2003
Dec 13, Philippine Foreign Secretary Blas Ople (76), a key ally of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in her support for Washington's war on terror, died of a heart attack.

2008
Dec 13, A woman (28) in Richmond, Ca., was jumped by four men, taunted for being a lesbian, repeatedly raped and left naked outside an abandoned apartment building. In early January police arrested 2 men and 2 teens on suspicion of the gang-rape. On Dec 18, 2013, Humberto Salvador (36), the ringleader of the gang rape, was convicted of multiple charges in the case. Robert Ortiz (20) still awaited trial. Darrell Hodges (20) was already sentenced to 24 years. Josue Gonzalez, who testified against Salvador, was awaiting sentencing for carjacking and robbery.

2012
Dec 13, Susan Rice, the embattled US ambassador to the UN, withdrew her name from consideration to be secretary of state in the face of angry Republican opposition