Edcel Lagman

Martial Law Extended In Mindanao

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Legislators in the Philippines have voted overwhelmingly to extend martial law to deal with an Islamist insurgency in the restive island of Mindanao. Militants linked to so-called Islamic State have been occupying parts of Marawi, a city in the south, since May. President Rodrigo Duterte said the extension was necessary to crush the insurgency, but … Read more

Philippines Takes Big Step Back Towards Death Penalty

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Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s campaign to bring back the death penalty for drug-related crimes has cleared a major hurdle, with supporters backing it in congress but critics denouncing the plans as “inhumane”. The death penalty bill, along with a proposed measure to punish children as young as nine as adult criminals, are key planks of … Read more