News Update
As of December 6, 2017 (Wednesday)
1. Manila Bulletin
UN political chief heads to North Korea on rare visit
The UN political chief is heading to North Korea on a rare four-day visit at the invitation of the government for a wide-ranging discussion on policy issues “of mutual interest and concern.”
UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Undersecretary-General for Political Affairs Jeffrey Feltman would arrive in Pyongyang on Tuesday from Beijing, where he met with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Li Baodong on Monday. Asked whether Feltman would meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Dujarric said that his current schedule included meetings with Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho, Vice Minister Pak Myong Guk, diplomats and UN staff.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2017/12/05/un-political-chief-heads-to-north-korea-on-rare-visit-2/
2. Philippine Star
Duterte declares NPA terrorist organization
President Duterte yesterday signed a proclamation classifying the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing the New People’s Army (NPA) as terrorist groups following the cancellation of peace talks.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the declaration was made “in view of the violent acts of the CPP- NPA, which sow and create a condition of widespread and extraordinary fear and panic among the populace.”
The President’s order also allows the state to go after groups or individuals who are wittingly or unwittingly supporting the CPP-NPA.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/12/06/1765782/duterte-declares-npa-terrorist-organization
3. Daily Inquirer
Duterte orders PNP back to drug war
Saying there was a “notable resurgence in illegal drugs,” President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday ordered the Philippine National Police to actively support the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in the war on drugs.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the PDEA remained the lead agency in the war on drugs.
The PNP, the military and other law enforcement agencies would only provide “active support” to the PDEA, Roque told a news briefing.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/950179/duterte-orders-pnp-back-to-drug-war
4. Manila Times
FDA recalls Dengvaxia
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the Philippines has ordered the recall of Dengvaxia, the world’s first anti-dengue vaccine, over concerns that it may put those inoculated with it at risk.
The FDA ordered French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi Pasteur to suspend the sale, distribution and marketing of Dengvaxia and withdraw the vaccine from the market pending compliance with the directives of the agency.
The FDA said it is closely coordinating with the Department of Health in monitoring cases or reports of adverse events or reactions from those who have been administered with the vaccine.
http://www.manilatimes.net/fda-recalls-dengvaxia/366947/
