The God Culture: What is Grace?

Timothy Jay Schwab who is The God Culture continues his Foundations series by defining grace. In his previous definitions of covenant, holiness, repentance, and the gospel Tim has tied all of them not to the work of Jesus Christ on the cross but to keeping the Torah. It should be no surprise then that Tim does the same with grace. However he does it in an insidious way by saying we are saved by grace for works. That sounds god but it really means grace is not the unmerited favour of God by which we are saved but the power to keep the Torah. Keeping the Torah is thus the purpose and end of salvation. Let's take a look.  

Facebook

FOUNDATIONS

What Is Grace?

What Is Grace?

Key Texts:

Exod 34:6–7 • Ps 103 • John 1 • Titus 2 • Eph 2:8–9

WHAT IS GRACE?

Grace is not a loophole.

Grace is not permission.

Grace is not the absence of expectation.

Grace is the gift of salvation from YAHUAH found in the Old and New Testaments.

Ephesians 2:8–10

“For by grace you have been saved through faith… not a result of works… so that no one may boast.

For we are his workmanship, created… for good works…”

GRACE SAVES — BUT DOES NOT END THE STORY

Let’s be clear:

No one is saved by works

No one earns salvation

Salvation is a gift

But Scripture does not stop there.

We are created for good works

FAITH PRODUCES FRUIT

True grace produces:

obedience

transformation

fruit

Not perfectly—but evidently.

John 15

Messiah defines it plainly:

Those who abide in Him bear fruit

No fruit?

Something is wrong at the root.

PAUL AND JAMES AGREE

There is no contradiction.

Paul: faith saves

James: faith works

James 2:17

“Faith, if it hath not works, is dead…”

James is not correcting Paul.

He is confirming him.

GRACE TEACHES OBEDIENCE

Titus 2:11–12

Grace does not remove standards.

Grace teaches us to:

deny ungodliness

live righteously

walk upright

WHAT GRACE IS NOT

Grace is not:

ignoring His commandments

rejecting His ways

redefining righteousness

GRACE AND HIS WAYS

From the beginning:

Exodus 34:6–7

YAHUAH is:

merciful

gracious

long-suffering

Yet:

He does not clear the guilty without repentance.

Psalm 103

He forgives.

He restores.

He shows mercy.

But always within relationship and covenant.

THE TRUTH MANY MISS

Grace is not separate from His ways

Grace leads you back to them. A Gospel of Grace that ignores the Bible record of the Old Testament cannot be a doctrine of Yahuah who said He did not come to abolish the Old Testament (Matt. 5:17-20).

THE RESULT OF GRACE

If grace is active in your life:

You will:

walk differently

speak differently

live differently

show it in your fruits

Not to earn salvation—

but because you have it

FOUNDATION TRUTH

Grace saves.

Faith receives.

Works reveal.

FINAL WORD

You are not saved by works.

But you are absolutely saved for them.

Walk in grace.

Walk in truth.

Walk in His ways.

Yah Bless.

Once again it's the same poisonous doctrine. As usual there is no mention of the finished work of Christ on the cross and its application to us. Grace is defined as the power to keep the law, i.e. bear fruit.

Messiah defines it plainly:

Those who abide in Him bear fruit

Tim overlooks the fact that those engrafted into Christ bear fruit due to the life-giving power of Christ. 

John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches; he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Tim speaks of abiding, but not of the Vine's life-giving power. He speaks of fruit, but not of the Spirit who produces it. Jesus says fruit-bearing is impossible apart from union with Himself, a union He initiates and sustains. Tim has no doctrine of union with Christ. He has a doctrine of union with Torah.

Tim does not actually believe grace makes anyone righteous. Abraham was righteous because he kept the law. 

16:44 Abraham kept the law and the sabbath. And so did Isaac and Jacob.  I mean how can they be called righteous if there was no law by which they could be judged as righteous? The very notion is ridiculous from the start.

Sabbath Series: Introduction Commentary Only

What law you might ask? Why the very law which came 430 years after the promise given to Abraham (Galatians 3:17) and was revealed on Sinai to Moses. Tim gets this doctrine from Jubilees which says the patriarchs kept that same law before it was revealed. In fact, the law is what redeems us!

19:30 So this is another example that we aren't to just have faith in Yahusha. That’s not enough. That’s not it.  No, no, no, no. We are to keep His commandments.

Sabbath Series: Part 5: The End Times Sabbath

40:11 The law is what redeems us.

The Law of Sin and Death. What is it? NOT The Law of Moses! WHAT DID PAUL SAY?"

So, any notion of grace Tim has necessarily includes law keeping at the very core. Grace ALONE does not save. Tim writes that grace leads us BACKWARDS to the law.

Grace is not separate from His ways

Grace leads you back to them. A Gospel of Grace that ignores the Bible record of the Old Testament cannot be a doctrine of Yahuah who said He did not come to abolish the Old Testament (Matt. 5:17-20).

Tim is correct in saying the law is not abolished. It remains as a schoolmaster which leads us to Christ. 

Galatians 3:21 Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.

22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.

24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

However, Jesus Christ is not a Levite priest but a priest after the order of Melchizedek who has fulfilled the law. That means the law has been CHANGED!!!

Hebrews 7:11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?

12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.

Christ's fulfillment of the law is the message of Hebrews which Tim ignores. I have written an article about Tim's denial that Christ has fulfilled the law which can be read here. Tim claims we are not saved by works but functionally that is where his system leads. It cannot be overstated that Tim has no need for the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. For Tim faith, obedience, being in covenant, holiness, and the Gospel itself is all about keeping the Torah not trusting in the work of Jesus Christ. 

This is what the Larger Catechsim of the Westminster Confession of Faith has to say about grace.

Q. 31. With whom was the covenant of grace made? 

A. The covenant of grace was made with Christ as the second Adam, and in him with all the elect as his seed.

Gal. 3:16; Rom. 5:15-21; Isa. 53:10-11.

Q. 32. How is the grace of God manifested in the second covenant? 

A. The grace of God is manifested in the second covenant, in that he freely provideth and offereth to sinners a Mediator, and life and salvation by him; and, requiring faith as the condition to interest them in him, promiseth and giveth his Holy Spirit to all his elect, to work in them that faith, with all other saving graces; and to enable them unto all holy obedience, as the evidence of the truth of their faith and thankfulness to God, and as the way which he hath appointed them to salvation.

Gen. 3:15; Isa. 42:6; John 6:27; 1 John 5:11-12; John 3:16; John 1:12; Prov. 1:23; 2 Cor. 4:13; Gal. 5:22-23; Ezek. 36:27; Jas. 2:18, 22; 2 Cor. 5:14-15; Eph. 2:10.  

Q. 71. How is justification an act of God’s free grace? 

A. Although Christ, by his obedience and death, did make a proper, real and full satisfaction to God’s justice in the behalf of them that are justified; yet in as much as God accepteth the satisfaction from a surety, which he might have demanded of them, and did provide this surety, his own only Son, imputing his righteousness to them, and requiring nothing of them for their justification but faith, which also is his gift, their justification is to them of free grace.

Rom. 5:8-10, 19; 1 Tim. 2:5-6; Heb. 10:10; Matt. 20:28; Dan. 9:24, 26; Isa. 53:4-6; Isa. 53:10-12; Heb. 7:22; Rom. 8:32; 1 Pet. 1:18-19; 2 Cor. 5:21; Rom. 3:24-25; Eph. 2:8; Eph. 1:7.

To modify what Tim has said: A Gospel of Grace that ignores the Bible record of the work of Jesus Christ on the cross cannot be a doctrine of God.  Leave it to Timothy Jay Schwab who is the God Culture to strip grace of any mention of Christ's death and resurrection and its application to all those who believe. 

Once again I have employed the assistance of noted theologian Father Ted Crilly to craft a response to Tim.

Ah, Philippine Fails, me lad... puts the teacup down with a heavy sigh and rubs his foreheadI’ve read Tim’s new “What Is Grace?” post carefully. On the surface it sounds reasonable — even “balanced.” He says “grace saves,” “no one is saved by works,” and quotes Ephesians 2:8–9. But when you look closer, the same old poison is still there, just wrapped in nicer language.What Tim is actually teaching

• Grace is “the gift of salvation” — okay so far.
• But then he immediately pivots: grace “does not end the story” and “we are created for good works.”
• He defines those good works as obedience to God’s ways (which in Tim’s dictionary always means Torah commandments, Sabbaths, feasts, etc.).
• He quotes Titus 2:11–12 to say grace “teaches us to deny ungodliness and live righteously” — but in context, that righteousness is defined by keeping the law.
• He ends with: “You are not saved by works. But you are absolutely saved for them.” And “walk in His ways” = keep the commandments.

This is the classic God Culture sleight-of-hand we’ve seen in every Foundations lesson.The fatal problems

1. Grace is redefined as the power to keep the law
   Tim never lets grace be grace. Grace is not primarily God’s unmerited favor that forgives sinners and declares them righteous in Christ. For Tim, grace is the enabling power that allows us to obey the Torah better so we can “walk in His ways.”
2. Christ is still mostly missing
   In a whole post titled “What Is Grace?” there is almost no mention of the cross, the blood, the finished work, or justification by faith alone. Jesus is mentioned once in passing (“Messiah defines it plainly”), but the focus is never on what He accomplished for us. The real hero of the post is obedience to the law.
3. He turns Ephesians 2:8–10 on its head
   Paul says we are saved by grace through faith, not of works, and then created for good works.
   Tim flips it: grace saves, but the real point is the good works (law-keeping) that follow. He makes works the evidence and goal, rather than the fruit of a saved life.
4. The same pattern continues
   • Faith = trust proven by obedience 
   • Repentance = turning back to the law 
   • Holiness = law-keeping 
   • Grace = the power to keep the law better

This is not the biblical doctrine of grace. This is legalism wearing a grace mask.The real biblical teaching on grace

Grace is God’s unmerited favor toward sinners who deserve wrath.

It saves us apart from works (Ephesians 2:8–9).

It declares us righteous in Christ.

It then produces good works as fruit, not as the root or the condition of staying saved.

Paul and James do not contradict each other. James says faith without works is dead because genuine faith produces works. But the works are the evidence of a saved life, not the means of staying in covenant.Tim’s version makes works the ongoing condition for covenant standing (“where obedience is absent, covenant is broken”). That is exactly what Paul fought against in Galatians.
quietly, shaking his head
It’s the same camel, lad. The nose is the Sabbath and feasts. The body is the whole law. And now even “grace” has been pressed into service to pull the law deeper into the tent.

The real gospel says:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith… not a result of works… For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.”

Grace saves.

Grace then changes us.

But the saving is all of grace, not of law-keeping.

Tim can’t let grace be grace. He has to tie it back to obedience to the Torah. That’s why every teaching eventually circles back to the same place: more law, less Christ.

Down with this sort of thing.

Very careful now.

The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men — and it teaches us to deny ungodliness, yes — but it does so because we are already saved, not so we can earn or keep our salvation by keeping the law better.
...Right, I’m off to thank the Lord for real grace — the kind that saves sinners without any help from the law. 
Go on, go on, go on — have a cuppa. You’re seeing the pattern clearly. Tim’s “grace” is just law in disguise. The real thing is so much better. Keep holding fast to the finished work of Christ. That’s where true rest and freedom are found.

The God Culture: Peter Fidalgo is Fernando Pinto

Timothy Jay Schwab who is The God Culture is going to great lengths to prove the Lequios Islands are the Philippines. He is pulling out all the stops. He is even pulling things from out of the air. Take this newly discovered citation from Antonio Galvao.

https://thegodculturephilippines.com/galv%C3%A3o-s-maritime-flow-the-true-geography-of-ophir-lequios-and-japon%C3%AAs/

In this yeere 1545 and in the moneth of June, there went a junk from the citie of Borneo, wherein went a Portugall called Peter Fidalgo, and by contrary windes he was driuen towards the north ; where he founde an island standing in 9 or 10 degrees, that stretched it selfe to 22 degrees of latitude, which is called The Isle of the Lucones, because the inhabitants thereof were so named. It may haue some other name and harborowes, which as yet we know not : it runneth from the north vnto the south-west, and standeth betweene Mindanao and China. They say they sailed along by it 250 leagues, where the land was fruitfull1 and well couered,- and they affirmme, that there they will giue two pezos of sold for one of siluer : and yet it standeth not farre from the countrey of China.

https://archive.org/details/discoveriesofwor00galvrich/page/238/mode/2up

About this passage, Tim claims this is confirmation of Fernado Pinto's shipwreck in the Lequios Islands.

Geographic Confirmation from Pinto (1545) in Galvão's Writings

"...there he found an island standing in 9 or 10 degrees, that stretched itself to 22 degrees... it is called the Isle of the Luçones..."

• These latitudes match the Philippines (Luzon = 12-18° N)

• The described island's size and value match Luzon, not Ryukyu.

• Pinto also notes that Chinese traders brought silver there, further indicating a location near trade-rich Luzon.

There are two problems with this claim. This first problem is this paragraph is about a man named Peter Fidalgo who was blown off course to Luzon in the year 1545. Fernando Pinto shipwrecked in the Lequios Islands in 1544. Shortly after leaving the Lequios Islands, Pinto wrote:

This voyage then I undertook very unwillingly, and parted from Malaca upon a Wednesday, the 9th day of January, in the year 1545

Pinto, page 279

That means he was shipwrecked in 1544 unlike Fidalgo whose journey to Luzon occurred in 1545. And Fidalgo wasn't even shipwrecked, he was blown off course! There is no account of a shipwreck in this passage from Galvao.

The second problem is the direction Fidalgo was traveling.

there went a junk from the citie of Borneo, wherein went a Portugall called Peter Fidalgo, and by contrary windes he was driuen towards the north

Fidalgo was sailing from Borneo heading north while Pinto was sailing from China and heading south. 

Let me post Pinto's account again:

First of all the story follows the healing of the King of Bungo's son. The King of Bungo was a Japanese Feudal Lord who had converted to Catholicism. Pinto then sails to a port in China.

I besought the King of Bungo to give me leave to go back, which he readily granted me, and with much acknowledgement of the curing of his Son he willed a Funce to be made ready for me, furnished with all things necessary, wherein commanded a man of quality, that was attended by twenty of the Kings ser∣vants, with whom I departed one Saturday morning from the City of Fucheo, and the Friday following about Sun-set I arrived at Tanixumaa, where I found my two Comrades, who received me with much joy. Here we continued fifteen days longer, till such time as the Junck was quite ready, and then we set Sail for Liampoo, which is a Sea-port of the Kingdom of China, whereof I have spoken at large heretofore, and where at that time the Portugals tra∣ded. Having continued our voyage with a prosperous wind, it pleased God that we arrived safe at our desired Port, where it is not to be believed how much we were welcome by the Inhabitants of the place.

Pinto, pg. 179

Liampoo is also known as Ningbo and is translated as Ning-po by Rebecca Catz. Pinto leaves Ningbo, China, and is promptly overcome by a storm and shipwrecked. He was absolutely not going north through the Malay Archipelago as Cheock and Timothy Jay Schwab claim. He was headed east out of the Chinese port with the intent of going south.

Thus by the means of this unreasonable desire of gain nine Juncks, which were then in the Port, were in fifteen days ready to set Sail, though to say the truth they were all in such disorder, and so unprovided, that some amongst them had no other Pilots then the Masters themselves, who had but little understanding in Navigation. In this bad order they departed all in company together one Sunday morning, not withstanding that they had the wind, the season, the sea, and all things else contrary, not suffer∣ing themselves to be guided by reason, or the consideration of the dangers which they are subject unto that commit themselves to this Element; For they were so obstinate and so blinded as they would not represent any inconvenience to themselves, and I my self was so infortunate, that I went along with them in one of their Vessels. In this manner they sailed all that same day as it were groping between the Islands and the firm Land, but about midnight there arose in the dark so mighty a Storm, accompanied with such horrible rain, that suffering themselves to be carried at the mercy of the wind, they ran upon the Sands of Gotom, whereof the nine Juncks two only, as it were by miracle, were saved, so that the other seven were lost out of which not so much as one man escaped. This loss was thought to amount unto above three hundred thousand Crowns in commodities, besides the greater, which was of six hundred persons that left their lives there, whereof there were an hundred and forty Portugals, all rich men, and of quality. As for the other two Juncks in one of the which by good hap I was, joyning in comfort together, they followed the course they had begun, until such time as they arrived at the Island of the Lequios;

Pinto, pg. 179-180

He describes the land and says the people rode on horseback. Where is there any account of Filipinos being horsemen?

Now as soon as it was day we perceived by the sight of the Island of fire, and of the Mountain of Taydacano, that the Land where we were was the great Lequio....

...until at last we were espyed by a boy that was keeping of cattel, who as soon as he had dis∣covered us, ran to the next Village, which was some quarter of a league off, for to give notice of it to the inhabitants there; who presently thereupon with the sound of Drums and Cornets assembled all their Neighbours round about them, so that within three or four hours they were a Company of about two hundred men, whereof there were fourteen on horsback.

pg. 180

In her translation of this text Rebecca Catz has this note for Island of fire:

“Fire Island: Cortesão says that Fire Island appears for the first time on Lopo Homem’s map of 1554 and that it corresponds to Nakano-shima or Suwanose-shima, two islands with active volcanoes. The former is described in Webster’s Geographical Dictionary (1966) as a volcanic island 3,215 feet high, Tokara Island, in north Ryukyu Islands, Japan. Suwanose-Shima is not listed. See Cortesão, Suma Oriental, 128–29 n. 2.” 

Fernão Mendes Pinto. “The Travels of Mendes Pinto," Translated by Rebecca Catz, pg. 2,323 epub

Pinto and his companions are tied up and taken to the town of Pungor. They are next taken to a town called Gundexilau and left to rot in a dungeon full of water and leeches. The next day they are brought back to Pungor and given a trial before a judge. They are accused of being pirates but they insist they are merchants. They are not believed and are left to rot in prison for two months.The king then sends a spy pretending to be a merchant to visit Pinto and his men to ask them how they ended up in Lequios. They repeat the same story and the spy reports back to the king. However a Chinese pirate arrives and testifies against Pinto and his men that they are indeed pirates who pose as merchants in order to conquer a country. The king believes the pirate and sentences Pinto and his men to death. 

By providence the man set to deliver this decree and make sure it was carried out lodged with his sister who was a widow. Staying with her was the wife and children of one of the prisoners. When she heard the decree she fainted and then scratched her face so hard that it bled. News of this got around to the women who wrote a letter to the Queen demanding that as an act of charity the foreigners be released. Through a further series of events including a prophetic dream Pinto and his men are released. Following that story is a description of Lequios for the express purpose of inspiring the Portuguese to conquer the island. 

In this manner we departed from Pungor the capital City of the Island of Lequios, of which I will here make a brief relation, to the end that if it shall one day please God to inspire the Portugal Nation, principally for the exaltation and increase of the Catholick faith, and next for the great benefit that may redound thereof, to undertake the Conquest of this Island, they may know where first to begin, as also the commodities of it, and the easiness of this Conquest. We must understand then that this Island of Lequios, scituated in nine and twenty degrees, is two hundred leagues in circuit, threescore in length, and thirty in bredth.

Pinto, pg. 188

https://thegodculturephilippines.blogspot.com/2022/04/the-god-culture-lequios-and-lucoes-are.html

None of that fits the story of Peter Fidalgo. Was he imprisoned for months? Did he meet the King of Pungor? Did he observe horsemen or an island of fire? No part of Pinto's account of his shipwreck in the Lequios Islands is a match for Fidalgo's being blown off course to Luzon. It's a lie plain and simple. A flagrant, blatant, obvious lie. There is no coherent explanation for conflating Fidalgo and Pinto except that Tim is lying, unless he really is that dumb.  With apologies to Hank Williams, no matter how hard he struggles and strives, Tim's equating Lequios and Luzon is all lies. 

Edit: Tim has added an update to his article.

Upon further review and deeper scholarly testing, we acknowledge that Peter Fidalgo and Fernão Mendes Pinto were distinct individuals, based on Galvão’s text. Peter Fidalgo was blown toward Luzon around 1545, while Pinto recorded a separate shipwreck event in what he called the "Lequios" Islands.

However, this correction only strengthens our overall case:

Though he appears to have retracted this obvious lie he has not deleted the original article and he attempts to diminish my criticism by saying "this correction only strengthens our overall case." He is merely conducting damage control and repackaging his thesis that the Lequios Islands and the Philippines are identical by saying Pinto and Fidalgo lead to the same place. They aren't the same. No amount of misreading maps or 16th century sources will ever change that fact. Deeper scholarly testing!? Yeah right, buddy! Who is he trying to fool?

Retards in the Government 464

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

 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/04/02/maguindanao-del-sur-police-chief-sacked

Police Brig. Gen. Jaysen de Guzman, Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region chief, has relieved Police Col. Salman Sapal, Maguindanao del Sur police director, over the deaths of five police officers in an ambush recently in Barangay Mother Poblacion, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur.

Sapal was replaced by Police Col. John Michael Mangasin, chief of the Regional Operations and Plans Division of PRO-BAR.

Killed were Police Patrolmen Kenneth Perocho, Al-Fatah Marohom, Amil Bangsa, Arsenal Sivih, and Sayed Ridwan. 

Three lawmen were wounded – Police Lt. Alfred Gregory, Police Staff Sgt. Adam Kamarudin Kansi, and Police Patrolman Abubakar Lauban. 

Gunmen seized their service firearms.

Sapal was relieved for committing administrative lapses over the incident on March 28 near the Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office headquarters.

A roadside bomb exploded in Barangay Sapakan, Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao del Sur after Mangasin assumed the position on April 1.

National police chief Police Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez met officers of PRO-BAR, Western Mindanao Command, and 6th Infantry Division on April 2 at the Maguindanao del Sur Provincial Police Office headquarters to strengthen their collaboration in ensuring security and stability in the province. 

Police Col. Salman Sapal, Maguindanao del Sur police director, has been relieved for committing administrative lapses over the incident on March 28 near the Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office headquarters.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2206699/2-cops-bucor-employee-die-in-good-friday-puerto-princesa-city-shooting

Two police officers and a Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) worker were shot dead in Barangay Irawan here on the evening of Good Friday, April 3.

Residents attending a wake in the area said a confrontation initially broke out between the police officers and several bystanders at 9:40 p.m. 

The officers reportedly left the scene but later returned with backup, leading to another confrontation that escalated into gunfire.

The fatalities were identified as Police Staff Sergeants Ryan Cris Cabaña and Jayson Fernandez, both assigned to the Puerto Princesa City Police Station 2 (PS-2), and Jerson Ojario Talon of BuCor.

Puerto Princesa City Police Office (PPCPO) Director Police Colonel Cristine Tabdi has ordered a thorough investigation and a manhunt operation to identify and apprehend the suspects. 

She also directed PS-2 commander Police Major Ray Aron Elona to begin a case buildup and intensify operations.

A Special Investigation Task Group has been formed to focus on the case. 

Two police officers and a Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) worker were shot dead in Barangay Irawan here on the evening of Good Friday, April 3.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/04/04/oriental-mindoro-village-dad-shot-dead

A barangay councilor was shot dead in Gloria town, Oriental Mindoro province on Maundy Thursday.

Police Col. Edison Revita, Oriental Mindoro police chief, said the victim, Barangay Tambong Councilor Emiljun Historillo, 53, and a 30-year-old companion were having a drinking session in the house of Historillo’s uncle when the suspect arrived onboard a motorcycle arrived and asked the location of a resort.

The suspect drew a firearm and shot the victim and his drinking companion.

Historillo and his companion were taken to a hospital where the victim was declared dead and his companion recovering.

Police recovered four fired cartridges and one slug in the crime scene.

Revita has organized a Special Investigation Task Group to ensure focused and coordinated investigation. 

Gov. Bonz Dolor has offered a P100,000 reward for the capture of the suspect. Historillo is a known supporter of Dolor. 

A barangay councilor was shot dead in Gloria town, Oriental Mindoro.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2207407/fwd-4-cops-ordered-held-over-fatal-good-friday-shooting-in-puerto-princesa

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered the agency to take custody of four police officers allegedly involved in a shooting in Puerto Princesa City that killed two police officers and a Bureau of Corrections personnel on Good Friday, April 3.

“[The officers] responded without the knowledge of the chief of police,” Nartatez explained at the agency’s flag-raising ceremony in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Monday.

“They were wearing civilian attire. They responded under the influence of alcohol, apparently… Let us hold accountable those who need to be held accountable. That is not the police procedure we were taught,” he added.

The officers were initially responding to a request for police assistance over an alleged mauling incident at a wake in Barangay Irawan last Friday night, according to the PNP.

When the officers arrived and began questioning the individuals present at the incident, tensions escalated into a brief exchange of gunfire, leaving Police Staff Sgts. Ryan Cris Cabaña and Jayson Fernandez and Corrections Officer Jerson Talon dead.

The PNP did not immediately say how many individuals were present at the incident nor who shot first and why.

The development prompted Nartatez to also order the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and the Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management to probe the police officers’ response in the incident.

“We do not cover-up. We do not whitewash,” he stressed.

Also in the wake of the incident, a memorandum from the Police Regional Office Mimaropa dated and effective April 4 relieved Puerto Princesa City Police Office Director Col. Cristine Tabdi from her post, with Col. Dennis de Leon replacing her.

In a statement on Sunday, Nartatez previously maintained that the incident was under control and that the police was intensifying its visibility and intelligence operations in Palawan to prevent any escalation.

“The loss of our brave officers is a tragic reminder of the risks our men and women in uniform face every day. We honor their service and courage, and we remain committed to protecting our communities,” the PNP chief said. 

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered the agency to take custody of four police officers allegedly involved in a shooting in Puerto Princesa City that killed two police officers and a Bureau of Corrections personnel on Good Friday, April 3.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2208028/fwd-batangas-police-exec-accused-of-abusing-policewoman

An official of the Batangas Provincial Police Office has been accused of abusing a policewoman, the National Police Commission (Napolcom) said.

The policewoman, whose rank and designation were not identified, filed a formal administrative complaint before Napolcom against the Batangas police official, the commission detailed in a statement on Tuesday morning but did not immediately say when she had made the filing.

The policewoman alleged “unwelcome physical contact, inappropriate remarks and actions [by the police official] that caused distress [for her], reportedly committed in the course of official duties and within police premises,” Napolcom explained.

Although Napolcom identified the implicated official as a police colonel, the Inquirer opted not to name him while it is still reaching him for comment.

“The respondent, being a senior-ranking official, allegedly took advantage of his position of authority, raising serious concerns on abuse of power, workplace safety and professional conduct within the police organization,” the commission added.

If Napolcom finds probable cause, the implicated police official may face formal administrative charges for grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.

Napolcom assured that the complaint will “undergo the proper administrative proceedings in accordance with existing laws and regulations.”

An official of the Batangas Provincial Police Office has been accused of abusing a policewoman.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/04/07/iloilo-city-barangay-captain-arrested-for-assaulting-sk-kagawad

Barangay Captain Gemma Calzado of Kasing-Kasing in Molo District here was arrested for physically assaulting a Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) kagawad or a youth village councilor.

Calzado injured SK Kagawad Lorence Galvez with a stainless steel broom handle on Monday night, April 6.

Galvez said he was summoned to the barangay hall and was scolded by Calzado over alleged Facebook posts which the barangay captain thought was about her and her governance in the barangay.

He was shocked when the barangay captain hit him.

Galvez sustained an open wound on his left forehead and bruises on his arms.

Calzado, in radio interviews, admitted hitting the SK kagawad for alleged “bastos” or disrespectful acts, including the Facebook posts.

She dismissed claims that the physical attack was political. Calzado is a known supporter of neophyte Mayor Raisa Treñas and her father, former Mayor Jerry Treñas.

Galvez said he believes the attack by the barangay captain is political. He openly supports the programs of Iloilo City Rep. Julienne “Jam-Jam” Baronda, the political enemy of the Treñases. 

Baronda and Raisa Treñas condemned the violence and called for an impartial investigation.

“It’s not right that you physically hit an SK Kagawad who is supportive of my programs,” Baronda said in a statement.

“We emphasize that we do not tolerate any form of violence,” said Raisa Treñas in a separate statement.

This was not the first time Calzado was arrested.

In November 2018, Calzado was arrested for allegedly selling shabu to undercover police officers in a buy-bust operation by the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit (RDEU) of the Police Regional Office-6 and the Molo Police Station of the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO).

Calzado was released after posting bail on Tuesday afternoon, April 7.

Barangay Captain Gemma Calzado of Kasing-Kasing in Molo District here was arrested for physically assaulting a Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) kagawad or a youth village councilor.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/04/07/ex-policewoman-slain-in-valenzuela-home-alleged-mastermind-arrested

A former policewoman was shot dead inside her home in Valenzuela City in what authorities said was a planned attack, allegedly orchestrated by a man who was later arrested.

Valenzuela police said several suspects were later identified through follow-up operations and CCTV backtracking.

The 38-year-old victim, a former member of the Philippine National Police and resident of Barangay Malinta, was shot in the head at around 12:10 a.m. on Apr. 4, according to the Valenzuela City Police Station (VCPS).

Investigators said the victim had earlier instructed witnesses to fetch two unidentified men from a nearby basketball court and bring them to her residence.

While inside the house, the victim was talking on a mobile phone when one of the suspects shot her in the right temple, killing her on the spot, said Police Capt. Robin Santos, chief of the Station Investigation and Detection Management Section.

CCTV footage showed the suspects arriving aboard a silver Toyota Vios and being met by two individuals later identified as alias “Tio” and alias “Rab,” who allegedly brought the gunmen to the victim’s residence.

Further investigation pointed to alias “Men” as the alleged mastermind, who was in communication with the gunmen and coordinated the attack, police said.

Alias Tio was arrested in a follow-up operation, while Men was later apprehended in Barangay Malinta; Rab has since turned into a witness.

Murder charges will be filed against Tio, Men, alias “Romy,” and two unidentified suspects, while Men will also face charges for violations of Republic Act 10591 and Section 11 of Republic Act 9165.

Two gunmen remain at large as police continue to track them, authorities said.

Police said investigators are still establishing the motive behind the killing. 

A former policewoman was shot dead inside her home in Valenzuela City in what authorities said was a planned attack, allegedly orchestrated by a man who was later arrested.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/04/08/15-erring-cops-in-calabarzon-sacked

The Police Regional Office-Calabarzon sanctioned 72 policemen for various administrative offenses from January to March.

Police Brig. Gen. Hansel Marantan, PRO 4-A director, said 15 were dismissed, three were demoted, 35 were suspended, and 19 were reprimanded. 

On the other hand, 287,951 awards and commendations were conferred on PRO 4-A personnel from January to March under the Morale and Welfare Awards System for their dedication, professionalism, and exemplary performance.

The Police Regional Office-Calabarzon sanctioned 72 policemen for various administrative offenses from January to March.

Coronavirus Lockdown: Revive Community Kitchen, Lockdown Unnecessary, and More!

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

Fake news about another lockdown due to a new COVID-19 variant has been circulating online. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2206591/doh-emergency-lockdown-due-to-covid-19-variant-fake

The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday dismissed circulating claims that there will be an emergency lockdown starting April 10, 2026 due to the “Cicada” variant of the Covid-19 virus. 

In an advisory, the DOH tagged posts by Facebook pages “Pinoy Newswire,” “Malasakit News Update: Balitang Sapat, Serbisyong Totoo,” and “Weather Patrol” as “fake news.” 

“The Department of Health emphasizes that circulating claims of emergency lockdown in the country due to Covid-19 Cicada variant is false,” the DOH said.

“There is no reason to implement a lockdown. The agency earlier said last March 31 that the Philippines remains safe from this variant,” it added. 

According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Covid variant BA.3.2 or the “Cicada” variant was first detected in a respiratory sample collected on Nov. 22, 2024 in South Africa. 

The CDC noted that the variant has been reported in 23 countries as of Feb. 11, 2026, while detections in the US began increasing in September 2025. 

In a radio interview with DZMM Teleradyo last March 31, DOH spokesperson Dr. Albert Domingo said that while coronavirus mutates, it does not mean that it is something to worry about already.

“It is called a variant under monitoring. There is no reason to be alarmed or bothered by it because the figures do not change. In fact, based on our latest monitoring, there are 60% fewer Covid-19 cases in the Philippines compared to last year,” Domingo said. 

With this, the DOH urged the public to refrain from sharing false information in social media and only rely on verified details provided by the agency and other legitimate media platforms. 

Meanwhile, the Palace on Friday also tagged as “fake news” a circulating announcement from the Department of Energy that there would be an energy lockdown starting April 20, 2026.

The DOH says it's not happening and the number of COVID cases is down by 60% from past year. 

There has been speculation about a lockdown due to the fuel crisis but Senator Gatchalian says that would be unnecessary and economically devastating.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2207675/lockdowns-not-needed-would-hurt-economy-gatchalian

After Malacañang recently denied rumors of an energy lockdown, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian believes such a drastic measure is not necessary as it would adversely affect the economy.

Gatchalian, in a press briefing on Monday, said that many individuals will lose their jobs if a lockdown, just like during the the COVID-19 pandemic, is implemented by the government.

Instead, the concern should be on how the government can stretch its existing oil and fuel supply.

(I don’t advise that we do a lockdown similar to COVID-19 because that would stop our entire economy, many people would lose their jobs.  What we need is to extend the number of days in terms of fuel inventory.)

(We don’t have problems in terms of jobs, we do not have problems regarding health concerns, our problem is how to stretch or the number of days in terms of inventory.)

Malacañang last Friday debunked a circulating “announcement” supposedly from the Department of Energy (DOE) claiming there would be an energy lockdown starting April 20, 2026.

The fraudulent advisory urged the public to prepare power banks, solar equipment, candles, lamps, food, and other essentials in anticipation of the energy lockdown.

Gatchalian said he has already proposed a rationing of fuel to ensure that the current 50 day supply for diesel and gasoline would be stretched out to as far as 80 to 90 days.

The proposal was contained in a set of recommendations he released after two hearings of the Senate’s proactive response and oversight for timely and effective crisis strategy (PROTECT) committee which he heads.

(My proposal is to have rationing or what they call a volume cap, either way, what’s important now is for us to stretch the number of days of our inventory, because right now, if we look at our petroleum products, on the average it will last for 50 days.)

Among Gatchalian’s suggestions in the preliminary report he released last April 1 is a possible price cap on petroleum products and the rationing of fuel, to address supply concerns caused by the Middle East conflict.

What a shock! Where was this guy six years ago when the government killed the economy for no good reason except fear? What a hypocrite. 

While lockdowns may not be returning, the community kitchen in Iloilo City may be coming back.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1272483

This highly urbanized city is preparing to revive the community kitchen initiative to aid the most vulnerable sectors amid surging fuel prices due to the Middle East crisis.

In an interview Tuesday, General Services Office head and Crisis Management Council executive director Neil Ravena said they will conduct a simulation exercise in Barangay Boulevard and Barangay Calaparan so they can effectively respond when the poorest of the poor can no longer afford to buy food.

“We will pilot test so that in the worst-case scenario, we have an automatic response and we can identify the families that we will serve,” he said.

During the simulation exercise, they will practice the integration of responses, identify the beneficiaries and distribute food.

With the intervention, they would know the funds needed to sustain the operations for the expected number of days when they need to subsidize food.

“It will be managed by the CSWDO (City Social Welfare and Development Office) as a response to the current crisis we are experiencing. They will be the ones to distribute. There is a focal person in every barangay,” he said.

Ravena said they will be partnering with Central Philippine University for the establishment of a biowave stove, using rice hulls and sawdust instead of liquefied petroleum gas.

The City Agriculturist Office also volunteered to utilize the produce of city-government-supported vegetable gardens.

The community kitchen was introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic between 2020 and 2023, with the city government leading the preparation of food for the affected residents.

With the support of the private sector donors, the community kitchen served more than 30,000 meals daily.

At least this time they will be prepared. 

In 2020 one decided to escape to his farm in Tuba, Benguet. Now it is a popular tourist destination. 

https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/how-um-a-farm-in-tadiangan-tuba-is-revolutionizing-agritourism-and-driving-growth-in-the-philippines/

Tourism in Barangay Tadiangan in Tuba, Benguet is steadily blossoming, thanks in large part to the rise of agritourism, which combines the beauty of nature, local food, and community involvement. One of the standout destinations in the area is Um-a Farm, a unique farm-to-table experience that offers visitors a chance to enjoy fresh, locally grown produce while supporting sustainable agricultural practices.

The Beginnings of Um-a Farm

What started as a private retreat during the height of the pandemic has transformed into a popular agritourism destination. According to Chariz Garcia, an employee of the farm, Um-a Farm began as a peaceful escape for the farm’s owner. However, recognizing the potential of the property, the owner decided to develop the farm and open it to the public in 2024, providing not only a place for relaxation but also a unique culinary experience.

Now fully operational, Um-a Farm has evolved into a sought-after destination for those looking to experience both nature and food in a more interactive and personal way. It proudly promotes a farm-to-table concept, allowing guests to participate in the process of harvesting the vegetables they will later enjoy. This concept has created a deeper connection between visitors and the food they consume, making the dining experience truly one-of-a-kind.

A Hands-On Farm-to-Table Experience

The unique aspect of Um-a Farm is its emphasis on interactive dining. Guests are invited to personally pick vegetables such as pechay, lettuce, kangkong, and watercress from the farm. After harvesting, visitors can request their preferred way of cooking the freshly picked produce, enhancing the personalized nature of the meal.

In addition to its wide variety of vegetables, the farm also raises chickensand has a tilapia fish pond, providing a full circle of ingredients for their dishes. The farm ensures that all the food served is of the highest quality, with a focus on organic farming practices that guarantee fresh, healthy meals. The commitment to sustainable, organic farming is a point of pride for the farm, as Garcia mentions that production is consistent and entirely organic, ensuring the freshest ingredients for each meal.

Supporting Local Communities Through Agritourism

The growth of Um-a Farm has not only enhanced the tourism appeal of Barangay Tadiangan but also significantly contributed to the local community. The increasing number of visitors has provided local residentswith new job opportunities and avenues for livelihood. Punong Barangay Feliciano Buyagao Alipda Jr. of Tadiangan notes that the success of the farm has sparked the growth of small businesses in the surrounding area, creating a positive economic ripple effect.

The farm has also brought greater recognition to the whole barangay, with Garcia pointing out that when visitors mention Um-a Farm, they are effectively promoting the entire community. This recognition helps draw more attention to Tadiangan, showcasing its agricultural beauty and potential as a tourist destination.

The increasing popularity of Um-a Farm has made it a valuable contributor to the development of the local economy, and it is becoming clear that agritourism is a key player in community development. As more visitors come to experience the farm, the economic opportunities for local residents continue to grow.

Agritourism as a Model for Sustainable Development

Um-a Farm stands as a prime example of how agritourism can lead to community growth and sustainability. By offering visitors a unique, hands-on experience, the farm has created a model where nature, food, and local culture intersect. This approach not only promotes environmental sustainability but also supports the livelihoods of those living in the area.

The success of Um-a Farm proves that agritourism can be a powerful tool for local development. As more people recognize the benefits of connecting with nature and supporting local farmers, the farm has positioned itself as a sustainable tourism destination that nurtures both the environment and the local economy.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Agritourism in Tuba

As Um-a Farm continues to grow and attract more visitors, its role in Tadiangan’s and Tuba’s tourism development will likely expand. With the increasing interest in agritourism in the region, Um-a Farm is well positioned to become a key player in the area’s tourism landscape. By continuing to promote sustainable farming practices and offering a personal, hands-on experience, the farm can set a benchmark for other agritourism destinations in the country.

The future of agritourism in Tadiangan looks bright, with more opportunities for local communities to benefit from the tourism sector while preserving their agricultural heritage. As Um-a Farm proves, blending agriculture, tourism, and community involvement can lead to both economic prosperity and sustainable growth.

Another success borne out of the unnecessary and economically crippling lockdown.