The Epic

MANILA, Philippines — In the wake of monsoon rains intensified by Typhoon Carina, President Marcos has directed government agencies to issue timely advisories for incoming cyclones to ensure public safety. "We are dedicated to advancing technology to safeguard lives from future disasters," Marcos posted on Facebook. La Niña Preparations During a sectoral meeting at Malacañang, preparations for La Niña were discussed. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that around 1.3 million families, or 4.8 million individuals, across 17 regions, 63 provinces, and 4,227 barangays were affected by recent weather disturbances. The death toll stands at 39, with nine injured and 732,000 people currently housed in 557 evacuation centers. Infrastructure damage is estimated at P4.26 billion, while agricultural losses amount to P551.78 million. Flood Control Master Plan Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan mentioned that implementing the flood control master plan c

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Commission on Audit (COA) has raised concerns about Cebu City’s Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (LDRRMF). In its 2023 report, COA revealed that the city failed to utilize P1.456 billion from its disaster fund for the years 2022 and 2023. COA highlighted that this non-utilization undermines the fund’s purpose of bolstering disaster preparedness and response capabilities. The LDRRMF, intended to support disaster preparedness and mitigation projects, had P129,353,831.56 allocated in 2022 and an additional P1,455,856,661.59 in 2023. However, by the end of 2023, these funds remained largely unspent, with many projects still stuck in procurement or approval stages. This inaction has rendered the city’s annual investment plans ineffective, leaving it vulnerable to disasters. Legislative Framework and Fund Allocation Republic Act No. 10121, the “Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010,” mandates that at least five percent of

  Weather Report for Mindanao Issued at 4:00 PM, 31 July 2024 Synopsis: The southwest monsoon continues to influence the weather in Mindanao, bringing localized thunderstorms to various areas. Forecast Weather Conditions: - Mindanao: Expect partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers and thunderstorms. These localized thunderstorms may lead to flash floods or landslides during severe occurrences. Forecast Wind and Coastal Water Conditions: - Winds will be light to moderate, coming from the southwest. Coastal waters are expected to be slight to moderate, with wave heights ranging from 0.6 to 1.5 meters. Temperature and Relative Humidity Extremes (24-hour period ending at 4:00 PM today): - Maximum Temperature: 33.7°C at 2:00 PM - Minimum Temperature: 24.8°C at 5:00 AM - Maximum Relative Humidity: 97% at 5:00 AM - Minimum Relative Humidity: 63% at 2:00 PM Residents are advised to stay updated on the latest weather information and take necessary precautions, especially in area

Issued at 4:00 PM, 31 July 2024 Synopsis: The southwest monsoon is currently affecting the western section of Extreme Northern Luzon. Forecast Weather Conditions: Batanes and Babuyan Islands: Expect partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to the southwest monsoon. Possible impacts include flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms. The Rest of the Country: Anticipate partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms caused by localized thunderstorms. These conditions may also result in flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms. Forecast Wind and Coastal Water Conditions: Luzon and Visayas: Winds will be light to moderate, coming from the southwest to west, with coastal waters expected to be slight to moderate (0.6 to 2.1 meters). Mindanao: Winds will be light to moderate from the southwest, with slight to moderate coastal waters (0.6 to 1.5 meters). Temperature and Relative Humidity Extremes (24-hour

As of the latest update from PAGASA: The weather forecast for Central Visayas indicates partly cloudy skies with occasional rain showers and thunderstorms. The region is expected to experience scattered rains and thunderstorms due to the influence of the southwest monsoon and a trough of a low-pressure area. This weather pattern is anticipated to continue over the next few days, with varying chances of rain each day. For specific cities in Central Visayas, such as Cebu City and Tagbilaran, the weather is expected to be partly cloudy to cloudy with occasional rain showers and thunderstorms. Temperatures will range from 25°C to 33°C, with the chances of rain varying from 20% to 40% over the next few days. For more detailed and up-to-date information, you can visit the official PAGASA website https://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/weather

MANILA, Philippines — Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan announced on Tuesday that the government's Comprehensive Flood Management Master Plan is expected to address at least 70 percent of Metro Manila's flooding problems once fully implemented. During a briefing in Malacañang, Bonoan highlighted that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is currently undertaking significant engineering interventions to tackle the recurring issue of severe flooding in the National Capital Region, which was recently exacerbated by Typhoon Carina and the heavy rains it brought. "We believe that by addressing the drainage systems and related issues, we can alleviate 70 to 80 percent of the flooding problems in Metro Manila," Bonoan said. "We are actively working on implementing all necessary flood control projects to mitigate the flooding in various parts of the country." The master plan, initially developed during the Aquino administration, is currently less tha

MANILA, Philippines — Borrowers of housing loans can now settle their dues without incurring any interest charges, even for late payments, according to a top official of the National Housing Authority (NHA) on Tuesday. Assistant General Manager Alvin Feliciano announced that the NHA has also enacted a one-month moratorium on payments for housing program clients from July 1 to July 31, 2024. "These directives come from our General Manager Joeben Tai, following instructions from Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, aiming to provide all necessary support to those impacted by the recent southwest monsoon and Typhoon Carina," Feliciano stated. He specified that the relief measures would apply only to borrowers from the National Capital Region, Central Luzon (Region 3), and Calabarzon (Region 4), as these areas were the most severely affected. After the one-month moratorium, Feliciano noted that regular amortization and lease

MANILA, Philippines — Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo Duterte expressed assurance that he would be exonerated from the drug smuggling accusations he is currently facing. "I have consistently asserted my innocence, and I am certain that the judicial process will vindicate me," Duterte declared. On Wednesday, former senator Antonio Trillanes lodged a complaint accusing Duterte and several others of involvement in drug smuggling.

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Rommel Marbil has chosen not to respond to an open letter from Vice President Sara Duterte concerning the recall of her 75 police security personnel. During a press conference on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, PNP Public Information Office (PIO) Chief Colonel Jean Fajardo stated that Marbil decided to remain silent out of respect for Duterte. “The chief PNP opted not to answer whatever our Vice President said, of course out of respect to our VP. Whatever these matters are, we would rather address this silently,” Fajardo said. Fajardo added, “Our PNP chief himself requested that we let our police officers do their jobs and spare the PNP organization from these political issues and noise. That way, these discussions won’t drag on.” However, Fajardo assured that the PNP remains open to communication to resolve the matter. She reiterated that the purpose of the recall was to increase police visibility in communities, noting that

MANILA, Philippines — Former Senator Antonio Trillanes filed a case with the Department of Justice on Wednesday, accusing Davao City First District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, Attorney Mans Carpio—husband of Vice President Sara Duterte, former Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon, and several others of involvement in the 2017 drug smuggling incident involving a P6.4 billion shabu shipment. The complaint also names former Presidential Adviser on Indigenous Peoples’ Concerns Allen Capuyan, Davao City Councilor Small Abellera, Charlie Tan, and four others. This case traces back to May 2017 when 602.2 kilograms of crystal meth, valued at P6.4 billion, were smuggled from China through the Bureau of Customs’ express lane. The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee conducted several public hearings, uncovering that the illegal drugs were given "green lane" status, allowing them to bypass Customs’ alert system without physical inspection or document verification. “This morning, I filed a case

MANILA, Philippines — Finance Secretary Ralph Recto clarified that the transfer of funds from the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) and other government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) is in compliance with an order from Congress. During the Senate health panel hearing on Tuesday, Recto explained that the Department of Finance is following directives set forth in the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2024. “To fund the unprogrammed appropriations, Congress identified an alternative to new taxes and debts by collecting dormant and unused funds from GOCCs, on which we still pay interest. This directive is explicitly stated in the 2024 GAA, and we are strictly adhering to it,” Recto stated. Additionally, Recto assured the public that the transferred funds would be used for other significant projects, including: - The Davao City By-Pass Construction Project - Samal Island-Davao City Connector Project - Panay-Guimaras-Negros Island Bridges - Bataan-Cavite Interlink

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Risa Hontiveros condemned the transfer of unused Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) funds to the national treasury on Tuesday, arguing that it was unjustified and undermined the right of every Filipino to quality and affordable health care. During a Senate Committee on Health public hearing, Hontiveros criticized the Department of Finance (DoF) directive that ordered the transfer of unutilized funds from government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs) to the national reserve. Hontiveros has been advocating for the return of PhilHealth's surplus funds to its accounts, emphasizing that under the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act, "no PhilHealth fund or income shall accrue to the general fund of the national government or any of its agencies and instrumentalities." "The actions of the DoF with its issuance of the circular, PhilHealth's inability to utilize its funds, and the approval to return funds to the national gover

MANILA, Philippines — Former president Rodrigo Duterte has been identified as the "most responsible" individual for the violent war against illegal drugs by Makabayan solon Gabriela Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas. During a House Committee on Human Rights hearing on Monday, July 29, Brosas insisted that Duterte should appear before the committee to address the allegations against him. "Repeatedly, we have requested the former president to come and explain the accusations against him. Up to now, this has not happened," Brosas stated. Committee chairman Manila 6th district Rep. Bienvenido "Benny" Abante Jr. opened the session by suggesting it might be the final hearing on the extrajudicial killings (EJKs), noting it was the fifth in the series. Brosas objected to this notion. "We must continue these hearings until we uncover the full truth about the EJKs committed during the Duterte administration," she asserted. "And we expect the highest-ranki

MANILA, Philippines — The government must be clear about its plans to support the estimated 40,000 Filipino workers who are set to lose their jobs due to the upcoming closure of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs). Senator Robinhood Padilla emphasized this need as he submitted Senate Resolution 1091, urging the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media to address the issue. "Given the thousands of Filipino workers who will be negatively impacted by the shutdown of POGOs in the country, the public deserves to know what actions and programs the government intends to implement to tackle this problem," Padilla stated in his resolution filed on Monday evening. Padilla heads the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media.  In his State of the Nation Address on July 22, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced a ban on POGOs and directed the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) to cease their operations by the end of the year. The President

MANILA, Philippines — In a move to curb moonlighting among its ranks, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced on Tuesday that it had temporarily withdrawn Senator Bong Go’s security detail but has since reinstated it. PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo confirmed that Go’s police protection, along with those assigned to other authorized individuals, was recalled based on an order from the Police Security and Protection Group’s director. “Yes, it’s true. They were withdrawn around the first week of July after we discovered some officers moonlighting,” Fajardo said in Filipino during a press conference on Tuesday. “They underwent refresher training on providing security services, and after that, we reassigned them to the authorized individuals, including Senator Bong Go,” she added. Previously, Go claimed that the PNP had removed his security detail shortly after Vice President Sara Duterte criticized PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil for allegedly lying about the issue. Duterte asserte

Ngayong araw sa Bohol, asahan ang maulang panahon. Bandang umaga, magkakaroon ng kalat-kalat na mga ulap na may temperaturang nasa 28°C. Sa pagsapit ng hapon, inaasahan ang mahinang pag-ulan na magtataas ng temperatura sa 29°C. Ang pagkakataon ng ulan sa hapon ay nasa 34%.  Pagsapit ng gabi, tataas pa ang tsansa ng pag-ulan hanggang 88% pagdating ng alas-5 ng hapon at aabot pa ito sa 100% pagdating ng alas-8 ng gabi. Ang hangin ay manggagaling sa timog-kanluran na may iba't-ibang bilis sa buong araw.  Para sa inyong kaligtasan, siguraduhing magdala ng payong o kapote kung kayo ay lalabas. Huwag kalimutang manatiling handa at updated sa pinakahuling balita ukol sa panahon. Stay safe, Bohol!

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced on Tuesday that the scheduled Metro Manila Shake Drill on July 31 has been canceled. This decision comes in light of the ongoing cleanup operations following the extensive damage caused by Super Typhoon Carina and the enhanced Southwest Monsoon. In an advisory, the MMDA stated, “The Metro Manila Shake Drill set on July 31 will not push through because of the ongoing clean-up operation and repairs being done in different parts of Metro Manila due to the onslaught of Super Typhoon Carina and the enhanced Southwest Monsoon last week.” Last week, the Metro Manila Council declared a state of calamity in the National Capital Region due to the severe effects of the super typhoon. According to the National Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC), over 3.6 million people were impacted by the combined effects of the Habagat, Tropical Cyclone Butchoy, and Super Typhoon Carina, with more than 2 mil

MANILA, Philippines — The agricultural sector in the Philippines has suffered significant damage and losses due to Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon (Habagat), with total damages surpassing P1 billion. As of July 30, the Department of Agriculture (DA) reported that the value of production losses in crops and livestock reached P1.17 billion, with a total production loss of 18,086 metric tons (MT) affecting 42,708 hectares of agricultural land. The severe weather impacted rice, corn, high-value crops, livestock, irrigation facilities, and fisheries across several regions, including the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western and Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Soccsksargen, and Caraga. Around 40,904 farmers and fisherfolk have been affected by these conditions. Rice emerged as the most affected commodity, with losses valued at P660.6 million, equating to 10,272 MT of damaged produce. The fisheries se

MANILA, Philippines — Former senator Antonio Trillanes is set to file charges of illegal drug smuggling today against lawyer Manases Reyes Carpio, the husband of Vice President Sara Duterte, and Davao City 1st district Rep. Paolo Duterte. Also included in the charges are former marine officer and Bureau of Customs commissioner Nicanor Faeldon and several others. In an interview on "Storycon" with One News yesterday, Trillanes stated that the charges stem from evidence gathered during the Senate investigation into the smuggling of P6.4 billion worth of illegal drugs. This investigation was launched after 600 kilos of shabu, or methamphetamine hydrochloride, were discovered in Valenzuela City. The drugs, hidden in printer rolls, allegedly entered the country through the Bureau of Customs’ "green lane." Trillanes asserted, "This involved the P6.4-billion shabu shipment in Valenzuela in 2017, which we investigated in the Senate. They are the masterminds behind this

MANILA, Philippines —  Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil has chosen not to comment on Vice President Sara Duterte's recent open letter. The letter accuses the removal of 75 police personnel from her security detail as "political harassment." According to PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo, "The chief PNP opted not to answer the Vice President’s statements out of respect. We’d rather address this issue silently." Previously, Marbil confirmed that the 75 officers were reassigned to enhance street patrols, particularly in Metro Manila. He emphasized that this decision was part of a broader effort to rationalize the deployment of security personnel and was not intended to single out Duterte. In her four-page social media post, Duterte asserted that she could manage without police protection but criticized the misinformation being disseminated, including Marbil's assertion that there were no threats against her. She also condemne

Issued at 4:00 AM, 31 July 2024 Mindanao is expected to experience varied weather conditions today, with significant chances of precipitation throughout the region. The forecast includes a mix of light to moderate rain and thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoon and evening hours. Hourly Weather Conditions - Early Morning (2:00 AM - 8:00 AM):   - Light rain is expected with temperatures ranging from 21°C to 24°C.   - Humidity levels will be high, around 88% to 97%.   - Wind speeds will be light, ranging from 0 to 8 km/h. - Midday (11:00 AM - 2:00 PM):   - Continued light rain with temperatures rising to 28°C.   - Humidity will drop slightly to around 69% to 81%.   - Wind speeds will increase to 8 to 14 km/h, with occasional gusts. - Afternoon to Evening (5:00 PM - 8:00 PM):   - Light rain continues, with a temperature drop to around 22°C to 25°C.   - Humidity levels will range from 80% to 89%.   - Wind speeds will be around 8 to 12 km/h, with gusts up to 22 km/h. - Night (11:00 PM

Issued at 4:00 AM, 31 July 2024 The Central Visayas region, encompassing the provinces of Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor, will experience a mix of weather conditions today, primarily influenced by localized thunderstorms. Hourly Precipitation Forecast - 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM:  15% chance of precipitation - 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM:  25% chance of precipitation - 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM:  35% chance of precipitation - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM:  35% chance of precipitation - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM:  50% chance of precipitation - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: 50% chance of precipitation - 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: 60% chance of precipitation - 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: 50% chance of precipitation - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: 35% chance of precipitation - 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: 25% chance of precipitation - 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: 10% chance of precipitation - 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: 10% chance of precipitation Light to moderate rainfall is expected throughout the day, with the highest chances of rain around midday and early afternoon. Local

DOST PAGASA Issued at 4:00 AM, 31 July 2024 SYNOPSIS The Southwest Monsoon is currently affecting the western sections of Northern and Central Luzon. Forecast Weather Conditions Metro Manila, Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Zambales, and Bataan: Weather Condition:  Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms Caused By:  Southwest Monsoon Impacts:  Possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms Rest of the Country: - Weather Condition:  Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms - Caused By:  Localized Thunderstorms - Impacts:  Possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms Forecast Wind and Coastal Water Condition Luzon: - Speed:  Light to Moderate - Direction:  Southwest - Coastal Water:  Slight to Moderate (0.6 to 2.1 meters) Visayas and Mindanao: - Speed: Light to Moderate - Direction:  South to Southwest - Coastal Water:  Slight to Moderate (0.6 to 1.5 meters) Temperature

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Imee Marcos expressed strong disapproval over the reduction of Vice President Sara Duterte's police security detail, urging for its immediate reinstatement. In a social media post on Tuesday, Marcos detailed the reasons for restoring Duterte’s security team. “Firstly, she is the second highest elected official in the country, and her safety should never be compromised. Secondly, she is a Duterte, known for her firm stance on law and order, just like her father, which makes her a prime target for the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army,” Marcos stated. Marcos also criticized Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Rommel Marbil for reallocating 75 police officers from Duterte’s security detail to other duties, mainly in Metro Manila. “At sino naman ‘yang Rommel Marbil? Ni hindi ko nga ‘yan kilala,” she remarked. Previously, Duterte labeled the recall of her security detail as a “clear case of political harassment.” To recall, the Vice Pr

Nagpakita ng kahanga-hangang pagganap ang mga Filipina gymnasts na sina Aleah Finnegan, Emma Malabuyo, at Levi Ruivivar sa kanilang pagsisimula sa 2024 Paris Olympics nitong Linggo. Gayunpaman, ang kanilang mga tsansa na umusad ay nakabitin pa sa balanse. Naglahok sa Subdivision 3, sinimulan ng mga kinatawan ng Pilipinas ang kanilang kampanya sa balance beam, kung saan nakapagtala si Emma Malabuyo ng pinakamataas na puntos na 12.233, na naglagay sa kanya sa ika-32 na pwesto. Sinundan siya ni Levi Ruivivar, 18 taong gulang, at Aleah Finnegan, 21 taong gulang, na nakakuha ng 11.866 at 11.466 puntos. Sa kasamaang-palad, hindi sapat ang kanilang mga puntos para makapasok sa top 8 na kinakailangan para umusad sa medal round. Sa floor exercise, muling nanguna si Malabuyo sa kanilang tatlo na may score na 13.100, ngunit hindi pa rin ito sapat para umusad. Nakapagtala naman sina Finnegan ng 12.733 at Jung-Ruivivar ng 12.433 puntos. Nagpatuloy ang kanilang mga pagsubok sa vault, kung saan nakak

Department of Science and Technology   Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and   Astronomical Services Administration Weather Forecast Report Date:  July 30, 2024   Time:  04:00 PM SYNOPSIS:   The Southwest Monsoon is currently affecting the western sections of Northern and Central Luzon. Forecast Weather Conditions: Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur: - Weather Condition:  Cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms - Caused By:  Southwest Monsoon - Impacts:  Possible flash floods or landslides due to moderate to heavy rains Metro Manila, Cordillera Administrative Region, La Union, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Tarlac, Pampanga, and Bulacan: - Weather Condition:  Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms - Caused By:  Southwest Monsoon - Impacts:  Possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms The rest of the country: - Weather Condition:  Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms - Caused By:  Localized

Vice President Sara Duterte expressed her gratitude to Senators Ronald Dela Rosa, Christopher "Bong" Go, and Robin Padilla, as well as the personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), alongside women and ordinary citizens, for their voluntary support in ensuring her security. The statement was released on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. 📸 Inday Sara Duterte/Facebook In her official Facebook account, Vice President Sara Duterte posted: PASASALAMAT July 30, 2024 Nagpapasalamat ako kay Senador Dela Rosa, Senador Go at Senador Padilla, mga AFP at PNP personnel, sa mga kababaihan, at lahat ng ordinaryong mamamayan sa inyong pagtugon sa panawagan ni Senador Bato ng boluntaryong pagtulong para sa aking seguridad. Ramdam ko ang inyong malasakit, pagmamahal at suporta. Huwag kayong mag-alala sa akin. At hindi ninyo kailangan mag-ambag ng pera para sa security ko. Ang pagtatrabaho sa pamahalaan ay pag-alay ng buhay para sa bayan. Alam nating

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has mandated a comprehensive ban on all offshore gaming operations in the Philippines due to their connections to various illicit activities.  The recent prohibition of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) is expected to accelerate the country's removal from a global financial watchdog's "gray list" of jurisdictions with increased money laundering risks, according to the central bank governor. “With the POGO ban, we anticipate a reduction in money laundering activities, which should help us exit the gray list,” stated Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. in a text message to BusinessWorld. Last week, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. ordered a total ban on all offshore gaming operations due to their associations with financial scams, money laundering, prostitution, and human trafficking. He instructed the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) to close all POGO facilities by the end of the y

MANILA, Philippines — Former Senator Leila de Lima reiterated on Monday that former President Rodrigo Duterte must be held accountable and imprisoned for his alleged crimes against humanity as the "instigator and inducer" of the extrajudicial killings during his antidrug campaign. De Lima, speaking as a resource person before the House human rights panel investigating extrajudicial killings (EJKs) linked to Duterte's drug war, expressed her belief that it might be more prudent to await the findings of the International Criminal Court's Office of the Prosecutor (ICC-OTP) regarding Duterte and his associates, including former national police chief and now Senator Ronald dela Rosa. “These killings represent a systematic attack on civilians and are classified as a crime against humanity under International Humanitarian Law,” De Lima stated. “For these crimes, both as mayor of Davao City and as President of the Philippines, Duterte should be prosecuted and convicted by the