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Metro Manila, Philippines – The Supreme Court has scrapped the order that dismissed Overall Deputy Ombudsman Melchor Arthur Carandang from office right after his probe on then President Rodrigo Duterte’s wealth.  In the decision made accessible to the public on Saturday, May 2, the SC Third Division affirmed the Court of Appeals decision that also dismissed Carandang’s removal for “lack of jurisdiction.” The court nullified the Office of the President’s decision in 2018. The order stated that Carandang was sacked from office as he was administratively liable for graft and corruption and betrayal of public trust The decision also overturned the June 14, 2019 order of Ombudsman Samuel Martires that commanded Carandang to cease and desist from performing powers and functions of his post as it was declared vacant from his removal. “Carandang is entitled to all retirement benefits effective upon the expiration of his term. He is likewise entitled…

Metro Manila, Philippines – Lava flow from Mayon Volcano in Albay has reached nearly four kilometers down one gully in the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said Saturday, May 2.. In its bulletin, the agency said there were 39 volcanic earthquakes. It said the volcano also emitted intermittent bursts of lava early Friday morning. Phivolcs said Mayon spewed more than 2,000 tons of sulfur, while moderate plumes rose to 200 meters above the crater. Mayon Volcano remains active under Alert Level 3, defined as intensified unrest/magmatic unrest).  Under this status, Phivolcs said entry into the six-kilometer radius permanent danger zone and flying aircraft close to the volcano is prohibited.

Metro Manila, Philippines – The Philippine government has told France that fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co is not a victim of political persecution, as Manila pushes for his return amid his reported bid for asylum. Philippine Ambassador to France Eduardo De Vega  told NewsWatch Plus that authorities have relayed Co’s legal situation to French officials, stressing that the charges he faces stem from corruption allegations tied to the flood control scandal. De Vega said the Philippines recognizes France’s sovereignty and legal processes, including its handling of asylum applications — a process that limits what Philippine authorities can do on the ground. “Dahil sa soberanya ng France, hindi puwedeng basta-basta mahuli ng mga opisyal ng Pilipinas doon,” De Vega said. [Translation: Because of France’s sovereignty, Philippine officials cannot simply arrest him there.] He added that even with an arrest warrant issued by the Sandiganbayan, enforcement cannot extend beyond Philippine jurisdiction. “The…

Metro Manila, Philippines – The United States Embassy in Manila has issued a security alert for its citizens in the country after reports that two Americans were among the 19 that died in the recent reported clash in Toboso, Negros Occidental. In the security alert released on Friday, May 1, the US embassy flagged parts of Leyte, Mindoro, Negros, and Samar as “areas of heightened concern.”  The embassy warned of “recent intensified operations by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) against the New People’s Army (NPA),” identifying them as “designated foreign terrorist organization by the US and Philippine governments.” “We advise Americans in the Philippines and around the world to abide by local laws and to avoid situations with elevated security risk,” its alert read. “Anyone in proximity of NPA elements is at grave risk of arrest, injury, or death. Foreign terrorist organizations actively recruit Americans to participate directly…

Metro Manila, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) implements full alert status on Friday, May 1, in line with the nation’s observance of Labor Day. “The PNP will remain on full alert throughout the day. Patuloy kaming nakaantabay (we will continue being on guard)—not just to ensure security, but to support the safe and peaceful expression of our people’s concerns,” PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.  Under full alert, authorities will implement suspension of leaves, maximum deployment, enhanced police visibility, active support forces and coordination with involved agencies.  Early PNP reports show that at least nine rallies were held in different parts of the country, drawing an estimated 3,410 participants.  Activities largely centered on labor-related concerns, including wage adjustments, fuel prices, and worker protection The PNP previously said more than 106,000 personnel were deployed nationwide, supported by force multipliers and partner agencies.  “Police presence has…