Dear Rappler readers,

Five people were killed in the Philippines and tens of thousands have fled from floods caused by days of unrelenting rain, rescuers said Sunday, August 14. Foul weather, however, did not prevent those opposing the burial of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani from gathering on Sunday to express their objection. 

Habagat: expect more heavy rain, flooding in the coming days

Civil defense officials warned residents of Manila and nearby provinces to expect more heavy seasonal rain over the coming days. Over the weekend, more than 24,000 people sought refuge in schools and government buildings due to flooding.

Watch: tornado hits Manila

Amid heavy rain brought by the southwest monsoon (habagat), a tornado hit Manila, leaving 1 injured and more than 100 houses destroyed. Watch video of the tornado as captured and posted by netizens on social media. 

Martial Law tales come alive in anti-Marcos burial rally

Participants in Sunday’s rally to oppose the burial of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani reminisced over their struggles during the Martial Law years and protested against what they deemed a betrayal of history. The Duterte administration insists, however, that regulations allow a Marcos burial at the heroes’ cemetery. 

Anti-trust body says telcos rushed San Miguel deal to evade rules

In a comment submitted to the Court of Appeals, the Philippine Competition Commission said  PLDT and Globe, in acquiring SMC assets that would enable them to access the 700 MHz spectrum, made a conscious effort to ensure the acquisition will be beyond the reach of the law.

Hong Kong protest leaders may face jail as tensions with China rise

Leaders of Hong Kong’s “Umbrella Revolution” face possible jail sentences over protests that sparked massive rallies in 2014. Since the failure of the mass rallies to win reform, the young activists have begun calling for Hong Kong to break entirely from Beijing.

Syria air strikes leaves dozens dead

In Syria, air strikes which reportedly targeted areas held by the Army of Conquest, an alliance of rebel, Islamist, and jihadist forces leaves dozens dead. Among the dead were at least 9 civilians. 

Watch our video of the Citizens assembly against Marcos’ burial at Libingan ng mga Bayani: