Showing posts with label Retards in the Government. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Retards in the Government. Show all posts

Friday, March 29, 2024

Retards in the Government 358

It's your weekly compendium of foolishness and corruption in the Philippine government.

 


https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/traffic-enforcer-in-viral-kotong-video-may-lose-job

THE traffic enforcer of the Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (Team) who was allegedly caught extorting money from a driver he had apprehended in Barangay Alang-Alang on Thursday, March 21, 2024, will face termination from service if proven guilty.

The Team already completed the investigation on the incident and has suspended him.

In a video that went viral on social media, the enforcer was caught on camera accepting something from a truck driver after issuing a citation ticket.

In an interview on Friday, March 22, City Councilor Jimmy Lumapas, chairman of the committee on transportation, said the Mandaue City Government already launched an investigation on the incident.

In the Philippines, extortion is commonly known as “kotong.” It occurs when a law enforcement official or public official intimidates or unlawfully extracts money or property from a person who is facing apprehension or charges for violating, or suspected of violating any law. They do this by exercising their authority unduly in exchange for protection against possible arrest or filing of charges.

Lumapas clarified that although it was evident that the enforcer accepted something from the driver, it was unclear whether it was money. He said a more thorough investigation was necessary to determine the truth.

Lumapas assured that he would inform Team to identify the enforcer in the video and request an explanation from him.

He said if the enforcer is found guilty, the City will immediately terminate his services, as they do not tolerate such behavior.

A Mandaue traffic enforcer has been suspended and is facing termination over extortion.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1922458/qc-hall-employee-arrested-for-robbery-extortion

Police arrested an employee of Quezon City Hall for robbery extortion during an entrapment operation on Saturday.

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) identified the 56-year-old suspect as Joel Aquino Avila, who was apprehended by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit operatives in a restaurant along Visayas Avenue, Barangay Vasra. 

Records showed that Avila was an employee of QC Hall’s engineering office. 

An unnamed complainant told the police that the suspect asked him to deposit two checks worth P1 million and P500,000, which were supposed to be used to process of his building permit, business permit,  zoning, and certificate of exemption for the warehouse of his pet food business back in 2022. 

In the same year, Avila allegedly demanded another P1.1 million for a certificate of exemption. However, the complainant said he did not receive any documents from the suspect. 

Two years later, on March 15, the complainant said Avila asked him again for P700,000. Authorities arrested him during their transaction. 

Avila is currently under the custody of the CIDU-QCPD.

A Quezon City Hall employee has been arrested for extortion. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/3/24/4-pro-9-cops-probed-for-extortion

The Police Regional Office-9 has ordered the investigation of four Zamboanga Peninsula policemen for allegedly extorting from a businessman from Pagadian City.

Businessman Rey Palma Libre, 39, and two of his workers were heading toward the Zamboanga City proper at around noontime on Thursday, March 21,  when they were accosted by three lawmen assigned to the PRO-9.

The businessman was turned over by the three policemen to the Cabaluay Community Police Action Center under the Sangali Police Station.

Initial investigation reportedly focused on  the involvement of the three policemen under the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit-9 and a personnel of the Sangali Police Station in the extortion activity.

PRO-9 Director Police Brig. Gen. Bowenn Joey Masauding has ordered the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division and the Zamboanga City Police Office to conduct an extensive probe to determine the culpability of these police personnel.

“The integrity and professionalism of PRO-9 are of utmost importance and any misconduct or abuse of authority will not be tolerated," said Masauding.

Four cops are being investigated for extortion.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2024/03/26/2343357/second-graft-case-filed-vs-magalong

Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong is facing another graft case before the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with the allegedly anomalous improvement and rehabilitation of a P50-million multipurpose building in Barangay Irisan.

The complaint was filed by Councilor Mylen Yaranon, who alleged that Magalong violated Republic Act 3019 or the AntiGraft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Yaranon said the project was implemented through a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed between the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Cordillera and the city government of Baguio, which awarded the conract to Khatib Construction on Dec. 18, 2021.

She said the project should have been completed within 350 days or by Dec. 8, 2022.

Yaranon said a project engineer of the DPWH questioned the discrepancies in the elevation, footing and sizes of the columns of the building during a meeting with the Baguio City Building and Architects Office (CBAO) in March 2020.

The Baguio City District Engineering Office (BCDEO) of the DPWH said that any change in the project should be made in accordance with the MOA, including submission of a variation order.

The BCDEO said any allowed action on a variance is limited to 10 percent of the contract amount. If the amount is higher, it must first be referred to the DPWH central office.

The DPWH informed the CBAO in August of the same year about its observation on the materials used in the construction.

It said it did not receive or approve any variation order and technical justification or as-stake plan. It issued a warning to the CBAO for not submitting the required documents.

Despite the warning, the city government released P43 million as payment to Khatib Construction, Yaranon said in the complaint.

On Dec. 8, 2022, the supposed day of the completion of the project, the DPWH said it found out that only 60 percent of the building was finished.

Noting a 40-percent slippage, the DPWH terminated the project, but the city government continued it.

Of the P43 million paid to the contractor, P32 million was sourced from the DPWH, while the rest came from the trust fund of the city government.

Yaranon said there was no approved authorization for the mayor or any appropriation ordinance allowing the release of P11 million to the contractor.

It was the second graft case that Yaranon lodged against Magalong. The first was in connection with the allegedly irregular purchase of a property in Tuba, Benguet for the city’s social housing program.

The Mayor of Baguio has been charged with another graft case.

 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1923405/village-councilor-shot-dead-by-riding-in-tandem-gunmen-in-quezon

A councilor was shot and killed Tuesday by riding-in-tandem gunmen in his village in San Andres town in Quezon province.

The Quezon police said in a report on Wednesday, March 27, that Joseph Ancit, 59, a councilman and leader of farmers in Barangay Camplora was aboard his motorcycle on his way home at 5:15 p.m. when the gunmen riding a motorcycle appeared and repeatedly shot him using handguns.

The killers sped off and left their target dead on the spot.

The police were conducting further investigations to identify the killers.

Authorities were eyeing land dispute as a possible motive behind the killing. San Andres, a known hotbed of agrarian disputes, is located in the province’s 3rd district (Bondoc Peninsula).

A village councilor has been assassinated. 

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/03/28/2343893/7-davao-city-cops-new-drug-war-axed

Seven police officers were relieved from their posts in connection with the deaths of drug suspects in alleged shootouts in Davao City after Mayor Sebastian Duterte declared a war on drugs in the city.

The administrative relief of the policemen came after Philippine National Police chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. ordered an investigation on the supposed armed encounters where seven drug suspects were killed in less than a week after Duterte’s declaration.

“Our chief PNP, through the regional director, gave orders to investigate these incidents and give way to an impartial investigation,” PNP public information officer Col. Jean Fajardo told a news briefing at Camp Crame yesterday.

The PNP Internal Affairs Service has also started its probe into the killings, Fajardo said.

Davao region police director Brig. Gen. Alden Delvo said the seven policemen were disarmed and would be subjected to paraffin testing.

Delvo did not rule out the possibility that more police officers will be relieved from their posts in the coming days.

“We will be investigating all personnel involved in the police operations,” he said in a text message.

The policemen must also explain why it was necessary for them to use their guns in neutralizing the drug suspects.

7 cops in Davao have been relieved of their posts for killing drug suspects. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1923762/retired-air-force-lieutenant-shot-dead-inside-his-house-in-lucena

A retired Philippine Air Force (PAF) official was found dead Wednesday from bullet wounds inside his home  in this city.

The Quezon police said in a report on Thursday, March 28, that the body of Jesus Gerola, 68, who retired from PAF with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant, was found around 7:30 a.m. sprawled on the floor of his house in Barangay Domoit.

Citing the testimony of a witness, police said at around 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26, an alias “Edwin” was heard shouting in front of Gerola’s house challenging him to come out.

Gunshots were heard after the incident, police said.

The report did not provide information on the whereabouts of Gerola’s family or his housemates during the incident.

An investigation is ongoing to establish the motive behind the incident.

Police launched a manhunt operation to arrest Edwin as the primary suspect.

A retired PAF officer has been shot dead inside his house.

https://mb.com.ph/2024/3/28/former-barangay-captain-who-filed-graft-case-vs-albay-governor-survives-ambush

A former barangay captain who filed a graft case against Albay Gov. Grex Lagman over "jueteng" (an illegal numbers game) payola survived an ambush while en route to his residence in Barangay Anislag, Daraga, Albay, from this city on Wednesday night, March 27.

M. Nimo, 48, former captain of Barangay Anislag, together with his companions, were onboard a vehicle when they were fired at by four unidentified suspects when they reached the junction road in Barangay Mariawa here at around 9 p.m. 

They escaped towards Barangay Talahib where they sought police assistance.

Calubaquib said that Nimo and his companions were unharmed.

Nimo’s bullet-proof Chevrolet Suburban Sports Utility Vehicle had 20 bullet holes from a gun of unknown caliber.

He filed cases before the Ombudsman last February against Lagman for allegedly receiving jueteng payola or bribes.

These were direct bribery, violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, and the law that provides stiffer penalties for illegal gambling.

A former barangay captain who filed a graft case against the governor of Albay has survived an assassination attempt. 

Friday, March 22, 2024

Retards in the Government 357

It's your weekly compendium of foolishness and corruption in the Philippine government.

 



https://mb.com.ph/2024/3/14/lanao-sur-town-councilor-nabbed-in-p6-8-m-quezon-city-drug-sting

Government anti-narcotics authorities arrested on Wednesday night, March 13 a Lanao Del Sur municipal councilor and another suspect during a buy-bust operation in Quezon City.

In an initial report, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said that the operation resulted in the arrest of Maguing, Lanao del Sur councilor Norhan Haron Ampuan, 31, and Jalanie Haron Mama, 30, who are both included in the agency’s high-value target (HVT) list.

After the surveillance, the PDEA and local police operatives mapped out a plan that led to the arrest of the suspects at around 8:45 p.m. along  Doña A. Roces Avenue in Barangay Paligsahan.

Apart from the 1,000 grams of suspected shabu concealed in a transparent plastic sachet, authorities also seized three deposit slips, three identification cards, a black wallet containing eight of various cards, a genuine P1,000 bill placed on top of one of the 10 bundles of boodle money, a black Toyota Avanza and two cellular phones.

The confiscated illegal drugs have a street value of P6.8 million.

A city councilor who is also a high value target has been arrested for drugs. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/3/14/village-dad-shoots-tanod-dead-in-leyte

A barangay "tanod" or watchman was gunned down by a barangay councilor in an interior barangay here on Tuesday night, March 12.

Police identified the victim as Francis Berones of Barangay Bagacay East here.

Investigation said Berones figured in a heated altercation with the suspect, Julio Custudio, during the birth anniversary party of Custodio's daughter earlier that day.

Berones was driving his motorcycle on his way home when the suspect blocked his path. The suspect drew a firearm and shot Berones multiple times.

The victim was taken to a hospital in Burauen, Leyte where he was declared dead.

Custodio was arrested following the incident while he was drinking with friends. 

A barangay tanod has been assassinated by a barangay councilor. 

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2024/03/14/2340562/soldier-companion-hurt-maguindanao-del-sur-ambush

An off-duty motorist soldier was wounded in the neck in an ambush at a stretch of the Cotabato-Davao Highway in Pagalungan, Maguindanao del Sur that also left his civilian companion injured on Wednesday.

Col. Roel Sermese, director of the Maguindanao del Sur provincial police, told reporters on Thursday that the victims, Private 1st Class Roberto Dela Cruz Desierto Jr., and Eugenio Lamoste Gurang were riding a motorcycle headed somewhere when they were attacked by pistol-wielding men in Barangay Galakit, Pagalungan.

Desierto, who belonged to the Army’s 92nd Infantry Battalion, was assigned in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur.

Desierto’s motorcycle swerved toward the side of the highway and crashed after he was hit by a bullet in the neck, Sermese said, citing a report from the Pagalungan Municipal Police Station.

Gurang, who fell from the motorcycle as it flipped, rolled over and landed at one side of the concrete highway, sustained abrasions in his arms and legs.

Their attackers hurriedly escaped when they sensed that the gunshots that reverberated through the scene caused a commotion among villagers in houses nearby.

Sermese said responding policemen and emergency responders from the Pagalungan local government unit immediately brought the duo to the hospital for treatment.

A soldier has survived an attempted assassination. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/3/14/driver-hurt-as-gunmen-shoot-mayor-s-vehicle

A driver was injured and his companion was unharmed when gunmen fired at their vehicle owned by the mayor of San Isidro, Leyte in Barangay Dapdap, Alangalang, Leyte, on Thursday, March 14.

Police identified the wounded as driver Ranel Batiquin Reubal, 44, from Barangay Linao, San Isidro.

Investigation said gunmen onboard a gray pickup shot the vehicle on its way to Alangalang town proper.

Reubal was wounded in the back and his companion, Carlo Emman Pauligue, 44, a resident of Barangay Daja Dako, San Isidro, was unscathed.

The suspects' vehicle maneuvered to Santa Fe and Reubal proceeded to Alangalang proper.

However, the pickup truck’s tires burst in Barangay Santo Nino, which prompted them stop in front of Alangalang National High School. Reubal was taken to the hospital.

The driver of the mayor's vehicle was hurt in an attempted assassination on the mayor who was luckily not in the car at the time. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1918884/raps-filed-vs-ched-chief-over-rigged-bidding

Suspended Commissioner Aldrin Darilag of the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) on Thursday said the criminal charges—including graft and grave abuse of authority—he filed against his superior, Chair Prospero de Vera, stemmed from concerns raised by some heads of state universities and colleges (SUCs).

In his five-page complaint affidavit filed on Tuesday, Darilag claimed that De Vera forced him to favor pharmaceutical company Aspen Philippines as a provider of medical supplies for various SUCs during a series of biddings last year.

Knowing that the firm was incompliant with procurement laws, Darilag said he ignored De Vera’s directive.

In a message to the Inquirer, Darilag said he decided to file charges of graft, grave abuse of authority, harassment, and oppression, after a number of SUC presidents, whom he refused to identify, brought to his attention the alleged rigged procurement process last year for medical supplies.

“There are SUCs who don’t receive funding if they don’t let Aspen win the bidding as a supplier,” Darilag said, quoting the affected SUC heads.

Darilag, who oversees teacher education, gender and development, and extension programs, was suspended in mid-January for 90 days for alleged grave misconduct, neglect in the performance of duty, and oppression.

De Vera earlier noted that the order came from Malacañang. It also directed the agency to conduct a fact-finding investigation “to determine the existence of a prima facie (self-evident) case” to serve as basis for the filing of formal charges against Darilag.

But the commissioner doubted that the ongoing probe against him would be fair because he was never furnished a copy of the complaint or the order, which he said was “a violation of his right to due process.”

“They conducted the investigation, but I didn’t receive even a single complaint. Also, the head of the investigation committee is known to be an ally of De Vera,” he told the Inquirer.

Darilag accused De Vera of being “hostile to me throughout my stint as commissioner.”

This, Darilag said, was evident in the sudden ban allegedly imposed on his staff to enter CHEd premises and perform their work.

“In fact, they were subjected to needless inspection of their clothes and belongings every time they came out of my office,” he said in his affidavit.

The reason behind “De Vera’s hostility is not difficult to discern,” Darilag said, adding that the opposed De Vera’s recommendation to disallow Biliran Province State University to open a maritime program.

He also surmised that De Vera may suspect that he revealed the chair’s “wrongdoings” in the budget hearings in the House of Representatives last year.

De Vera, for his part, denied Darilag’s allegations, clarifying that he was not part of the bids and awards committee in the CHEd or in any similar committees in any SUC.

“I am not in a position to manipulate procurement activities,” De Vera said in the statement to reporters.

Charges have been field against the CHED Commissioner for rigged bidding. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1919758/police-colonel-faces-criminal-raps-for-blackmail-using-sex-video

A police officer is facing a string of criminal complaints for recording his sexual encounters with a woman he had an illicit affair with and allegedly using the recordings to blackmail her for wanting to end their relationship and pay off his debt.

The police officer is facing a complaint before the Quezon City Prosecutors’ Office for violating Republic Act (RA) 9262, the Anti-Violence against Women and their Children Law; RA 9995, the Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act; RA 11313, the Safe Spaces Law; RA 10173, the Data Privacy Act; RA 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Law.

He also faces complaints for grave coercion, intrigue against honor, and unjust vexation.

He was already relieved from his post.

In her complaint, the victim said she met the respondent when he sent her a friend request on Facebook in December 2020.

From there, she said they became friends as the police official provided her with emotional support because she was suffering from depression due to personal problems at the time.

She first met the respondent when she delivered the nameplate he ordered and talked about her money-lending business over lunch. She said this was also the first time the respondent kissed her without her consent.

On their second meeting, she said he invited her for a meal but took her to a hotel instead. She said this was where they first had sex. Then, he showed her the video “for fun.”

She said she tried to snatch the phone to delete the video, but the police officer refused, saying he would be the one deleting the video.

From then on, the victim stated that she felt unable to refuse the respondent’s request because he continually threatened her with the video.

In June 2023, she said she met the police colonel who started borrowing money from her. The total amount he borrowed was P245,000 with increments of P50,000, then P65,000 and P130,000.

In January 2024, she demanded payment and threatened to take the case to the barangay, to which the police officer said he would just tell the village chief that they had a relationship and show their sex video.

In the same month, a person who claims to be the policeman’s wife messaged her on Facebook, saying she had copies of their sex videos. The same social media account sent one of the videos to her daughter, who was then at school.

A day later, the video was also sent to her husband.

The case is currently undergoing preliminary investigation.

A PNP officer is facing charges of blackmail over a sex video.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1221076

The Supreme Court (SC) has upheld the dismissal from the service of former North Cotabato 2nd District congressman Gregorio Ipong in connection with irregularities in the use of pork barrel funds in 2007.

In a 13-page resolution released online last week, the SC Second Division affirmed the Court of Appeals (CA) which found Ipong administratively liable for grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service in the transactions involving PHP4.9 million. 

The Court, however, ruled Ipong’s liability as grave misconduct only and deleted the finding of administrative liability.

“Here, since the acts complained of relates to Ipong’s official functions and duties as a member of the House of Representatives and that the same are tainted with the elements of corruption and/or flagrant disregard of an established rule, the Court finds him administratively liable for grave misconduct only,” the SC said. 

The SC said grave misconduct is a “grave offense” which is punishable with dismissal from the service, along with accessory penalties of cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits and perpetual disqualification from re-employment in the government service. 

“In the event that the penalty of dismissal can no longer be enforced due to petitioner’s separation from the service, the same shall be converted into a fine, equivalent to petitioner’s salary for one year, payable to the Office of the Ombudsman, and may be deductible from petitioner’s accrued leave credits or any receivables from their office,” the SC said.

The administrative case against Ipong was filed following his election as vice governor of North Cotabato in May 2016.

Ipong was forced to vacate his post following the ruling of the Ombudsman dismissing him from the service. 

The Department of Budget released Ipong’s Priority Development Assistance Fund to finance and implement his livelihood programs.

Ipong endorsed Aaron Foundation to the Technology and Livelihood Resource Center (TLRC), the implementing agency of PDAF, as partner for his projects.

The amount was transferred to Aaron Foundation on the sole basis of Ipong’s endorsement without TLRC conducting a public bidding and despite the absence of an appropriation law or ordinance authorizing the foundation as the implementing agency. 

Aaron Foundation was a bogus non-government organization, the Ombudsman said.

Investigators also found that the municipalities of Kidapawan and Makilala in North Cotabato did not actually receive any funded livelihood programs.

In September 2022, the Sandiganbayan sentenced Gregorio Ipong and TLRC Chief Accountant Marivic Jover up to 27 years of imprisonment for graft and malversation.

The decision was upheld a month later.

The SC has upheld the dismissal of a former Solon over PDAF misuse.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1221117

Death threats in recent months culminated in a gun attack on the vehicle of Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. at the Skyway in Quezon City on Tuesday morning.

The bulletproof pickup truck with plate no. WDQ 811 was on its way to pick up Deputy Director General for Administration Al Perreras.

Driver Cornelio Colalong and companion Leonardo Cabaniero, both Corrections Officers 1, were unharmed.

The BuCor report said unidentified suspects on board a gray sedan overtook the back-up car, carrying BuCor officers Edwin Berroya and Michael Magsanoc, and fired at the pickup.

The vehicle was hit at the rear windshield, which shattered the bullet proof glass without penetration.

The suspects' car fled toward the Nagtahan exit going to Manila.

“Catapang said that both he and Perreras have been receiving death threats since they implemented various reforms in the agency and this incident will not deter them from continuing what they started,” BuCor said in a statement.

The BuCor Chief has survived an attempted assassination. 
https://mb.com.ph/2024/3/20/cop-nabbed-for-raping-14-year-old-daughter-in-cebu

A police officer was arrested for allegedly raping his 14-year-old daughter on multiple occasions in Cebu.

The suspect, who used to be a member of a special unit of the Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO), was arrested in a manhunt operation on Tuesday night, March 19, in Asturias town, western Cebu, by operatives of the Liloan Police Station.

Police Major Windel Abellana, information officer of the CPPO, said the victim was last raped at past 1 a.m. on Sunday, March 17.

The victim, accompanied by her mother, went to the police station to report the incident. The suspect fled after he learned that his wife and daughter reported the sexual abuse.

“According to the minor victim, her father abused her sexually on different occasions," said Abellana.

The Police Regional Office-Central Visayas (PRO-7) assured that appropriate action will be taken against the suspect.

Police Lt. Col. Gerard Ace Pelare, spokesperson of PRO-7 chief Police Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin, said there will be no whitewash in the investigation.

"We reiterate the instruction of our regional director that there will be no sacred cows. Everyone will be treated fairly. If someone commits a crime, even if he is a police officer, we will file the necessary charges, administrative, criminal and civil if the evidence warrants,” said Pelare.

Pelare said after a criminal charge is filed, the filing of an administrative complaint will follow.

A cop has been arrested for raping his daughter. 

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/metro/901175/mmda-traffic-aide-picked-out-of-line-up-tagged-in-alleged-extortion/story/

A traffic enforcer of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) suspended after he was seen on a viral video allegedly extorting money from a motorist on Commonwealth Avenue.

According to Raffy Tima’s report on “Saksi”, the MMDA asked the victim to identify the suspect from line-up of made up of traffic enforcers deployed in the area. 

(You were identified with or without a mask. This is not the first time it happened. It's the second.)

(We will give you the chance to answer the accusations against you. Until such time, you will report at the headquarters.)

The victim said the incident happened on Friday after he took a U-turn at the Technohub area, going to to Tandang Sora Avenue. The enforcer allegedly flagged him down for using his mobile phone while driving and for not using his seatbelt. 

When he denied the accusations, the traffic enforcer accused him of having an expired vehicle registration. The suspect asked him to pay P15,000 worth of fine but decreased it to P5,000. After saying he had no cash, the MMDA personnel allegedly told him to transfer the money via e-wallet. 

The victim caught the incident on a video and posted it on social media. 

(I checked the tickets while he was pretending to write. I logged in on my e-wallet, transferred the money, sent it to my sibling, and then left P2,500.)

If proven guilty, the MMDA said the suspect will be relieved from his post and may be charged criminally.

An MMDA traffic enforcer has been accused of extortion.

Friday, March 15, 2024

Retards in the Government 356

It's your weekly compendium of foolishness and corruption in the Philippine government.

 


https://mb.com.ph/2024/3/8/ex-army-soldier-arrested-in-manila-for-robbery-holdup

Police arrested a retired member of the Philippine Army who allegedly robbed a convenience store in Sta. Mesa, Manila on Thursday, March 7. 

The Manila Police District (MPD) identified the suspect as Alberto Amador, 54, a resident of Tondo, Manila. 

The suspect was arrested inside his house at around 12:30 a.m. today, March 8, in a follow-up operation conducted by the Sta. Mesa Police Station (PS-8) personnel together with the members of MPD-Criminal Investigation Section (CIS) and Abad Santos Police Station (PS-7).

Based on the closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage on Thursday, the suspect, who was armed with a gun, entered the convenience store in Barangay 592, Sta. Mesa at around 2 a.m.

The suspect was seen showing his gun to the two store clerks while ordering them to open the store's cash box.

Police said the suspect took away around P11,000 cash from the store. 

Recovered from the suspects's possession were motorcycle, a black pistol, two magazines loaded with 15 pieces of live ammunition, 19 M-16 blank bullets, 70 live ammunition, nine different IDs, and a cammouflage set of keys. 

The arrested suspect is now detained at PS-8 and facing robbery charges.

A former solider has been arrested for robbing a store. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1915991/cop-shot-dead-days-after-wifes-death-in-masbate

A police officer was found dead Thursday in Uson town in Masbate province, three days after unidentified men shot his wife dead.

Police Brigadier General Andre Perez Dizon, Bicol regional police director, said in a report that Patrolman Samuel Baruelo Jr, 31, was found dead around 1:30 p.m. with a bullet wound on his head in Barangay Buenasuerte.

An initial investigation said the victim left the house where the wake of his wife was held to take a bath but failed to return after an hour.

His relatives looked for him and he was later found near a creek with blood on his body.

His wife, Cheryl, a 32-year-old college student, was shot dead at 5:55 p.m. on Monday, March 4, in Barangay Bagumbayan in Masbate City.

An initial report said that while walking from school on the way to their house, Cheryl was approached by two unidentified men and one of them shot her at close range in the head.

Police recovered an empty shell and one slug in the area.

The slain cop was assigned at the 1st Masbate Provincial Mobile Force Company.

They both lived in Barangay Bagumbayan with their three children.

Lieutenant Colonel Maria Luisa Calubaquib, Bicol Police spokesperson, said they were still identifying the motive behind the killings and if the two incidents were connected.

A cop has been found dead a few days after his wife was murdered. 

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2024/03/10/2339466/abra-village-chief-survives-ambush

A barangay captain in Tayum, Abra was unhurt in an ambush in Bangued yesterday.

Bong Cariño, 60, of Barangay Poblacion in Tayum was driving his car when his vehicle was shot in Barangay Bliss Angad. He sped off and hid at his house.

Initial investigation showed that a car behind Cariño’s vehicle, which was driven by Banjo Claveria, said to be a drug suspect, was the target of the gunmen.

Claveria was wounded and taken to the Seares Memorial Hospital for treatment.

Twenty-seven bullet shells for an M16 rifle were recovered at the scene.

A barangay captain has survived an attempted assassination. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/3/10/lady-village-councilor-shot-dead-in-lipa-city

A 51-year-old barangay councilor was shot dead on Saturday afternoon, March 9, in Barangay Pag-olingin West here.

Police identified the victim as Marilyn Escartin from San Juan, Batangas.

Investigation said the victim was walking when the suspect, alias Joey, a councilor of Barangay Pag-olingin West, approached and shot her.

She died on the spot and the suspect fled.

Lawmen are conducting follow-up investigation and combing surveillance footages in the area.

A village counilor has been assassinated. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/3/11/jail-guard-shot-dead-in-ilocos-sur

A jail guard was gunned down on his way to work to the Ilocos Sur Provincial Jail in Barangay Taleb here on Monday morning, March 11.

Police identified the victim as Jayson Barrientos Parchmento, 45, a former policeman and Prison Guard 3 of the Ilocos Sur Provincial Jail run by the Ilocos Sur provincial government.

Investigation disclosed that the victim was driving his car when unidentified gunmen shot him.

The suspects fled and the victim was rushed the victim to the hospital but he died on the way.

Eight empty shells of a caliber .45 pistol were recovered in the crime scene.

The victim from Makati City and presently residing in Barangay 7, Vigan City where he got married was a police officer assigned to the Police Regional Office 1 in San Fernando City, La Union but was dismissed from the service for being Absent Without Leave (AWOL).

Police are conducting follow-up investigation.

A jail guard has been assassinated. 

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2024/03/11/2339764/multi-awarded-police-intelligence-agent-killed-general-santos-ambush

A police intelligence agent based in Carmen, Cotabato province, credited for his accomplishments in locating members of local terrorist groups wanted in courts for heinous crimes, died in an ambush in General Santos City at about dusk Sunday.

The slain Corporal Ricky Mendoza Gomez, who belonged to the Carmen municipal police in Cotabato, was in General Santos City for a training on advanced police intelligence networking proficiency, handled by instructors from the Police Regional Office 12.

An initial report on Monday from the office of PRO-12 director Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg in Barangay Tambler in General Santos City stated that Gomez was riding a motorcycle when he was shot in the head and upper torso with 5.56 M16 assault rifles by still unidentified men as he traversed through a busy stretch of a highway in Barangay Sinawal, killing him on the spot.

Gomez served as a police intelligence operative in Pikit town, Cotabato prior to his assignment in Carmen, also in the same province. More than 60 people had been killed gun attacks in Pikit since 2021. Some perpetrators, positively identified by investigators and Gomez, are now subject of police manhunts. 

Local executives and police officers in the province told reporters that Gomez had remarkable accomplishments and even got citations for his roles in tracing whereabouts of wanted persons and members of the Dawlah Islamiya and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters implicated in deadly terror attacks and extortion.

Macaraeg said he has directed their intelligence units in Cotabato province and in General Santos City to cooperate with police investigators who are working to identify killers of Gomez for prosecution.

A PNP intelligence officer has been assassinated. 

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/3/11/mmda-sacks-personnel-over-alleged-involvement-with-colorum-syndicates-020

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Monday announced the removal of a number of personnel from their positions, citing allegations of providing protection to colorum syndicates.

"Recently, we discovered that colorum syndicates are trying to infiltrate the MMDA. We immediately identified that," acting MMDA Chairman Don Artes said in a press conference.

He said the personnel involved have been relieved and there is an ongoing investigation.

"Our personnel who have possible involvement have been relieved particularly those in our anti-colorum unit who are in the investigation, intelligence and investigation office. The investigation is ongoing, we have coordinated with the DILG for investigation on the criminal aspect," he said.

Several MMDA personnel have been relieved for protecting colorum syndicates.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/3/12/ombudsman-also-suspends-acting-nfa-chief-over-rice-deal-848

The Ombudsman suspended Piolito Santos, who was appointed acting NFA administrator last week, and Jonathan Yazon, acting department manager for operation and coordination of the NFA, the DA said in a statement on Monday.

Last week, the Ombudsman ordered the preventive suspension of NFA administrator Roderico Bioco and more than 100 employees over the alleged disadvantageous sale of rice buffer stocks.

Due to the suspensions, DA chief Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. will retake the helm of the NFA.

Laurel also appointed Director IV Larry Lacson as officer-in-charge deputy administrator of the NFA to ensure the agency's continued operations, the DA said.

The Ombudsman has suspended two more NFA officials in connection with an investigation into the sale of rice buffer stocks. 
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1917361/abused-wife-blocks-promotion-of-army-official-at-ca

The promotion of an Army official met a setback at the Commission on Appointments (CA) as his wife showed up at the Senate on Tuesday to block it.

Tessa Luz Reyes-Sevilla recalled the allegedly harrowing events she went through at the hands of her husband Ranulfo Sevilla.

She said her husband does not deserve to be promoted. The military official was nominated for promotion to brigadier general of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

“No amount of sorry, no amount of money will make me back down. Nothing will make us back down. We deserve to be vindicated,” Tessa told reporters in a press conference on Tuesday before the CA confirmation hearing of her husband.

She added that she has been silent long enough and has endured for too long the alleged abuses of her husband.

(I can’t keep quiet anymore. We have endured for a long time. What’s painful is that we have been tolerating his lack of financial support and yet he still has the gall to womanize.)

Apart from committing adultery, Tessa said she and her children were physically and mentally abused by Sevilla.

(What hurts me is that the children see it. It may look innocent to have been pushed, accidentally pushed — but I’m pregnant. I’m pregnant, I was pushed. I thought I would miscarry mu child so I applied for a protection order.)

Tessa’s 12-year-old daughter, who accompanied her at the Senate, likewise testified that she and her siblings were subjected to Sevilla’s “abusive acts.”

In the end, Tessa asked the AFP to look into the growing incidents of housewives being abused by their partners who are military officials.

“The gentlemen of the AFP, I hope that you’re hearing this and this is the right time. I hope that it’s going to be a precedent and I hope that you look into the very sad plight of the wives, mothers, partners of your men in the AFP. It’s about time, Sirs,” she appealed.

The CA panel on national defense, meanwhile,  held an executive session to discuss Sevilla’s appointment.

The wife of a solider up for promotion to brigadier general has blocked his promotion after detailing his abuse. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/3/12/justice-sought-in-death-of-municipal-gov-t-worker

A job order employee of the municipal government of Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental was found dead in Sitio Balugo, Barangay Sangke on Monday morning, March 11.

The victim was identified as 43-year-old Darrel Cayao of Barangay Asia. 

Police Major Jaynick Bermudez, Hinoba-an police chief, said the victim was driving a motorcycle with a friend from Basay, Negros Oriental when they were waylaid by an unidentified person upon reaching Barangay Sangke.

Bermudez said the victim was hit in the head  and sustained a lone stab wound in the chest. The victim’s friend suffered minor injuries when they fell off the motorcycle.

The suspect fled.

Bermudez said the victim’s friend left the area due to fear. The victim was found injured on  the roadside and was taken to a hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

He said the suspect targeted the victim and might have waited for him to pass by the area. Bermudez said they have identified the suspect and investigation is ongoing. 

Police have yet to establish the motive but they are looking into personal as a possible motive in the incident.

Mayor Daph Anthony Reliquias, in a statement, mourned Cayao's death. "These acts should not be tolerated. This is an act of people who do not fear the Lord,” Reliquias said.

He symphatized with the Cayao family and assured them that the local government will support their quest for justice.

A government job order employee has been killed. 


https://mb.com.ph/2024/3/13/jail-officer-shot-himself-after-shooting-2-women-to-death-in-valenzuela-city

A jail officer fatally shot two women before taking his own life using the same gun in Valenzuela City on Wednesday morning, March 13.  

The suspect was identified as Mhel Manibale, a member of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP). He died from a self-inflicted bullet wound. 

The victims, Lanie Bernardino, 55, and her daughter Mary Grace, 27, both succumbed to gunshot wounds in the head, police said.

Based on the police report, the incident occurred around 2:45 a.m. inside the victims’ residence on Navarette St. in Barangay Arkong Bato, Valenzuela City.

Police said the suspect had a heated argument with the victims regarding his relationship with another daughter of Lanie.

Manibale attempted to enter the house, but the victims intervened, prompting him to shoot them with a pistol.

Upon seeing the two women lifeless, Manibale turned the gun on himself, resulting in his death.

Authorities recovered five spent bullet case of a 9mm pistol at the scene of the incident.

A BJMP employee killed two women and thne himself. 

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/900270/pnp-rias-files-admin-case-vs-3-cops-behind-jade-castro-arrest/story/

The Philippine National Police's Regional Internal Affairs Service (PNP-RIAS) has filed an administrative case against three policemen over the warrantless arrest of film director Jade Castro and three others for the alleged burning of a mini bus in Catanauan, Quezon.

This was confirmed by Police Regional Office 4A Public Information Office chief Police Lieutenant Colonel Chitadel Gaoiran to GMA News Online.

(Yes, there is. To know if there are lapses in the arrest.)

The announcement was initially made by Castro’s lawyer Mike Marpuri during a briefing on Tuesday.

“I got a phone call just this morning from PNP-RIAS… na they filed motu proprio administrative cases against the chief of police, the investigator, and the arresting officers,” Marpuri said.

Marpuri identified the officers as Police Captain Daniel Dela Cruz, Police Senior Master Sergeant Jonjon Pordan, and Police Corporal Christian Abenilla. He said the preliminary hearing has been set for Friday.

3 PNP officers are facing administrative cases over the warrantless arrest of a filmmaker.