The God Culture: A Brief Illustrated History of The God Culture

Once upon a time there was a man from Maryland named Timothy Jay Schwab. He was professionally trained in media to be a publisher and editor. Eventually Tim found a well paying job with a magazine in Florida. 

Life was going good for Tim but it got even better when he met a woman named Anna. Eventually they got married. 

Anna was born and raised in the Philippines. She moved to the USA at the age of 19. Timothy and his wife made frequent visits to her home country. 

By chance Timothy watched a video on YouTube that had a new and shocking premise: the Philippines might actually be the Biblical land of Ophir. It left Tim with a lot of questions.

So, he decided to find out for himself.  He had to know for certain if the Philippines was indeed and beyond all doubt the Biblical land of Ophir. He set to work studying the issue. First he read every passage about Ophir in the Bible. 

Then he scoured the internet looking for anything he could find to help prove this fascinating new theory. That is when he stumbled upon the website ancientphilippines.blogspot.com. 

Tim was amazed at all the information on that website. It was a goldmine proving to his mind that the Philippines was indeed Ophir, the land of gold. 

Tim quickly set to work. Being trained in media and publishing Tim knew how to make a convincing presentation. In no time at all he had created several videos ready for YouTube. He called the series: Solomon's Gold. 

The series was an instant success amongst Filipino netizens and Tim's YouTube channel, The God Culture, quickly gained a following. 

Soon Tim was flying to the Philippines to put on conferences throughout the country which attracted many attendees. Suddenly this magazine publisher was being touted as a Bible scholar and expert historian who had uncovered the previously hidden sacred history of the Philippines. 

Even though Tim was sure of his teachings he always told his audience to prove all things including himself. 

Then one day out of the blue Tim was blindsided. Someone had dared to take up that challenge. Someone had dared to not only watch Tim's videos and check all the references but, worst of all, someone had dared to disagree with Tim's conclusions. 

"Yellowtard! Communist! Agitator! Jesuit!", yelled Tim at this person contradicting and exposing him him. 

But that didn't stop Tim. He continued to make videos and gather followers. He even published a book titled "The Search for King Solomon's Treasure." It was an instant success.

That also did not stop the one and only person following Tim's advice to prove all things. He gave the book a bad review.

"Fake review!," yelled Tim. "You didn't even buy my book! I'm going to sue you for libel and have you tossed into prison!"

Those threats did not deter the reviewer. And the negative reviews did not deter Tim. 

Today Timothy Jay Schwab who is The God Culture continues to conduct conferences, publish books, create videos, and write blogs attempting to prove the Philippines is not only Ophir but also Tarshish, Havilah, Sheba, Seba, the land of the Lost Tribes of Israel, and The Garden of Eden. 

Nothing can stop him. Not even the truth. 

Retards in the Government 423

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

 

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/6/19/5-airport-police-sacked-over-alleged-taxi-extortion-scheme-2229

Five airport policemen were ordered relieved from their posts over an alleged extortion scheme that forces taxi drivers to overcharge their passengers, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Thursday. 

The policemen reportedly ran a 60/40 extortion scheme in which taxi drivers are forced to surrender a portion of their earnings. 

The drivers, in turn, overcharge passengers at the airport to make up for their loss, the DOTr said in a press statement. 

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon ordered the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) to investigate the modus operandi.

“The President has repeatedly said that we should not intimidate our people,” Secretary Dizon said. "We are suspending them. Then immediate proceedings for termination." 

A taxihub driver revealed the existence of the scheme, prompting autorities to launch the probe.

"According to Felix [Taxihub]'s story, the airport police started the racket here. They imposed the expensive rate and with the expensive rate they are getting 40-percent so that our passengers can be saved," Dizon said.

“If you don’t follow and you charge down and you don’t remit when they ask you, you’re either being taken away or you’re not being sent to the airport.” 

This would affect the country’s tourism, said Dizon.

Five airport policemen were ordered relieved from their posts over an alleged extortion scheme that forces taxi drivers to overcharge their passengers. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2072692/zamboanga-del-sur-information-officer-shot-dead

Zamboanga del Sur provincial information officer Jeesrel Himang was shot dead by his aide during a heated argument at a beach resort in Barangay Ambulon, Vincenzo Sagun town, late Thursday night.

Captain Brainhull Sakkam, chief of Vincenzo Sagun police, reported that before the incident, Himang—a resident of Barangay Kawit, Pagadian City—was drinking with his personal escort, Reymond Antifuelo Lopecillo, a resident of Barangay Bibilop, Midsalip town.

Lopecillo became intoxicated and later got into a heated argument with Himang.

Lopecillo then drew his .45 caliber pistol and shot Himang four times, hitting him in the nose, twice in the abdomen, and once in the right arm, police said.

Another victim, identified as Celgwen Mae Arellano, a resident of Tigbao town, was also hit twice on the upper part of her buttocks, with the bullets passing through to her hips, according to police.

Zamboanga del Sur provincial information officer Jeesrel Himang was shot dead by his aide during a heated argument at a beach resort.

https://mb.com.ph/2025/06/19/village-kagawad-shot-dead-in-cagayan

A barangay councilor was gunned down in Barangay Palca, Tuao, Cagayan on Thursday morning, June 19.

Police Capt. Sheila Joy Fronda, Cagayan police provincial office spokesperson, identified the victim as Rodrigo Dupitas, 58, kagawad of Barangay Angang, Tuao.

Initial investigation said that the victim and his wife were riding their modified tricycle on their way home from the market in Tuao when two men riding a motorcycle appeared and shot Dupitas in the head and neck.

He was declared dead in a hospital. The victim’s wife was unhurt.

The suspects fled and follow-up investigation and manhunt operations are ongoing.

Chairman Rogelio Villaga of Barangay Angang described the victim as a good and active public servant and has no enemies.

A barangay councilor was gunned down in Barangay Palca, Tuao, Cagayan.

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/643118/lapu-city-hall-employee-admits-fault-in-road-rage-incident

The 55-year-old employee of the Lapu-Lapu City Hall admitted that he was at fault and apologized to the motorist involved in a road rage incident on June 18, 2025, in Barangay Basak, Lapu-Lapu City.

The city hall employee, who requested anonymity, is assigned to the city’s Motorpool division.

(It was really my fault, that’s why I just want to apologize to him. Everything was my fault.)

However, he clarified that after he bumped the rear portion of the complainant’s motorcycle, he allegedly asked the motorist to settle the matter after he had dropped off his wife at work.

(I told him, ‘Boss, can we talk further ahead near Tamiya so I can drop off my wife? She might be late.)

He said the complainant might not have clearly heard what he said and may have thought he was trying to flee after speeding off on his motorcycle.

In the CCTV footage posted by the complainant, Edcel Jay Lumungsod, the latter was seen blocking the employee’s motorcycle near the Barangay Hall of Basak.

However, the city hall employee then became angry and allegedly struck Lumungsod with a steel pipe.

After their partners intervened to break them apart, the employee fled when a traffic enforcer approached the scene.

On Thursday, Lumungsod filed a formal complaint against the employee and reported the incident to the police.

According to City Administrator Atty. Danilos Almendras, the employee is expected to submit his reply to the complaint on Monday, June 23.

The 55-year-old employee of the Lapu-Lapu City Hall admitted that he was at fault and apologized to the motorist involved in a road rage incident on June 18, 2025, in Barangay Basak, Lapu-Lapu City.

https://mb.com.ph/2025/06/24/village-dad-wounded-in-zamboanga-city-shooting

A councilor of Barangay Calabasa here was shot and wounded by an unidentified gunman on Monday night, June 23.

Police identified the victim as Ramlie Ismula, 37.

Investigation said the victim heard a series of gunshots outside his home.

He fled to his outdoor kitchen but was followed by suspect who shot and wounded him.

The suspect fled and the victim was taken to a hospital.

Lawmen recovered five empty 5.56mm bullet shells in the crime scene.

Follow-up investigation is ongoing to determine the motive behind the attack and identify the suspect.

A councilor of Barangay Calabasa here was shot and wounded by an unidentified gunman on Monday night, June 23.

Coronavirus Lockdown: Major Learning Crisis, Nimbus Variant, and More!

More news about how the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines is being handled by the public and the government. 

 UNICEF has called out the Philippines for its education crisis. The strike lockdowns during the pandemic only served to exacerbate the problem.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/06/18/2451334/unicef-official-flags-philippines-major-learning-crisis

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) warned of a “real and widespread learning crisis” in the Philippines, as recent findings revealed that a vast majority of students are falling significantly behind in reading and mathematics.

Citing data from a 2019 study, UNICEF Education chief Akihiro Fushimi said that 90 percent of Filipino children in Grade 5 cannot read at their expected level, while 83 percent continue to struggle with basic mathematics.

“This is a real and widespread learning crisis,” Fushimi stressed during a press conference in Makati City.

He noted that learning gaps have widened further in areas such as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), where education outcomes are even lower.

The study’s findings predate the COVID-19 pandemic, which Fushimi said worsened the problem due to prolonged school closures and limited access to alternative learning, particularly among disadvantaged communities.

“With COVID-19, we know the Philippines has faced a two-year-long school closure. During this time, many children, particularly those in disadvantaged communities and families, could not access the alternate modes of learning,” Fushimi said.

UNICEF estimates show that by Grade 4, Filipino children typically demonstrate literacy and numeracy skills equivalent to only Grade 1 or 2, indicating a two-year learning delay. In BARMM, this gap is reportedly worse.

Aside from pandemic-related disruptions, Fushimi said recurring natural disasters, aggravated by climate change, have further derailed students’ learning progress.

“100 percent of schools in the country are at risk of being affected positively and negatively by the natural disasters, including hurricanes, floods, local eruptions, earthquakes and so on. And that also adds up to this learning poverty, learning crisis,” he noted.

To address the crisis, UNICEF is urging the government to invest in foundational learning, starting with early childhood education.

“From as early as three to four years old, before they enter kindergarten, we have to invest in their health, nutrition and education and learning, and so on, to smoothly function into private education and basic education,” said Fushimi.

With the threat of natural disasters and man-made government disasters no child is safe. 

Monkeypox continues to pose a threat. Agusan Sur has logged its first case.  

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1252428

The Provincial Health Office of Agusan del Sur (PHO-ADS) has reported the first confirmed case of mpox (formerly monkeypox) in the area.

In an advisory on Wednesday afternoon, the PHO-ADS said the patient had a travel history to Davao City and subsequently developed a pimple-like rash on his face, prompting a consultation with a physician.

The patient was isolated in a hospital while awaiting the results of a specimen sent to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine.

Following confirmation of the mpox infection, the patient's immediate close contacts were placed under quarantine and are being closely monitored.

“As of this advisory, the close contacts have not developed any signs and symptoms,” the PHO-ADS assured.

The case is also considered the first in the Caraga region, which was confirmed by the Department of Health regional office (DOH-13) on Wednesday.

“We are currently in close coordination with Agusan del Sur province on the matter,” the DOH-13 said in a text message to the media here on Wednesday afternoon.

DOH-13 reminded residents to remain vigilant by avoiding close contact with symptomatic individuals, following respiratory etiquette, washing hands frequently, and disinfecting commonly used surfaces to prevent transmission.

"Respiratory etiquette" and "washing hands frequently" does not prevent transmission. The DOH has already said as much. Why is the local DOH giving out bad advice which contradicts the national office?

Northern Mindanao has also recorded its first monkeypox case. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1252642

Health officials confirmed Northern Mindanao's first mpox (monkeypox) case Friday, involving an adult male patient from Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental.

In a health bulletin, the DOH-Region 10 Epidemiology Unit reported the patient is receiving care at Mayor Hilarion A. Ramiro Sr. Medical Center.

Tests at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine identified the infection as Clade II mpox - a less severe variant than the Clade Ib strain.

Ozamiz Mayor Henry Oaminal Jr. ordered immediate contact tracing and urged residents with symptoms to seek medical attention.

"Follow DOH protocols on hygiene and disinfection," he advised, emphasizing vigilance against transmission.

What DOH protocols on hygiene and disinfection? There are none! Monkeypox is contracted through close contact with the infected. 

A new COVID-19 variant is on the loose but has not yet been detected in the Philippines. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2072360/new-covid-19-nimbus-variant-not-yet-detected-in-ph-says-doh-chief

There is no reported case of the new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, or “Nimbus,” in the Philippines, according to Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa.

At a Palace briefing, Herbosa also said the Epidemiology Bureau is monitoring the COVID-19 cases, particularly on the onset of the rainy season, and whether the new variant is already present in the country.

He also said that those who already received their vaccination for COVID-19 are likely protected already from the “Nimbus” variant.

This new variant is known for causing painful or “razor blade throat” among its carriers, as reported by the Associated Press on June 19.

The rise in cases of the COVID-19 “Nimbus” variant was primarily in the eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and western Pacific regions, the report also said.

"Razor blade throat??" Sounds awful. Note that the DOH says those with the vaccine are "likely protected" from this variant. Don't vaccination was never a protection from COVID infection as many vaccinated did get sick. 

The tourism sector continues to bounce back with massive gains posted for 2024. 

https://www.philstar.com/business/2025/06/21/2452053/tourism-sector-generates-p235-trillion-philippine-2024

The economic value of the country’s tourism sector rose by 11 percent last year, supported by strong travel demand and the government’s promotion efforts.

The Tourism Satellite Account released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that the tourism sector’s direct gross value added (TDGVA) increased to P2.35 trillion in 2024 from P2.12 trillion in 2023.

In terms of the tourism sector’s contribution to the Philippine economy, PSA data showed that the sector’s share to gross domestic product also went up to 8.9 percent last year from the previous year’s 8.7 percent.

The PSA data is based on tourist expenditures in the country. These cover accommodation services; food and beverage services;  travel agencies and other reservation services; entertainment and recreation; shopping and miscellaneous services.

“The increase in TDGVA reflects the sector’s continued recovery and resilience post-pandemic. This growth was likely driven by stronger domestic travel demand, recovering international arrivals and sustained government investments in tourism infrastructure and marketing,” Philippine Institute for Development Studies senior research fellow John Paolo Rivera said in an email.

He said meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE), revenge travel behavior and the rollout of regional tourism circuits also contributed to higher tourism economic gains.

Of the different forms of tourism expenditures, PSA data showed that outbound tourism expenditure posted the highest growth of 37.5 percent to P345.68 billion in 2024 from P251.35 billion in 2023.

This was followed by domestic tourism expenditure, which grew by 16.4 percent to P3.16 trillion from P2.71 trillion.

Meanwhile, inbound tourism expenditure increased slightly to P699.98 billion from P697.49 billion.

Internal tourism expenditure, which covers inbound and domestic tourism expenditure, grew by 13.1 percent to P3.86 trillion from P3.41 trillion.

The country’s tourism sector employed 6.75 million last year, up by 6.1 percent from 6.37 million in 2023.

Rivera said the outlook for the tourism sector remains positive for this year, citing  aggressive promotional efforts and digital transformation initiatives.

“However, external risks such as geopolitical tensions and rising travel costs may temper growth, so sustaining momentum will require policy consistency and further improving ease of travel,” he said.

He also said infrastructure would be needed to allow the sector to expand capacity to welcome or accommodate more tourists.

And certain government officials are worried about travel warnings from the USA concerting crime keeping people from visiting. 

Fighting Dengue Filipino Style

Dengue is a real problem in the Philippines. It is a mosquito-borne disease that requires one to be bit in order to get sick. Obviously the best way to eradicate dengue is to reduce the mosquito population. That includes pouring out all standing water and keeping public areas clean. In the Philippines there is the "four o'clock habit" where, at 4 p.m. everyday, people stop what they are doing and clean up.

However there are also other methods to prevent the spread of dengue. One Barangay in Quezon City wants to use frogs to eat the mosquitoes. 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/2/17/qc-barangay-eyes-use-of-frogs-to-catch-and-swallow-dengue-carrying-mosquitoes

Officials of Barangay Matandang Balara, an exclusive and gated subdivision in Quezon City, plan to deploy again an army of frogs to catch and swallow dengue-carrying mosquitoes following a dengue outbreak declaration in the city.

Mayor Joy Belmonte declared a dengue outbreak on Saturday, Feb. 15.

“Because when we did that, we actually saw a decrease in dengue cases,” Barangay Chairman Allan Franza said in an interview.

“Although we still believe that the frogs can still help a lot, especially in vacant lots that the barangay cannot enter to clean," he added.

In 2018 and 2019, the barangay released frogs after recording two deaths and over 200 dengue cases.

However, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Health (DOH) frowned upon this method in reducing dengue cases citing the lack of study to prove that it is an effective solution.

Franza said they will continue to conduct clean-up drives and information dissemination.

“We will follow the 5S strategy of DOH),” he said.

“The release of frogs will be our last option if we cannot stop the spread of dengue,” he added.

Barangay Matandang Balara has recorded 45 dengue cases.

While there is no studies on whether the number of frogs results in a decrease in dengue cases they do have anecdotal evidence that it worked previously. They are also not giving up on conducting clean-up drives.

A village in Mandaluyong is offering bounties for each mosquito brought in dead or alive.  

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/624117/mandaluyong-village-battles-dengue-by-offering-bounties-for-mosquitos-dead-or-alive

A village in the densely populated Philippine capital region launched a battle against dengue Wednesday by offering a token bounty to residents for captured mosquitos — dead or alive.

Mandaluyong village battles dengue by offering bounties for mosquitos — dead or alive

The unusual strategy adopted by the Addition Hills village in Mandaluyong City reflects growing concern after the nearby city of Quezon declared an outbreak of the mosquito-borne illness over the weekend. Eight more areas reported an upsurge in cases of the potentially deadly viral infection.

At least 28,234 dengue cases have been recorded in the Philippines this year up to Feb. 1, a 40% increase compared to the same period last year, according to health department statistics. Quezon City declared a dengue outbreak Saturday after deaths this year reached 10 people, mostly children, out of 1,769 residents infected.

A urban village of more than 100,000 residents living in crowded neighborhoods and residential condominium towers, Addition Hills has done clean-ups, canal de-clogging and a hygiene campaign to combat dengue. But when cases spiked to 42 this year and two young students died, village leader Carlito Cernal decided to intensify the battle.

Residents will get a reward of one Philippines peso (just over 1 cent) for every five mosquitos or mosquito larva they turn in, Cernal said.

Critics warned the strategy could backfire if desperate people start breeding mosquitoes for the reward. Cernal said that was unlikely because the campaign would be terminated as soon as the uptick in cases eases.

As the campaign began, about a dozen mosquito hunters showed up at the village office. Miguel Labag, a 64-year-old scavenger, handed a jug with 45 dark mosquito larvas squirming in some water and received a reward of nine pesos (15 cents).

“This is a big help,” Labag said, smiling. “I can buy coffee.”

It's not clear how desperate people, or any people really besides scientists in a lab, would be able to breed mosquitoes. That's a lot of work for such a low reward. It's a very silly idea not unlike cities who offer rewards for rodents caught in markets. It's gross and belies a much larger problem. Rather than focus on invididual mosquitoes, breeding grounds must be destroyed. 

One doctor says to forget all that nonsense and clean up

https://mb.com.ph/2025/2/20/doctors-tell-lg-us

Rather than offering financial rewards for catching mosquitoes, local government units (LGUs) should focus on rigorous environmental cleanup efforts to combat dengue, the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) said on Thursday, Feb. 20.

PMA President Dr. Hector Santos Jr. warned that offering cash incentives for catching mosquitoes could lead to unintended consequences rather than effectively controlling the spread of the disease.

“Promote more cleaning the environment and removing or destroying breeding sites of mosquitos. We should focus more on cleaning the environment and removing or destroying mosquito breeding sites,” he told the Manila Bulletin.

His statement comes after a barangay in Mandaluyong City launched a “May Piso sa Mosquito” program, offering cash rewards to residents for every mosquito caught. 

While well-intentioned, Santos warned that such measures could lead to people breeding mosquitoes for profit instead of actually reducing their population—a phenomenon known as the “Cobra Effect.” 

The term “Cobra Effect” originates from a historical incident in British India, where authorities offered a bounty for every dead cobra to control their population.

But instead of solving the problem, enterprising individuals began breeding cobras for the reward, ultimately leading to an even larger cobra population when the program was scrapped. 

Santos cautioned that a similar unintended consequence could arise from mosquito-catching incentives. 

“People might turn this into a business, growing mosquitoes and their larvae just to sell them for profit,” he warned.

Also, the Department of Health (DOH) urged local governments to coordinate their anti-dengue programs with them to ensure that they are effective. 

The PMA president urged LGUs to strengthen community-wide cleaning efforts rather than focusing on short-term gimmicks that may not effectively curb the disease’s spread.

"In areas with a surge, people must be extra vigilant. Clean up and kill mosquitoes,” he stressed.

Instead of relying on monetized mosquito collection, he emphasized the importance of fogging operations, larvicide application, and strict monitoring of stagnant water sources, which have proven to be more effective in reducing mosquito populations.

Frogs, monetization, and cleaning-up are three of the ways the Philippines is fighting dengue. Cleaning up is certainly the most effective route. With all the rain it is imperative to make sure there is no standing water in which the mosquitoes can breed.

Insurgency: Reaping Gains

The AFP has released another update about how many NPA fighters have been neutralized since the beginning of the year. But why? The last update was only a few weeks ago. What has changed?

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1252299

A total of 871 New People's Army (NPA) insurgents and their supporters were "neutralized" by government troops from Jan. 1 to June 12, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said Tuesday.

Of this figure, 776 have surrendered, 44 were arrested and 51 killed in various military operations, AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said in a media briefing in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Neutralized in military parlance refers to the capture, elimination and surrender of enemy troops to government pressure. For the same period, a total of 490 firearms and 257 anti-personnel mines (APMs) were either seized or surrendered.

Padilla also said 80 NPA encampments were also captured by military forces in the same period.

"The numbers do not lie and neither does our resolve. With hundreds neutralized, and dozens of camps dismantled, the enemies' grip is loosening because our presence is tightening," she added.

For the same period, a total of 112 local terrorist group (LTG) members and supporters were neutralized, of which 103 surrendered, two were apprehended, and seven killed in military operations.

Meanwhile, a total of 123 LTG firearms and five APMs were either seized or captured along with five encampments at the same time.

While they do not break the numbers down and reveal how many actual NPA fighters have been neutralized or give a number on how many remain they do give one interesting number. 80 encampments have been destroyed since January, 2025. That would appear the NPA is still strong. How many encampments are left? It's a shame the AFP is not more transparent. 

The NTF-ELCAC says they are reaping big gains. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1252475

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on Wednesday said the national government’s peace and development efforts are now paying off with the completion of 5,455 barangay infrastructure projects and the reintegration of 1,690 former rebels into peaceful civilian life.

In a statement, the anti-insurgency body said these milestones are a "double victory" as previously underserved communities are finally receiving essential development, while former combatants are embracing a future free from armed violence.

The NTF-ELCAC added that these positive developments are clear proof that the government's whole-of-nation approach in combating insurgency is working.

As of June 13, a total of 5,455 out of 6,045 projects under the Barangay Development Program (BDP) for fiscal years 2021–2024 have been completed, reflecting a 90.2 percent completion rate.

These projects include farm-to-market roads, potable water systems, school buildings, health stations, and rural electrification—basic services that directly address the root causes of insurgency.

“This is not just about building infrastructure; this is about delivering justice,” NTF-ELCAC executive director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. said.

He added that every completed project is a promise fulfilled, which prevents Filipinos from turning to armed resistance.

Meanwhile, under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), 1,690 former rebels—comprising 1,037 ex-New People’s Army (NPA) members and 653 "Militia ng Bayan" members —have received government assistance as of April 30, 2025.

Support includes housing, livelihood training, firearms remuneration, and reintegration services tailored to each beneficiary’s needs.

“Reintegration is a cornerstone of sustainable peace. Through E-CLIP, we help our fellow Filipinos reclaim their dignity, reconnect with their communities, and reject the lies of violent extremism,” Torres emphasized.

The BDP, a flagship initiative of the NTF-ELCAC, provides funding support to each cleared barangay previously affected by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

Torres said these funds empower local governments to implement programs that directly uplift communities long neglected by conflict.

The NTF-ELCAC also assures the public that it remains fully committed to completing the remaining projects and ensuring that all qualified former rebels receive the necessary support.

“Peace is a shared responsibility. Every road paved, every school built, and every life restored brings us closer to our goal of a truly peaceful and developed Philippines,” Torres said.

This is actually a pathetic story. If only the government had been developing the nation since independence in 1946 then there would be no insurgency. As it is good governance has become a counter-insurgency program. Basic services, their words, should have always been provided to every community. Since they call building basic infrastructure "delivering justice," it's only proper to say the denial of those services for so many years was injustice.  

The AFP has been calling for the remaining NPA to surrender saying they do not want to kill them. Yet with the death of a top leader the AFP says justice has been delivered. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1252477

The death of a New People’s Army leader and two others tagged as suspects in the murder of civilians in Leyte have given justice to the victims, a Philippine Army official said Thursday.

Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, commander of the Philippine Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade, lauded the successful combat operation of the troops of the 93rd Infantry Battalion on June 18 that led to the death of Juanito Sellesa Jr., alias Tibor, an executive committee member of Island Committee Levox of the NPA Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee.

Also killed during the clashes between government troopers and the rebels in Cogon village, Carigara, Leyte on the same day were Eugene Paclita, alias Dimple, and Lito Laurente, alias Dodong, respectively the leader and member of Squad 2 of the NPA unit.

"The neutralization of these three, especially alias Tibor, served as justice for the family of Jesus Sarcilla, who was mercilessly killed as witnessed by the victim’s daughter. Although he briefly escaped the law and avoided facing justice that the family and children of his victim have been crying out for, our relentless operation led to his death,” Vestuir said.

Sellesa and his group have been tagged as suspects in the murder of Sarcilla on Dec. 7, 2021 in upland Binibihan village in Carigara, Leyte.

Sarcilla was killed in front of his daughter despite the goodwill extended by the victim to rebels by providing them with food and shelter, according to the military.

Apart from murder cases filed at the Regional Trial Court, Sellesa’s group is also facing charges of violating the International Humanitarian Law at Branch 48, Regional Prosecution Office of the Commission on Human Rights’ Eastern Visayas regional office.

After the clash, soldiers recovered from the rebel’s temporary hideout an M16 rifle with two long magazines, a .45 caliber pistol with two magazines, a hand grenade, personal belongings, and subversive documents.

“Our ultimatum for them to abandon the armed struggle is still in effect until the end of the month. That is why we are urging them to never miss this opportunity to be with their families and avail themselves of the programs of the government. But if they will continue to pursue the path of bloody revolution, then they should be prepared to suffer the same bloody end with their comrades in Carigara, Leyte,” Vestuir added.

He again urged the remnants of the NPA to heed the call of their former comrades, families, friends, relatives, and loved ones to abandon the armed struggle and grab the opportunity extended by the government.

How is this person's killing justice while so many NPA fighters who committed egregious crimes are allowed to apply for amnesty? Would that be injustice?

A female NPA medic has ben busted. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1252488

Members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested a female medical officer of the New People’s Army (NPA), who is facing a string of charges in the province of Surigao del Norte.

In a statement on Thursday, the CIDG said the suspect "Jane" was nabbed in an operation by its members in Barangay Bunyasan in Malimono town on June 16.

The suspect is wanted by Surigao City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branches 29 and 30 for two counts of attempted murder, violation of Republic Act (RA) 11479 (Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020) and RA 9851 (Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity), murder, and arson.

These charges are linked to ambushes and gun attacks against soldiers and civilians in several areas in Mindanao in 2022.

The CIDG said “Jane” was the platoon medic of Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabidad (SRC Northland) of the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA and is tagged as the No. 1 regional most wanted person in the Caraga region.

Among the attacks carried out by the group of “Jane,” according to CIDG, were the ambush on soldiers in Malimono, Surigao del Norte in 2022 and the burning of a dump truck and payloader after its owner allegedly refused to pay revolutionary tax.

Since she is wanted for serious crimes it is unlikely she will be eligible for amnesty or E-CLIP benefits. 

The same cannot be said for 4 NPA members who surrendered in Bicol. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1252396

Four members of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to authorities during operations in the provinces of Masbate, Camarines Sur, and Sorsogon on Tuesday.

In a statement Wednesday, the Police Regional Office (PRO) 5 (Bicol) said an alias "Jay-Jay," affiliated with Sub-Regional Committee 4 (SRC4) of the Bicol Regional Party Committee (BRPC) under the command of Dindo Monsanto, surrendered in Cataingan, Masbate.

He handed over a caliber .38 revolver with a defaced serial number and three live rounds.

Alias “Rob” surrendered in San Jacinto, Masbate. He is connected to the Milisyang Bayan, Milisyang Bayan, Larangan 4, Platoon 2, Komiteng Larangang Guerilla (KLG) North, SRC4, BRPC, under the command of Eliseo Cabarles, also known as "Ka Kiko.”

In Sipocot, Camarines Sur, a member identified as "Jane," who is part of Platoon 3, SRC5, BRPC, surrendered to 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company personnel. She turned over a caliber .45 STI pistol with one magazine and seven rounds of live ammunition.

Meanwhile, in Sorsogon, alias "Nilo," who is part of the Sandataang Yunit Propaganda (SYP) under Larangan Guerilla II, surrendered, turning over a caliber .38 revolver with a defaced serial number and a live round.

PRO-5 said all four former rebels are currently undergoing debriefing and profiling and would be enrolled in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

PRO-5 Director, Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon, urged remaining insurgents to abandon the armed struggle and return to the fold of the law.

“The doors of peace are always open. We urge those still engaged in armed conflict to follow the example of those who surrendered, choose life, choose peace, and return to your families. The government is ready to help," he said.

"This program of the government offers livelihood assistance, skills training, and psychosocial support to help former insurgents transition to a peaceful and productive civilian life."

"The doors of peace are always open" yet the killing of a top leader is justice. 

A top NPA leader was apprehended in Agusan Sur. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1252162

A top leader of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) was arrested by combined forces of the military and the police in the villages of Bunawan Brooke and San Teodoro in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur on Friday. 

In a statement on Saturday, the Army’s 10th Infantry Division (10ID) identified the arrested NPA leader as Charisse Bernadine Bañez, alias Nikki, the Secretary of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) of the NPA.

Also arrested were Ronnie Igloria, alias Gideon, a vice commanding officer; Louvaine Erika Espina, alias Pam, the unit’s medic; Sinag Lugsi, alias Jomilyn; Larry Montero, alias Laloy; Daryl Man-Inday, alias Tonton; Arjie Guino Dadizon, alias Ronron; and Grace Niknik Man-aning, alias Jelyn.

“This apprehension marks a decisive victory against the remaining elements of the SMRC,” 10ID commander Maj. Gen. Allan Hambala said. 

Hambala also recognized the swift coordination between the Army and the regional police resulting in the successful law enforcement operation.

“The arrests also reflected the unwavering dedication of our troops and our partners in the Philippine National Police to safeguard the peace we have established in our communities,” he said.

The result of the joint operation also delivered a significant blow to the SMRC, disrupting its capacity to carry out further threats within the division’s area of responsibility, which covers parts of the Davao and Caraga regions, he added.

The 10ID said two other SMRC leaders were neutralized by 10ID troops in the past two months. 

They were Elbert Echavez, alias Aldrin, the head of the Regional Sentro De Grabidad Jaguar of SMRC, who was killed in an encounter in Boston, Davao Oriental on April 27; and his vice team leader, Jeffry Casal, alias Lalai, who was killed in a skirmish in Lingig, Surigao del Sur on May 10.

It's another "decisive victory" in a long line of decisive victories. Meanwhile, the NPA plods along causing grief to so many. 

Another NPA leader was killed in Leyte during an encounter with the AFP.

https://mb.com.ph/2025/06/18/npa-leader-killed-in-leyte-clash

A New People’s Army leader and two others were killed in an encounter with soldiers in Barangay Cogon, Carigara, Leyte, on Wednesday, June 18. 

The casualties were identified as Juanito Sellesa Jr., alias Tibor, an executive member of the Island Committee (IC) Levox Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC); Eugene Paclita, leader of Squad 2, IC Levox, and Lito Delante, a member of Squad 2, IC Levox. 

Troops of the 93rd Infantry “Bantay Kapayapaan” Battalion recovered an M16 rifle with two long magazines, one caliber .45 pistol with two magazines, one hand grenade, personal belongings, and subversive documents in the encounter site. 

Sellesa and his group were wanted for the murder of civilian Jesus Sarcilla in Barangay Binibihan, Carigara, on Dec. 7, 2021. 

Sarcilla was killed in front of his daughter despite having offered food and shelter to the communist rebels. 

A case has been filed against Sellesa's group for violating International Humanitarian Law before the Commission on Human Rights-Region 8. 

Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, commander of the 802nd Infantry (Peerless) Brigade, lauded the successful operation that gave justice to the death of Sarcilla. 

Major Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, commander, 8th Infantry Division, condemned NPA atrocities and urged the people to remain firm in their support for the government.

Remember when the AFP said the NPA was leaderless? Yet leaders continue to fall. 

Arms caches continue to be discovered. One was found in South Cotabato. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1252260

Government forces discovered high-powered firearms buried by communist rebels in a shallow pit in Tboli, South Cotabato, on Sunday afternoon, a military official reported Monday.

Lt. Col. Christopherson Capuyan, commander of the Philippine Army’s 37th Infantry Battalion (37IB), said the firearms belonged to the communist New People’s Army (NPA) Regional Sentro de Grabidad-Far South Mindanao Region. Soldiers located the cache in Sitios Ellaw and Basag of Barangay Laconon.

The firearms, comprising three M16 rifles, were pinpointed by former NPA rebels who had earlier surrendered to the military.

"This discovery of an arms cache is proof of the dedication of our troops and the effectiveness of our intelligence operations," Capuyan said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Michael Santos, commander of the Army’s 603rd Infantry Brigade, said in a separate statement that every firearm taken out of the hands of communist rebels is a step closer to lasting peace and security for communities in the area.

He urged the people to continue supporting the government’s campaign against the NPA, who prefer to use violence rather than peacefully laying down their guns and rejoining the mainstream.

“Rest assured that your military will continue to perform its mandate of protecting the people and securing the communities,” he said.

Another was discovered in Capiz.

https://mb.com.ph/2025/06/18/army-recovers-npa-stash-in-capiz

The 12th Infantry Battalion, with the 62nd Special Action Company of the 6th Special Action Battalion (SAB), recently recovered a firearm and ammunition in an abandoned camp of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Sitio Naatip, Barangay Lahug, Tapaz town, Capiz province.

Troops also found flags of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), backpacks, hammock, medical paraphernalia, and personal items. 

The hierarchy of the 3rd Infantry Division thanked residents for reporting these items. 

“Relentless military operations and the vigilance of the Tapaznons have kept them (NPA) on the run, abandoning the war items they can no longer carry,” said Major Gen. Michael Samson, commander of the 3rd ID. 

“We remain fully committed to neutralizing the remaining NPAs and achieve their complete downfall – a crucial step toward lasting peace and progress in Tapaz and across Western Visayas,” added Samson in a statement on Wednesday, June 18.

Surely there are many more arms caches buried around the country.