#ThewRap: Things you need to know, July 5, 2017

Hello Rappler readers,

The Abu Sayyaf just beheaded two Vietnamese hostages in Basilan – the terror group’s latest victims. The National Police Commission, meanwhile, has stripped 7 governors and 132 mayors in Mindanao of their power over local police.

Overseas, the United States confirms North Korea did launch an intercontinental ballistic missile.

Below are the big stories you shouldn’t miss.

Abu Sayyaf beheads 2 Vietnamese hostages

Hoang Trung Thong and Hoang Va Hai, who were among the abducted crew members of a Vietnamese cargo vessel, have been beheaded by the Abu Sayyaf. A resident found the two Vietnamese hostages’ decapitated remains in Sumisip, Basilan.

Some governors, mayors in Mindanao lose power over police

The National Police Commission stripped 7 governors and 132 mayors in Mindanao of their power to supervise local police. According to Napolcom, these governors and mayors “failed to impose measures to suppress terroristic acts and prevent lawless violence” in their areas.

Businesses agree with SC ruling on martial law

The Mindanao Business Council told Rappler that it thinks the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold martial law in the region is “necessary.” The group’s chairperson Vicente Lao said this would help quell the terror threat in Mindanao.

NBI to probe Bilibid drug trade ‘resurgence’

Is the illegal drug trade thriving again at the New Bilibid Prison? Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to check.

US confirms North Korea launched ICBM

The United States confirmed North Korea has test launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) for the first time. Pyongyang’s state media reported that North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un called the missile “a gift” to “American bastards” on US Independence Day.