Retards in the Government 477

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

 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2255295/ombudsman-files-plunder-case-vs-marcoleta-in-sandiganbayan

The Office of the Ombudsman filed before the Sandiganbayan the plunder case against Sen. Rodante Marcoleta and his co-accused over a P75 million campaign donation to him.

In January 2025, former Anakalusugan Rep. Mike Defensor, and certain Aristotle Viray and Joseph Espiritu allegedly donated P30 million, P25 million and P20 million for Marcoleta’s senatorial bid.

According to his counter-affidavit, Marcoleta noted that the P75 million donation was not public funds, even though the donated funds exceeded the P50 million threshold for plunder under Republic Act (RA) 7080.

State prosecutors also noted that the amount was not reflected in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) as of June 30, 2025.

Instead, the complaint noted that Marcoleta only declared P39.6 million in his SALN, which he said he acquired from 1992 to June 30, 2025.

The complaint said that Marcoleta, in his December 2025 SALN, declared only cash and savings amounting to P16.7 million.

In his counter-affidavit, Marcoleta said: “The donations were likewise not reflected in my Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) because, by the time the SALNs were prepared and executed, the amounts had already been used for their intended election-related purposes and were no longer assets held by me.”

The Office of the Ombudsman filed before the Sandiganbayan the plunder case against Sen. Rodante Marcoleta and his co-accused over a P75 million campaign donation to him.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/07/03/cop-casino-dealer-malaysian-arrested-in-pasay-casino-fraud

A casino dealer, a police officer, and a Malaysian businessman were arrested for allegedly conspiring to defraud a resort-casino of P750,000 through a poker scam in Pasay City on July 3.

Pasay City Police chief Col. Joselito De Sesto identified the suspects as Larry, 39, a casino dealer at a resort-casino in Pasay City; Chee Hoe Wong, 41, a Malaysian businessman; and Edgardo, 36, a police  master sergeant assigned to the Warrant Section of the Sta. Ana Police Station in Manila.

According to De Sesto, the alleged fraud occurred at around 3:53 p.m. on July 2 during an Ultimate Texas Hold’Em game inside the casino.

The scheme was discovered by management several hours later and reported to police at around 3 a.m. on July 3.

Initial investigation showed that the dealer allegedly connived with three patrons to manipulate the outcome of the game. 

CCTV footage showed the dealer repeatedly exposing his hidden hole cards and community cards during the game, giving the players an unfair advantage.

With inside information, the bettors allegedly predicted outcomes, adjusted their bets, and won about P750,000 illegally from the casino.

The irregularity was first detected by the casino’s surveillance department through CCTV monitoring. The establishment’s Safety and Security Unit immediately coordinated with surveillance personnel before confronting the suspects and placing them under citizen’s arrest.

One alleged accomplice, however, managed to flee before security personnel could apprehend him.

The arrested suspects were turned over to the Pasay City Police Investigation and Detective Management Section (IDMS). They face charges for violation of Article 315, Paragraph 3(b) of the Revised Penal Code, or estafa through fraudulent practices.

Authorities are continuing their investigation to identify and locate the remaining suspect and determine whether similar schemes had been carried out in previous gaming sessions.

A casino dealer, a police officer, and a Malaysian businessman were arrested for allegedly conspiring to defraud a resort-casino of P750,000 through a poker scam in Pasay City.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/07/03/zamboanga-del-sur-cop-involved-in-colleagues-killing-surrenders

A police officer voluntarily surrendered on Thursday, admitting his involvement in the killing of a colleague in Zamboanga del Sur province.

In a report on Friday, Police Col. Bonifacio Arañas, Zamboanga del Sur Police director, identified the police officer-surrenderer as Staff Sgt. Archie Bazan, who was assigned to Margosatubig town in the same province.

Arañas said Bazan voluntarily surrendered to the Margosatubig Municipal Police Station and admitted his participation in the shooting incident that resulted in the death of Police Corporal Armaejo Unab Jornadal on Wednesday afternoon.

Jornadal, 36, was riding a motorcycle on the way home when he was repeatedly shot by one of two men riding tandem on another motorcycle that was tailing him in Barangay Tikwas, Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur.

Jornadal, a resident of Barangay Kalubi, San Miguel, was a member of the police’s 2nd Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Mobile Force Company.

“In his statement, Bazan admitted that he served as the driver of the motorcycle used during the commission of the crime,” Arañas said in his report.

He said Bazan’s voluntary statement was recorded in the police blotter and signed by the suspect.

The shooter, identified as Cydee Tolentino Labajo, allegedly used Bazan’s service firearm to kill the victim.

Bazan also turned in his issued service firearm and the motorcycle they used in the incident.

Police Capt. Derfjay Maquinta, Zamboanga del Sur Police information officer, said Bazan was forced to surrender after learning he was tagged as a person of interest and all evidence gathered in the investigation pointed to him.

The evidence includes video footage captured through closed-circuit television cameras.

“The gunman (Labajo) was arrested in a follow-up operation at about 6 p.m. Thursday at his residence in Margosatubig,” Maquinta said in a radio interview Friday.

During the incident, the suspects took Jornadal's sling bag and service firearm and fled towards the town of Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur.

Authorities learned that Jornadal had just processed a cash loan with the Armed Forces and Police Savings and Loans Association Inc. before the incident, based on a receipt found in the victim’s motorcycle compartment.

Maquinta said that Bazan knew Jornadal had applied for a loan because they were together while the papers were being processed.

He noted that the victim’s firearm was recovered, but the P200,000 loaned to Jornadal was not found.

A police officer admitting his involvement in the killing of a colleague in Zamboanga del Sur province voluntarily surrendered.

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/7/3/ex-special-forces-soldier-accused-of-being-gun-for-hire-arrested-1518

A suspected gun-for-hire leader and former member of the Philippine Army Special Forces—listed as the No. 3 Most Wanted Person in Mimaropa—was arrested in an intelligence-driven operation in Roxas, Oriental Mindoro on Thursday.

“Tawi” was an alleged gun-for-hire leader operating in Mindoro and Batangas.

Police said the suspect was the subject of four warrants of arrest for multiple counts of murder and frustrated murder issued by courts in Calapan City, Pinamalayan, and Roxas, Oriental Mindoro. 

All of the cases carry no bail recommended.

Aside from the pending murder and frustrated murder cases, the suspect is expected to face an additional charge for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

A suspected gun-for-hire leader and former member of the Philippine Army Special Forces—listed as the No. 3 Most Wanted Person in Mimaropa—was arrested in an intelligence-driven operation in Roxas, Oriental Mindoro on Thursday.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2257782/ex-cop-wanted-for-murder-surrenders-in-iloilo-city

A former police officer wanted for murder surrendered to the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO-6) early Sunday, July 5, ending more than three years in hiding.

The suspect, identified only by the alias “Jerry,” 40, of Arevalo District, Iloilo City, turned himself in at Camp Martin Teofilo Delgado in Fort San Pedro at around 12:45 a.m.

Jerry surrendered to Police Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño, acting director of PRO-6. He is the subject of a warrant of arrest for murder issued on April 26, 2022, by the Regional Trial Court Branch 31 in Iloilo City. The court did not recommend bail.

Authorities said the former police officer had previously evaded an attempt by the Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group to serve the warrant at Iloilo City Police Station 4.

Upon surrendering, he also turned over his issued Taurus TS9 service pistol with a loaded magazine.

He is now under the custody of the Iloilo City Police Station 1 for documentation and proper disposition.

Tuaño credited the peaceful surrender to sustained intelligence operations, close coordination among police units, and strengthened community trust.

“According to him, he decided to surrender because he wanted to finally face the case against him and put an end to the problem he has been dealing with. What is important is that we were able to peacefully implement the warrant of arrest and bring him before the court in accordance with the law,” Tuaño said in Filipino.

The regional director said the incident demonstrated that effective law enforcement is achieved through intelligence-driven operations and coordination rather than force.

He also urged other fugitives to voluntarily surrender and face the charges against them.

“If you have an outstanding warrant of arrest, my advice is to face your case. No one is above the law, but everyone has the opportunity to undergo the legal process peacefully and with respect for due process,” Tuaño said.

A former police officer wanted for murder surrendered to the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO-6) early Sunday, July 5, ending more than three years in hiding.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/07/06/ex-cop-wanted-for-murder-kidnapping-falls

A 44-year-old former policeman wanted for multiple murder and kidnapping was arrested on Sunday night, July 5, in a beach resort in Barangay Bagong Silang here.

Police identified the suspect as Jun, a resident of Caloocan City.

Jun, the fourth most wanted person by the Police Regional Office-2, was apprehended on warrants dated Sept. 3, 2023, issued by the Tuguegarao City, Cagayan Regional Trial Court Branch 3 for murder, two counts of frustrated murder, and attempted murder.

The court recommended no bail for the murder case while bail was fixed at P200,000 each for the two frustrated murder cases and P 120,000 for the attempted murder case.

He was also arrested on a warrant from the Antipolo City, Rizal Regional Trial Court, Branch 142 for kidnapping with ransom.

Jun is in the custody of the Calatagan Municipal Police Station while warrants are being prepared for return to the issuing courts.

A former policeman wanted for multiple murder and kidnapping was arrested.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2257059/mike-defensor-arrested-for-plunder

Former AnaKalusugan Rep. Mike Defensor was arrested by the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday for plunder.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced that aside from the congressman, police have also arrested businessman Joseph Espiritu. 

Defensor and Espiritu, both nabbed in Quezon City, are co-accused with Senator Rodante Marcoleta in a non-bailable plunder case involving the alleged non-disclosure of P75 million in campaign donations during the last elections.

In a briefing, Remulla said Defensor and Espiritu were arrested while they were having coffee at a Starbucks branch in Quezon City.

He added that the two are already being transported to the Sandiganbayan.

The plunder case against Defensor was filed by the Office of the Ombudsman at the Sandiganbayan and raffled to the latter’s Third Division on Friday morning.

The case stemmed from a P75-million donation Defensor made with donors Aristotle Viray and Espiritu to Marcoleta when the latter was a congressman before his 2025 senatorial bid.

Former AnaKalusugan Rep. Mike Defensor was arrested for plunder.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2259929/village-watchman-arrested-in-albay-buy-bust

Police arrested a village watchman in a buy-bust operation in Bacacay town in Albay on Tuesday night.

The Albay police arrested a suspect identified only as “Nolan” at around 8:28 p.m. and seized 1.3 grams of “shabu” (crystal meth) worth P8,840. The suspect is a 47-year-old resident of Tabaco City.

A village watchman was arrested in a buy-bust operation.

Coronavirus Lockdown: Increase In Covid-19 Cases, Bus Subisdy, and More!

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

According to Dutch bank ING the Philippines is struggling to recover from the pandemic compared to their Asian neighbors. 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/06/30/filipino-consumers-struggle-to-recover-from-pandemic-as-rest-of-asia-rebounds

Filipino consumers are falling behind their Asian neighbors in bouncing back from the Covid-19 pandemic as low-paying jobs, shrinking savings, and slowing remittances hit household spending.

According to a report by Dutch bank ING, while shoppers in India and Japan have resumed pre-pandemic spending habits, the Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations face a much slower recovery due to weaker financial buffers and rising inflation risks.

“Asia’s consumer is showing signs of recovery. But it remains uneven rather than broad-based, with increasing differentiation across the region,” Deepali Bhargava, ING’s regional head of research for Asia-Pacific, wrote in a June 30 note.

Bhargava said Asian economies, including Japan, Australia, and India, are benefiting from stronger consumption growth, noting that spending activity in these countries has returned to pre-pandemic levels.

“By contrast, consumption recoveries in the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia continue to lag,” Bhargava said.

ING further pointed out the growing divide between regional “outperformers” and struggling Southeast Asian economies. Singapore stands out with “still-healthy household balance sheets” and a recovery in discretionary spending. 

Meanwhile, the Philippines and Indonesia face “thin” precautionary savings. This lack of a fiscal cushion leaves Filipino consumers “more sensitive to income shocks and inflation” compared to their wealthier neighbors.

Structural issues in the labor market are further hampering the Philippines’ recovery. Bhargava noted that between 2010 and 2025, three out of every four new jobs in the country were created in low-productivity, non-tradable sectors.

“This shift away from higher-productivity, export-oriented sectors toward lower value-added activities poses a structural constraint on income growth and, by extension, on the sustainability of consumption," Bhargava warned.

A notable slowdown in income flows from external sources exacerbates these internal struggles. Unlike other regional economies, Philippine consumption is “closely tied” to overseas remittances, which are now showing signs of fatigue.

Overseas remittance growth slowed to about 2% year-on-year in April, with inflows dropping to a near one-year low of $2.7 billion. “This marks the weakest annual growth in nearly four years," ING noted.

ING’s outlook is further clouded by unpredictable geopolitical developments. Because the Middle East accounts for nearly a fifth of total remittance inflows, escalating tensions in that region risk choking cash inflows and potentially dragging down economic growth.

"Recoveries in the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia continue to lag." Well, at least the Philippines isn't alone. What does the government have to say about this?

The Cebu Provincial Government has launched Tabang Pangbyahe, the country’s first local government-led subsidized bus service program, building on the national transport service contracting initiative introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep public transportation operating.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/amp/story/cebu/cebu-launches-first-lgu-led-bus-subsidy

THE Cebu Provincial Government on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, signed an agreement with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for the rollout of “Tabang Pangbyahe,” making Cebu the first local government unit in the country to implement its own subsidized bus service program.

Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) head Elizar Sabinay Jr. said the initiative was developed through consultations with national agencies and transport stakeholders to address Metro Cebu’s long-standing public transport problems.

“Hopefully, we can start as soon as possible. This is the first local government unit-led net service contracting program in the Philippines that directly addresses commuters’ needs,” Sabinay said.

DOTr Senior Undersecretary Mark Steven Pastor said the program builds on the government’s service contracting initiative launched in 2020 during the pandemic to keep public transport operational.

He said Cebu’s model aims to provide a predictable and reliable system where commuters know when buses will arrive and depart.

“Those who have less in life must have more on the roads. Our priority is for commuters to go from point A to point B at a specific time and with the confidence that public transportation will always be available,” Pastor said.

The program aims to improve the commuter experience in Metro Cebu, where long waiting times and unreliable transport have contributed to increased private vehicle use

Sabinay said about 70 percent of Metro Cebu’s population depends on public transportation, while only about 10 percent of vehicles serve commuters.

The program focuses on three objectives: availability, accessibility and reliability. It seeks to reduce waiting times from as long as one hour during peak periods to 15 to 20 minutes.

It will also require participating buses to provide comfortable and safer travel, including a no-standing-passenger policy.Gov. Pamela Baricuatro said the initiative shows how cooperation among agencies can improve public services.

LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza said the program puts commuters at the center of transport planning by focusing on efficiency and convenience.

Under Tabang Pangbyahe, passengers may board and alight only at designated bus stops identified by the PPDO. The pilot routes will cover the northern corridor from Cebu IT Park to Danao City and the southern corridor from the Cebu South Bus Terminal to Simala in Sibonga.

Participating operators must meet service standards, including GPS monitoring connected to a command center, CCTV cameras, sanitation requirements, accessible buses for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, operational air-conditioning and compliance with the no-standing rule.

The DOTr allocated P20 million for the program, which will provide subsidies to participating operators. Procurement is expected to begin immediately, with implementation targeted by the end of June or the first week of July.

Officials said the program could become a model for other local governments nationwide if successful. 

With a ₱20 million DOTr subsidy, the program aims to provide Metro Cebu commuters with more reliable, accessible, and safer bus services through fixed routes, shorter waiting times, and stricter service standards.

Quezon City has seen a 265% spike in COVID-19 cases in the past three weeks. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2257887/qc-govt-records-increase-in-covid-19-cases

The Quezon City government on Sunday said it recorded an increase in Covid-19 cases, with confirmed infections in 2026 now at 146.

According to the QC Epidemiology and Surveillance Division (QCESD), the increase was recorded after 23 cases between May 21 and June 10 jumped to 84 from June 11 to July 1.

This number, said the QCESD in a statement, reflects a 265 percent spike in COVID-19 cases in the past three weeks alone.

“This brings the total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in Quezon City to 146 so far in 2026,” it said.

Surveillance data then showed that District 4 accounted for the highest share of cases at 32.7 percent, followed by District 1 at 22.4 percent. 

Barangay Doña Imelda reported the most cases at 11 infections, followed by Barangays Culiat, Salvacion, Santa Teresita, Santo Cristo, Sauyo, Socorro and Tandang Sora, with four cases each.

Meanwhile, children aged 14 years and below accounted for the largest share of cases at 30 percent; followed by those aged 25 to 29 at 16 percent; and senior citizens aged 60 and above at 16. 

More cases were also recorded among women at 66 cases or 62 percent of the total, compared to the 41 cases or 38 percent among men.

The Quezon City government continues to conduct case monitoring and disease surveillance. 

It also urged the public to observe the following basic measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing, and dispose of used tissues properly.
• Wear a face mask if you have symptoms of Covid-19 or another respiratory illness.
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Maintain a safe distance from others if you are experiencing symptoms.
• Stay at home when you are sick to help prevent the spread of infection.

The city government also advised parents to immediately bring children experiencing respiratory symptoms to the nearest health center for evaluation.

Older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems were urged to seek medical consultation at the first sign of the virus.

Residents were also urged to self-report suspected cases through the QCESD hotlines: (02) 8988-4242 local 1609, (02) 8703-2759, 0962-274-7107.

Is it time to panic? They say no.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1278768

The Quezon City government has urged residents not to panic despite an increase in confirmed Covid-19 cases in the city over the past three weeks, stressing that all reported infections have been mild, isolated and remain manageable.

In a news release Monday, QC Mayor Joy Belmonte assured that the city government is closely monitoring the situation.

“While there has been an increase in cases, they still represent a very small percentage of our total population. We are not seeing any clustering of cases, and all reported infections have been mild and isolated,” she said.

“Our City Health Department will continue to provide appropriate medical interventions through our city health centers and hospitals for residents experiencing similar symptoms. We encourage everyone to remain vigilant, but there is no need to panic,” she added.

Data from the Quezon City Epidemiology and Surveillance Division (QCESD) on Sunday showed that confirmed Covid-19 cases increased to 84 from June 11 to July 1, up from 23 cases recorded between May 21 and June 10.

Since January, the city government has recorded a total of 146 confirmed Covid-19 cases through a proactive surveillance system, which gathers reports from hospitals and health centers.

The QCESD said that most patients experienced influenza-like symptoms, including fever, cough, and colds, prompting them to seek medical consultation.

They later tested positive for Covid-19 under standard health protocols.

The city government also noted that other Metro Manila cities have seen a similar increase in Covid-19 cases during the same period.

“The best thing we can do is seek medical attention early if symptoms develop and continue practicing simple preventive measures that protect ourselves and those around us,” Belmonte said.

She stressed that the city’s 66 health centers continue to provide free medical consultations, including Covid-19 testing when indicated, and medicines for symptomatic patients.

The QCESD is also in close coordination with the Department of Health for the submission of samples for genome sequencing to identify the Covid-19 variant currently circulating in the community.

Health officials also urged residents to continue practicing basic preventive measures such as the wearing of face masks when sick or in crowded places, maintaining proper hand hygiene, and consulting healthcare professionals if they develop influenza-like symptoms.

"The city government also noted that other Metro Manila cities have seen a similar increase in Covid-19 cases during the same period." And what about the rest of the nation?

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1278805

The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday reported an uptick in coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases in Quezon City, but clarified that infections remain generally low and managed mostly as outpatients.

In a statement, the DOH said data from the Quezon City Epidemiology and Surveillance Division (QCESD) showed that recorded Covid-19 cases rose to 84 between June 11 and July 1, from 23 cases in the preceding period.

However, health authorities cautioned against using percentage increases to interpret the trend.

Citing the percentage increase (265 percent) does not accurately reflect the small absolute number, and requires much caution in interpretation, the DOH said.

The DOH, in coordination with the QCESD, is currently investigating the cases, which appear to be isolated in specific areas or health facilities.

Initial assessments suggest that the close proximity of individuals in these settings may have played a role in the recorded increase.

Despite the localized spike, cumulative data as of July 4 showed that Quezon City has recorded 125 cumulative cases this year.

This represents a 68 percent decrease from the 389 cases reported in 2025.

The health department also emphasized that the majority of the recent infections are mild.

Of the recent cases, only 17 or 14 percent required hospital admission, while 108 or 86 percent were managed as outpatients.

Around 70 percent, or the majority of the patients, have already recovered.

On a broader scale, the DOH highlighted a significant overall decline in infections at the national level.

As of June 20, the country logged 719 cumulative cases, compared to 3,579 cases reported during the same period last year.

Amid the localized fluctuations and the onset of the wet season, the DOH reminded the public to maintain hand hygiene and other preventive measures, especially as the rainy season brings a rise in W.I.L.D. diseases (water-borne, influenza-like, leptospirosis and dengue).

Cases are down!

Assassinated Citizens June, 2026

Assassination is normal in the Philippines not only for government officials but also for regular citizens. The most common method of assassination for both citizens and officials is a motorcycle duo riding up on the target and then blasting them away. This series will document the number of citizens assassinated on a monthly basis. These stories are to be distinguished from regular murder cases which happen on a daily basis. 

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2026/06/02/2532358/2-men-killed-6-hurt-cotabato-gun-attack

Two men were killed while six others, including minors, were wounded when gunmen shot them with M16 rifles on Tuesday morning, June 2, in Barangay Malingao in Kadayangan town in Cotabato province.

Local executives and Capt. Steffie Salanguit, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, separately told reporters at noon Tuesday that the incident left two Moro residents of Barangay Malingao, Musalik Balang and Haron Boliongan, dead.

Six others, among them the non-Moro Romeo Lombo, a resident of Barangay Glad in nearby Midsayap, Cotabato, sustained bullet wounds in different parts of their bodies, according to Salanguit and municipal officials who helped transport them to different hospitals.

Kadayangan is one of the eight newly-created Bangsamoro towns in the Special Geographic Area of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, located in the territory of Cotabato province in Administrative Region 12.

Lt. Julito Gonzalez, officer-in-charge of the Kadayangan Municipal Police Station, and Salanguit separately told reporters that Balang, Boliongan and the six residents hurt in the attack were together at one area in Barangay Malingao when men, armed with M16 assault rifles, came close and opened fire.

Their attackers immediately scampered away after they felled the victims with rifle shots, according to barangay officials and police investigators who responded to the atrocity, which caused panic among villagers in Barangay Malingao.

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/733966/talisay-shooting-body-found-along-shoreline-in-brgy-tangke

A 39-year-old man was found dead with a gunshot wound to the head along the shoreline of Sitio Ratan in Barangay Tangke, Talisay City, early Wednesday morning, June 3.

Hours after authorities recovered the body, the victim was identified as Julius Cabradilla. His 29-year-old common-law partner arrived at the scene and confirmed his identity based on the clothes he was wearing.

In an interview with reporters, Cabradilla’s partner, a resident of Barangay San Roque, Talisay City, said she last saw him on Tuesday evening before going to sleep.

She said she was unaware that Cabradilla had left their residence that night.

The woman also confirmed that the clothes he was wearing when his body was discovered were the same ones he had on the last time she saw him.

However, she stated that she had no knowledge of where Cabradilla went after he left their residence.

Early Wednesday morning, at around 3:00 a.m., residents of Sitio Ratan reported hearing several gunshots. Approximately two hours later, Cabradilla’s body was discovered along the shoreline of Sitio Ratan.

He was believed to have died from a gunshot wound to the head.

Investigators also recovered three spent shell casings near the scene. However, authorities have yet to determine the type of firearm used in the incident.

As of this writing, the Talisay City Police Station has yet to release an official report regarding the incident.

Personnel from the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) are currently processing the area and collecting possible evidence.

Investigators continue to establish the circumstances surrounding Cabradilla’s death.

Authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the killing, identify any suspects, or ascertain whether the victim was shot at the same location where his body was discovered.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2241265/man-shot-dead-by-motorbike-riding-assassin-in-laguna

A 44-year-old street vendor was shot and killed by a motorcycle-riding gunman in Cabuyao City, Laguna, on Friday night.

In a report released Saturday, the Police Regional Office 4A said the victim, identified only as “Sammy,” was in a tricycle with his live-in partner prior to the incident in Barangay Banay-Banay at 7:50 p.m.

Police said two men aboard a motorcycle approached the tricycle, and one of the suspects repeatedly fired at the victim and sped off.

The victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was rushed to Cabuyao City Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.

His partner was unharmed.

Investigators said the suspects were wearing red jackets, blue jeans, and helmets. They were reportedly riding a red Honda Click motorcycle bearing plate number DO 52135.

Authorities have launched a manhunt operation and are continuing their investigation to identify the suspects and determine the motive behind the killing.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/06/07/woman-shot-dead-after-visiting-detained-live-in-partner

A 41-year-old woman was gunned down following a visit to her detained live-in partner at the Negros Occidental District Jail (NODJ) in Barangay Tabunan, Bago City, Negros Occidental on Saturday, June 6.

Police identified the victim as Lowela, a resident of Barangay 2, Manapla, Negros Occidental.

Police Lt. Col. James Latayon, Bago police chief, said the victim had just visited her live-in partner in jail for a drug offense and was about to leave the facility with her two friends on board a rented tricycle when two unidentified persons on a motorcycle appeared and shot her with a caliber .45 pistol in the body. 

The victim died on the spot. Her companions were unharmed.

The motorcycle driver was wearing a yellow-gold sweatshirt and a black bonnet while his back rider was wearing a black T-shirt and a black bonnet. Both were not wearing helmets.

The suspects fled after the shooting.

Latayon said the victim may have been monitored by the suspects.

Police are conducting follow-up investigation and manhunt operations.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/06/08/barber-shot-dead-while-cutting-customers-hair-in-bacolod

A 50-year-old barber was gunned down while cutting a customer’s hair in his house in Barangay Vista Alegre here on Sunday, June 7. 

Police identified the victim as Carlito. 

Investigation showed that an unidentified person suddenly entered his house and shot him. The victim died on the spot and the gunman fled along with an unidentified companion on a motorcycle. 

The victim's customer, a student was unharmed.  

The victim’s wife said that her husband decided to go home early as he was expecting more customers in preparation for the class opening on Monday, June 8. 

The victim’s wife said that she could not think of any motive behind the killing and sought justice for his death. 

“It's too painful. He suddenly left us,” she said. “What was he done that they attacked him?” she asked. 

Follow-up investigation and manhunt operations are ongoing.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/06/08/vendor-gunned-down-in-laguna

A 43-year-old vendor was shot dead in Barangay Maulawin here on Sunday morning.

Police identified the victim as Gian.

Investigation said the victim was inside his room eating fruits when an unidentified individual called his name from outside.

He looked out the window and was shot. The suspect wearing black hooded jacket, red backpack, and driving a black motorcycle fled towards the town of Santa Cruz, Laguna.

The victim was taken to the Laguna Medical Center in Santa Cruz where he was declared dead.

Follow-up investigation and manhunt operations are ongoing. 

Meanwhile, a fraternity member drowned in a resort in Barangay Libjo, Infanta, Quezon on Sunday afternoon.

Police said the victim Darwin was seen floating face down in a swimming pool following a drinking session with colleagues.

Darwin was taken to a hospital where he was declared dead.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2246395/2-dead-3-wounded-in-leyte-ambush-cops-launch-hot-pursuit

A deadly shooting incident in Barangay Salvacion, Albuera, in Leyte, left two persons dead, and three others wounded on Monday morning, prompting a police manhunt in the mountainous area of the barangay.

Based on initial police reports from the Leyte Police Provincial Office (LPPO), the victims were onboard a Toyota Wigo en route to the población of Albuera when they were attacked upon reaching an uphill section of the road around 7 a.m.

The suspect or suspects, whose identities and motive remain unknown, reportedly used an unspecified firearm.

Authorities identified the fatalities as Maria Noya Velos, 51, and Sherwin Villones Gumop-As, 23, both residents of Brgy. Salvacion. Velos was reportedly the common-law wife of Walter Taripe, village chairman of Salvacion.

Police said both victims sustained gunshot wounds to the head and neck, resulting in their immediate death at the scene.

Three others were injured in the attack, including Daniel Gumop-As, 56, a 17-year-old minor, and 18-year-old John Carlo Israel Porneto. The wounded victims were rushed to Ormoc District Hospital for treatment.

After the shooting, the suspect fled toward the mountainous portion of the barangay, triggering a hot pursuit operation led by Police Major Franklin Romeo Parangan Jr., along with personnel from the Albuera Municipal Police Station, SWAT teams, and other responding units.

The Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) were also deployed to process the area and collect forensic evidence.

LPPO Director Col. Celerino Sacro Jr. said all efforts are underway to identify and arrest the suspect. Authorities are also coordinating with residents for any information that may help resolve the case.

At present, the motive for the attack is still under investigation, police said, adding that all possible leads are being pursued.

The provincial police office extended condolences to the families of the victims and assured the public of a thorough investigation to ensure justice is served.

The next guy actually survived.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/06/22/capiz-broadcaster-ambushed-in-roxas-city

The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) condemned the ambush on radio broadcaster Jay Lavapiez in Roxas City, the capital of Capiz province. 

“We condemn all acts of violence and intimidation against journalists and assert that such actions have no place in a democratic society,” said PTFOMS in a statement. 

Initial reports said that Lavapiez, station manager of Baskog Radyo, was on his way to the station when two unidentified men on a motorcycle blocked him on a street corner in Barangay Cagay at around 5:40 a.m. on Monday, June 22. 

The suspects fired four times at the vehicle of the victim who survived unscathed. 

“This incident highlights the urgent need to protect journalists, who play an important role in informing the public and upholding democracy,” noted PTFOMS under Executive Director Undersecretary Jose “Joe” Torres Jr. 

“We stand in solidarity with Mr. Lavapiez and all media professionals, reaffirming our commitment to safeguarding their rights and security. The freedom of the press is essential to our democracy, and we will continue to advocate for measures that protect those who strive to uphold this freedom every day,” added PTFOMS. 

Local officials also condemned the incident. 

“Such reprehensible acts are not only attacks against individuals, but also constitute direct assault on the freedoms of speech,” said Roxas City Mayor Ronnie Dadivas. 

Lavapiez is the husband of India “Mamang India” Lavapiez, a controversial radio commentator. 

The couple is facing several cyber libel cases over their alleged below the belt commentaries.

 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/06/24/septuagenarian-shot-dead-in-ilocos-sur

A 70-year-old woman was gunned down before noon on Wednesday, June 24, in Barangay Puerta Real, this town. 

Police said the victim was a married resident of Barangay Pussuac here. 

Investigation said was standing on a road shoulder when two men on a motorcycle passed by. 

The suspects stopped several meters away from the victim and the back rider disembarked, approached, and shot her once in the head. 

The suspects fled and the victim was taken to the Ilocos Sur District Hospital (ISDH) in nearby Magsingal where she was declared dead on arrival. 

Authorities recovered a spent shell casing from a caliber .45 pistol in the area. 

Police are conducting follow-up investigation.

This student survived an attempted assassination. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2252816/fwd-shooting-incident-occurs-outside-pantukan-college-local-govt

A student who just graduated was wounded after unidentified gunmen opened fire on him shortly after attending a graduation ceremony in Pantukan, Davao de Oro, on Thursday afternoon, police said.

The shooting happened along the National Highway in Purok Gemelina, Barangay Kingking, according to a report from the Police Regional Office in Davao Region (PRO 11).

Police said the victim was with family members and was about to board a yellow minivan after attending a graduation ceremony at Kolehiyo ng Pantukan when the suspects arrived in a gray minivan without license plates.

“Without any apparent reason, the suspect/s repeatedly shot the victim using a suspected .45 caliber firearm. Thereafter, the suspect/s immediately fled towards an unknown direction,” the police report said.

The police did not identify the victim, who was rushed to the Davao de Oro Provincial Hospital-Pantukan for treatment.

The victim is now in stable condition, according to the report.

In an interview with DZMM later on Thursday, Pantukan police chief Lt. Col. Irish Herzon Parangan identified the victim as a newly graduated student.

Investigators recovered four spent cartridge cases and one fired bullet believed to have come from a .45 caliber firearm.

Police have launched a hot pursuit operation to identify and arrest the suspects.

Meanwhile, the Pantukan local government unit said it was closely coordinating with law enforcement authorities to support the investigation.

“The LGU assures the public that it is committed to extending all necessary assistance and support to the victim and his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim and his loved ones,” the local government said.

It also urged residents to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information, adding that the safety of students and residents remains a top priority.