It's your weekly compendium of foolishness and corruption in the Philippine government.
The National Police Commission (Napolcom) en banc has ordered the dismissal from the service of Police Staff Sgt. Arla Ray Paciencia for grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer after her service firearm, 9mm pistol, was used by her minor nephew in the shooting at San Jose National High School here in June, which claimed the lives of three students and injured several others.
In a statement, Commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan said that the commission found out that Paciencia, although officially on duty during the shooting on June 22, 2026, at the Regional Finance Service Unit 8, deliberately left her service firearm at home.
It was only kept in a plastic gun box inside a plastic cabinet, rather than in the safety vault required by PNP rules on firearm safekeeping.
The commission ruled that her gross negligence in the custody of a government-issued lethal weapon set in motion the chain of events that led to the tragedy.
The order also noted that her numerous awards and commendations, including those for public safety, could not mitigate her liability but instead underscored the higher degree of care expected of her.
The penalty of dismissal carries with it the forfeiture of benefits and perpetual disqualification from public office.
“The unfortunate events in Tacloban and other parts of the country underscore the urgent need for stricter accountability. With this measure, we are reaffirming our standard: Every police officer must ensure their firearm is properly secured at all times in the interest of public safety," Calinisan said.
He reiterated that the responsible handling and safekeeping of issued firearms is a non-negotiable duty of every member of the police service, and that it will continue to hold accountable those who fall short of that standard.
Police Staff Sgt. Arla Ray Paciencia has been ordered dismissed from the service for grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer after her service firearm was used by her minor nephew in the shooting at San Jose National High School in June, which claimed the lives of three students and injured several others.
The National Police Commission (Napolcom) has dismissed a Bulacan police officer after finding him guilty of grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer for physically abusing his live-in partner.
Napolcom said on Thursday, Oct. 15, that Police Corporal Almar was held administratively liable for repeatedly striking and punching his partner until she lost consciousness on March 12, 2026.
The commission said its ruling was based on closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage, the victim’s statements, and the officer’s public admission acknowledging that his actions were wrong.
The investigation also cited a separate incident in June 2025 in which Dela Cruz allegedly kicked and verbally abused his partner.
Despite the complainant’s subsequent submission of an affidavit of desistance, Napolcom ruled that the administrative case would proceed, stressing that private settlements do not erase liability when substantial evidence establishes misconduct.
The dismissal carries the cancellation of Dela Cruz’s police eligibility, the forfeiture of retirement benefits except for accrued leave credits, and perpetual disqualification from re-employment in any government office or government-owned or -controlled corporation.
Napolcom Commissioner Rafael Vicente R. Calinisan said a police uniform does not exempt an officer from accountability for violence, even when the incident occurs in private.
“The uniform is not a license to hurt or abuse others. A police officer who commits violence betrays both the person who trusts them and the public they swore to protect. There is no place in the service for such behavior,” said Calinisan.
He added that an officer’s fitness to remain in the service must be maintained throughout their career, regardless of whether a complainant later withdraws or settles a case.
The commission said it would continue to hold police personnel accountable for abusive conduct and uphold discipline within the Philippine National Police.
A cop has been dismissed from service for beating his domestic partner.
Unidentified gunmen shot and killed an incumbent barangay chairman on Thursday morning, Oct. 15, in a subdivision in Barangay Anastacia here.
Police identified the victim as Dennis Austria, chairman of Barangay Anastacia.
Investigation said he was in his house when he was attacked.
He was taken to a hospital where he was declared dead.
Austria is the No. 1 barangay kagawad who replaced the former barangay chairman who was appointed as city administrator.
Police are conducting follow-up operations.
Mayor Jhun Aguilar Marasigan said a reward will be given to people for information on Austria's killers.
Another barangay chairman has been assassinated.
The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division has found a former Taguig City senior assistant prosecutor guilty of three counts of violating the code of conduct and ethical standards for government workers after he took P21,500 as his “share” of the settlement in a homicide case in 2014.
In a decision handed down on Oct. 13, the court sentenced Cesar dela Cruz to imprisonment of up to two years for each count of violating Section 7 of Republic Act No. 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
Aside from being disqualified from holding public office, he was also ordered to pay back the complainant, Lilia Abequibel, a vendor.
Based on the court records, Dela Cruz handled in 2014 the case of Abequibel, who had sued three minors over the killing of her son. She later agreed to a settlement of P110,000 with the parents of the suspects.
Dela Cruz, however, claimed P21,500 as part of his share of the settlement, prompting the vendor to file a complaint against him with the National Bureau of Investigation.
The NBI referred its findings to the Office of the Ombudsman which then filed a complaint against Dela Cruz.
In its ruling, the antigraft court’s Fifth Division said there was “strong evidence” showing the full settlement amount was not given to Abequibel.
It noted that the parents of the suspects had left the money with Dela Cruz after he asked them to leave the room. He then allegedly took his share of the payment before handing the rest over to the complainant.
The court said that when Abequibel testified in court, she provided a “natural, positive and straightforward” narration of the events while “her assertions [were] direct and explicitly buttressed by her demeanor that impresses spontaneity.”
It also pointed out that Abequibel did not have a reason to “concoct a story of extortion against the accused,” given her background as a “modest and soft-spoken Yakult vendor” who chose to settle with her son’s alleged assailants “for peace.”
In addition, her statements were corroborated by the parents of the suspects, who confirmed that they left the room after placing the money on Dela Cruz’s table, the court said.
Dela Cruz, it noted, “tried to destroy Abequibel’s credibility” by focusing on how she failed to immediately complain about his taking a portion of the settlement. The court, however, said that Abequibel had initially believed it was “proper” for the prosecutor to take a cut.
“It is worthy to echo that holding a public office comes with necessary restrictions. Personal interests are shelved for the sake of preserving the unquestioned integrity of one’s public office. The facts of these cases certainly show that the accused had failed to live up to this standard,” it added.
A former Taguig City senior assistant prosecutor has been found guilty of three counts of violating the code of conduct and ethical standards for government workers after he took P21,500 as his “share” of the settlement in a homicide case in 2014.
The Office of the Ombudsman on Friday filed three counts of graft against former Pampanga Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr. over his alleged links to construction firms that secured Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) contracts while he was in office.
Ombudsman personnel went to the Sandiganbayan to file the informations containing the formal charges against Gonzales.
Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano earlier said Gonzales was facing a conflict-of-interest complaint over reports that a firm linked to his family had secured hundreds of millions of pesos in DPWH contracts during his time in Congress.
Section 3(h) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, which prohibits government officials from having direct or indirect financial interest in any business, contract, or transaction in which they intervene or take part in their official capacity.
Graft is a bailable offense, with bail set at P90,000 for the accused’s provisional liberty.
Three counts of graft have been filed against former Pampanga Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr. over his alleged links to construction firms that secured Department of Public Works and Highways contracts while he was in office.
The Office of the Ombudsman has dismissed top officials of Urdaneta City, Pangasinan from government service.
Based on the Office of the Ombudsman's April 15, 2026 decision, Mayor Julio Parayno III and Vice Mayor Jimmy Parayno were dismissed for grave misconduct, and councilors Franco Paolo Del Prado Sr., Warren Andrada, Aurelio Agsalud, Franklin Villanueva, Jhan Hero Sumera and Alfonso Del Prado were dismissed for gross neglect of duty.
Lawyer Gerald Gallardo, provincial director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government in Pangasinan, confirmed in a phone interview Friday that the decision was served on the respondents or their representatives.
He also confirmed that Bles Sumera was sworn in as mayor and Rio Esteves as vice mayor, while the replacements for members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council) have yet to be named.
"They may file for a motion for reconsideration (MR) or appeal the decision, but pending the MR or appeal, the implementation of the decision of the Ombudsman will continue unless there is a temporary restraining order or suspension of the implementation of the decision, but as of now, there is none," he said.
Regarding vacancies at the city council, Gallardo said that because the dismissed councilors have no political party affiliation, the remaining council members could recommend any qualified person to fill the vacant positions, transmit the recommendation, and the governor will issue an appointment, in accordance with the Local Government Code for filling permanent vacancies.
Aside from dismissal from service, the Ombudsman also cancelled their eligibility, disqualified from holding public office, barred from taking civil service examinations and forfeited their retirement benefits, pursuant to Section 63(A), Rule 10 of the 2025 Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service.
The dismissal stemmed from the illegal dismissal complaint filed by Michael Brian Perez, president of Liga ng mga Barangay, against the Paraynos in 2022. The DILG ruled in Perez's favor.
In January 2025, former Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin issued a 12-month suspension against the Paraynos, but they defied the order.
The Office of the Ombudsman has dismissed top officials of Urdaneta City, Pangasinan from government service for gross neglect of duty.
A former police officer will be facing an illegal possession of a firearm charge after authorities found an unlicensed gun inside his house.
This was after the 40-year-old ex-cop was served a search warrant last Friday, October 16 in his house in a mountain barangay in Cebu City late Friday afternoon, Oct. 16.
The police operation was conducted by operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Mandaue Field Unit.
They arrested the former policeman after their search yielded a loaded unlicensed .45 caliber pistol inside his house.
Authorities said that an illegal gun possession complaint will be filed today or within the week against the suspect.
The authorities said that the operation against the former police officer was conducted after they received reports that the suspect would allegedly frequently brandish his gun, especially when he was drunk, causing distress and fear among residents in the area.
After a series of verification operations confirming the report against the ex-cop, the CIDG-7 secured a search warrant on October 15, issued by Executive Judge Anacleto Debalucos of the Regional Trial Court Branch 17.
The warrant was issued for violations under Section 3 in relation to Section 28 (a) of Republic Act 10591, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
Police records show that “Lowell” was previously assigned to the Cebu City Police Office before being reassigned to Bohol province.
He was reported Absent Without Official Leave (AWOL) in 2016, and he never returned to duty.
The suspect is currently detained at the CIDG Mandaue City Field Unit as authorities prepare to file formal criminal charges.
An AWOL op has been busted for possessing an illegal firearm.
A police officer assigned at the Carmona Component City Police Station was relieved from his post after allegedly mauling a 20-year-old college student in Amadeo on Sunday, Oct. 18.
Initial investigation revealed that the victim attended his classmate’s birthday party, where the suspect, a relative of the celebrant, was also present.
As guests drank alcoholic beverages after dinner, one of the victim’s female classmates became intoxicated.
The victim and his peers helped her lie down on three chairs pushed together so she could rest.
At that point, the suspect approached the victim’s group and allegedly implied that they should take advantage of their drunk classmate.
Alarmed by the remark, the victim stood in front of his female classmate and faced the suspect to prevent him from approaching her.
The suspect confronted the victim and allegedly punched him, hitting the left side of his jaw and lip.
Following the altercation, the victim was taken to the hospital for medical treatment.
In a statement on Monday, Oct. 19, the Cavite Police Provincial Office (Cavite PPO) said the incident is now under investigation, and the relieved personnel was placed under the Cavite Personnel Holding and Accounting Section.
Administrative and operational measures are reportedly being undertaken in accordance with existing policies.
“The Philippine National Police does not and will never tolerate any form of abuse. Those found guilty of violating the law will face appropriate administrative and criminal sanctions,” the statement read.
The Cavite PPO also reiterated that no one is above the law, even those entrusted to enforce it, and emphasized that they remain committed to upholding professionalism, integrity, and accountability.
The police, meanwhile, encouraged the public to report any incidents involving law violations or abuse of authority by police personnel.
A cop has been relieved for mauling a student.
Four local officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the cities of Davao and Cebu were sacked from their posts for various offenses.
According to DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon, those that have been relieved from their posts effective Monday were Richard Ragasa, formerly assigned in Davao City; Lilibeth Sarmiento, assistant District Engineer; and Roberto Mamaril, head of the Construction Section.
The three were among those recommended by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for the filing of charges for violation of the Anti-Graft and Corruption Practices Act and Falsification by Public Officer in relation to flood control and other projects by the Genesis88 Construction in the said city.
On the other hand, Renato Catingub, head of the Construction Section of the DPWH 4th Engineering District in Cebu, was sacked from his post based on the complaints lodged by contractors in the province.
“Someone reported to me that a construction chief in Cebu is extorting money from contractors in Cebu,” Dizon said in an interview during the inspection of Diokno Pumping Station in Pasay City.
He noted that the relief of the four DPWH officials must serve as a stern warning that the department is serious in its campaign to bring back the trust and confidence of the people to the government.
“To everyone in the DPWH: If you commit any wrongdoing or face charges, you will be automatically dismissed immediately,” Dizon said.
“We are on a one-strike policy; once someone reports it, you are fired immediately,” he added.
Dizon said he will be announcing or identifying erring DPWH personnel in the coming weeks as investigations are still ongoing.
“There are ongoing investigations at the moment. I will make an announcement in the next few weeks involving District Engineers, Assistant District Engineers among others,” he said.
“Officials at the regional and district offices are currently finalizing reports from the Legal Service and the Internal Audit Investigations Service. I will announce the names of those who will be removed in the coming months,” he added.
Four local officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways in the cities of Davao and Cebu were sacked from their posts for various offenses.
Unidentified gunmen shot and killed a village councilman and his brother in Barangay Lower Paatan, Kabacan, Cotabato, before dawn Wednesday.
The Kabacan municipal police office said the shooting of village councilman Patacpan Maganaka and his brother Ibrahim Maganaka occurred at about 1 a.m., during a village disco event, following an altercation between the official and an unidentified man.
Kabacan Mayor Evangelyn de Guzman, who visited and condoled with the family Wednesday morning, has condemned the shooting and directed the police to bring the perpetrators behind bars.
The elder Maganaka and his brother, Ibrahim, the barangay bookkeeper, were supervising the disco event in the village when they had an altercation with unidentified disco guests.
The man left but returned with a pistol and shot the siblings. A minor was hit by stray bullet.
Guzman said she has already directed the Kabacan police to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure those responsible will be held accountable under the law.
“As the mother of the town, I join the call for justice for Barangay Kagawad Bayan Patacpan Maganaka and Barangay Bookkeeper Ibrahim Patacpan Maganaka,” Guzman said in a statement.
She said the siblings had long worked with the municipal government in implementing development and peace initiatives in Kabacan.
Guzman appealed to all groups to remain calm, noting that various sectors were working together to ensure justice for the victims.
She urged residents to continue respecting one another and working together to maintain peace and promote the municipality’s development.
The siblings were buried before 3 p.m. Wednesday in accordance with Islamic tradition.
Unidentified gunmen shot and killed a village councilman and his brother in Barangay Lower Paatan, Kabacan, Cotabato.
The Palawan Police Provincial Office (PalPPO) has confirmed that a PNP Maritime Group officer and a 46-year-old boat mechanic he allegedly shot died following a shooting incident in Barangay Rio Tuba, Bataraza, on Monday, October 19.
PalPPO spokesperson Maj. Ric Ramos identified the other fatality only as “Willy.”
Despite the suspect’s death, police are continuing their investigation to establish the sequence of events and the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
“Yes po, si alias Willy, victim, boat mechanic po, 46 years old, ito po ay patay,” Ramos said.
Ramos said the suspect allegedly fired his weapon and hit Willy. Police were still awaiting information on the number of gunshot wounds the victim sustained.
The Maritime officer, assigned to the 2nd Special Operations Unit, sustained gunshot wounds to his leg and body.
He was brought to the Rio Tuba Nickel Foundation Inc. Hospital and later transferred to the Bataraza Municipal Health Office, where the attending physician pronounced him dead on arrival.
The confirmation updates an initial PalPPO statement that reported the officer and Willy as wounded, with their medical conditions still being verified.
In that statement, signed by provincial police director Col. Joel Casupanan, police said Bataraza Municipal Police Station received information about a shooting involving a Maritime Group officer in Sitio Marabahay at about 11:50 a.m.
Bataraza police officers and PNP Maritime personnel proceeded to the area.
Initial investigation said the officer allegedly discharged his issued firearm inside his unit’s office at about 11:30 a.m.
He later left the premises and was reportedly roaming within Sitio Marabahay.
Police said the officer allegedly refused to surrender and fired toward responding personnel, prompting them to return fire.
Investigators recovered his issued firearm and a knife measuring about 11 inches, including the handle.
The motive had yet to be established.
A PNP Maritime Group officer shot and killed a boat mechanic in Bataraza, Palawan, after which responding fellow officers shot and killed the maritime officer.
An incumbent barangay kagawad was arrested in an anti-narcotics operation in this town on Tuesday.
The 42-year-old suspect was collared at his house in Barangay Mataguisi following a search by agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.
The PDEA said the raiding team recovered shabu with an estimated street value of P7,000 from the suspect’s house.
Charges for violating Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 will be filed against the suspect, the PDEA said.
A barangay kagawad was busted for drugs.
The Office of the Ombudsman has called on government officials to properly liquidate any cash advance as failure to do so constitutes a violation of the Revised Penal Code.
It issued the reminder following the filing of a case against an employee of the Bogo Water District in Cebu accused of failing to liquidate a cash advance of P19,822.50.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Ombudsman said the case stemmed from a complaint filed by Bogo Water District General Manager Jose Brainard Mayol against the section head designate of the human resources management office, Kenneth Robert Obial Metante.
Mayol filed the complaint after the Commission on Audit (COA) issued an audit observation memorandum flagging more than P2.7 million worth of cash advances that were granted to water district employees which remain unliquidated as of the end of 2023.
Part of the cash advances were received by Metante in 2022 for a tree-planting activity, the Ombudsman noted.
In his complaint, Mayol alleged that Metante failed to properly account for and liquidate the funds.
The Ombudsman said it found “sufficient evidence” against Metante “for failure to render accounts,” noting that the cash advance also lacked a request for quotation.
It noted that Metante failed to show proof of liquidation although three years had passed since.
Citing COA Circular No. 2012-004, the Ombudsman stressed that “cash advances for field operating expenses, including expenditures for special projects such as tree-planting activities, are subject to liquidation requirements.”
Aside from Metante, Mayol had also filed a complaint against the former general manager of the Bogo Water District, Houdini Ancajas Jumao-as, who received a cash advance of over P222,000 for an overseas trip for training.
However, the Ombudsman said it dismissed the complaint against Jumao-as due to “insufficient evidence,” after the former general manager presented audit reports supporting his compliance with liquidation requirements.
“[G]overnment officials and employees entrusted with public funds are responsible for ensuring that cash advances are properly documented, accounted for, and liquidated within the prescribed period,” the Ombudsman said.
It also urged government agencies to “regularly monitor outstanding cash advances and ensure compliance with COA rules to avoid audit findings and possible administrative or criminal liability.”
“[F]ailure by an accountable officer to render accounts under circumstances covered by Article 218 of the Revised Penal Code may give rise to criminal liability,” it added.
A Bogo Water District employee in Cebu, Kenneth Robert Obial Metante, is being charged by the Ombudsman with failure to liquidate a ₱19,822.50 cash advance under Article 218 of the Revised Penal Code.
