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Philippine Star  "A foothold for ISIS?" Relatives and friends mourned the soldiers who died from gunfire and improvised explosive devices set off by the Abu Sayyaf in clashes that started Saturday morning  in Basilan. The Armed Forces of the Philippines yesterday reported killing 13 more bandits, but the AFP’s own death toll of 18 is among the highest ever in its  decades-old battle with the terrorist group.  Among the enemy casualties was Ubalda Hapilon, identified as a son of top terrorist Isnilon Hapilon, who has a $5-million prize on his head. An intriguing casualty  was Mohammad Khattab, described by military intelligence as a Moroccan instructor in producing IEDs and a preacher of Islamic jihad.   [full text] Sun.Star Cebu  "Suspension as political weapon" THAT the Office of the President would order the suspension of Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama isn't totally unexpected. The Aquino administration has been accused of  using the suspensi...

Philippine Star As the LGBTs vehemently attacked him and committed to campaign against him, Pacquiao seemed to have acquired more and more admirers   (voters) as he stood his ground  and remained firm on his belief after clarifying what he said and apologizing. Other candidates for senator must really be coveting at his good fortune of catching  public attention and generating more votes without spending a single centavo while they spent millions of pesos for their political ads.  The LGBTs should therefore stop their ranting and ravings as they only help the subject of their ire. Indeed there is no point at all in relentlessly attacking  Pacquiao.  [full text] Sun.Star Cebu's  Carvajal If leaders honestly want to fight poverty, providing the poor with essential empowering qualities to help themselves, namely, good health (of which clean drinking  water and sanitary toilets are basic) and good education (values formation and skills trainin...