#ThewRap: Things you need to know, August 18, 2016

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#ThewRap: Things you need to know, August 18, 2016
Hello! Here are the stories you shouldn't miss this Thursday.

Hello, Rappler readers!

Count on Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to stir controversy when he delivers major speeches. At the 115th service anniversary of the police force in Camp Crame, he alleges that a female senator, who is set to investigate the killings linked to the government’s war on drugs, is having an affair, sending the lawmakers to tears. The Chief Executive also slams the United Nations for siding with critics of his administration’s approach to the illegal drugs problem.

Here are the big stories you shouldn’t miss as you start your Thursday:

 

Before senator probes killings, Duterte calls De Lima ‘immoral’

President Rodrigo Duterte launches a scathing attack on Senator Leila de Lima a week before she leads a congressional inquiry into alleged extrajudicial killings in relation to the administration’s war on drugs. But aside from accusing her of “politicking, posturing,” he also calls the lawmaker “immoral” and an “adulterer.”

A teary-eyed De Lima says Duterte’s attack is “very foul,” and “a very clear case of character assassination.”

 

PH president to UN: Don’t attribute criminal acts to my gov’t

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte criticizes the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime for being “easily swayed” and coming up with “a very stupid proposition” that his administration is supposedly endorsing extrajudicial killings in its anti-drugs campaign. “You know, for those who are killed by the other drug syndicates, we can only investigate, but do not attribute the acts of other criminals upon my government,” Duterte said. 

At the same event where the President speaks, the Philippine National Police announces that it is waging a “war within” and has dismissed 18 cops over drug use.

 

2 Indonesians escape Abu Sayyaf captors

Two Indonesian sailors have separately escaped the terrorist Abu Sayyaf, which kidnapped them and 5 others almost two months ago. 28-year-old Mohammed Safyan says he attempted his escape after his kidnappers allegedly declared they would behead him. Another captive, identified as Ismail and who claims to be the chief officer of the tugboat seized by the Abu Sayyaf, was found by Philippine soldiers in Sulu. 

 

Olympics official detained over illegal sale of Rio 2016 tickets

Brazilian police has arrested top International Olympic Committee member Patrick Hickey over illegal sales of Rio Olympics tickets. Police says that Hickey, the 71-year-old head of the European Olympic Committees as well as the Irish national committee, is detained at a luxury Rio hotel. According to media reports, he tried to evade arrest.

 

Brexit begins to hit British consumers in the pocket

Britain’s decision to leave the European Union is beginning to hit consumers in the pocket. The consequences of the shock vote have so far been mainly theoretical, but recent data suggest that the country’s tumbling currency is about to reach the High Street. The pound has lost 10% to 15% of its value against the euro and the dollar since the June 23 referendum, raising the price of goods primarily supplied by foreign companies such as automobiles, computers, clothing, and some foods. 

 

26 PH gov’t hospitals provide emergency stroke medicine for free

The Department of Health has distributed to 26 public hospitals nationwide supplies of the emergency stroke medication alteplase or tissue plasminogen activator. The costly but life-saving drug will be administered for free to poor patients. Acknowledging that patients are sometimes forced to go to private hospitals due to the emergency nature of stroke, Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial has instructed government hospitals to explore partnerships with private hospitals, so needy patients can still avail themselves of alteplase for free.

 

 

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