Dear Rappler readers,
With the death of terrorist leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute, President Rodrigo Duterte declared Marawi free of terrorist influence. The first batch of soldiers returned to their homes on Friday – an emotional homecoming for the troops who spent roughly 5 months in the battlefield.
The displaced residents of Marawi also look forward to their own homecoming, but authorities want to make sure the city has electricity and water.
After months of talks with the European Union, the Philippines announced it is rejecting all kinds of grants from the EU because of conditions that Europeans can supposedly use to criticize the Philippine government. Foreign Affairs secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said this was based on a directive from President Rodrigo Duterte himself. However, Malacañang has a different interpretation, saying only EU aid with conditions will be rejected.
The Philippine Senate continues the probe on the death of Horacio Castillo III, a law student killed during hazing. Witness and fraternity brother John Paul Solano names those he saw Castillo the morning he was killed – all of whom repeatedly invoked the right against self-incrimination.
Jeepney drivers and operators went on strike Monday, protesting the phase out of jeepneys 15 years older imposed by the government in its modernization plan. But Duterte remained adamant – he said “modernize by year-end, or get out.”
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AFP Spokesperson Brigadier General Restituto Padilla, however, says the war in Marawi continues. ‘It will continue until armed elements are dealt with. But terrorists no longer have complete control.’
They were the first in when clashes broke out in May
Provincial Crisis Committee Spokesperson Zia Alonto Adiong says that while the return of the residents into their homes is on top of mind, there are mechanisms that need to be followed to restore normalcy and allow a safe return for the people
Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano says the Philippine government will formally relay this decision to EU Ambassador to the Philippines Franz Jessen
John Paul Solano identifies 6 Aegis Juris fratmen and one non-member, Romeo Laboga, the family driver of Ralph Trangia
President Rodrigo Duterte also claims Piston is a ‘legal front’ of the communists and is committing rebellion through the two-day transport strike
David Archuleta performs on Rappler Live Jam!
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