Head of Sovereign Order of Malta in PHL for 7-day visit

The head of the Order of Malta on Sunday began a seven-day official visit to the Philippines that is expected to further strengthen diplomatic relations between the country and the sovereign religious lay group.

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Mindanao cardinal flying to Japan as pope’s envoy at 4-day event

A Mindanao-based prelate is heading to Japan this month to represent Pope Francis at a four-day Christian event, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines said Sunday.

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Sen. Revilla likely to ask court for permission to visit son Jolo in hospital – lawyer

The camp of Senator Bong Revilla Jr. will likely file a motion asking the Sandiganbayan for permission to visit his son, Cavite Vice Gov. Jolo Revilla whom the family says accidentally shot himself while cleaning a gun on Satruday morning.

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LOOK: Mamasapano clash site inspection in pictures

The Philippine National Police Board of Inquiry went to Mamasapano town in Maguindanao this week to inspect the site where 44 PNP Special Action Force troopers were killed during a law-enforcement operation on Jan. 25.

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Toll in clashes with Abu Sayyaf in Sulu rises to 26

A military assault on Islamic militants in the southern Philippines entered its fifth day on Saturday, with the toll rising to 24 guerrillas and two soldiers dead, officials said.

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Enrile’s daughter: We will let court decide on house arrest proposal

Following proposals of some senators for Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile to be placed under house arrest, the 91-year-old senator's daughter said the family will just let the Sandiganbayan decide on the matter.

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Palace on Pacquiao tax exemption: What about other athletes?

What about other athletes? Malacañang posed this question Saturday in response to proposals to exempt Filipino boxing champ and Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao from paying taxes in his May 2 bout with Floyd Mayweather Jr.

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Do part to prevent fires, Palace asks public, LGUs on eve of fire prevention month

On the eve of the start of Fire Prevention Month, Malacañang appealed to local government units – and the public – to do their part to prevent fires.

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Palace: No need to consolidate findings on Mamasapano incident

At least for now, Malacañang sees no need to consolidate the findings of various investigations into the clash that killed 44 Special Action Force troopers and 18 Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last Jan. 25.

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Palace: Let court decide on house arrest for Enrile

The Sandiganbayan will have the final say on whether Senate minority leader Juan Ponce Enrile should be allowed house arrest, Malacañang said Saturday.

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Palace: After 29 years, PCGG work not quite done yet

As it marked its 29th anniversary on Saturday, the Presidential Commission on Good Government has not quite completed its work, Malacañang said Saturday.

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Jinggoy asks Sandiganbayan to lift freeze order on his assets

Detained Senator Jinggoy Estrada on Thursday asked the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court to reverse its earlier ruling to temporarily freeze P183.793 million worth of his assets pending the resolution of of his plunder and graft cases.

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Napeñas recommended to keep AFP out of loop on Mamasapano op

Oplan Exodus, the Special Action Force (SAF) mission to serve warrants of arrest against three international terrorists hiding in Mamasapano, was a closely-kept secret between the SAF's commander, the chief of the Philippine National Police, and the President.

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Prosecution wants PNP to explain Bong Revilla's presence in JPE's party

Government prosecutors on Friday asked the Sandiganbayan's First Division to order key officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to submit a report on the alleged unauthorized movement of Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. to the PNP General Hospital on February 14 to attend Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile's 91st birthday party.

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Armed Forces defends deployment of US surveillance aircraft in Pampanga

The Philippine Armed Forces on Friday defended the deployment of US surveillance aircraft at the former US air base in Clark airfield in Pampanga, arguing that the deployment was meant to ensure freedom of navigation in the South China Sea or West Philippine Sea.

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Tingting Cojuangco clarifies statement vs. niece Kris

Former Tarlac Governor Margarita "Tingting" Cojuangco has clarified her statement that she will "leave the country" if ever her niece, actress Kris Aquino, runs for public office in the province, a report on "24 Oras" said.

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Sandiganbayan to compel PNP General Hospital to explain Enrile’s transfer to Makati Med

The Third Division of the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan said it will order the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Hospital to explain on Monday why it transferred Senator Juan Ponce Enrile to the Makati Medical Center (MMC) before dawn last Thursday.

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Some Muslim groups oppose all-out war vs. BIFF

Some Muslims groups have expressed opposition to the military's all-out offensive against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), a report on “24 Oras” said Friday.

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Keep graduation rites simple, DepEd reminds schools

The Department of Education on Friday stressed that graduation ceremonies at public schools should be meaningful but simple.

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Hollande says PHL a prime example for climate change awareness

On his second day in the country, French President François Hollande said the Philippines is a perfect example of how climate change affects everyone, citing what happened in Samar during the onslaught of super typhoon Yolanda, a report on GMA News TV's “Balita Pilipinas” said Friday.

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Enrile's health got worse at PNP Hospital – lawyers

Lawyers of Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile said their client's condition got worse due to his continued detention in a government hospital that "does not have the complete facilities and equipment" that to address the 91-year-old senator's medical needs.

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Pemberton named witness in own murder trial

US Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton has been named witness in his own murder trial for the killing of Filipino transgender woman Jeffrey "Jennifer" Laude in Olongapo City last year.

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Palace reminds anti-PNoy groups: Know bounds of free speech

As progressive groups started their protest near Malacañang, a Palace official reminded groups calling for President Benigno Aquino III’s resignation to know the bounds of free speech.

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Sandiganbayan justice scolds ‘pork’ scam witness over conflicting statements

A witness in the alleged P10-billion pork barrel fund scam got a dressing down from one of the justices of the Sandiganbayan for the conflicting details she provided the anti-graft court during her testimony on Friday.

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Enrile condition improves, says son

Senate minority leader Juan Ponce Enrile's condition has slightly improved though he is still on antibiotics as of Friday.

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Palace: Executive clemency recommendations still under review

Malacañang on Friday said President Benigno Aquino III’s office is still reviewing other recommendations for executive clemency, after a 91-year-old inmate from the Women's Correctional facility was granted parole.

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New AFP-BIFF firefight delays DOJ inspection of Mamasapano clash site

(Updated 3:57 p.m.) A new encounter between the military and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Datu Unsay, Maguindanao before noon Friday has stalled a site inspection by Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and the National Bureau of Investigation.

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15 SAF survivors ‘mentally healthy’ to return to duty –PNP spokesman

Fifteen policemen who survived last month's bloody Mamasapano clash are now deemed “mentally healthy” to perform their law enforcement duties, a police spokesman said Friday.

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AFP chief extends condolences to kin of soldiers killed in Ilocos Sur ambush

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. on Friday extended his condolences to the families of the soldiers killed in Ilocos Sur during an encounter with New People's Army Thursday night.

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Answered prayer: Thanks to Pope, oldest inmate in Women’s Correctional gets freedom

A 91-year-old inmate from the Women's Correctional facility, whose freedom no less than Pope Francis had prayed for right before his visit to the Philippines last January, has finally walked out of prison a free woman.

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PNoy not suppressing details of Mamasapano mission –Palace

President Benigno Aquino III is not trying to suppress details of the deadly January 25 Mamasapano mission, as accused by an administration lawmaker, Malacañang said Friday.

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Ex-national security adviser Almonte wanted Honasan to be PHL president

Senator Gregorio Honasan II could have been the president of the Philippines if then national security adviser Jose Almonte had his way.

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Almonte clarifies Honasan’s alleged kill plot vs. Marcos family in 1986

Former security adviser Jose Almonte on Friday clarified reports, citing his memoir, that Senator Gringo Honasan planned to kill the Marcos family during the coup attempt in 1986.

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LOOK: Hollande reaffirms PHL-France friendship

French President François Hollande on Thursday reaffirmed for posterity the friendship of the Philippines and France, through his message on Malacañan Palace's guest book.

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France’s Hollande arrives in Guiuan, meets with officials

French President François Hollande arrived in Guiuan in Eastern Samar on Friday to meet with local officials and with those affected by super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in November 2013.

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Pemberton makes ‘surprise’ appearance at Olongapo court

US Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton made a surprise appearance at an Olongapo City trial court on Friday in connection with a murder case against him for the death of transgender woman Jeffrey "Jennifer" Laude last year.

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After Mamasapano tragedy, FVR slams ‘lack of coordination’ among high officials

After the tragic operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last January 25, former President Fidel V. Ramos on Thursday slammed the lack of coordination among high government officials despite help from technology.

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US flies most advanced surveillance plane from PHL for South China Sea patrols

The United States has begun flying its most advanced surveillance aircraft, the P-8A Poseidon, out of the Philippines for patrols over the South China Sea, the US Navy said on Thursday, acknowledging the flights for the first time.

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CAAP to impose ‘no aircraft movement’ at NAIA for French president’s departure to Samar

For 30 minutes, planes will be barred from landing at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport starting about 9:15 a.m. Friday for the departure of French president François Hollande and his delegation to Guiuan, Samar.

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France’s Hollande heads to typhoon-hit Guiuan in Eastern Samar

GUIUAN - French President Francois Hollande will on Friday visit a remote town that was devastated by one of the world's strongest typhoons, seeking to sound a global alarm on climate change ahead of a crucial UN summit.

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Enrile under tight guard on first night at Makati Medical Center

Senate minority leader Juan Ponce Enrile spent Thursday night under tight guard at a Makati City hospital, where he was transferred due to pneumonia.

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Resident returns SAF's bulletproof plate found at Mamasapano clash site

A resident from Brgy. Tukanalipao in Mamasapano, Maguindanao returned to the local government there a bulletproof plate believed to be among the belongings of the "Fallen 44" police commandos, a report from GMA's “24-Oras” newscast said Thursday.

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Face the consequences of no coordination on Mamasapano – Prof. Ferrer

Those behind the Mamasapano operation last month should face the consequences of not following the coordination protocol of the Revised Joint Armed Forces of the Philippines-Philippine National Police Operational Guidelines for the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG), the top government peace negotiator said Thursday.

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Solon bats for safeguards on powers of Bangsamoro police

Magdalo party-list Rep. Francisco Ashley Acedillo on Thursday said some provisions of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) must be changed, particularly those on the powers of the regional police force.

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PHL, France to share intel, best practices vs. terrorism

The Philippines and France on Thursday explored ways to step up the fight against terrorism. President Benigno Aquino III said both countries agreed to share intelligence and “best practices” to thwart terrorist activities.

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PNP BOI to 55th SAF’s lone survivor’s alleged killing spree

The Philippine National Police Board of Inquiry would also investigate allegations that the lone survivor of Special Action Force 55th company, P02 Christopher Lalan, killed at least one civilian, GMA News' “24-Oras” said Thursday.

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Maguindanao residents dig foxholes as AFP starts all-out offensive vs. BIFF

The residents of Sitio Kyamko in Maguindanao took it upon themselves to find protection through foxholes as the Armed Forces of the Philippines proceed with its all-out offensive against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

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PORK BARREL SCAM: Ex-CDO solon Jaraula ordered arrested, posts bail

The Sandiganbayan First Division has ordered the arrest of former Cagayan de Oro Rep. Constantino Jaraula and several others over their alleged involvement in the pork barrel scam.

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Ex-DILG secretary hits govt execs for wrong choices in Mamasapano mission

Former Interior and Local Government Secretary Raffy Alunan III on Thursday took a dig at government officials involved in the Jan. 25 Mamasapano, Maguindanao clash that killed 44 Special Action Force troopers.

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PHL, France call for global action on climate change

The Philippines and France on Thursday issued a call for all countries to act on climate change, and to support an initiative that will be tackled in Paris in December seeking to reduce greenhouse emissions.

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Ejercito, Sotto want house arrest for Enrile

Citing his age and current health condition, some senators on Thursday proposed that Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile be put under house arrest.

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Escudero: PNoy wrong in dealing with suspended Purisima in Mamasapano mission

President Benigno Aquino III was wrong when he allowed then suspended PNP chief Director-General Alan Purisima to have a role in the police operations against Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan and two other high-value targets, a close political ally told reporters on Thursday.

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Tired of ‘hearings galore,’ Belmonte thumbs down proposed Truth Commission

House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. has thumbed down the possibility of creating a Truth Commission to investigate the tragic January 25 police operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, a day after Senate committees approved the proposal.

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LOOK: Bong Revilla’s get-together with Enrile that got PNP officials sacked

Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr. denied attending Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile's 91st birthday party but the following pictures submitted by the prosecution panel in his plunder case belied his claims. One showed Revilla's face as he turned while the other showed Enrile talking to his guests.

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Corona shows up at anti-PNoy meeting in Batangas

Ousted Chief Justice Renato Corona on Thursday showed up at a forum of the National Transformation Council (NTC), a group calling on President Benigno Aquino III and all incumbent officials to step down, in Batangas province.

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33 solons prod Belmonte to resume Mamasapano hearings

Thirty-three lawmakers from the House of Representatives have crossed party lines to call on House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. to resume next week the hearings on the infamous January 25 Mamasapano incident.

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Offensive vs. BIFF based on PNoy order to thwart terrorists – Palace

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) undertook its all-out offensive against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in response to President Benigno Aquino III’s order to thwart terrorist activities in the country, Malacañang said Thursday.

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Chiz on Balesin wedding, three receptions: We spent within our means

Sen. Francis Escudero said he and wife Heart Evangelista spent within their means for their wedding in an exclusive resort in Quezon province and three receptions in different venues held this month.

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Hollande pays courtesy call on PNoy, to push for climate action

French President Francois Hollande on Thursday paid a courtesy call on President Benigno Aquino III as part of his two-day state visit in the Philippines to push for climate change action.

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Calls for mass resignation in Aquino govt ‘out of tune’ –Palace

At a press briefing Thursday, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. told members of the National Transformation Council to take a look at the achievements of the Aquino administration, particularly the economic gains, instead of calling for the resignation of its officials.

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Sandiganbayan enters not guilty plea for Elenita Binay

The Sandiganbayan on Thursday entered a not guilty plea for Dr. Elenita Binay after she refused to enter any plea for her graft and malversation cases.

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All-out war vs. BIFF: Military steps up security in North Cotabato, Maguindanao

PIKIT —The military has stepped up its security measures in North Cotabato and Maguindanao following a Camp Aguinaldo directive for the Army to launch an all-out war against lawless Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

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13 of 15 wounded SAF men at PNP hospital to be discharged soon

Thirteen of the 15 wounded Special Action Force members confined at the PNP General Hospital in Camp Crame are set to be discharged this week.

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Escudero to Deles: Start speaking for PHL govt

Speak for and fight for the welfare of the Filipino people. This was the call made Thursday by Senator Francis Escudero to presidential peace adviser Teresita Deles and the government peace panel whom he claimed has sided with and became the mouthpiece of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

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Sereno cites Constitution, rejects calls for her to lead transition govt

Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno on Thursday referred those calliing on President Benigno Aquino III to resign and her to lead a transition government to the 1987 Constitution.

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Palace rejects calls for gov’t peace panel’s resignation

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Board of Inquiry report submitted on March 6 —Espina

The Philippine National Police's Board of Inquiry will subnit its investigation report on the tragic Mamasapano clash next week to Interior Secretary Manuel "Mar" Roxas and officer-in-charge deputy director general Leonardo Espina.

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PNoy OKs extension for filing of claims for Martial Law victims

As much as 50,000 human rights victims during the Martial Law years can now file claims for reparation until May after President Benigno Aquino III signed into law a resolution extending the deadline for six months from November 10, 2014.

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PNP custodial officers sacked over alleged Revilla-Enrile meeting

Custodial officials of the PNP headquarters support service, including its head Chief Supt. Alberto Supapo, have been ordered relieved for allegedly allowing detained Sen. Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. attend the 91st birthday celebration of Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile last February 14 inside Camp Crame.

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French President Hollande arrives in PHL for two-day visit

French President François Hollande and his delegation arrived in the Philippines past 11 a.m. Thursday for a two-day state visit.

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France’s Hollande in PHL for climate push

FRANCE - French President Francois Hollande on Thursday arrived in the Philippines with actresses Marion Cotillard and Melanie Laurent to promote the fight against climate change.

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FVR says Enrile sick, in isolation since Wednesday

Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile had been isolation since Wednesday after he suffered from an infection, former President Fidel V. Ramos told reporters Thursday.

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Enrile transferred to Makati Medical Center

Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile was rushed to the Makati Medical Center for pneumonia before dawn Thursday, the Philippine National Police said.

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1986 People Power participants recall the day that ended the Marcos regime

Detained for several months in 1976 during the martial law era, church volunteer Leo Mabansag said it pains him that the democracy that he and the other activists of People Power revolution have fought for is now being used by people who want to advance their political agendas.

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Ex-congressman Valdez taken to PNP hospital on Sandiganbayan's order

The anti-graft court Sandiganbayan has ordered that former party-list congressman Edgar Valdez be taken to the Philippine National Police General Hospital in Camp Crame.

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MILF commanders refuse to be interviewed by PNP’s Board of Inquiry

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Blocked from going to Crame, protesters form human chain on EDSA-Cubao

After they were blocked from conducting activities in front of Camp Crame, militant groups instead took over the southbound lane on Epifanio delos Santos Avenue in Cubao late Thursday afternoon, and formed a human chain demonstration in the area.

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Critics hit Palace’s ‘new script’ on PNoy’s involvement in Mamasapano operation

Opposition lawmakers have raised their eyebrows at the apparent shift in Malacañang’s story concerning President Benigno Aquino III’s involvement in the covert police operation to arrest two high-value terrorists in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last Jan. 25.

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Govt lawyers block ex-solon’s request to be detained at Camp Crame

The prosecution panel handling the case of former APEC party-list Rep. Edgar Valdez on Wednesday blocked his request to be detained at the PNP Custodial Center, saying they weren’t convinced he needed to be close to a hospital.

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BIFF dares military to stop the talk, start all-out war

Just after the Armed Forces of the Philippines announced that it was going on an all-out-war against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, the BIFF dared them to quit talking and get on with it.

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Muslim Filipinos hurting after Mamasapano clash too

The families of the 44 Philippine National Police Special Action Force troopers killed in a clash in Mamasapano, Maguindanao are not the only ones hurting. In Barangay Tukanalipao in Mamasapano, the path leading to the area where the SAF's 55th Special Action Company was caught in a firefight on Jan. 25 is strewn with banners calling for peace and for the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

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VP Binay attends 29th EDSA rites, but away from Cabinet execs

Vice President Jejomar Binay on Wednesday attended the 29th anniversary celebration of the 1986 People Power Revolution at the People Power Monument, but noticeably distant from the other Cabinet officials who were gathered at the EDSA Shrine.

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SC junks media plea vs. Arroyo-time ‘prior restraint’ order

The Supreme Court has junked a petition against a memorandum circular issued by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) in 2006 following the lifting of the state of emergency warning broadcast media against reporting on sensitive issues during times of crisis.

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PNP BOI: Meeting with MILF commander ‘constructive’

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Roxas orders PNP to probe alleged Revilla-Enrile meeting

Interior Secretary Mar Roxas has instructed PNP officer-in-charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina to look into the reported meeting between detained Senators Bong Revilla Jr. and Juan Ponce Enrile last February 14 inside the PNP General Hospital in Camp Crame.

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Solon denies PNoy ordered BBL passed sans amendments

President Benigno Aquino III didn't order lawmakers to approve the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) without amendments during their meeting in Malacañang on Monday, the chair of the House panel tackling the measure said.

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FULL TEXT: PNoy’s Speech at EDSA Shrine (English Translation)

"To all those calling for a stop to the peace process, and to the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law, we ask: How can they guarantee that such an opportunity will present itself once more?"

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Senate ratifies amendments to Sandiganbayan law

The Senate ratified Wednesday the bicameral conference committee report on the amendments to the Sandiganbayan Law which includes the creation of two new divisions and lowering the voting requirement for the promulgation of decisions or orders.

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After 29 years, Fidel Ramos skips EDSA anniversary rites

Former President Fidel V. Ramos, one of the key players in the 1986 Edsa Revolution, was absent in ceremonies marking its 29th anniversary. According to former Department of Trade and Industry Usec. Ernesto Ordoñez, it was the first time that Ramos missed ceremonies at EDSA, a report on Balitanghali said.

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MILF ready to submit Mamasapano clash report to Malaysia

SULTAN KUDARAT, Maguindanao -- A Moro Islamic Liberation Front panel has finished its initial report on the Mamasapano clash, MILF vice chairman Ghadzali Jaafar said Wednesday in Camp Darapanan, the MILF's main headquarters.

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Purisima’s lawyer says ex-PNP chief did not lie to PNoy

The lawyer of Director General Alan Purisima on Wednesday allegations the resigned PNP chief lied to President Benigno Aquino III about the status of the PNP-Special Action Force's Oplan Exodus to capture high-value terrorists in Maguindanao on January 25.

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FULL TEXT: Homily of Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle at EDSA Shrine Mass

"[May] nabasa nga ako sabi: 'There is war only when there is an enemy.' How do you avoid war? Work towards the eradication of this mentality, this atmosphere that makes people enemies, one to another. The path to peace is finding a neighbor, a brother, a sister. When I don’t see anyone anymore as an enemy, I don’t have to fight. I don’t have to wage any fight."

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Tiamzons ask SC to reverse ruling on trial venue transfer

Two suspected ranking communist leaders have asked the Supreme Court to reverse its ruling allowing the transfer of their trial to the Philippine National Police headquarters in Camp Crame.

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FULL TEXT: PNoy's speech on 29th Anniversary of Edsa Revolution

"Ginintuan ngang maituturing ang pagkakataong ito, kung kailan abot-kamay na ang kapayapaan sa Mindanao. Sa mga nagsasabi na ihinto na ang peace process, at ang pagpapasa ng Bangsamoro Basic Law, ang tanong natin: Paano nila masisigurado na magkakaroon ulit ng ganitong oportunidad?"

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Senate panels approve creation of truth commission on Mamasapano

After only one hearing, the proposal to create a Truth Commission on the Mamasapano clash was approved at the committee level on Wednesday.

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PNoy: I won’t let those against peace succeed

President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday said he would not let those against the peace process succeed, a month after the deadly Mamasapano incident put peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in peril.

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Sandiganbayan enters not guilty plea for Corona in tax evasion raps

The second division of the Court of Tax Appeals entered a not guilty plea for former Chief Justice Renato Corona after he refused to enter any plea during his arraignment for failure to file income tax returns for 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, and 2010.

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Army corporal shot dead in Naga City

An Army corporal was shot dead in Naga City in Camarines Sur Monday night, as he and his wife were about to buy ice cream.

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Revilla, Enrile meeting at PNP Hospital only ‘accidental’

The Philippine National Police clarified that Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr.'s meeting with Senator Juan Ponce Enrile at the PNP General Hospital on February 14, which happened to be the latter's birthday, was only "accidental."

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Scope, composition of Mamasapano Truth Commission discussed in Senate

Several recommendations on the scope and composition of the proposed truth body that will investigate the January 25 Mamasapano clash were discussed at the Senate on Wednesday.

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PNP inquiry board to meet with MILF commander over Mamasapano clash

COTABATO CITY - The Moro Islamic Liberation Front has agreed to have the Philippine National Police Board of Inquiry meet one of its commanders over the Jan. 25 bloody clash in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

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PORK BARREL SCAM: Ex-solon wants to be detained with Jinggoy, Bong

Citing his diabetes and a bullet lodged in his spine, former APEC party-list Rep. Edgar Valdez on Wednesday asked to be detained at the PNP-Custodial Center instead of a regular jail, noting its proximity to a hospital.

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PNoy leads wreath-laying at People Power Monument on EDSA

President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday led the wreath-laying ceremony at the People Power Monument on Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue, popularly known as EDSA, in celebration of the 29th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution.

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PORK BARREL SCAM: Ex-lawmaker surrenders at Sandiganbayan

Former Association of Philippine Electric Cooperatives (APEC) party-list Rep. Edgar Valdez surrendered to the sheriff of the Sandiganbayan on Wednesday. Valdez faces graft and plunder charges for allegedly participating in the alleged pork barrel scam.

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AFP chief Catapang orders all-out offensive vs. BIFF

Exactly a month after the Jan. 25 bloody Mamasapano clash in Maguindanao, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. ordered an all-out offensive operation against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

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Mamasapano police to investigate reported burning of Marwan hut

MAMASAPANO, Maguindanao - A team of investigators is set to conduct an investigation and documentation on Wednesday following reports that the house of suspected international terrorist Zulkfli bin Hir alias Marwan here was torched by armed men on Tuesday night.

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Australian accused of abusing, trafficking young girls in Bukidnon brought to Manila

An Australian national arrested in Bukidnon over the weekend for allegedly abusing and trafficking young girls is now in Manila for further investigation.

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Purisima, Napeñas might face raps for insubordination – Rep. Biazon

Resigned Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Alan Purisima and sacked Special Action Force (SAF) commander Director Getulio Napeñas may be liable for insubordination for failing to follow President Benigno Aquino III's instructions for the Jan. 25 Mamasapano operation, Muntinlupa City Rep. Rodolfo Biazon said on Tuesday.

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Aquino aunt says VP Binay was sent proposal to head gov't

President Benigno Aquino III's aunt, former Tarlac governor Margarita Cojuangco, admitted that there was a proposal sent to Vice President Jejomar Binay to head the government, GMA 7 news program “24-Oras” reported on Tuesday.

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Marcos disputes report, claims earning diploma from Oxford

Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday countered an online report which claimed that Marcos' education background as stated in the Senate website is false.

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Palace says PHL ready to fight MERS-CoV, Ebola, etc.

After the Department of Health confirmed the death of an OFW from birdflu, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. on Tuesday assured the public that the DOH was ready to address the dangers of infectious diseases.

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Drilon clears PNoy of any liability in Mamasapano operation

Senate President Franklin Drilon, a staunch administration ally, on Tuesday cleared President Benigno Aquino III of any liability in the Mamapasapano operation.

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Raised voices mark final Senate hearing on Mamasapano clash

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Tuesday questioned the sincerity of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in pursuing the peace process with the government following the January 25 Mamasapano clash, resulting in an exchange marked by raised voices.

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Road closures on Edsa One anniversary

Some roads in Metro Manila will be closed to traffic starting midnight until 4 p.m. Wednesday for the 29th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution.

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Having a child out of wedlock not a ground to fire an employee —SC

An employee cannot be fired from work simply because of pre-marital sexual relations or pregnancy out of wedlock, the Supreme Court has ruled.

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Police probers to question Army officers on Mamasapano clash

MAMASAPANO, Maguindanao —- The Philippine National Police Board of Inquiry will have to interview Army officers here for input on the Jan. 25 Mamasapano clash that left 44 elite police officers dead.

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PNoy pushes anew for BBL’s passage in meeting with solons

President Benigno Aquino III pushed anew for the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) at his recent meeting with lawmakers although he did not give them marching orders to fast-track its approval.

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WATCH: Alan Cayetano grills peace adviser Deles on loyalty

A day after Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano called on President Benigno Aquino III to fire his peace adviser Teresita Deles and others involved in the talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front for allegedly speaking for the rebels, the Senate Majority Leader on Tuesday asked the secretary why the panel gave pictures indicating the MILF building up its forces before the military could authenticate them.

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Operational lapses, leadership breakdown clear in Mamasapano mission –Poe

Operational lapses and leadership breakdown in the police force were clear during the Mamasapano mission that left over 60 people, most of them policemen, dead, according to Senator Grace Poe, the head of the Senate panel that investigated the incident, on Tuesday.

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Gazmin: Mamasapano ‘wounds’ should not affect AFP-PNP relations

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin on Tuesday admitted that the January 25 Mamasapano clash has caused a rift between the military and the police, but said this should not affect the good relations established by the two organizations in past operations.

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LOOK: General lashes out at Napeñas for continuing to blame Army for deaths of Fallen 44

After weeks of keeping it together in congressional hearings on the Mamasapano incident, in which the the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force blamed the military for delayed and inadequate assistance, 6th Infantry Division Major General Edmundo Pangilinan on Tuesday finally gave way to his emotions when former PNP-SAF chief Director Getulio Napeñas again told the committee how the 44 fallen commandos could have been saved if the Armed Forces delivered the requested artillery support.

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Napeñas: US provided intelligence, training in Mamasapano operation

Relieved Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (SAF) chief Director Getulio Napeñas on Tuesday admitted that the United States helped the police force in terms of intelligence sharing during the botched operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao but maintained that the US forces were never involved in the actual combat.

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Palace: Bangsamoro back on track in House amid Mamasapano probes

President Benigno Aquino III's meeting with House leaders on Monday placed the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law back on track at least as far as the House of Representatives is concerned, Malacañang said on Tuesday.

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Nominations open for Champions for Health Governance

Efficacy, innovation, and accountability are among the qualities expected in the next batch of Champions for Health Governance, the nominations for which are now open.

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SC seeks Comelec, Smartmatic side on IBP plea vs. PCOS repair deal

The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to comment on a petition seeking to void its deal with Smartmatic-TIM for the refurbishment and repair of the vote-counting machines that will be used in the 2016 elections.

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Iqbal decries govt forces’ lack of trust in MILF in Mamasapano ops

Lack of trust and coordination led to the Jan. 25 Mamasapano clash which left over 60 people dead, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)’s chief peace negotiator said during a Senate inquiry on Tuesday.

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Only SAF complied with ceasefire order during Mamasapano clash –Napeñas

The relieved commander of the PNP-Special Action Force (SAF) on Tuesday said that while his men complied with the ceasefire order during the January 25 Mamasapano encounter, their enemies did not, resulting in the high number of casualties on the government side.

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Bongbong Marcos: MILF’s return of stripped-off rifles the opposite of goodwill

“What is supposed to be a confidence-building measure and an act of good faith has turned into the precise opposite. And this is a classic case of adding insult to injury. In this case, adding insult to death,” Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal.

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Ready for democracy? Cayetano, Iqbal debate legality of Mamasapano video

Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano and Moro Islamic Liberation Front peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal on Tuesday engaged in an emotional debate on the legality of the uploading of the viral video purportedly of the Mamasapano clash between police commandos and alleged MILF rebels.

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Escudero: SMS not best way to communicate during Mamasapano clash

Text messaging may have not been the best way to communicate during the Mamasapano clash, especially with the officials' seeming lack of sense of urgency, Sen. Francis Escudero said Tuesday.

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Emotional Army exec to ex-SAF chief: We did everything to help your men

A Philippine Army official turned emotional on Tuesday after relieved PNP-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) chief Director Getulio Napeñas maintained that the military failed to provide artillery support to his men during the deadly January 25 Mamasapano encounter.

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PNoy believes Purisima lied to him during Mamasapano ops —solons

President Benigno Aquino III felt he had been lied to by then-suspended Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director-General Alan Purisima during the police operation to arrest two high-value terrorists in what is believed to be Moro Islamic Liberation Front territory in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on Jan. 25.

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MILF vows help in unmasking man in violent viral video

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) vowed Tuesday to help bring to justice the man who shot the wounded and helpless Special Action Force commando in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, as seen on a viral video on the Internet.

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Who is accountable for Mamasapano? Fingers point at Purisima, Napeñas

On the continuation of the Senate investigation on the January 25 Mamasapano clash Tuesday, the question on who should be considered as the overall commander for Oplan Exodus was raised, resulting in finger-pointing.

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Nancy Binay, Roxas argue over who’s updating PNoy on clash

Sen. Nancy Binay on Tuesday told Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II that he tell the truth in the ongoing Senate inquiry on the Mamasapano incident, something that the official apparently didn't appreciate.

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Dismissed PMA cadet fails to get SC relief

The Supreme Court on Tuesday affirmed the dismissal of Cadet Jeff Aldrin Cudia from the Philippine Military Academy.

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Guingona asks De Lima to recognize PNP chain of command

Citing additional documents, Sen. Teofisto Guingona on Tuesday said the Philippine National Police (PNP) also follows the chain of command, as he asked Justice Sec. Leila de Lima to reconsider her position that the said concept is a "military construct."

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PNP BOI may probe alleged SAF killing at Mamasapano mosque

MAMASAPANO, Maguindanao - The Philippine National Police Board of Inquiry may investigate allegations that a Special Action Force trooper killed defenseless Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters in a mosque on Jan. 25 but only as a "collateral issue."

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BIFF, not MILF, controlling IED factory in Maguindanao —gov’t peace negotiator

The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), not the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), is controlling a factory for improvised explosive devices in Maguindanao, the government’s chief peace negotiator told a Senate hearing on the deadly January 25 Mamasapano clash on Tuesday.

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PNoy: I live the ‘spirit of EDSA’ in all my duties

On the eve of the 29th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, President Benigno Aquino III said the historic event that catapulted his mother to Malacañang has become his inspiration in meeting the many challenges of the presidency.

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De Lima to MILF: Show good faith, commit to turn over men invovled in Mamasapano clash

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Purisima admits failing to inform Espina of Mamasapano operation

Resigned PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima admitted Tuesday that he failed to inform PNP officer-in-charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina about the Mamasapano operation before its was launched.

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Photos showing alleged MILF armed training submitted to Senate panel

Pictures showing alleged training in a supposed camp of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have been submitted to the Senate public order committee probing the deadly January 25 Mamasapano incident.

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Mamasapano ops should not have ignored use of official radio comms – ex-SAF, now Rep. Bataoil

Pangasinan Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil, a former Special Action Force (SAF) battalion commander, said the use of official radio communication systems should not have been ignored when the Mamasapano operation was carried out last January 24 to 25.

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Senate starts executive session with AFP, PNP officials

The Senate has resumed its probe on the Mamasapano clash Tuesday morning with an executive session with officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police.

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PNP inquiry body investigating Mamasapano clash probes Ground Zero

A Philippine National Police inquiry board headed Tuesday for Ground Zero of the Jan. 25 clash in Mamasapano, Maguindanao that killed 44 Special Action Force troopers and 18 Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters.

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Archbishop calling for PNoy resignation unfazed by DOJ threat

A Catholic archbishop calling for President Benigno Aquino III’s resignation is unfazed over Justice Secretary Leila de Lima's statement indicating he and members of an interfaith organization could face charges.

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CBCP head orders ‘Oratio Imperata’ for peace starting March 1

Amid the threat of war and terror due to recent events such as the Jan. 25 Mamasapano, Maguindanao clash, the head of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines on Monday sought mandatory prayers (Oratio Imperata) for peace in Mindanao starting March 1.

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Palace refuses to judge Purisima on Mamasapano ops, points to Napeñas' failure

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda on Monday refused to say if texts messages between resigned Philippine National Police Director General Alan Purisima and President Benigno Aquino III constitute a violation of Purisima’s suspension. However, Lacierda made it clear that relieved Special Action Force chief Director Getulio Napeñas Jr. failed to coordinate properly.

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PNoy claimed Napeñas lied about reinforcements – Fallen 44 kin

The wife of one of the 44 Special Action Force (SAF) commandos killed in the Mamasapano clash said on Monday that, during a meeting with President Benigno Aquino III, Aquino claimed that then SAF director Supt. Getulio Napeñas had lied to him about the reinforcements sent to help the besieged commandos.

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PNP investigates senior cop for misuse of gas coupons

The Philippine National Police has relieved a senior non-commissioned officer pending the results of an investigation into the alleged misuse of gas allocation coupons

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6 oil firms raising fuel prices Tuesday

Petron, Shell, Total, Seaoil, Phoenix Petroleum and PTT Philippines announced plans to hike fuel prices effective Tuesday morning.

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PNoy’s liability on Mamasapano operation still a big question among senators

Senators were divided Monday on President Benigno Aquino III’s liability on the bloody Mamasapano operation, which led to the deaths of over 60 people, 44 of them elite police commandos.

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Priest stands by claim govt paid MILF to return SAF weapons

A Mindanao-based priest on Monday stood by his claim that the government may have paid off the Moro Islamic Liberation Front for the return of Special Action Force weapons recovered from the site of a clash in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

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Solon: MILF using ‘lopsided interpretation’ of peace deal to protect its men

A lawmaker from Mindanao has slammed the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for using a “lopsided” interpretation of the peace agreement it signed with the government as basis for refusing to surrender its members involved in the bloody clash with Special Action Force (SAF) troopers last Jan. 25.

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Speaker Belmonte: Ignore calls for PNoy resignation

House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. has brushed aside the call of certain groups for President Benigno Aquino III to resign and urged the people to ignore invitations for them to participate in another “people power uprising.”

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Slovakia eyes defense cooperation with PHL

The Slovak Republic on Monday said it is eyeing defense cooperation with Manila that will enable them to provide training, firearms and other defense equipment to the Philippines.

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Palace: Purisima’s messages showed PNoy knew little about Mamasapano mission

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda on Monday said the text messages bared by resigned Philippine National Police Director General Alan Purisima at a Senate hearing was proof that Aquino did not orchestrate the Mamasapano operation which led to the deaths of 44 elite policemen.

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Drilon says Purisima could be charged with usurpation of authority

Resigned Philippine National Police chief Director General Alan Purisima could be charged with usurpation of authority for giving instructions on a law enforcement mission despite his being suspended from post, Senate President Franklin Drilon said Monday.

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Palace: Passage of Bangsamoro law to give meaning to deaths of Fallen 44

The dream of Bangsamoro political entity will not be allowed to die, Malacañang said on Monday, adding that the passage of the law which would create the new autonomous region was one way to honor the memories of the 44 elite cops who fell in a bloody clash in Mamasapano last month.

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Aquino's Crame comment misquoted, Palace says

President Benigno Aquino III never said he is “tabla-tabla” or on equal footing with the families of the 44 slain Special Action Force (SAF) men, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said Monday.

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Pork barrel scam: Ex-APEC party-list solon ordered arrested on plunder raps

In a resolution issued on Monday, the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division found probable cause put on trial former Association of Philippine Electric Cooperatives (APEC) party-list Representative Edgar Valdez for cases recently filed against him by the Office of the Ombudsman.

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AFP chief wants independent body to study lapses in Mamasapano operation

Armed Forces chief Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr on Monday proposed the creation of an independent body composed of military and police officials to investigate lapses in the Mamasapano operation, where 44 Special Action Force commandos were killed last month.

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Admin allies downplay NTC’s call for ‘people power’ vs. PNoy

Two days before the 29th anniversary of historic EDSA People Power 1 uprising, an administration ally cautioned the public against backing calls for President Benigno Aquino III to step down in the guise of launching a “new people power.”

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Cayetano to PNoy: Govt peace panelists switched sides to MILF, fire them

President Benigno Aquino III should fire his peace adviser, Secretary Teresita Deles, and all the members of the government peace panel for supposedly defending the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in connection with the deadly January 25 Mamasapano incident, Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano said Monday.

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PNP spokesman says firearms turned over by MILF subject to lengthy inspection

The Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory Office is set to inspect the PNP-Special Action Force firearms turned over by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front last week.

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Malacañang bares PNoy’s sked for 29th People Power anniversary

It’s a busy week ahead for President Benigno Aquino III as the country celebrates the 29th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution on Wednesday.

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DOJ says rule exemption on coordination with MILF ‘vague’

Is coordination with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front necessary if government forces will go after high-value targets such as Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan in MILF territory? Even the Department of Justice is in a quandary.

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Sandiganbayan freezes Jinggoy's assets

The Sandiganbayan on Monday ordered the freezing of Senator Jinggoy Estrada's assets worth P183 million pending the resolution of his plunder and graft cases related to the alleged pork barrel scam.

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Govt yet to demand surrender of MILF men involved in Mamasapano clash

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Napeñas admits Purisima told him to keep Roxas, Gazmin in the dark on Mamasapano ops

Relieved Special Action Force chief Director Getulio Napeñas Jr. admitted Monday that resigned Philippine National Police chief Director General Alan Purisima told him to keep Secretaries Mar Roxas and Voltaire Gazmin in the dark on the Mamapasano operation.

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Senate panel holds another executive session to hear AFP on Mamasapano clash

The Senate public order committee on Monday held its fourth executive session on the January 25 Mamasapano operation, which left over 60 people, including 44 police commandos and 18 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters dead.

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Militants to hold human chain Feb. 25 for EDSA anniversary, Mamasapano ‘monthsary’

Militant groups will form a human chain along Epifanio delos Santos Avenue on Feb. 25, Wednesday, not only to mark the 29th anniversary of the EDSA-1 People Power revolt but also the first month after the Jan. 25 Mamasapano, Maguindanao clash that killed 44 Special Action Force troopers.

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PHL security officials only learned of Mamasapano operation morning of Jan. 25

The country’s security officials only learned about the operation against Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan on the morning of January 25, hours after the Special Action Force has started Oplan Exodus.

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FULL TEXT: SMS exchange between PNoy and ex-PNP chief Purisima on Mamasapano clash

An exchange of text messages on Jan. 25 between resigned Philippine National Police chief Director General Alan Purisima and President Benigno Aquino III showed the President has been informed of the Mamasapano clash as early as 5:45 a.m.

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Unified police-military command proposed after Mamasapano clash

Senator Tito Sotto on Monday proposed the creation of a “unified” police and military command following the deadly Mamasapano clash that took the lives of 44 elite policemen.

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DFA: Mamasapano mission’s planning, execution were 100-percent Filipino

The United States was not involved in the planning and execution of the January 25 Mamasapano operation which left 40 PNP-Special Action Force commandos dead, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Monday.

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MILF, not PNP, informed govt’s ceasefire body about Mamasapano clash

It was the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and not the Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, which first sounded alarm bells for the government’s ceasefire body about the deadly Mamasapano clash last January 25.

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PNoy got conflicting reports on Mamasapano clash – Roxas

President Benigno S.C. Aquino III received conflicting reports while the deadly Mamasapano clash was ongoing, Interior Secretary Mar Roxas said Monday.

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Govt ceasefire body head: No order for AFP to stand down during Mamasapano clash

The head of government’s ceasefire body said Monday that he did not give the Armed Forces of the Philippines orders to stand down at the height of the deadly Mamasapano clash last January 25.

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Purisima told PNoy that SAF were supported even before troops took off

Resigned PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima had informed President Benigno Aquino III on the morning of the Mamasapano clash that the PNP-Special Action Force commandos were "supported" by military troops, despite information from Armed Forces top officials that their men could not get inside because the area was marshy.

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‘Pro-life’ solons want RH Law repealed

More than two years after the Reproductive Health Law was passed, a group of 'pro-life' lawmakers have filed a measure seeking to repeal the controversial legislation.

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AFP asks for executive session on Mamasapano clash

Armed Forces chief General Pio Catapang Jr. on Monday asked the Senate for an executive session to allow his ground commanders to freely speak their minds on the operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao against suspected terrorists Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan and Basit Usman.

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DFA’s Del Rosario begs off from Senate probe on Mamasapano clash

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario will not be able to attend the Senate investigation on the Mamasapano clash which left over 60 people, including 44 PNP-Special Action Force commandos and 18 Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters, dead.

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Look: Pemberton arrives at Olongapo for arraignment

A convoy bearing Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton arrived at Olongapo City early Monday morning for his arraignment before the Regional Trial Court Branch 74.

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MILF to release result of Mamasapano probe this week

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front on Sunday said that it will release its report on the deadly Mamasapano encounter that claimed the lives of 44 elite police troopers, 18 MILF members, and four civilians.

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Public school teachers to strike for higher salaries, PNoy’s resignation – ACT

Public school teachers nationwide will stage a sit-down strike on Tuesday to demand a salary increase and the resignation of President Benigno Aquino III, a party-list group announced Sunday.

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De Lima to Natl Transformation Council: Don't cross line of ‘legitimate dissent’

Justice Secretary Leila De Lima on Sunday hinted at holding groups calling for a transition government to replace President Benigno Aquino III accountable under "the full force of the law" if they go beyond mass mobilizations.

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Espina defends Purisima’s absence at PMA homecoming

Philippine National Police Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina asked the public not to read too much into resigned PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima’s absence at the annual homecoming of Philippine Military Academy alumni in Baguio City Saturday, saying he “may have his reasons.”

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Palace: Feb. 25 holiday for schools only

Malacañang on Sunday said the 29th anniversary of the 1986 EDSA popular uprising on Feb. 25 will be a holiday only for schools nationwide.

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PHLPost issues UP dentistry centennial stamps

Commemorative stamps from the Philippine Postal Corp. will be among the highlights of the University of the Philippines College of Dentistry centennial celebration.

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Bettor wins P23.68M in Lotto 6/42 draw

A lone bettor bagged the P23.68-million jackpot in the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office's Lotto 6/42 draw Saturday evening.

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Sen. Grace Poe: Napeñas should not take all blame for Mamasapano clash

Relieved Special Action Force chief Director Getulio Napeñas Jr. should not take all the blame for the Mamasapano clash that left 44 police commandos dead last month, Senator Grace Poe said in a radio interview on Sunday.

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Defense Sec. Gazmin downplays coup rumors

There are no solid coup plots threatening the Aquino administration, despite what Sen. Miram Santiago said. At least that’s what Defense Sec. Voltaire Gazmin said in an interview Saturday night.

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Duterte: Mindanao will be in chaos if peace talks fail

Hostilities will erupt in Mindanao if the government would fail to adopt a backup plan should the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front fail, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte made this warning on Saturday.

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Gazmin: Civilians evacuated even before MILF-BIFF clashes started

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin assured the public that civilians who may be affected by clashes between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and its breakaway group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters have long been evacuated before clashes erupted Saturday.

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Gazmin to govt troops: Continue pursuit of BIFF members if they won’t surrender

If the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters won't surrender, "continue pursuing them." This is the order of Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin to government forces who have been pursuing BIFF men in North Cotabato since Saturday, in coordination with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

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Bishop’s Lenten message to Yolanda survivors: Time to help others

After getting help from others more than a year ago, now may be a good time for some survivors of super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) to give back by helping others.

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Manila archbishop warns vs. indifference at start of Lent

While Filipinos observe the Lenten season, they were cautioned on the perils of being indifferent to the plight of others.

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Terrorism to be discussed in French president’s PHL visit

Terrorism will be one of the topics French President François Hollande will discuss with President Benigno Aquino III during his Philippine state visit on Feb. 26 and 27.

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PNP OIC Espina submits affidavit to Mamasapano investigating board

Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina, officer in charge of the Philippine National Police, has submitted his affidavit on the Mamasapano clash to the PNP Board of Inquiry investigating the incident.

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Pimentel: PDP-Laban might field Davao Mayor Duterte in 2016 polls

The Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) is considering fielding Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte as the party’s standard-bearer in the 2016 presidential elections.

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AFP to MILF: Make results of probe on Mamasapano clash public

The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Saturday urged the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to release the results of its probe into the firefight between its men and the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force troopers.

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PNP, AFP: Surrender of MILF men in Mamasapano clash up to peace panel

Both the police and military said they will leave it to the Philippine government's peace panel to decide if the Moro Islamic Liberation Front should surrender its members who figured in the firefight in Mamasapano, Maguindanao that left 44 police commandos dead.

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Palace: CHED to scrutinize planned tuition hikes

The Commission on Higher Education will look into all plans by colleges and universities to hike tuition and other fees for the coming school year, Malacañang assured Saturday.

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Palace: We’ll find other ways to get SAF men’s firearms from BIFF

If the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters won't return the firearms of the 44 Special Action Force troopers killed in a clash in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last Jan. 25, government will look for other ways to get them back.

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OPAPP twits priest over claims govt paid for ‘return’ of slain SAF men’s firearms

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process on Saturday denied allegations by a Mindanao-based priest that the government bought the firearms of 44 slain Special Action Force troopers, which the Moro Islamic Liberation Front returned last Wednesday.

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Members of PMA Class ‘67 wear black armbands for SAF 44 at PMA homecoming

Some members of the Philippine Military Academy Class 1967, during the PMA Grand Alumni Homecoming on Saturday, sported black armbands to show their support to the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force troopers who were killed in Mamasapano town in Maguindanao last January 25.

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PNP: Report, not share bomb threat text messages

Report bomb scare messages, instead of sharing them.

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France's Hollande to visit the PHL Feb 26-27

French President François Hollande will be in the Philippines from Feb. 26 and 27 for a state visit, during which he will visit Guiuan, Samar - an area devastated by super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013.

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Muslim, Christian advocates ask Congress not to hold the BBL ‘hostage’

The Bangsamoro Basic Law should not be held "hostage" because of the Mamasapano clash, Muslim and Christians advocates of the law said in a press conference Friday. Chair of the Bangsamoro National Movement for Peace and Development, Agakhan Sharief, said the Filipino people, particularly government leaders, should push for the BBL's passage and look beyond the Mamasapano incident as it will benefit everyone.

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Palace accepts delays, but stands firm on passing Bangsamoro law

Malacañang is already resigned to the fact that passage of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) will be delayed after congressional hearings on the measure were suspended following the Jan. 25 Mamasapano incident that left 44 police commandos dead.

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MILF will not surrender members in Mamasapano clash

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will not surrender its members who figured in the firefight in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last month which left over 60 people, including 44 police commandos and 18 MILF fighters dead.

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Justices scold ‘pork’ scam whistleblower for ‘selective memory’

A witness in the pork barrel fund scam case drew the ire of the justices of the Sandiganbayan Third Division for repeatedly failing to recall some details of the scheme where billions in government funds were allegedly funneled to fake foundations linked to businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles.

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PNP to trace who issued misused gas coupon in viral Facebook post

The Philippine National Police will trace who among its officers allegedly misused his or her gas allocation coupons as indicated by a viral post on social media, GMA News' "24 Oras" reported on Friday.

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MILF denies ‘cannibalizing’ SAF firearms

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Slain SAF commando’s pa: PNoy evasive on reinforcements in Mamasapano

Some of the relatives of the police commandos that died in the Mamasapano misencounter were disappointed with President Benigno Aquino III's explanations when they pressed him over the lack of reinforcements that could have saved the lives of the fallen troopers, GMA News' "24 Oras" reported on Friday.

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Activists hold ‘people's hearing’ on Mamasapano clash

Various activist groups on Friday held its own hearing on the January 25 Mamasapano clash that left 44 elite policemen dead.

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No sign of public support for resignation calls vs. PNoy –Palace

Malacañang on Friday said it does not see any indication of public support for calls for President Benigno Aquino III's resignation following the tragic January 25 Mamasapano operation that left 44 police commandos dead.

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BIFF: Video shows white male among the dead in Mamasapano

Video footage showed a male Caucasian as among those killed in the Mamasapano operation, a spokesperson for the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters told GMA News Online on Friday.

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DOJ affirms murder case vs. Pemberton

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday affirmed anew the filing of a murder case against US Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton over the death of Filipino transgender woman Jeffrey "Jennifer" Laude in Olongapo City last year.

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BIFF to PNP: Rematch first before return of SAF guns

The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) has no plans of returning the firearms seized from some of the elite policemen killed in the January 25 Mamasapano clash unless the Philippine National Police (PNP) will agree to a "rematch."

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Senate panel asks DFA’s Del Rosario to attend Mamasapano clash probe

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario has been asked to attend the Senate probe on the Mamasapano operation, which left over 60 people, including 44 elite PNP-Special Action Force commandos dead.

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2010, 2013 source codes transferred to another vault at BSP

The officials of the Commission on Elections went to the Bangko Sentral of the Philippines on Monday to transfer the source codes used in the 2010 and 2013 elections to another vault inside the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas .

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PNP: No heated exchange between PNoy and kin of Fallen 44

The Philippine National Police on Friday denied that President Benigno Aquino's meeting with families of the fallen Special Action Force (SAF) troopers last Wednesday in Camp Crame became heated at one point.

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Pinay nurse clear of MERS-CoV –DOH

The Filipina nurse who was tested positive for MERS Coronavirus has already been discharged from quarantine after she was cleared of the deadly virus.

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Bangsamoro peace advocate to Richard Gomez: Go to war yourself

The chairperson of the Bangsamoro National Movement For Peace and Development on Friday called on actor Richard Gomez to stop issuing statements asking for war and the scrapping of the Bangsamoro Basic Law, and challenged him to go fight the war in Mindanao himself if he doesn't.

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Masbate Gov. Lanete ordered detained at Camp Bagong Diwa

The Sandiganbayan Fourth Division on Friday issued a commitment order directing the police to bring Masbate Governor Rizalina Seachon-Lanete, who is facing charges in connection with the pork barrel scam, to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Female Dormitory in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig.

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DOJ vows to resolve Pemberton’s plea to dismiss case before arraignment

The Department of Justice vowed to resolve US Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton's final appeal at the DOJ before his arraignment in Olongapo City Monday next week.

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More minors nabbed for illegal drugs in 2014 —PDEA

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Friday said the number of minors involved in illegal drug activities in 2014 increased by 20.94 percent as compared to the year before.

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Bam Aquino seeks medals of valor for SAF survivors in Mamasapano

Sen. Benigno Paolo Aquino IV, the President's namesake and cousin, has filed Senate Resolution 1180 recommending the awarding of Medal of Valor to the surviving and wounded SAF officers who directly participated in the operation to take down Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan and "commending them for their exemplary courage and heroism."

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Appeals court affirms ex-DA exec’s liability in fertilizer fund scam

The Court of Appeals has affirmed an Ombudsman decision finding a dismissed official of the Department of Agriculture (DA) liable for his involvement in the controversial fertilizer fund scam, one of the corruption issues that rocked the Arroyo administration.

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Senator seeks to increase maternity leave from two months to four months

Citing the vital role of women in nation-building, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV is seeking to double the maternity leave benefits from 60 days or two months to 120 days or four months.

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Muslim groups giving aid to kin of MILF fighters killed in Mamasapano clash

Relatives of Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters killed in a clash in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last Jan. 25 are getting financial aid.

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Masbate Gov. Lanete presented to Sandiganbayan

The Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group presented former Masbate Representative and incumbent Masbate Governor Rizalina Seachon-Lanete before the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan Friday morning to let the court decide on where the former lawmaker will be detained.

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SWS: 41% Pinoys expect life to improve in next 12 months

Some 41 percent of Filipinos expect life to improve in the next 12 months, according to a poll conducted by Social Weather Stations in the last quarter of 2014.

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PNoy told slain SAF men's families what he knew of Mamasapano clash – Palace

In a phone interview, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said President Benigno Aquino III had the chance to explain what he knew about the deadly operation during a seven-hour meeting on Wednesday with bereaved families of the slain Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) officers.

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Professors, students ready signature campaign calling for PNoy's resignation

Members of the academe will launch a signature campaign to call for the resignation of President Benigno Aquino III for allegedly not disclosing the United States' role in a police operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last month.

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Some of Mamasapano guns from MILF ‘stripped of scopes, parts’

Some of the 16 firearms surrendered by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front were purposely stripped of their expensive accessories such as scopes and other parts, a survivor of the Mamasapano operation and a former junior officer who's now in Congress said on Thursday.

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With Bohol broadcaster's murder, PHL still among deadliest places for journalists – CPJ

With the murder last weekend of a radio commentator in Bohol, an international media watchdog group on Wednesday said the Philippines could still be one of the world's most dangerous places to be a journalist.

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Cellphones used in uploading Mamasapano videos undergo forensic examination

Government agents on Thursday subjected to forensic examination the two cellphones allegedly used to upload the disturbing videos showing the brutality that transpired during the January 25 Mamasapano clash on the Internet.

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Fallen 44’s kin ask PNoy: Where were the reinforcements?

The families of some of the 44 police commandos that died in the Mamasapano misencounter pressed President Benigno Aquino III for an explanation why no reinforcements arrived to extricate the beleaguered policemen, most of whom died virtually defenseless in a cornfield on Jan. 25.

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Iqbal: MILF still accounting for remaining SAF firearms

More firearms belonging to the 44 policemen killed in the January 25 Mamasapano clash with Moro rebels may be turned over to the government in the coming days, a Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) official said Thursday.

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Final autopsy report: Fallen 44 had 150 gunshot wounds

The Fallen 44—the members of the Phlippine National Police-Special Action Force that died in the Mamasapano operation on Jan. 25—suffered a total of 150 gunshot wounds, the final autopsy report obtained by GMA News showed.

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Don’t turn Lenten sacrifice into tourist spectacle —bishop

Now that the Lenten season has started, a bishop reminded Catholics against turning shows of remorse into tourist spectacles—such as flagellation and staged crucifixions.

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Usman hiding in MILF camp in Lanao del Sur, ex-military lawmaker claims

Filipino terrorist Abdul Basit Usman, reported wounded in a clash in Maguindanao last month, is now hiding at a Moro Islamic Liberation Front camp in Lanao del Sur, a lawmaker has claimed, citing an unspecified source.

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House panel hopes to approve BBL in March

The ad hoc committee on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) has set a deadline of June 11 for its passage in the House of Representatives even as discussion on the bill remains in limbo because of the Mamasapano clash.

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VP Binay prays for PNoy amid resignation calls

Vice President Jejomar Binay on Thursday said he is praying for President Benigno Aquino III amid calls for the latter to resign following the deaths of 44 Special Action Force commandos in an operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last month.

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China to project power from artificial islands in South China Sea

HONG KONG - China's creation of artificial islands in the South China Sea is happening so fast that Beijing will be able to extend the range of its navy, air force, coastguard and fishing fleets before long, much to the alarm of rival claimants to the contested waters.

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PNoy willing to cooperate in Mamasapano inquiries —Palace

President Benigno Aquino III is willing to cooperate in the ongoing probes on the Mamasapano incident last month which left 44 police commandos dead, Malacañang indicated Thursday.

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Palace not keen on imposing deadline for MILF to identify members in Mamasapano clash

Malacañang is not inclined to give a deadline for the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to identify its members involved in the firefight in Mamasapano, Maguindanao which left over 60 people, including 44 police commandos and 18 MILF fighters dead.

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Band of Brothers: AFP, PNP renew ties after Mamasapano

After weeks of subdued finger-pointing over the Mamasapano misencounter that led to the deaths of 44 police commandos in the hands of Moro rebels, leaders of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police on Thursday found an opportunity to renew the sense of unity between the two security groups.

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Heidi Mendoza named COA officer-in-charge

Commission on Audit (COA) Commissioner Heidi Mendoza is now the acting chairman of the audit body until President Benigno Aquino III names a replacement for former chairperson Grace Pulido-Tan, according to a resolution posted on its website.

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Palace won’t urge Purisima to divulge private testimony on Mamasapano incident

Malacañang is not about to urge resigned PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima to divulge his testimony during a Senate executive session on the deadly Mamasapano operation, despite a lawmaker’s assessment that doing so can help President Benigno Aquino III.

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Return of 16 guns not enough: Espina tells MILF to surrender Usman, SAF killers

Philippine National Police officer-in-charge Deputy Director-General Leonardo Espina yesterday called on the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to surrender its members responsible for the deaths of the 44 police commandos who died in the Mamasapano misencounter.

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