Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories:
Signal no. 4 up in Batanes due to Super Typhoon Leon
Super Typhoon Leon (international name: Kong-Rey) maintained its strength as it continues to move closer to Batanes islands, with Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 4 still hoisted over the area, said the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
According to the state weather bureau, Leon was last spotted 215 kilometers east southeast of Basco, Batanes as of 4 p.m.
PNP says it will probe Duterte’s alleged ‘death squad’
The Philippine National Police (PNP) will probe the alleged “death squad” of former President Rodrigo Duterte when he was the mayor of Davao City, according to spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo.
In a press briefing on Wednesday, Fajardo said PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil has ordered the “extraction” of data on unsolved drug-related deaths reportedly connected to the death squad.
Senate drug war probe transcript sent to ICC – Trillanes
The transcript of the Senate hearing on the drug war, where former President Rodrigo Duterte admitted that he kept a “death squad” to crack down on suspects, was sent to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
This was disclosed by staunch Duterte critic former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV in a tweet on Wednesday, days after the Senate subcommittee on blue ribbon launched its investigation into Duterte’s anti-drug campaign.
Dela Rosa loses cool over ‘neutralize’ term in Oplan Tokhang memo
Former top cop turned lawmaker Sen. Ronald dela Rosa erupted in frustration on Wednesday when he was asked whether the term “neutralize” in an Oplan Tokhang memorandum he signed in 2016 meant “to kill.”
The document in question was Command Memorandum Circular No. 16-2016 issued on July 1, 2016.
Robredo calls out ‘irresponsible’ Naga City data relief ops
Former Vice President Leni Robredo called out Naga City’s “irresponsible” data on her foundation’s relief efforts for individuals affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday night, Robredo questioned the claim of Naga City government in its Oct. 28 summary report posted on the same social media site that her Angat Buhay Foundation only donated 200 food packs. The local government’s summary report has been taken down since.
Sandro Muhlach’s alleged abusers charged with rape, sexual assault in court
The Department of Justice has filed criminal cases against Jojo Nones and Richard Cruz, former TV consultants accused of rape and sexual assault by actor Sandro Muhlach.
“Based on the investigation conducted by our prosecutor, it appears that there is a definite positive identification by the victim of the two individuals who abused him, and he narrated thoroughly the details of what happened to him,” Acting Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon told reporters.