Author: ACE R. MORANDANTE

Rape victim "Jessa" 16 years old (center), appears before a press conference Tuesday to demand that her alleged perpetrator Pfc. Benjie Blancada, who is a member of the Philippine army's 84th Infantry Battalion, be punished. She is flanked by Gabriela leaders Dr. Jean Lindo (left) and Mary Ann Sapar (right). (Ace R. Morandante/davaotoday.com)

Davao City mayor Rody Duterte gave his speech during the opening of Pasko Fiesta, a month-long celebration in the city. (Ace R. Morandante/davaotoday.com)

Daughter of City Mayor Rody Duterte, Veronica, pushes the button for the lighting ceremony dubbed Dan-Ag Dabaw during the opening of the Pasko Fiesta celebration in the City. (Ace R. Morandante/davaotoday.com)

Phoenix gasoline station heads turnover some road safety cones to Davao City Mayor Rody Duterte at the Rizal Park Monday night during the opening ceremony for Pasko Fiesta celebration. (Ace R. Morandante/davaotoday.com)

Agents from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in Davao region close down a total of 11 branches of these beauty salons located in Davao City (5), Panabo City (2), and Tagum City (4) due to allegedly violating the tax law including failure to register as a taxpayer, failure to pay tax and failure to issue receipts. (Ace R. Morandante/davaotoday.com)