Insurgency: Classes Suspended

Once again the AFP has released an update in the war against the insurgency. Let's take a look at those numbers.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1280542

A total of 831 New People's Army (NPA) communist insurgents and their supporters were "neutralized" by government forces from Jan. 1 to July 23 this year, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced late Tuesday.

Of the total, 736 of the individuals surrendered, 34 were apprehended, and 61 were killed in military operations, AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said in a press briefing in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Neutralized is a military term that refers to the surrender, capture, or killing of enemy troops.

During the same period, 588 assorted firearms and 244 anti-personnel mines were either surrendered or seized, and 30 NPA encampments were also captured.

"With every gun recovered, the threat is reduced, and with more surrenders, a lot more lives change. Peace remains our end goal," Padilla noted.

In the whole of last year, the military said its units neutralized about 2,018 NPA and its supporters.

About 1,798 of them surrendered while 93 were arrested and 127 were killed in various military operations nationwide.

"A total of 1,134 firearms and 531 anti-personnel mines were either seized or surrendered (during this period)," the AFP said.

A total of 149 NPA encampments were also captured, it added.

In the last update, as of July 9th 812 Reds and supporters had been neutralized. As before, these numbers are not properly broken down between actual NPA rebels and mere supporters. Without that breakdown this number becomes meaningless. That last count of remaining rebels given in December 2025 estimated them at 780. 

Having cleared Caraga of insurgents the Army is now targeting Northern Mindanao. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2273396/army-targets-npa-rebels-in-northern-mindanao-after-clearing-caraga

After “completely” dismantling a major communist command in the Caraga Region, the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) is doubling down on its offensive to wipe out the remaining New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Northern Mindanao.

Lt. Col. Joe Patrick Martinez confirmed this renewed push following the 4ID’s 2nd Quarter Campaign Progress Review and Assessment (CPRA) held Tuesday at Camp Edilberto Evangelista in this city.

“The results of our second quarter assessment prove that relentless military pressure and strong community support bring real peace,” Martinez told the Inquirer on Wednesday.

Martinez said that between April 1 and June 30, the division recorded 11 armed encounters with the NPA combatants. These operations resulted in the neutralization of 20 communist guerrillas and the seizure of 31 high-powered firearms.

The most significant blow to the communist insurgency in the region was the neutralization of Edilberto Reponte Daval, alias “Bong, Waco, and Bill,” who commanded the Regional Operations Command of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), Martinez said.

The communist unit’s “collapse,” he added, was sealed by the recent surrender of Elena Estaniel Rambuyon, alias “Sandra,” the former NEMRC secretary.

“The complete dismantling of the NEMRC and the historic declaration of Stable Internal Peace and Security in Caraga are major milestones, but our work is not done,” Martinez said.

Maj. Gen. Marion Angcao, 4ID commander, congratulated the troops, recalling that the NEMRC was still intact when he first took command.

“Today, it has been successfully dismantled,” Angcao told his officers during the briefing.

While recognizing the division’s accomplishments, Angcao directed his commanders to maximize all operational, intelligence, and logistical resources to deny the remaining guerrillas any chance to regain influence or reorganize.

They don't say how many remnants are left.  But with 11 armed clashes in three months there must be a significant number remaining. 

In Masbate the NPA clashed with troops resulting in the death of two rebels. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2273638/2-alleged-npa-rebels-killed-in-masbate-clash

Two alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA), who are believed to be a married couple, were killed in an encounter with government troops in the Masbate town of Palanas on Wednesday.

Col. Angelo Lutera, commander of the Army’s 903rd Infantry Brigade, identified the fatalities as Crisanto Pikit-Pikit, alias “Dawe,” and Shiela Estoya Pikit-Pikit, whom he identified as members of the Kilusang Larangang Gerilya South under the Sub-Regional Committee 4 of the Bicol Regional Party Committee.

The clash occurred in Barangay San Isidro at around 6:10 a.m. after troops from the 2nd Infantry Battalion encountered an armed group while conducting combat patrol operations, Lutera said.

Soldiers recovered four M16 rifles, 14 long magazines, five short magazines, and other war materiel from the encounter site.

Combat operations continue in the area as of Wednesday, he said.

Four hours later there was another clash in which a soldier was wounded. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2273949/army-soldier-wounded-in-second-masbate-clash-with-suspected-npa-rebels

A government soldier was wounded in a second encounter between government troops and suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Masbate on Wednesday, hours after two alleged communist rebels were killed in an earlier clash in the province.

Col. Angelo Lutera, commander of the Army’s 903rd Infantry Brigade, said the soldier sustained a gunshot wound to the neck during the 10-minute firefight in Barangay Libtong, Cataingan town, at around 10:15 a.m.

The clash occurred just hours after another encounter in Barangay San Isidro, Palanas, where two alleged NPA members, believed to be a married couple, were killed.

Lutera said government troops recovered an M653 rifle and an M203 grenade launcher from the encounter site in Cataingan, both believed to have been left behind by the fleeing rebels.

The military has yet to determine whether there were casualties among the suspected rebels in the Cataingan encounter.

Clashes continued in Oriental Mindoro with 2 NPA rebels killed and one captured. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2273953/2-npas-killed-1-captured-in-clash-with-soldiers-in-oriental-mindoro

Two alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were confirmed killed and another one captured after an encounter in Barangay Del Pilar, Naujan town in Oriental Mindoro province.

Troops from the Army’s 76th Infantry Battalion engaged in a firefight with around 10 members of the NPA under the leadership of a certain Antonio Baculo alias Floor or Duralite.

According to Del Pilar village chief Israel Saunar, the soldiers encountered the suspected rebels in the vicinity of Purok 2 and Purok 3 at around 11 a.m.

Brigadier General Melencio Ragudo, commander of the Army’s 203rd Brigade, said that a hot pursuit operation is ongoing and advised residents to monitor any suspicious activities and to avoid going near the affected area until authorities declare it safe.

Checkpoints were also set up by the Philippine National Police on possible escape routes of the remaining NPA members.

No casualties were reported among the Army troopers.

This particular clash affected the whole region resulting in the suspension of classes.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2274093/classes-suspended-in-parts-of-naujan-due-to-military-npa-clash

Classes in all public and private schools in two districts of Naujan town have been suspended beginning on Thursday (July 30), following an armed encounter that left two alleged New People’s Army (NPA) rebels dead and another captured, local and military authorities said.

In an official statement issued Wednesday (July 29), Mayor Henry Joel Teves ordered the suspension of classes in all school levels in Districts 7 and 8 “until areas are declared safe and secured by proper authorities.”

The suspension came hours after government troops clashed with around 10 suspected NPA members in Barangay Del Pilar during a combat operation.

According to the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division, soldiers responded to information from residents about the presence of armed rebels in the village.

Authorities have yet to release the identities of the fatalities and the arrested combatant.

Soldiers recovered components for improvised explosive devices, food supplies, and personal belongings allegedly abandoned by fleeing rebels.

Pursuit operations against the remaining members of the armed group were ongoing as of Wednesday, the Army said.

With ten rebels engaging in combat and the recovery of so much material it just shows that the NPA remains a threat. 

In Surigao Sur a former NPA leader surrendered. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1280508

The Army's 4th Infantry Division reported on Tuesday the surrender of the former secretary of the dismantled North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) of the New People's Army (NPA).

Elena Estaniel Rambuyon, 56, also known as Sandara, voluntarily surrendered to the troops of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion under the 401st Infantry Brigade on July 24 in Purok 3, Barangay Saint Christine, Lianga, Surigao del Sur.

"Rambuyon had been on lie-low status since November 2025," said Brig. Gen. Benjamin Leander, commander of the 401st Infantry Brigade, in a statement on Tuesday.

He added that Rambuyon decided to surrender due to fear for her safety and the relentless, focused military operations of the government forces that restricted the movements and capabilities of the remaining NPA guerrillas in the province.

"We welcome the surrender of the former NEMRC secretary, which reflects the diminishing influence of the group, not only in Surigao del Sur, but also in the Caraga Region," Leander said.

In the same statement, 4ID commander Maj. Gen. Marion Angcao noted that the surrender of Rambuyon validated the success of the government's peace and security initiatives that culminated in the declaration of Stable Internal Peace and Security across Caraga Region.

Apparently she has been waiting to do so formally since November 2025. Now she will be able to reap all the E-CLIP benefits. 

Likewise for the Islamic terrorists who surrendered in Maguindanao Sur. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2274336/6-extremists-24-loose-firearms-surrendered-in-maguindanao-sur

Six violent extremists (FVEs) yielded, and 24 high-powered firearms were formally surrendered to the 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion in Maguindanao del Sur on Wednesday, as authorities intensified the campaign against loose firearms in the wake of the campaign period for the first Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE) slated on September 14.

The six FVEs, who were former members of the Dawlah Islamiyah (DI) and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), turned over six high-powered firearms to battalion commander Lt. Col. William Sabado as a symbol of their abandonment of the armed struggle and return to peaceful civilian life.

In addition, 18 more loose firearms were voluntarily surrendered by residents of the municipalities of Talayan, Guindulungan, and Datu Anggal Midtimbang. This brought to 24 the total number of surrendered firearms.

Of the total firearms surrendered, seven came from Talayan, seven from Guindulungan, four from Datu Anggal Midtimbang, and the remaining six from the former militants.

Sabado presented the surrenderees and the firearms to Brig. Gen. Edgar L. Catu, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, during ceremonies held at the battalion headquarters in Talayan town.

The activity forms part of the intensified campaign of the 601st Infantry Brigade, local government units, and other government agencies to achieve the declaration of “Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS)” in the municipalities of Guindulungan, Talayan, and Datu Anggal Midtimbang.

To assist the surrenderees in rebuilding their lives, several government agencies extended various forms of assistance.

Catu said the surrender of the violent extremists and their firearms demonstrates that more people are now choosing peace, unity, and development over violence.

“Every firearm voluntarily surrendered, and every individual who returns to the fold of the law represents another important step toward strengthening security, stability, and unity in the communities of Maguindanao del Sur,” Catu said.

The members of the DI who surrendered were likely involved in the Marawi siege. But either way they will not face any repercussions for crimes they may have committed. 

Week 4 of Vice President Sara Duterte's Impeachment Trial

It's the fourth week of Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trail. It is amazing how she is either so disdainful of what's happening or overconfident she will win. the first charge brought against her by the prosecution was her threat to have the President, his wife, and the Speaker of the house assassinated by a hired gunman in the event she should be assassinated. After denying that charge she brazenly gave a speech where she told us exactly how much it costs to hire an assassin. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2274161/sara-duterte-on-being-able-to-hire-a-gunman

Vice President Sara Duterte asserted that the deaths linked to her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-drug campaign were driven by the country’s rampant gun violence, claiming that hiring a gunman could only cost a person P5,000 per hit.

Sara made the remarks during a rally on Wednesday, held in front of the International Criminal Court (ICC) detention center in The Hague, Netherlands.

In her speech, she argued that the deaths caused by her father’s anti-drug campaign did not amount to crimes against humanity, as it remained unclear whether all those killed were victims of the drug war, citing the prevalence of gun violence in the Philippines.

“I have a husband. My husband has a mistress. I can hire a gunman for 5,000 pesos to kill the mistress … that is how bad gun violence in the Philippines is. And that is, again, yes, EJK (extrajudicial killing),” said Sara.

“So how can you say that all your listed victims, all your listed complainants are supposed victims of the drug war? … how can they say now that all the victims there are victims of the drug war? That is supposed to be a crime against humanity?” she added.

It should be noted, however, that official government records already showed that at least 6,000 people were killed during the bloody campaign against drugs of Rodrigo Duterte’s administration.

Human rights groups’ records further showed that at least 30,000 were killed, including children as young as 3 years old.

Meanwhile, Duterte, in a separate statement, said her remarks on gun violence—which she used primarily to explain the deaths during her father’s bloody campaign against drugs in the interview—should not be “reduced to a passing remark.”

“This is not merely a ‘Duterte and k*ll, k*ll, k*ll’ it reflects the daily reality faced by Filipinos on the streets wondering whether they can go home safely,” she said.

According to Duterte, Filipinos have grown too accustomed to reports of shootings, killings and other violent crimes, with “too many” having been victims of shootings, stabbings, kidnappings, sexual violence, and other crimes.

“The reality is – Filipinos do not feel safe!” said Duterte.

Meanwhile, in the same speech, Sara also accused the ICC of being President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV’s “tuta” or puppy.

Her source? The 18 alleged Marines, known as “maleta boys,” who accused Trillanes of receiving two million dollars from resigned Ako Bicol party-list congressman Zaldy Co to facilitate the entry into the country of ICC investigators and allegedly to bribe the international tribunal.

“And so, how do we characterize Trillanes and Marcos in relation to ICC? Yes, they are traitors to the Filipino and to the country. But more than that, ang ICC, ay tuta ni Trillanes at ni Marcos,” said Sara.

“Because the ICC has no other case except for the case of [former] President  Rodrigo Duterte. And they found what? And they found Marcos, Trillanes, and money in the Philippine case. We’re talking about suitcases here,” she added.

Rodrigo Duterte, who is facing three counts of crimes against humanity, is set to face trial before the ICC on Nov. 30.

These scattered remarks are all over the place. It should be noted that knowing the price for hiring an assassin does not mean she is guilty. It just shows she really does not care about her current trial which concerns her admission that she hired an assassin. 

It seems the real shenanigans this week are not from the lawyers but from the Senator-Judges! Some of them have been accused of spreading misleading information about the trial. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1280687

House of Representatives prosecution panel adviser and spokesperson Robert Ace Barbers on Thursday called on the Senate, sitting as the Impeachment Court in the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, to address the spread of fake and misleading content allegedly originating from within the ranks of the senator-judges.

In a radio interview, Barbers said it is the responsibility of the Senate leadership and the members of the impeachment court to ensure that their own ranks uphold the integrity and impartiality of the proceedings.

“On this issue, our call is for the Presiding Officer and the whole impeachment court to police their own ranks. They should look into who is crossing the line or who is violating the rules,” the former Surigao del Norte lawmaker said.

Barbers made the appeal after the circulation of a Facebook post published under the account of Senator Pia Cayetano, which, according to the House prosecution panel, contained a "spliced" video of the oral arguments between Cayetano and prosecution panel member Rep. Chel Diokno.

The prosecution panel alleged that the edited video misrepresented the exchange by making it appear that the prosecution was engaged in a "fishing expedition" when it sought the issuance of subpoenas for the Vice President's bank accounts and other financial records.

While condemning the circulation of the video, Barbers said the prosecution panel remains confident that the public witnessed the actual proceedings and understands what transpired during the hearing.

“In my opinion, there was no effect on the side of the prosecution. But on the integrity of the senator-judges, there is a big question. If a senator-judge shows bias or takes a side while on trial, it seems that it is a violation of their rules,” he said. 

Barbers noted that the issue goes beyond the prosecution and instead concerns the credibility of the Senate as an impeachment court.

“The public heard what really transpired. We don’t expect that coming from a senator-judge, this fake and spliced video. That is why our call to them, since they know what really happened, is for them to rectify this,” he said.

“The House prosecution panel reiterated its appeal for the Senate impeachment court to take the necessary steps to safeguard the integrity, impartiality, and credibility of the impeachment proceedings by addressing the alleged dissemination of manipulated content related to the trial.”

To counter misinformation, the House prosecution panel is already searching for another lawyer with litigation experience to help explain the impeachment proceedings while its current legal spokesperson prepares to present witnesses.

In a televised interview also on Thursday, private prosecutor and House prosecution legal spokesperson Benjamin “Jay” Tolosa Jr. disclosed that the search began even before questions were raised over his simultaneous performance of courtroom and communications duties.

“But, actually, even before this came up, we've already been trying to look for another spokesperson, because when I informed our team that when it's my turn to be on deck and to present a witness, I would have to scale back my spokesman duties,” Tolosa said.

“So, once I informed them about that, then we started to look for, you know, someone who could complement me, you know, and help me out in doing these spokes duties."

The panel, he said, is specifically looking for another lawyer who can understand courtroom developments and explain their legal significance to viewers without compromising the pending proceedings.

He added the additional legal voice is needed because the public discussion surrounding the trial has been vulnerable to inaccurate claims and distorted accounts since the proceedings began.

“The goal here is to combat, misinformation, disinformation campaign. We've been seeing that from day one,” Tolosa said.

The prosecution already has House lawmakers serving as trial spokespersons, but Tolosa maintained that the legal and technical nature of many courtroom disputes requires sustained public explanation.

“So, for us, that is very crucial, so that we could explain, in a manner that could be understood by the public the technicalities, what's actually going on in this trial,” he said.

Tolosa also committed to exercise greater caution after the impeachment court spokesperson reminded both camps to observe the sub judice rule in their public statements.

“We welcome that reminder, and we'll make sure that moving forward we'll be even more cautious and careful about ensuring not to violate the sub judice rule,” he said.

The prosecution, however, has yet to identify a final candidate who can share the legal spokesperson’s workload when Tolosa takes the lead in presenting a witness.

“Last I checked, I don't think the people have been vetted or, if we have, a short list at this point. It looks like the search is ongoing as we speak,” Tolosa said.

The Senator who uploaded a doctored video of Chel Diokno was Pia Cayetano, a staunch Duterte ally. An ethics complaint has since been filed against her.

Senator Marcoleta, who is in prison on non-bailable plunder charges, has pleaded with the Sandiganbayan to allow both him and fellow inmate Senator Estrada to participate in the impeachment trial.

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/751678/marcoleta-asks-peers-to-let-him-estrada-join-impeachment-trial

Detained Sen. Rodante Marcoleta on Tuesday called on his Senate colleagues to explore ways for him and fellow minority senator Jinggoy Estrada to participate in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Both senators are currently in detention as they separately face nonbailable plunder charges before the Sandiganbayan.

“I filed a manifestation in the Senate where I presented the legal reason why the Senate needs to find proper ways so that Senator Jinggoy and I can participate in the ongoing impeachment trial,” Marcoleta said in a chance interview at the antigraft court, where he appeared for a pretrial conference in the Third Division.

According to Marcoleta, his detention does not change his status as one of the 24 incumbent senators who would eventually be asked to vote to either acquit or convict the Vice President.

On July 20, Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero, presiding officer of the impeachment court, said Marcoleta had submitted a letter of manifestation asking that his vote be considered in the proceedings.

Escudero then said he was “inclined to agree” with Marcoleta’s suggestion as long as the latter is not facing suspension as a senator.

When the trial started on July 6, Escudero maintained that the number of votes required for a conviction remained at 16, consistent with the constitutional provision setting the threshold at two-thirds of the chamber’s total membership pegged at 24.

Marcoleta has been charged by the Ombudsman with plunder over his failure to declare in his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth the P75 million he said he received as donation for his senatorial campaign in the 2025 elections.

On July 22, the Sandiganbayan’s Third Division ordered Marcoleta to explain why he should not be placed under preventive suspension as a senator. It cited a provision of the Anti-Plunder Act which provides for such as measure for any public official charged with the crime.

As to Estrada, the court’s Fifth Division, which hears his plunder case, denied his June 29 motion to be allowed to participate in the impeachment trial.

The charge against Estrada stemmed from the allegation that he received P573 million in kickbacks through insertions made in the 2025 budget flood control projects.

Why would Escudero be inclined to agree? It is legal precedent set by the Supreme Court that imprisoned persons cannot practice their profession. 

As a matter of law, when a person indicted for an offense is arrested, he is deemed placed under the custody of the law. He is placed in actual restraint of liberty in jail so that he may be bound to answer for the commission of the offense. He must be detained in jail during the pendency of the case against him, unless he is authorized by the court to be released on bail or on recognizance. Let it be stressed that all prisoners whether under preventive detention or serving final sentence can not practice their profession nor engage in any business or occupation, or hold office, elective or appointive, while in detention. This is a necessary consequence of arrest and detention. Consequently, all the accused in Criminal Cases Nos. 3350-3355 must be confined in the Provincial Jail of Antique.

https://nlpdl.nlp.gov.ph/SC01/2000jan/89591_96.html

Why do Escudero and the rest of the Senators not understand this law?  Bizarrely enough both Marcoleta and Estrada were recently appointed to chair committees! This flagrant flouting of the law is more than enough to cast doubt on the integrity of the impeachment court. 

The article of impeachment this week concerns the misappropriation of confidential funds. The prosecution's witness, former LandBank department manager Violeta Constantino, claimed a representative of the OVP withdrew 500 million pesos in cash in 125 million peso increments. Sara's defense team declined to cross-examine her, saying it would be petty and useless to do so. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2273704/defense-on-skipping-cross-examination-petty-asking-useless-questions

Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense team on Wednesday said it decided to forgo the cross-examination of one of the prosecution’s witnesses on Article I of the impeachment complaint to avoid unnecessarily prolonging the proceedings and “being petty by asking unnecessary questions.”

Defense spokesperson Michael Poa, who also served as the counsel assigned to Wednesday’s cross-examination, said this after skipping the cross-examination of former LandBank department manager Violeta Constantino during the 10th day of Duterte’s impeachment trial.

“There was nothing questionable or damaging in what the witness presented. The witness merely identified the checks, which is something we are not even disputing,” said Poa in a press conference after the trial.

“So, I didn’t want to prolong the proceedings and, you know, be petty by asking questions when they weren’t even necessary,” he added.

Meanwhile, while Poa cross-examined the second witness, former LandBank’s DepEd branch manager Nenita Camposano, the entire process took only two short questions.

Constantino was the House prosecution panel’s first witness in tackling Article I nvolving Duterte’s alleged misuse, misappropriation and irregular liquidation of confidential funds, as she personally oversaw the encashment of four checks worth P125 million each by former Office of the Vice President Special Disbursing Officer Gina Acosta.

Camposano, on the other hand, oversaw the Department of Education’s P37.5 million encashment of confidential funds back when Duterte still led the department as its secretary.

Asked why he didn’t even choose to question the witnesses’ characterization of the encashments as “unusual,” Poa explained that he viewed the pronouncements merely as personal opinions of the two former LandBank executives.

“I don’t see how it will affect the case. It’s not even an issue here. We’re not questioning the validity of the encashment, are we?” said Poa.

“So I really thought it would have been petty to dwell on it. The only question I raised was to clarify why they exited through the fire exit,” he further said, adding that he asked this question simply to remove any negative connotations about exiting the bank through the backdoor.

It is great to know that they do not deny that at the behest of Sara Duterte 500 million pesos in cash was withdrawn from the bank. However, calling it unusual is not just a personal opinion. It's a fact since everything is electronic these days and who withdraws 500 million pesos?

“No, sir. This is unusual,” Constantino said in a mix of Tagalog and English, when Sen. Erwin Tulfo asked whether she had seen another government agency withdraw that much cash.

Constantino said she personally supervised the four transactions between December 2022 and July 2023.

Constantino said government agencies that banked with the branch had largely shifted to electronic transactions.

“So far, they have all shifted to the online system. Transactions are usually made through ATM payroll, so they no longer make withdrawals that large,” she said.

She also said no government agency is exempt from the bank’s procedures for large cash withdrawals.

The OVP notified the branch in advance, allowing it to request the cash from its cash center because P125 million exceeded the branch’s normal cash and vault limits.

“Because prior advice had been given, it went through the bank’s process,” she said.

Constantino said the P125 million withdrawal was the largest cash transaction she encountered during her 32-year career at Landbank.

She told Sen. Risa Hontiveros the transaction stood out because the money was released entirely in cash instead of by check.

“It was unusual because the funds were withdrawn in cash. Other government agencies usually issue checks for disbursements rather than withdraw cash,” she said.

Asked when a withdrawal would generally be considered unusual, Constantino replied: “Let’s say if it is already over P500,000.”

She later clarified that whether a transaction is unusual depends on a client’s banking history but acknowledged the OVP withdrawal was the first cash transaction of that size handled by the Shaw Blvd. branch.

“If it is the first time we encounter an amount that large, it is unusual,” she said.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/amp/story/cebu/ovps-p500m-cash-withdrawals-unusual

Taken all together calling this withdrawal unusual is not a mere opinion but expert testimony. With no cross-examination it will be interesting to see how the defense will spin this.

Retards in the Government 480

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

 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/07/23/barangay-councilor-shot-in-makati-mayor-nancy-condemns-attack

A barangay councilor in Makati City was shot and wounded on Thursday morning, July 23, prompting Mayor Nancy Binay to order intensified police presence in the city’s villages.

Binay condemned the attack on Barangay Sta. Cruz Councilor Atty. John Yland “JY” De Ocampo, who is now undergoing medical treatment.

She said the city government had immediately coordinated with his family and was prepared to extend whatever assistance they might need.

The mayor also directed the Makati police to investigate the case without delay and take all necessary steps to identify and arrest those responsible.

Authorities urged the public to report any information that could aid the investigation, assuring residents that their safety would be protected.

“The city government is extending its full support to the investigation. We are also strengthening police presence across the city,” she said.

“To the family of Councilor De Ocampo and the entire Barangay Sta. Cruz community, you are not alone. We will do everything we can to secure justice for Councilor JY,” she assured.

A barangay councilor in Makati City was shot and wounded on Thursday morning, July 23.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/07/24/sexagenarian-stoned-to-death-by-sk-councilor-in-negros-occidental

A 64-year-old man died after he was allegedly struck in the head with a stone by a 22-year-old Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) councilor, who was a relative, in Barangay Ilaya, Calatrava, Negros Occidental on Tuesday, July 21.

Police identified the victim as Rody.

Investigation showed that suspect Mike went home after a drinking session with Rody and neighbors when the victim allegedly attempted to force his way inside the suspect’s house and threw stones at the house when he was ignored. 

Police Lt. Jessica Malata, deputy chief of the Calatrava Municipal Police Station, said the suspect went outside to pacify the victim and stop the noise that could disturb his grandmother.

A fistfight erupted during which the suspect picked up a stone and struck the victim on the head.

Responding barangay peacekeepers apprehended the suspect who was turned to the police on Wednesday, July 22.

Malata said the incident may have been triggered by intoxication. The victim and the suspect had no previous misunderstanding.

Homicide charges were filed against the suspect on Thursday, July 23. Follow-up investigations is ongoing.

An SK councilor killed a relative during a night. 

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/750396/sibonga-sk-councilor-arrested-after-allegedly-punching-barangay-captain-during-mediation

A 25-year-old Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) councilor in Sibonga, Cebu is facing a direct assault complaint after she allegedly punched their barangay captain while the latter was mediating a family dispute inside the barangay hall on Thursday, July 23.

Police Captain Michael G. Calaurian, Chief of Sibonga Municipal Police Station, said police were completing the necessary case documents on Friday, July 24, before filing the complaint against the councilor, who was arrested several hours after the incident.

According to the police report, the incident happened at around 1:30 p.m. inside the Barangay Hall of Barangay Dugoan, where the barangay captain was conducting a mediation between the SK councilor’s mother and her brother-in-law over a family conflict.

Calaurian said the dispute stemmed from the brother-in-law’s stay at the family’s residence, with the SK councilor’s mother insisting that he leave the house.’

According to the police official, the SK councilor entered the barangay hall after her mother asked that she be allowed inside because she had a message for her.

However, the barangay captain reportedly told the councilor to leave since she was not among the parties involved in the mediation.

Police said the councilor then confronted her brother-in-law, triggering a commotion inside the barangay hall.

According to Calaurian, the barangay captain tried to pacify the two, but the SK councilor allegedly punched her instead.

“He really shouldn’t have been involved. The only people who were supposed to mediate with the barangay captain were his mother and his brother-in-law. Then he probably just fought back, then the captain told him, ‘Get out of here because you’re not involved in the mediation,’ and he got offended. That’s why he punched the captain instead,” Calaurian said during an interview on Friday.The blow reportedly broke the barangay captain’s eyeglasses and caused a scratch near her eye.

The barangay captain later went to the police station to report the incident, prompting officers, together with barangay tanods, to conduct a follow-up operation.

According to the report, the suspect initially managed to evade arrest. At around 10 p.m., however, barangay tanods arrested the suspect at her residence in Barangay Dugoan and brought her to Sibonga Municipal Police Station for the filing of appropriate charges.

As of Friday, investigators are completing the necessary documents for the filing of a direct assault complaint against the SK councilor.

A 25-year-old Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) councilor in Sibonga, Cebu is facing a direct assault complaint after she allegedly punched their barangay captain while the latter was mediating a family dispute inside the barangay hall.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/07/25/ombudsman-files-14-graft-charges-vs-party-list-solon-over-alleged-interest-in-p214-m-dpwh-contracts

The Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) has charged Uswag Ilonggo Party-list Rep. James “Jojo” Ang Jr. with 14 counts of graft before the Sandiganbayan for allegedly retaining an interest in a construction firm that secured P214 million in Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) contracts while he was in Congress. 

“While sitting in Congress, Rep. Ang holds a stake in a construction firm that won ₱214 million in DPWH contracts — and was paid nearly ₱199 million for them,” Assistant Ombudsman Jose Dominic “Mico” Clavano IV told reporters covering OMB on Saturday, July 25. 

According to the OMB, the Constitution bars members of Congress from holding any financial interest in government contracts while serving their terms. 

“Conflict of interest is not a gray area. It does not require proof that a deal was rigged or that cash changed hands — only that a public official profited, or stood to profit, from a government contract while in office,” said Clavano. 

“Here, and in many cases, the clear and thick constitutional line is constantly and blatantly being crossed,” he went on. 

On July 18, the Ombudsman announced that the complaints against Ang and other congressmen have moved to the preliminary investigation stage. 

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla said the complaints are part of the office’s continuing investigation into alleged conflicts of interest involving lawmakers who are also allegedly contractors. 

Earlier, the Ombudsman told politicians to choose between public service and private business, saying elected officials should stop engaging in government contracting as the office continues its conflict-of-interest investigations. 

Remulla said the practice of mixing public office with private business interests must come to an end. 

Those who wish to pursue business, he said, should stay out of politics.

The Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) has charged Uswag Ilonggo Party-list Rep. James “Jojo” Ang Jr. with 14 counts of graft before the Sandiganbayan for allegedly retaining an interest in a construction firm that secured P214 million in Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) contracts while he was in Congress. 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/07/23/negros-occidental-provincial-board-member-faces-raps

The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) confirmed on Thursday, July 23, that criminal and administrative complaints were formally filed before the Office of the Ombudsman on Monday, July 20, against Negros Occidental third district Board Member Andrew Montelibano following a recent e-sabong raid.

The complaints stemmed from the joint operation led by the Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG) against a most wanted person in Barangay Alicante, E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental, which led to the discovery of an alleged illegal online sabong (cockfighting) operation in a five-hectare property on July 8.

Police Lt. Col. Joem Malong, PRO-NIR spokesperson, refrained from discussing specific details, evidence, and allegations contained in the complaints, as these are now under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Ombudsman and remain subject to its evaluation.

In a statement, Police Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño, PRO-NIR director, emphasized that the filing and receipt of these complaints are part of the legal process and should not be construed as a determination of guilt.

He added that they respect the independence of the Office of the Ombudsman in the disposition of the complaints, and believes that any further disclosure may unduly affect the proceedings and, as such, will defer to the proper legal process.

Montelibano was tagged by authorities as a person of interest after he was reportedly found in the vicinity of an alleged multi-million illegal online sabong operation.

He denied allegations linking him to the alleged illegal gambling operation, although he acknowledged being a co-owner of the property, which is a fishpond owned by a corporation. He clarified that he has not managed or operated the property for the past 20 years.

Montelibano added that the property had been leased to raise game fowl starting in late December last year. According to him, the lease arrangement resumed this month, although it was done without a formal contract.

He reiterated his support for the police investigation and said he stands with authorities in their efforts to curb illegal gambling activities in the province.

Montelibano has yet to comment on the Ombudsman charges.

Malong said that four persons who were arrested in the property for allegedly engaging in illegal online sabong were released due to insufficient evidence.

She added that the prosecutor is looking for more solid evidence to link them to the illegal gambling activity.

Malong said the complaint filed before the prosecutor has yet to be resolved and it is currently under preliminary investigation.

Criminal and administrative complaints were formally filed before the Office of the Ombudsman on Monday, July 20, against Negros Occidental third district Board Member Andrew Montelibano following a recent e-sabong raid.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2026/07/21/2543496/mmda-enforcer-axed-counterflowing-edsa

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority sacked yesterday an MMDA traffic enforcer for counterflowing on the EDSA busway last week.

MMDA general manager Nicolas Torre III said the motorcycle-riding Jeffrey Tablan, 52, was recorded on video counterflowing on the EDSA bus lane on July 16.

Tablan, who has been with the MMDA for 22 years, said he was rushing home after receiving a call from his wife that their 10-year-old child with Down syndrome was having difficulty breathing.

“We have an internal policy, that our members are not allowed to pass through the busway,” Vic Nuñez, director for Traffic Discipline Office, said.

MMDA officials who flagged Tablan also said he was driving under the influence of alcohol.

“He did not notice that he was going toward a bus,” Nuñez said. “What he did was very dangerous. It may have cost him his life.”

Tablan admitted that he had taken alcohol before driving the motorcycle, but that he was not drunk. He apologized for his action.

“This is definitely a dismissal from the service. He can appeal if he thinks the penalty is too harsh,” Torre told reporters.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority sacked yesterday an MMDA traffic enforcer for counterflowing on the EDSA busway.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2273652/ethics-complaint-filed-vs-pia-cayetano-over-spliced-impeachment-video

An ethics complaint was filed on Wednesday against Sen. Pia Cayetano over a reportedly spliced video of House Prosecutor Rep. Chel Diokno that she posted amid the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

The complaint was lodged by former Commission on Higher Education chairperson Patricia “Tatti” Licaunan, University of the Philippines Diliman professor and Everywoman co-convenor Jean Franco, Parents Initiative and Social Awareness Mainstreaming Advocacy, Sanctuary Network, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila College of Public Administration Student Council President Joahna Marie Dela Cruz, the Student Council Alliance of the Philippines, District Wide Advocates Quezon City, and Pandayan Para sa Sosyalistang Pilipinas.

The groups said the edited video, which was done deliberately, has undermined the integrity of the Senate as an impeachment court.

“The deliberate editing of official impeachment proceedings to mislead the public is not merely a political act. It is a serious ethical issue that strikes at the integrity of the Senate as an impeachment court,” the complainants said.

The Senate committee on ethics and privileges received the complaint at 3:11 p.m. Wednesday.

In the letter, the complainants requested that the Senate panel “conduct an inquiry into the public actions” of Cayetano from her supposed “deliberate dissemination of a spliced and misleading video on her Facebook page.”

They noted that Cayetano’s sharing of such a video “violated the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability,” which prohibits members of the bar from engaging in “unlawful, dishonest, immoral or deceitful conduct.”

“Deliberately omitting Rep. Diokno’s legal explanation to invert the meaning of his statement constitutes active, calculated deceit. Sen. Pia S. Cayetano engaged in an artifice designed to deceive the viewing public into believing that Rep. Diokno confessed to an improper legal maneuver,” they explained.

Furthermore, the complainants tagged Cayetano’s social media activity as a “reckless disregard for the truth.”

The senator-judges also took the Constitutional oath to practice “impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws of the Philippines, the complainants pointed out.

“The actions done by Sen. Pia Cayetano were a direct violation of this oath. The video only revealed her bias for the vice-president’s camp. Unfortunately, Sen. Pia S. Cayetano no longer has the cold neutrality of an impartial judge, which all parties before a court are entitled to as part of due process,” they added.

The complainants asked the Senate to reprimand Cayetano, arguing that her post caused “institutional damage“ to the upper chamber and could undermine public trust in the impeachment process.

They said the Senate’s failure to act on the complaint “risks eroding public confidence in the neutrality expected of senator-judges,” stressing that members of the impeachment court are expected to uphold impartiality and protect the integrity of the proceedings.

“No one–espeially senator-judges– should be permitted to distort or selectively present the official proceedings in a manner that misleads the public… When a senator-judge publicly acts in a manner inconsistent with the standards governing the proceedings, public confidence in the institution is inevitably diminished,” they highlighted.

An ethics complaint was filed on Wednesday against Sen. Pia Cayetano over a reportedly spliced video of House Prosecutor Rep. Chel Diokno that she posted amid the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2271516/sandiganbayan-issues-arrest-warrant-vs-rep-jojo-ang-ex-rep-arnulfo-go

The Sandiganbayan on Monday issued an arrest warrant against Uswag Ilonggo party-list Rep. Jojo Ang and former Sultan Kudarat Rep. Arnulfo Go as well as his two co-accused.

The anti-graft court Third Division said they found probable cause for the arrest of Ang and Go, along with the latter’s co-accused Allan Gayosa Bayani and Mario Abasolo Labrador.

According to the Sandiganbayan, state prosecutors indicted Ang for violation of Section 3(h) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Previously, Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said state prosecutors filed 14 counts of graft before the Sandiganbayan against Ang.

Clavano said while sitting in Congress, Ang allegedly holds a stake in a construction firm that won ₱214 million in Public Works contracts, and was purportedly paid nearly ₱199 million for them.

Meanwhile, Ang was also among those named by jailed private contractor Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya as one of those in his payoff ledger, allegedly soliciting money from them after they won in a government project bid. Ang previously denied this.

As for Go, state prosecutors indicted him, as well as Bayani and Labrador on November 25 last year for violation of Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code (Malversation of Public Funds).

The Sandiganbayan also issued a hold departure order against all of the accused.

The Sandiganbayan on Monday issued an arrest warrant against Uswag Ilonggo party-list Rep. Jojo Ang and former Sultan Kudarat Rep. Arnulfo Go as well as his two co-accused.