Retards in the Government 300

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

  

 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1738041/sandiganbayan-convicts-ex-pagcor-chair-genuino-of-graft

Former Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) chairperson Efraim Genuino has been found guilty of graft by the Sandiganbayan, for unlawfully releasing P37.06 million worth of Pagcor funds to an association training Filipino swimmers.

In the Sandiganbayan’s Third Division’s decision dated March 3, Genuino along with ex-Pagcor president Rafael Francisco and former Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chair William Ramirez were found to have violated Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, for allowing the directly release of funds to the Philippine Amateur Swimming Association (Pasa) in 2019.

Pasa was training athletes who were slated to compete in the 2012 London Olympics.  However, Sandiganbayan said that state prosecutors were able to prove that Genuino and the other convicted respondents acted in manifest partiality in providing Pasa with the funds — as it should have been coursed through the PSC.

According to the anti-graft court, Ramirez wrote a letter to Genuino authorizing Pagcor to deduct from the PSC’s legal monthly income share the amounts due to Pasa — which goes against Section 26 of R.A. No. 6847 which established PSC.

“Plainly, the direct release of a portion of the PSC’s share from PAGCOR to PASA was illegal as it directly contravened the above-quoted provision of the law,” the decision, penned by Third Division chair and Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang.

Sandiganbayan also noted that defense witness Julia Llanto admitted that there was no PSC Board Resolution that authorized Pagcor to directly release the funds to PSC.

“Llanto likewise confirmed that there was no PSC Board Resolution authorizing Pagcor to directly release a portion of the PSC’s income share from Pagcor to PASA,” it added.

The cases against Genuino was filed by the Office of Ombudsman in 2016, while the former Pagcor chief was arraigned in 2017.

As for Genuino, Francisco, and Ramirez, a penalty of imprisonment from six years and one day to a maximum of 10 years was handed down.  All three are also disqualified from public office.

The former chair of PAGCOR has been sentenced to ten years in prison for illegally diverting funds to Filipino swimmers. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1738310/negros-oriental-gov-shot-inside-his-house

The governor of Negros Oriental was shot dead Saturday morning by still-unidentified assailants at the receiving area inside his home in Barangay Isidro, Pamplona town.

Siaton Mayor Fritz Diaz confirmed his death on Saturday afternoon.

Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo suffered gunshot wounds on different parts of his body, according to Lieutenant Colonel Gerard Ace Pelare, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7).

The initial police investigation showed that Degamo was distributing assistance to beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) when the assailants suddenly emerged and shot him at 9:36 a.m.

Some civilians who were with Degamo were also wounded.

“The perpetrators were in full battle gear when they shot the governor several times,” Pelare said.

Degamo and the other victims were rushed to the hospital.

Pelare said the local police led by Colonel Reynaldo Lizardo, director of Negros Oriental provincial police, are conducting a hot pursuit to arrest the perpetrators.

The governor of Negros Oriental has been assassinated at his own house.

https://mb.com.ph/2023/03/05/ph-army-suspects-tagged-in-negor-governors-assassination-are-dismissed-soldiers/

The Philippine Army (PA) confirmed that the suspects arrested by the police following the ambush-slay of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo on Saturday, March 4, are former soldiers who were discharged from the service.

Joric Labrador, 50, of Cagayan de Oro City; Joven Aber, 42, of La Castellana, Negros Oriental; and Benjie Rodriguez, 45, of Bonifacio, Misamis Occidental, were arrested by the police and military in a hot pursuit operation in the mountains of Bayawan City, Negros Oriental shortly after the killing of Degamo. 

A fourth unidentified suspect died in a shootout with the authorities.

“According to police reports, the arrested suspects are former Army soldiers. Notably, they were dishonorably discharged from the military service years back as they did not meet the standards of discipline among our ranks,” Col. Xerxes Trinidad, PA spokesperson, said of the former Army soldiers.

The PA did not reveal the military units where the suspects served before nor when exactly were they removed from the service and on what grounds.

But Police Lt. Col. Gerard Ace Pelare, spokesperson of the Central Visayas Police Regional Office (PRO-7), said in a radio interview with dzBB that some of the former soldiers went AWOL [absent without official leave] while others were involved in an illegal drugs case.

Meanwhile, the PA denounced the suspects’ unauthorized use of military uniforms, firearms, or insignias in carrying out the attack on the governor. 

The police earlier said that the gunmen wore military uniforms, bullet-proof vests, combat boots and carried long firearms when they stormed the compound where Degamo was residing in Pamplona town. The suspects opened fire at the governor while he was talking with his constituents who are recipients of a social welfare development program. 

“The Army strongly condemns this cowardly act of the perpetrators in order to deceive and mislead the authorities and ordinary people,” Trinidad said.

Former soldiers dismissed from the service have been tagged in the assassination of the governor of Negros Occidental. 

https://www.panaynews.net/city-govt-employee-nabbed-for-shabu/

A regular employee of the Iloilo City Government was arrested in a drug buy-bust operation in Zone 1, Barangay Calumpang, Molo district around 9:10 p.m. on Thursday, March 2.

The 40-year-old Carlos “Caloy” Agado, a native of Zamboanga City, was caught after selling to a police poseur-buyer a plastic sachet of suspected shabu for P6,800.

Police classified him as a high-value individual.

The arrest of Agado was carried out by the Special Drug Enforcement Team led by Molo police station officer-in-charge, Police Captain Benjie Q. Dicen, and the City Drug Enforcement Unit led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Benitez Jr.

A total of two grams of suspected shabu valued at around P13,600 were seized, along with a .9mm pistol, 30 pieces of .9mm live ammunition and two empty magazine, and a sling bag.

An Iloilo City employee who is considered a high value target has been busted for drugs. 

https://cidg.pnp.gov.ph/cidg-captured-ex-marine-firearms-and-various-ammunition-seized/

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) conducted its OPLAN Paglalansag Omega, which is a campaign against loose firearms in line with the Peace and Security Framework or the M+K+K=K program of the PNP CHIEF, PGEN RODOLFO S AZURIN JR, that led to the arrest of an ex-marine on March 5, 2023, at around 3:00 PM in Purok Acacia, Brgy. Tandayag, Amlan, Negros Oriental.

CIDG Acting Director, PBGEN ROMEO M CARAMAT JR, identified the suspect as Rickyvelle Espe Luces, a 38-year-old dismissed Marine in 2016 and a resident of Hacienda Adela, Brgy. Lantad, Silay City Negros Oriental.

Detectives of the CIDG Negros Oriental Provincial Field Unit together with the local police operating units promptly carried out a buy-bust operation that resulted in the arrest of the suspect, who was caught in the act of selling an unlicensed M14 7.62mm with scope and tripod bolt to a police poseur buyer.

A former solider has been arrested for illegally selling weapons. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1196806

A job order employee of the local government of Rosario town in Agusan del Sur province was arrested with two others during an operation at a drug den on Monday evening.

In a statement Tuesday, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 13 (Caraga) identified the arrested drug suspects as Vonn Mazo, a job order employee; Junmark Goloran Plaza, the alleged drug den maintainer; and a certain Alvin Dendero.

PDEA-13 said the three were found inside the drug den by the joint team of PDEA and Rosario police operatives in Purok 6, Barangay Buhisan of the municipality.

“A drug den is a place where any dangerous drug and/or controlled precursor and essential chemical is administered, delivered, stored for illegal purposes, distributed, sold, or used in any form,” it said.

Shabu items with an estimated street value of PHP75,000 were seized from the suspects, it said, adding that charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2022 have been filed against them.

A government job order employee has been busted on drug charges. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1196848

Criminal charges were filed Tuesday against a Negros Oriental lawmaker in connection with murders which occurred in 2019.

The Philippine National Police - Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) charged Third District Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. and a certain Hannah Mae, allegedly his secretary, before the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Two counts of murder were likewise lodged against Richard Cuadra alias Boy Cuadra, Jasper Tanasan alias Bobong Tansan and Rolando Pinili alias Inday, and one count of murder against Alex Mayagma.

Private counsel Levito Balingod said the testimonies against the respondents were provided by persons whom Teves allegedly paid PHP50,000 “per project.”

The cases include the killing of Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Miguel Dungog in front of the Siliman University Medical Center in Dumaguete City March 25, 2019.

A former agent of the National Bureau of Investigation, Dungog was supposed to seek reelection in the midterm polls that year.

Two more incidents of killings included in the charge sheets were at Sitio Labugon, Basay town on May 25, 2019 and at Barangay Malabugas, Bayawan City June 23, 2019.

Teves and his brother, Pryde Henry, are also being linked to the assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and eight others on Saturday.

Degamo unseated Pryde Henry after the votes of a nuisance candidate, Ruel Degamo, was credited in his favor.

A former member of the House of Representatives and 5 others have been charged with murder. 

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2023/03/09/2250259/3-ex-gsis-execs-get-20-years

The Sandiganbayan has sentenced three former officials of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) to up to 20 years in prison over the grant of P293 million in housing loans to unqualified borrowers.

In a 54-page decision promulgated on March 3, the anti-graft court’s Seventh Division found GSIS Tarlac City former division chief Celestino Cabalitasan, former appraiser Ma. Victoria Leonardo and former senior general insurance specialist Jerry Balagtas liable for violating Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Also convicted was private land developer Jose de Guzman of JQG Development Corp.

Cabalitasan, Leonardo, Balagtas and De Guzman were perpetually disqualified from holding public office.

The Seventh Division dismissed the complaint filed against the primary respondent, former GSIS branch manager Amando Inocentes, after the Supreme Court granted his petition in 2016.

Filed by the Office of the Ombudsman in 2012, the cases stemmed from the GSIS’ processing and approval of housing loans by 491 borrowers totaling P241.054 and another set of loans worth P52.107 million of 53 borrowers in October 2001.

The ombudsman said the loans were granted even if the borrowers “were not qualified and were not under the territorial jurisdiction of the GSIS Tarlac field office.”

Ombudsman prosecutors said the lots were intended for commercial purposes and that the land and buildings offered as collaterals for the loans were overappraised by P33.243 million.

In convicting the three former GSIS officials, the Sandiganbayan said the ombudsman’s prosecution panel proved that the respondents approved the loans despite irregularities to give unwarranted benefits to De Guzman.

Three ex-GSIS employees have been convicted for giving loans to unqualified borrorowers.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/09/23/cop-tagged-in-barangay-captains-slay-in-police-custody

A police lieutenant colonel linked to the killing of a 60-year-old barangay captain has been placed under restrictive custody after voluntarily appearing before authorities.

PLt Col. Eunice de Guzman, Calabarzon police PIO, said the police official appeared before the chief of police after receiving orders to report before the Police Personnel and Records Management office.


"The chief is talking to him. He will be placed under restrictive custody at the custodial facility of Camp Vicente Lim...Regular filing happened to him, let's wait for an arrest warrant to be issued," de Guzman told TeleRadyo.


She said the official does not have an assignment since he is undergoing mandatory schooling at the National Police College in Silang, Cavite.


Police earlier said they were looking for 5 suspects in the killing of Barangay San Carlos captain Vivencio Palo, who was gunned down by unidentified assailants while unloading merchandise in his store last February 26.

A policeman accused of being the mastermind behind the killing of a barangay captain has been arrested. 

Coronavirus Lockdown: No Significant Increase, Restrictions Lifted in Tourist Spots, and More!

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

The DOH is still attempting to obtain bivalent vaccines. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1736885/doh-adviser-bivalent-vaccines-to-give-higher-protection-vs-severe-covid-19

Bivalent coronavirus vaccines from the global COVAX facility would give locals, especially the vulnerable population, “higher” protection against the severe effects of COVID-19, an infectious disease expert and adviser of the Department of Health (DOH) said.

Dr. Rontgene Solante, chair of San Lazaro Hospital’s adult infectious diseases and tropical medicine unit and a DOH expert panel member, said these vaccines would provide “longer and broader” protection against the severe COVID-19 symptoms “for a longer time.”

(Based on proven data, this new bivalent vaccine will protect us from most of the subvariant of Omicron, such as from the BA.1, BA.2, BA.4, and BA.5, including what we call the XBB.1, XBB.5, which has also been reported here in the Philippines.)

On Tuesday, the DOH disclosed that the first batch of the donated bivalent vaccines is set to arrive in the country in three to four weeks after the Food and Drug Administration has allowed the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).

How doe they even know this when long term studies have not been carried out? 

Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue officials say not many residents are getting vaccinated. 

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1955128/cebu/local-news/only-a-few-people-in-lapu-mandaue-go-to-get-vaxxed-vs-covid-says-health-officials

HEALTH officials in the cities of Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue said only a few people are flocking to their vaccination sites to get inoculated against the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

In Lapu-Lapu City, health officials there said the number of individuals who got vaccinated against Covid-19 has been decreasing since the fourth quarter of last year.

Mae Cheryll Tepait, a staff member of the Lapu-Lapu City Vaccination Operation Center and is in charge of vaccination at the City Health Office, told SunStar Cebu Thursday, March 2, 2023, that less than 100 individuals per day have been inoculated against Covid-19 since then.

Tepait said this may be due to the low number of active cases in the city with only five currently reported to them as of Wednesday, March 1.

Despite that, Tepait said they still continue their vaccination in barangay health centers as well as in their one remaining vaccination site in Mactan Newtown.

Maybe everyone has gotten the shot already? Maybe they realize that the vaccine is worthless? But with no increase in cases or deaths, why does it matter? 

The Philippines is hoping tourism will boost the economy and aid in the recovery from the pandemic. But is the Philippines ready for an influx of tourists?

https://business.inquirer.net/389464/leaving-on-a-jet-plane-travelers-bags-are-packed-but-is-ph-ready-for-them

As travelers pack their luggage for their next trip, local airlines are also preparing to spread their wings. Hotels, meanwhile, are welcoming more guests as the tourism sector claws its way back to prepandemic vibrancy.

The runway has become busier now after years of mobility restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Passengers’ confidence toward travel has also returned—and heavier traffic is expected at airports moving forward as travelers take advantage of the further reopening of international borders.

“We carried close to 10 million passengers in 2022 and are expecting growth from market recovery and incremental capacity,” Cielo Villaluna, spokesperson for Philippine Airline (PAL), tells the Inquirer.

Steve Dailisan, head of communications and public affairs of AirAsia Philippines, says the budget carrier is looking at doubling the 4.178 million guests it flew in the past year.

“A big factor for this is the opening of international borders for leisure travel and the public’s positive sentiments on revenge travel,” he tells the Inquirer.

The increasing mobility is boding well for the tourism sector, including the hospitality industry.

“Aside from the domestic tourism push, we see the influx of more international tourists boosting tourism receipts, hotel rates, and occupancies,” says Joey Roi Bondoc, research director at property consultancy firm Colliers.

The Department of Tourism projects foreign tourist arrivals to reach 4.8 million this year with the return of travel confidence and easing of mobile restrictions. Last year, it reached 2.7 million, beating the government’s 1.7 million target.

Any tourists who do arrive will no longer face vaccine requirement restrictions or be faced to wear face mask. 

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/863052/dot-lifts-face-mask-vaccination-policies-in-tourist-spots/story/

Wearing of face masks and showing proof of full COVID-19 vaccination in tourist spots are no longer required based on the recent memorandum issued by the Department of Tourism (DOT).

The agency said that these eased health and safety guidelines in the tourism establishments are part of the measures to support the national government’s liberalization of the COVID-19 restrictions in the country, and would therefore boost the further opening of the country to tourists and travelers.

Currently, wearing of face masks both in indoor and outdoor settings in the country is voluntary, based on the executive order released by Malacañang in October last year.

The DOT Memorandum Circular 2023-0002 also lifted the earlier requirement for tourism establishments to install plastic, acrylic barriers, and dividers in designated areas.

It also ordered for the removal of signages, visual cues, and other installations on mandatory protocols.

The DOT also announced that it will no longer issue the Philippine Safety Seal and the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Safe Travels Stamp to tourism enterprises found compliant to guidelines set in accordance with Joint Memorandum Circular No. 21-01 issued by the DOT and other national government agencies on the Safety Seal Certification Program, and Memorandum Circular 2022-003, respectively.

Additionally, accommodation establishments no longer need to include the number, nature of work, and length of stay of permitted guests, as well as names of companies or businesses with employees that are booked with the establishment, when submitting monthly reports to the DOT’s Regional Offices.

“This latest issuance on the relaxed health and safety guidelines for tourism establishments reinforces the Department of Tourism’s commitment towards addressing the economic hardships of the tourism industry brought about by the lockdowns and restrictions of the pandemic,” Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said in a statement.

“It sends the important message that, under the Marcos Administration, our country is open for tourism, and that we are keeping up with global practices on tourism operations that have already opened up worldwide.”

It's past time these restrictions in tourist places were abolished. 

The DOH says the daily average of COVID cases is up 10%.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1196748

The country’s daily average of new coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases increased by 10 percent from Feb. 27 to March 5, the Department of Health (DOH) reported Monday.

In the latest DOH case bulletin, daily infections increased to 130 in the recent week from 119 infections from Feb. 20 to 26.

From Feb. 27 to March 5, the DOH also reported 913 new cases and 56 verified deaths.

Of the additional deaths, six occurred from Feb. 20 to March 5.

To date, the country has logged over 4.08 million coronavirus cases and more than 66,153 fatalities.

But who cares because these uptick is not significant at all. 

https://mb.com.ph/2023/03/07/no-significant-increase-in-covid-19-cases-in-ph-doh/

There is no significant increase in the number of Covid-19 cases in the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) said.

DOH Officer-in-Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said that cases in the country and in the National Capital Region remain manageable.

On Monday, March 6, the DOH reported that the average number of daily cases for the period of Feb. 27 to March 5 was 10 percent higher than the cases on Feb. 20 to Feb. 26.

“This is not significant if we try to compare that for our weekly average number of cases,” she said during a press briefing on Tuesday, March 7.

“We can say that everything is manageable, our hospitals are being able to manage our cases,” she added.

The number of new Covid-19 cases in Metro Manila is decreasing, said DOH-NCR Director Aleli Sudiacal.

“Lahat ng (All) NCR LGUs [local government units] have decreasing rates. In fact, some of them, or about a third of them have not been reporting any case,” she said.

Does this mean we can officially announce that the pandemic is over? 

Being a Barangay Captain is Dangerous Work

Being a Barangay captain is dangerous work. So dangerous that the LGUs have bought guns for their Barangay captains.

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/488628/carcar-10-brgy-chiefs-turn-over-guns-with-expired-licenses

Ten incumbent barangay captains in Carcar City turned over their firearms with expired licenses during the police’s Oplan Katok on Saturday, Feb. 11.

Ten firearms with expired licenses were accounted by the Carcar City police, said Police Lieutenant Colonel Ardioleto Cabagnot, chief of Carcar City Police Station.

Cabagnot refused to divulge the names of these barangay captains for now. They will also continue to talk and visit the remaining five barangay captains in the city to also turnover their firearms with expired licenses.

These firearms are placed under the watch of the city police station while the owners were still processing their permits to carry these guns again.

Oplan Katok, which was started in 2013, is a police operation, where police personnel would visit the houses of residents with expired gun licenses and those suspected to have unlicensed guns.

Cabagnot said that the local government unit purchased these firearms a few years ago, which were intended for the barangay captains as their additional security given the nature of their jobs.

“…kaniadto nipalit sila [LGU] firearm intended sa kapitan. It so happened nga niabot nga expire na. Lisod pod makadisgrasya sila … mas maayo maaccount ang expired firearms para di maproblema ,” Cabagnot said.

(…they (LGU) bought firearms quite a while back for the barangay captains. It so happened that their gun licenses had already expired. It is a difficult situation because they might cause an accident…it will be better if the expired firearms will be accounted for so that there will be no problems for them.)

Cabagnot said that this was also their preparation for the coming barangay election that would happen this October 2023.

How exactly is it that Barangay captains need guns due to "the nature of their jobs?" Could it be due to the fact that so many Barangay captains and councilors are routinely targeted for assassination? When a motorcycle pulls up discreetly and the rider on back starts firing that gun won't offer any protection. A security detail would offer much better protection.

But then again when a governor can be assassinated in his own home no one is safe. Politics is truly an evil ans dangerous game in the Philippines. 

Insurgency: Gaining Ground

One of the conditions for establishing the BARMM was that the MILF would decommission. That means totally dismantling their terrorist army. Governors of several provinces who joined the BARMM say the process is not fast enough. They also claim crime is rising in areas where there are MILF camps. 

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2023/02/4-barmm-governors-ask-palace-to-hasten-decommissioning-of-milf/

Four provincial governors of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) sent on Thursday to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. an “urgent appeal” for the immediate decommissioning of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) forces and postponement of the barangay elections until the decommissioning is fully implemented.

The appeal, signed by Governors Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu of Maguindanao del Sur, Abdusakur Tan of Sulu, Hadjiman Hataman-Salliman of Basilan and Yshmael Sali of Tawi-Tawi, also called for a “swift investigation and prosecution of the perpetrators” of the ambush on Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong Jr. and other violent incidents in BARMM.

The governors’ appeal linked the “climate of lawlessness” in the region, including the ambush on Adiong in Maguing, Lanao del Sur to the presence of MILF base commands.

“In these areas, LGUs (local government units), PNP (Philippine National Police) and the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) are severely restrained from enforcing law and order by the ‘peace process mechanisms’ that bar entry of law enforcement agencies in the so-called ‘MILF territories’,” the appeal said.

It cited the incident on Feb. 7 where 39 Special Forces soldiers were held overnight by the MILF in Maguing, “on the pretext that their movement and operations were not coordinated with the MILF.”

The four governors also called for the postponement of the barangay elections scheduled on Oct. 30 this year until the decommissioning is completed.

The decommissioning of the MILF forces is provided for in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) specifically in the Annex on Normalization.

Its implementation is guided by a roadmap, which says that the MILF shall undergo a graduated and gradual decommissioning in four phases by percentage: ceremonial in Phase 1, 30% in Phase 2, 35% in Phase 3, and remaining MILF forces in Phase 4.

“We are seriously concerned that law enforcement in the BARMM will continue to be handicapped leading to the barangay elections on October 30, 2023 unless effective decommissioning of MILF combatants and firearms is completed.

BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim has denied these allegations. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1196321

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) remains committed to the peace deal it signed with the national government, including the decommissioning of its combatants, a top Bangsamoro region official said Wednesday.

Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim issued the remarks after four of five BARMM provincial governors urged for the suspension of this year’s barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan polls in the area pending the completion of the decommissioning process.

“Like them, we also wanted to speed up the decommissioning process but remember we are doing our part and the government is also doing its part,” Ebrahim said over a radio interview here.

Ebrahim said blaming the MILF for the rising criminality in Mindanao is unfair. He did not elaborate.

Nevertheless, the MILF leader said cases of violence in the BARMM dropped after the national government and MILF signed a peace deal in 2014.

Ebrahim also called on the national government for the disbandment of private armed groups (PAGs), which he said is allegedly controlled by politicians in BARMM.

It was common knowledge, he said, that BARMM that politicians maintain PAGs to protect their interests. Ebrahim did not name names.

Mohaqher Iqbal, BARMM education minister and former chief MILF negotiator, said private armed groups of "traditional politicians should be disbanded and demobilized."

“As stated in the agreement, the government’s deliverables, among others, is the disbandment of politicians’ private armies,” Iqbal said, adding that the MILF expects the disbandment of PAGs as soon as possible.

He also rejected claims that crimes are rising in areas near MILF camps

Remember the leader of the MILF Ebrahim Murad is on record saying decommissioning does not mean surrender.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1162067/milfs-murad-decommissioning-is-not-surrender

“We have not given up on our struggle.” 

“We are not surrendering. Decommissioning is not tantamount to surrendering,” said Ebrahim, who is also Chief Minister of the interim Bangsamoro government. 

“I would like to emphasize that the decommissioning doesn’t mean we have given up on what we used to fight for,” Ebrahim emphasized.

So, they are still fighting for an independent Mindanao which has always been their goal. In the meantime BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim puts the blame for crime on private armed groups. The DILG has given the order to crack down on PAGs.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1735657/abalos-orders-pnp-to-intensify-clampdown-on-private-armed-groups-illegal-arms

Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos has directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to intensify the crackdown on Private Armed Groups (PAGs) and illegal firearms.

Abalos said in a statement Monday that the PNP should bolster efforts to end “senseless violence” targeting local government officials and preventing criminality in the country.

Abalos’ order came after the recent gun attacks on three local government officials, resulting in the death of a vice mayor and nine aides.

(We need to identify and dismantle these PAGs and confiscate the loose firearms in their possession which they might be using in illegal operations.)

The DILG chief also instructed increased police visibility and tightened security across the country to allay public fears and discourage illegally armed individuals or groups from committing violence.

“I also expect the PNP to stay true to its mission to serve and protect the citizenry by exerting sustained, deliberate and committed efforts to stop this senseless violence against local officials and prevent criminal activities,” Abalos said.

This same exact order was given by the DILG two years ago in 2021!

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1145508

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año on Wednesday ordered an intensive crackdown on private armed groups (PAGs) in Western Mindanao.

Speaking during a press conference here, Año said PAGs should be dismantled as they are most likely to become active as the election nears since candidates might use them to advance their own interests.

“The best way to prevent violence is to ensure the neutralization of these PAGs,” he said after meeting with top DILG, military, and police officials at the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) headquarters in Campo Navarro.

He said there are 22 active and more than 100 potential PAGs in the Westmincom areas of operation that extend from Western Mindanao to Central Mindanao.

Nothing changes in the Philippines!

VISCOM says they are making headway against the NPA in the Visayas.

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/491607/viscom-says-it-is-gaining-ground-against-cpp-npa

The Visayas Command (VISCOM) said it continues to gain ground in its fight against the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) after it reported neutralizing four alleged rebels during an armed encounter in Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City in Negros Occidental last March 1, 2023. 

Lieutenant General Benedict Arevalo, VISCOM commander, said that the armed encounter was between the 94th Infantry Battalion and the alleged terrorists. This encounter resulted to the death of four alleged rebels and recovery of six firearms, which includes two M16 rifles; two M203 grenade launchers attached to the M16 rifles, and two AK47 assault rifles. 

Aside from these firearms, Arevalo said that the government troops also allegedly recovered several ‘war materials,’ including nine backpacks containing personal belongings and subversive documents. 

For the month of February, Arevalo said that a total of 28 alleged rebels were already neutralized during their operations against insurgency in Visayas. Of the 28 individuals, five were killed, one was apprehended, while 22 others surrendered. 

At least 22 firearms were also confiscated within the same period. 

Arevalo appeals to those a few remaining alleged rebels to surrender. 

“Heed the call of our government for genuine peace and reconciliation. Lay down your arms and return to the folds of the law while you still can, for we will never stop and we will never back down in our efforts in pursuing those who threaten the safety and well-being of our people,” Arevalo said.

This is completely inline with what I have written before about the Visayas being the new battleground versus the NPA. The AFP thinks the job can be done in 3 to 6 months but we shall see. 

Let's compare the fate of 8 different NPA fighters. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1196455

The Philippine Army has declared another victory in its anti-insurgency operation in central Negros with the death of four Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) rebels during an encounter in Barangay Carabalan in Himamaylan, Negros Occidental on Wednesday.

In a statement on Thursday, the 3rd Infantry Division headed by Brig. Gen. Marion Sison said the NPA "suffered a huge debacle" in the latest clash, which came five months after a series of encounters took place in the same village.

"We will not allow you to continue harming our people. Expect relentless and intensified military operations in the coming days and weeks," said Sison, stressing that government forces are determined to protect Negrenses from the atrocities of the NPA.

On Wednesday morning, troops of the 94th Infantry Battalion (94IB) engaged around 20 communist rebels in a 20-minute firefight, which injured a soldier and claimed the lives of four NPA fighters, who were not yet identified as of Thursday afternoon.

The troops responded to the reported presence of armed men who were asking for food and supplies from the villagers.

During the clearing operation, the troops recovered two M16 rifles attached to M203 grenade launchers, two AK47 assault rifles, a hand grenade, four rounds of M203 grenade launcher ammunition, four M16 magazines, seven AK47 magazines, and assorted ammunition.

Other items included backpacks, a compass, two flashlights, food items, personal belongings, subversive documents and a stack of extortion letters.

Oops they are dead! And now the AFP has their backpacks. 

Now check out these four former NPA fighters. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1196398

Former members of the New People’s Army in Negros Oriental province who have reintegrated into mainstream society are now embracing a new life as entrepreneurs.

The former rebels received Tuesday night their livelihood kits – layering chicken packages – from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) during a small ceremony at the headquarters of the Philippine Army’s 11th Infantry Battalion (11IB) in Barangay Salag, Siaton town.

The livelihood package, worth around PHP30,000 each, consists of 24 heads of ready-to-lay chickens, chicken feed, and a mechanical egg collection unit, according to DOLE-Negros Oriental provincial chief, Ma. Theresa Tanquiamco.

The chickens that were delivered are ready to lay eggs already, and in a few weeks, the beneficiaries can begin collecting and selling them. 

The egg production business is expected to boost the income of the former rebels who were reunited with their families after they surrendered last year to the 11th IB.

Lt. Col. Roderick Salayo, 11IB commanding officer, told the Philippine News Agency, that the livelihood assistance is a concrete example of the government’s sincerity to help rebel returnees start a new life.

What a difference huh? From fighting against the government to raising chickens. That's one way to end the insurgency. Turn everyone into chicken farmers!

The PNP Declares Recent Attacks on Local Officials Are Not Alarming

Recently there have been a spate of assassinations and assassination attempts against current and former local government officials. These have each been catalogued on my Retards in the Government series. In fact there is hardly a week that goes by when at least one current or former local official is not either assassinated or wounded in an assassination attempt. Of this current crop of killings the PNP says it's nothing to be alarmed about. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1735645/pnp-chief-recent-gun-attacks-on-local-govt-officials-not-yet-alarming

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said Monday that the gun attacks on local government officials recently are “not yet alarming.”

However, PNP investigators are still attempting to determine the purpose of the separate shooting incidents, he noted, paying particular attention to the varying situations and potential motives for the fatal and near-fatal events, which took place two to three days apart in Lanao del Sur, Nueva Vizcaya, and Pasay City in Metro Manila.

Azurin said that the gun attacks on the provincial officials are “isolated” cases but still need a thorough investigation by the police.

"I would say that it’s not yet alarming because we’re still determining – the situations and the reasons are different why these people were killed. As I said, it’s either political, personal, business rivalry, or other reasons these killings are happening."

“Incidentally siguro (maybe), it just so happened na (that) they are in public service,” he also said

It might "just so happen" that these men are in public service?" How did this guy become PNP Chief? Contrary to his laid back approach House Speaker Romualdez has called an emergency meeting to discuss these killings. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1735642/romualdez-calls-for-emergency-meeting-with-dilg-pnp-amid-spate-of-violence

House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has called for an emergency meeting with officials of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) amid the recent spate of violence reported across the country.

Romualdez, in a statement on Sunday, said that the reports of high-profile crimes are alarming, leading him to seek a meeting with the two agencies to know what their actions and responses are.

The meeting is expected to be held on Monday.

“It’s alarming because it seems that almost every week there are news reports about high-profile killings,” Romualdez said.

“We want to know from the PNP and the DILG what steps are being taken to stop these kinds of heinous crimes,” he added.

According to Romualdez, several of the high-profile incidents appeared to be linked to politics because most of the recent victims are politicians or are involved with public service.

This guy is at least closer to the truth about the situation. Every week, as I document in this blog and on Youtube there are high-profile killings of or attempts to kill local government officials. It is nothing new and has been going on since forever in this nation. So, when the PNP says there is no link between these killings you have to ask yourself how can they be so stupid?

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/02/27/23/pnp-no-link-among-recent-attacks-against-local-officials

The recent attacks against some local officials, which left several people dead, are likely not related, the Philippine National Police said Monday.

"As of now, we have not established or seen any link with respect to the three cases," PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo told ANC's "Rundown".

"Nonetheless, we are beefing (up) our security, particularly the personnel security detail of not only our elected officials but also appointed officials, because of these recent attacks."

The link between these three cases and with all the other assassinations and attempted assassinations of local officials is that they are either current or former politicians. POLITICS is the link!

Are the PNP and everyone else so unaware assassination is a political tool in the Philippines? It is so common that no one bats an eye unless a whole lot of assassinations happen in a short amount of time. When they are spread out as they usually are it is easy to overlook them. 

This fact, assassination being a political tool, is not being taken into account by the DILG. 

https://news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/02/28/23/more-cops-tougher-laws-dilg-seeks-to-stop-slay-tries-vs-politicos

The Department of the Interior and Local Government is seeking a bigger budget for more police recruits and tougher laws on vehicle purchases to stop high profile slay attempts on politicians.

Speaking with TeleRadyo, Abalos said the PNP is now revising its threat assessments for local officials nationwide.

(They are revising their threat assessment on politicians who are facing threats so they can help preempt these.)

(The good old police work and intelligence work are complete here.)

The official also said they have reshuffled some cops to places where their tactical skills are more needed.

Abalos said the DILG is seeking a bigger budget for more police recruits.

(Every year, there are 10,000 new police recruits. For the last 2 years, probably because of the pandemic, there have only been 1,000 recruits. Speaker Romualdez said he'll speak with Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman about restoring the budget.)

Abalos also asked the congressmen to look into tightening laws governing car purchases.

(If you look at the cars that were used recently, some of them are unregistered or have changed ownership so may times. Speaker promised that they can come up with a law...requiring owners to register their vehicles immediately after purchase.)

The official also said they will intensify their campaign against loose firearms.

While tightening the laws and employing more cops is a good thing it's not going to stop political assassinations. What needs to change is the us versus them mentality of Filipino politics. It boils down to clan feuds and dynastic politics. Even Ferdinand Marcos Sr. was convicted of assassinating his father's political rival. His conviction was overturned by Supreme Court Justice Jose P. Laurel, a family friend, who convinced his fellow judges to toss out his conviction because of the promise he showed. 

https://www.facebook.com/PhilippineSTAR/photos/a.773360509484299/773360669484283/?type=3

Dynastic politics, political rivalries, and corrupt government officials. Those are three reasons among many why assassination will remain a political tool despite whatever laws are passed or how many cops are on the streets. 

The most recent high profile assassination is of the governor of Negros Occidental who was killed inside his home by a group of former soldiers. The reaction has been nothing short of hypocritical. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1196657

Senator Imee Marcos on Sunday suggested that Negros Oriental be placed under a state of emergency for justice to be swiftly served following the brutal slaying of Governor Roel Degamo and eight others.

Marcos, who had worked with Degamo in the Governors’ League when she was still the governor of Ilocos Norte, also said Negros Oriental should be locked down so those who were behind the killing could not leave the province.

"I am calling for the declaration of state of emergency in the entire province of Negros Oriental as soon as possible. This needs to stop and not only the hitmen or the murderers but also the mastermind, their paymasters, and whoever conspired to make this happen should be apprehended," Marcos said during an interview after she visited the wake of Degamo in Dumaguete City.

She expressed hope that the arrested suspects will cooperate and could lead to the identification of other individuals responsible for Saturday morning’s gun attack.

"Let us leave no stone unturned and no culprits unpunished. This cannot go unpunished and the perpetrators of this heinous crime, barbaric as it is and cowardly, should be punished as soon as possible," she said.

Meanwhile, other senators also condemned the killings and asked authorities to swiftly solve the case.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri expressed alarm over the surge of assassinations of local chief executives in the past weeks.

Zubiri was referring to the attack against Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong, the recent ambush on Datu Montawal, Maguindanao del Sur Mayor Ohto Montawal, and the killing of Vice Mayor Rommel Almeda in Cagayan.

"For this ambush to happen while Gov. Degamo was in the middle of attending to 4Ps [Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program] beneficiaries is absolutely appalling. It is sick and heartless, and the suspects should rot in jail. Heads must roll, and the PNP [Philippine National Police] must crack down on this case immediately," Zubiri said in a statement.

"Every single incident like this ambush puts a dent in our people’s trust in the government. It is a failure of intelligence, a failure of police visibility, a failure of our peace and security efforts," he added.

Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva said the PNP must put an end to the killings and not wait for a similar incident to happen again.

"These killings must end now. These acts of violence and lawlessness are a clear display of arrogance against our government. We should never be accustomed to these senseless killings. We call on the PNP to act swiftly and put these criminals behind bars," Villanueva said in a separate statement.

Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. said such incidents are not merely acts against the persons who were targeted, but also an attack against the people who elected them and against democracy itself.

"They must put to stop lip service and instead make sure they put an end to this kind of lawlessness. Parang pinaglalaruan na lang sila ng mga kriminal kasi sa loob pa mismo ng kanyang tahanan (They are being fooled by these criminals because [it actually happened] inside his home]," Revilla said.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said any form of violence and intimidation have no place in a civilized and democratic society like the Philippines.

"I call on authorities to bring the assailants before the court of law, and ensure that justice is served as soon as possible," Gatchalian said.

Citing the shooting incidents as "gangland-style" executed in broad daylight, Senator Grace Poe said it etched fears in Filipinos about how easily lives can be taken even of people who are in power.

"We call on the police and other law enforcement agencies to wield their authority against these criminals who undermine the peace and order in our country," Poe said in a separate statement.

"Authorities must act quickly before the next target falls, and to assure our people that the open season for killings will not come upon us."

Senator Lito Lapid said the killing showed neglect not only of life but also of democracy and the law.

"We strongly condemn this crime and I am with everyone calling for justice for their loved ones and the people of Negros Oriental," Lapid said.

Why do these people not speak out every single time a barangay chairman or village councilor is assassinated? Surely they are not so obtuse as to be unaware that assassination is a political tool in the Philippines. But these assassinations are not going to stop. They know it and we all know it.