FFS Weekly Currents: Dec 4, 2023

Every week, the Filipinx Freedom School will share a collection of pressing news about the Philippines and the Filipinx diaspora rippling out from around the world.

On December 3 an explosion went off at Mindanao State University during a religious service. Reports indicate several dead and over three dozen injured. Located in Marawi, Lanao del Sur. Some local authorities have argued that it is related to "terrorist" forces, while critics have cautioned against employing Islamophobic rhetoric.

At least 4 dead, 42 hurt in explosion during Mass in Marawi

(2nd UPDATE) The explosion occurs while a group, mainly students, gather for a Mass at the Mindanao State University’s Dimaporo Gym

RAPPLERHerbie G

In China, two Filipinos were executed after being convicted of drug smuggling on December 2. The news was shared by the Department of Foreign Affairs, who also refused to disclose the identities of the executed. According to the DFA, there are currently 92 Filipinos facing the death penalty in China.

Two Filipinos executed in China for drug trafficking

Two Filipino nationals were executed in China after being convicted for drug trafficking, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced on Saturday, Dec. 2.

Manila BulletinJoseph Pedrajas

November 29, the House of Representatives passed the Anti-Union Interference Bill. The Bill was authored by Gabriella Party List and helps to add protections to those being red-tagged, especially organized labor. https://x.com/maydaymidya/status/1730553228394398160?s=20

On November 29, legal representatives of victims from Duterte's "Drug War" hope to continue to put pressure on the Marcos administration to cooperate with International Criminal Court investigations.

Victims urge Marcos to do bare minimum: Allow ICC investigators in

In essence, the victims are urging the Marcos government to cooperate with the probe since it won’t need as many requirements as rejoining the court

RAPPLERJairo Bolledo

In one of the more surprising news, the Philippine Government on November 28, announced that it would revive peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines. Six years ago, peace talks were terminated by the Duterte regime.

Philippine government, communist rebels to revive peace talks

If negotiations succeed, the rebels will end their 50-year armed struggle and transform into a political movement.

Al JazeeraAl Jazeera

Some Philippine authorities were against such talks, such as the NTF-ELCAC spokesman in the Visayas:

NTF-ELCAC spokesman in Visayas slams gov’t decision to resume talks with NDFP

Iloilo Prosecutor and NTF-ELCAC-Western Visayas spokesman Flosemer Chris Gonzales describes the government’s move as ‘an act of betrayal of the public trust’

RAPPLERHerbie G

Terror charges against youth activists were dismissed on November 23. The office of the City Prosecutor in Antipolo City, Rizal dismissed complaints filed by Sgt. Jean Claude Bajaro against Kenneth Rementilla and Jasmin Rubia. The activists were charged with violating the Anti-Terror Act founded under Rodrigo Duterte.

‘How quickly the dominoes fall,’ terror charges vs. ST youth activists dismissed - Bulatlat

“The dominoes are falling one by one. After Hailey Pecayo’s case was dismissed, we received news that Ken and Jasmin’s case was dismissed too.”

BulatlatBulatlat Contributors

If you have any pressing and resonant news you'd like to have shared in FFS Weekly Currents, please email at filipinxfreedomschool_at_gmail.com