Retards in the Government 406

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

 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/2/20/ex-cop-wanted-for-murder-arrested-in-caloocan-shootout

A former police officer wanted for a murder case in Cavite was arrested after engaging the arresting officers in a gunfight in Bagong Barrio, Caloocan City, on Monday, Feb 17.

According to the Caloocan City Police Station (CCPS), the suspect exchanged gunfire with authorities before driving his car to his home allegedly to retrieve more firearms.

However, police cornered and arrested him at his residence.

During the shootout, two residents were hit by stray bullets and were rushed to a hospital for treatment.

The suspect, a former officer of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), was dismissed from service in 2019.

Authorities linked him to a February 14 shooting in Tanza, Cavite, where a man was killed and another wounded.

Investigators tracked him down in Caloocan through CCTV footage review.

The suspect denied his involvement in the shooting, claiming he was traveling at the time of the crime.

In addition to the murder case, he will also face charges for violation of the Omnibus Election Code due to illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

Police recovered firearms, ammunition, and a grenade from the suspect.

A former police officer wanted for a murder case in Cavite was arrested after engaging the arresting officers in a gunfight in Bagong Barrio, Caloocan City.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/government-employee-killed-in-isabela-city

A GOVERNMENT official was shot and killed in a gun attack in Basilan province, the police said Friday, February 21, 2025.

The Isabela City police identified the slain government official as Ricardo Laguardia, 30, head of the secretariat of the City Peace and Order Council and City Anti-Drug Abuse Council.

The police said the gun attack happened around 6:45 p.m. Thursday, February 20, in San Rafael village, Isabela City, the capital of Basilan province.

Investigation showed Laguardia had just alighted in front of his residence’s gate from a motorcycle of his companion, who dropped him home when shot by one of two men riding tandem on a motorcycle that tailed them.

The police said suspects, clad in hooded jackets, immediately sped off while Laguardia was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead by the attending physician.

The police recovered three empty shells of caliber .45 pistol at the crime scene. 

Investigation continues to establish the motive as well as identify and arrest the suspects. 

Isabela City Vice Mayor Kifli Hataman-Salliman on Friday, February 21, strongly condemned the killing of a government official and called on the authorities to strictly enforce the election gun ban.

“On behalf of the City Council, and all those working for the peace and safety of our city, we strongly condemn the shooting of La Guardia,” Salliman said in a statement.

A government official was shot and killed in a gun attack in Basilan province.

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/624328/consolacion-drug-bust-teacher-tagged-as-hvi-2-others-nabbed

A public school teacher and two other individuals were caught with P204,000 worth of suspected shabu during a buy-bust operation in Brgy. Poblacion Occidental in Consolacion town, northern Cebu on the early hours of Thursday, February 21.

The drug bust was conducted by personnel of the Municipal Drug Enforcement Unit (MDEU) of the Consolacion Municipal Police Station and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Regional Office (PDEA RO 7). 

One of the arrested suspects was identified as Jedeestel Luvite Pernito, a 50-year-old public school teacher.

Pernito was the subject of the operation on Thursday, according to police.

Also apprehended in the Consolacion drug bust were 23-year-old Jerom Casipong Nuevo and 21-year-old Clint Cuyos Gersale.

Both men are jobless and residents of Brgy. Cansaga in Consolacion.

The suspects were arrested in Brgy. Poblacion Occidental at around 12:30 a.m. on Thursday.

Police, in a report, described Pernito as a High-value individual (HVI) while the two other suspects were Street level individuals (SLI). 

During the anti-illegal drugs operation, they confiscated 30 grams of suspected shabu from the suspects. The seized pieces of drug evidence reportedly had an estimated Standard Drug Price (SDP) of P204,000.

It was then turned over to the Cebu Provincial Forensic Unit, Northern Cebu Satellite Forensic Office in Danao City for examination.

As of this writing, all three Consolacion drug bust suspects are detained at the custodial facility of the Consolacion Municipal Police Station while waiting for drug charges to be filed against them.

A public school teacher has been busted for drugs.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2037580/maguindanao-del-surs-vice-mayor-bet-hurt-in-ambush

A vice mayoral candidate in Maguindanao del Sur was injured in a gun attack by a still unidentified suspect about 9:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 24, the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) reported.

Lawyer Mohammad Omar Samama, incumbent vice mayor of Datu Piang and son of Datu Piang Mayor Victor Samama, was attacked in Barangay Magaslong, along a busy street just a few kilometers from the town center.

He was about to host a medical mission program in the village, the UBJP said.

Police reported that Samama was injured and was now undergoing medication in an undisclosed hospital in Maguindanao del Sur.

The father and son tandem is running under the UBJP, the political party of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Lawyer Mohammad Omar Samama, incumbent vice mayor of Datu Piang and son of Datu Piang Mayor Victor Samama, was attacked in Barangay Magaslong, along a busy street just a few kilometers from the town center.

https://mb.com.ph/2025/2/24/local-government-employee-shot-dead-in-north-cotabato

An employee of the municipal government of Matalam, Cotabato was killed in an ambush in Matalam on Sunday, Feb. 23.

Police identified the victim as Joseph Ferdinand Gimenez.

Initial investigation said Gimenez was driving a government pickup truck when two men onboard a motorcycle appeared and fired at him. Recovered from the crime scene were 14 slugs and empty bullets for a .45 caliber pistol.

Lawmen are conducting follow-up investigation to determine the motive and identity of the perpetrators who fled after the incident. Investigators are scheduled to meet the family of the victim for additional information.

This was the first shooting in Matalan since the implementation of the election gun ban.

An employee of the municipal government of Matalam, Cotabato was killed in an ambush.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/metro/937367/napolcom-staffer-arrested-for-alleged-estafa-corruption-cidg/story/

A National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) employee was arrested for allegedly soliciting money from a former police officer in exchange for expediting an appeal filed with the agency, the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) reported on Tuesday.

According to a CIDG statement, the suspect was apprehended during an entrapment operation at the parking area of the PNP Mortuary in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

CIDG chief Police Major General Nicolas Torre III identified the suspect as “Noel,” an employee assigned to the Installation Logistics Service (ILS) of the NAPOLCOM Central Office.

A former police major, who filed the complaint, claimed that Noel demanded P20,000 in exchange for favorable action on his appeal regarding a case before the NAPOLCOM.

The suspect allegedly misrepresented himself, promising to expedite the appeal process while claiming connections with influential figures, including former NAPOLCOM Commissioner Atty. Alexis Canonisado.

The CIDG stated that Noel would face charges for estafa, violation of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, and violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act

A National Police Commission employee was arrested for allegedly soliciting money from a former police officer in exchange for expediting an appeal filed with the agency.

Coronavirus Lockdown: Solar-Powered Ice Plant, YOLO Mindset, and More!

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

Diplomacy was put on hold during the pandemic. Now it's back on. 

https://philstar.com/headlines/2025/02/21/2423176/palau-president-surangel-whipps-jr-visit-philippines

Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. is scheduled to visit the Philippines from Sunday to Monday, February 23 to 24, for an official visit, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) announced on Friday, February 21.

Palau is an island country in the Pacific Ocean, within the region of Micronesia. It is part of the continent of Oceania. 

Whipps is set to visit President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. 

“At their bilateral meeting, President Marcos is expected to exchange views with his Palau counterpart on expanding existing bilateral cooperation on fisheries, trade, investment, connectivity and people-to-people ties as well as exploring new avenues of collaboration such as on health and labor. The two leaders will also discuss South-South cooperation, regional concerns and common advocacies at the multilateral arena,” the PCO said in a statement. 

The PCO said that there are 3,000 Filipinos who live and work in Palau, which is already 17% of the island country’s population. Palau has a meager population of 18,000 as of 2024, according to the BBC. 

The Philippines and Palau will celebrate 30 years of diplomatic relations in 2027. 

Both countries have overlapping claims in maritime territories, which they have both bowed to resolve in 2021. Such talks were, however, delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Philippines also previously had an embassy in Palau but was shut down in 2012 due to budget constraints. 

According to a Philippine Daily Inquirer report, then-Palau President Johnson Toribiong had appealed to the late president Benigno Aquino III not to close the embassy in Palau, as many of the migrant workers in Palau are from the Philippines.

Thankfully the two nations are diplomatically discussing thier maritime claims rather than being aggressive as China is doing. 

Foreign tourism is Boracay is not yet at pre-pandemic levels. They are investigating ways to attract more foreigners. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1244647

Tourism-related fees in Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, are currently under review to ensure competitiveness with other top destinations like Bohol and Palawan, aiming to attract more foreign visitors and sustain the industry.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Western Visayas Regional Director engineer Juan Jovian Ingeniero said he recently participated in discussions with the Department of Tourism, officials of Aklan provincial and Malay municipal governments, and other stakeholders to address the issue.

“They are now studying the fees of Boracay because the rates have to be competitive with the other resorts like the Bohol, the Palawan to sustain the tourism there,” he said in a media interview on Friday.

Further meetings will determine whether amendments to Malay’s existing ordinance are necessary to lower fees and encourage more foreign tourists.

Aklan Governor Joen Miraflores has expressed support for government initiatives aimed at sustaining the island’s tourism sector, according to Ingeniero.

Before the pandemic, Boracay’s tourist arrivals were evenly split between domestic and foreign visitors.

However, the current trend leans heavily toward local travelers, and efforts are underway to restore the 50-50 ratio, Ingeniero added.

Currently, visitors to Boracay pay PHP150 each in terminal and environmental fees, plus an additional environmental fee upon departure, alongside boat fare costs.

According to the Malay Municipal Tourism Office, 92,254 tourists arrived in Boracay from Feb. 1-15, comprising 65,230 domestic visitors, 24,905 foreign tourists, and the remainder overseas Filipino workers and returning Filipinos.

Maybe there are other factors besides fees to take into consideration. 

Pilar, Cebu is still reeling from the economic lockdowns during the pandemic. A new solar-powered ice plant might change their fortunes. 

https://philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-news/2025/02/23/2423557/solar-powered-ice-plant-launched-pilar-cebu

A new solar-powered ice block machine is set to launch for the fishing industry in Pilar, Cebu to provide sustainable and cost-efficient solutions to preserve marine products and drive economic growth.

The Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) formally turned over the facility to local fisherfolk on Wednesday, February 19, as part of the government’s post-pandemic recovery efforts. The initiative falls under the Establishment of Agricultural and Fisheries Post harvest Facilities project, spearheaded by Senator Cynthia A. Villar, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Pilar’s poverty rate nearly doubled in 2021, surging to 45.3 percent from 23.5 percent in 2018 largely due to the economic downturn brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Fishing and tourism remain the town’s main sources of livelihood, making the new ice plant a crucial addition to its economic infrastructure.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. has emphasized the importance of ice plants in improving food security and income stability for fishing communities.

“Building ice plants will extend the shelf life of agricultural products, especially fish,” he said. “With proper icing, fish can remain fresh for up to seven days, allowing fishermen to transport their catch to markets where demand is higher,” he added.

Perhaps more fishing communities will now be getting solar-powered ice factories. 

Makati City has fully recovered from the pandemic as evidenced by the collection of 61% of targeted revenue for 2025. 

https://philstar.com/nation/2025/02/23/2423522/makatihits-61-percent-target-revenue-2025

Makati City took only one month to hit over half of its target revenue for 2025, based on figures released by the city treasury office.

The financial center of the Philippines collected P11.77 billion in revenues as of Jan. 31, P7 billion of which came from business taxes.

Makati aims to collect P19 billion this year. The P11.77 billion it already collected represents 61 percent of this target.

The city treasury office reported that real property taxes added P4.2 billion to Makati’s coffers, nearing its full-year target of P5.1 billion. Roughly P400 million of other revenues come from local fees and charges, economic enterprises and interest earnings.

Over 34,000 businesses in Makati, 439 of which were newly registered this year, amassed a combined gross sale of P2.05 trillion.

In a statement on Friday, Makati Mayor Abby Binay, who is running for the Senate, lauded businesses for fully bouncing back from the pandemic.

“We are off to an excellent start this year and we owe this largely to our business community that has been steadfast in its support and confidence in the city government throughout my term as Makati Mayor,” Binay said.

“It is really heartening to see that the local economy has fully recovered from the pandemic and is even stronger and more vibrant than ever,” she added.

Too bad the same cannot be said for every other city in the Philippines. 

A cultural shift is causing more Filipinos to adopt a You Only Live Once mindset. 

https://philstar.com/headlines/climate-and-environment/2025/02/24/2423844/80-filipinos-adopt-yolo-mindset-amid-uncertainties-study

The unpredictable nature of life has sparked a cultural shift among Filipinos, with most adopting the “you only live once” (YOLO) mindset.

A 2024 study by global research firm Ipsos found that eight in 10 Filipinos prioritize living in the moment due to uncertainties about the future. 

This figure surpasses the global average of 64% who share the YOLO mindset, with the Philippines ranking third, following Hong Kong and Thailand.

This aligns with another finding that people worldwide highly value personal control over their lives, seeing it as the “ultimate sign of success.”

The study, which surveyed about 1,000 respondents from each of the 50 countries, described this global trend as “nouveau nihilism” — a modern take on nihilism, the belief that life has no inherent meaning.

Survey results suggest that as the future feels increasingly uncertain, more people are choosing to focus on the present, seeing it as more rewarding than long-term planning. 

“There is now a generational disconnect when it comes to milestones like buying homes, getting married and starting families,” the study said, attributing this shift to financial hardships.

This trend is also linked to hedonism, a form of happiness driven by pleasure-seeking and avoiding discomfort, often resulting in short-term gratification. 

It is frequently contrasted with eudaimonia, where happiness stems from self-fulfillment and living a life perceived as meaningful.

When combined with declining trust in government, hedonism fuels a new form of nihilism that erodes public support, Ipsos said.

According to the study, this implies that people are increasingly driven to assert personal autonomy to counter feelings of helplessness amid an unpredictable future.

Key factors affecting this trend include climate change, escalating geopolitical conflicts, persistent inequality and fears of another pandemic.

It's hard to believe that anyone in this very religious nation is a nihilist. 

Hi, My Name is ...56

Let's get stabby!

Hi, my name is being withheld. I was out drinking with my friends one night having a grand old time. The music was flowing so I got out of my seat and began dancing. Someone didn't like that so he pulled out a blade and stabbed me in my arm and abdomen. At the hospital I was declared dead. 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/1/31/laborer-stabbed-dead-during-drinking-spree

A 39-year-old laborer was allegedly stabbed to death by a 19-year-old man during a drinking session with friends in Barangay Camandag, La Castellana, Negros Occidental on Thursday, Jan. 30.

Police Major Rhojn Darell Nigos, La Castellana police chief, said the victim started dancing when the  suspect suddenly stabbed him with a double bladed weapon.

The victim sustained stabs wounds in the arm and abdomen and was declared dead in a hospital.

The suspect fled and is now the subject of a manhunt. Police are conducting follow-up investigation.

Hi, my name is Jes. I haven't paid the rent in two months which comes to P5,000. The sister of the owner of the place kept asking me for rent and scolding me when I could not pay. That angered me because it made me feel disrespected. So, one night when I was really drunk I went over to her apartment and banged on the door hoping to speak with her. She refused so I broke down the door and in my fury I stabbed her in the chest, killing her.

https://mb.com.ph/2025/1/30/drunken-fury-tenant-stabs-woman-to-death-over-unpaid-rent-in-antipolo

A drunk tenant was arrested after stabbing a woman to death following a heated argument over a P5,000 unpaid rent in Antipolo City on Wednesday, Jan. 29.

Before the stabbing incident, the suspect, identified as "Jes," went to the victim's house while drunk to confront her. He cursed and tried to force the door open when the victim and her family refused to speak with him due to his intoxicated state.

However, the suspect managed to open the door and stab the victim, police said.

Authorities said the victim was the sister of the property owner where the suspect lived. She was reportedly asking the suspect to pay for two months' worth of overdue rent.

According to the suspect, he had enough of the victim because he felt disrespected every time he was asked for payment and was scolded for it. The police said that when he got drunk, he confronted the victim.

He added that he tried to be patient, but it eventually reached a point where he was no longer able to take it anymore because he was extremely drunk.

Meanwhile, the victim was declared dead on arrival due to a stab wound on the chest.

The suspect is now in the custody of the Antipolo Police and will face a murder charge.

Hi, my name is Allan. I was riding in a tricycle with my live-in partner. All of a sudden a guy walked up to me and stabbed me in the chest. I was taken to the hospital where I was declared dead.  

https://mb.com.ph/2025/2/1/man-stabbed-dead-inside-tricycle

A man was stabbed dead onboard a tricycle in Purok 7, Barangay Concepcion Palasan, this town, on Friday afternoon, Jan. 31.

Police identified the victim as Allan.

Investigation said the victim and live-in partner were on their way to Lucena City when the suspect, Alfonso, approached and stabbed Allan in the chest with a knife. 

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

Police are conducting follow-up investigation. 

Hi, my name is Gian Castro. Me and my brother-in-law have had a longstanding grudge against each other.  So, I took a bladed weapon and ran towards him. I stabbed him in the face and the leg. He died and now I am facing a murder charge. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/10/30/man-dead-after-being-stabbed-to-death-by-brother-in-law-in-manila

A man was arrested after he attacked and repeatedly stabbed his brother-in-law in Sta. Ana, Manila, on Tuesday, October 29.

The Manila Police District identified the suspect as Gian Castro, 40, and the victim Rommel Manas, 42, residents of Barangay 779, Sta. Ana, Manila.

Based on the initial investigation, the incident happened on Monday afternoon, October 28.

Police said the suspect was carrying a bladed weapon when he run towards the victim and stabbed him.

The victim sustained wounds on his face and lower leg.

Investigators said the two had a longstanding grudge against each other.

Police said the suspect is under their custody and may face murder charges.

Hi, my name is Rolando Mosquera Sr.  I was out planting a banana tree when I came home. All of a sudden my son stabbed me int he chest and killed me. He thought I was planning to bury him alive. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/10/30/man-stabbed-dead-by-son-high-on-drugs

A 53-year-old man was allegedly stabbed to death by his son "high" on drugs in their house in Hacienda Bacsay, Barangay Robles, La Castellana, Negros Occidental on Tuesday, Oct. 29.

Police Major Rhojn Darell Nigos, La Castellana police chief, identified the victim as Rolando Mosquera Sr. 

He said the victim had just arrived home from planting a banana tree when his 21-year-old son stabbed him in the chest with a knife. The victim sought help from relatives and was taken to a hospital where he was declared dead. 

Nigos said the suspect was arrested while hiding in a grassy area. Recovered from him were the knife, a small sachet of suspected shabu worth P544, two lighters, and a green curtain with bloodstains. 

Police said the suspect assumed that his father was planning to bury him alive when he was planting banana trees. 

The suspect had just returned to this province from Bicol where he was sent due for his drug addiction. 

Nigos added that the suspect had misunderstandings with his family because of his behavior. 

The suspect was subjected to a drug test and will be charged for parricide and illegal drugs.

Hi, my name is Lambrito Sarimong. I was having a land dispute with my nephew.  I went to confront him with a cane while he was engaged in a drinking session. We got into a heated disputed and he stabbed me. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/11/2/laborer-stabbed-to-death-by-nephew-on-all-saints-day

A 56-year-old laborer was allegedly stabbed to death by his nephew during a heated argument over a fenced portion of a rented lot in Sitio Ema, Barangay Camangcamang, Isabela, Negros Occidental on All Saints’ Day.

Police identified the victim as Lambrito Sarimong.

Police Major Joseph Partidas, Isabela police chief, said the victim and the 39-year-old suspect, Jun-Jun, had been engaged in a land dispute. 

However, their grudges escalated when the victim got irked after learning that a portion of his rented lot was fenced by their relative.

Partidas said that the victim felt insulted, went to the suspect’s house armed with a cane cutter, and challenged his nephew, who was having a drinking session with relatives.

A heated argument erupted where the suspect stabbed his uncle in the body with a kitchen knife.

The victim was taken to a hospital where he was declared dead. The suspect fled and hid in a relative’s house in Barangay Mansablay, Isabela where he was apprehended.

Partidas said the murder weapon was not recovered. The suspect faces murder or homicide charges.

Hi, my name is Edie Albios. I was having a drinking session with my cousin when we had an argument. He stabbed me dead. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/11/7/sexagenarian-stabs-cousin-dead-in-san-carlos-city

A 52-year-old man was allegedly fatally stabbed to death during an altercation by his elderly cousin in a drinking session in Sitio Upper Initihan, Barangay Codcod, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental on Monday, Nov. 4.

Police identified the victim as Edie Albios. 

Investigation said the victim and the 62-year-old suspect were having a drinking session to celebrate an occasion at Albios’ house.

Albios accompanied the suspect to his house after which their relatives heard someone seeking for help. They checked and saw the suspect stab victim with a knife.

The suspect and victim were pacified by their relatives and the victim was taken to a hospital where he was declared dead.

Police said that the victim and the suspect may have figured in a misunderstanding that led to an altercation.

The suspect surrendered to the barangay hall and was arrested by the police. The murder weapon was also recovered.

Hi, my name is John Pert Luis B. Mendoza. I was just standing on the street with some friends when a 17-year old showed up and stabbed me to death for no apparent reason.

https://mb.com.ph/2024/11/24/teenage-boy-stabs-neighbor-to-death-in-batangas

A 17-year-old teenage boy allegedly stabbed his 19-year-old neighbor to death in Barangay 5 here on Saturday night, Nov. 23.

Police identified the victim as John Pert Luis B. Mendoza.

Investigation said that Mendoza was standing on a street with his friends when the suspect Kuya, a neighbor, arrived and stabbed the victim with a knife.

Mendoza was taken by his relatives to a hospital in Nasugbu, Batangas where he was declared dead.

Police apprehended Kuya in a follow-up operation.

Kuya faces a murder case and police have yet to determine  why he killed the victim.

Hi, our names are Rhona and Kurt Lalusin. Our neighbors found us dead in the house. No idea what happened to us. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/10/23/housewife-son-stabbed-to-death-in-lipa-city

A 41-year-old housewife and her son were found dead with stab wounds in Barangay Pangao here on Monday afternoon, Oct. 22.

Police identified the victims as Rhona and Kurt Lalusin.

The victims’ neighbor, Eva Latorre Malabanan, found the victims when she arrived at their house.

Malabanan reported her discovery to the police. 

Rhona was lying on the floor without a lower garment and sustained stab wounds in the body.

Kurt was lying in his bedroom with a stab wound in the face.

Follow-up investigation is ongoing.

Insurgency: Balut Production

The AFP has had some vicotries of late against the reminaing NPA rebels. However, that does not mean they will be resting on their laurels during election season. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1244304

Despite the successive successful operations of the military that brought severe losses to the New People’s Army (NPA) in the recent weeks, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it will not let its guard down to ensure that the communist insurgents will be unable to interfere in the 2025 midterm elections.  

“While the NPA’s numbers and influence have significantly dwindled, the AFP remains vigilant in ensuring that their remnants do not disrupt the peace, especially in the lead-up to the May 12 elections,” AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla told the Philippine News Agency in an interview. 

Among those recently neutralized was Myrna Sularte alias “Maria Malaya”, the secretary of the NPA’s North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).

Sularte was killed in a clash with troopers of the 901st Infantry Brigade at Barangay Pianing, Butuan City on Feb. 12.  

Also neutralized by soldiers from the 3rd Special Forces Battalion on the same date were two ranking NPA commanders in Sitio Katipunan, Barangay San Lorenzo, Prosperidad, Agusan Del Sur. 

They were identified as Larry Garcia alias “Joven”, commanding officer of the Regional Centro De Grabidad, NEMRC and his vice commander, who was only identified as “Gaga” and “Garing”.  

“Through intensified focused military operations, community engagements, and close coordination with other law enforcement agencies, we are committed to securing a peaceful and orderly electoral process,” Padilla said. 

She said the deaths of Sularte and other NPA leaders highlight the continuous setbacks suffered by the communist insurgents due to sustained military operations and the growing rejection of their violent ideology by local communities. 

“We urge the remaining members of the CTG (communist terrorist group) to lay down their arms, avail themselves of the government’s reintegration programs, and choose the path of peace. The AFP will continue working tirelessly to dismantle any remaining threats while upholding the rights and safety of the Filipino people,” Padilla added.

Did anyone expect them to not remain vigilant? They have been vigilant for the past 50 years. 

But what does one do when the NPA is running for office? 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2035524/party-list-rep-tagged-as-npa-recruiter-in-ntf-elcac-video

Human rights group Karapatan has criticized the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac) for releasing a video that “Red-tagged” Kabataan party list Rep. Raoul Manuel.

“This vilification campaign is obviously aimed at misleading and terrorizing the electorate against voting for Kabataan party list,” Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay said in a statement on Monday.

“Unfortunately, the Commission on Elections (Comelec), which promised to issue guidelines on Red-tagging, has not kept up with the spate of Red-tagging videos, tarpaulins and the like that have already been sprouting in many places,” she added.

The group was referring to a video posted on the Facebook page of the NTF-Elcac on Feb. 6, which tagged Manuel as a recruiter for the New People’s Army (NPA). It urged him to “stop pretending” and admit his links to the Communist Party of the Philippines.

The task force claimed that Manuel supported the withdrawal of the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations from the NTF-Elcac because “once again, he thinks they are free to recruit [students] in schools.”

“The truth is, it is not the NTF-Elcac who is a threat to academic freedom, but you, Raoul Manuel. You are a recruiter of the NPA, and you can no longer lie [about this],” it said.

In response to the video, Karapatan urged the Comelec to issue guidelines against Red-tagging and act on the “many incidents” that had already been reported. It said that the task force uses Red-tagging to “sabotage the right of the electorate to hear from progressive and pro-people candidates and exercise discernment.”

What exactly is the NTF-ELCAC's proof that this guy is recruiter? Don't forget the AFP has repeatedly said the NPA is unable to do any recruiting. Maybe the NTF-ELCAC could send someone undercover to get the proof they need. 

As proof the AFP is not backing down this election season the Eastern Visayas has been reinforced with 52 new soldiers. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2036576/52-troops-join-army-in-eastern-visayas

Fifty-two newly trained soldiers, including one female, joined the Army in Eastern Visayas, which continues to grapple with insurgency problems.

The new soldiers completed a rigorous 45-day Infantry Orientation Training (INFOT) at Camp Eugenio Daza, Barangay Fatima, Hinabangan town, Samar.

The training, which began on Jan. 6 and ended on Feb. 19, prepared them for deployment to various battalions under the 8th Infantry Division (8th ID) to enhance operational readiness.

INFOT was designed to equip newly enlisted soldiers with the skills, knowledge, and discipline required to become effective members of an Infantry Squad and Fire Team.

The progressive course prepares them for various Army operations, including combat and peacekeeping missions.

In his message, Colonel Luzelito Betinol, assistant chief of staff for education and training, underscored the significance of the training, emphasizing that the new privates were not only prepared for combat but also for a mission vital to ensuring lasting peace and sustainable development in the region.

“We are in a crucial phase of our campaign to end the insurgency. Every action you take will help secure a better future for the people here, a future they truly deserve. The work ahead will not be easy, but the impact you make will resonate for generations,” said Betinol who represented 8th ID Commander Major General Adonis Ariel Orio.

He also challenged the new soldiers to uphold the values instilled in them during their training.

“You are fulfilling a responsibility much greater than yourselves, and we expect nothing less than your best. The people depend on you, and we, your fellow Stormtroopers, will stand with you in accomplishing this mission,” Betinol added.

The newly graduated privates will be deployed to the 13 battalions under the 8th ID, reinforcing its efforts to maintain security and stability in Eastern Visayas.

The Philippine Army in the region has vowed to eradicate insurgency in Eastern Visayas, particularly on Samar Island, before the end of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s term.

The AFP is very confident they will eradicate the insurgency before Marcos leaves office. Of course the AFP has been very confident they would eradicate the insurgency before the end of every president's term for the past 50 years. 

Another arms cache has been discovered. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1244187

Army soldiers uncovered a weapons cache here believed to belong to the remnants of the dismantled Komiteng Larangang Gerilya Sierra Madre.

Acting on a tip from a former rebel, the 91st Infantry Battalion of the 7th Infantry Division launched a scouring operation in the mountainous village of Barangay Sawmill over the weekend, leading to the recovery of firearms and explosives.

Among the seized items were an M16 rifle, a .38 caliber pistol, a high-explosive hand grenade, spent bullet casings, live ammunition and magazines.

In a statement Sunday, the Army hailed the operation as a significant blow to the remaining elements of Komiteng Rehiyon Gitnang Luzon, reinforcing its commitment to dismantling insurgent groups and ensuring regional stability.

As this developed, the military reiterated its call for insurgents to surrender and avail of the government's offer of financial aid, livelihood support and reintegration assistance.

Without former rebels it seems the AFP might be operating in the dark. Thankfully more rebels are surrendering.  

https://mb.com.ph/2025/2/17/9-npa-rebels-surrender-in-northern-samar

Nine members of the New People's Army surrendered to the 19th Infantry Battalion based in Catubig, Northern Samar recently.

These communist rebels from the Sub-Regional Guerrilla Unit (SRGU), Sub-Regional Committee Emporium said they decided to surrender due to severe hunger and loss of community support. 

They turned over an R4 rifle, two M16 rifles, two improvised M14 rifles, a carbine rifle, an anti-personnel mine, and two bandoliers.

Lt. Col. Marvin Maraggun, commander of the 19th IB, said their surrender highlights the dedication of security forces and local government units in ensuring peace and prosperity in Northern Samar. “We welcome them with open arms and stand ready to support their reintegration into society,” Maraggun said.

Major Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of the 8th Infantry Division, said that the government is ready to help NPA rebels who want to live a peaceful life. 

He added that their goal is to reintegrate them into the community and show what the government has to offer — a better life and a peaceful environment. 

Orio commended the 19th IB for its dedicated efforts and successfully facilitating the reintegration of the rebels. 

The 19th IB is coordinating with local government units to provide immediate cash assistance and other benefits to surrenderers. 

They are also undergoing processing under the Local Social Integration Program (LSIP) and the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). 

Debriefing, healing, and reconciliation sessions are being conducted to ensure their smooth reintegration into society.

In Silay City 3 rebels surrendered.

https://mb.com.ph/2025/2/17/3-npa-rebels-surrender-in-silay-city

Three New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the police in Barangay E. Lopez, Silay City, Negros Occidental.

They turned over a .38 caliber revolver, a .22 caliber revolver, two improvised 12-gauge shotgun with three shells, and two 40mm explosives.

The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office said they were convinced to surrender through the Project Pag-Ulikid: Compassion with Action and Armas Baylo Bugas initiative of the 1st Negros Occidental Provincial Mobile Force Company (Nocpmfc).

They each received cash assistance, grocery items, and sack of rice and were released to their families following proper documentation.

Meanwhile, the provincial government recently turned over P2.3 million in financial and livelihood assistance to peace volunteers and former rebel associations in Negros Occidental.

Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson distributed  P342,000 in financial aid to 17 Sambayanan Negros volunteers from various towns and cities through the Provincial Planning and Development Office.

Ten National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict associations in the province also received livelihood projects worth P2 million through the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO).

Among these projects is the Itik Pinas Raising for Balut and Salted Egg project that aims to address the gap in the supply of "balut" (fertilized duck eggs) in the province and support the province's food sufficiency initiatives.

Recipients include 1,000 breeder ducks, 10 incubators with a 250-egg capacity, and 127 bags of duck feed (50-kilos per bag).

Lacson said that the demand for balut in the province is one million per month, but with the bird flu scare, which disallowed the importation from Luzon, supply went down to 200,000 to 300,000 a month.

“We are hoping that by initially supplying incubators, we can fill in the gap of 700,000 to 750,000 balut per month,” he added.

Not only did three rebels surrender but money has been put aside by the government of Negros Occidental to train former rebels to to make balut!

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1244136

The Negros Occidental provincial government on Friday awarded PHP2 million worth of support package for balut (fertilized duck egg) production to former rebel group chapters and farmers associations across the province.

Ten beneficiaries were identified under the Itik-Pinas Raising for Balut and Salted Egg Project implemented by the Provincial Veterinary Office for the Animal and Poultry Dispersal for Priority Areas with funding from the 2024 Peace and Order Fund.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, who led the project turnover at the capitol grounds here, said the province needs to fill the gap in its balut supply of about 700,000 pieces a month.

“Before the bird flu scare, we imported from other provinces. Right now, we do not allow it, that’s why we lack balut supply,” he added.

Negros Occidental’s balut requirement is almost one million pieces a month, but the province produces only about 250,000 pieces.

The project recipients include the Kapatiran San Carlos City Chapter, Kapatiran Para Sa Progresong Panlipunan Cadiz City Chapter, Kapatiran Locotan Chapter in Kabankalan City, and Kapatiran Talacdan Chapter in Cauayan town.

Kapatiran is the new name of the Rebolusyonaryong Partido Ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade Tabara-Paduano Group in line with its institutional transformation after entering into a peace agreement with the national government.

Other recipients were the Madaha Handweavers Association and Cunalom, Maliko-liko, Lunou Farmers Association in Himamaylan City; Camingawan Diversified Workers Association in Kabankalan City; Mambaroto Organic Farmers Association in Sipalay City; Inayawan Itik Farm Association in Cauayan; and Canlubang Farmers Cluster Association in Ilog.

The Itik-Pinas Project comprises 1,000 heads of duckling, 10 incubator units with 250-egg capacity and 127 bags of duck feeds.

Each beneficiary has an allocation of 100 heads of breeder duck, one unit of incubator and 12 bags of duck feeds.

Meanwhile, Lacson, in the presence of Philippine Army 303rd Infantry Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Ted Dumosmog, turned over PHP342,000 in financial assistance to peace and development community volunteers from the Sentrong Alyansa ng Mamamayan Para sa Bayan (Sambayanan) Negros

Sambayanan is an organization composed of former rebels which advocates peace and development programs.

Under the province’s “Balik Salig Program,” the 21 volunteers pursue various undertakings in their communities with the assistance of the Philippine Army and the Provincial Planning and Development Office.

That's a lot of balut!!!