Marcos drugwar toll: 1,009; Missing 'sabungeros' update; No justice for journos under attack; PH divorce news; Risa refiles SOGIE bill; Palawan IPs; Communists are still fighting after all these years
July 7, 2025: Philippines human rights news
DRUG WAR & ICC DEVELOPMENTS
SUMMARY: The International Criminal Court (ICC) has intensified its case against former President Rodrigo Duterte, submitting over 1,000 new pieces of evidence related to the deadly drug war. The ICC also ruled that two judges Duterte sought to disqualify are not biased. Meanwhile, Duterte’s legal team is pushing to submit Senator Imee Marcos’ Senate report as defense material. In Marcos Jr.’s ongoing anti-drug campaign, three people were killed last week, including two suspects shot by a civilian after attacking a minor.
ATTACKS ON ACTIVISTS & PRESS FREEDOM
SUMMARY: Disappearances and detentions of activists and journalists continue to raise alarm. Authorities are being pressed to explain the disappearance of a Bicol-based activist. The NTF-ELCAC opposes legislation penalizing red-tagging, while victims of human rights abuses in Southern Tagalog vow to seek justice. Environmental activists also continue to face legal harassment.
AFP, PNP told: Explain Bicol activist’s disappearance | Philstar.com https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/07/05/2455672/afp-pnp-told-explain-bicol-activists-disappearance
Justice for detained journalists, human rights activists in limbo https://verafiles.org/articles/justice-for-detained-journalists-human-rights-activists-in-limbo
NTF-ELCAC urges House to reconsider bill penalizing ‘red-tagging’ | GMA News Online https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/951517/ntf-elcac-urges-house-to-reconsider-bill-penalizing-red-tagging/story/
Victims of human rights abuses in Southern Tagalog vow to ‘fight back’ https://www.bulatlat.com/2025/07/04/victims-of-human-rights-abuses-in-southern-tagalog-vow-to-fight-back/
Battle not over for environmental activists as prosecutors oppose junking their case https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/prosecutors-motion-reconsideration-grave-oral-defamation-case-jonila-castro-jhed-tamano/
ENFORCED DISAPPEARANCES
SUMMARY: The long-dormant case of missing “sabungeros” (cockfighting aficionados) has been revived amid revelations of police corruption and alleged payouts. The Supreme Court granted protection to the family of missing activist James Jazmines.
Philippines asks Japan's help searching lake for missing cockfighters https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250704-philippines-asks-japan-s-help-searching-lake-for-missing-cockfighters
SC grants temporary protection to missing activist's family. What now? https://www.rappler.com/philippines/sc-temporary-protection-james-jazmines-family-what-now/
15 cops under ‘restricted duty’ over missing sabungeros — SOJ Remulla | GMA News Online https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/951526/15-cops-under-restricted-duty-over-missing-sabungeros-soj-remulla/story/
Some police received up to P2M monthly payola from Atong Ang, says whistleblower | GMA News Online https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/951577/police-personnel-receive-up-to-p2m-monthly-payola-from-atong-ang-says-whistleblower/story/
WRAP: Flurry of allegations revives dormant ‘missing sabungeros’ case | ABS-CBN News https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/7/6/wrap-flurry-of-allegations-revives-dormant-missing-sabungeros-case-2204
HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS RETURN
SUMMARY: Former senator Leila de Lima and human rights lawyer Chel Diokno are back in the political spotlight, both vowing to pursue reforms and justice.
Rappler Talk: Leila de Lima’s political comeback https://www.rappler.com/philippines/interview-leila-de-lima-political-comeback/
Rappler Talk: Chel Diokno on finally becoming a lawmaker https://www.rappler.com/philippines/interview-congressman-chel-diokno-serving-house-representatives-akbayan/
DETENTION
BJMP: 7 PDLs earn college degrees behind bars, 35 currently enrolled | GMA News Online https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/951564/bjmp-7-pdls-earn-college-degrees-behind-bars-35-currently-enrolled/story/
CHILDREN, WOMEN & LGBTQIA+ ISSUES
SUMMARY: The CHR condemned the recent exploitation and killings of girls. Manila imposed a curfew on minors, while the SOGIE Equality Bill was refiled following new killings of transgender women.
CHR issues advisory on the rights of internally displaced children – Commission on Human Rights, Philippines https://chr.gov.ph/2025/statements/press-release/chr-issues-advisory-on-the-rights-of-internally-displaced-children/
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights condemning the recent cases of killing and exploitation of girls across the country – Commission on Human Rights, Philippines https://chr.gov.ph/tl/2024/statements/press-statement/statement-of-the-commission-on-human-rights-condemning-the-recent-cases-of-killing-and-exploitation-of-girls-across-the-country/
Isko Moreno imposes 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. curfew for minors in Manila City | Philstar.com https://www.philstar.com/nation/2025/07/03/2455254/isko-moreno-imposes-10-pm-4-am-curfew-minors-manila-city
CRC marks its four decades of struggle for children’s rights - | Manila Today https://manilatoday.net/crc-marks-its-four-decades-of-struggle-for-childrens-rights/
After sexual harassment, assault: The women left behind https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/sexual-harassment-national-democratic-youth-organizations/
Solons push for divorce legalization anew - | Manila Today https://manilatoday.net/solons-push-for-divorce-legalization-anew/
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights condemning the recent killings of transgender women – Commission on Human Rights, Philippines https://chr.gov.ph/tl/2025/statements/press-statement/statement-of-the-commission-on-human-rights-condemning-the-recent-killings-of-transgender-women/
Risa Hontiveros files SOGIE equality bill anew | GMA News Online https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/951437/risa-hontiveros-files-sogie-equality-bill-anew-lgbtqia/story/
Students, advocates call to end gender-based discrimination in schools https://www.bulatlat.com/2025/07/04/students-advocates-call-to-end-gender-based-discrimination-in-schools/
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES & ENVIRONMENT
SUMMARY: Indigenous peoples in Palawan report continued harassment with courts offering no relief. Local communities push back against mining in a biodiversity hotspot.
JRTF-Elcac-Davao Prioritizes Child Protection,IP Involvement https://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/body-to-focus-more-on-child-protection-ip-involvement-in-peace-building
Palawan indigenous people endure one year of intimidation and harassment https://www.bulatlat.com/2025/07/02/palawan-indigenous-people-endure-one-year-of-intimidation-and-harassment/
Court junks Palawan indigenous residents’ plea to stop harassment https://www.bulatlat.com/2025/07/06/court-junks-palawan-indigenous-residents-plea-to-stop-harassment/
Philippines biodiversity hotspot pushes back on mining https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250702-philippines-biodiversity-hotspot-pushes-back-on-mining
DISINFORMATION & LIBEL
SUMMARY: Cyberlibel complaints rise amid disinformation, with Senators Hontiveros and Tarriela filing separate charges.
Hontiveros sues Quiboloy probe ex-witness, vloggers for cyberlibel https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2077778/hontiveros-sues-quiboloy-probe-ex-witness-vloggers-for-cyberlibel
EU observers: Disinformation had 'limited impact' on 2025 midterm polls, but... | Philstar.com https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/07/05/2455532/eu-observers-disinformation-had-limited-impact-2025-midterm-polls-but
Tarriela files cyberlibel raps vs blogger | Philstar.com https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/07/05/2455681/tarriela-files-cyberlibel-raps-vs-blogger
LABOR, DISABILITY & HEALTH
SUMMARY: Protections for OFWs were highlighted at the UN. A new bill seeks to allow PWDs and seniors to avail discounts even during promos. Alarming arsenic levels were found in water sources in Laguna.
Why OFWs risk staying in Middle East amidst tension | Davao Today https://davaotoday.com/headline/why-ofws-risk-staying-in-middle-east-amidst-tension/
Frameworks protecting OFWs, domestic workers presented to United Nations | Philstar.com https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/07/07/2456036/frameworks-protecting-ofws-domestic-workerspresented-united-nations
Bill seeks to let seniors, PWDs enjoy mandated discount — even on promo items | Philstar.com https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/07/04/2455519/house-bill-filed-allowing-seniors-pwds-enjoy-promos-and-20-discount-together
Walking through the lenses of a visually impaired magna cum laude https://www.rappler.com/social-issues/clarence-nayve-visually-impaired-magna-cum-laude/
Audit finds over half of Laguna water pumps exceed arsenic safety limits
INSURGENCY & TERRORISM
In the Philippines, Communist guerrillas make a last stand • FRANCE 24 English - YouTube
Makabayan solons seek repeal of anti-terror law https://www.bulatlat.com/2025/07/06/makabayan-solons-seek-repeal-of-anti-terror-law/
Manila Bulletin - Human rights group assails OSG’s motion to detain anew suspected NPA leader https://mb.com.ph/2025/07/06/human-rights-group-assails-osgs-motion-to-detain-anew-suspected-npa-leader
Marcos gov't opposes release of 81-year-old man jailed over mistaken identity
NPA admits burning trucks, backhoe worth P9M in N. Occidental
Dawlah Islamiya member killed, another wounded in Lanao del Norte clash