Insurgency: Army Eyes Total Defeat of NPA

The contradictions continue with the AFP's claims about the number of NPA and NPA supporters neutralized between January 1st and August 8th. Last week the NTF-ELCAC claimed 1.9k had surrendered in the first half of the year. This week the number is much lower. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1972250/afp-1367-npa-rebels-supporters-neutralized-from-jan-aug-8

More than 1,300 New People’s Army rebels and their supporters have been “neutralized” since January this year, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said.

AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said 1,367 members of the NPA, which the military labels as a communist terrorist group (CTG), and their supporters were killed in separate operations and encounters nationwide from January 1 to August 8.

“There are a total of 1,367 CTG members and supporters that we neutralized, but it is important to note that we have many surrenderees. So 1,169 surrendered to authorities, 101 were apprehended, and 97 were killed,” Padilla said in an interview during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas on Tuesday.

Padilla also said that in the same period, 176 members of Daulah Islamiyah and Abu Sayaff Group were “neutralized.” The figure included 124 who surrendered, six who were arrested, and 46 who were killed, she noted.

The AFP previously reported that the number of guerrilla fronts nationwide decreased from 11 to seven since the start of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration.

Padilla explained that these units have been considered as weakened, which means that they can no longer implement programs like recruitment and generate resources to support their armed struggle.

According to the AFP in Bicol alone over 2 thousand NPA rebels and supporters have been neutralised in the past two years.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1231096

The Philippine Army's 9th Infantry Division (9ID) neutralized more than 2,100 members and supporters of communist terrorist groups (CTGs) across the Bicol Region for the past two years under the Marcos administration.

During Tuesday's Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas forum held at Camp Angeles Elias here, 9ID Commander Maj. Gen. Noe Alberto Peñafiel said from June 30, 2022, to Aug. 13 this year, they conducted 136 internal security operations in the six provinces of Bicol.

Peñafiel said out of the 2,174 neutralized, 60 were killed, 23 were captured during the encounters, 47 were arrested and 478 surrendered.

Meanwhile, 1,566 supporters of CTGs withdrew their support while 452 assorted firearms and 419 anti-personnel mines were also seized.

Peñafiel said they are focused on some areas in the provinces of Sorsogon, Camarines Sur (4th District), Albay (3rd District) and Masbate.

"That's where the movement is but they still have an area they're circling. That's where we're focusing on," he said.

These numbers do not add up. I have discussed that point many times and I will not be rehashing that here. Notice that the AFP once again affirms the NPA is so weak they cannot recruit. That is important because the AFP says the NPA is recruiting.  However, they are not recruiting in the Western Visayas.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1231077

The top official of the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) of the Philippine Army on Tuesday said no rebel recruitment activities have been monitored in schools and universities in Western Visayas.

During the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas, 3ID commander Maj. Gen. Marion Sison said their intelligence reports showed no new students are joining as armed fighters of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

“There is really that hardship on the part of the CPP-NPA-NDF on recruitment, especially of our students and youth. That is why they have no new cadres. As of now, we have not monitored any recruitment, which is why the NPA has no additional manpower,” Sison said.

For the past two years, he said the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF ELCAC) has been visiting schools and universities, prioritizing those “accordingly with recruitment.”

They visited mostly schools in Iloilo, including the West Visayas State University (WVSU), Aklan State University in Aklan, and other schools in Roxas City in Capiz.

Sison said there was no reported recruitment in the WVSU-Calinog Campus and the Puti-an National High School in Cuartero, Capiz, both mentioned by the Philippine National Police (PNP) as alleged recruitment grounds of the CPP-NPA.

“As far as the Philippine Army is concerned, we did not see any recruitment in the mentioned schools,” he said.

With the difficulty in their recruitment of students, the NPAs are also targeting the indigenous people’s community, he said.

However, Sison said it would also be hard for the rebel group since government troops are not leaving the mountains anytime soon.

“We co-locate with the enemy, but we will not co-exist. It is only the Philippine Army that will exist,” he said.

How is it that the AFP and PNP have differing intel on NPA recruitment activities? If the government is taking a whole-of-nation approach to defeat the NPA then data should be shared across all agencies including the AFP, PNP, NICA, and NTF-ELCAC.

There has been a lot of success this year in the fight against the NPA. The number of weakened guerilla fronts has been reduced to 5. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1231191

National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo Año said Wednesday the New People's Army's (NPA) force continues to dwindle, with its weakened guerilla fronts now down to five.

In a statement, Año said this is a further decline from the seven weakened guerrilla fronts earlier stated by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) in its first-semester report.

"We are confident that we will be able to finish the armed component. The AFP's target is to end them by December 2024. It's just August," the former AFP chief said when asked how confident the government is in attaining total victory against the communist insurgency.

All the fronts in North Mindanao have been dismantled. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1231089

The Philippine Army has declared the Northern Mindanao region free from communist guerilla fronts.

During the media briefing on Tuesday, Major General Jose Maria Cuerpo, commander of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID), said the Army unit's areas of responsibility (AOR) include Caraga Region and portions of Northern Mindanao or Region 10.

"We only had one weakened Guerilla Front 30 in Surigao area, but we are happy to say that this week, we had our presentation to the Unified Command to dismantle the weakened guerilla front," he said.

As of Tuesday, Cuerpo said the 4ID no longer has guerilla fronts within its AOR in Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions because all were dismantled.

Brigadier Gen. Michele Anayron, commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade in Bukidnon, said the NPA's strength in the province has been reduced by 72 percent since July 1, 2022.

Anayron said one of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s mandates is to integrate rebel surrenderers called "friends rescued" back to mainstream society.

Likewise, the NPA has been dismantled in Caraga. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1231106

The massive operations implemented by three Philippine Army infantry brigades have resulted in the dismantling of structures of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) and the weakening of its fighting capabilities in the Caraga region.

The 402nd Infantry Brigade (402Bde), the 401Bde, and the 901Bde reported this during Tuesday's Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas press forum in this city.

Brig. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of 402Bde, said his command confronted the NPA’s North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).

“The 402Bde has three battalions: the 23rd Infantry Battalion (IB), the 28IB, and the 58IB. We cover the areas of West Butuan City, four towns in Agusan del Norte all in the Caraga Region, and parts of Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, and Camiguin in Northern Mindanao region,” Orio said.

Starting in 2021, he said, the brigade confronted the forces of NCMRC and its operating formations, supported by 188 rebels and 249 firearms. Through focused military operations, the 402Bde was able to conduct 136 operations, which resulted in 71 encounters.

He added that as of the first quarter of this year, at least 36 NPA rebels were killed during the series of encounters, 128 had surrendered, including mass base supporters, 10 were captured, and 187 firearms were seized.

Meanwhile, the 401Bde said in the first quarter, Regional Sentro De Grabidad had 13 combatants and 13 firearms remaining; the Sub-Regional Committee Southland had 20 rebels and 44 firearms., and the Sub-Regional Sentro del Grabidad Southland had nine rebels and 12 firearms.

“The 401Bde is mandated to implement peace, law enforcement, and development support programs in its AORs (areas of responsibility) to destroy units of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) of the NPA,” said Brig. Gen. Francisco Lorenzo, commander of 401Bde.

On the other hand, the 901Bde said it managed to reduce the NEMRC's capabilities in its AORs, particularly in parts of Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Sur, and Dinagat Islands.

As of the second quarter of 2024, the 901Bde said it has significantly reduced NEMRC's combatants to 76 and its firearms capabilities to 33.

Likewise, the 901Bde dismantled the Guerrilla Front (FG) 16, GF-21, and GF-30 through a series of operations. Of the areas the brigade covers, the Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Norte are now declared insurgency-free.

In the Eastern Visayas 35 towns have achieved rebel-free status this year. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1231292

A total of 35 towns in Eastern Visayas have been declared free from threats of the New People’s Army (NPA) and have attained Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) status, the Philippine Army reported on Thursday.

The municipalities conferred the SIPS status from January to mid-August this year are Pagsanghan, Tarangnan, San Sebastian, Talalora, Sta. Margarita, Almagro, and Sto. Niño in Samar province; Allen, San Jose, Rosario, Capul, Biri, and San Vicente in Northern Samar; Bontoc and Macrohon in Southern Leyte; Palompon, Isabel, Matag-ob, Merida, Bato, and Hilongos in Leyte; and Giporlos, Mercedes, Maydolong, Llorente, Balangkayan, Guiuan, Lawaan, Sulat, San Policarpo, Hernani, San Julian, Taft, Salcedo, and Quinapondan in Eastern Samar.

In a press briefing, commander of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division, Maj. Gen. Camilo Ligayo, said these municipalities earned SIPS status due to the successful conduct of local peace engagement down to the community level and the effective multi-sectoral commitment to peace and security.

“We want all areas to attain to be declared as insurgent-free, but we have to be careful. We should follow parameters for a town or province to attain the SIPS status. We are confident that more areas will be declared soon since there are many good things happening in the region,” Ligayo said.

Brig. Gen. Efren Morados, commander of the Army’s 803rd Infantry Brigade, said they have been stepping up efforts to declare more areas peaceful and free from NPA threats.

“We have different security mechanisms in place to prevent NPA resurgence, but the most important is our advocacy on good governance. We don’t want NPA (rebels) to use corruption issues to persuade villagers to fight the government,” Morados said.

In Eastern Mindanao 9 areas have been declared insurgency-free.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1231069

The Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines announced Tuesday that six provinces, two municipalities, and one city in its area of responsibility (AOR) have been declared insurgency-free.

During the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas forum here, Eastmincom commander Lt. Gen. Luis Rex Bergante identified the six provinces as Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Davao del Sur, Davao de Oro, Davao Occidental, and Surigao del Norte.

Similarly, the municipalities Kadingilan and San Fernando in Bukidnon, and Davao City were also declared insurgency-free.

Bergante further said that the provinces of Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Norte would soon join the list.

“There are still parameters needed before (they) will be declared insurgency-free. There is a certain number of New People’s Army (NPA) and firearms (to be surrendered) before we (make the declaration),” he said.

Bergante noted that although the guerrilla fronts have a “breaking point,” they cannot predict as to when this would occur.

“We are not certain as to when. I don’t suggest timelines because it will just come,” he said.

It is interesting that Eastmincom commander Lt. Gen. Luis Rex Bergante does not want to set a timeline for when the remaining provinces will be rebel-free. Elsewhere the AFP has set deadlines for the deafeat of the NPA by the end of the year. 

First in Mindoro. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/8/14/army-eyes-total-defeat-of-npa-in-mindoro-this-year

The Armed Forces of the Philippines is working hard to finally dismantle the New People’s Army and eyeing the zero presence of communist rebels in the island of Mindoro by the end of this year.

Col. Eric D. Guevarra, deputy brigade commander of the 203rd Brigade based in Bansud, Oriental Mindoro, said they are focusing their forces in Mindoro after the provinces of Romblon and Marinduque were declared as insurgency-free and Palawan was proclaimed as an area with Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) when President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. visited the island on September 1, 2023.

Guevarra said that in the province of Oriental Mindoro, four municipalities, Puerto Galera, San Teodoro, Naujan, and Baco, had been declared insurgency-free, with Victoria the latest on August 14, 2024.

He said that they are monitoring three armed units of the Sub-Regional Military Area (SRMA) 4-D of the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee (STRPC) operating in Mindoro – ICM (Ignacio Claveria Mangadia), MAV (Mark Anthony Velasco), and Glen Marie Tamboong (GMT) Kilusang Larangang Gerilya (KLG).

The military engaged communist rebels in three encounters in the province from January to July this year, in the towns of Bulalacao and Mansalay. Eight NPA rebels were killed and six firearms were recovered.

Guevarra encouraged remaining members of the NPA in the province to surrender and avail of the opportunities being offered by the government through amnesty and the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration (E-CLIP) program.

The next area to be cleared by the end of the year is Panay.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1231047

The Visayas Command (Viscom) said on Tuesday that central Philippines has only one remaining guerilla front, which it vowed to dismantle before yearend.

Col. Joel Benedict Batara, Viscom Civil-Military Operations head, said that although the single guerilla front operating in Panay Island has already weakened, “we continue to exert and we are asserting that this remaining guerilla front should be dismantled this year.”

“As far as other regions are concerned, there are still remnants. We can’t say a zero score as there are still remnants who are still roaming around but they are in the inconsequential level,” Batara added during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas forum held at Degoma Hall of Camp Lapu-Lapu here.

Viscom public information officer, Lt. Col. Israel Galorio, said that from mid-2022 to Aug. 13, a total of 186 New People’s Army rebels have been neutralized.

He said 1,401 NPA members surrendered to authorities and 1,226 received financial assistance to support their livelihood through Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program grants.

The AFP does not have the best track record on meeting its goals of ending the insurgency. Perhaps it is better to follow the lead of Eastmincom commander Lt. Gen. Luis Rex Bergante and not set timelines.

The Most Decorated Philippine Olympian in History...So Far

Gymnast Carlos Yulo is THE Filipino of the moment. With two gold medals he is the most decorated Olympian athlete in the history of the Philippines. With that feat comes all the rewards of the good life. Rewards like free pizza and ice cream for life. 

https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/food-and-leisure/2024/08/09/2376643/carlos-yulo-get-free-pizza-ice-cream-life

Prizes continue to flow for gymnast Carlos Yulo after his historic double gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Carlos won gold medals in the Men's Artistic Gymnastics Floor and Vault events, making him the first male Filipino athlete to win an Olympic gold medal and the first to win multiple medals in the same Olympics.

His double victory comes just three years after Hidilyn Diaz took home the Philippines' first-ever Olympic gold medal.

A number of private companies have announced they would give Carlos rewards for his historic feat, some of them lasting a lifetime, including most recently by the Philippine chains of Pizza Hut and Dairy Queen.

The two food companies will be giving Carlos a lifetime of free pizza (by Pizza Hut) and ice cream (by Dairy Queen) as a reward.

"Carlos is a fearless individual... which is why we are celebrating his historic feat with a bold and flavorful gift — free pizza and ice cream for life!" said Philippine Pizza Inc. Chief Operating Officer Chacha Junio in a statement.

The latest reward is almost a sweetener for Carlos who received something similar from Vikings, a lifetime of free buffets at their restaurants.

Some of the few Carlos will get include a three-bedroom condominium, a house and lot in Batangas, a lifetime of free flights on Philippine Airlines, and a lifetime subscription to Vivamax.

Unlimited pizza and ice cream is the perfect diet for an Olympic champion. 

Yulo is also going to get two free houses.

https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/modern-living/2024/08/07/2376114/carlos-yulo-get-p6-million-house-lot-batangas

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo will be P5 million richer with a sports betting firm rewarding him for his feat. 

Arena Plus has been championing Carlos since the start of the Olympic games. As one of the sports betting company's official brand ambassadors, Carlos has had the company’s full support throughout the entirety of his Olympics campaign. 

In a pre-Olympics send off with representatives from the brand, Carlos even spoke on the value of his partnership with the company. 

“Maraming maraming salamat po na recognize niyo po ako at gusto niyo ko supportahan,” he said. 

“Ibubuhos ko lahat at tatapatan ko po yung mga suportahan at salamat sa suporta niyong lahat at ipagdasal natin ang mga kasaling atleta sa Olympics.”

Yulo’s hard work and dedication resulted in the historic win of two gold medals in men’s artistic gymnastics in the men’s floor and men’s vault exercises. The victory makes him only the second ever Filipino Olympic gold medalist, and the most awarded one in history. 

“Carlos Yulo truly embodies the ‘astig’ Pinoy spirit,” said Tanco. “We coudn’t be prouder of how he has represented both our country and DigiPlus. Our warmest congratulations to him,” said DigiPlus Chairman Eusebio Tanco.

Apart from the P5 million, Carlos will be receiving a house and lot package in PHirst Editions Batulao project in Nasugbu, Batangas from Century Properties Group (CPG) valued at P6 million.

"On behalf of PHirst and the entire Century Properties Group, we extend our sincerest gratitude and heartfelt congratulations to Carlos Yulo for his historic double gold in the Olympics, bringing pride to the Philippines," said Jose Antonio, executive chairman of CPG.

"We also extend our congratulations to Cynthia Carreon, President of the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines for the stewardship and guidance of Carlos Yulo all through the years," he added.

Prior to this, it has been reported that Carlos will also receive a three-bedroom property from the real-estate company Megaworld, P6 million from the House of Representatives, in addition to the P10 million prize allotted by law from the Philippine Sports Commission for an Olympic Gold Medal of Valor. Different brands also offered a lifetime supply of their products to Carlos. 

No doubt his family is very excited about moving soon. 

A full list of his prizes can be read here:

https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/2024/08/11/2377122/list-carlos-yulos-prizes-after-double-gold-wins-paris-olympics-2024

Some of these prizes are mandated by law. 

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/08/06/2375884/carlos-yulos-coach-get-p10-million-pagcor-yulo-gets-p20-million

Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation Chairperson Alejandro Tengco on Tuesday announced that gymnast Carlos Yulo will get P20 million for winning two gold medals in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

During the deliberations for PAGCOR's proposed 2025 budget at the House of Representatives, Tengco said that Yulo's trainer and coach will also receive P10 million in cash incentives for his two gold medal finishes in the men's vault exercise finals and the vault exercise finals. 

The release of cash incentives to athletes who win major international sports competitions is mandated by Republic Act 10699 or the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act, which provides a P10 million reward for gold medalists. 

The law requires the cash incentives to come from PAGCOR, chargeable against its National Sports Development Fund.

“As provided by law, for the gold medalists, PAGCOR is mandated to give an athlete who wins a gold P10 million. So since he has two golds, Mr. Yulo will get P20 million. I have not announced this in public, so this is the first time,” Tengco said.

But whatever you do don't talk about Carlos Yulo's past controversies or Senator Robinhood will be coming after you. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1230837

The Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media chaired by Senator Robinhood Padilla is now gathering articles, videos, and other social media contents that defames two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo.

Padilla, in a Facebook post on Friday, said the committee will take action if it finds abuse against Yulo.

"This is a warning. If you don't want to have a problem, I'm begging you my countrymen, mind your own families mind your own business," Padilla said.

He said Yulo, who is considered a hero for the country, should be respected and commended for the honor that he brought to the country.

"He gave us a very rare honor, yet he was greeted with intrigue and scandal. Instead of resting and having peace of mind, body and soul, he has to explain about his mother and girlfriend," Padilla said.

Yulo's remarkable achievements in 2024 Paris Olympics have recently sparked discussions in various media platforms about past controversies involving him, his family, and his former coach.

Padilla said these intrigues should be replaced by stories of how Yulo achieved his dreams, and took care for his family, that will inspire Filipinos.

Success inevitably brings out the skeletons hiding in the closet. Famous people are always under a microscope and controversy sells. It's what people remember.

Just like Robinhood Padilla will always be remembered for being a criminal despite receiving a pardon from President Duterte. 

Retards in the Government 378

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

 

 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1970811/court-finds-ex-pdea-agent-morales-guilty-of-perjury-4-month-jail-term-set

A Pampanga Court has found former Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) investigation agent Jonathan Morales guilty of perjury for lying under oath and giving false testimonies against two suspects linked to illegal drugs in 2011.

In an 11-page decision dated August 7, but made public on Thursday, the San Fernando, Pampanga Municipal Trial Court Branch 4 found Morales “guilty beyond reasonable doubt of the crime of perjury.”

Morales was a witness during the Senate investigation of the alleged leaked PDEA documents.

Morales has been sentenced to four months imprisonment and a fine of P1,000.

According to the decision, Morales “willfully and unlawfully gave false testimonies under oath” against the two suspects, Albert Co Chua and Aaron Tan.

It added that the former PDEA official told the court that the suspects “were liable for selling, delivering, transporting or distributing drugs, knowing fully well that the said testimony is false.”

However, Morales withdrew and retracted his affidavit against the two suspects after a few months, claiming that he was “under duress and only coerced by his superior” and that “his conscience could not take that someone innocent shall be punished for something they did not do.”

In response, the court said that “the element of duress should be based on real, imminent or reasonable fear for one’s life or limb and should not be speculative, fanciful or remote fear.”

In May this year, Morales linked President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and actress Maricel Soriano to illegal drugs.

During one of the Senate hearings on the leaked PDEA operational documents, Senator Jinggoy Estrada revealed that Morales also has an estafa case pending before the Metropolitan Trial Court (METC) in Pasig City and a slight physical injuries case pending before Pasig City METC Branch 72.

A former PDEA agent has been found guilty of perjury.

https://mb.com.ph/2024/8/10/bu-cor-jail-guard-arrested-during-drugs-buy-bust-operation-dismissed

A jail guard of the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City has been dismissed from the service after his arrest during an illegal drugs buy-bust operation conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Parañaque City.

Dismissed by Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. was Corrections Officer 1 Paul Patrick O. Toledo who was assigned at the NBP's maximum-security compound.

Toledo was arrested together with Reynold Teodoro, a security guard, and Romeo T. Guerrero, a truck driver, in Skate Park, Bulungan, Paranaaque City.

Confiscated from them were 10 kilos of suspected shabu with a street value of P68 million, a pistol with eight live ammunitions, identification cards, official receipts, two cellphones, two wallets, one piece genuine P1,000 bill on top of bundles of boodle money used in buy bust operation, and two vehicles.

Catapang said that the arrest of Toledo only made BuCor strengthen its resolve to flush out and unmask corrections officers involved in illegal activities.

"As I said before, we will not condone misfits in our agency as we intensify our efforts to cleanse the bureau of misguided personnel who refuse to heed our call for them to mend their ways and change for the better," he said. 

A BuCor employee has been busted for drugs. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1971564/trc-execs-again-convicted-of-graft-over-pork-barrel-case

The Sandiganbayan has found two former executives of the defunct Technology Resource Center (TRC) guilty of graft and malversation of public funds for the unlawful transfer of around P20 million worth of pork barrel to three nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in 2007.

Dennis Cunanan, who served as TRC deputy director general, was convicted on all four counts each of graft and malversation, while Maria Rosalinda Lacsamana, the agency’s program manager, was convicted on three counts each of graft and malversation.

Also convicted was Rolleo Ignacio, the executive director of Dr. Rodolfo A. Ignacio Sr. Foundation, Inc. (DRAISFI), one of the three NGOs tapped by TRC to carry out the proposed livelihood projects under the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of former Manila Rep. Joey Hizon.

Hizon supposedly endorsed DRAISFI and another NGO, Magpakailanman Foundation Inc. (KMFI), to receive P5 million as project implementers.

The other NGO, Kabalikat sa Kalusugan at Kaunlaran Foundation Inc. (KKKFI), received a much bigger funding at P10 million.

According to the Aug. 8 decision by the antigraft court’s Second Division, the three NGOs did not go through proper accreditation required under Commission on Audit rules and the three NGOs did not implement the projects although they received the funds.

The Sandiganbayan pointed to Cunanan as the facilitator of the illegal transfer of Hizon’s PDAF by signing the disbursement vouchers.

The Sandiganbayan has found two former executives of the defunct Technology Resource Center guilty of graft and malversation of public funds for the unlawful transfer of around P20 million worth of pork barrel to three nongovernmental organizations in 2007.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/08/07/2376023/ex-afp-comptroller-carlos-garcia-ordered-pay-p4078-million-fine

Retired military comptroller Carlos Garcia is now legally compelled to pay a total of P407.8 million in fines for his conviction in 2022 of direct bribery and facilitating money laundering in connection with his illegal amassing of wealth amounting to P303 million when he was in the military from 1993 to 2004.

In a 15-page resolution promulgated on July 30, the Second Division of the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan has granted the motion of the prosecution panel of the Office to the Ombudsman to issue writs of execution in order to compel Garcia to pay fines amounting to P406.3 million for his conviction of direct bribery under Article 210 of the Revised Penal Code and P1.5 million for his conviction of facilitating money laundering under Section 4 (b) of Republic Act 9160 or the Anti-Money Laundering Law.

The court said the issuance of writs of execution was in order “to satisfy the judgement rendered in these cases.”

The court gave no weight to Garcia’s argument that his previous payment of P135.433 million in connection with a plea bargain agreement (PBA) with the ombudsman should have been considered in the computation of the fine.

“As discussed above, the amount of P135,433,387.84 surrendered to the Republic in accordance with the PBA was given by way of restitution for criminal acts and constitutes an admission of civil liability arising from the commission of a crime. As accused pleaded guilty to the crime of direct bribery, the Court is duty-bound to render the requisite penalty as dictated by law,” the Second Division said.

The court also found no merit in Garcia’s claim of insolvency or inability to pay as the government supposedly already forfeited all his assets and properties.

On July 5, 2022, the Second Division convicted Garcia of direct bribery and facilitating money laundering, after he pleaded guilty to cases in accordance with his plea bargain deal with the ombudsman.

The cases stemmed from Garcia’s alleged receipt of kickbacks, commissions and “shopping money or gratitude money” in several government projects or transactions when he was the deputy chief of staff for comptrollership of the Armed Forces of the Philippines with the rank of major general.

An investigation by the Senate Blue Ribbon committee also revealed Garcia was allowed to pocket some P165 million in “pabaon” or send-off money before his retirement in 2004.

Retired military comptroller Carlos Garcia is now legally compelled to pay a total of P407.8 million in fines for his conviction in 2022 of direct bribery and facilitating money laundering in connection with his illegal amassing of wealth amounting to P303 million when he was in the military from 1993 to 2004.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1971847/village-chief-shot-dead-in-pampanga

The barangay captain of Laquios in Arayat town in this province was killed by a rifle-wielding man inside the village hall on Sunday night, Aug. 11.

A police report obtained by the Inquirer showed that Norberto Lumbang, widely known in Arayat as Mel Lumbang, 57, was inside the village hall around 8:30 p.m. when a man carrying a long firearm shot the village chief several times in different parts of his body.

Lumbang, who was planning to run for vice mayor next year, died on the spot.

The gunman was among the four men on board a black Toyota Innova bearing plate number NAU 2713 who stopped in front of the village hall.

Investigators said that three men alighted from the vehicle. One of them went inside the village hall and shot the victim.

The suspect fled on board the same vehicle.

Arayat police issued a flash alarm against the suspects more than 30 minutes after the crime but failed to locate and arrest them.

A source said the Police Regional Office 3 ordered an investigation into the killing of Lumbang and to identify and arrest the assailant and his cohorts.

In his Facebook post on Monday, Arayat Councilor Ronald Venasquez expressed his grief over Lumbang’s murder.

Venasquez and Lumbang were planning to run for mayor and vice mayor, respectively, as teammates in the 2025 local elections.

Lumbang’s family, relatives, and supporters are demanding justice for the slain village chief. 

Another barangay captain has been assassinated. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/8/12/criminal-admin-complaints-filed-vs-pasig-city-mayor-vico-sotto-2-other-city-officials

Criminal and administrative complaints have been filed against Pasig City Mayor Victor Ma. Regis "Vico" N. Sotto and two others before the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) for allegedly giving a 100 percent tax discount to Converge ICT Solutions, Inc.

Complainant Ethelmart Austria Cruz asked the OMB to charge Mayor Sotto, together with Business Permit and Licensing Department (BPLD) head Melanie B. De Mesa and City Administrator Jeronimo U. Manzanero with violations of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and Section 4 Paragraphs (a) and (b) of RA 6713, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Employees.

Cruz also asked the OMB to hold them liable for the administrative offenses of grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, and dishonesty.

The complaints stemmed from the reported misdeclaration of the internet and digital services provider Converge ICT Solutions, Inc. of its property and employees, since the firm declared in 2018 that its office space is only five square meters and that it had only four employees.

But the complaints stated that based on inspection reports of the BPLD dated July 18 and Sept. 19, 2022, it was learned that Converge had been misdeclaring the actual size of its office and the number of its employees. Converge actually has 1,901 employees and occupies four floors of office space with a total of 9,037.46 square meters, the complaints alleged.

The complaints claimed that BPLD then issued notices dated Aug. 18 and Sept. 8, 2022, and a Tax Order of Payment was issued on Oct. 18, 2022 requiring Converge to pay a total amount of P3,670,340.11 with a total surcharge of P447,106.77 and a total interest amount of P979,570.27 representing deficiencies in the payment of fees and licenses.

However, the complaints alleged that the Office of the Mayor sent a letter on Oct. 26, 2022 addressed to Solomon R. Joya, head of Work Premises and Fleet Management Group of Converge, granting the company 100 percent discount on the penalties. This letter essentially removed all the tax penalties due to the city government of Pasig, the complaints also claimed.

Cruz alleged that the circumstances surrounding the approval of the tax discount in favor of Converge constitutes unwarranted benefits, and Sotto and the other respondents were accused of patently showing preference to the company in the discharge of their duties.

Cruz added that Sotto's authority only extended to the grant of a deduction from Converge's amount of obligation, and he and the other respondents were only authorized to compromise 75 percent of a delinquent taxpayer's assessment based on Section 359 of Ordinance 51.

The complainant said the ordinance states that the city mayor or city treasurer or their duly authorized representative are authorized to enter into a Compromise Agreement with delinquent taxpayer provided at least 25 percent of the total delinquency including interest, surcharges, and penalties are to be paid on the date of the execution of the Compromise Agreement.

But in this case, Cruz alleged that Converge was granted 100 percent discount and, thus, Mayor Sotto and the other Cruz said that Sotto and the others' actions "should be seen for what it is, a blatant support to a private company's fraudulent acts against the local government."

"Clearly, respondent Mayor Sotto illegally went beyond his authority as he does not have the authority to grant a full waiver of penalties, but may only grant discounts on the surcharges and penalties," Cruz alleged.

"In fine, respondent Mayor Sotto, in connivance with the other respondents connived to reward an erring company - instead of being punished for its fraudulent acts, the respondents deemed it proper to grant additional benefits to Converge, in the process of defying logic, and violating the law which they themselves swore to uphold," she further alleged. 

Criminal and administrative complaints have been filed against Pasig City Mayor Victor Ma. Regis "Vico" N. Sotto and two others before the Office of the Ombudsman for allegedly giving a 100 percent tax discount to Converge ICT Solutions, Inc.

https://mb.com.ph/2024/8/12/drunk-man-shoots-home-of-batangas-municipal-councilor

The home of a municipal councilor of Lobo, Batangas in Barangay Malibayo, this city, was fired at by a drunken individual on Sunday night, August 11.

Police said Councilor Leslee Manalo Aguilar was inside his house with his family when the suspect, Joven, a resident of Barangay Malibayo, arrived.

Joven, armed with a long firearm, fired at the victim’s residence.

Aguilar approached the victim but he pointed the gun and threatened to kill his family.

The incident caused a commotion in the area, prompting the victim to flee.

Joven is now the subject of a police manhunt and faces appropriate charges.

A drunk man shot at the home of a city councilor. 

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2024/08/13/2377432/cop-faces-raps-fatal-friendly-fire

Charges have been filed against a policeman tagged in the accidental shooting of his fellow officers during a rescue operation for kidnap victims in Angeles, Pampanga, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said yesterday.

At a briefing at Camp Crame yesterday, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo confirmed the death was the result of “friendly fire.”

Investigation showed the fatal shot was fired during a clearing operation at the kidnappers’ hideout.

The policeman, a patrolman, was part of the team and mistakenly fired his weapon when he spotted a gun pointed in his direction.

“The bullet struck (Eden) Accad first, exited his body and hit (Nelson) Santiago in the chest, causing fatal injuries,” Fajardo said.

According to the autopsy report, Santiago died from a gunshot to the chest, which damaged his lungs and aorta.

The patrolman owned up to the shooting and surrendered his firearm. He is currently detained at the facility of the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group.

Although the shooting was accidental, Fajardo said the officer must still face the consequences of his actions.

PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil ordered a thorough review of the operation, including the equipment used and the lack of bulletproof vests for Santiago and Accad.

The PNP-Internal Affairs Service (IAS) conduct its own investigation of the incident.

Inspector General Brigido Dulay said the IAS initiated its own probe as it involves a fatality and an injury among the PNP ranks during a legitimate police operation.

A cop has been charged over the accidental killing of his colleague. 

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2024/08/12/2377378/pangasinan-town-mayor-slaps-provincial-videographer-during-tense-issuance-90-day-suspension

Urdaneta City, Pangasinan Mayor Julio Parayno III is in double trouble after he reportedly slapped a provincial government-paid videographer Monday morning when his 90-day preventive suspension was being served him at his office.

Pangasinan police said Parayno was apparently irked when videographer Jairus Bien Sibayan, 28, a staff of the Pangasinan Information and Media Relation Office, kept on documenting the exchange of arguments between him and lawyer Ronn Dale Beltran Castillo, 31, Executive Assistant of Pangasinan Gov. Ramon Guico III, who was serving the town mayor’s suspension order.

Not content with slapping Sibayan’s right face, Parayno reportedly captured Sibayan’s camera and took its SD card.

Policemen pacified the commotion, brought Sibayan for medical examination at the Urdaneta District Hospital and then to the Urdaneta City police statio, accompanied by lawyer Castillo for investigation procedures prior to filing of formal charges.

Dhobie de Guzman, a former television journalist, who now heads the Provincial Information and Media Relation Office of Pangasinan condemned the act of Parayno III, insisting his staff was only performing a task given him as a documentor.   

Efforts to reach out to Parayno for his comment has remained futile.

Parayno’s 90-day suspension came after the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) found him violating the Republic Act 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business law when he refused to issue a business permit to REVM Tiposu Poultry Farm Inc. in 2021.

The business entity’s representatives complained against Parayno and Urdaneta City’s Business Processing and Licensing Office head Ronaldo San Juan at the ARTA in 2021 questioning why the local government had refused their business license application despite complying with requirements.

The ARTA’s findings reached the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and on August 5 adopted the report of the Pangasinan SP Committee on Good Government endorsing Parayno’s suspension. 

Guico signed Parayno suspension order last August 8.

Urdaneta City, Pangasinan Mayor Julio Parayno III is in double trouble after he reportedly slapped a provincial government-paid videographer Monday morning when his 90-day preventive suspension was being served him at his office.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1231093

The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the dismissal from service of suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo for grave misconduct.

In an order dated Aug. 12, the Ombudsman also ordered the forfeiture of Guo’s retirement benefits and perpetually banned her from holding public office.

Guo’s involvement in operations of raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) in her area bared a “willful intent on her part to violate the law or disregard established rules,” the anti-graft office said.

“The series of acts are interconnected, leaving no other conclusion than that they were committed by Guo with ulterior motive or self-interest.”

Meanwhile, government lawyers said they may opt to pursue the quo warranto case they had already filed against Guo.

"The quo warranto petition will proceed for two reasons: Mayor Alice Guo may still appeal the OMB (Ombudsman) dismissal order. The quo warranto petition, if successful, will make Guo Hua Ping (a.k.a. Alice Guo) ineligible to run for any elective public position in the future," Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra said in a message to reporters.

Meanwhile, the Ombudsman also found 12 other Bamban officials guilty of conduct prejudicial to the best interest of service and were ordered suspended for three months.

They are Vice Mayor Leonardo Anunciacion, business permit and licensing officer Edwin Ocampo, Adenn Sigua, Johny Sales, Jayson Galang, Nikko Ballio, Ernesto Salting, Jose Salting Jr., Robin Mangiliman, Jose Aguilar, Mary Lacsamana and Rainier Rivera.

The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the dismissal from service of suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo for grave misconduct and 12 other officials have been found guilty of conduct prejudicial to the best interest of service and were ordered suspended for three months.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/08/14/2377825/bir-files-tax-evasion-raps-vs-alice-guo

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Wednesday filed tax evasion complaints against dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo and two other individuals allegedly linked to the Baofu Land Development Inc. 

The tax bureau's complaint stemmed from the dismissed mayor's transfer of her shares in Baofu, the property developer that owns the land where Hongsheng Gaming and Zun Yuan Technology Inc. are located, to Jack Uy, a co-accused in the case.

According to tax commissioner Romero Lumagui Jr., Guo did not file or pay the capital gains tax and documentary stamp tax worth P500,000 in connection to this transfer. 

“The tax is low because the value of the shares she claimed to have sold is small, amounting to only around P500,000.,” Lumagui said in Filipino, during an ambush interview with reporters. 

“It's in the law, that before you transfer shares and corporate books and report to the SEC, the taxes must first be paid,” he added.

This is the second case lodged against the embattled suspended mayor before the Department of Justice. Guo is also facing a non-bailable trafficking in persons complaint before the agency. 

Aside from Guo and Uy, Baofu corporate secretary Rachelle Carreon Is also included in the respondents. 

Guo, Uy and Carreon will be facing the following violations of the National Internal Revenue Code:

• Section 254 - Attempt to evade or defeat tax
• Section 255- Failure to file capital tax gains and documentary stamp tax

Dismissed Mayor Alice Guo has been charged with tax evasion. 

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/08/15/2378029/farmers-file-raps-vs-tariff-officials-over-eo-62

Farmers’ groups yesterday filed at the Office of the Ombudsman charges of grave misconduct and gross abuse of authority against officials of the Tariff Commission in connection with the issuance of Executive Order 62, which lowered tariff on imported rice and other agricultural commodities.

Among those charged before the anti-graft body were Tariff Commission Chair Marilou Mendoza and Commissioners Ernesto Albano and Marcosa Paderon.

In a 24-page complaint, petitioners Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura chair Rosendo So, Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) national manager Raul Montemayor, United Broiler Raisers Association president Elias Jose Inciong and Magsasaka party-list head Argel Joseph Cabatbat pushed for the dismissal of the three respondents from government service.

“The Tariff Commission committed grave misconduct and gross abuse of authority when it miserably failed to conduct consultations, hearings and investigation and proceeded to recommend the reduction of the rice tariff to 15 percent through Executive Order 62 which violates the limitations, conditions set forth in the flexible clause of Republic Act 10863 or Customs Modernization and Tariff Act,” the petition read.

President Marcos approved the comprehensive tariff program aimed at calibrating the current tariff rates of agricultural products until 2028, which includes tariff reduction of rice from 35 percent to 15 percent.

“Such news and statement from the National Economic and Development Authority Secretary (Arsenio) Balisacan shocked us as we were never informed, nor were we ever called for an investigation by the Tariff Commission about the reduction of the rice tariff,” the petitioners said.

The farmers’ groups added that EO 62 invoked the flexible clause of RA 10863 but it is the same law that was violated by the respondents when the executive order was hastily issued without due process.

Farmers’ groups yesterday filed at the Office of the Ombudsman charges of grave misconduct and gross abuse of authority against officials of the Tariff Commission in connection with the issuance of Executive Order 62, which lowered tariff on imported rice and other agricultural commodities.