News
Killing of Negros Occidental journalist Julito Calo sparks press freedom concerns
Radio broadcaster Julito “Jaz” Calo was fatally shot on March 20, 2026, outside his residence in La Castellana, a municipality in Negros Occidental, Philippines. Calo, 49 years old, co-hosted a program on DNN News FM in Himamaylan City and worked for the local...
Rights groups seek release of arrested doctor and activists
A regional health group and human rights organizations are calling for the protection and release of physician Ana Marie “Doc Ana” Rilloraza, one of the seven alleged communist rebels arrested in a joint police and military raid on March 11, 2026. Rilloraza was...
Rodrigo Duterte faces another ICC hearing, daughter faces impeachment proceedings
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, are each set to face separate legal proceedings on April 22, 2026. Rodrigo Duterte is scheduled to appear before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, but he has...
Child rights advocate acquitted of rebellion after conviction built on 15-year-old warrant
The Philippine Court of Appeals has acquitted Salome "Nanay Sally" Ujano, a prominent women's and child rights advocate, releasing her after more than four years in detention on rebellion charges. The ruling from March 23, 2026, overturned a 2024 Taguig Regional Trial...
Rights groups decry harassment, arrests of activists in Negros and Iloilo
Human rights groups have raised alarm over a string of incidents targeting development workers and activists in Negros, Iloilo, and nearby provinces, citing harassment, intimidation, and what they describe as politically motivated arrests. Two coast guard personnel...
Trade deal advances as 105 unionist killings go unprosecuted
The Philippines and the EU are close to finalizing a free trade agreement, but labor groups warn that violence against workers is being ignored in negotiations. Since 2016, Workers' Rights Watch has documented 105 trade union killings in the Philippines, none of which...
Court upholds terrorism financing conviction of journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio
A regional trial court in Tacloban City has affirmed the terrorism financing conviction of community journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio and church worker Marielle Domequil, denying their motions for reconsideration and rejecting their bid for bail. On March 25, 2026,...
Obituary on the passing of Jutta Werdes (October 28, 1952 – March 20, 2026)
The German Action Network Human Rights Philippines (Aktionsbündnis Menschenrechte-Philippinen/AMP) bids a sorrowful farewell to Jutta Werdes. As a long-time Programme Manager Philippines and later as Head of the Unit Southeast Asia-Pacific at Brot für die Welt, she...
UN experts urge bail for journalist and church worker convicted of terrorism financing
Five United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteurs have urged the temporary release of journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio and church worker Marielle Domequil after they were found guilty of financing terrorism in the Philippines. The call was made by UN Special Rapporteurs...
ICC appeals chamber rejects Duterte bid for release as victims press for justice
The Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has rejected former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte’s bid for interim release, ordering that he remain in detention in The Hague as proceedings in his crimes against humanity case continue. In its...
Human rights lawyer and development worker in Negros seek Supreme Court protection
A human rights lawyer and a development worker from Negros have petitioned the Supreme Court of the Philippines for protection, citing threats, harassment, and alleged so-called “red-tagging” linked to their work for marginalized communities. “Red-tagging” means...
Court clears LCDE executive Jazmin Jerusalem; groups call for release of frozen funds
The Tacloban Regional Trial Court (RTC) has dismissed a charge of three counts of terrorism financing against Jazmin Jerusalem, executive director of the Leyte Center for Development and Empowerment (LCDE). In a decision dated February 27, 2026, Presiding Judge...
Police arrests human rights defenders during 40th EDSA anniversary rally
Two human rights defenders were arrested by the Philippine National Police (PNP) during the 40th anniversary commemoration of the People Power Revolution at the EDSA Shrine in Mandaluyong City on February 25, 2026. Edel Parducho, a development and human rights worker...
Philippine lawmakers, labor groups urge EU-PH FTA pause pending labor rights reforms
Lawmakers in the Philippines are calling on the government to strengthen workers’ rights amid ongoing negotiations for the European Union-Philippines Free Trade Agreement (EU-PH FTA), warning that delays in passing long-pending labor reforms could jeopardize the trade...
Mariahangin residents seek Senate hearing amid eviction threats
Residents of Sitio Mariahangin in Bugsuk, Palawan have appealed to the Senate to hear their side in a long-standing land dispute that has placed 282 indigenous people at risk of eviction. In a video statement released February 16, 2026, community member Amina Naseron...
IFI deacon Aldeem Yañez should be moved to Taguig jail as supporters renew calls for release
The terrorism financing case against development and church worker Aldeem Yañez has been transferred from the Lanao del Norte Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Iligan City to Taguig RTC Branch 266. On February 9, 2026, the Taguig court also approved the State’s motion to...
Frenchie Mae Cumpio, first Philippine journalist convicted of terrorism financing
Journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio was convicted of “financing terrorism” on January 22, 2026, alongside her co-accused Marielle Domequil, a lay worker for a church-based organization, in a ruling that could send both women to prison for 12 to 18 years and impose fines of...
Negros journalist’s arrest raises alarm over press freedom in the Philippines
Erwin “Ambo” Delilan, a journalist based in Negros Occidental, was arrested at his home in EB Magalona town on January 19, 2026, by members of the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG). He was charged with unjust vexation, a...
ICC judges reject Duterte defense claims of incapacity, set hearing for Feb. 23
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will face the International Criminal Court (ICC) on February 23 for the confirmation of charges hearing, after judges ruled he is medically and cognitively fit to participate. Duterte faces three counts of crimes against...
House dismisses Marcos Jr. impeachment; VP Sara Duterte faces new complaints
The House of Representatives’ Committee on Justice dismissed two impeachment complaints against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (BBM) on February 4, 2026, for lack of substance. Unless the entire assembly overturns the committee’s ruling with a one-third...