Retards in the Government 457

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

 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/02/12/2-pnp-officers-charged-with-graft-before-sandiganbayan

A graft case has been filed before the Sandiganbayan against Col. Hector Udani Grijaldo Jr. of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and another police officer for allowing policemen work as construction workers in a private structure in Cebu City from 2019 to 2020.

In the case raffled to the anti-graft court’s fourth division, Grijaldo and Senior Police Officer Jesus P. Batobalonos of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 7 were charged with violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Ombudsman prosecutors accused them of utilizing subordinate police officers under their supervision as workers for the construction of a private structure/building owned by Grijaldo in Sitio Cantipla, Barangay Tabunan, Cebu City from August 2019 to April 2020.

The prosecutors said their actions caused unwarranted benefit, advantage, and preference to Grijaldo while resulting in damage and undue injury to the government in the amount of P9,435,144.

A bail bond of P90,000 for each accused has been recommended.

Two PNP officers have been charged with graft. 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/02/16/ex-army-officer-wanted-for-kidnapping-nabbed-after-19-years

Police arrested a former Army officer wanted for kidnapping after 19 years in hiding in Opol town, Misamis Oriental province on Monday, Feb. 16.

The suspect with a P300,000 reward for his capture identified as Jac was arrested on a warrant for kidnapping-for-ransom dated June 29, 2007 issued by the Makati City Regional Trial Court Branch 145 with no bail recommended.

Police Regional Office-10 Director Police Brig. Gen. Christopher N. Abrahano said the suspect and companions abducted a Filipino-Chinese businessman on May 24, 2007 in Makati City. 

A P2-million ransom was paid on June 2, 2007 but he was not immediately released. The victim was released on June 3, 2007 in Makati City and rescued by police.

Several suspects were arrested a in follow-up operation.

The suspects’ co-accused – two former soldiers, one police officer, and three other individuals – were convicted in 2018 and sentenced to reclusion perpetua by the Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 150 for kidnapping-for-ransom. 

Abrahano commended operating units for their accomplishment.

“For 19 years he hid from the law, but justice has finally caught him up. His arrest closes a long-standing kidnapping case where his co-accused have already been sentenced to reclusion perpetua. This sends a clear message. Fugitives may run, but they cannot outrun justice,” said Abrahano.

The suspect is under the custody of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office for proper disposition.

Police arrested a former Army officer wanted for kidnapping after 19 years in hiding.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2183429/ex-cop-arrested-for-illegal-drugs-in-leyte-town

A dismissed police officer was arrested along with a suspected high-value individual during an anti-illegal drugs operation conducted by the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) in Babatngon, Leyte on Tuesday, February 17.

Authorities identified the suspects as alias “Fred,” 55, a former policeman ranked No. 1 on the Regional Priority Target List, and alias “Gela,” 21, an unemployed resident of Babatngon who was classified as a high-value individual.

The arrests stemmed from a buy-bust operation carried out by the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 8 in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 8.

The operation was supported by several regional specialized units, and the Babatngon municipal police station.

Seized during the operation were approximately 39 grams of suspected meth with an estimated street value of P265,200, along with marked buy-bust money. 

Authorities also recovered a pump-action rifle, ammunition, and a hand grenade from the suspects’ possession, raising concerns over the potential link between illegal drugs and firearms.

Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy, PRO-8 director, commended the operating teams for the successful operation, emphasizing the regional police’s commitment to sustaining aggressive but lawful anti-drug efforts.

“I commend the team for their bravery and professionalism in this operation. Rest assured that PRO-8 will continue to pursue those involved in illegal activities and ensure that they face the consequences of their actions,” Capoy said in an statement.

Authorities confirmed that all seized evidence was properly inventoried in the presence of the suspects and required witnesses in accordance with legal procedures. Appropriate criminal charges are currently being prepared against the arrested individuals.

Police noted that the arrest of a former law enforcement officer underscores ongoing challenges in the fight against illegal drugs, as authorities continue to target both active networks and individuals previously linked to law enforcement or security sectors.

A dismissed police officer was arrested on drug charges. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2183449/cop-held-after-car-crashes-into-15-vehicles-hurts-21-in-taguig-city

A police officer was arrested after his multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) crashed into 14 motorcycles and a sedan, hurting 21 individuals, in Taguig City, according to a police report.

The incident occurred Monday night in front of a convenience store along Cayetano Boulevard in Barangay Tuktukan, Taguig City.

The police report identified the MPV driver as an active police staff sergeant of the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group.

“While travelling at the said location, the vehicle’s brakes accidentally malfunctioned. In an attempt to avoid possible contact, the driver veered to the right,” the police report explained.

“However, the brakes remained inoperative, causing the vehicle to hit other vehicles travelling on the right side,” it added.

Twelve drivers and nine passengers sustained various injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, the police detailed.

“During inquiry, they collectively waived their rights to file charges against [the MPV driver.] In fact, each aggrieved party executed a written agreement to settle the damages incurred as a result of the incident,” it noted.

Nonetheless, the MPV driver’s license was confiscated for violation of a city ordinance against reckless driving and his vehicle was impounded for safekeeping pending investigation.

The MPV driver remained under the custody of the Taguig City Police Station Traffic Investigation Unit, the National Capital Region Police Office Public Information Office confirmed to the Inquirer in a text message.

Meanwhile, according to the police report, several of the affected drivers had yet to submit their licenses, original receipts, and certificates of registration for the investigation, citing treatment for their injuries.

A police officer was arrested after his multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) crashed into 14 motorcycles and a sedan, hurting 21 individuals, in Taguig City, according to a police report.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/02/17/barangay-captain-in-iloilo-yields-p15-m-shabu

Another barangay captain in northern Iloilo province was caught in an anti-drug operation over the weekend with nearly P1.5-million worth of suspected shabu from his possession.

Authorities identified the suspect as Kap Redan of Barangay Bondulan in San Dionisio town.

Recovered from the 52-year-old suspect by the Station Drug Enforcement Team (SDET) of the San Dionisio Municipal Police Station (MPS) under Police Capt. Maria Rosela Buenvenida was 222 grams of shabu.

Kap Redan, who was arrested in his house, reportedly sourced shabu from Estancia town and distributed it in San Dionisio.

Iloilo police chief Police Col. Bayani Razalan lauded the San Dionisio MPS for arresting the suspect listed as a high-value drug supplier.

Razalan thanked residents who provided information to the San Dionisio MPS which took two years to conduct surveillance against the suspect.

Kap Redan is the second barangay captain in San Dionisio arrested this year for alleged involvement in illegal drugs. 

Another barangay captain in northern Iloilo province was caught in an anti-drug operation over the weekend with nearly P1.5-million worth of suspected shabu from his possession.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2183676/pnp-suspends-4-catanduanes-cops-over-death-of-detainee-during-escape-try

The Philippine National Police (PNP) ordered the suspension of four Catanduanes police officers over the death of a person under police custody (PUPC) who supposedly attempted to escape during a stop in Camarines Sur.

“Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police, has ordered an impartial investigation into the fatal shooting of a murder suspect by four police officers in Camarines Sur,” Nartatez’ office said in a statement on Wednesday.

“P/Gen. Nartatez directed the immediate preventive suspension of the involved officers to ensure the integrity of the investigation,” it added.

The PUPC, a murder suspect, wa arrested in Pasig City and was being brought back to Catanduanes alongside another apprehended rape suspect last Feb. 6.

The police officers transporting the arrested suspects made a stop in Del Gallego, Camarines Sur to use the restroom when the PUPC elbowed one of the officers, took his firearm and ran to the forest, where the other officers gave chase and exchanged gunfire.

Autopsy results showed the murder suspect was hit in the shoulder, chest and head, Del Gallego police chief Capt. Bernie Undecimo previously told reporters.

“The PNP has clear protocols on the use of force, particularly on the principle of necessity and proportionality. We’re now investigating whether the standard operating procedures were followed during the operation,” Nartatez said.

The Philippine National Police ordered the suspension of four Catanduanes police officers over the death of a person under police custody who supposedly attempted to escape during a stop in Camarines Sur.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2183888/lto-dismisses-3-personnel-in-mimaropa-due-to-alleged-extortion-racket

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Wednesday said three personnel in Mimaropa were removed from their posts over their alleged involvement in extortion activities.

According to the LTO in a statement, the three personnel were dismissed following an anti-corruption drive led by the agency’s chief Markus Lacanilao.

LTO said one of the removed staff was a Job Order personnel who the LTO found to have been receiving illegal payments through an online wallet.

“As a result, Asec. Lacanilao immediately directed Region IV-B Acting Regional Director Atty. Wendel Dinglasan to cancel the contract of the said JO enforcer,” the LTO said.

Meanwhile, the other dismissed individuals were both regular employees—one of whom was caught collecting money in exchange for expediting transactions, while the other is accused of bribery involving plantilla positions and promotions.

The LTO said both employees have been suspended for 90 days pending investigation.

Lacanilao in the same statement then issued a warning against all LTO personnel that those who betray public trust will face administrative and legal consequences as the agency does not tolerate any form of fraud or abuse of authority.

He then called on the public to report any suspicious activities involving LTO to help the agency improve its public service delivery. 

The Land Transportation Office said three personnel in Mimaropa were removed from their posts over their alleged involvement in extortion activities.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1269293

Acting Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Giovanni Lopez on Wednesday sacked an executive of the Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (SAICT) and clarified that all on-duty ambulances are allowed to pass through the Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) Busway.

Lopez made the decision on Wednesday through a memorandum addressed to SAICT Special Operations Group (SOG) head Rayson Dela Torre.

In the memorandum, he said Dela Torre flagged down an ambulance passing through the EDSA Busway that was carrying a stage 4 cancer patient on the way to a 6 a.m. doctor's appointment on Tuesday.

The incident was shown in a television news report, where Dela Torre stated that non-emergencies, such as transporting a patient to a medical appointment, are not an acceptable reason for an ambulance to use the EDSA Busway.

However, Lopez stressed that on-duty ambulances are allowed to use the EDSA Busway, regardless of the condition of the patient.

“Further, while the investigation is ongoing, you are hereby relieved from your assignment as SOG Head in EDSA Busway,” he said in his memorandum.

To avoid similar incidents, he also ordered the SAICT to conduct a reorientation of personnel assigned to the busway on policies issued by the DOTr.

“The Department of Transportation expresses its heartfelt sympathy to the patient’s family. We are assuring the public that necessary measures are being taken to ensure that enforcement policies will be implemented with compassion and that the people’s safety will always be the transport agency’s priority and paramount concern,” Lopez said.

A post that went viral on Facebook showed that the patient on board the flagged-down ambulance has passed away.

Netizens decried the treatment given to the patient and the SAICT’s alleged lack of understanding of the situation.

Acting Department of Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez on Wednesday sacked an executive of the Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation for stopping an ambulance on EDSA. 

Coronavirus Lockdown: Suspicious Financial Transactions, Divorce, and More!

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

During and since the pandemic cyberfraud has "became the leading predicate offenses tied to money laundering in the Philippines." The amount is in the billions. 

https://business.inquirer.net/574022/anti-money-laundering-council-flags-p35b-suspicious-financial-transactions

Various forms of cyberfraud became the leading predicate offenses tied to money laundering in the Philippines during the pandemic and its economic aftermath, underscoring how lockdowns accelerated a broad shift to digital platforms that criminals were quick to exploit.

In its latest evaluation of the country’s exposure to dirty money flows, the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) said it had received 1,295,627 suspicious transaction reports (STRs) with a total value of P35.49 billion from 2021 through the first half of 2024.

Of the total, 758,621 STRs or 58.55 percent came from covered entities like banks that flagged cyber-enabled financial crimes, including phishing, vishing (voice phishing), business email compromise and user account hacking.

Swindling ranked second, comprising 24.17 percent of the total volume, while child exploitation activities made up 6.55 percent. Together, the three predicate offenses accounted for the majority of suspicious transaction reports analyzed by the council.

P14-B swindling transactions

By value, however, swindling topped the list, with transactions amounting to P14 billion, or 39.49 percent of the total. Cyberfraud followed with P8.1 billion, representing 22.86 percent, while graft and corrupt practices accounted for P4.1 billion, or 11.68 percent.

The council said year-on-year data showed a sharp increase in both the volume and value of cyberfraud-related STRs between 2021 and 2023, particularly in domestic transactions.

Yet even as the number of reports surged from 2021 to 2022, their total value fell by more than half—a shift that suggested a proliferation of smaller, lower-value transactions.

Cyber threat

A closer look at transaction flows underscored the largely homegrown nature of the cyber threat. The council said 99.88 percent of STRs linked to e-commerce violations were domestic transactions, amounting to 757,705 reports with a combined value of P6.57 billion, or 81.04 percent of the total peso value recorded.

“This points to a strong internal threat landscape,” the AMLC said.

The council’s assessment is intended to provide data-driven insights to help regulators, financial institutions and other stakeholders strengthen antimoney laundering, counterterrorism financing and counterproliferation financing strategies.

This is a depressing state of affairs and this article offers no solutions to the problem. But at least the public knows it's happening. 

A celebrity couple has finally divorced. The wife wanted to do it during the pandemic but was forced to wait. 

https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2026/02/14/2507955/priscilla-meirelles-confirms-john-estrada-divorce-actors-multiple-affairs

Celebrity couple John Estrada and Priscilla Meirelles are officially no longer married, the Brazilian host-model announced.

Priscilla said as much during her February 13 guesting on "Fast Talk with Boy Abunda," stating her right as a Brazilian national to divorce.

She confirmed returning to Brazil in 2024 to process divorce papers, explaining while she and John married in the Philippines, Priscilla registered their union in her home country after a law was updated.

Divorce is legal in Brazil, in fact, only the Philippines and Vatican City are the only nations where divorce is prohibited.

The host-model admitted attempting to file for annulment, which is allowed in the Philippines; however, the pandemic intervened.

"I don't see myself sharing a life with that person anymore," Priscilla explained, feeling the marriage was no longer valid.

John was not pleased with Priscilla's decision, she revealed, even as she reiterated not being able to see John as a partner and companion in the future.

The former beauty queen listed all the attempts she made to save their marriage, including couple's therapy and going to church, all to no avail.

"My mindset was one thing, his was different," Priscilla continued. "I wanted to save my family, and he was having fun mag-isa."

Boy then asked if a third party was involved and Priscilla laughed as she answered that there was more than individual in the picture.

She acknowledged that John had a "colorful life" and a failed marriage to Janice de Belen, but upon entering a relationship, Priscilla mentioned that John promised to become a different man for her.

That vow in her eyes never materialized and was just one of the many elements why their own marriage never worked, though it did produce a child in Samantha Anechka whom Priscilla said understood the reason for her parents' separation.

"I do believe that John loves me as a person... but what I'm looking for is a partner who respects, loves, considers, and treats me as an equal," Priscilla carried on. "I don't want to just be in a sidecar like a spectator in someone else's life."

Boy and Priscilla also talked about an interview John gave before where he mentioned wanting to "remarry" Priscilla if given the chance, as apparently at the time both were aware of Priscilla's plan to divorce.

The host-model admitted feeling sad hearing that was John's response, but after he reached out she stressed "what's done is done" and instead shifted the focus on co-parenting Anechka, praising John as a good provider.

Priscilla did joke that hopefully John would date someone pretty for Valentine's Day, and as for herself wished she'll end up with a godly man.

But the pandemic has been over for years! It appears this happened a while ago back in 2024. 

It appears China has not been as financially invested in the Philippines since the pandemic as in the past. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1269099

Think-tank Stratbase Institute rejected claims made by the Chinese Embassy in Manila that millions of Filipinos would lose their jobs should Philippine-Chinese diplomatic relations sour.

Stratbase, in a Facebook post late Sunday night, said the assertion is not supported by official economic data from the Philippine government.

Per the latest data coming from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows from China for the period January to November 2025 amounted to USD3.10 million, or 52.43 percent lower than the USD6.52 million recorded during the same period in 2024. 

The inflows represented only 0.27 percent of total FDI received by the Philippines.

"In 2024, China accounted for just 0.55 percent of total net FDI inflows. This continues a steady downward trend in China’s investment share, which declined from 12.04 percent in 2019 to just over one percent in 2023, before falling further in 2024. The data clearly indicate that China currently plays a relatively minor role in overall FDI inflows to the Philippines," Stratbase said.

The think-tank added China also lags behind other countries in terms of approved but unrealized investment commitments.

Data recently released by the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that in 2025, Chinese investment pledges amounted to PHP10.25 billion, or just 3.76 percent of the total PHP272.58 billion in pledges received by the Philippines.

While Chinese investment commitments surged during the administration of former president Rodrigo R. Duterte, rising from PHP2.33 billion in 2017 to PHP50.69 billion in 2018 and peaking at PHP88.67 billion that represented 22.7 percent of total pledges in 2019, the commitments fell sharply to PHP15.59 billion in 2020 amid the Covid-19 pandemic and global lockdowns.

Since then, Chinese pledges have remained comparatively low. At the same time, Stratbase said the Philippines faces structural vulnerabilities, particularly a widening trade deficit largely driven by imports from China.

"While China is often cited as among the country’s top trading partner(s), the relationship is heavily skewed toward imports. This persistent and expanding imbalance, especially after former President Duterte’s pivot toward Beijing in 2019, heightened dependence on foreign goods, increased exposure to supply chain disruptions and put pressure on the country’s balance of payments," it added.

Taken together, Stratbase said government data showed that China’s contribution to Philippine investment inflows is limited, while trade relations remain structurally imbalanced.

"Claims that diplomatic strain would automatically lead to catastrophic job losses are therefore exaggerated and not supported by empirical evidence," it noted.

Of course this is all swagger from the Chinese government to get the Philippines to remain quiet about the issues in the West Philippine Sea. 

No More Hell Run By Filipinos 19: Sidewalks

The sidewalk situation in the Philippines is atrocious. Many areas do not have sidewalks and oftentimes the sidewalks the exist are populated with obstructions ranging from electric poles to vendors to torn up pieces of concrete. Recently officials from the DPWH did an ocular inspection of the sidewalks along EDSA in Manila. The results were what one would expect.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2152741/edsa-sidewalks-fail-accessibility-test-for-pwds

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) conducted a walking inspection of the sidewalks along Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (Edsa) on Tuesday morning.

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon and DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez, along with some executives from their respective agencies, began walking from Ayala Avenue in Makati City at 5:30 a.m.

They were joined by the Move as One Coalition, whose representatives used wheelchairs to identify issues faced by not only commuters but also people with disabilities.

The inspection was scheduled to conclude at Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City.

During the inspection, Move as One Coalition’s Sonny Sevilla said traveling in a wheelchair along the thoroughfare is “impossible.”

For most of the walk, the PWD used the bike lane, if not the road dedicated to motor vehicles.

Both Dizon and Lopez also observed steep, high walkways that require stairs to walk on, and no transition ramps.

Some sidewalks also have electric poles obstructing the sidewalks that barely fit one person.

The last time Is aw the sidewalks along EDSA was in 2023. They were awful back then. One has to wonder when was the last time DPWH and DOTr officials inspected the sidewalks along EDSA and elsewhere in Manila? Surely they have seen the deteriorating state of the sidewalks when they drive? They are not hard to miss. 

But have no fear because repairs will begin sometime early next year. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2152758/edsa-sidewalk-repairs-to-begin-in-early-2026-dotr-dpwh

Sidewalk repairs along Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (Edsa) will begin in early 2026, Transport Secretary Giovanni Lopez and Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said on Tuesday.

These repairs include widening sidewalks, removing obstructions, and polishing uneven sidewalks.

Dizon and Lopez observed the need for such repairs following a 4.4-kilometer walk inspection along the thoroughfare from Ayala Avenue in Makati City to Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City.

They were joined by the Walk for All and Move for One Coalition, composed of commuters, senior citizens, cyclists, and people with disabilities (PWDs).

Reflecting on his observations during the two-hour inspection, Dizon pointed out that Edsa is “car-centric.”

“The problem with Edsa is that it has a car-centric approach… What we’ll do now is to give importance to pedestrians as well… Some areas along Edsa don’t even have dedicated spaces for pedestrians… There are areas that even one or two people can’t fit through, so that has to change,” Dizon said.

Both Dizon and Lopez also stressed the plight of commuters and the current problem of the sidewalks.

“It’s a pity for our commuters and pedestrians. It’s like going to war every day — where you walk through, trying to avoid getting into an accident and being run over by motorcycles or buses or cars,” Dizon stated.

“Our sidewalks are very dangerous and Secretary Vince and I saw some infrastructure placed that we couldn’t identify what they’re for or what their purpose is,” Lopez shared.

Dizon then added that both the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Department of Transportation will not only fix but also widen the walkways of commuters along the route to make it “pedestrian and commuter-friendly.”

Similarly, Lopez discussed the benefit of fixing the sidewalks to accommodate PWDs and seniors.

“What Secretary Vince and I are doing today is to make sure we have a sidewalk for commuters that is safe and actually accessible for PWDs and senior citizens,” Lopez told the media.

Meanwhile, the PWDs who participated in the inspection alongside the two agencies said it was “impossible” to travel in a wheelchair along Edsa.

The PWDs were observed struggling to go on and off sidewalks due to the lack of transition ramps.

Furthermore, for most of the inspection, they travelled along the bike lane or with the other motor vehicles because there were no sidewalks along parts of the 23.8-kilometer highway.

Upon reaching elevated walkways, particularly the Magallanes Interchange, they had to be carried by four individuals to walk up and down the stairs, as there were no elevators. 

There was also no form of assistance observed on the sidewalks for the blind or visually impaired. 

"Our sidewalks are very dangerous." "“It’s a pity for our commuters and pedestrians. It’s like going to war every day." Big words. Big sentiments. See? Secretary Giovanni Lopez and Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon really do care about the little guy. 

But here is the problem.  The first article says:

"Some sidewalks also have electric poles obstructing the sidewalks that barely fit one person."

This is not “deterioration," this is engineered negligence. Electric poles do not sprout in the middle of sidewalks by accident. They were either placed there with full awareness or the sidewalks were built around them without regard for human use. It reflects a planning culture where pedestrians were never considered stakeholders in the first place. And we are supposed to believe the two current clowns in charge will fix this mess especially when the DPWH is already involved in a massive scandal regarding flood projects and kickbacks? 

The sidewalk problem in the Philippines is well known. I have written about it previously. The fact that the people cannot have proper and safe sidewalks is one more reason to declare No More Hell Run By Filipinos!

Insurgency: Terrorism Remains Persistent Security Challenge

The 2026 Global Terrorism Index has been released and of course the Philippines makes the cut. However, they are down on the list. But only a little. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2179996/gti-terrorism-remains-persistent-security-challenge-for-ph

The Philippines’ latest ranking in the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) underscores the persistent security challenge terrorism poses to the country, a data expert said.

Based on data from the Sydney-based Institute for Economics and Peace, the Philippines ranked 20th out of 163 countries in the 2025 edition of the GTI, with a score of 5.17 on a 10-point scale, with 10 as the worst.

Published annually, the GTI uses a composite score of terrorism incidents, deaths, injuries, and hostages over a five-year period to provide a longer-term picture of the impact of terrorism rather than focusing on isolated events.

Dr. Alicor Panao, Inquirer data scientist and University of the Philippines associate professor, said the Philippines remains among the countries most affected by terrorism in the Asia-Pacific.

Based on the GTI, the Philippines ranked slightly better than Myanmar, which has seen an escalation in violence linked to political instability. Myanmar scored 6.93 and ranked 11th out of 163.

With fewer terrorism-related incidents, deaths, injuries, and hostages in recent years, Thailand and Indonesia scored lower than both Myanmar and the Philippines, with 4.63 and 4.17, respectively.

As Panao pointed out, “Indonesia has faced Islamist militancy in the past, yet now records fewer incidents and casualties, highlighting divergent security trajectories within comparable political contexts.”

“Comparisons within Southeast Asia are particularly instructive because countries in the region share broadly similar development levels, security institutions, and exposure to internal armed groups,” he said.

China, Japan and South Korea registered far lower scores because of the rarity and limited impact of terrorist attacks, Panao said in his analysis of the 2025 GTI.

For the Philippines, Panao said the result indicates how terrorism has become a recurring security challenge and a development obstacle.

Terrorism, he said, is a serious concern, especially in “key areas where persistent instability raises public costs, discourages investment, and complicates long-term planning.”

The Philippines recorded 31 deaths from 22 attacks in the previous year, making it the second most impacted by terrorism in the region, the GTI said.

On Jan. 6, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said a total of 2,306 alleged terrorists and their supporters were “neutralized” by the government in 2025.

"Terrorism has become a recurring security challenge and a development obstacle." The public won't hear the military or politicians making such a pronouncement.  According to them the insurgency is insignificant! But outsiders who look at the entire world say that is far from the case.  The report can be read here.

Between January 1st and February 5th 55 insurgents and allies have been neutralized. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1268725

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday announced that it neutralized 55 members and allies of the New People’s Army and seized 103 firearms and anti-personnel mines (APMs) from communist insurgent remnants from Jan. 1 to Feb. 5.

Of the 55, a total of 45 surrendered, four were arrested and six were killed, AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said during a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

Also captured were seven camps.

Neutralized in military parlance means the surrender, capture or killing of enemy troops.

Last year, the military neutralized 2,018 NPA members and supporters -- 1,798 have surrendered, 93 were arrested and 127 were killed nationwide.

This year, the AFP has already confiscated 81 firearms and 22 APMs as of Feb. 5.

Of course the AFP does not offer a break down in numbers. How many of those 55 were actual NPA combatants versus mere supporters? That distinction is important and it is always omitted.

Another NPA leader has been killed in a clash with the AFP.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/02/11/npa-leader-killed-in-camarines-norte-clash

A high-ranking New People's Army leader was killed in a clash with government troops in Camarines Norte on Tuesday, the 9th Infantry Division (ID) reported Wednesday.

Major Frank Roldan, 9th ID spokesperson, identified the rebel as alias “Ino,” secretary of Sub-Regional Committee 1 of the Bicol Regional Party Committee.

He said the 15-minute firefight occurred in Barangay Colasi, Mercedes.

The operation was conducted by the 902nd Infantry Brigade with support from other Army units and the Philippine National Police.

Roldan said the encounter resulted from strengthened intelligence monitoring. He claimed the rebel leader had refused government offers to surrender despite calls to lay down arms.

The 9th ID vowed intensified operations across the region and urged remaining NPA members to surrender. 

"The encounter resulted from strengthened intelligence monitoring?" What are they doing different now?

The clash in Mindoro continues to receive scrutiny and the Army says they welcome it. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2180632/army-welcomes-fact-finding-missions-in-mindoro-after-npa-clashes

The Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division (2nd ID) on Wednesday said it is open to legitimate fact-finding missions in the town of Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro, following recent encounters between government forces and communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the area.

“We welcome legitimate fact-finding missions by civil society groups that follow proper procedures and engage openly with local authorities. These initiatives contribute to a clearer and more truthful understanding of what transpired on the ground,” Col. Michael Aquino, 2nd ID public information officer, said in a statement sent to the Inquirer.

Aquino said representatives from the academe, young professionals, the Hands Off Our Children Movement, and Buklod Kapayapaan Federation Inc. have already conducted fact-finding visits in Abra de Ilog.

He noted that the groups “formally requested permission, complied with established protocols, and conducted courtesy calls with local government units and concerned agencies before entering affected communities.”

Aquino said one of the fact-finding teams accompanied the brother of a slain NPA amazona to the area where her remains were recovered and personally verified the circumstances surrounding her death.

The 2nd ID, he added, remains open to additional fact-finding initiatives and continues to support transparent processes anchored on facts and accountability.

“The 2nd Infantry Division remains steadfast in its duty to safeguard local communities, protect civilians, and support lawful humanitarian and fact-finding efforts. We encourage continued engagement anchored on truth, respect for due process, and genuine concern for the welfare of affected communities,” Aquino said.

The military also reported that humanitarian and community-based activities, led by local government units in coordination with community leaders, were conducted in the area to address residents’ needs following a series of armed encounters early last month.

The clashes began on New Year’s Day after residents reported the presence of armed NPA members in Abra de Ilog. The Army said a suspected NPA rebel was killed during the encounters, while two government soldiers were wounded.

Filipino-American activist Chantal Anicoche, who was reportedly with the NPA group but was left behind, was found on Jan. 8 hiding in a hole near the encounter site.

After allegedly going eight days without food and water, Anicoche was immediately brought to the military hospital at Camp Capinpin for medical treatment.

The Army said Anicoche executed an affidavit in the presence of an independent lawyer from the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, stating that her stay at the military hospital was voluntary and free from force or intimidation.

On Jan. 30, after completing her medical treatment, Anicoche left for the United States following a reunion with her mother. 

Of course they only accept "legitimate fact-finding missions by civil society groups that follow proper procedures and engage openly with local authorities." Whatever that means. Funny that they refer to a female NPA who died as an Amazona. Is that sexist? 

The government has encouraged communicators to counter Red disinfomration. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1268436

A ranking National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) official on Thursday called on all "public and government peace communicators" to help combat ongoing disinformation campaigns of the communist insurgents and their allies in Metro Manila.

"We call on the public and all government peace communicators to commit—fully and unequivocally—to this effort. Through disciplined execution, unified messaging, and active public participation, we can cultivate informed, resilient, and peace-oriented communities," NTF-ELCAC executive director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. said in a statement.

He said Metro Manila, also known as the National Capital Region (NCR), has long been a "critical theater" in the government’s campaign against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

“As the political, economic, and information hub of the country, NCR is deliberately targeted as a primary battleground for propaganda and psychological operations,” the NTF-ELCAC official added.

He also pointed to the extensive use of digital platforms and social media ecosystems to sow distrust, distort realities and agitate the public against the government.

The NTF-ELCAC official made this call amid a recent surge of coordinated online activity — largely driven by NCR-based front organizations — that reflects a strategic recalibration by the communist movement as insurgents steadily losing ground in the provinces.

“This is not a display of strength. It is a manifestation of desperation,” he said.

Torres stressed that the information domain has become a decisive front in the post-conflict phase, warning that terrorist-grooming, disinformation, misinformation, hate speech, and calculated falsehoods pose a direct threat to hard-earned peace gains.

“Countering these narratives is no longer optional — it is a shared responsibility... We are called upon not merely to communicate, but to become deliberate communicators of peace, grounded in truth, credibility, and public service,” Torres said.

He emphasized that current communication efforts are anchored on the National Action Plan on Unity, Peace, and Development (NAP-UPD) 2025–2028, which adopts a whole-of-nation and whole-of-society approach to addressing the root causes of armed conflict, sustaining peace gains and strengthening community resilience.

Within this framework, Torres outlined three key priorities for peace communication.

First is unifying the peace constituency across sectors through consistent, values-driven messaging aligned with the NAP-UPD message house.

Second is proactive narrative-building that highlights peace dividends, best practices and concrete results of whole-of-government and whole-of-society efforts.

Third is the intensification of digital engagement, particularly among the youth, through partnerships with schools, universities, youth organizations and online communities.

But they are also calling on the public too. "It is a shared responsibility." Basically it means combating the social media sphere with an even livelier meme ware. 

300 children of ex-RPA rebels are now receiving educational aid. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1268864

The Negros Occidental provincial government has extended educational assistance worth PHP1.5 million to 300 students, who are children of former breakaway rebels and now members of the Kapatiran para sa Progresong Panlipunan (Kapatiran).

Negros Occidental Scholarship Program division head Karen Dinsay said on Wednesday each grantee received PHP5,000, covering the school year 2025-2026.

“This is now the third year of the province’s next-of-kin educational assistance to Kapatiran students since it started in 2023,” she said in an interview.

Of the 300 grantees, 221 are college students while 79 are in senior high school.

They are members of the Kapatiran next-of-kin chapters in the cities of Kabankalan, San Carlos, Cadiz and Bago as well as the municipalities of Cauayan, E.B. Magalona and La Castellana.

In 2023, the provincial government initially allocated PHP1 million for 200 grantees while in 2024, the budget allocation was increased to benefit 250 grantees.

By 2025, the program expanded further with an additional 50 slots for a total of 300 grantees.

This school year, 35 college student-grantees are set graduate, following the 25 others who already finished college in the previous school year.

The 300 grantees received the educational assistance in a ceremony led by Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall here on Tuesday.

“Lasting peace and order in the province can only be achieved through unity and collective action, with government, communities, and all sectors working together,” Lacson said, adding that “cooperation and shared responsibility are vital in building a safe and progressive province”.

The distribution of educational assistance was also attended by Fifth District Board Member Rita Gatuslao, chair of the Provincial Board’s education committee; Director Susana Guadalupe Marcaida, co-chair of the Joint Enforcement and Monitoring Committee (JEMC) under the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity; Col. Victor Llapitan, deputy commander of the Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade; and Veronica Tabara, co-chair of the JEMC.

The next-of-kin educational assistance program is one of the government’s key initiatives that underscores its strong commitment to providing timely and appropriate interventions for Kapatiran beneficiaries in Negros Occidental.

“The whole of Kapatiran continue to be very grateful for the consistent, sincere, and genuine support to the Kapatiran transformation,” Tabara said. “It is our ardent hope and prayer in our hearts na ito’ng pagtutulungan natin na tulad nitong magandang gawa, ay patuloy na makapag-inspire at strengthen sa lahat sa atin para sa ating commitment para sa kapayapaan.”

The name Kapatiran was assumed by the Tabara-Paduano Group of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB), a breakaway armed group of the New People’s Army, as part of its institutional transformation under the clarificatory implementing document to the peace agreement it signed with the national government. 

Most of these recipients are in college. Are peaceful law abiding students receiving the same or must they pay their way? Don't forget the ranks of many terror groups are full of highly educated people. Che Guevara was a doctor, for instance. Education is good but it is not a cure-all for the problems faced by the people.