#ThewRap: Things you need to know, May 31, 2017

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#ThewRap: Things you need to know, May 31, 2017
Hello! Here's a roundup of news you need to know this Wednesday

Hello Rappler readers,

An appointee of President Rodrigo Duterte to the Bangsamoro Transition Commission has quit over his rape joke and his declaration of martial law in Mindanao. This comes as Duterte’s ally, Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, said lawmakers would closely monitor martial law and “step in” if needed.

In the United States, the military successfully tested a defense system to counter an intercontinental ballistic missile – the kind North Korea could launch.

Below are the big stories you shouldn’t miss.

Bangsamoro Transition Commission member quits

Bangsamoro Transition Commission member Samira Gutoc-Tomawis resigned over President Rodrigo Duterte’s rape joke and his declaration of martial law in Mindanao. Gutoc-Tomawis is a resident of Marawi City, ground zero of clashes between government forces and the Maute Group.

Marines seize ISIS flags in Marawi

Amid the ongoing clashes in Marawi City, Marines seized Islamic State (ISIS) flags and high-powered firearms from the Maute Group. Two battalions of the Marines, from Tawi-Tawi and Central Mindanao, had been sent to Marawi to conduct “combat clearing” operations.

Alvarez on martial law: Lawmakers will ‘step in’ if needed

Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said lawmakers will closely monitor the implementation of martial law in Mindanao and will “step in” if needed. Alvarez gave this assurance a day after telling critics of martial law to shut up if they’re not from Mindanao.

Philippines’ rainy season begins

Brace yourselves for thunderstorms and typhoons, as the Philippines’ rainy season has officially begun. State weather bureau PAGASA said most parts of the country are likely to have “near to above normal rainfall” in June and July.

U.S. successfully tests missile defense system

With North Korea aggressively conducting missile tests, the United States tried for the first time an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) defense system. The US military said the test went well.

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