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Metro Manila, Philippines – Volleys of gunshots were heard at the Philippine Senate on Wednesday and people were told to run for cover, Reuters witnesses heard, as chaos mounted in anticipation of an attempt to arrest a top senator wanted by the International Criminal Court. It was unclear what was happening or who fired the shots. More than 10 military personnel in camouflage fatigues had earlier arrived at the Senate building, some carrying assault rifles, Reuters journalists saw. It was not immediately clear why troops were there and military officials could not immediately be reached for comment. It was unclear if other security personnel were inside the building. It came as Ronald dela Rosa, the chief enforcer in former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody “war on drugs”, said on Facebook his arrest was imminent and urged people to mobilise to prevent his handover to the ICC. Dela Rosa, who has taken refuge in his legislative office since Monday, called…

Metro Manila, Philippines – President Bongbong Marcos has signed Executive Order 118 imposing a temporary mandated price ceiling on imported rice nationwide amid rising prices and concerns of market manipulation. Under the order, the price of imported grain classified as 5 percent broken will be capped at ₱50 per kilogram for 30 days, unless earlier lifted upon the recommendation of the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC). The Palace said the measure aims to address “unjustified price increases,” prevent profiteering, and ensure the availability of affordable rice while maintaining market stability. The order also cited the ongoing Middle East conflict and the declared national energy emergency as factors contributing to price pressures on essential goods. The NPCC has been tasked to review the implementation of the price ceiling every 15 days and recommend whether the policy should be continued, adjusted, or lifted depending on prevailing market conditions. The president directed a…

Metro Manila, Philippines – Beleaguered Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa urged supporters to troop to the Senate premises for a “peaceful prayer vigil” after he received information that police officers and agents may arrest him after the session on Wednesday, May 13.  “Ako’y nananawagan sa inyo, pumunta po kayo dito sa harap ng Senado at mag vigil tayo. Di tayo papayag na another Filipino will be brought to the Hague just because of politics,” he said on FB live. [Translation: I am calling on you, come here in front of the Senate and let’s have a vigil. We will not allow another Filipino to be brought to The Hague just because of politics.] Dela Rosa is under Senate protective custody. He earlier evaded National Bureau of Investigation agents from serving a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court.  He faces charges tied to his stint as chief implementer of the…

Up to Dela Rosa to file ethics complaint over alleged plot to block session attendance Cayetano Metro Manila, Philippines – Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano said an ethics complaint may be filed against some colleagues if a probe on Sen. Bato dela Rosa’s arrest-attempt shows a plot to stop him from attending the session.  In a media briefing on Wednesday, May 13, Cayetano said the decision will be entirely up to Dela Rosa who was chased in the Senate premises as National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents attempted to serve him a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).  “That’s up to Sen. Bato dahil siya naman ang [because he’s the one] involved,” the Senate president said.  Depending on what is revealed in the investigation, the Senate president said the alleged “plotting” to block Dela Rosa can be considered a “criminal offense” and would be referred to the ethics…

Metro Manila, Philippines – Mayon Volcano had an episode called “uson,” an avalanche of a fast-moving, ground-hugging ot gas, ash, and rock fragments rushing down volcanic slopes triggered by a lava flow collapse late morning on Wednesday, May 13, authorities said. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said Alert Level 3 remains in effect over Mayon Volcano, characterized by the possibility of hazardous eruptions.  Camalig, Albay Mayor Caloy Baldo advised the public to wear face masks, stay indoors as much as possible, and follow all safety advisories issued by the government to minimize exposure to volcanic ash and other hazards. Meanwhile, the Office of the Vice President-Bicol Satellite Office said it distributed food packs to 841 farmers affected by Mayon Volcano’s ongoing activity during a relief operation held at the Camalig Bungkaras Gymnasium in Barangay 2.