Coronavirus Lockdown: Impeachment Trial, Lea Salonga, and More!

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

What does the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte have to do with the pandemic? Let's read this article to find out.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2232081/erwin-tulfo-says-sara-dutertes-impeachment-trial-may-start-on-july-6

The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte is expected to start in July, according to Sen. Erwin Tulfo.

“There was already a schedule given yesterday (when) SP (Senate President Alan Peter) Cayetano called a caucus of all members. The impeachment trial will begin on July 6,” Tulfo said in a television interview on Thursday.

“Every Monday, we’ll have a session from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and then from 2 o’clock to sawa [continuously] on Mondays, that’s the impeachment trial. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, the same thing–starting at 3 o’clock in the afternoon until evening. And then Thursdays, we will have hearings, committee hearings,” he added.

Tulfo also said that many senators in the minority bloc do not agree to the proposal of Sen. Rodante Marcoleta to allow Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa to participate in the impeachment trial virtually or through teleconferencing for now.

“Many of us, we in the minority, will not agree to that. He has to be physically present,” he said.

“That was allowed during the pandemic. The rules were allowed because … there were lockdowns. Now, everything is okay, so his presence is needed in the Senate,” Tulfo added.

Marcoleta earlier moved to amend the Senate rules to “allow a senator for justifiable reasons to attend and participate in the session through teleconference, video conference, or other reliable forms of remote or electronic means, using appropriate information and communications technology.”

His manifestation remains pending before the Senate committee on rules where it was referred.

Some Senators want to bring back pandemic rules to allow fugitive-from-justice Senator Bato to participate in the trial. 

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/amp/story/manila/cbcp-to-dioceses-hold-pandemic-like-bayanihan-activities

AS THE Middle East conflict continues to rage, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) called on religious institutions on Thursday, May 21, 2026, to consider holding activities to manifest their solidarity with those in need, the poor, and vulnerable sectors.

In a pastoral statement, CBCP president Archbishop Gilbert Garcera said such "bayanihan" acts were already seen during the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic some years back.

"Show concrete expressions of Christian solidarity with the poorest and most vulnerable sectors of society, who suffer most from the economic hardships brought about by this global conflict, especially to families whose loved ones live or work in areas affected by conflict and instability," said Garcera. 

"Let us strengthen parish-based feeding programs, community pantries, emergency relief efforts, and charitable initiatives for individuals and families burdened by inflation, economic uncertainty, and hardships, following the spirit of compassion and generosity witnessed during the pandemic," he added.

Similarly, the CBCP chief said all dioceses and parishes in the country are being asked to offer prayers for peace.

Garcera appealed to all religious and lay communities to pray for peace not only in the Middle East but also in other conflict-hit areas.

"Pray for peace, celebrate the Holy Mass and Eucharistic Adoration, pray the Holy Rosary, and gather in family and community prayer for the gift of peace in the Middle East, in Ukraine, across Africa, and in all parts of the world wounded by war, violence, division, injustice, and human suffering," said Garcera. 

"In this time of crisis, we call upon all dioceses, parishes, religious communities, schools, and lay organizations to offer spiritual accompaniment, counseling, practical assistance, and spaces where fear and anxiety can encounter hope, solidarity, and prayer," he added.

The archbishop said such actions are necessary as Filipinos are also affected directly by the Middle East conflict through the overseas Filipino workers there.

"Although distant from our shores, the Middle East crisis is not remote from Filipino lives. Many of our brothers and sisters work in the region as overseas Filipino workers. Their safety, livelihoods, and futures now weigh heavily on their families at home," he said.

In the same way, Garcera said Filipinos at home are also indirectly affected via rising fuel costs, higher prices for goods, transportation burdens.

"Those who suffer first are the vulnerable: daily wage earners, farmers, fisherfolk, transport workers, the elderly, and families with little savings. Thus, what happens overseas affects the Filipino home, the Filipino table, and the Filipino heart," added Garcera.

It's a wonder these programs were not preserved and strengthened but vanished once the pandemic ended. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Philippines implemented the BFIRST Project under the 4Ps program to support low-income households and modernize social protection systems, disbursing nearly all of its $600 million loan while achieving strong performance and digital reforms. 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/05/21/philippines-seeks-partial-cancellation-of-nearly-235-million-world-bank-4ps-loan-amid-lower-poverty-rate

The Philippine government has asked the World Bank to restructure and partially cancel over $2.34 million in unused proceeds from a Duterte-era loan supporting the country’s flagship Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), even as the Washington-based multilateral lender cited the project’s “strong performance” and satisfactory implementation.

According to a World Bank restructuring paper disclosed last May 20, the Department of Finance (DOF) requested the cancellation of unwithdrawn funds from the $600-million Beneficiary FIRST Social Protection (BFIRST) Project after determining that the remaining balance—stemming from foreign exchange (forex) differentials—would no longer be needed.

The acronym “FIRST” stands for “fast, innovative, and responsive service transformation” of the originally targeted 4.4 million 4Ps household beneficiaries.

The World Bank noted that the BFIRST Project, approved in September 2020 and implemented since January 2021 at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic during the Duterte administration, was designed to cushion the impact of the health crisis on low-income households while modernizing the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) social protection systems.

The loan, which closes on June 30, 2026, following an earlier one-year extension, has been almost fully utilized, with $597.66 million or 99.61 percent already disbursed to date.

To recall, Manila Bulletin reported in 2024 that the World Bank, in November that year, extended the validity of this 4Ps loan beyond the original end-June 2025 deadline after the DOF, under then finance secretary Ralph G. Recto, requested more time to implement the poverty-alleviation project.

Unlike other World Bank restructuring exercises tied to delayed or troubled projects in the Philippines, the lender said the BFIRST Project “demonstrated strong performance in its implementation,” with most performance-based conditions and result indicators fully achieved.

The latest implementation report last March rated both the project’s progress toward achieving its development objective and its overall implementation as “satisfactory.”

The World Bank described 4Ps as the “backbone of safety nets” serving poor and vulnerable households nationwide. As of March this year, 4Ps covered 2.86 million active household beneficiaries with 6.74 million eligible children across 82 provinces, 149 cities, 1,493 municipalities, and 41,582 barangays.

Of the total active 4Ps beneficiaries, 86 percent or 2.46 million were female grantees, while indigenous households accounted for 354,385 beneficiaries or 12 percent of total active 4Ps households.

The lender also pointed to the near-universal adoption of digital payment systems under 4Ps, with almost all beneficiaries now receiving transfers through transaction accounts.

Under the restructuring request, the DSWD likewise asked the World Bank to revise the BFIRST Project’s results framework to reflect the government’s decision to reduce the target number of 4Ps beneficiaries following the decline in poverty incidence across the country.

The latest Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) poverty data estimated 3.86 million poor families nationwide, prompting the DSWD to recalibrate the annual target coverage for 4Ps beneficiaries to 3.5 million households beginning this year from the previous target of 4.4 million households.

Between 2008 and 2025, the government said 4Ps helped 1.61 million households achieve self-sufficiency, excluding those that exited the program through natural attrition, according to the World Bank.

The restructuring paper noted that 4Ps exceeded its annual targets in both 2021 and 2022.

According to the World Bank, the BFIRST Project also financed several digital reforms within the DSWD, including the integration of the national ID system or PhilSys into 4Ps verification processes, development of an integrated grievance information system, expansion of digital payment mechanisms, as well as creation of a dynamic social registry with a unified database.

The World Bank likewise noted that BFIRST remained fully compliant with legal, environmental, and social safeguard requirements despite some procurement delays affecting a number of remaining contracts.

Once the restructuring is approved, the project is expected to fully disburse the remaining loan amount before its scheduled closing in mid-2026.

The government has now requested the World Bank to restructure the project and cancel unused funds due to reduced poverty and lower beneficiary targets, reflecting a recalibration of social assistance in the post-pandemic context.

Lea Salonga says BTS saved her mental health during the pandemic. 

https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2026/5/22/lea-salonga-recalls-how-bts-saved-her-mental-health-during-the-pandemic-1120

Broadway star Lea Salonga shared how South Korean boy group BTS helped her navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. In a recent podcast interview, the actress recalled how she got to know the K-Pop group back in 2020 when they released their hit song, "Dynamite."

Lea has been a proud member of ARMY as she continues to share BTS content on her social media accounts.

“2020. COVID, and everybody’s stuck at home. I don’t know, I was just going through quite a bit in my life. The isolation and even though my friends and I were making an effort to stay in touch with each other and watching my kid navigate that kind of isolation from friends. That’s a big ask of somebody that young and impressionable and vulnerable,” she recalled.

She shared how there was just “a lot” going on in her life at the point of the pandemic and in August of 2020, "Dynamite" just appeared out of nowhere for her–– marking the start of her being a fan of the seven-member Korean boy group. 

“I’m watching YouTube, as most everybody does to try and get through the day, and I’m like what is this? What is this on my social media? I watched the video and the minute I saw V in that bottle green Gucci waistcoat and flared trousers, like pushing his hair back, I’m like–– and I’m done, this is it,” she expressed.

Lea recalled how she would go down the “rabbit hole” of videos, concerts, and all other BTS-related content during the pandemic. She credited BTS for helping her “pull out” from the things that she was going through at the time. 

“It just pulled me out of this sad, not quite hopeless, but this sad state of affairs that my brain found itself in. I’m like, I’m gonna live here in a minute because I don’t know when this pandemic is gonna end, but I’m gonna open YouTube or open the internet every day, and I’m gonna watch what these guys are doing,” she added.

As an artist herself, the singer-actress expressed how much respect she has for BTS as she could see the sincerity in all of them.

“I have such great respect for them as songwriters, as performers, as musicians, just as artists, and discovering who writes so much of their material. Just how they relate to one another and how they are with their fans,” she said.

“I’m like there is something very genuine. K-Pop has this reputation of being so manufactured, but there is something sincere and real and it seems that these guys have such integrity,” she ended.

Lea admitted that she only follows BTS in K-Pop.

“They had me in a chokehold and I’m still here,” she ended. 

Well, the do say music is good for the soul. 

A Chinese steel factory is set to being building in June. 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/05/25/chinese-steel-giant-panhua-to-launch-1-billion-sarangani-facility-in-june

China-based steel manufacturing giant Panhua Group Co. Ltd. will begin operations at its $1-billion facility in Sarangani province next month as part of its multi-billion investment commitment to the Philippines, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque told reporters that the Chinese firm’s long-awaited integrated steel facility is now ready to begin commercial operations in June through the project’s first phase.

For phase one, Panhua Group will manufacture metal sheets at its facility, generating more than 4,000 direct jobs in the process.

The $1-billion manufacturing plant covers only a third of the company’s plan to invest as much as $3.5 billion in the Philippines’ steel industry.

“They’re very bullish in the Philippines,” Roque said.

Panhua Group first announced plans to invest in the country in 2018, but development lagged largely due to delays during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Roque said the company’s confidence in the country is so strong that Panhua Group, one of China’s largest thin steel producers, is also interested in exploring tea manufacturing in the Philippines.

This plan was conveyed to Roque during her recent visit to Suzhou, China, where she also held meetings with other Chinese companies that have expressed interest in expanding in the Philippines.

Among these companies are NWOW Technology and Shanghai Launch, which are involved in the manufacturing of electric vehicles (EVs).

Roque said she also met with snack food maker Liwayway China, which sells products in the country under the Oishi brand, as the company plans to develop a coconut manufacturing plant that would produce goods for export to China and other markets.

The DTI chief added that she held talks with premium tea beverage brand Chagee, which already has an extensive presence in international markets, including the Philippines.

While there are no planned investment deals yet, Roque said these companies are serious about their expansion plans to meet growing demand for their products, positioning the Philippines as a key manufacturing hub.

This plant was announced back in 2018 but the pandemic caused delays. Now it's ready to start. 

Hi, My Name is...71

Punch isn't just a tasty drink. A punch is a way to show anger and confusion. It is also a way to kill someone. Let's take a look at a few people who threw punches for various reasons. Say hello to these One Punch Man Pinoys. 

Hi, my name is Bryan Tarucan. I barged into a wake and began punching the crucifix above the coffin. Then I punched the glass coffin and repeatedly punched the corpse before I was restrained. Before I barged into the wake I punched two of my children and some of my in-laws. My brother apologized for me.   

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/516905/man-in-barrio-luz-cebu-goes-amok-in-wake-punches-casket

 A commotion erupted in what started out as a peaceful and ordinary wake in Cebu City after a man suddenly went amok and even punched a dead woman inside her casket last Monday, July 17, 2023.

Police arrested a 41-year-old construction worker, identified as Bryan Tarucan, after being accused of wreaking havoc in a wake held in Sitio San Roque, Barrio Luz.

It happened past 10 p.m. on Monday, the Mabolo Police Station reported, which several bystanders recorded through their smartphones.

Based on findings from the police, Tarucan suddenly appeared in the wake of a certain Alecia Hernando. He then proceeded to punch the Crucifix hanging above Hernando’s coffin before smashing the glass of her coffin.

The suspect also reportedly punched Hernando in the face, police added.

The families of both Tarucan and Hernando were still in disbelief over the incident.

In an interview with Cebu-based radio station, dyHP, Alex Hernando, one of Alecia’s sons, said they reprimanded the suspect after he broke the coffin’s glass.

However, Tarucan allegedly fought back which, in turn, prompted other family members and visitors to restrain him.

Alex said the family will file charges against Tarucan, who is currently detained at Mabolo Police Station, if it meant to serve him a lesson.

On the other hand, Rex Tarucan, the suspect’s brother, apologized to the Hernandos on behalf of their family.

Rex, in a separate interview, said they hoped the Hernandos will not proceed with filing the cases, adding that his brother may have been going through something difficult.

The family were also in shock upon learning what happened to Bryan, and that they never considered him as a violent man, he added.

In the meantime, police continue to investigate the incident.

They are, for example, verifying reports that Bryan had reportedly been using illegal drugs, and was under the influence of alcohol when he barged into Alecia’s wake.

Police will also look into information alleging that prior to the incident, the suspect apparently punched two of his three children and some in-laws before running away and into the sitio chapel, where the wake was held.

Hi, my name is Gina Gidacan.  A few weeks ago, my husband Juanito and I had a disagreement with Marvin Hugo, who punched Juanito during an argument. That incident stayed with us, and last Sunday evening, I felt I needed to take action.

That night, inside our workplace in Barangay Maricaban, I confronted Marvin. I was angry and upset, so I grabbed a 17-inch bolo to defend myself and Juanito. I hacked at Marvin, hitting him on the head and arm, while Juanito also struck him with a piece of wood. He was rushed to the hospital and we were charged with frustrated homicide. 

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/536897/santa-fe-revenge-attack-wife-with-bolo-hacks-wounds-man-who-punched-her-husband

A 47-year-old woman, allegedly seeking vengeance against a 31-year-old man who punched her 53-year-old husband a month ago, hacked and wounded the man using a 17-inch bolo.

Her husband, who also joined the fray, also hit the man several times with a piece of wood.

The attack happened on the evening of Sunday, October 29, inside a batching plant in Barangay Maricaban, Santa Fe town in northern Cebu.

The couple, who were identified by authorities as Gina Gidacan and her husband, Juanito Gidacan, who are both from Barangay Maricaban, were both arrested after the attack.  

The victim, Marvin Hugo, who is from Barangay Tugas, Madridejos town in northern Cebu, was rushed to the hospital where he was admitted and treated of the hack wound on his head and arm, and for bruises on his body.

The couple and their victim are also workers of the batching plant. 

Gina, being in-charge of the store inside the batching plant, Juanito, a watchman, while their victim, Hugo was a truck boy.

According to Police Staff Sergeant (SSG) Richie Gapo of the Santa Fe Police Station, that the Gidacan couple allegedly attacked and wounded Hugo at 9:35 p.m. last Saturday evening.

Gapo said that the couple allegedly wanted payback against Hugo, who allegedly punched Juanito Gidacan, the husband, about three weeks ago after they (Juanito and Hugo) got into an argument that led to Hugo punching Juanito.

“Duna ni silay previous grudge ba, mga tulo na ka semana ang nilabay. Kaning atong victim karon, kani si Marvin, nakasukmag ni ngadto ni suspect No. 1, kani si Juanito,” Police SSG Gapo said.

(They have a previous grudge, [which was caused by an incident] about three weeks ago. Our victim now, Marvin, punched suspect No. 1, Juanito.)

When asked what started the argument that led to the punching, Gapo said that it started over talk that would make one angry.

“Kuwan lagi kanang pasingit-singit nga istorya. Kanang mga ingon ana god,” he said.

(This was over just talk that would make one angry. Things like that.)

Gapo said that three weeks after that happened or last Saturday at past 9 p.m., the couple confronted Hugo, allegedly with revenge on their mind.

The wife, Gina, was armed with a 17-inch bolo, while her husband, Juanito, had with him a piece of wood, when they attacked the victim, Hugo.

Gina allegedly hacked Hugo, hitting him on the head and right arm, while Juanito allegedly hit Hugo with the piece of wood several times on the head and body as well.

Gapo said that the victim was rushed to the Bantayan District Hospital in Bantayan town in northern Cebu where he was admitted and treated of his hack wounds and bruises.

The couple were later arrested by policemen, who were under the supervision of Police Captain Noah Añana, acting police chief of the Santa Fe Police Station.

Police also recovered the 17-inch bolo used in the attack from the suspects.

The victim told police that he would press charges against the couple.

“Mokiha siya kay dako-dako gyod og damage niya,” said Gapo.

(He will file a case because the damage he incurred was really big.)

Gapo said that frustrated homicide charges were being readied against the couple.

The police officer said that the couple would undergo inquest proceedings on Tuesday, October 31 yet, because Monday, October 30 was a holiday.

The couple was also detained at the Santa Fe Police Station detention cell as they await the filing of charges against them.

Hi, my name is Wilson. My next door neighbor invited his brother-in-law for a drinking spree.  However, he did not want to participate. So he punched him! This resulted in a commotion which woke me up. SO, of course I pulled out a knife and chased them around stabbing the brother-in-law repeatedly until he was dead. 

https://mb.com.ph/2023/11/13/farmer-punched-stabbed-dead-by-in-law-neighbor

A 34-year-old farmer was punched and stabbed to death by his brother-in-law and neighbor in Barangay Tamisian, this municipality, on Sunday afternoon, November 12.

Police identified the victim as Rogelio Cueno.

Noriel, 34, a farmer and the victim’s brother-in-law, invited Cueno to a drinking spree at the house of their neighbor.

Cueno refused, irritating the suspect who punched the victim, resulting in a commotion that roused the other suspect, Wilson, 39, also a farmer, from sleep.

Wilson chased the victim with a knife and stabbed him repeatedly in the body.

Suspects fled and took the knife along with them and the victim was taken by his wife to the hospital where he was declared dead.

Police said the victim and the suspects had a personal grudge and they are now the subject of a manhunt.

Suspects face homicide charges, police said.

Hi, my name is unnamed suspect. I saw a pretty woman just minding her business so I elbowed her in the eye. Later I saw another pretty woman take off and clean her glasses so I punched her in the nose. 20 minutes after that I saw a pretty woman jogging so I punched her in the eye as well. I hate pretty women because they are so fake!

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/578117/cebu-city-man-punches-3-women-because-theyre-pretty

A 37-year-old man was mauled by bystanders after he suddenly punched at least three women on Sunday, June 9, 2024.

When asked why he attacked the victims, the suspect allegedly told police said that he attacked them because “he doesn’t like pretty women because they are fake.”

On Sunday, around 6:35 p.m., a 33-year-old victim was just walking on her way home along D. Jakosalem Street when the suspect passed.

Suddenly, the suspect allegedly elbowed the victim, hitting her on the left eye.

The victim said that she was traumatized by the incident and was crying while narrating what happened.

"I hope he's in jail.. (Traumatized) actually when I leave the house I'm nervous, I don't go out unless the car is there to take...To be honest when I meet men I'm really scared", the first victim said. 

At around 6:40 p.m., alias Macy, 20, also complained after the suspect allegedly punched her on the nose along Fuente Osmeña road.

In an interview with DYSS Super Radyo GMA, Macy said she had just disembarked from a modern jeepney and was headed for home.

When she removed her eyeglasses to clean it, the suspect suddenly appeared and without provocation, punched her hitting her on the nose.

"We are really determined to file a case because no one deserves to experience something like this, especially if you like to walk around, I really like to walk around school. I used to walk sometimes because it was relaxing, but now I don't want to be looked at," the second victim said.

Macy posted the incident on social media which went viral.

She said that instead of her getting congratulated after passing the NCIII Bookkeeping of TESDA, she is now receiving “get well soon” messages due to the incident.

Meanwhile, at around 7:00  p.m., or 20 minutes since the attack on Macy, the third victim, a 22-year-old female, also complained that she was also punched by the suspect as she and her friend just finished jogging at the Fuente Osmeña Circle.

After exercising, the victim said that she crossed the street and when she reached the parking area of a maternity hospital, the suspect suddenly appeared and punched her, hitting her on the left eye.

"I was dumbfounded, if I didn't have a friend, my teacher would serve me on the floor because even if I fell down, he would balance me with his hand and my friend's eyes on the floor because we will see justice from you and who is it", the third victim said in an interview with DYSS Super Radyo GMA.

The three victims said they are determined to file charges against the suspect as they don’t want other people to be victimized by the latter and experience the trauma that they went through.

According to Police Major Mark Don Alfred Leanza, chief of Police Station 2 of Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), the suspect was apprehended by Patrolman Jurdine Franco and Patrolman Johncelle Francisco in B. Rodriguez.

"Actually we have already responded because victim no. 1 is with us and then our policemen who are in the AOR which is a very highly populated area are not able to take care of the call from the Police Station. When you called and responded immediately to our troops that is why we got the suspect right away through the help of the citizens in the area where they were held," Leanza said.

The suspect was positively identified by the victims

The police are now preparing charges of multiple serious physical injuries against the man punches women.

Hi, my name is Tico. In the middle of a drinking spree between Freddie Marasigan and his friends I suddenly showed up. We began arguing and I punched him in the jaw. He slumped down and died as I ran off. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/9/6/man-punched-dead-in-batangas

A man was punched dead during a drinking session in Barangay Laurel, this town, before dawn on Friday, September 6.

Police identified the victim as Freddie Marasigan.

The victim was having a drinking spree with his friends Dieto Ortil, Aaron Pol Cabral, and Demetrio Silang when the drunken suspect, Tico, arrived.

A heated argument erupted between the victim and the suspect.

The suspect suddenly punched the victim in the right jaw and slumped on the ground.

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

Police are conducting a manhunt operation against the suspect.

Hi, my name is Nardo. On New Year's Eve a group of motorcyclists stopped in a waiting shed near my house and began revving their engines. I got so mad I ran out there and told them to knock it off and leave. However, one guy, Ben, decided to rev his engine on more time. So I swung at him. It was a miss. So, I swung again and connected. He slumped down dead.  

https://mb.com.ph/2026/01/03/farmer-punched-by-neighbor-to-death-over-noisy-motorcycle

A 45-year-old farmer was allegedly punched by his neighbor to death during an altercation over a noisy motorcycle during New Year’s Eve in Barangay Maananteng, Solsona, Ilocos Norte.

Police Capt. Randy Damo, chief of police of Solsona, identified the victim as Ben.

Damo said the victim and his companions stopped in a waiting shed on their way home to rev their motorcycles.

The noise disturbed the suspect, Nardo, 55, who came out of his house, approached the group, and asked them to leave.

The group moved away but the victim revved his motorcycle again, angering the suspect.

The suspect punched the victim but missed. He attempted again and connected, and the victim slumped to the ground and lost consciousness.

The victim was rushed to a hospital where he was declared dead.

Nardo was apprehended.

Damo said authorities are awaiting the results of the medico-legal examination that will serve as the basis if homicide or murder charges will be filed against the suspect. 

Hi, my name is Mangalos Bahinting. I was at a birthday party for the nephew of my friend Marvin Alburo Malinis. I got really drunk and began throwing bottles and acting foolish. That prompted my freinds to leave so I confronted them. First I punched my friend Niño Bagon in the face. Then I punched Malinis so hard he fell off his motorcycle and onto the pavement where he began convulsing. He later died at the hospital. 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/03/19/man-punched-to-death-by-friend-in-bogo-city

What started as merrymaking to celebrate a birthday ended in tragedy when trouble broke out in a drinking session in Bogo City, northern Cebu on Wednesday night, March 17.

Marvin Alburo Malinis, 21, died after he was punched by his friend, who got rowdy after getting drunk, police said.

The suspect, Bryan Mangalos Bahinting, 20, was arrested after the incident, said Police Lt. Col. Alan Rosario, chief of the Bogo City Police Station.

Rosario said the victim and the suspect were with a group of men having a drinking session as part of the birthday party of Malinis’ nephew in Barangay Nailon. Bahinting got drunk, became rowdy, and started throwing bottles. 

Malinis and some of his friends decided to go home because of Bahinting’s drunken behavior. Malinis and his friend were about to leave on a motorcycle when Bahinting confronted them. 

Police said Bahinting first assaulted Niño Bagon by punching him in the face. Not content, the suspect also confronted Malinis.

The trouble escalated when Bahinting punched Malinis in the face. The blow threw Malinis off his motorcycle and hit his head on the concrete pavement.

The victim landed hard on the ground that he was seen convulsing. He was taken to the Cebu Provincial Hospital in Bogo then moved to a hospital in Cebu City for further treatment. The victim died while being treated.

With the death of the victim, Rosario said the complaint filed against the suspect was upgraded from attempted homicide to homicide.

Hi, my name is Taguro. I was having a drinking session with my younger brother Ian. We had some music blasting and I decided to fiddle with the speaker. That enraged Ian who stabbed me with screwdriver. Of course I got angry and repeatedly punched him until he lost consciousness and began foaming at the mouth. He died of course. 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/04/25/man-punched-to-death-by-elder-brother-in-laguna

A 26-year-old man was punched to death by his elder brother during an altercation in Barangay Lewin here on Friday morning, April 24.

Police identified the victim as Ian.

Investigation said the victim and the suspect Taguro, 46, were having a drinking session when Taguro adjusted a speaker that irritated and enraged the victim.

Ian picked up a screwdriver and stabbed his brother in the body. Taguro retaliated by punching the victim multiple times until he slumped to the ground and sustained a swelling on the head.

The suspect stopped attacking after Ian lost consciousness and his mouth foaming. Ian was declared dead by the Rural Health Unit.

Police arrested Taguro and detained at the Lumban police station for proper disposition. Relatives of the victim refused an autopsy on his body. Taguro faces appropriate cases.

Hi, my name is Gerry Pantonial Gonzales. I boarded a modern jeepeney and for no apparent reason punched a woman, Lufemia Pacuri Filipino, in the face. A police car passed by and they were alerted which resulted in my immediate arrest. 

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/584650/man-arrested-for-punching-a-lady-modern-jeep-conductor-in-naga-city

A man was arrested for punching a lady conductor of a modern jeepney on the National Highway in Barangay South Poblacion, City of Naga on Sunday evening, July 14, 2024.

The suspect was identified as Gerry Pantonial Gonzales, a 44-year-old, a construction worker and resident of Marakas, Barangay Lahug in Cebu City.

Meanwhile, the victim was identified as Lufemia Pacuri Filipino, of legal age and a resident of Sitio Kamansi, Barangay Quiot Pardo, Cebu City.

According to Naga Police Station’s investigation, the modern jeepney was parked there waiting for passengers.

The suspect boarded the vehicle and unexpectedly punched the victim in the face for no apparent reason.

The victim immediately sought help from the driver. Luckily, a police car passed by during a mobile patrol in the area.

The driver of the modern jeepney approached the police which resulted in the immediate arrest of the suspect.

The suspect was temporarily detained at the Naga Police Station, pending the filing of charges of slight physical injury against the suspect. 

Insurgency: Terror Grooming

Another NPA network is finished. This  time it's in Caraga in Mindanao.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2230347/ph-army-npa-network-in-caraga-collapses

The Army’s 401st Infantry Brigade said the remaining structure of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) in Caraga has collapsed following the surrender of four New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas and the recovery of firearms in operations this week.

In a statement on Sunday, May 17, the 401st Brigade said Eusebio “Silvio” Gultiano Peru, also known by the aliases “Lee,” “Pitong,” “Tarzan,” and “Carpo,” surrendered to government forces on Saturday.

The military identified Peru as a listed NPA member and security officer of the Regional Operations Command of the NEMRC.

The surrender, according to the brigade, resulted from joint efforts by the 75th Infantry Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Battalion, Surigao del Sur Provincial Intelligence Unit, and the Marihatag Municipal Police Station.

Following his surrender, Peru reportedly disclosed the location of a concealed firearm in Barangay Bayan, Marihatag, Surigao del Sur. Troops later recovered an R4 rifle, one magazine, and six rounds of ammunition.

The Army said Peru was also involved in an armed encounter on May 11 in Sitio Casting, Barangay Bayan, Marihatag, before voluntarily surrendering to authorities.

A day earlier, on May 15, joint security operations also led to the surrender of two other NPA members: Lovilito Lamela, alias “Bero” or “Hapon,” identified as a squad leader of the Regional Sentro De Grabidad, and Gina Sawan, alias “LG,” who allegedly served as a medical officer or medic.

Their surrender led to the turnover of an AK-47 rifle, one rifle grenade, one scope, and three AK-47 magazines.

Meanwhile, the 29th Infantry Battalion also facilitated the surrender of Cheryl Tremidal Neniel, alias “Melon,” “Cry-Cry,” or “Archie,” a member of Squad 2, SRSDG WL, under the same regional committee. Neniel surrendered at the headquarters of the 29th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Del Pilar, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte.

Col. Glenn Joy Aynera, acting commander of the 401st Infantry Brigade, said the successive surrenders signaled the collapse of the NPA’s remaining regional structure in Caraga.

“These successive surrenders clearly indicate the final and eventual collapse of the NPA structure in Caraga,” Aynera said.

“Through intensified security operations, strengthened collaboration, and the government’s reintegration programs, these remaining members realized that returning to the folds of the law is the better path toward peace and a productive future,” Aynera added.

Aynera said the government would assist the former rebels through available reintegration programs.

Maj. Gen. Marion Angcao, commander of Joint Task Force Diamond, commended the 401st Brigade and its partner units for the operations that led to the surrender of the four NPA guerrillas.

“The surrender of these NPA members, along with the recovery of their firearms, further demonstrates the irreversible decline of the NEMRC,” Angcao said.

He also urged remaining NPA members to surrender and avail themselves of government reintegration programs.

“These developments reflect the growing realization among remaining NPA members that armed struggle no longer serves their cause,” Angcao said.

“We strongly encourage those still in the movement to surrender, avail themselves of government reintegration programs, and become active partners in peace and development,” he added.

The 401st Infantry Brigade said it would continue security operations while supporting reconciliation, reintegration, and development efforts in conflict-affected communities in Caraga and Eastern Mindanao.

This is the result of a series of successive surrenders and operations. The AFP  says these rebels now realize "armed struggle no longer serves their cause."  The same cannot be said for other rebels who continue to fight.  In Negros Occidental 5 NPA rebels died during a battle. 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/05/17/2-npa-leaders-among-5-fatalities-in-negros-occidental-gun-battle

Two high-ranking leaders of the New People’s Army (NPA) were among the five fatalities in the series of encounters with the Army 15th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Barangay Abaca and Poblacion, Cauayan, Negros Occidental on Saturday, May 16.

Brig. Gen. Jason Jumawan, commander of 302nd Infantry Brigade (IBde), identified the slain rebels as Rolando Dantes, Jobert Casipong, Gilbert Tingson, Alex Languita, and Vince Francis Dingding.

Jumawan said that Dantes was an alleged notorious hitman and commander of the dismantled South West Front (SWF-D) reportedly responsible for the liquidation of civilians in Cauayan, Kabankalan City, and Sipalay City in Negros Occidental.

He added that Dantes, based on police records, had multiple arrest warrants for murder and multiple murder.

Jumawan said that Dantes was behind the killing of a barangay official in Cauayan and an elderly woman in Kabankalan City last year.

He said that Dingding was an alleged political instructor of the group.

Jumawan said the bodies of the slain rebels have yet to be claimed by their families.

Aside from the five fatalities, Jumawan said that another rebel was severely wounded and recuperating in a hospital. Jumawan said he identified some of the fatalities.

Jumawan said the wounded rebel was administered first aid by troops and transported to a hospital.

The encounter occurred in Barangay Poblacion, Cauayan at 5 p.m. while troopers were pursuing remnants of the SWF from the initial firefight that transpired at 5:30 a.m. in Barangay Abaca.

Jumawan said the late afternoon firefight lasted for about 30 minutes and despite being told to surrender, the communist rebels allegedly continued firing at soldiers.

“It is unfortunate that fellow Filipinos have died, but our mission is to protect the communities from the threat,” he added.

Jumawan said the incident showed the dwindling support of the people to the NPA since they reported their presence in the area. “They are tired to be scared,” he added.

He said the incident will weaken the group and urged remaining communist rebels to surrender.

“It’s okay to protest, to make their issues known, but don’t carry firearms and use it against the government and the people. Mali po iyon (that is wrong),” Jumawan said.

Meanwhile, the series of clashes displaced 64 families or 168 individuals in Barangays Abaca and Poblacion.

Jumawan said the local government has extended assistance to affected families who underwent stress debriefing and awareness campaign.

He said that some families returned home on Sunday, May 17, after these areas were cleared by authorities.

They continued to fire despite being urged to surrender. That means at least some rebels still believe in the cause. Or maybe they just didn't want to be caught. 2 of the dead were top leaders and one was a former student. The NTF-ELCAC calls this a case of "terror grooming."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1275257

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on Monday called the death of former student leader, Vince Francis Dingding, one of the five reported New People's Army (NPA) members killed in the May 16 clash in Cauayan, Negros Occidental, a case of terror grooming.

"His death is another painful reminder of the continuing tragedy caused by the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front) terror-grooming pipeline —a process that preys on the idealism of young Filipinos and draws them from advocacy spaces into underground networks and, eventually, armed struggle," the body said in a statement.

In the Cauayan encounter, the NTF-ELCAC said government forces engaged heavily-armed NPA remnants, resulting in the deaths of Dinging and four others, including two alleged NPA leaders.

Once active in student leadership circles and associated with the University of the Philippines-Cebu community, Dingding reportedly served in political and organizational functions within the terrorist movement’s Southeast Front structures in Negros. Reports also indicate that he had links to individuals previously associated with alleged NPA activities in Negros.

"No Filipino death should ever be celebrated as a victory –least of all the death of a young, educated, and promising individual. Behind every casualty is not just a name in a report, but a son, a friend, a classmate, and a human life that once held immense possibility," the NTF-ELCAC said.

"The broader pattern cannot be ignored: too many bright, principled, and talented young Filipinos have passed through environments where activism, ideological conditioning, underground recruitment, and armed struggle dangerously intersect," it said.

The NTF-ELCAC said families, schools, universities, communities, and institutions must work together to recognize early warning signs, protect the youth, and ensure that legitimate social concern is never exploited as a pathway to violence.

"Vince Francis Dingding must not become just another casualty statistic. His story should stand as a painful national reminder: every wasted youth is a loss to the Filipino people, and peace, opportunity, vigilance, and prevention remain our best defense against the cycle of deception, violence, and death," the task force added.

"No Filipino death should ever be celebrated as a victory" and yet they are victories. This rebellion should have been over decades ago. Communist rebellions are so 20th century. 

The Army says they are focusing on operation sin Negros to prevent the NPA from regrouping. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1275287

The Philippine Army will continue to pursue remaining communist insurgents in Negros Occidental to prevent the New People's Army (NPA) from regrouping after suffering major setbacks in less than a month.

In a clash with troops of the 15th Infantry Battalion in Cauayan on May 16, the NPA lost five more members, following the death of their 19 comrades during the Toboso encounter on April 19.

In a press briefing on Monday afternoon, Maj. Gen. Michael Samson, commander of the 3rd Infantry Battalion, said the Philippine Army launches intensified operations in Negros to address the summary executions perpetrated by the NPA over the past year.

“We have to address that, that’s why we have to intensify our operations in Negros,” he added.

According to the 302nd Infantry Brigade, the remnants of the dismantled Southwest Front, who were neutralized during the clash in Cauayan, were behind the killings of at least 26 innocent individuals in southern Negros.

Samson said the troops will “sustain intensified focused military operations to prevent the fleeing communist-terrorists from regrouping and thwart any attempt to sow fear and disrupt the lives” of Negrenses.

“The operation in Cauayan demonstrates the unwavering commitment of our troops, in partnership with the local communities, to protect the people from the threats and atrocities perpetrated by these armed groups,” he added.

The five fatalities were identified as Rolando Dantes Jr., 37, commanding officer of Southwest Front, as well as members Jobert Casipong and Gilbert Tingson, who are all residents of the neighboring Sipalay City.

Another member Alex Chavez, was listed as a resident of Santa Catalina, Negros Oriental, while Francis Vince Dingding, political instructor of Southeast Front, is from Cebu City.

Well, these operations are to "from regrouping after suffering major setbacks in less than a month." Are these setbacks victories? If so that would make the death of those 5 Filipinos a victory. 

Of course the operations in Negros were part of the Army's whole-of-nation approach.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1275308

The whole-of-nation approach has played a significant role in the successful anti-insurgency campaign, according to the top official of Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Spearhead Division (3ID).

“The approach enabled partnerships with local government units, national government agencies and even the private sector, which provided a venue in addressing a lot of social issues,” 3ID commander Maj. Gen. Michael Samson said in a media forum on Monday.

The provincial government of Iloilo has been extending assistance in cash and livelihood to rebel returnees under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which encouraged more rebels to give up the armed movement.

Samson said 442 former rebels have applied for the government’s amnesty program.

“We have gained a lot. I think there’s a lot of difference in the insurgency situation before and now,” he said.

Samson said the anti-insurgency campaign in Western Visayas is “very successful”, and they are estimating less than 10 members of the New People's Army (NPA) who are on a survival mode.

“They were last seen in Tapaz area. I was describing Tapaz, Capiz as their last stand and we are making sure that there will be no spillover in other areas,” he added.

Samson said they have been checking and so far, they have not monitored sightings or movements of the communist terrorist group, otherwise they will run after them.

“I just would like to clarify that even if we have a lot of encounters and neutralized leaders as well as members of the New People’s Army, we take no pleasure in these encounters where lives are lost or wounded. But it is our job to ensure that our communities are safe and not intimidated by this armed group,” he said.

Samson also encouraged the community to report to the Army if they have information regarding the presence of the NPA.

He further said while there are no reports of their presence as of now, there is a tendency for them to recover when neglected given the nature of the revolutionary movement.

What whole-of-nation really means is good governance as counterinsurgency measures and giving former rebels loads of free money an, housing, and job training. 

The NTF-ELCAC claims the reds are aware of their dwindling forces. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1275570

Even the remaining communist insurgents are well aware of their dwindling offensive capabilities, as well as their capacity to influence communities, a ranking National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) said on Thursday.

"We have to understand that the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army - National Democratic Front) has recognized na (that their capabilities are already) dwindling, in terms of manpower, influenced barangays, and number of firearms," NTF-ELCAC Executive Director, Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr., said in a media briefing at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

The decrease in the communist insurgents’ capabilities has been attributed to the government's focused military and civic operations, which include livelihood and integration assistance for those interested in surrendering.

"It has been consistently dwindling ever since. And the latest report was that they only have 800 NPAs, a little over 800 all over the country, down to (their peak of) about 25,000 in the late 80s," Torres said.

Proof of these dwindling capabilities, he said, was the CPP's "3rd Rectification Movement" on Dec. 26, 2023. "Meaning, it's an acknowledgement that they need to rectify, politically, militarily, and all the other mechanisms (of their movement)."

He noted that at its peak, the CPP-NPA-NDF had influenced more than 9,500 barangays, or about "20 percent of the total barangays all over the country.”

"And it was painstakingly cleared by our security forces, foremost, with the support of local chief executives and other agencies," he said.

In response, the NTF-ELCAC official said that the government has come up with an integrated territorial defense system and a barangay intelligence net.

"So, when these two things are functioning in a barangay to ward off any threat group, not only insurgents, but also addicts, criminals, the presence of these groups can be relayed immediately to the security sector, so that interactions are faster. So multiply that 9,000 times. So that is our way in preserving and sustaining our peace gains," Torres said.

Efforts are also being made to capacitate local government officials in delivering basic services to their barangays.

"(The armed encounters are) a manifestation, an indication that our integrated territorial defense systems are working in response to their rectification campaign. We need to frustrate them in their recovery efforts," Torres said.

That is a huge assumption seeing as the NPA is able to recruit foreigners and they remain fervently devoted to the cause. The recent firefights show that fact. 

So-called militant political groups have been tied to the NPA and have denied it but their members keep dying in clashes with the Army. The Army wants to know why.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1275324

The Philippine Army (PA) on Tuesday asked militant groups why a number of their members have ended up caught in between the government's armed encounters with communist rebels.

In a statement, PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said responsibility for the "tragic loss of young lives falls squarely on the Kabataan Party-List [and militant group] Anakbayan, and their allied front organizations that radicalize the youth and lead them into armed struggle."

"We challenge these groups to answer one critical question they have been evading for so long: 'Why do your members consistently end up in combat zones, wielding firearms against government forces?” he asked, in the wake of the recent deadly clashes in Toboso and Cauayan towns in Negros Occidental.

Killed in the April 19 Toboso clash were 19 NPA rebels, many of whom were young individuals, while the May 16 encounter in Cauayan left five persons dead, including former student leader Vince Francis Dingding, reportedly a member of Kabataan Party-list's Cebu chapter.

"We emphasize that beyond the body count lies a greater tragedy: the [communist terrorist groups' or CTGs'] terror-grooming scheme robs the deceived students of the chance to abandon the armed struggle and build peaceful, productive lives," the PA spokesperson said.

Dema-ala also branded the recent "National Fact-Finding and Solidarity Mission" by Anakbayan as part of "cheap worn-out propaganda" traced to CTGs like the New People's Army (NPA) to cover up their defeat.

For its part, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) said in a separate statement on Tuesday that Dingding's parents, Romulo and Rica, in a handwritten letter dated May 18 formally appealed to the public to course all matters relating to their son's death through their barangay captain to spare the family from further distress, especially since Rica is currently sick.

The NTF-ELCAC also said the family's letter contained a postscript that read: "P.S. We decided that we will no longer claim his remains in Negros Occidental."

"It is a painful story of a son lost to a movement that gradually pulled him away from home, from family, and from the people who loved him most. Beyond reports, operational accounts, and organizational affiliations lies a far more devastating reality: a family now carrying unimaginable grief," the NTF-ELCAC said.

"The [CTG] often speaks of struggle, sacrifice, and revolution. But the question that must be asked is this: sacrifice for whom? Revolution at whose expense? Because in the end, it is ordinary Filipino families that pay the highest price," it added.

Dema-ala, meanwhile, noted the neutralization of Rolando Dantes, the notorious Southern Negros counterpart to NPA hitman Roger Fabillar, for bringing justice to the victims of insurgent atrocities in Negros.

Dantes, who has long evaded multiple arrest warrants for murder, was the key suspect in the slay of a barangay official in Cauayan, a 74-year-old woman in Kabankalan City, and 50 other victims last year.

"The timely information provided by the community was pivotal in the success of our security operations against the CTG remnants. We assure the Filipino people that the PA is firmly committed to securing the people of Negros. We assure the victims of CTG atrocities that they will receive justice they rightfully deserve," Dema-ala said.

They probably won't answer but it would be interesting to hear it!