It's your weekly compendium of foolishness and corruption in the Philippine government.
Two police officers were arrested on Thursday morning for allegedly illegally selling guns in Caloocan City, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said.
The suspects were caught “after the consummation of the illegal sale of firearms to a civilian poseur-buyer” in a buy-bust operation inside a compound in Barangay 5 following intelligence-gathering, according to an initial NCRPO police report.
It identified the arrested officers as a 32-year-old police staff sergeant; and a 39-year-old police master sergeant, both of whom were assigned to the Caloocan City Police Station.
The arrested police officers were taken into the custody of the Caloocan City Police Station, awaiting charges for violating Republic Act No. 10591 or the Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
The police report noted that operatives recovered from the suspects two PNP-issued firearms; a Pietro Berreta Mod. 92 DS pistol; a 9mm Parabellum pistol with a magazine loaded with 10 live ammunition; a 9mm Taurus pistol with two magazines loaded with 35 live ammunition; a caliber .38 revolver with serial number 1023963 loaded with two live ammunition; and a 12-gauge shotgun with four live ammunition.
The NCRPO also noted that authorities recovered a P500 bill and two boodle P1,000 bills in buy-bust money; two smartphones; as well as a white Honda Click version 3 and a black Euro Motor Samurai 155i, both of which had no plate numbers attached.
The confiscated evidence was turned over to the Caloocan City Police Station.
Two police officers were arrested on Thursday morning for allegedly illegally selling guns in Caloocan City.
A Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) officer was arrested for allegedly demanding P150,000 from an applicant in exchange for being accepted into the agency.
In a statement on Thursday, the BFP said the suspect, a 36-year-old Fire Officer 3 assigned to the BFP Ilocos Regional Office, was arrested in an entrapment operation in Dagupan City, Pangasinan, last Wednesday after the victim, a 25-year-old applicant, reported the alleged extortion.
“The suspect allegedly demanded an amount of P150,000.00 in exchange for securing employment in the BFP,” the bureau explained.
“During the operation, the victim handed the marked money inside a vehicle. The suspect noticed the approaching police and sped away and was eventually cornered. Investigators are still trying to locate the marked money, which may have been discarded during the pursuit,” it added.
The BFP noted that the arrested Fire Officer 3 was taken into police custody, awaiting inquest proceedings, but it did not say for what charges.
The bureau did not identify the implicated personnel but noted that he was previously suspended for a prior administrative case over a similar incident.
“In the past incident, he returned the money, which prevented a formal entrapment at that time,” the BFP explained without further providing details.
“We do not tolerate corruption in our ranks. We are closely working with the police to ensure anyone exploiting applicants will face the law. We will hold our personnel accountable for their actions,” BFP officer-in-charge Fire Chief Superintendent Wilberto Rico Neil Kwan Tiu said in the statement.
“Applicants are reminded that payment is not required to gain entry in the BFP, and application is strictly based on merit and fitness. The public is encouraged to report any recruitment irregularities,” Kwan Tiu added.
A Bureau of Fire Protection officer was arrested for allegedly demanding P150,000 from an applicant in exchange for being accepted into the agency.
A 26-year-old Philippine Army private first class was arrested for allegedly indiscriminately firing his gun in Taguig City, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Thursday.
In a statement, the PNP said the private first class had fired a caliber .45 M1911A1 pistol along Mastrili Street, Dulong Bayan, Barangay Bambang.
“The suspect failed to present any license to own and possess firearms, firearm registration or any document authorizing his possession of the firearm,” the police noted.
“The confiscated firearm will undergo ballistic and cross-matching examination as investigators verify whether the suspect holds a valid license to own and possess firearms, firearm registration or a permit to carry firearms outside residence,” it added.
It further detailed that the private first class was taken into police custody, awaiting charges for alarm and scandal, illegal discharge of firearm and violation of Republic Act No. 10591 or the Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
A Philippine Army private first class was arrested for allegedly indiscriminately firing his gun.
The head of all village chiefs in the Pampanga town of Mexico has sued former Rep. and senior deputy speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr. for plunder in connection with two flood control projects worth P359.37 million.
Terence Sampang Napao, barangay captain of Sto. Cristo and president of the Liga ng mga Barangay, filed the criminal and administrative complaints at the Office of the Ombudsman for Luzon on Wednesday (Aug. 5) .
Reached by mobile phone on Thursday (August 6), Gonzales declined to comment on the case.
Napao alleged that four officers of the Department of Public Works and Highways in Central Luzon supposedly conspired with Gonzales to undertake the allegedly anomalous projects.
The village chief submitted sets of video footage taken in 2023 and geotagged photographs dated July 30 this year showing erosions, collapsed structures and repairs of the two projects just after these were completed.
The complaints involved Contracts ID 23C00048 and ID 23C00049, which covered the ₱94.55 million construction of flood control structures, diking, and slope protection works in Barangay Suclaban and ₱264.82 million worth of flood mitigation projects in Barangay Culubasa.
According to Napao, Gonzales allegedly secured these contracts in 2023 while he served as representative of the province’s third district that covers the City of San Fernando, and the municipalities of Arayat, Bacolor, Mexico, and Santa Ana.
Napao also filed plunder and graft complaints and a charge for possession of prohibited interest against four of Gonzales’ children namely Rep. Alyssa Michaela, City of San Fernando Vice Mayor Aurelio Brenz, Aurelio Gonzales III and Aurelio Michaeline.
Securities and Exchange Commission documents listed them as officers and stockholders of A.D. Gonzales Jr. Construction & Trading Co. Inc. In an interview, the former legislator claimed he had divested his shares from the firm, but he had not cite when he gave up control over the company.
The former solon’s sister and secretary in the family’s company, Zenaida Quiambao, was also named in the case.
Napao asked the Ombudsman to dismiss them from government service and disqualify them from holding public office due to alleged grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, gross neglect of duty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
This was the second lawsuit that Napao has filed against Gonzales.
Years before the flood control controversy hounded Congress and had implicated Gonzales and resigned Speaker Martin Romualdez, Napao sued the former Pampanga congressman in September 2023 over three projects worth P611 million.
But the Ombudsman at the time found no conflict of interest regarding Gonzales’ company being awarded projects while he held public office.
The head of all village chiefs in the Pampanga town of Mexico has sued former Rep. and senior deputy speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr. for plunder in connection with two flood control projects worth P359.37 million.
Criminal and administrative complaints were filed against local officials of Matag-ob in Leyte over a series of alleged illegal cockfights.
Charged before the Office of the Ombudsman were Matag-ob Mayor Bernardino Tacoy, Vice Mayor Romeo Albarida, and Sangguniang Bayan members Artemio T. Almoroto, Joel N. Denoy, Evangeline C. Carno, Ricardo L. Giva, Rodolfo N. Suñir, Luz M. Boldero, Jose B. Yap, Eduardo I. Toledo, Joel C. Tacoy, and Aiyanna Patrice M. Laurente.
Also charged were Jose Jasper Edullantes, the officer-in-charge of the Business Permits and Licensing Office, and Police Major Jay Nuñez Zamora, chief of the Matag-ob Police Station.
The complainant, Jennifer Torrevillas, a resident of Barangay Mansahaon, Matag-ob, asked the Ombudsman to investigate the public officials for supposed violations of Presidential Decree No. 449 or the Cockfighting Law of 1974 and Republic Act (RA) No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
The complainant also prayed for preventive suspension of all the respondents. The administrative aspect of the case includes grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, abuse of authority, gross neglect of duty and violations of RA No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
Torrevillas based her complaint on alleged approval of Tacoy and the municipal council in conduct of cockfights June 11, 13 and 14, 2026 without necessary permits.
She alleged that the holding of the cockfights didn’t have permits from the Philippine National Police (PNP) in violation of PD 449.
The case presents that the PNP is the approving body per PD 449 and not the LGU.
Torrevilas noted that Tacoy announced in a municipal flag-raising ceremony that the local PNP had provided a Certificate of No Objection for the said cockfighting activities.
But on July 8, the Leyte Police Provincial Office issued a certification stating that no objection, clearance, endorsement, permit, authority, or similar document had been issued for the cockfighting activities.
The complainant also cited a council resolution identifying the municipal covered court and gymnasium as the venue but the actual cockfights were conducted at a temporary or makeshift cockpit in Barangay Bonoy.
The complainant said there was no indication that the actual location was a licensed cockpit, playground, or park, the venues contemplated under Section 5(e) of PD No. 449.
Criminal and administrative complaints were filed against local officials of Matag-ob in Leyte over a series of alleged illegal cockfights.
A member of the Cebu City council is facing criminal and administrative complaints for alleged estafa and extortion.
A criminal complaint was filed against Cebu City Councilor Jose Lorenzo Abellanosa before the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office.
Jose Marcelo R. Bumanglag and Maria Melanie F. Bumanglag, representatives of BUMI Construction Development & Supply, filed separate administrative complaints against Abellanosa before the Office of the Ombudsman for alleged serious dishonesty, commission of a crime involving moral turpitude, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
Documents identified Abellanosa’s legal name as Jose Lorenzo Retuya.
The councilor has yet to publicly comment on the issue.
The charges stemmed from Cocolife’s Palmhavens Memorial Park-Bacolod Phase 2 project.
In its complaint, BUMI accused Abellanosa of claiming influence over Cocolife’s management and could help secure the project.
BUMI went on to secure the project on Sept. 30, 2021. The company alleged that Abellanosa demanded payments and warned that the project could be disrupted or terminated if payments stopped.
The complainants said six payments were made from October 2021 to April 2022 totaling P26.8 million, including an alleged P8.3 million cash payment at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City on Oct. 19, 2021.
The complainants added that Abellanosa allegedly asked for another P1 million for his wedding, citing his role to ensure that the project would go to BUMI. The complainants said the demand was made through an Oct. 20, 2021 Viber message.
The Makati City Prosecutor’s Office issued a July 7, 2026 subpoena directing Abellanosa to submit his counter-affidavit and supporting documents within five days and appear on July 20 and July 27 for clarificatory proceedings.
According to BUMI, the councilor denied claiming influence over Cocolife or guaranteeing the project.
The company contradicted the councilor’s denial, citing his Viber messages and other documents.
Abellanosa denied receiving the money despite bank records, signed agreements, and communications documenting the P26.8 million in payments, the company alleged.
A member of the Cebu City council is facing criminal and administrative complaints for alleged estafa and extortion.
A couple, both businesspersons, survived a shooting allegedly carried out by a dismissed police officer here on Friday (Aug. 7), after their two sons and several witnesses managed to pin down the suspect until police and barangay responders arrived.
Police identified the suspect as Jerry Baman, 41, a dismissed police officer and resident of nearby Barangay West Bajac-Bajac.
Olongapo City Police Station 4 received a telephone call shortly after 8 a.m. from Barangay Old Cabalan Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) personnel reporting the shooting and immediately dispatched personnel to the scene.
Based on the initial investigation, police said Dennis Vanta, 52, of Mulawin Lane, Barangay Old Cabalan, had just alighted from his vehicle when Baman allegedly shot him at close range, hitting him on the left side of his abdomen.
The suspect then turned to Vanta’s wife, Rowena, 54, who was seated in the passenger seat, and allegedly fired at her.
Rowena managed to duck and sustained only a minor head injury.
The couple’s two teenage sons and several witnesses who responded to the scene managed to restrain the suspect until police and Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team personnel arrived and arrested him.
Dennis was brought to a hospital inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone for medical treatment.
Police recovered from the suspect a 9mm Luger pistol with serial number 865015 and a 9mm Daewoo pistol with serial number BA008534.
Police have yet to determine the motive for the shooting.
Charges for frustrated murder and attempted murder are being prepared against the suspect, police said.
A dismissed cop attempted to assassinate two businessmen.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) Regional Prosecution Office XIV has recommended the filing of three counts of murder, two counts of frustrated murder, and multiple counts of attempted murder against Hadji Muhtammad, Basilan Mayor Arsina Kahing Nanoh, six alleged accomplices, and seven unidentified individuals over the deadly election-related sea ambush that killed three people during the May 12, 2025 local elections.
In a 28-page Joint Resolution dated July 2, 2026, prosecutors found probable cause to charge Mayor Nanoh, her husband Nadz, her father Hadji Rahim Kahing, her uncle Walihiul Allama, Barangay Sangbay Small Chairman Lucman Kahing, security aide Tudy Bayro, Sing Hassan, and seven "John Does."
The complaint against Nurissa Kahing was dismissed for lack of evidence linking her to the attack.
The case stemmed from a predawn sea ambush near Barangay Sangbay Big, Hadji Muhtammad, where a pump boat carrying supporters and poll watchers of rival mayoral candidate Hadji Jamar Abdulla Mansul was allegedly intercepted by two speedboats reportedly owned by Mayor Nanoh.
At around 1 a.m. on May 12, 2025, gunmen wearing Philippine National Police (PNP) uniforms allegedly opened fire, killing Ben Bakil and Murasidol Abdurahman on the spot, while Samir Jamiri Allil later died from his injuries.
Survivors Habir Alih and Saldi Alih sustained serious bullet wounds.
Although Mayor Nanoh was not at the scene, prosecutors concluded she was part of a conspiracy, citing ownership of the speedboats, the involvement of her relatives and security personnel, and the alleged political motive of preventing the victims from voting for her opponent.
The DOJ rejected the initial police claim that the incident resulted from a legitimate law enforcement operation after forensic tests showed the victims were negative for gunpowder residue, indicating they had not fired weapons.
The DOJ dismissed criminal charges filed against the surviving victims and referred the conduct of the responding police officers to the National Police Commission and the PNP Internal Affairs Service (IAS) for administrative investigation over possible grave abuse of authority and irregularities in the operation.
Three counts of murder, two counts of frustrated murder, and multiple counts of attempted murder have been filed against Hadji Muhtammad, Basilan Mayor Arsina Kahing Nanoh, six alleged accomplices, and seven unidentified individuals over the deadly election-related sea ambush that killed three people during the May 12, 2025 local elections.
A 71-year-old incumbent village councilor in South Upi, Maguindanao del Sur was arrested for alleged attempted sexual assault involving a 14-year-old girl.
Capt. Steffi Salanguit, spokesperson for the Police Regional Office – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), identified the suspect only as alias “Lando,” while the minor was identified as alias “Lyn.”
According to the South Upi Municipal Police Station, the incident allegedly happened in February, but the suspect was arrested only last Friday after a warrant was issued.
Police said the victim was on her way to a store when the suspect allegedly pulled her and brought her inside the barangay hall.
The girl told authorities that the suspect brought her to a restroom and warned her not to call for help. She also alleged that he would harm her and her family if she refused to cooperate.
Police said the alleged rape attempt was not completed after other people were spotted within the barangay hall compound.
The girl immediately told her mother about the incident, prompting her to report the matter to police.
The arrest was carried out by the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group Mindanao Field Office, together with PRO-BAR operatives.
Authorities said the arrest was based on a warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 27 in Cotabato City.
The suspect is facing charges under Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.
He is now under the custody of the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group as authorities proceed with the case.
A 71-year-old incumbent village councilor in South Upi, Maguindanao del Sur was arrested for alleged attempted sexual assault involving a 14-year-old girl.
Two individuals were killed while another was wounded in an alleged shooting at a Cavite resort early Wednesday morning.
This incident prompted law enforcers to arrest a police corporal who was reportedly involved.
All four individuals were together “under the influence of liquor,”
about to leave the resort in Barangay San Miguel A, Maragondon, when the
shooting happened.
Police cited an unidentified witness.
“Upon arrival at the parking area of the resort, a heated argument
ensued and a shooting incident transpired between them,” their report
indicated.
“The victims were rushed to the hospital for immediate medical attention,” they added.
Cops identified the suspect as a 35-year-old police corporal assigned to the Trece Martires City police.
The victims, on the other hand, were a civilian, a police master
sergeant assigned to the Magallanes police, and another police corporal
assigned to the Ternate police.
The civilian and the police master sergeant were declared dead by the
attending doctor, while the police corporal was wounded, Cavite
Provincial Police Office public information chief Lt. Sarah Jane Drio
told the Inquirer in a text message.
The arrested police corporal was taken into the custody of the Maragondon police to face charges.
Arresting officers recovered a Glock 17 9mm pistol with a magazine
from the suspect; and a Pierto Berreta 9mm pistol with a magazine from
one of the victims, said the report.
In a statement later on Wednesday morning, Cavite police chief Col.
Ariel Red said he had relieved the Maragondon police chief and placed
him under the provincial police holding and accounting section while the
incident is being investigated.
Although Red did not name the relieved Maragondon police chief, the
municipal police’s social media account identified him as Police Maj.
Ian Lexter Loyola.
“The incident is being taken seriously and the investigation will be
conducted thoroughly, objectively and in accordance with existing laws,
rules and regulations,” Red said.
A cop was arrested for shooting dead one cop, once civilian, and wounding another cop.
