The God Culture: A.I. Declares The Search For King Solomon's Treasure Is Untruthful and Unreliable

Timothy Jay Schwab who is The God Culture is very happy to have 5 A.I. chatbots give a positive peer review of his God Culture thesis. I have explored this claim in several articles showing that A.I. cannot conduct real peer reviews and that Tim's claims are only sound within the framework of his research and not within the broader context of actual history. Tim has uploaded false information and has asked narrow, leading questions to get the favorable reviews he wants. 

But what happens when Tim's book The Search for King Solomon's Treasure is uploaded to A.I. with no manipulation as to its contents? What will A.I. say in a straightforward review of Tim's claims without him massaging the data? Let's find out. 

First up is Gemini.

Okay, let's delve deeper into the question of the truthfulness and reliability of "The Search For King Solomon's Treasure." It's crucial to provide a nuanced and detailed assessment:

Why the Book Is Not Entirely Truthful or Reliable: A Detailed Analysis

1. Fundamental Flaws in Linguistic Analysis:

   • Misrepresentation of Hebrew: The book's handling of the Hebrew language is a major source of unreliability. It makes demonstrably false claims about Hebrew grammar, etymology, and phonetics. For instance, its assertions about the letter Aleph and the rendering of "Ophir" are not supported by established Hebrew linguistics. This casts doubt on any linguistic evidence presented.
   • Dubious Etymological Connections: The book attempts to link Hebrew words to Philippine place names and other terms, often with weak or nonexistent etymological support. It forces connections that are not recognized by linguistic experts and ignores alternative, more plausible explanations for the origins of these words.
   • Ignoring Linguistic Principles: The book often disregards basic principles of comparative linguistics, historical linguistics, and language development. It presents amateur etymologies as authoritative, undermining the rigor and credibility of its analysis.

2. Selective and Misleading Use of Evidence:

   • Cherry-Picking Biblical Passages: The book selectively interprets biblical passages to align with its thesis, often ignoring or downplaying verses that contradict its claims. It focuses on certain details while neglecting the broader context and established interpretations.
   • Misinterpretation of Historical Accounts: The book sometimes misinterprets or distorts historical accounts to support its arguments. It may take quotes out of context or present biased readings of historical texts, leading to inaccurate conclusions.
   • Ignoring Contradictory Evidence: The book tends to avoid or dismiss evidence that challenges its claims. It presents a one-sided view, failing to acknowledge or adequately address counterarguments from mainstream scholarship.

3. Lack of Scholarly Rigor and Consensus:

   • Deviating from Established Scholarship: The book's central claims and methodologies deviate significantly from established scholarship in relevant fields, including biblical studies, archaeology, ancient history, and linguistics. It rejects the consensus view without providing convincing evidence to support its alternative theories.
   • Absence of Peer Review: The book's claims have not been subjected to rigorous peer review by experts in the relevant fields. This lack of external scrutiny raises concerns about the validity and reliability of its findings.
   • Conspiracy Theories: The book sometimes hints at or promotes conspiracy theories, suggesting that mainstream scholars have deliberately suppressed or distorted the "truth" about Ophir and other biblical locations. This undermines its credibility and objectivity.

4. Factual Inaccuracies and Errors:

   • Historical Errors: As discussed earlier, the book contains factual errors related to historical events, geographical details, and ancient civilizations. These errors erode the reader's trust in the accuracy of the information presented.
   • Geographical Misrepresentations: The book's geographical claims, particularly regarding the location of the Garden of Eden and the extent of ancient trade routes, are often inaccurate or lack proper support.
   • Scientific Misinterpretations: The book sometimes misinterprets or misuses scientific concepts to support its arguments. Its claims about biodiversity and geological formations may not align with established scientific knowledge.

Consequences of Unreliability:

• Misinformation: The book's lack of truthfulness and reliability can lead to the spread of misinformation about biblical history, ancient geography, and linguistics.
• Distorted Understanding: It can create a distorted understanding of the Bible and ancient history, particularly for readers who are not familiar with established scholarship.
• Erosion of Trust: It can erode trust in credible scholarship and promote skepticism towards established academic institutions.

In conclusion:

"The Search For King Solomon's Treasure" is a problematic source due to its fundamental flaws in methodology, its selective use of evidence, its factual inaccuracies, and its disregard for established scholarship. While it may be presented as a groundbreaking work that uncovers hidden truths, it is, in reality, an unreliable and untruthful representation of biblical history, ancient geography, and linguistics. Readers should exercise extreme caution and consult credible sources to form their own informed conclusions.

Without Tim to give leading prompts Gemini says his research is full of "factual inaccuracies" and is "an unreliable and untruthful representation of biblical history, ancient geography, and linguistics.

Next up is DeepSeek.

 

The book "The Search for King Solomon's Treasure: The Lost Isles of Gold & The Garden of Eden" by Timothy Schwab and Anna Zamoranos presents a highly speculative and controversial thesis that the Philippines is the ancient land of Ophir, the source of King Solomon's gold, and potentially the location of the Garden of Eden. While the book is rich in historical, biblical, and archaeological references, its claims are highly contentious and lack sufficient scholarly consensus or empirical evidence to be considered reliable. Below is an analysis of the book's truthfulness and reliability:

1. Biblical Interpretation and Historical Claims

• Ophir and the Philippines: The book argues that the Philippines is the biblical land of Ophir, based on interpretations of ancient texts, maps, and linguistic connections. While the authors provide extensive references to biblical passages, ancient maps, and historical accounts, their interpretations are highly speculative. The location of Ophir has been debated for centuries, with various theories placing it in Africa, Arabia, India, or Southeast Asia. The authors' claim that the Philippines is Ophir is not supported by mainstream scholarship.

• Garden of Eden: The suggestion that the Garden of Eden is located in the Philippines is even more speculative. The authors use biblical texts, ancient maps, and linguistic analysis to support this claim, but there is no credible archaeological or historical evidence to substantiate it. The Garden of Eden is generally considered a mythological or symbolic location rather than a specific geographical place.

2. Linguistic and Etymological Analysis 

• The authors frequently use linguistic connections between Hebrew words and Filipino place names (e.g., "Cebu" and "Sheba") to support their claims. While these connections are intriguing, they are highly speculative and lack rigorous linguistic evidence. Etymology alone is not sufficient to prove historical or geographical claims, especially when dealing with ancient languages and cultures.

• The book also makes claims about the origins of certain words (e.g., "Ophir" and "Uphaz") and their connections to the Philippines. These claims are not supported by mainstream linguistic scholarship and are often based on selective interpretations of ancient texts. 

3. Archaeological Evidence 

• The book references archaeological findings in the Philippines, such as gold artifacts and ancient trade connections, to support its claims. While the Philippines does have a rich history of gold mining and trade, there is no direct evidence linking these findings to the biblical Ophir or King Solomon's gold. The authors often conflate historical trade routes and archaeological findings with biblical narratives without providing conclusive evidence.

• The claim that elephants and other animals mentioned in the Bible (e.g., apes, peacocks) were native to the Philippines is also problematic. While there is evidence of prehistoric animals in the Philippines, the connection to biblical accounts is tenuous and not supported by mainstream archaeology. 

4. Historical Maps and Sources 

• The authors rely heavily on ancient maps and historical sources to support their claims. While these maps are interesting, they are often open to interpretation. The authors' interpretation of these maps as evidence for the Philippines being Ophir is not widely accepted by historians or cartographers.

• The book also references historical figures like Magellan and Pigafetta, but their accounts do not provide definitive proof of the Philippines being Ophir or the Garden of Eden. The authors often extrapolate from these sources to fit their narrative, which weakens their argument. 

5. Scientific Claims 

• The book makes several scientific claims, such as the Philippines being the "center of marine biodiversity" and the origin of species. While the Philippines is indeed a biodiversity hotspot, these claims are not directly related to the biblical narrative of Ophir or the Garden of Eden. The authors use these scientific facts to bolster their argument, but they do not provide a clear connection to their central thesis. 

6. Conspiracy Theories and Bias 

• The book occasionally veers into conspiracy theories, suggesting that Western powers (particularly the British) have suppressed the true history of Ophir and the Philippines. These claims are not supported by credible evidence and detract from the book's overall credibility.

• The authors' bias is evident throughout the book, as they selectively interpret evidence to fit their narrative while dismissing or ignoring alternative explanations. This undermines the objectivity of their research. 

7. Reliability and Scholarly Consensus 

• The claims made in the book are not supported by mainstream scholarship in fields such as biblical studies, archaeology, or history. The authors frequently cite obscure or outdated sources, and their interpretations of biblical texts are not in line with traditional exegesis.

• The book's reliance on speculative connections, selective evidence, and unverified sources makes it unreliable as a scholarly work. While it may be of interest to those exploring alternative theories, it should not be considered a credible or authoritative source on the topics it addresses. 

Conclusion 

While "The Search for King Solomon's Treasure" is an ambitious and detailed work, its claims are highly speculative and lack sufficient evidence to be considered reliable. The authors' interpretations of biblical texts, linguistic connections, and historical sources are often stretched to fit their narrative, and their arguments are not supported by mainstream scholarship. The book may be of interest to those exploring alternative theories about biblical history, but it should be approached with caution and skepticism.

Another review concluding that the book is not reliable though it was kind enough to call it" ambitious and detailed." And it is. There is a lot of information in the book. There are a lot of sources to which Tim appeals for his claims. His thesis certainly is ambitious and original. But none of that makes the book true or reliable. There are over 200 articles on this blog examining the errors in The Search for King Solomon's Treasure. 

ChatGPT had a slightly different take listing the book's strengths and weaknesses. 

The book Solomon’s Treasure: The Search for King Solomon’s Lost Isles of Gold & the Garden of Eden by Timothy Schwab and Anna Zamoranos presents a highly speculative historical and biblical interpretation that seeks to link the Philippines to ancient biblical locations, particularly Ophir, Sheba, and Havilah. Here are key points to consider when evaluating its truthfulness and reliability:

Strengths of the Book

1. Biblical References & Linguistic Analysis

   • The book extensively references biblical passages and Hebrew etymology to build its case.

   • It explores lesser-known connections between biblical narratives and Southeast Asian geography.

2. Historical and Cartographic Evidence

   • It presents maps, historical references, and accounts from explorers (e.g., Magellan, Pigafetta) to support the claim that the Philippines is the biblical Ophir.

   • Mentions historical figures and archaeological discoveries that are not widely known.

3. Reexamination of Colonial Narratives

   • Challenges Eurocentric views of history and reinterprets historical events from an alternative perspective.

Issues with Truthfulness and Reliability

1. Selective Interpretation of Evidence

   • The book appears to cherry-pick biblical and historical sources while ignoring contradicting evidence.

   • Assumes a definitive link between biblical locations and the Philippines without acknowledging mainstream scholarly consensus.

2. Lack of Peer-Reviewed Scholarly Support

   • The claims in the book do not align with mainstream biblical archaeology or historical scholarship.

   • It relies on alternative historical interpretations rather than established academic research.

3. Speculative Biblical and Geographical Claims

   • The book claims the Garden of Eden was located in or near the Philippines, which contradicts most theological and archaeological perspectives.

   • It reinterprets biblical terms and locations in ways that are not widely accepted.

4. Association with Fringe Theories

   • The book is linked to The God Culture, a group known for promoting alternative biblical histories, often without scholarly verification.

   • Some of the claims resemble nationalistic revisionism, attempting to elevate the Philippines’ historical role in biblical history.

Conclusion

While Solomon’s Treasure presents an interesting and unconventional perspective, it lacks rigorous historical and academic backing. The book’s arguments rely heavily on speculative connections between biblical texts and Philippine history without sufficient archaeological or linguistic evidence. If you are looking for a mainstream, academically supported view, this book does not align with established historical scholarship. However, if you are interested in alternative theories or cultural perspectives, it may provide a thought-provoking read.

Would you like me to fact-check any specific claims from the book?

The strengths section lines up with the review given to Tim. He does include a lot of information that appears to uphold his cause. But the weaknesses win out and the book is concluded to be speculative and "without sufficient archaeological or linguistic evidence."

Since ChatGPT offered further analysis I asked the following question cornering Tim's use of Hebrew linguistics. 

Yes run an even more detailed fact check concerning the author's use of Hebrew linguistics. Pay close attention to chapter 2 and chapter 13.

Detailed Fact Check: The Author’s Use of Hebrew Linguistics in Chapters 2 & 13

After closely examining Chapters 2 (Biblical Foundation of Ophir) and 13 (Residual Ancient Hebrew in the Philippines) of Solomon’s Treasure, I found significant issues in the author's linguistic claims. Below is a breakdown of the key problems and errors in the book's approach.

---

1. Chapter 2: Biblical Foundation of Ophir - Misuse of Hebrew Etymology

False Claim: Ophir (אוֹפִיר) Is Mispronounced in Modern Hebrew and Should Be "Aupyr"

• The author claims that the biblical name "Ophir" (אוֹפִיר) has been mistranslated, asserting that it should be "Aupyr" because the Hebrew letter Aleph (א) is always pronounced as "A"​.

• Fact Check: This is incorrect. The Hebrew letter Aleph (א) does not always take an "A" sound. It is a glottal stop that can take different vowel sounds depending on the niqqud (vowel points). In biblical Hebrew, the pronunciation "Ophir" is correct. The assertion that it must be "Aupyr" is unfounded.

False Claim: The Chemical Symbol for Gold (AU) Comes from Ophir

• The author asserts that the chemical symbol for gold (Au) originates from "Aupyr," their supposed "correct" pronunciation of Ophir​.

• Fact Check: The chemical symbol Au comes from the Latin word "Aurum," meaning "gold." The claim that it originates from a Hebrew mispronunciation is completely false.

False Claim: Ophir and Tarshish Were in the Same Region

• The book states that Ophir and Tarshish were in the same geographic region and that their names have been confused​.

• Fact Check:

  • Ophir is mentioned in the Bible as a source of gold (1 Kings 9:26-28), but its exact location remains debated, with scholarly theories placing it in India, East Africa, or the Arabian Peninsula.

  • Tarshish is widely believed to have been in the western Mediterranean (possibly Spain).

  • The two locations are never equated in mainstream historical or biblical studies.

---

2. Chapter 13: Residual Ancient Hebrew in the Philippines - Fabricated Linguistic Connections

Chapter 13 attempts to link Tagalog and other Philippine languages to Hebrew, using superficial phonetic similarities while ignoring proper linguistic methodology. Below are specific examples of these errors:

False Claim: "Mindoro" Comes from Hebrew "Min Dor" (מין דור), Meaning "Species of the Generations"

• The book claims that Mindoro comes from Hebrew min (מין) meaning "species" and dor (דור) meaning "generation"​.

• Fact Check:

  • "Mindoro" actually derives from the Spanish phrase "Mina de Oro" meaning "gold mine."

  • Hebrew min and dor are unrelated to the actual etymology of the island's name.

  • This is a false linguistic connection based on phonetic resemblance rather than historical or linguistic accuracy.

False Claim: "Masbate" Comes from Hebrew "Mas Batem" (מס באתם), Meaning "Captives Came"

• The book claims that Masbate comes from Hebrew mas (מס, "forced labor") and batem (באתם, "you came")​.

• Fact Check:

  • Masbate is a name derived from local Visayan languages and has no connection to Hebrew.

  • The phrase Mas Batem does not exist as a proper Hebrew phrase. This is a fabricated linguistic connection.

False Claim: "Samar" Comes from Hebrew "Samar" (סמר), Meaning "Bristled" (Standing Upright in Righteous Anger)

• The book asserts that Samar derives from Hebrew samar (סמר), meaning "bristled," implying a symbolic meaning of righteousness​.

• Fact Check:

  • Samar more likely comes from the local Visayan word "samad" (meaning "wound" or "cut"), referring to the rugged terrain of Samar Island.

  • The proposed Hebrew etymology is arbitrary and misleading.

False Claim: "Guimaras" Comes from Hebrew "Goyim Aras" (גוים ארש), Meaning "Betrothed Nation"

• The author states that Guimaras comes from Hebrew goyim (גוים, "nation") and aras (ארש, "betrothed")​.

• Fact Check:

  • Guimaras comes from Spanish sources and has no Hebrew connection.

  • Aras is not used in biblical Hebrew the way the book claims.

  • This is a fabricated linguistic link.

False Claim: "Maharlika" Comes from Hebrew "Mahar Lekha" (מהר לך), Meaning "His Bride Purchased with a Price"

• The book suggests that Maharlika (a historical term used in the Philippines) comes from Hebrew mahar (מהר, "to purchase a wife") and lekha (לך, "for you")​.

• Fact Check:

  • Maharlika actually comes from Sanskrit Maharddhika (महर्द्धिक), meaning "great wealth or prosperity."

  • There is no Hebrew connection.

  • This is misleading pseudo-linguistics.

---

3. Broader Issues with the Book’s Hebrew Linguistics

1. Cherry-Picking Phonetic Similarities

• The book matches random Philippine words to Hebrew words based purely on similar sounds, without considering grammar, syntax, or historical linguistic evolution.

• This is called folk etymology, not real linguistic analysis.

2. Ignoring the Lack of Hebrew Influence in Philippine Languages

• There is zero historical or archaeological evidence that Hebrew was ever spoken in the Philippines.

• The Philippines' linguistic roots are Austronesian, influenced by Malay, Sanskrit, Chinese, Arabic, and Spanish—but not Hebrew.

3. Using Unverified and Misquoted Sources

• The book cites a 2010 claim by linguist Stephen Levinsohn that Philippine languages have similarities to Biblical Hebrew​.

• Fact Check:

  • Levinsohn’s work does not support the idea that Tagalog has Hebrew roots.

  • The book misrepresents his findings.

---

Final Verdict: The Book’s Hebrew Linguistics Are Completely Unreliable

Summary of Issues:

❌ Fabricated Etymologies → No actual linguistic connection between Hebrew and Philippine languages.

❌ Cherry-Picked Phonetics → Random sound matches, not historical or linguistic reality.

❌ Mistranslations of Hebrew → False definitions and improper usage.

❌ No Supporting Evidence → No Hebrew inscriptions, documents, or settlements in the Philippines.

Conclusion:

The author’s use of Hebrew linguistics is completely baseless and misleading. The claims in Chapters 2 and 13 should be rejected as pseudo-linguistics with no academic credibility.

This analysis is in perfect alignment with all the articles I have written on the same topic. Tim's Hebrew linguistics method is flawed to say the least. Never forget Tim is not a linguist nor does he wish to be one. 

Since ChatGPT took the time to further analyze chapters 2 and 13 I then asked it to write a peer review. Now, I know ChatGPT cannot conduct actual peer reviews but since Tim wants to use that term I will use it too with the understanding this is not a peer review but an informal analysis, assessment, and summation of the book's contents.

Based on your analysis write a peer review of this book.

Peer Review: Solomon’s Treasure: The Search for King Solomon’s Lost Isles of Gold & the Garden of Eden

Authors: Timothy Schwab & Anna Zamoranos

Published: 2020

Overview

Solomon’s Treasure presents a bold thesis: that the biblical land of Ophir, along with Sheba and Havilah, were located in the Philippines. The authors argue that the Philippines was a crucial part of biblical history, potentially even the site of the Garden of Eden. Using biblical scripture, historical documents, and linguistic analysis, they attempt to reconstruct what they claim is a lost historical truth.

While the book is ambitious in scope, it suffers from significant issues in methodology, source reliability, and academic rigor. Its conclusions are speculative, and its linguistic arguments are often flawed.

---

Strengths

✅ Engaging Narrative: The book is written in an accessible and engaging style, which may appeal to readers interested in alternative historical theories.

✅ Use of Biblical Sources: The authors provide a thorough exploration of biblical references to Ophir, Sheba, and Havilah, demonstrating their familiarity with scripture.

✅ Exploration of Lesser-Known Histories: The book introduces readers to historical events and maps that are not widely discussed, fostering curiosity about alternative perspectives.

---

Weaknesses

1. Flawed Linguistic Analysis

One of the book’s most significant weaknesses is its use of pseudo-linguistics. The authors attempt to link Hebrew to Philippine place names based purely on phonetic similarities without considering historical linguistic evolution.

For example:

• Masbate is claimed to come from Hebrew Mas Batem (meaning "Captives Came"), but this phrase is not grammatically correct in Hebrew, and Masbate has a well-documented local origin.

• Mindoro is said to derive from Hebrew Min Dor (meaning "Species of the Generations"), yet historical records show that "Mindoro" comes from the Spanish Mina de Oro ("Gold Mine").

🔴 Fact Check: No mainstream linguistic study supports any connection between Hebrew and Philippine languages. The book fails to acknowledge the dominant Austronesian roots of Philippine languages, as well as the significant influence of Sanskrit, Malay, and Spanish.

2. Misinterpretation of Biblical and Historical Evidence

The authors misinterpret biblical texts to fit their claims rather than objectively analyzing the evidence.

• The Bible never explicitly states that Ophir was in the Philippines.

• The book conflates Tarshish and Ophir, despite biblical passages that describe them as separate locations.

• No archaeological or textual evidence places Sheba or Havilah in the Philippines.

🔴 Fact Check: Mainstream biblical scholarship places Ophir in regions such as Arabia, India, or East Africa—not the Philippines.

3. Lack of Archaeological Evidence

A major flaw in the book is the absence of archaeological support for its claims. If the Philippines were the biblical land of Ophir, one would expect evidence such as:

• Ancient Hebrew inscriptions

• Biblical-era artifacts

• Historical records from early civilizations mentioning trade with the Philippines

🔴 Fact Check: No archaeological discoveries support the claim that the Philippines was part of King Solomon’s trade network.

4. Cherry-Picked Historical Sources

The book relies on obscure and often outdated sources while ignoring mainstream academic research. Additionally, it:

• Overstates the importance of explorer accounts (e.g., Magellan and Pigafetta) without confirming their reliability.

• Selectively cites historical maps while disregarding maps that contradict the claim.

• Ignores extensive documentation of Southeast Asian trade routes that do not mention biblical connections.

🔴 Fact Check: The scientific community does not recognize the book’s historical assertions as credible.

---

Academic Rigor and Credibility

❌ Lack of Peer Review – The book has not undergone academic scrutiny.

❌ Unsupported Claims – Many assertions are speculative rather than evidence-based.

❌ No Expertise in Biblical Studies or Linguistics – The authors do not cite formal training in these fields.

---

Final Verdict: Not a Reliable Historical Source

🔴 Solomon’s Treasure is an interesting but highly speculative book that does not meet academic standards for historical or linguistic analysis. It presents an engaging narrative but lacks the critical evidence required to support its claims.

Recommended For:

📖 Readers interested in alternative historical theories, but with a critical mindset.

Not Recommended For:

❌ Serious researchers or those seeking scholarly accuracy.

Rating: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (2/5) – Engaging, but historically and linguistically unreliable.

That review requires no comment. It speaks for itself and it is also in agreement with all of my critiques.

So, there you go. That's three straightforward A.I. reviews of Tim's research without leading questions or prompts. It's raw, unfiltered information uploaded and assessed. The assessment is the research and claims of  Timothy Jay Schwab who is The God Culture are untruthful and unreliable.

Retards in the Government 412

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

 

 

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/271643/epd-sacks-cops-over-alleged-irregularities-in-arrest-of-2-chinese

Thirty-one Eastern Police District (EPD) personnel were relieved from their posts after alleged anomalies during the arrest of two Chinese individuals.

This was according to National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Chief Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin in a phone interview with reporters in Camp Crame on Friday.

The personnel were from the EPD District Special Operations Unit (DSOU).

“All the personnel of the DSOU of the Eastern Police District, 31 personnel of the DSOU were relieved… I included the senior officers in the administrative investigation by virtue of command responsibility,” Aberin said

Of the 31 relieved, eight were placed under restrictive custody, according to a special order from the EPD District Personnel Records and Management Division obtained by INQUIRER.net on Friday.

Four of the officers placed under custody were staff sergeants, two were corporals, and two were patrolmen.

The report alleged that EPD District Special Operations Unit (DSOU) operatives stole cash and valuables from a certain Jie Li and a certain Wang Feng Tao during their arrest in Las Piñas City on Wednesday and claimed the items were a bribe from the foreigners.

“[The Philippine National Police (PNP) chief of the directorial staff] advised [the EPD district director] to return the money and gadgets to the victims. However, operatives refused to return the money and will file [a] bribery case as their leverage,” it further detailed.

The report said the EPD DSOU operatives brought one of the arrested Chinese to the Las Piñas City Police Station for inquest proceedings for bribery on Thursday.

However, the report added, “[The chief of police of] Las Piñas is baffled. The inquest for bribery should have been made [on Wednesday] and directly endorsed to his station after [the] arrest if there was bribery.”

The report further said the operatives were previously involved in a series of robbery-extortion activities in Mandaluyong City and were consequently relieved from the city police station, being reassigned to the EPD district headquarters.

However, the relieved operatives regrouped in the EPD DSOU and allegedly continued their illegal activities, the report added.

For its part, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin ordered an investigation into the incident, adding in a statement on Thursday that the operatives’ firearms were immediately recovered.

“After the investigation and if evidence will warrant, I will make sure that they will be dismissed from the service and they will rot in jail for their criminal conduct. NCRPO is no place for police scalawags,” Aberin added.

According to the report, the EPD DSOU served the arrest warrants against Jie and Wang in Portofino Heights, Barangay Almanza Dos in Las Piñas City on Wednesday.

The warrants were supposedly for violation of the Firearms and Ammunitions Regulation Act.

However, during the arrest, the DSOU operatives opened the residence’s vault and carted out P27 million, US$430,000 (roughly P24 million) and 110,000 Malaysian ringgit (roughly P1.4 million) in cash; luxury bags, watches, jewelry, gold bars and smartphones, the report said.

Further, according to the police investigation report, the Chinese individuals alleged that the residence’s closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras were turned off when DSOU personnel entered the premises.

Moreover, the report said personnel did not wear body-worn cameras, were not led by a police commissioned officer, and failed to provide a sketch or spot report as of Thursday morning.

It added that the DSOU operatives did not coordinate with the Las Piñas City Police Station nor did they inform or have the approval of the EPD district director.

The operatives also allegedly left a cellphone number to the wife of the one of the arrested Chinese, instructing her to call them if they want to negotiate for the subject’s release.

The report did not specify the number of DSOU personnel involved but did state that most of them had the rank of patrolman.

Cash worth P12 million was recovered from the operatives at an unspecified time, the report said.

“[The] operatives’ alibi was that the 12 million recovered from them was a bribe given by the Chinese they arrested. They only declared it when [chief of the directorial staff] followed up [with the EPD district director] about the incident,” the report detailed.

It added that the rest of the items retrieved from the residence have yet to be recovered.

Thirty-one Eastern Police District (EPD) personnel were relieved from their posts after alleged anomalies during the arrest of two Chinese individuals.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1247505

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc upheld the perpetual disqualification of former senator Sergio "Serge" Osmeña III from seeking public office due to non-submission of his Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCEs) for the 2010 and 2016 polls.

In a 16-page decision dated April 3 and made public Friday, the seven-member en banc denied Osmeña's motion for reconsideration for lack of merit and affirmed the Jan. 24, 2020 decision of the poll body's Second Division which imposed an administrative fine and perpetual disqualification from holding public office.

“Prudence and fairness dictate that Respondent cannot evade liability for his own delay and/or inaction. Compliance with SOCE requirements is mandated for all candidates regardless of the magnitude of their expenditure. Respondent cannot be exempted from this duty,” it said.

It noted that the respondent failed to present more evidence that would warrant the reversal of the earlier ruling.

The Comelec en banc added that it has given multiple opportunities for Osmeña to file to his SOCEs for the two polls.

The poll body, meanwhile, noted that the SOCE submission requirement for candidates aims to "protect the sanctity of the electoral process and ultimately the will of the electorate.”

The Commission on Elections en banc upheld the perpetual disqualification of former senator Sergio "Serge" Osmeña III from seeking public office due to non-submission of his Statements of Contributions and Expenditures for the 2010 and 2016 polls.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2050327/pnp-chief-sacks-eastern-police-head-over-las-pinas-operation

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rommel Marbil on Saturday relieved Eastern Police District (EPD) chief Gen. Villamor Tuliao and his entire District Special Operations Unit (DSOU) following allegations of extortion and gross misconduct.

“This is no longer just about rogue officers,” Marbil said. “It is a failure of leadership. When discipline collapses, it begins at the top. Leaders will be held to the highest standards of accountability.”

According to the PNP chief, “there will be no second chances” and if Tuliao is found liable under the principle of command responsibility, “he will never be trusted with any position of leadership again.”

“Those involved must be summarily dismissed from the service and permanently disqualified from holding any position in government,” he said.

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rommel Marbil on Saturday relieved Eastern Police District chief Gen. Villamor Tuliao and his entire District Special Operations Unit following allegations of extortion and gross misconduct.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2050586/ombudsman-orders-dismissal-of-suspended-porac-mayor-over-pogo-ties

Suspended Porac Mayor Jaime Capil faced being thrown out of the mayoral race on May 12 after Ombudsman Samuel Martires found him guilty of gross neglect of duty in connection with the illegal operations and criminal activities of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator Lucky South 99 since 2019 in that Pampanga town.

The prospect loomed as the Ombudsman imposed a penalty of dismissal from the service, including the cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, and perpetual disqualification for re-employment in the government service.

The Ombudsman’s April 3 decision, signed by officer-in-charge Dante Vargas, approved the recommendation of a special panel of investigators to probe the complaint filed by the Department of the Interior and Local government.

The decision dismissed the administrative charges against several former and current officials and department heads including Vice Mayor Francis Laurence Tamayo who might assumed as mayor in place of OIC Myla Clarete.

Suspended Porac Mayor Jaime Capil faced being thrown out of the mayoral race on May 12 after Ombudsman Samuel Martires found him guilty of gross neglect of duty in connection with the illegal operations and criminal activities of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator Lucky South 99 since 2019 in that Pampanga town.

https://mb.com.ph/2025/4/7/cop-nabbed-in-cebu-city-drug-sting-1

A police officer was arrested in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City on Sunday morning, April 6.

The suspect was identified only as Mr. Nice.

The 33-year-old policeman with a rank of staff sergeant is a resident of Barangay San Vicente, Liloan town, Cebu province. He was assigned to the Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO).

Seized from the suspect were two medium-sized packs of suspected shabu with an estimated value of P400,000.

Police said the operation was launched after informants reported the suspect’s illegal drug activities.

The MCPO and the Police Regional Office-Central Visayas have yet to issue statements on the arrest of the law enforcer.

A cop has been busted for drugs.

https://mb.com.ph/2025/4/7/mandaue-city-cop-held-for-mauling-23-year-old-man

A policeman was arrested for allegedly mauling a 23-year-old man in Barangay Sapangdaku here before dawn on Monday, April 7.

The suspect, Police Corporal Ivan Gabutan Labra, 31, assigned to Station 3 in Mandaue City, is facing charges for grave threat and physical injuries.

Police said Labra was drunk when the incident happened around 4 a.m.

Investigation showed that the policeman was walking on a road when he chanced upon the complainant, Nerson Rosaceña Almario, 32.

Labra approached Almario and asked for the whereabouts of a person he was looking for.

Almario said he was busy with something at the time and did not notice the policeman. The suspect got irked and thought Almario ignored him.

Labra confronted the complainant and repeatedly punched him. The policeman was also accused of drawing and pointing a gun at Almario.

Almario reported the incident to the Guadalupe Police Station and Labra was arrested.

Labra’s service firearm, a 9mm pistol, was confiscated.

A policeman was arrested for allegedly mauling a 23-year-old man.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2050876/village-chief-councilor-bet-slain-in-abra-campaign-rally-shooting

A barangay captain and a municipal councilor candidate were killed in a shooting incident during a campaign rally in Barangay Nagtupacan, Lagangilang town in Abra on Monday evening, April 7, police said.

The victims were identified as Barangay Chairperson Lou Claro, 57, and municipal councilor candidate Manzano Agdalpen Jr., 58.

The Abra Provincial Police Office said the violence erupted during the campaign event organized by the local political party “Team Asenso.”

During the activity, Agdalpen allegedly punched a man who was standing nearby. The man then rushed toward Claro, a retired police officer and member of rival political group Team Progreso, who attempted to mediate.

Agdalpen pursued the man and struck him again, prompting the latter to retaliate. Agdalpen then reportedly shoved Claro, drew a firearm, and shot him multiple times. In the chaos, an unidentified gunman also fired at Agdalpen.

Responders brought the two victims to separate hospitals but both were declared dead on arrival.

A barangay captain and a municipal councilor candidate were killed in a shooting incident during a campaign rally in Barangay Nagtupacan, Lagangilang town in Abra on Monday evening, April 7, police said.

https://mb.com.ph/2025/4/9/public-school-teacher-yields-p1-2-m-shabu

A public school teacher was arrested and suspected shabu valued at P1.2 million was seized during a search warrant operation conducted by the police in Barangay Pantal here on April 8.

Police said the suspect, 51, was considered a high-value individual in the illegal drugs trade.

Recovered from him were 159 heat-sealed transparent sachets of shabu weighing 187.02 grams kept in a closet and on top of shelves.

The suspect also yielded a self-sealing plastic sachet of dried marijuana leaves weighing 2.90 grams and worth P348 and drug paraphernalia.

He is in the custody of the Dagupan City Police Station and faces drug-related charges.

Police Regional Office-1 chief Police Gen. Lou Evangelista cited operating units for their achievement.

"Today’s operation highlights the dedication of our officers in working tirelessly to remove illegal drugs from our communities. Ito ay mahalagang hakbang upang masiguro ang katahimikan at kaayusan sa pamayanan (This is an important step to ensure peace and order in the community)," said Evangelista.

A public school teacher was arrested and suspected shabu valued at P1.2 million was seized during a search warrant operation conducted by the police in Barangay Pantal here on April 8.

https://www.inquirer.net/435689/comelec-files-vote-buying-raps-vs-san-fernando-city-mayor/

The Commission on Election (Comelec) on Tuesday confirmed that a vote buying complaint was filed against reelectionist mayor of San Fernando City, the provincial capital of Pampanga.

Comelec chairman George Erwin Garcia said the criminal case was filed by the poll body’s law department at the city’s Regional Trial Court against the local chief executive, her husband, and another official.

Vilma Caluag is running for another term as mayor of San Fernando City, while Melchor Caluag is her husband.

Garcia said the complaint stemmed from the alleged vote buying incident in 2022.

“That’s what we’ve been saying,” Garcia said in an ambush interview. “Even if an official has been elected, we could still go after them in actions which occurred during their election bid.”

The mayor said she has yet to receive the copy of the Comelec complaint, according to a video of regional TV network CLTV.

Comelec proclaimed Caluag as the winning mayoral candidate after garnering 57,486 votes.

The Commission on Election on Tuesday confirmed that a vote buying complaint was filed against reelectionist mayor of San Fernando City, the provincial capital of Pampanga.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1247782

Authorities have launched a manhunt after assailants ambushed and injured a municipal council aspirant and two of his supporters in Pitogo, Zamboanga del Sur province, police said Wednesday.

Col. Bonifacio Arañas, Zamboanga del Sur police director, said he has alerted police forces in neighboring towns to conduct a dragnet operation.

The victims were identified as Falconeri Buton, 53, incumbent barangay chairperson of Upper Panikian and a candidate for municipal councilor; Jerry Birano, 30; and Janise Bayawa, 50.

Two other supporters of Buton, identified as Joe Honey Cabante, 28, a job order employee, and Rey Cañete, 32, were unharmed.

Investigation revealed that Buton was driving a vehicle issued by his barangay, accompanied by his four supporters, when they were ambushed by gunmen in Barangay Upper Panikian, Pitogo, according to Arañas.

Responding police officers rushed the victims to the Pitogo Rural Health Unit for initial treatment before they were transferred to the Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Medical Center in the provincial capital Pagadian City.

Police recovered nine empty shells from an M-14 rifle and 20 empty shells from an M-16 rifle at the ambush site.

Buton is running under the party of Zamboanga del Sur Governor Victor Yu, who is a candidate for mayor in Pagadian City. 

Authorities have launched a manhunt after assailants ambushed and injured a municipal council aspirant and two of his supporters in Pitogo, Zamboanga del Sur province.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1247785

Police in Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao del Sur launched a joint manhunt for gunmen who abducted and killed a local political coordinator for the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), authorities said Wednesday. 

Modesto Tamayo, 57, a resident of Barangay Romualdez, Pres. Quirino town in Sultan Kudarat, was found dead with multiple stab wounds in a farm lot in Barangay Malangit, Pandag town in Maguindanao del Sur on Wednesday noon, according to Lt. Col. Jopy Ventura, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Tamayo was the municipal coordinator for the PFP, according to Marlon Villa, a candidate of the party for vice mayor of President Quirino town.

Villa said Tamayo attended a political rally in Barangay Poblacion hours before being abducted from his home.

The Pandag municipal police office reported that unidentified gunmen in a white Hi-Ace van arrived at Tamayo’s home past 6 p.m. Tuesday, spoke briefly with him, and then dragged him into the van.

Tamayo’s body was discovered the following day in a vacant lot in Pandag town, Maguindanao del Sur.

Ventura said police personnel from Pandag and Pres. Quirino are conducting a joint investigation and pursuit operation.

PFP is a national political party in the Philippines chaired by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

Police in Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao del Sur launched a joint manhunt for gunmen who abducted and killed a local political coordinator for the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1247811

Unidentified gunmen killed a village chairperson in Lanao del Sur and wounded his companion in an ambush in Barangay Montay here Wednesday morning, police said.

Lt. Col. Jopy Ventura, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), identified the victim as Binhar Jalambre Alon Jawad, 25, chairperson of Barangay Baraas, Picong, Lanao del Sur.

He said Jawad’s companion, Norhan Comilao Sarip, 20, was injured and is recovering at a district hospital in Malabang.

Responding police found the victims inside a black Toyota Fortuner and transported them to the Montaner district hospital in Barangay Mable, where Jawad was declared dead on arrival, Ventura said.

The Malabang police reported that the victims were en route to Barangay Bacyawan, Malabang to attend a graduation ceremony when they were ambushed at about 10 a.m.

As their vehicle passed through the diversion road in Barangay Montay, five unidentified suspects opened fire, hitting Jawad, who was driving, in multiple parts of his body.

Empty shells from an M16 rifle were recovered at the crime scene.

Police said Jawad’s body has been claimed by his family.

The motive for the attack remains unknown.

Unidentified gunmen killed a village chairperson in Lanao del Sur and wounded his companion in an ambush in Barangay Montay.