It's your weekly compendium of foolishness and corruption in the Philippine government.
The National Bureau of Investigation has filed formal charges against several public officials and private individuals involved in a coordinated scheme to issue fraudulent birth certificates for Chinese nationals in two North Cotabato towns.
In a statement on Thursday, the NBI said its Central Mindanao Regional Office (CEMRO), in close coordination with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), has conducted an investigation focusing on systemic irregularities within the Local Civil Registry Offices of Pikit and Aleosan, North Cotabato.
The NBI said a conspiracy involved local civil registrars, their staff, and a retired municipal civil registrar who acted as a private facilitator.
"These individuals allegedly bypassed legal protocols to process the late registration of Certificates of Live Birth (COLB) using falsified and fabricated supporting documents," the statement read.
"Evidence gathered by the NBI-CEMRO indicates that foreign nationals, primarily of Chinese origin, were the primary beneficiaries of this scheme. By using fictitious identities, these individuals obtained Filipino civil status, effectively exploiting the system to gain Filipino citizenship under false pretenses.”
The PSA has flagged over 50,000 potentially fraudulent birth records across more than 1,600 registry offices nationwide.
The municipalities of Pikit and Aleosan were specifically identified as high-risk areas, leading to the NBI’s intensive and successful operation in the region.
The NBI-CEMRO has recommended the filing of criminal charges for violations of Republic Act 3753 (the Civil Register Law), Republic Act 3019 (the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act), and Republic Act 6713 (the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees).
Additionally, the involved parties face charges for the falsification of public documents and perjury under the Revised Penal Code.
The National Bureau of Investigation has filed formal charges against several public officials and private individuals involved in a coordinated scheme to issue fraudulent birth certificates for Chinese nationals in two North Cotabato towns.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Thursday said 45 current and former Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) officials will face complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman over alleged anomalous firetruck procurement from 2018 to 2024.
Those named include former BFP chiefs Leonardo Bañago and Louie Puracan, suspended Fire Director Jesus Fernandez, and members of the Bids and Awards Committee, Technical Working Group, and Technical Specifications Committee.
Two private suppliers, along with other individuals, were also implicated.
"Today we are cutting off the widespread system of corruption in the Bureau of Fire Protection," Remulla said in a press briefing announcing the filing of a complaint.
He added that the move underscores the government’s push for accountability in public safety programs and follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to intensify anti-corruption efforts, especially in high-value procurements.
The complaint accused the officials of tailoring technical specifications to favor two suppliers, limiting competition.
It also cited a sharp rise in the cost of 1,000-gallon firetrucks — from PHP5.975 million in 2014 to nearly PHP15 million in 2024 — without documented market studies or justification.
Among the alleged procurement lapses mentioned in the complaint were a lack of proper deliberations and records, failure of oversight bodies to review specifications independently, and ineffective pre-bid conferences.
The Bureau of Customs has also flagged the respondent-suppliers for undervaluing import declarations by over 30 percent and failing to submit key financial documents during audits.
Respondents face administrative and criminal charges, including grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, gross neglect of duty, conduct prejudicial to the service, and violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
"The lives of the people should not be jeopardized due to irregularities. Every procurement must be aboveboard, transparent, and anchored on the public interest," Remulla said as he reaffirmed efforts to strengthen internal controls and safeguards across attached agencies of the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
Fire Chief Supt. Wilberto Rico Neil Kwan Tiu has been designated officer-in-charge of the BFP following the removal of Fernandez.
Remulla said a panel has begun interviewing candidates for the next BFP chief.
"We've interviewed three candidates so far, and we have four more lined up," he said.
45 current and former Bureau of Fire Protection officials will face complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman over alleged anomalous firetruck procurement from 2018 to 2024.A former barangay councilor who was once arrested for illegal drug charges was killed in a shootout with police in San Fernando town, Cebu on Saturday, March 21.
Police identified the suspect as Jay Castañares.
Lawmen went the suspect's house in Barangay Sangat after he was accused of fatally shooting food vendor Emilio Sabroso.
Police said Sabroso was driving a motorcycle when he was shot in the head by Castañares around 10 a.m.
The San Fernando Police Station led by Police Major Michael Gingoyon were walking towards the suspect's house when they fired at. During the encounter, the Naga City Police Station and Regional Mobile Force Battalion-Central Visayas (RMFB-7) arrived as backup.
Castañares was surrounded by police but refused to surrender and the gunfight dragged on for several hours. Police assessed the situation and learned that Castañares was also armed with two grenades.
At 4 p.m., police, including Special Weapons and Tactics operatives, decided to conduct a tactical movement by zeroing in on the suspect's house. The suspect continued firing as the police inched closer to his house.
Police Patrolman Kim Villariasa of RMFB-7 was hit in the chest and police returned fire, followed by with two big explosions coming from the house. The suspect’s house caught fire, believed to have been caused by Liquified Petroleum Gas tanks and hand grenades.
The blaze was put out by firefighters and clearing operations were conducted. The body of the suspect was found with bullet wounds and burn injuries.
Gingoyon said Villariasa was taken to a hospital. Police disclosed that Castañares was feared by residents for his alleged involvement in atrocities, including a shooting incident just last January.
The suspect was elected in 2016 but was arrested for drug charges in 2017. He was released from jail last October. Gingoyon said the suspect had criminal records at the Cebu Provincial Police Office.
He was allegedly involved in a shooting incident in the City of Naga, Cebu and was accused of being one of the gunmen in the fatal shooting of Carl Vinson Apura in 2012, son of former Carcar Mayor Nicepuro Apura.
A former barangay councilor who was once arrested for illegal drug charges was killed in a shootout with police in San Fernando town, Cebu on Saturday, March 21.
A 29-year-old village councilor was arrested in a buy-bust operation in Sitio Nagbagang, Barangay Poblacion, Santa Catalina, Negros Oriental on Friday, March 20.
Melvin Estoque, director of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Negros Island Region, said they had been monitoring the suspect Daniel since last year, following reports about his alleged involvement in illegal drugs.
Estoque said the suspect was using a family house as an alleged drug den where two other persons identified as Alex, 29, a call center agent, and 23-year-old Sheldon, a laborer, were also arrested.
Another suspect, identified as Joseph, remains at large and the subject of a manhunt operation.
Confiscated from them were 16 sachets of suspected shabu weighing approximately 20 grams worth P200,000, drug paraphernalia, a pouch, a cellular phone, and a Glock .43 firearm loaded with bullets owned by Daniel, tagged as a high-value individual in the illegal drugs trade. Estoque said they are verifying if the firearm is licensed.
He said they will file administrative cases against Daniel before the Office of the Ombudsman. Illegal drug cases are being readied against Daniel and his companions.
Daniel was the first barangay official arrested for a drug offense in the region this year, according to Estoque.
He said they are probing the source of the contraband and if the suspects are linked to a drug group.
A village councilor has been arrested on drug charges.
The Police Regional Office (PRO) 5 (Bicol) reported on Saturday the arrest of three high-value individuals, including a police corporal, and the seizure of illegal drugs valued at more than PHP2 million in separate operations on Friday.
PRO-5 Director Brig. Gen. Erosito Miranda said the police corporal faces criminal and administrative complaints after he was caught in possession of suspected shabu during the service of a search warrant in Baao, Camarines Sur.
According to the police report, the corporal is assigned to the Personnel Holding and Accounting Section of the Philippine National Police - Highway Patrol Group, and is a resident of Baao, Camarines Sur.
Seized from him were four heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu, weighing approximately 16.8 grams, with an estimated street value of PHP114,240.
"Operations against illegal drugs are continuous and uncompromising. No one is above the law. Any PNP personnel who violates the law, regardless of rank, will be held accountable. PNP-Bicol will not allow rogue elements to tarnish the integrity of the force. Those who betray public trust will face justice – without exception,” Miranda said in a statement.
A cop has been busted for drugs.
A 36-year-old barangay chairwoman was shot dead in Barangay Licuroan, Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur early Sunday morning, according to the police.
The victim, Jodeliza Mansip, was traveling on a motorcycle with a 20-year-old male companion from Barangay Poblacion toward Barangay Licuroan when she decided to continue on foot due to poor road conditions.
At 7:39 a.m., gunshots rang out from a forested area with no nearby residents.
She sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was rushed to Midsalip Infirmary Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
Her companion was unharmed.
Investigators recovered four empty shell casings and one deformed slug from a .45-caliber firearm at the crime scene.
Police said initial findings point to a possible personal motive.
The Midsalip Municipal Police Station has launched a hot pursuit operation, set up checkpoints, and coordinated with neighboring units for a dragnet operation.
Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office director Col. Bonifacio Arañas Jr. assured the public that authorities are “seriously investigating the matter” and vowed that justice will be served.
“If anyone has information that may lead to the identification of the suspects or the solution of the case, please do not hesitate to approach the nearest police station or dial 911. Rest assured that all information will be treated with utmost confidentiality,” he said.
Arañas added that community cooperation is vital in maintaining peace and order in the province.
A 36-year-old barangay chairwoman was shot dead in Barangay Licuroan, Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur early Sunday morning, according to the police.
A 51-year-old barangay kagawad (village councilor) was shot dead while his common-law wife survived after they were ambushed by armed suspects in Barangay Osmeña, Lope de Vega, on Sunday morning.
Police later arrested two suspects, including a fellow barangay kagawad from the same locality.
The Northern Samar Police Provincial Office (NSPPO) strongly condemned the attack, which occurred around 8:30 a.m. while the victims were walking from Barangay Buenavista, Calbayog City, Samar, toward Lope de Vega when they were suddenly fired upon at a river crossing.
Initial police reports showed that the victims, who were not identified in the report, were traversing a remote area when two armed suspects staged the ambush.
Personnel from the Lope de Vega Municipal Police Station, led by Lt. Marklyzon Quillano, immediately responded to the scene despite the difficult terrain, which required an hour-long trek.
A hot pursuit operation was launched, leading to the arrest of the suspects at around 4 p.m. the same day in Barangay Buenavista, Calbayog City, through the joint efforts of the Lope de Vega police and the 1st Northern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company.
Police said initial findings point to a personal grudge as the possible motive, reportedly stemming from a heated argument during a drinking session.
The NSPPO, headed by Col. George Buyacao Jr., filed murder charges against the two suspects, who are now detained at the Lope de Vega lock-up jail.
A 51-year-old barangay kagawad (village councilor) was shot dead while his common-law wife survived after they were ambushed by armed suspects in Barangay Osmeña, Lope de Vega, on Sunday morning.
A public school principal was arrested in a buy-bust operation in Tagbina, Surigao del Sur.
The joint operation by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 13 and the Tagbina Municipal Police Station was carried out at around 10:47 p.m. on Friday in Purok 3, Barangay Poblacion.
Authorities identified the suspect as a 45-year-old male resident of the area, who is currently serving as a district school supervisor with the rank of Principal III.
According to investigators, the suspect had been under surveillance for alleged involvement in illegal drug activities.
Law enforcers said the buy-bust was launched after validation and monitoring by multiple anti-drug units.
Seized during the operation were two heat-sealed plastic sachets containing suspected shabu with an estimated value of P6,800, along with marked money used in the transaction.
“This development highlights the importance of vigilance and accountability in public service. Positions of authority must never be used to undermine the law or endanger the community,” PDEA Regional Office 13 Director Laurefel Gabales said.
The suspect is under the custody of the Tagbina police. He is set to face charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
A public school principal has been busted for drugs.
An employee of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office was gunned down in Barangay Lutucan 1 here on Wednesday morning.
Police identified the victim as Pepe, 37.
Investigation said the victim was on his way to work when gunmen on board a motorcycle appeared and shot him.
The suspects fled and the victim was taken to a hospital where he was declared dead.
Follow-up investigation and manhunt operation are ongoing.
An employee of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office was gunned down.
The Sandiganbayan has convicted a senior official of the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) of graft for approving the wrong valuation of a foreclosed property in Cabuyao, Laguna in 2013.
Sentenced to a jail term ranging from six to 10 years with perpetual disqualification to hold public office and forfeiture of this retirement and gratuity benefits was Romeo A. Aguilar, DBP’s senior assistance vice president and head of the Remedial Management Department.
The anti-graft court’s decision directed Aguilar to pay the DBP P43,452,000 which should earn interest at the rate of six percent per annum computed from the finality of the decision until fully paid.
Aguilar’s graft charge stemmed from the approval of P56,269,000 as appraised value and P45,817,766.25 as maximum bid price for the foreclosure sale of the real properties consisting of lots located in Cabuyao, Laguna registered in the name of Milestone Paper Products, Inc. (MPPI).
State prosecutors said that the correct and adjusted appraised value and maximum bid price are more or less P116,896,000 and P89,300,000, respectively.
By failing to approve the correct amounts, prosecutors said that Aguilar gave unwarranted benefits, advantage, and preference to JRK Holdings Corporation (JRK), the winning bidder of the foreclosed real properties, in the amount of P43,452,000.
In its ruling, the anti-graft court said that Aguilar indeed understated the bid price offered by the DBP for the Cabuyao real properties even though he was aware of the market value of the properties.
The court chastised Aguilar for his failure to exercise extraordinary diligence.
It said: "Indeed, JRK made a killing at the auction sale, and DBP got the raw end because accused Aguilar, DBP's steward, failed egregiously. This is precisely the lax attitude that Republic Act No. 3019 seeks to repress; this is, in every way, the cavalier disposition that a public officer cannot display and that the Court cannot countenance."
It also said that Aguilar handed the Cabuyao properties to JRK "on a silver platter."
It added: "Considering that JRK manifested beforehand its interest in the MPPI's assets, he (Aguilar) should have been on guard against JRK's bid. Instead, he raised the odds in JRK's favor by understating DBP's bid. Consequently, DBP's bid became kaput. Under these circumstances, the 'unwarranted benefit' was given by accused Aguilar to the private party with 'some unethical interest,' which in turn, is consistent with the spirit of R.A. No. 3019," the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
The 72-page decision was written by Associate Justice Kevin Narce B. Vivero with the concurrence of Associate Justices Sarah Jane T. Fernandez and Lord A. Villanueva.
The Sandiganbayan has convicted a senior official of the Development Bank of the Philippines of graft for approving the wrong valuation of a foreclosed property in Cabuyao, Laguna in 2013.
