ICC to resume investigation on Duterte's 'war on drugs'

On 21 March 2023, the International Criminal Court (ICC) allowed families of victims to comment on the appeal of the Philippine government against the ongoing investigation on former President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs. 

Read more: ICC to resume investigation on Duterte's 'war on drugs'

NPA troops launch further tactical offensives against state armed forces

On 15 March 2023, Red fighters of the New People's Army (NPA) launched two rifle grenades at the newly installed 62nd Infantry Battalion detachment in Barangay Malangsa, Callehermoso, Negros Oriental.

Read more: NPA troops launch further tactical offensives against state armed forces

Jobless Filipinos rise to 2.37M in January, belying Marcos admin’s claims of ‘economic recovery’

The number of jobless Filipinos increased last January to reach 2.37 million according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). This is in contrast to recent pronouncements by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Artemio Balisacan that the country has a ‘healthy’ jobs market and that the quality of jobs is increasing. 

Read more: Jobless Filipinos rise to 2.37M in January, belying Marcos admin’s claims of ‘economic recovery’

Groups denounce series of aerial bombings by AFP

The recent spate of aerial bombing incidents by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Northern Mindanao and Northern Luzon were met with calls for impartial investigations on the intensifying human rights violations that have resulted in the displacement of indigenous communities.

Read more: Groups denounce series of aerial bombings by AFP

AFP mercenaries hit Governor Degamo, massacred eight others

The Manila government confirmed that mercenary soldiers killed Negros Oriental Governor Degamo and eight provincial staff and constituents and wounded 16 others, in an assault on the governor’s residence in Pamplona town on 5 March.

Read more: AFP mercenaries hit Governor Degamo, massacred eight others

International Women’s Day: Thousands march for higher wages, decent jobs in PH

On International Working Women's Day, 8 March 2023, thousands of women across different cities in the Philippines marched the streets to call for wage increase, decent jobs, and lower prices of goods among other issues affecting women, including land reform.

Read more: International Women’s Day: Thousands march for higher wages, decent jobs in PH

Drivers hold transport strike vs Jeepney phaseout plan

Filipino jeepney drivers launched a two-day transport strike on 6-7 March 2023, in response to the government’s plans to phaseout the Philippine jeepney.

Jeepneys, in the vernacular “jeep”, were originally adopted from military GP (General Purpose) vehicles left by the US soldiers after World War II. They have evolved to present-day larger vehicles carrying up to 25 passengers and attained an iconic status with their colorful decorations. Dubbed “the king of the road,” they dominate both the urban and rural transport system in the Philippines, offering fares cheaper than trains, taxis or tricycles.

Read more: Drivers hold transport strike vs Jeepney phaseout plan