to death" for multiple criminal charges, in Masiu, Lanao del Sur, said to be done by the virtue of the Islamic laws, causing public criticisms. October 27 – Pres. Ramos signs a law (RA 8368), repealing the Anti-Squatting Law (Presidential Decree 772); decriminalizing squatting but maintaining sanctions against professional squatters and squatting syndicates. October 28 – Pres. Ramos signs a law (RA 8369) creating special courts for the cases involving children and family relations. October 29 – Pres. Ramos signs Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act (RA 8371), a law protecting the rights of the indigenous sector to their ancestral domains, and creating the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples. November November 5 – The Supreme Court votes, 9–2, to declare a law (RA 8180) ending government regulatory control of the oil industry as unconstitutional. November 12 – A clash between MILF rebels and armed guards of a coconut plantation in Maguindanao ends with the deaths of Amin Cusain, an MILF leader, seven rebels and two civilians. December December 22 – Pres. Ramos signed seven social reform bills into law, including computerization of the electoral process in the next year and subsequent general elections (RA 8436) and autonomy for the Cordilleras. December 26 – Heavy rains cause the collapse of the gold mine tunnels in Mount Diwata, Monkayo, then part of Davao del Norte; five are rescued; later reports confirm that 80 miners are killed. Holidays As per Executive Order No. 292, chapter 7 section 26, the following are regular holidays and special days, approved on July 25, 1987. Note that in the list, holidays in bold are "regular holidays" and those in italics are "nationwide special days". January 1 – New Year's Day March 27 – Maundy Thursday March 28 – Good Friday April 9 – Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) May 1 – Labor Day June 12 – Independence Day August 31 – National Heroes Day November 1 – All Saints Day November 30 – Bonifacio Day December 25 – Christmas Day December 30 – Rizal Day December 31 – Last Day of the Year In addition, several other places observe local holidays, such as the foundation of their town. These are also "special days." Sports October 11–19 – The Philippines participated at the 1997 Southeast Asian Games. November 22–23 – The Philippines as hosting the 1997 Asian Judo Championships held in Manila. December 14 – The Alaska Milkmen won