drug smuggling charges but charged Taguba.

Promotion in DILG

Aside from Maronilla, Duterte also signed new appointment papers for Nestor Quinsay Jr.

Quinsay, a former police intelligence chief, is now interior undersecretary. It's a promotion for him as he had been serving as assistant secretary in the same department, put in charge of the Bureau of Fire Protection. 

Quinsay takes the place of Jesus Hinlo whom Duterte appointed member of the board of directors of the Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank). – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – As a way to entice communist rebels to give up their fight against the government, President Rodrigo Duterte created a task force to harmonize and boost reintegration programs for rebels who surrender.

Duterte, on Tuesday, April 3, signed Administrative Order (AO) No. 10 creating Task Force Balik-Loob, in charge of strategizing "reintegration efforts" and coordinating with local governments and other agencies.

The task force will be comprised of officials with the rank of at least undersecretary from the following agencies:

• Department of National Defense
• Department of the Interior and Local Government
• Office of the President
• Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process
• National Housing Authority

Who is covered?

The same administrative order "enhances" the existing Comprehensive Local Integration Program or CLIP, renaming it E-CLIP.

E-CLIP is supposed to provide "a complete package of assistance to former rebels who were members of the Communist Party of the Philippines, New People's Army, and National Democratic Front as well as their immediate family members."

Those who may receive such assistance are those who surrendered starting on the date of the effectivity of the order and "expressed their desire to abandon armed struggle and become productive members of society."

But former rebels who surfaced starting July 1, 2016 – or at the start of the Duterte presidency – can still receive E-CLIP benefits aside from benefits they received from the original CLIP.

Duterte signed the AO the day he announced in a speech that he is once again open to talking peace with communists. He had terminated peace talks back in November 2017, angered by an NPA attack that led to the death of a baby.

In the weeks before signing the AO, Duterte had hosted dinners for supposed former NPA rebels in Malacañang. (READ: Lorenzana sets conditions for joint ceasefire with communist rebels) – Rappler.com

PARIS, France – Millions of French travellers suffered a second day of major disruption Wednesday, April 4, as rail workers pressed on with rolling strikes that pose one of the toughest challenges yet to President Emmanuel Macron.

Only one in 7 high-speed trains and one in 5 regional trains were running in stoppages set to continue two days out of every 5 until June 28, unless Macron backs down on his bid to overhaul heavily-indebted state rail operator SNCF.

Prime Minister Edouard Philippe has warned of "difficult days ahead" in a battle of wills between Macron and the unions that has earned comparisons with late British premier Margaret Thatcher's standoff with coalminers in the 1980s.

At Lille station in northeastern France, 56-year-old passenger Marc Cornille was worried the disruption could cost him his temporary job contract.

"I understand their demands, just not the way they're going about it," he said of the rail workers.

The first day of the strike, dubbed "Black Tuesday" by the media, saw similar cancellations, forcing many of France's 4.5 million daily rail passengers to set off hours early, work from home or find other solutions such as carpools.

The lack of trains prompted a second day of gridlock in the Paris region Wednesday as commuters took to the roads instead, with traffic website Sytadin reporting 350 kilometres of tailbacks – double the usual amount.

Power-struggle 

Four unions were set to meet with transport ministry officials Wednesday afternoon to discuss their bones of contention with the government, which include plans to turn the SNCF into a publicly owned company.

Unions fear this could eventually lead to the mammoth rail operator being privatiz,ed, something repeatedly denied by the government.

They also object to plans to strip new hires of guaranteed jobs for life and early retirement, part of a bid to make the SNCF cheaper to operate as EU countries prepare to open passenger rail to competition by 2020.

Air France staff, garbage collectors and some energy workers also staged separate walkouts on Tuesday, April 3, in growing atmosphere of discontent 11 months after Macron, a 40-year-old political upstart, came to power.

As the government insisted it would push ahead with the rail reforms, firebrand leftist leader Jean-Luc Melenchon said the country was witnessing the "start of a social power-struggle almost unknown in France".

Students, pensioners and public sector workers, all angry at various aspects of the former investment banker's sweeping reform program, have already taken to the streets against him.

In October he managed to pass controversial labour reforms as part of his bid to dynamise the French economy, but analysts say the rail standoff could prove a dangerous moment if public opinion swings behind the strikers.

"It won't take much for this to boil over," said Jean-Claude Mailly, head of the hard-left Force Ouvriere union.

Test for unions 

The railways are a bastion of trade unionism in France and have forced governments into U-turns in the past with major stoppages.

While the strikes are a challenge for Macron they will also prove a major test of whether the influence of France's historically fearsome unions has waned.

SNCF management said only a third of workers walked off the job on Tuesday but unions angrily denied the figures. SUD-Rail spokesman Erik Meyer insisted the rate was "over 60 percent".

Public support for the rail strike stands at 46 percent, according to an Ifop poll released Sunday -- but it showed sympathy growing, up four points from two weeks ago.

"Even if it's inconvenient, saving a public service which connects the regions is a cause worth fighting for," said Emilie Hoertel, a legal clerk whose daily commute from the eastern city of Dijon to Paris just got much more complicated.

But Francoise Sirugue, an insurance worker who makes the same commute, said three months of nightmare travel was "a bit too much".

"I stayed at home yesterday," she said. "But I can't do that every day." – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Transport advocates urged the government to regulate illegal operations of habal-habals or motorcycles for hire that have proliferated on social media platforms such as Facebook.

On Wednesday, April 4, the advocates launched Transport Watch, a multi-sectoral group that aims to tackle issues and push for policies that would lead to better transportation options for the public.

"So what is the government doing while our poor commuters are forced to ride underground habal-habals while risking their lives and property in the process? The answer seems to be in the regulation of habal-habals, which will make the operators toe the line, professionalize, and make their service legitimate and efficient," Transport Watch convenor Noemi Dado said.

Based on research done by Transport Watch, lawyer Tony La Viña said underground transport services such as habal-habals have gained ground on Facebook since they are cheap and "beats traffic" – all under the government's radar. (READ: Habal-habal: Understanding the true cost of a cheap ride)

The group said bookings for rides are done through Facebook groups, with the largest one having around 200,000 members.

Passengers post their pick-up and drop-off locations, the time they need a ride, and how much they are willing to pay. Once an agreement has been reached, the driver then proceeds to the pick-up location.

"The underground transport service operators offer no insurance, no protection, nor proper training and accountability. Because of this, passengers' lives are placed at risk," La Viña pointed out.

Crackdown on illegal operations

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said habal-habals are considered "colorum" or illegal since they operate without a franchise.

In a voice message sent to reporters, LTFRB Board Member Aileen Lizada said they will include motorcycles for hire in the government's nationwide crackdown on "colorum" vehicles.

"Let it be stressed that under Commonwealth Act 146, motorcycles cannot be a public utility vehicle. Unless Congress changes [the law] and comes up with a new legislation regarding habal-habal, [it] remains a 'colorum' vehicle," she said in a mix of English and Filipino. (READ: LTFRB: Up to Congress to legalize Angkas, habal-habal)

Lizada also said the regulatory board welcomes the help of Transport Watch and asked them to forward their research to the LTFRB, so the government could ask Facebook to take down groups where bookings are made.

In November, the LTFRB closed down Angkas, citing Republic Act No. 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code that mandates motorcycles can only be registered as private vehicles. (READ: Why Angkas is illegal)

Patrons of the app and drivers who were former habal-habal operators came to Angkas' defense in a forum with the board in December 2017, arguing that a platform like Angkas regulated habal-habal operators.

Still, Lizada raised concerns over the safety of passengers, saying that habal-habal operators do not offer insurance in case a crash happens. 

According to government data, majority of vehicular crash incidents involve motorcycles. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) recorded a total of 21,403 incidents in 2016 – 203 of which resulted in death. – Rappler.com

TOKYO, Japan – A relaxing soak in a hot tub is a time-honored stress reliever but the advantages are not confined to humans – with monkeys also benefiting from spa time, researchers in Japan say.

Japan's "snow monkeys" are known for their love of hot springs in the country's northern Nagano region, with tourists flocking to photograph the mediating macaques soaking in steaming baths.

It was long assumed that the blissed-out bathers were simply trying to warm up during the chilly winter months, when snow blankets the region.

But experts at the Primate Research Institute at Kyoto University who observed 12 female Japanese macaques in 2014 at the Jigokudani Yaen-Koen monkey park in Nagano found there was more to it.

They examined the bathing behavior of the monkeys and collected their excrement to measure glucocorticoid, a hormone whose concentration increases when stress levels are high.

They found that stress levels in the monkeys, aged between five and 24, were about 20 percent lower on average after bathing.

The results of their study were published this week.

"The study showed that bathing in hot springs is beneficial not only for people but for Japanese macaques too," researcher Rafaela Sayuri Takeshita told AFP.

Takeshita believes the spa treatment may have additional benefits for the macaques, perhaps increasing both fertility and longevity.

"We also want to study the relationship between bathing and their reproduction and longevity in the future," she said. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – On just the second day of the recount of votes in the electoral protest case, the camp of Vice President Leni Robredo went to the Supreme Court (SC) to claim 4 votes in Camarines Sur, her home province.  

The SC serves as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET), which hears the protest filed by former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr against Robredo, and her counter-protest, over the vice presidential elections of 2016. (TIMELINE: Marcos-Robredo election case)

On Wednesday, April 4, Robredo’s legal counsels, Romulo Macalintal and Maria Bernadette Sardillo, filed a manifestation with the PET after a revision committee did not allow them to claim 4 ballots from the municipality of Baao, Camarines Sur, simply because the Revision Report provided by the PET did not have a space for it.  

In a statement, Macalintal said it meant Robredo “has been deprived of her right to register her claims.” The Vice President was also prohibited from making any manifestation in the Revision Report, he said.  

The Robredo camp was concerned when a revision committees denied her claim to 4 ballots in her favor that were found inside the envelope for unused ballots. “These four ballots will now be treated as uncontested ballots to the prejudice of Robredo,” the lawyers said. 

Macalintal said this policy of having to elevate to the PET every concern defeats the purpose of having a board of revisors in the first place. It is also highly likely the recount in the concerned clustered precinct shall have been completed before the tribunal is able to deliberate and resolve such matters.  

“[If] the parties are required to keep going to the Honorable Tribunal to seek rulings on objections and claims, [this] renders nugatory...the constitution of the revision committees,” Macalintal said. 

“If incidents such as this would need to be submitted to the PET for proper ruling, then the revision, recount, and re-appreciation of the ballots should be conducted before all the members present to expedite the proceedings,” he added added. – Rappler.com 

MANILA, Philippines – A police official was arrested after revealing his identity in a casino quarrel, the Philippine National Police (PNP) National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) announced on Wednesday, April 4.

Superintendent Adrian Antonio was arrested by Parañaque cops and casino security personnel late Tuesday night, April 3.

The NCRPO said Antonio revealed he was a police official while arguing with another gambler.

Antonio is the current administrative officer of the PNP's Directorate for Operations (DO), the police department which formulates anti-crime campaigns like Oplan Double Barrel.

Administrative officers are considered the "alter egos" of directorates' chiefs as they help oversee day-to-day operations of their departments.

Antonio graduated from the PNP Academy, belonging to the Bagsay-Lahi Class of 2006.

Why he was arrested: Public officials are forbidden to play or even be seen inside casinos, as mandated by Presidential Memorandum Circular 06-2016.

The NCRPO said it would file charges against Antonio for violation of Article 231 of the Revised Penal Code, referring to open disobedience to orders of superiors, and for violation of Republic Act No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

"The PNP is once again reminding all public officials and employees including the PNP that they shall discharge their duties and responsibilities with utmost responsibility," the NCRPO said.

Reached for comment, DO chief Director Camilo Cascolan told Rappler in a text message on Wednesday that he does not tolerate Antonio's actions.

"Sad to know. We have different individual personalities, of which no one has control, only oneself.... We shall always maintain that standard of which we will be the model for everyone. Let it be a lesson to everyone," Cascolan said.– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte ordered his men during the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, April 4, to support the resumption of talks with communist rebels responsible for Asia's longest-running communist insurgency.

"Let's give this another last chance," chief peace adviser Jesus Dureza quoted Duterte as saying. 

Dureza said the President issued "clear instructions on the importance of forging a ceasefire agreement to stop mutual attacks and fighting while talks are underway." (READ: Lorenzana sets conditions for joint ceasefire with communist rebels)

Aside from a bilateral ceasefire agreement, Duterte also wants the rebels to stop collecting revoutionary taxes. 

"He (Duterte) also committed  to provide support, if necessary, in replacement of the revolutionary tax that he asked be stopped," Dureza said. 

Duterte's pronouncement comes in the wake of attacks by alleged fighters of communist New People's Army (NPA) in his hometown Davao City. Heavy equipment were burned, stalling work for a P1.3-billion bypass road project.

A resolution calling for the resumption of peace talks was earlier signed by at least 60 representatives in the House of Representatives.

The military said over 4,000 NPA combatants and supporters have surrendered since talks collapsed last year. – Rappler.com

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno confirmed Wednesday, April 4, she would attend the Supreme Court’s oral arguments on the quo warranto petition filed against her by Solicitor General Jose Calida.

In a chance interview here before her speech at a convention for court legal researchers, Sereno said she confirmed all the statements of her spokesperson regarding her presence in the high court's en banc session set April 10 in Baguio City. 

Earlier, Sereno’s spokesperson lawyer Jojo Lacanilao texted members of media: “Yes. She will attend the oral argument on April 10 to give her side on the Petition for Quo Warranto filed by SolGen Calida.” 

On Tuesday, Supreme Court Spokesman Theodore Te said the holding of oral arguments is upon Sereno's request. Te said the SC granted her Ad Cautelam Motion to Set for Oral Argument.

Sereno, who is on leave, was here to attend the 12th Biennial National Convention and Seminar of the Court Legal Researchers Association of the Philippines at the L’ Fisher Hotel.

In her speech before the court workers, Sereno said it was with her commitment and promise "to observe the Constitution" that she continues to discharge her function.

“I’m going through this with utmost peace because the truth is with me... I will do everything I can to observe Constitutional process because that is the only way we can preserve our country, to support the rule of law and Constitution,” she said.

She added: “I will face all accusations with dignity, with honor, and with grace.”

“Real people walking with courage can make our country great. It is not in the pompous words... but rather, in the authentic lives of people who are willing to work with integrity. That’s the only thing that can bring the country to a position of greatness,” she said.

On March 13, Sereno was also here for a forum on judicial reform. – Rappler.com

MARAWI CITY, Philippines – Residents of the most affected area (MAA) in this war-torn city will be allowed to reconstruct their homes after all the debris from the destruction has been cleared.

Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) said the task of clearing the area is to be jointly undertaken by the government and the private sector that will be tapped to reconstruct the city. 

TFBM Field Office Manager Assistant Secretary Felix Castro said that the government reconstruction efforts are focused right now on government buildings and infrastructure.

Based on the timetable of TFBM, clearing of debris is yet to happen on May 10, 2018.

However, because the government has yet to name the private companies to spearhead the reconstruction of major facilities, Castro said they could not fix a date when the residents could start rebuilding their homes.

Castro said the reconstruction efforts have started with the process to identify the construction companies to be tapped. While this is ongoing, they are proceeding with the clearing of unexploded ordnances inside the MAA.

At the moment, Castro said they are implementing a Swiss challenge. Those interested in joining the Bangon Marawi Consurtium are 5 foreign and 4 local companies.

Consultations with the residents of the MAAs are continuously being held and their inputs will be taken into account.

The Army’s 1st Infantry Division commander Major General Roseller Murillo said that during the Kambisita on April 1-3, 2018, residents visited their homes for the first time.

The residents were informed that in sector 1 Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams were able to recover 8 unexploded ordnance composed of one 60mm mortar, one hand grenade, and 6 40mm rounds.

Murillo said that the MAA is not totally safe as EODs are still in the process of clearing the area.  

“To date, our teams were able to recover 1,178 unexploded ordnance, 323 Improvised Explosive devices, 17 out of 70 unexploded aerial bombs,” Murillo said.

These aerial bombs include 500-pound munitions which are the most difficult to defuse. He said it will take EODs 5 days to recover and detonate them on site.

Murillo said that their original deadline for clearing of ordnances was set in October 2017, but that it has been moved to June 2018.

Allow developers to clear areas 

Castro said they were asking residents of MAAs to let the clearing be completed.

“What we are asking the homeowners is to allow the developer some lead time in order to conduct the debris management so that it will move at a faster pace, including the layout designs of the place,” Castro said.

Castro added that clearing the debris cannot be done if there are people going around. “So they (developers) are given several months for debris clearing and layout, and what is needed in the preparation, and after that, we will allow the residents to start (clearing) their houses."

According to Castro, the debris clearing will only be for government infrastructure, roads and facilities. “If there are private individuals who want their houses cleared because their homes are not usable, they can ask the clearing operations (to include) their house,” Castro said.

Castro added that after the recent Kambisita, they will not allow residents anymore to visit their houses.

“We want to fast track the clearing inside (the MAA) and we are in a hurry as we have a timetable. We don’t want to be impeded by the clearing. We will not allow visitors anymore as it is dangerous. There are heavy equipment, to keep it safe no one will be allowed inside,” Castro said.

Welcome development 

In a text message, Drieza Lininding, chairman of the Moro Consensus Group (MCG) said that they welcomed news that residents will be allowed to construct their homes.

MCG has been critical of how the government handled the crisis, pointing out rights violations, among others.

“It is a welcome development and we hope that they will [keep] their word, but we are concerned [about] houses that will be affected by the military camps, road expansions, water easements from the lakeshore and Agus river that will surely displace thousands of families,” Lininding said.

Earlier this year, President Rodrigo Duterte, in an effort to appease the residents of Marawi City, said that he ordered an inventory of lands, for the military to identify how much land they needed, and which land is alienable and disposable, and which can be distributed to the residents.

Castro said that easements and road expansion, as allowed by law, will be followed.

The issue pertaining to a military reservation is still being discussed.

Lininding pointed out that it is still unclear if the government will compensate the owners of houses destroyed during the war, “I hope that, that will be made clear,” Lininding said.

Castro said that clearing operators are prevented from touching private properties – unless homeowners themselves grant permission to clear debris inside houses.

Lanao del Sur provincial Governor Bedjoria Soraya Alonto Adiong, in a text message, said that she was happy that TFBM will provide assistance in the clearing of their houses.

“In the meantime, the provincial government is coordinating with the office of Senator Bam Aquino regarding a draft bill they are proposing which allows government to provide assistance to lost private properties,” Adiong said. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the closure of Boracay, a world-famous tourist destination, for 6 months, starting on April 26.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque told this to reporters on Wednesday, April 4, as a Cabinet meeting was ongoing.

Duterte made his decision during the meeting.

The recommendation to close Boracay from tourists for 6 months – or until October – came from the Department of the Interior and Local Government. The Department of Tourism and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources had also called for a "total" closure, according to Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Menardo Guevarra.

It was the suggestion of these 3 departments that finally got Duterte's nod.

"DENR/DOT/DILG proposal approved after an exhaustive discussion," Guevarra told Rappler.

Duterte wants funds devoted to assisting residents in Boracay whose livelihood would be affected by the closure.

"Calamity funds will be activated to tide affected workers over," said Guevarra.

What does Boracay's "closure" actually mean on the ground?

Guevarra had previously said this could mean non-residents would be physically barred from entering the island.

Other suggestions

But the Department of Trade and Industry had suggested implementing the closure in phases.

Financial advisers in the Cabinet had also been concerned about the timing of the closure. April 26 is in the middle of the summer season, the busiest time of the year for Boracay.

But from June to August, tourism arrivals wind down because of the rainy season. This low season would thus be covered by the 6-month closure period.

Duterte announced his intention to "close" Boracay last February 10, angered by environmental violations by commercial establishments that he thinks turned the popular tourist destination into a "cesspool." 

Boracay stakeholders had said that closing the island for a year would take away the jobs of 36,000 people and would mean foregone revenues of P56 billion.

The National Economic and Development Authority, however, said a 6-month closure of the tourist area would have minimal impact on the economy. – Rappler.com 

MANILA, Philippines – Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II got through the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, April 4, without getting fired by President Rodrigo Duterte.

The Philippine Star had earlier reported that Aguirre would likely be fired by the President during the meeting or by the end of the week.

For now, it seems, Aguirre remains in Duterte's Cabinet.

The Cabinet meeting, which began around 6 pm and ended around 11:40 pm, discussed matters like the 6-month closure of Boracay and peace talks with communists. 

Aguirre was present at the meeting, seated, as usual, between Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano.

He had been on leave the day before supposedly because he had been feeling under the weather and had to see a doctor.

At the end of the Cabinet meeting, Aguirre even had his photo taken beside Duterte. He also joined the rest of the Cabinet in greeting Duterte a happy birthday and watching as he blew candles on a birthday cake.

On Wednesday, Malacañang reporters burned the midnight oil waiting for updates from the meeting, especially for any news about Aguirre's fate.

Suspicions that the justice chief is on his way out began when Duterte remarked in a previous Cabinet meeting that if drug suspects Peter Lim and Kerwin Espinosa are allowed to get away scot-free, he would put Aguirre behind bars.

Soon after, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said the public can expect changes in Duterte's Cabinet.

Duterte had supposedly been outraged over the dismissal of the case involving the two high-profile suspects by a panel of prosecutors under Aguirre.

Aguirre has since nullified the findings of the panel and ordered a new investigation. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs has claimed 4,000 lives since it was launched on July 1, 2016, up until just March 20, 2018, according to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

The PDEA tally showed that some 4,075 drug suspects have been killed in government anti-drug operations, most of which were carried out by the 180,000-strong Philippine National Police (PNP).

This is a leap of at least 107 deaths from what the lead anti-narcotics agency recorded back on December 5, 2017, or when the PNP returned to the drug war after an almost two-month hiatus.

Why this matters: Clearing the country of illegal drugs is one of the campaign promises of President Rodrigo Duterte. The PNP has so far been Duterte's biggest weapon in attempting to shoot down what the President himself calls a "plague".

The PNP has been accused, however, of killing either legitimate drug suspects who deserve a trial, or innocents who were falsely accused through apparently sketchy reporting systems. (READ: The Impunity Series)

From 2016 to 2017, the critics hit hard on the Duterte administration for killings they attributed to the President's relentless campaign. (READ: Drug war in 2017: The year of deaths and denials)

In 2017, in fact, the PNP was pulled out twice from the campaign: first in January after the killing of South Korean businessman Jee Ick Joo inside Camp Crame, then in October, after a string of controversial teen killings in Caloocan City.

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PNP promised less blood: Responding to criticism, PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa signed in late January 2018 new drug war rules to prevent cops from becoming rogues while on duty then killing drug suspects outright.

These rules included encouraging the use of body cameras, and requiring the presence of human rights advocates in the popular Oplan Tokhang.

Over 3 months later, blood continues to stain police operations.

The latest government numbers show that from December 5 up to March 20, at least one drug suspect died every day.

Other drug deaths: Beyond government operations, the PDEA has likewise tallied 2,467 "drug-related" killings also from July 2016 to March 2018.

Of these cases, 1,752 are deaths under investigation or "DUIs", while 715 are already "solved".

The drug-related killings presumably do not involve law enforcement personnel as they are usually products of individual or group conflicts in the drug trade, PDEA Spokesperson Derrick Carreon told Rappler in a phone interview on Wednesday, April 4.

The achievements: Despite the killings, the Philippine government brandishes its achievements in one of the most intense anti-drug campaigns in the country's history, and they continue to enjoy the support of the majority of Filipinos.

As of March 2018, the administration has confiscated around 2,620.5 kilograms of methamphetamine or "shabu" worth P13.46 billion and has also captured alive 123,648 drug suspects, 469 of whom are government employees. – Rappler.com