Davao residents join a signature drive calling for the release of kidnapped Italian priest Fr. Giancarlo Bossi at the NCCC mall in Davao City. The 57-year-old missionary from Milan, Italy, was kidnapped by gunmen on June 10 in Zamboanga Sibugay province. Rome-based artist Tomas Concepcion returned to the Philippines on Thursday with his latest masterpiece meant for a unique cause: to bring together Muslims and Christians toward the common call for the release of Bossi. Along with the signature campaign is the exhibit of Concepcion’s paintings at the ground of the mall. (Photo by Keith Bacongco)
Following the Supreme Court decision this week junking with finality the rebellion charge against him and five other colleagues, Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran walks out of the hospital where he had been imprisoned for 16 months. Beltran’s arrest and incarceration has drawn widespread condemnation here and abroad. (Photo by Arkibong Bayan, www.arkibongbayan.org)
Students staged a rally in front of the University of Mindanao campus on Bolton Street to protest the implementation of the Human Security Act, which, they said, would impinge on democratic rights. The law, which will take effect on July 15, allows the formation of an “inter-school coordinating body” that, according to the students, would suppress student councils and student publications. (davaotoday.com photo by Tyrone A. Velez)
Employees of Davao City Water District during a prayer rally on July 5 to oppose the proposed privatization of the government utility company. (Photo by Keith Bacongco)
Veronica Duterte looks at her father, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, deliver a speech during the oath-taking ceremony on June 30 at the City Hall grounds. Duterte said that the youth remains his inspiration and that they must have access to education. Another daughter, Sara, also took her oath of office that same day as vice mayor. (davaotoday.com photo by Marilou M. Aguirre)
A child sleeps in front of a Chowking branch along Ilustre Street, Davao City. According to child advocates, landless families are forced to send their children to work as hired hands in plantations and farms. Many of them opt to move to the cities. 
Read the story (Photo by Keith Bacongco)
Duty Free Philippines general manager Michael Christian Kho being interviewed by the media during the opening of the Duty Free Shop at the Davao International Airport on Wednesday. It is the first and only Duty Free Shop in Mindanao. (Photo by Keith Bacongco)
A streamer opposing the planned privatization of the Davao City Water District hangs by the facade of the utility firm along J.P. Laurel Avenue. The company’s union, the Nagkahiusang Mamumuo sa Davao City Water District, held a picket last week not only to demand the implementation of their Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA) but also to oppose a 100-million peso loan from the Local Water Utility Administration that they said would lead to the privatization the city’s water system. (davaotoday.com photo by Cheryll D. Fiel)
Activists and human-rights advocates stage a demonstration on San Pedro Street on Thursday to denounce what they claim as the government’s intensifying anti-insurgency campaign that victimizes children. The photo in the placard is that of Grecil Buya, the 9-year-old girl from New Bataan, Compostela Valley, who was killed in March during a military raid on members of the communist New People’s Army. Read the story (davaotoday.com photo by Cheryll D. Fiel)
Davaoenos enjoy the beach front and the view in Magsaysay Park, one of the more popular parks in Davao City. (davaotoday.com photo by Germelina A. Lacorte)
