News Roundup 21 November 2021
Nov 21, 2021 • 5 min Read
Int’l rights group urges ICC to proceed with ‘drug war’ probe | PHILSTAR.COM – A global human rights coalition on Sunday morning called on the International Criminal Court to “proceed without delay” with its investigation into alleged crimes against humanity in the Duterte administration’s “war on drugs”. In a statement sent to media, the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines said that the ICC’s decision to temporarily suspend its investigation “rewards Duterte and further victimizes those who gave evidence in support of ICC probe.” The ICC said it would suspend investigative activities for the time being “while it assesses the scope and effect of the deferral request” filed by Manila. The Philippine government filed the deferral request on November 10, pointing to its own investigations into “drug war” killings. The Palace has said that the government’s request does not concede jurisdiction to the ICC. “In accordance with the principle of complementarity under which the Court operates, the Philippine government has the first responsibility and right to prosecute international crimes,” the government said in a letter to ICC prosecutor Karim Khan. “The Court may only exercise jurisdiction where national legal systems fails to do so, which certainly is not the case in the Philippines… the domestic institutions in the Philippines are fully functional and more than adequate to address the issues and concerns raised,” it also said. The Philippines has maintained this position amid concerns of human rights violations in the “drug war.” “The Prosecutor found credible evidence that crimes against humanity had occurred. Any suspension or delay is an absolute betrayal of those brave individuals who came forward at great personal risk to provide evidence and testimony regarding these alleged crimes,” ICHRP chairperson Peter Murphy said.
‘Not entitled to anything’: Robredo says she’ll work hard to get Cebuanos’ support | INQUIRER.NET – She may have won by a huge margin in Cebu in 2016, but Vice President Leni Robredo is not taking any chances as she runs for the country’s top post in next year’s elections. “Cebu is very important. It is one of the biggest provinces in the country. Although I won here in 2016, I am not entitled to anything. I have to work hard to get the support of the Cebuanos,” she said in an interview after the blessing and inauguration of her headquarters in Cebu City last November 12. She did not make any meetings with politicians in Cebu. Robredo admitted that the journey has been different compared to how she campaigned in 2016 when she was an administration candidate. This time, she said the campaign is led by the people themselves. “The passion of the volunteers make up for what we do not have [referring to the support of local chief executives],” said Robredo.
Chinese vessels inching closer to Pagasa Island – military | Manila Bulletin – Dozens of Chinese vessels have recently been frequenting the waters near Pagasa (Thitu) Island in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), a military commander reported on Sunday, Nov. 21. Vice Admiral Ramil Roberto Enriquez, commander of the Western Command (WesCom) in Palawan, said at least 26 maritime militia vessels and one coast guard ship from China were spotted near Pagasa Island on Saturday when presidential aspirant Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson went there. The ships were close enough that Lacson and his team visibly monitored them from afar. “’Iyon nga ang nangyayari sa Pagasa, mayroon talaga silang mga ganoon na tandem pero sa ibang lugar naman ay mga militia vessels (That’s what’s happening on Pagasa, there were really tandems like that but in other areas, there were only militia vessels),” Enriquez said over radio dzBB. In previous years, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels have conducted maritime patrol operations around Pagasa Island to drive away intruding foreign vessels and allow Filipino fishermen to enjoy the rich biodiversity on the island. But the situation has changed since then. Now, Chinese vessels have positioned themselves near Pagasa Island, although hope’s still not lost as there were no reports of harassment yet against Filipino fishermen, according to Enriquez.
PH records 2,227 new COVID-19 cases, deaths surpass 47K | Manila Bulletin – The Philippines recorded an additional 2,227 new cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the Department of Health (DOH) said on Sunday, Nov. 21. From Nov. 11 to 20, the Philippines had recorded less than 2,000 cases. The last time that the country recorded over 2,000 cases was on Nov. 10 with 2,646 infections then. “Ating pinapaalalahan ang lahat na huwag maging kampante at maging mapagmatyag sa banta ng COVID-19. Ugaliing sumunod sa minimum public health standards at laging magsuot ng facemask na may face shield, mag physical distancing, at maghugas ng kamay (We remind everyone not to be complacent and remain vigilant against COVID-19. Make it a habit to adhere to the minimum public health standards—always wear a face mask and face shield, observe physical distancing, and frequently wash your hands),” the DOH said. “Nakasalalay sa kilos ng bawat isa sa atin ang posibleng pagbaba o pagtaas ng kaso ng COVID-19 sa ating bansa sa susunod na mga araw (The possible decrease or increase of COVID-19 cases in our country in the coming days depends on our actions),” it furthered. Based on the DOH latest case update, the country now has 2,826,410 total reported COVID-19 cases since last year. Of the total, 0.7 percent or 21,101 are still active or those who are still undergoing treatment. Of the active cases, 56.9 percent of them have mild symptoms, 4.4 percent were asymptomatic, 20.30 percent have moderate symptoms, 13 percent were severe cases, and 5.5 percent were in critical condition The number of recoveries also climbed by 3,152 to 2,758,235 –which accounts for 97.6 percent of the country’s overall case count. However, the death toll also increased to 47,074 or 1.67 percent of the case total after 175 more fatalities were logged.
