News Update
As of January 22, 2018 (Monday)
1. Manila Bulletin
Soldiers battle Maute remnants; 6 wounded
Government troops of the Joint Task Force “Ranao” encountered Maute-ISIS remnants and bombers in Lanao del Sur over the weekend, clashing for the first time since the government declared victory over terrorist group in Marawi City last October.
The military encountered 10 members of the Maute group in the district of Lanao del Sur early Saturday morning when they responded to a report from concerned residents about the presence of armed militants.
The exchange of fire lasted 35 minutes until the militants fled. The terrorists attempted to escape via a lake but soldiers were able to sink their two boats.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/01/22/soldiers-battle-maute-remnants-6-wounded/
2. Philippine Star
Head of popular girl band leads North Korean team to South Korea
Hyon Song-wol, the head of a hugely popular North Korean girl band crossed the heavily fortified border into South Korea yesterday to check preparations for the performances of the art troupe she will lead for the Winter Olympics. This performance will be the first by a North Korean group in South Korea since 2002.
http://www.philstar.com/sports/2018/01/21/1779935/head-popular-girl-band-leads-north-korean-team-south- korea
3. Daily Inquirer
Senate committee to probe Navy’s P16-B warship purchase deal
The Senate Committee on National Defense and Security will open inquiry into the controversial purchase of 2 Navy frigates next month. To be invited are current Navy chief Robert Empredad, former Navy chief Ronald Joseph Mercado, and President Duterte’s chief aide, Christopher “Bong” Go, as he is the central figure in the controversy.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/962383/senate-committee-to-probe-navys-p16-b-warship-purchase-deal
4. Manila Times
House eyes plebiscite sans Senate approval
Proposed revisions to the Constitution will be submitted for approval in a plebiscite even if the Senate does not join a Constituent Assembly with the House of Representatives, a lawmaker said on Sunday.
Rep. Eugene de Vera of ABS Party-list, co-author of a resolution calling for the convening of the House of Representatives into a Constituent Assembly, said that as long as the required votes of three-fourths of all the members of Congress were secured, the proposed changes to the Charter could be submitted for approval in a plebiscite.
http://www.manilatimes.net/house-eyes-plebiscite-sans-senate-approval/375754/
