It's your weekly compendium of foolishness and corruption in the Philippine government.
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| https://mb.com.ph/2026/02/12/2-pnp-officers-charged-with-graft-before-sandiganbayan |
A graft case has been filed before the Sandiganbayan against Col. Hector Udani Grijaldo Jr. of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and another police officer for allowing policemen work as construction workers in a private structure in Cebu City from 2019 to 2020.
In the case raffled to the anti-graft court’s fourth division, Grijaldo and Senior Police Officer Jesus P. Batobalonos of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 7 were charged with violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Ombudsman prosecutors accused them of utilizing subordinate police officers under their supervision as workers for the construction of a private structure/building owned by Grijaldo in Sitio Cantipla, Barangay Tabunan, Cebu City from August 2019 to April 2020.
The prosecutors said their actions caused unwarranted benefit, advantage, and preference to Grijaldo while resulting in damage and undue injury to the government in the amount of P9,435,144.
A bail bond of P90,000 for each accused has been recommended.
Two PNP officers have been charged with graft.
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| https://mb.com.ph/2026/02/16/ex-army-officer-wanted-for-kidnapping-nabbed-after-19-years |
Police arrested a former Army officer wanted for kidnapping after 19 years in hiding in Opol town, Misamis Oriental province on Monday, Feb. 16.
The suspect with a P300,000 reward for his capture identified as Jac was arrested on a warrant for kidnapping-for-ransom dated June 29, 2007 issued by the Makati City Regional Trial Court Branch 145 with no bail recommended.
Police Regional Office-10 Director Police Brig. Gen. Christopher N. Abrahano said the suspect and companions abducted a Filipino-Chinese businessman on May 24, 2007 in Makati City.
A P2-million ransom was paid on June 2, 2007 but he was not immediately released. The victim was released on June 3, 2007 in Makati City and rescued by police.
Several suspects were arrested a in follow-up operation.
The suspects’ co-accused – two former soldiers, one police officer, and three other individuals – were convicted in 2018 and sentenced to reclusion perpetua by the Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 150 for kidnapping-for-ransom.
Abrahano commended operating units for their accomplishment.
“For 19 years he hid from the law, but justice has finally caught him up. His arrest closes a long-standing kidnapping case where his co-accused have already been sentenced to reclusion perpetua. This sends a clear message. Fugitives may run, but they cannot outrun justice,” said Abrahano.
The suspect is under the custody of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office for proper disposition.
Police arrested a former Army officer wanted for kidnapping after 19 years in hiding.
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| https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2183429/ex-cop-arrested-for-illegal-drugs-in-leyte-town |
A dismissed police officer was arrested along with a suspected high-value individual during an anti-illegal drugs operation conducted by the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) in Babatngon, Leyte on Tuesday, February 17.
Authorities identified the suspects as alias “Fred,” 55, a former policeman ranked No. 1 on the Regional Priority Target List, and alias “Gela,” 21, an unemployed resident of Babatngon who was classified as a high-value individual.
The arrests stemmed from a buy-bust operation carried out by the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 8 in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 8.
The operation was supported by several regional specialized units, and the Babatngon municipal police station.
Seized during the operation were approximately 39 grams of suspected meth with an estimated street value of P265,200, along with marked buy-bust money.
Authorities also recovered a pump-action rifle, ammunition, and a hand grenade from the suspects’ possession, raising concerns over the potential link between illegal drugs and firearms.
Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy, PRO-8 director, commended the operating teams for the successful operation, emphasizing the regional police’s commitment to sustaining aggressive but lawful anti-drug efforts.
“I commend the team for their bravery and professionalism in this operation. Rest assured that PRO-8 will continue to pursue those involved in illegal activities and ensure that they face the consequences of their actions,” Capoy said in an statement.Authorities confirmed that all seized evidence was properly inventoried in the presence of the suspects and required witnesses in accordance with legal procedures. Appropriate criminal charges are currently being prepared against the arrested individuals.
Police noted that the arrest of a former law enforcement officer underscores ongoing challenges in the fight against illegal drugs, as authorities continue to target both active networks and individuals previously linked to law enforcement or security sectors.
A dismissed police officer was arrested on drug charges.
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| https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2183449/cop-held-after-car-crashes-into-15-vehicles-hurts-21-in-taguig-city |
A police officer was arrested after his multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) crashed into 14 motorcycles and a sedan, hurting 21 individuals, in Taguig City, according to a police report.
The incident occurred Monday night in front of a convenience store along Cayetano Boulevard in Barangay Tuktukan, Taguig City.
The police report identified the MPV driver as an active police staff sergeant of the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group.
“While travelling at the said location, the vehicle’s brakes accidentally malfunctioned. In an attempt to avoid possible contact, the driver veered to the right,” the police report explained.
“However, the brakes remained inoperative, causing the vehicle to hit other vehicles travelling on the right side,” it added.
Twelve drivers and nine passengers sustained various injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, the police detailed.
“During inquiry, they collectively waived their rights to file charges against [the MPV driver.] In fact, each aggrieved party executed a written agreement to settle the damages incurred as a result of the incident,” it noted.
Nonetheless, the MPV driver’s license was confiscated for violation of a city ordinance against reckless driving and his vehicle was impounded for safekeeping pending investigation.The MPV driver remained under the custody of the Taguig City Police Station Traffic Investigation Unit, the National Capital Region Police Office Public Information Office confirmed to the Inquirer in a text message.
Meanwhile, according to the police report, several of the affected drivers had yet to submit their licenses, original receipts, and certificates of registration for the investigation, citing treatment for their injuries.
A police officer was arrested after his multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) crashed into 14 motorcycles and a sedan, hurting 21 individuals, in Taguig City, according to a police report.
Another barangay captain in northern Iloilo province was caught in an anti-drug operation over the weekend with nearly P1.5-million worth of suspected shabu from his possession.
Authorities identified the suspect as Kap Redan of Barangay Bondulan in San Dionisio town.
Recovered from the 52-year-old suspect by the Station Drug Enforcement Team (SDET) of the San Dionisio Municipal Police Station (MPS) under Police Capt. Maria Rosela Buenvenida was 222 grams of shabu.
Kap Redan, who was arrested in his house, reportedly sourced shabu from Estancia town and distributed it in San Dionisio.
Iloilo police chief Police Col. Bayani Razalan lauded the San Dionisio MPS for arresting the suspect listed as a high-value drug supplier.
Razalan thanked residents who provided information to the San Dionisio MPS which took two years to conduct surveillance against the suspect.
Kap Redan is the second barangay captain in San Dionisio arrested this year for alleged involvement in illegal drugs.
Another barangay captain in northern Iloilo province was caught in an anti-drug operation over the weekend with nearly P1.5-million worth of suspected shabu from his possession.
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| https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2183676/pnp-suspends-4-catanduanes-cops-over-death-of-detainee-during-escape-try |
The Philippine National Police (PNP) ordered the suspension of four Catanduanes police officers over the death of a person under police custody (PUPC) who supposedly attempted to escape during a stop in Camarines Sur.
“Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police, has ordered an impartial investigation into the fatal shooting of a murder suspect by four police officers in Camarines Sur,” Nartatez’ office said in a statement on Wednesday.
“P/Gen. Nartatez directed the immediate preventive suspension of the involved officers to ensure the integrity of the investigation,” it added.
The PUPC, a murder suspect, wa arrested in Pasig City and was being brought back to Catanduanes alongside another apprehended rape suspect last Feb. 6.
The police officers transporting the arrested suspects made a stop in Del Gallego, Camarines Sur to use the restroom when the PUPC elbowed one of the officers, took his firearm and ran to the forest, where the other officers gave chase and exchanged gunfire.
Autopsy results showed the murder suspect was hit in the shoulder, chest and head, Del Gallego police chief Capt. Bernie Undecimo previously told reporters.
“The PNP has clear protocols on the use of force, particularly on the principle of necessity and proportionality. We’re now investigating whether the standard operating procedures were followed during the operation,” Nartatez said.
The Philippine National Police ordered the suspension of four Catanduanes police officers over the death of a person under police custody who supposedly attempted to escape during a stop in Camarines Sur.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Wednesday said three personnel in Mimaropa were removed from their posts over their alleged involvement in extortion activities.
According to the LTO in a statement, the three personnel were dismissed following an anti-corruption drive led by the agency’s chief Markus Lacanilao.
LTO said one of the removed staff was a Job Order personnel who the LTO found to have been receiving illegal payments through an online wallet.
“As a result, Asec. Lacanilao immediately directed Region IV-B Acting Regional Director Atty. Wendel Dinglasan to cancel the contract of the said JO enforcer,” the LTO said.
Meanwhile, the other dismissed individuals were both regular employees—one of whom was caught collecting money in exchange for expediting transactions, while the other is accused of bribery involving plantilla positions and promotions.
The LTO said both employees have been suspended for 90 days pending investigation.
Lacanilao in the same statement then issued a warning against all LTO personnel that those who betray public trust will face administrative and legal consequences as the agency does not tolerate any form of fraud or abuse of authority.
He then called on the public to report any suspicious activities involving LTO to help the agency improve its public service delivery.
The Land Transportation Office said three personnel in Mimaropa were removed from their posts over their alleged involvement in extortion activities.
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| https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1269293 |
Acting Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Giovanni Lopez on Wednesday sacked an executive of the Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (SAICT) and clarified that all on-duty ambulances are allowed to pass through the Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) Busway.
Lopez made the decision on Wednesday through a memorandum addressed to SAICT Special Operations Group (SOG) head Rayson Dela Torre.
In the memorandum, he said Dela Torre flagged down an ambulance passing through the EDSA Busway that was carrying a stage 4 cancer patient on the way to a 6 a.m. doctor's appointment on Tuesday.
The incident was shown in a television news report, where Dela Torre stated that non-emergencies, such as transporting a patient to a medical appointment, are not an acceptable reason for an ambulance to use the EDSA Busway.
However, Lopez stressed that on-duty ambulances are allowed to use the EDSA Busway, regardless of the condition of the patient.
“Further, while the investigation is ongoing, you are hereby relieved from your assignment as SOG Head in EDSA Busway,” he said in his memorandum.
To avoid similar incidents, he also ordered the SAICT to conduct a reorientation of personnel assigned to the busway on policies issued by the DOTr.
“The Department of Transportation expresses its heartfelt sympathy to the patient’s family. We are assuring the public that necessary measures are being taken to ensure that enforcement policies will be implemented with compassion and that the people’s safety will always be the transport agency’s priority and paramount concern,” Lopez said.
A post that went viral on Facebook showed that the patient on board the flagged-down ambulance has passed away.
Netizens decried the treatment given to the patient and the SAICT’s alleged lack of understanding of the situation.
Acting Department of Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez on Wednesday sacked an executive of the Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation for stopping an ambulance on EDSA.
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