The God Culture: The Musk of Los Lequios

If Timothy Jay Schwab who is The God Culture were an object he would be a grabber. That's one of those tools people use to pick up trash. It looks like this:

That is to say Tim is a reacher. He is reaching for every piece of insignificant garbage he can find and putting in his bag like it's a jewel while ignoring all the real treasure as if it was so much brass and pyrite. This time he has latched onto the travelogue of an Italian explorer named Giovanni Francesco Gemelli Careri who speaks of "the musk of Los Lequios." Tim actually has three quotes from this guy and what we are going to see is Tim immediately misinterprets the man. In fact none of these citations say what Tim claims they say.

🧩 The Three References to Los Lequios

1. Geographical Adjacency (Islands “one after the other”) 

“…there are the whiskers and small Island of the Babuyanes, up to the Hermosa Island and the Lequios…” 

Here, Lequios is placed directly beyond the Babuyanes, forming a chain that stops short of Formosa (Hermosa). No mention is made of Batanes or Taiwan, but their conspicuous absence only strengthens the case: if Ryukyu were meant, why not mention the massive island of Formosa that lies directly in the way? 

This version of Lequios lives in the immediate northern fringe of Luzon, not in Okinawa. 

https://thegodculturephilippines.com/the-musk-of-los-lequios---rethinking-geography-trade-and-aromatic-memory-in-early-modern-asia/ 

Gemilli says there are Islands which reach from Northern Luzon (that's the Babuyanes), to Formosa, and then up to the Lequios Islands. Tim, with his infinite wisdom and superior geographic knowledge says there is no mention of Taiwan! Does he not know that Formosa is Taiwan? Tim also writes, "Why not mention the massive island of Formosa that lies directly in the way?" Did Tim forget he himself interprets Hermosa as Formosa. It's right there in the text. It's not absent at all. Maybe this is a typo and he meant "why mention the massive island of Formosa?" Either way it's nonsensical. 

Tim also says the Lequios Islands form "a chain that stops short of Formosa." That is not what Gemelli writes. He says these small islands, the Babuyanes, reach up to Formosa and the Lequios Islands. He is lumping Formosa, TAIWAN, together with the Lequios Islands. Indeed, Taiwan was often referred to as Lequio Pequeño.

https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=nyp.33433000027304&seq=119&q1=lequios

BABUYANES, Gemelli acquaints us, are little low Philippine Islands, beyond Cape Boneador, oppofite to New Segovia, at 8 Leag. dift. fr. it, & ftretching out to the Island Formofa and Lequios. In the neareft, which is conquered, are abt. 500 Natives that pay Tribute. It produces Wax, Ebony, Botatas, [perhaps Potatoes] Cocoas, Plantans, and other Things, for the Maintenance of the Inhabitants, and of certain Creatures called in the Country Language Babuyes, whence the Name of Babuyanes was derived.

Even this guy, Andrew Brice, gets it. Of course, unlike Tim, he does not have an agenda. Brice even mentions "500 natives that pay tribute" which is a very important detail as shall be seen.

Let's take a look at the translation of this text. Here is Tim's translation: 

...From Luban forward, towards the Tramontana, there is no Island of Confidence: the Boxer's cape is just a little farther away, in front of the new Segovia, and eight leagues away, there are the whiskers and small Island of the Babuyanes, up to the Hermosa Island and the Lequios. In the first, which is closer and has been conquered, they will only pay tribute. It produces wax, ebony, sweet potatoes, palms, plantains, and other things, supported by the inhabitants and certain animals, called Babues, in the language of the country from which it came...

And here is Gemini's translation.

Beyond Luban, towards the North, no island of significance is seen: only after passing the Cape of the Boxer, opposite the new Segovia and eight leagues distant, extend the low and small Islands of the Babuyanes, up to the Island Hermosa and the Lequios. In the first one, which is the closest and conquered, there will be 500 tributaries. It produces wax, ebony, sweet potatoes, palms, plantains, and other things for the sustenance of the inhabitants and certain animals called Babuyes in the language of the country from which the name Babuyanes came.

There are a few significant differences which I have highlighted in bold. 

Here is the original text. 

The reason Tim's translation is different is because he did not use the original text. Instead he copy/pasted from the sidebar after doing a word search for Lequios. 

You can see in the original text "500" comes after "faranno." But in the sidebar "500" has become "soo." That is why Tim's translation omits "500." The rest of Tim's translation is also a bit sideways. Why would Gemelli describe islands as "whiskers?" He wouldn't. "Baffi" is Italian for whiskers or moustache. The text says "le baffe, e picciole Ifole de los Babuyanes." "Baffe" is really "basse" which means low. This text was published in 1700 when "s" was written as "f." That is called a "long s." Tim has overlooked that fact and as a result has rendered a mistranslation of the text. 

We are only one citation in and Tim has already gotten it all wrong. 

2. Definitive Cultural Geography: “Bordering the Babuyanes” 

“…the other [islands] by Silvestri, who border on los Lequios…” 

Here, Lequios is again presented as adjacent, not distant. The “Silvestri” (wild forest-dwelling peoples) are described as living in the northern Babuyan archipelago, placing Lequios just beyond that inhabited threshold — likely in the culturally distinct Batanes Islands. If Lequios border the Babuyan Islands, that ain't Ryukyu. Test it. 

This is a travelogue of the Philippines by observation from one who is not participating in propaganda specifically in which Lequios is in the Northern Philippines period. The specifics of this logical progression include: 

To the North of the Island of Manila (after mention of Isles in Visayas)   

The specific capes of North Luzon by name  

The distance from there to the Babuyan Isles with practically exact reference to this day  

A progression to the North to The Lequios as Batanes and then, South Taiwan  

Notice, Careri does not go to Ryukyu and this narrative cannot be massaged. The European, especially Jesuit, accounts that do so are not following the logical geography. This is what happens when a disassociated, educated gentleman simply reports what he observes proving contrary opinion propaganda, and nothing else. Also, by 1699, Japan, including Ryukyu was essentially a closed society that such a traveler would have difficulty entering.   

Translated Text from the Original Italian from p. 59: [Read the actual page]   

"...Of the other small islands, partly populated and partly uninhabited (but all known to the Indians, who go there to gather the fruit) it is not easy to make a detailed account: I will simply say in outline that opposite the island of Manila, on the northern side, between two capes, called Boxeador and Engaño (24 miles away) are the islands, called de los Babuyanes; the first is inhabited by Indians, tributary Christians; the other by Silvestri, who border on los Lequios; and the island of Formofa, on the western side. Before Paragua, opposite Manila, are three islands, called de los Calamianes; and then another eight or nine, all populated..." 

In his first mention, it is evident something is awry with later maps and Jesuit accounts. The initial findings of the Portuguese and Spanish hold as evidentiary fact from this lawyer's report in 1699.  

Keep in mind that Gemelli has already placed the Lequios Islands beyond Luzon near Formosa (TAIWAN). Tim says Gemelli did "not go to Ryukyu" because Japan was closed off by then. That is a non-sequitur. He is simply describing places. That does not mean he visited them. The place being described is the Babuaynes. Gemelli then mentions islands inhabited by Silvestri. Tim thinks that is Batanes. The Babuyan Islands are north of Luzon, followed by Batanes, and finally Formosa (TAIWAN.) To the east of Formosa lie the Lequios Islands which stretch out to Japan forming a northern border to Batanes and the Babuyan Islands. 

Tim claims Gemelli wrote:

the other by Silvestri, who border on los Lequios; and the island of Formofa, on the western side

But did he write that? No. Notice the semi-colon after Lequios. That is not in the text. 

So, where did Tim get the semi-colon? From the sidebar!

That semi-colon is a misrecognized punctuation mark due to OCR. In actuality it's just a comma. The correct translation of the full passage is as follows.

Of the other small islands, partly populated and partly uninhabited (but all known to the Indians, who go there to gather fruit), it's not easy to give a detailed account. I will simply say in outline that opposite the island of Manila, on the northern side, between two capes called Boxeador and Engaño (24 miles distant), are the islets named de los Babuyanes. The first is inhabited by tributary Christian Indians; the other by Silvestri, who border on los Lequios, and the island of Formosa, on the western side. Near Paragua, opposite Manila, are three islands called de los Calamianes; and then another eight or nine, all populated. Then, returning south, ninety miles distant from los Calamianes, opposite Caldera (point of Mindanao), are Taguima and Xolò, with other smaller ones around them.

That comma more directly links the Lequios and Formosa (TAIWAN) as bordering Batanes.  If the Lequios Islands were any part of the Philippines Gemelli would not differentiate them from the Babuyan Islands or the Batanes or Silvestri. 

Does Tim now think the Lequios Islands are either the Babuyan or Batanes islands? What happened to his whole bifurcated Luzon theory with House Lequios in the North and House Luçoes in the South? Gemelli does not support any theory Tim has about the Lequios Islands. 

3. Trade and Aroma: “The Musk of Los Lequios” 

“…the musk of Los Lequios…” 

In the context of global luxury goods (diamonds from Golconda, cinnamon from Ceylon, porcelain from China), this line stands out. True musk — supposedly a secretion from the Himalayan musk deer — was rare and did not originate in Batanes in that sense. So what could “musk” from “Los Lequios” possibly be? 

🌿 Enter Lagikuway: The "Father of Musk" 

The answer may lie in Batanes ethnobotany. The Ivatan people cultivate a plant known as Lagikuway (Lagikway, Both Tag.) , a musky aromatic crushed for ritual and medicinal use, and revered in Arabic as the “father of musk” or "source of musk" (Dr. Stuart). 

• Native to Batanes (Barakue: "my boy", could this be named for Abel literally from the Land of Creation?) 

• Strong, musky scent especially from the seeds 

• Used in spiritual and healing practices 

• Culturally and commercially significant 

• Though in trade, the Himalayan Musk became famous, the source of ancient musk appears to be this plant instead 

If Careri’s sources (likely drawing on Spanish-Dominican knowledge of Luzon and its northern peripheries) referred to this plant or its trade, then “the musk of Los Lequios” may not refer to a far-off deer secretion — but to a local botanical treasure, traded southward, and misidentified by European chroniclers unfamiliar with its source.

Also, let us remember in this era, Ryukyu was conquered and part of Japan. Not only was it not open to visitors, the listed trade from Japan is not that of Lequios, which is still separated in this mention clearly as the Philippines.

This section is all conjecture so it's not worth getting into great detail and attempting to discover what this "musk of Lequios" was. He even tosses in some nonsense linguistics attempting to connect this plant to Adam's son Abel. However, it is more than clear Tim gets it wrong. Here is his translation.

...OF THE GEMINI. 119 if we speak of Oriental countries, the diamonds of Golconda; the rubies, topazes, sapphires, and the precious cinnamon of Seilon; the pepper of Sammatra and Java; the cloves and nutmeg of the Moluccas; the pearls and carpets of Persia; the fine linen and cloths of Bengal; the camphor of Borneo; the Mengioy and ivory of Cambodia; the musk of Los Lequios; the linen, cloths, linens, and cotton blankets; the fine porcelain, and other rarities of China. When the trade with Japan flourished, two or three ships arrived every year; and they sold fine silver, amber, cloths of feta, chests, coffee, and tables of precious wood, beautifully varnished; in exchange for leather, wax, and fruit of the country....

"Of the Gemini?" What? Do you know what this means? It means Tim did a word search in this text for "Lequios" and instead of reading the whole context he copy/pasted what he saw in the sidebar into a translator and thought that's all there is to it. This is the same thing he did with the first and second citations. 

https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=ucm.5320208663&seq=131&q1=Lequios

But that's not all there is to it. This passage begins on the previous page and continues into the next. Here it is:

Regarding Manila, it was placed in such a location by the Author of Nature, in an equal space between the rich Kingdoms of the East and West, that it can be counted among the places of greatest traffic in the world. The Spanish, coming from the West, and the Portuguese, from the East, end their journey in the Moluccas Islands, which were under the jurisdiction of the Philippine Government. And because every middle usually partakes of the extremities, as that which connects them, the Philippines therefore gathers the best of both Indies.

One finds here the silver of Peru and New Spain; and speaking of the Eastern countries, the diamonds of Golconda; the rubies, topazes, sapphires, and precious cinnamon of Ceylon; the pepper of Sumatra and Java; the cloves and nutmeg of the Moluccas; the pearls and carpets of Persia; the fine linens and silk cloths of Bengal; the camphor of Borneo; the Mengioy and ivory of Cambodia; the musk of the Lequios; the silks, cloths, linens, and cotton blankets; the fine porcelain, and other rarities of China. When trade with Japan flourished, two or three vessels came from there every year, leaving finest silver, amber, silk cloths, chests, coffee, and tables of precious wood, excellently varnished, in exchange for leather, wax, and fruits of the country.

It can be seen how suitable Manila's location is for accumulating immense riches through merchandise, since a vessel that goes from there to Acapulco returns loaded with silver, earning up to four hundred percent. I, for my part, do not believe that there are more abundant Islands in the World. And indeed, where will one find mountains that sustain such a quantity of wild men with only the fruits and roots that trees and the land spontaneously yield? For they do nothing but hunt, and yet their number is ten times more than the subjects of the Spanish.

See the difference? In context this passage says Manila was a center of trade where many foreign riches were found. Among those foreign luxuries to be found in Manila was "the musk of the Lequios." That means whatever this musk was, it was not native to the Philippines. It is likely this musk was imported into the Lequios Islands for the express purpose of trading it with other nations. The Japanese were not entirely closed off as they did trade with the Dutch, the Chinese, and the Koreans. Ryukyu, while under Japanese dominion, was allowed to trade with the outside world as they also accepted Chinese claims of dominion. 

In the spring of 1609, the Ryukyu kingdom 琉球王国 was defeated by an invasion by the Satsuma domain of Japan, ruled by the Shimazu 島津 family. King Shō Nei 尚寧 and major Ryukyuan officials were marched off to Satsuma as prisoners of war. In response to the daimyo’s report on the invasion, the Tokugawa bakufu recognized Satsuma’s control over Ryukyu. The Tokugawa authorities, thus, brought Ryukyu, a kingdom that had maintained tributary relations with Ming China since the latter half of the fourteenth century, within the political orbit of Tokugawa Japan. From then until 1879, when the Meiji government abolished the kingdom and annexed Ryukyu into Japan as Okinawa Prefecture, the Ryukyu kingdom accepted both Chinese and Japanese claims of suzerainty.

In the fifteenth century, Ryukyu, acquiring a huge stock of Chinese commodities through the tribute trade, actively developed a state-run transit trade with the countries of East and Southeast Asia. Because the Ming interdiction of seafaring resulted in the general suppression of Chinese maritime trade, Ryukyu could sell Chinese products in short supply to East and Southeast Asia, while delivering products from these other countries to the Ming empire. The kingdom’s main trading port was Naha. Commercial ships from East and Southeast Asia visited the port, and some seafarers settled there 

Residents of Kumemura performed services such as interpretation, composing diplomatic documents in Chinese, building ships, and sailing, thus supporting Ryukyu’s diplomacy and trade not only with Ming China but also with Korea and other countries of Southeast Asia.

 The Tokugawa World, pgs. 420-422

As the Ryukyuans navigated the complexities of Chinese and Japanese rule, this trade which began in the 15th century did not cease.  Ryukyu was not completely closed off to the world. The Ming dynasty had suppressed Chinese maritime trade which facilitated Ryukyu's trade in Chinese goods to East and Southeast Asia. It is not unreasonable that this musk was exported from China to the Lequios Islands where it was either specially prepared or exported raw. Either way the last port of origin would have been the Lequios Islands which makes "the musk of the Lequios" an appropriate name. 

As for the article Tim links to about Lagikuway, it says the Japanese use that plant to make paper. 

In Japan, known as tororo aoi, the plant is used to make neri, a starchy substance used in making washi, a traditional Japanese paper.

https://www.stuartxchange.org/Lagikuway

The article says it is called tororo aoi in Japan. It's also called Ryukyu tororo aoi. 

 CRC World Dictionary of Medicinal and Poisonous Plants: Common Names, Scientific Names, Eponyms, Synonyms, and Etymology by Umberto Quattrocchi, pg. 3

While it may not be native to Japan or the Ryukyu Islands it has been grown there for centuries to make paper. 

Nowhere in the article Tim links is this plant said to be used for making musk. 

Etymology: The genus name Abelmoschus derives from Arabic, meaning 'father of musk' or 'source of musk' referring to the scented seeds. 

The seeds have a musky scent but the plant is used primarily for medicinal purposes. This plant is not the source of "the musk of los Lequios."

Elsewhere in this article Tim says:

We get it right in the end as true researchers go through such a process, sharing our work along the way, and I am proud of our team for stepping up with these blogs. It has been a learning experience I am proud to lead.

"We get it right in the end?" The God Culture made its official debut in 2017 and Tim still gets it wrong at every turn. Is Tim really proud to lead a bunch of bumbling stumblebums who do not even bother to read the context of a passage and then pass that off as research? He is not leading a team, he is the ringmaster of a circus. 

Tomé Pires, Duarte Barbosa, Documento 98, Fernando Pinto, and the many references in The Philippine Islands series all point to the Lequios Islands being in the north near Japan. Those are the jewels Tim is ignoring. It's not that Careri's book is garbage, it's that Tim is ignoring major primary sources for those that are obscure. There is no need to go sifting for obscure records that allegedly point to the Lequios Islands being in the Philippines. Not a single obscure record Tim has cited, be it the story of three shipwrecked Lequian Indians or the travelogue of Giovanni Francesco Gemelli Careri, prove the Lequios Islands are the Philippines. What new source will Tim next twist for his purpose? There is no "true research" going on here. All of Tim's "research" has been proven to be "a farrago of nonsense that is contravened by a multitude of eyewitness accounts, inconvenient facts, and simple common sense."

The only positive thing that can be said about this article is Tim has finally provided a link to his sources as well as providing screenshots. However, he still has the alleged and unverifiable quotes about the Jesuits altering maps posted in the article which have no page numbers, no links, and no screenshots. It's always one step forward and two steps back with Timothy Jay Schwab who is The God Culture. 

Retards in the Government 461

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

 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/03/12/village-councilor-gunned-down-in-abra

A barangay councilor was shot dead in Barangay Riang here on Wednesday morning, March 11.

Police Capt. June Saliw-an, chief of the Peñarrubia Municipal Police Station, identified the victim as Ryan M. Chavez, 42, a first-term councilor of Barangay Riang.

Investigation said the victim was jogging when a man driving a motorcycle arrived and shot him in the back.

The suspect fled and the victim was taken to a hospital where he was declared dead.

Police recovered four empty .45 caliber shells in the area.

Follow-up investigation and pursuit operation are ongoing.

A barnagay councilor has been assassinated.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2195664/govt-employee-busted-in-iloilo-drug-sting

An employee of the Oton, Iloilo local government, classified by authorities as a high-value individual in the illegal drug trade, was arrested on Friday after yielding an estimated P 2.17 million worth of suspected meth or “shabu” during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Buray.

Police identified the suspect only as alias “Scobe,” 46, who works for the Oton Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office.

Operatives from the Iloilo Police Provincial Office – Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, backed by the Oton Municipal Police Station and the Provincial Intelligence Unit, launched the operation at around 3:45 p.m. on Friday.

The arrest followed nearly two weeks of strict intelligence monitoring aided by tips from local residents.

During the operation, authorities confiscated seven sachets of suspected meth weighing some 320 grams. 

The seized narcotics have an estimated valir of P 2,176,000. Operatives also recovered the buy-bust money.

The suspect is currently under police custody and is slated to face formal drug-related complaints.

An LGU employee who is a high value target has been busted for drugs. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2196407/ex-cop-killed-in-manila-mayor-offers-cash-witness-protection-to-driver

A retired police officer was shot dead in Manila, prompting Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso on Monday to offer a P500,000 cash reward, not to informants, but to the driver of the motorcycle for him to surrender and stand witness against his companion – the gunman.

Identified as George Capistrano, the former officer, while on his way home Saturday night, was gunned down and robbed by two men aboard a motorcycle. Domagoso said this during his “Talk to the People” livestream on social media, noting that the retired cop was a “close friend.”

Domagoso addressed the driver of the motorcycle, “Ang inyong lingkod po ay nag-aalok ng P500,000 for you if you surrender.” (I am offering P500,000 for you if you surrender.)

(And if you surrender, we’re also offering you… entry into the Witness Protection Program for yourself and your family. We can help you avail this in exchange for the quick resolution of the crime that happened.)

The Manila mayor gave the gunman’s motorcycle driver only 48 hours to accept the offer.

Domagoso did not give further details as to the killing, and the Manila Police District (MPD) has yet to respond to the Inquirer’s request for comment.

However, Domagoso did claim the two men were connected to a criminal group whose modus operandi was to rob victims while riding in tandem aboard a motorcycle in various parts of Metro Manila.

Moreover, the Manila mayor assured the public that the police were now tracking down both suspects in ongoing follow-up operations.

“We will not stop. We will come after you. We will make sure, as I have promised and committed to the people of Manila, if you commit a crime in Manila, we will scour through the whole country to find you,” Domagoso pointed out, speaking mostly in Filipino.

A retired police office has been assassinated. 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/03/16/former-iloilo-mayor-arrested-for-fatal-hit-and-run

Former Mayor Salvador “Badong” Divinagracia Jr. of Calinog town in central Iloilo province was arrested for a fatal hit-and-run accident on Sunday evening, March 15.

The New Lucena Municipal Police Station (MPS) confirmed that Divinagracia is in custody after the death of 20-year-old Vhane Rodulf “Koy Koy” Idao.

Police Lt. Jhoney Laru-an, New Lucena MPS chief, said Divinagracia was driving his Ford Raptor pickup truck when he hit Idao on the highway in Barangay Pasil before 10 p.m.

Divinagracia panicked and fled. He was caught at the Ungka Flyover in Pavia town.

Idao allegedly died on the spot as his motorcycle was dragged by Divinagracia’s vehicle.

Laru-an said that Divinagracia will face charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide.

The Idao family is calling for justice. “His life and memory deserve truth and accountability,” said Rain Idao in a Facebook post on Monday, March 16.

Former Mayor Salvador “Badong” Divinagracia Jr. of Calinog town in central Iloilo province was arrested for a fatal hit-and-run accident.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2196573/barmm-councilor-survives-gun-attack-in-cotabato-town

A town councilor is now under medical treatment after he was shot by riding-in-tandem gunmen along the national highway in Barangay Poblacion 8, Midsayap, Cotabato at around noon on Sunday, according to a police official.

Captain Sammy Clarito, deputy chief of Midsayap police, identified the victim as Councilor Al-Hamidie Sampulna Mohamad, 42, of Olandang village in Nabalawag town of the Bangsamoro Special Geographic Area (SGA).

Mohamad is the town’s first-ranked councilor.

Clarito said Mohamad had just gotten out of the Toyota Fortuner (plate number NCY 3252) he was driving when the suspects, riding a Yamaha Sniper motorcycle, waylaid him and shot him, hitting both of his feet.

“He was about to buy something inside a motor parts trading shop when the gunmen attacked,” Clarito said.

Police recovered at the crime scene nine empty shells of an undetermined caliber and two deformed slugs believed to be from a .45-caliber pistol.

The Midsayap police is still conducting an investigation into the incident.

The victim said he has no known enemies and had not received any threats to his life.

A town councilor has survived an assassination attempt. 

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/980474/vice-mayor-arrested-over-shabu-in-camiguin-province-pdea/story/

An incumbent vice mayor was arrested in an anti-drug operation in Barangay North Poblacion, Guinsiliban, Camiguin on Tuesday, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said Wednesday.

In a statement, PDEA said authorities implemented a search warrant in Purok 3, Barangay North Poblacion that led to the arrest of the 66-year-old suspect identified as “Tata.”

Seized during the operation were five heat-sealed plastic sachets containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu worth around P102,000. 

Also recovered were a 9mm pistol with a magazine, 22 rounds of live ammunition, two mobile phones, and assorted drug paraphernalia, according to PDEA.

The suspect will face charges for possession of dangerous drugs and drug paraphernalia) under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

“PDEA assures the public that all individuals involved in illegal drug activities, regardless of position or status, will be held accountable under the law,” the agency said. 

“PDEA remains steadfast in its commitment to intensify nationwide anti-drug operations in pursuit of a safer, drug-free Philippines under the vision of Bagong Pilipinas,” it added.

An incumbent vice mayor was arrested in an anti-drug operation.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2197986/barmm-town-councilor-shot-dead-in-maguindanao-del-sur

A town councilor in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) was shot dead by two men who spoke with him before the attack in front of his home in Paglat, Maguindanao del Sur Wednesday morning.

Capt. Nelson Pedrico, Paglat police chief, identified the slain official as Samon Kitalok, a resident of Barangay Poblacion, Paglat, about 15 kilometers from here.

The initial police investigation report revealed that two men on a motorbike arrived at Kitalok’s house and had a brief conversation with him at around 6 p. m.

A few minutes later, one of the two men shot Kitalok at close range, killing him on the spot.

Police found six empty shells for an unidentified pistol.

Colonel Salman Sapal, Maguindanao del Sur police director, has ordered a manhunt against the suspects.

A town councilor in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao was shot dead by two men who spoke with him before the attack in front of his home.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/03/18/sandiganbayan-affirms-with-modification-graft-conviction-of-ex-pnp-officers

The Sandiganbayan has affirmed with modification the graft conviction of several former officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the irregular procurement of parts and repair services for V-150 light armored vehicles in 2007.

Former P/SSupt. Emmanuel D. Ojeda, P/SSupt. Reuel Leverne B. Labrado, P/Supt. Josefina B. Dumanew, P/CInsp. Analee R. Forro, SPO4 Victor M. Puddao, P/Supt. Henry Y. Duque, P/Supt. Warlito T. Tubon, non-uniformed personnel supply accountable officer Eulito T. Fuentes, and property inspector Alex R. Barrameda were found guilty of violations of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, in a decision dated Dec. 11, 2025.

They were sentenced to six to 10 years imprisonment with perpetual disqualification from holding public office for each graft conviction. They were also ordered to indemnify the PNP by way of civil indemnity the amounts of P29,997,000 and P53,900,000 with interest of six percent per annum.

They filed their motions for reconsideration.

In resolving the motions, the Sandiganbayan affirmed their imprisonment but deleted their civil liability.

In their motions, they alleged that the evidence against them is wanting and does not justify a finding of guilt. They also alleged that many of them lacked authority during the critical stages of procurement and disbursement, and they had no custody of the funds and no authority to approve payments.

In denying the motion, the court said: "It is worth noting that all motions filed by the accused merely rehashed the issues and arguments that have already been resolved and given due consideration by this Court. No new substantial matter is presented to justify a reversal of the assailed decision."

But the court said that those convicted should not be held civilly liable. It agreed to modify and do away with its earlier ruling insofar as the civil liabilities of Ojeda, Labrado, Tubon, Dumanew, Forro, Paddao, Fuentes, Duque, and Barrameda are concerned.

"A more circumspect re-evaluation of the records, however, reveals that the factual and legal bases for such civil liability are wanting," the court ruled.

It said that the private supplier, RJP, which was ultimately acquitted, received payments directly from the PNP. There was no evidence that established that the accused appropriated or pocketed any portion from the amounts paid to RJP, it also said.

The 37-page resolution dated March 16, 2026 was written by Chairperson Associate Justice Michael Frederick L. Musngi with the concurrence of Associate Justices Lorifel L. Pahimna and J. Ermin Ernest Louie R. Miguel of the court’s special fourth division. 

The Sandiganbayan has affirmed with modification the graft conviction of several former officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the irregular procurement of parts and repair services for V-150 light armored vehicles in 2007.

Coronavirus Lockdown: Germany House, Sunflowers, and More!

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

The house in which Jose Rizal finished his novel Noli Me Tangere has been siting idle since the pandemic.  Now a member of the House of Representatives has bought it. 

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/artandculture/980109/leviste-buys-germany-house-where-jose-rizal-completed-noli-me-tangere/story/

Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste has purchased the house in Wilhelmsfeld, Germany where national hero Jose Rizal completed his famed novel “Noli Me Tangere.” 

A post on his Facebook page said the lawmaker purchased the house to preserve the site. 

(The goal of buying and preserving this house is to maintain a historical site where the ideas that helped spark the Philippine Revolution and shape the Filipino nation were born.) 

According to the lawmaker’s office, Leviste's mother Senator Loren Legarda asked him to purchase the home, where Rizal lived while studying ophthalmology at the University of Heidelberg. The house had served as a home to pastors since 1886, but hasn’t been in use since the COVID-19 pandemic. 

(After the COVID-19 pandemic, the house was no longer being used, which is why it was brought to the attention of Cong. Leandro’s mother, Senator Loren Legarda. Because no one else was going to buy the house to preserve it, Sen. Loren suggested to Cong. Leandro that he buy it, at no cost to the government, and turn it into a museum open to all Filipinos and foreign visitors in Wilhelmsfeld to understand the life and works of Rizal.) 

Leviste held a signing ceremony last week, along with Dr. Franz Hack Ullmer, the great-grandson of Pastor Karl Ullmer, who was Rizal’s friend.

Also present at the signing were representatives of the Protestant church that owned the house; Dr. Tobias Dangel, the Mayor of Wilhelmsfeld; and Herbert Ehses, the Germany chapter commander of the Knights of Rizal.

(Dr. Ullmer also gave Cong. Leandro a table similar to the one Rizal used when writing Noli Me Tangere, along with other items from the Ullmer family’s Rizal collection.)

It will be interesting to have a museum about the Philippine Revolution thousands of miles away from the Philippines. 

In 2020 one farmer got the idea to open up his sunflower farm to tourists. The pandemic shut it down quick but now tourism is blossoming. 

https://pia.gov.ph/news/sunflowers-to-sustainable-tourism-shilan-blossoms-into-community-tourism-village/

Barangay Shilan in La Trinidad, Benguet is one of the emerging eco-tourism destinations in the region. It promotes experiential and community-based tourism – a tourism that is not only for sightseeing but empowering the community.

One of the attractions here is DarJane’s Sunflower Farm, which start was not easy and intended to be.

Farm owner Mario Mateo narrated that he planted more than 10,000 sunflowers in 1,500 square-meter lot but did not bloom in time for Valentine’s Day in 2020. Thinking of how to cope up with their expenses in growing the flowers, they came up with an idea to open the farm to visitors for sunflower viewing.

Visitors flocked to the place providing employment for some of the residents. It also opened an opportunity for farmers and small business owners to sell their products to the visitors.

Unfortunately, lockdown was implemented in mid-March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the slack of activities, Mateo devoted his time improving the farm.

After the pandemic, DarJane’s Sunflower Farm reopened but not many people went to the area.

Tourism boom with government assistance

With the help of various government agencies, hope begun to bloom again on the farm, which is just 12 kilometers away from Baguio City.

Mateo and his daughter attended various trainings by the Department of Trade and Industry, which inspired them to develop their unique products- sunflower cake and sunflower butter. They also introduced sun coffee or coffee infused with sunflower that is really perfect for the cool climate of Benguet.

Through a loan from the Small Business Corporation, an attached agency of the DTI, Mateo plans to enhance the experiences on their farm. This includes the establishment of an infinity pool and a glass walk.

“We are grateful to the DTI for their great help in promotions and daytoy seminars, assistance with the assistance, free stickers, packaging and endorsements from the SB Corps,” said Mateo.

The DTI continues to provide assistance to small business owners who need support. The agency has established Negosyo Centers where micro, small, and medium enterprises can access assistance and guidance.

“Number 1 biggest banner we have is the Negosyo Center wherein they conduct series of trainings. If there is a need in the community, they can provide a Negosyo center,” said Sara Ubfan of DTI Baguio-Benguet.

DarJane’s Farm has also partnered with the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority, and expected to start accepting students taking courses in organic agriculture, production programming, and barista this March or April.

Community tourism village

After joining a tour organized by the Department of Tourism (DOT), Mateo envisioned a broader dream, one that extended beyond his own farm but for the entire community. Inspired by his experience, he conceptualized the Shilan Community Tourism Village, a tourism for the community.

“There are natural sites here, they can be retouched and connected and transformed. We have done it.”

Before the establishment of the tourism village, there were consultations made and the Shilan Tour Guides Association was organized.

Aside from DarJanes, village is also home to Garden nen Ines and Martin’s Hobbit House, two waterfalls and a historic cave that played a role during World War II, and other attractions. Various community products such as coffee and flowers, arts and crafts are also showcased and promoted here.

Every visitor brings economic opportunities for the community. Aside from the community members who serve as tour guides, it also helps in generating income for those who serve as garage attendants as well as in selling various community products. The tourism village currently has more than 200 beneficiaries.

With the cooperation and unity of the community, the Shilan Community Tourism Village won second place in the DOT’s Search for Best Tourism Village in 2024.

It also received the Tourism Village Builders Award from the Benguet provincial government. The cash prize was poured into the further development of the tourism village.

“We are grateful because they noticed that Shilan is another tourist destination. That’s why we can show you that Shilan is one of the best places to visit.”

Tourism for the community

DOT-Cordillera Regional Director Jovita Ganongan said that the search for the best tourism village is part of their recovery plans after the pandemic. She said it is to strengthen tourism villages, especially in the Cordillera.

“It’s really more of organizing tourism villages to organize and to develop their tourism, a tourism that is sustainable, responsible, participatory, and resilient,” Ganongan said.

Mateo and the community proved that with genuine concern, initiative, and strong support from the government, hope and growth in life can flourish, especially in communities that are united.

Like a sunflower facing the sun to grow and bloom, success is achieved when challenges are faced together for a brighter tomorrow.

With help from the government he not only grew his farm as a tourist spot but also the whole community. That is quite a pandemic recovery story. 

Unemployment numbers are looking like 2022 again. 

https://business.inquirer.net/579180/unemployment-rate-jumps-to-pandemic-era-high-of-5-8

Philippine unemployment soared to a pandemic-era high of 5.8 percent in January, with 2.96 million Filipinos out of work. The number went up from 2.26 million in December, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Friday.

The joblessness rate also rose from the 4.4 percent recorded in December, marking the highest level since June 2022 when it stood at 6.03 percent.

This came as the labor force participation rate slipped to 62.3 percent, equivalent to 50.89 million Filipinos. This was 64.4 percent or 51.69 million in December.

Measures of job quality also deteriorated. About 6.35 million employed Filipinos said they were seeking additional work or longer hours to boost their income. This was a sharp increase from 3.93 million in December.

This pushed the underemployment rate to 13.2 percent from 8 percent.

Meanwhile, the employment rate fell to 94.2 percent, equivalent to 47.94 million Filipinos with jobs. This came from 95.6 percent or 49.43 million in December.

Of course it has nothing to do with a virus but of course history does rhyme even if it doesn't repeat. 

Delta airlines shut down shop during the pandemic and is now eyeing a comeback.

https://insiderph.com/delta-eyes-manila-comeback-after-pandemic-exit-as-competition-heats-up-on-us-routes

Delta said it intends to launch daily nonstop Los Angeles–Manila flights by summer 2027 using Airbus A350-900 aircraft.

Before suspending its Philippine service in 2021 during the pandemic, Delta served Manila via Tokyo or Seoul. 

The plan surfaced in a filing with the US Department of Transportation tied to taipan Lucio Tan's Philippine Airlines’ application to launch Manila–Chicago service. It was earlier reported by the Manila Bulletin newspaper. 

Delta’s planned return would add to growing competition on US–Manila routes, where United Airlines already operates multiple nonstop services linking the Philippine capital with key US gateways.

For Philippine Airlines, which has long dominated the Manila–US corridor among Philippine carriers, the potential entry of another US airline could intensify competition for passengers traveling between the two countries.

The US–Philippines market is one of the largest long-haul travel corridors for the country, supported by a large Filipino diaspora in North America as well as strong tourism and business travel demand.

Delta said it does not oppose PAL’s Chicago route request in principle but urged regulators to defer action on the application until US carriers are assured of commercially viable airport access in Manila.

The airline argued that US carriers continue to face constraints securing slots, gates, and related airport infrastructure at Manila, which are necessary to launch and sustain nonstop services.

At the same time, Philippine carriers have expanded their presence in the US market through new routes and increased frequencies, including the launch of Manila–Seattle nonstop service.

Delta emphasized it is not seeking to block PAL’s Chicago route, but is asking regulators to delay approval until the Philippine government provides assurances that US airlines will have access to the slots and infrastructure needed to operate Manila flights on commercially viable terms.

The matter was disclosed in a document where Delta said the proposed Manila-Chicago route by PAL should be delayed until the Philippine government can assure access to American air carriers who provide non-stop service. 

DSWD Debacles Highlight Inefficiency and Incompetence

The Department of Social Welfare Development, DSWD is hopelessly inefficient and incompetent. At least that is the implied message of a viral video showing an old man riding down a mountain in a carabao-drawn sledge to receive financial assistance.  

https://mb.com.ph/2026/03/11/carabao-drawn-sledge-transports-bedridden-father-to-payout-center-to-receive-assistance

A bedridden father transported on a “patuki,” a carabao-drawn sledge, to a payout center in Dibibi, Cabarroguis, Quirino to receive his financial assistance has gone viral on social media.

The man was carried from his home in a mountainous area to enable him to personally claim his government aid recently.

A viral post by his son, Roldan Elacio Pelerio, said it appears that the agency distributing the assistance had no plan to conduct a door-to-door payout, even though his father was unable to walk.

Pelerio said the trip took nearly an hour, depending on the pace of the carabao (water buffalo) that transported his father.

He said that he recorded the video showing their situation and posted it online to draw attention to their case.

Pelerio’s father was able to receive financial assistance. 

According to this article the old man's son says they took an hour trip down the mountain because the DSWD "had no plan to conduct a door-to-door payout." He also says his father was able to receive the assistance. However, it seems some crucial details have been left out. 

Apparently officials at the DSWD saw this viral Facebook post in real time and immediately set out to intercept them.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/03/14/dswd-delivers-social-pension-to-bedridden-senior-in-remote-quirino-village-after-viral-video

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) delivered social pension assistance directly to a bedridden senior citizen in a remote mountain village in Quirino Province after a viral video showed him being transported down a rugged path on a carabao-drawn cart to claim his aid.

DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao on Saturday, March 14 said the agency immediately coordinated with its Field Office II and the local government of Cabarroguis, Quirino after learning about the situation of the elderly beneficiary, identified as Lolo Jaime.

“The DSWD and the local government immediately took action when we learned about the situation. It is important to ensure that our senior citizens are safe and no longer have to undergo dangerous travel just to receive government assistance,” Dumlao said in Filipino.

The agency clarified that assistance under the Social Pension Program for Indigent Senior Citizens is delivered door-to-door in remote communities to prevent elderly beneficiaries, especially those who are bedridden, from traveling long and difficult distances just to receive their aid.

“The goal of our door-to-door delivery of social pension is to ensure that our beneficiaries no longer need to go down the mountain or travel far. We want them to feel that even if they are in remote areas, the government is still there to deliver services,” Dumlao said.

According to DSWD Field Office II Regional Director Lucia Alan, the agency verified the case after seeing the online post about the elderly man, who lives in Barangay Dibibi, a remote mountainous community in Cabarroguis.

Reaching the barangay requires an estimated two-and-a-half-hour hike from the town center.

When authorities learned that the family had already started bringing Lolo Jaime down the mountain to collect his pension, personnel from the DSWD and the Cabarroguis local government unit rushed to meet them along the road.

The senior citizen received P3,000 in social pension, equivalent to P1,000 per month for the first quarter of the year. 

DSWD also extended P5,000 worth of food assistance and informed the family about medical assistance they may access through the Social Welfare and Development office.

Local health workers conducted an initial check-up and provided maintenance medicines and vitamins.

Lolo Jaime was also referred to the Department of Health’s Purok Kalusugan program under the Doctors to the Barrios initiative to address his medical needs.

To help improve his mobility, the case was endorsed to the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office for the provision of a wheelchair, which is ready for pickup by the barangay captain.

Barangay health workers and nutrition scholars have also placed Lolo Jaime under regular health monitoring to ensure continuous support.

According to the DSWD the trip takes two hours going up the mountain and they "clarified that assistance under the Social Pension Program for Indigent Senior Citizens is delivered door-to-door in remote communities." Why then was the family under the impression that the DSWD was not going door-to-door? Perhaps there was some miscommunication between the DSWD and this family. Or perhaps it was a stunt to raise money and garner sympathy? People do that all the time online.

The DSWD claims this old man will now receive a free wheelchair to improve accesibilty and he will be monitored for future needs. 

To improve his mobility and daily care, Lolo Jaime’s case was referred to the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office for the provision of a wheelchair, which is now ready for pickup by the village captain.

Meanwhile, barangay health workers and barangay nutrition scholars assured the family that Lolo Jaime has been included in their regular health monitoring list to ensure continuous follow-up and support.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/127105

Hopefully Lolo Jaime get's the care he needs.

His case is not the only debacle from the DSWD this week. A mother of four waiting in line for her ayuda collapsed and died. 

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/705347/mother-of-4-dies-after-collapsing-in-dswd-line-in-mandaue

A 31-year-old mother of four died after collapsing while waiting for validation for financial aid intended for victims of Typhoon Tino in Mandaue City on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

Mary Christ Cuizon, a resident of Barangay Paknaan, had gone to the gymnasium in Barangay Opao, where authorities were conducting validation for beneficiaries of the P5,000 cash assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Cuizon, who was listed among typhoon victims from several barangays, reportedly collapsed while waiting for her turn in line.

Father seeks answers for daughter’s death

Her father, Jennifer Cuizon, citing witness accounts and videos previously posted on social media that have since been deleted, said it took around 30 minutes before his daughter was assisted and brought to Mandaue City Hospital.

He said Mary Christ was the only member of their family included on the list of beneficiaries, which prompted her to personally process the aid.

According to him, beneficiaries had already been scheduled to receive the assistance on March 23, but were still required to undergo revalidation. Families with partially damaged houses are set to receive P5,000, while those whose homes were totally damaged are eligible for P10,000.

The financial aid is intended for residents affected by Typhoon Tino, which hit parts of Cebu on November 4, 2025.

The father also shared that Mary Christ had given birth six months ago and had not yet fully recovered, though she told the family she was feeling well before leaving home.

Mary Christ left behind four children, the oldest 10 years old and the youngest only six months old.

Thought to have ‘epilepsy’

Another painful part for the father was learning what happened to his daughter. Some people allegedly said that his daughter had only epilepsy, which may be why she was not immediately helped.

It was said that she was only given assistance when the skin and fingernails had already turned purple. Meanwhile, the doctor who attended to the daughter was reportedly told why she was not given oxygen immediately when help was finally provided.

The family is now asking the city government and barangay officials to review the CCTV footage from the venue to determine whether there was negligence in responding to the incident.

“Dili gyud lalim [mawad-an og anak]. Nangayawat intawn sa ayuda. Kinsa man gani nag-ingun nga personnel nga gipatol na, kung gipatol man gani nganong walay first aid? Unsa man na nga klase nga naa tay BDRRM, rescuer sa duol. Mao na hangyo ko ni Cong, Mayor, Kap, nga kinsa ng personnel nga nagpabaya sa ako anak,” said Cuizon.

He also clarified that his daughter does not have epilepsy, saying their family does not have such a condition, but noted that she had recently gone through postpartum recovery.

Statement from DSWD Mandaue

When CDN Digital visited the wake at the chapel in Zone Talong, personnel from the DSWD and the City Social Welfare and Services Office were present but declined to give a statement.

They said, however, that their office would provide separate burial assistance to the family.

Mandaue City Administrator Atty. Gonzalo Malig-on Jr. said he has requested an incident report and will provide updates once full details become available.

There is a lot of things wrong with this story the worst being the fact that Mary did not receive IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION but was left to rot for 30 minutes! That is inexcusable. Did no one else in line notify officials? Did no officials see what happened? 

Why is the government only now giving out assistance for a typhoon which happened five months ago? Was there no one who could accompany her? No other family members or friends? Was there no process by which she could send a proxy or have a DSWD official come to her?

The fact is the DSWD is supposed to serve the poorest and sickest Filipinos who need aid to get by. One would think not only would they accommodate these people and GO TO THEM but they would make that clear. At least make it clearer than they have. Mary is not the first beneficiary to die while waiting for a pay out. If the DSWD doesn't get their act together she won't be the last.