It's your weekly compendium of foolishness and corruption in the Philippine government.
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| https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2265502/4-bulacan-cops-relieved-from-post-over-mistaken-arrest-of-trader |
Four police officers were relieved from their posts for the alleged mistaken arrest of a businessman in Bulacan, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.
“‘When you conduct an operation, you should be clear and correct with your target. You should study it thoroughly. There was a lack of intelligence work,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. told reporters in an interview in Camp Crame on Friday.
“So, they are now in hot water. They’ve been relieved of their posts. They were assigned to the Regional Holding and Accounting Unit and facing administrative and criminal cases,” he added.
The businessman was approached by three of the implicated officers and a confidential informant at the parking lot of a restaurant in Baliwag City last Thursday afternoon, according to a Police Regional Office Central Luzon (PRO 3) spot report.
The officers allegedly “requested him (the businessman) to board a red Toyota Vios” and “did not present a warrant of arrest,” the spot report said.
When the businessman resisted and called for help, several restaurant employees responded and prevented the officers from taking him, the police further explained.
“Shortly thereafter, another [confidential informant] arrived, talked to him (the businessman), photographed his identification card and face and later realized that they had mistaken him for another person,” the spot report added.
All officers and confidential informants in the operation left afterward.A follow-up PRO 3 spot report identified the three implicated officers as two police master sergeants and a staff sergeant assigned to the San Rafael Municipal Police Station.
Meanwhile, Nartatez identified the fourth relieved police officer as the San Rafael town police chief, citing command responsibility.
In another interview in Camp Crame later on Friday, PNP public information chief Col. Allen Rae Co maintained that the Baliwag City operation had a warrant but declined to provide further details.
Four police officers were relieved from their posts for the alleged mistaken arrest of a businessman in Bulacan.
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| https://mb.com.ph/2026/07/17/retired-cop-nabbed-in-camarines-sur-buy-bust |
A retired police officer who had been under surveillance by the Philippine National Police Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (PNP-IMEG) was arrested in a buy-bust operation in Iriga City, Camarines Sur on Thursday night, July 16.
The suspect was identified as retired Police Staff Sergeant Richmond Ursus Turiano Bonnevie II, 45, formerly assigned to the Bicol Police Regional Office’s (PRO-5) Regional Communications and Electronics Unit 5 (RCEU5).
Bonnevie was nabbed after allegedly yielding P65,280 worth of suspected “shabu” or crystal meth in a buy-bust operation conducted by personnel of the Special Operations Unit 5 of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group (DEG) as the lead unit and other local police units in Camarines Sur, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) at 8:58 p.m. in Barangay San Francisco, Iriga City.
“The subject was among the monitored retired PNP personnel under IMEG COPLAN 'DI-NA' due to information linking him to alleged involvement in the proliferation of illegal drugs,” a report reaching Camp Crame showed on Friday, July 17.
Authorities said the operation resulted in the seizure of four heat sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu weighing about 9.6 grams with an estimated Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) value of P65,280.
Police also recovered one genuine P500 bill used as buy-bust money, five P1,000 boodle bills, a motorcycle ignition key, P507 in cash consisting of paper bills and coins, and a green disposable lighter from the suspect.
The retired policeman was placed under the custody of the Iriga City Police Station while charges for violation of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, are being prepared.
A retired cop has been busted for selling drugs.
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| https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2265600/gunmen-on-motorcyle-kill-village-councilor-in-isabela |
A 66-year-old barangay councilor was shot dead by motorcycle-riding gunmen at his farm in Barangay Malibago here at 8 in the morning on Friday, police said.
Lito Publico, 66, who used to serve as the barangay captain, sustained five bullet wounds, one of which pierced his head, according to Police Colonel Manuel Bringas, Isabela police director. The type of gun used is still being verified.
Police have yet to determine the reason for the attack but are hunting down the killers. “The follow-up investigation is still ongoing,” Bringas said.
A barangay councilor was shot dead by motorcycle-riding gunmen at his farm.
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| https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2265584/pampanga-village-chief-nabbed-for-road-rage-shooting-of-truck-driver |
A barangay captain was arrested on Friday for allegedly shooting a truck driver in the leg during a road rage incident along the national highway in Guagua, Pampanga, shortly after midnight.
In a statement, the Central Luzon police said the suspect was apprehended in Barangay Santa Maria, Lubao, Pampanga, at around 1 p.m. Friday, about 12 hours after the shooting.
The police withheld the identity of the suspect, describing him only as a 42-year-old barangay captain from Lubao.
The shooting incident stemmed from an altercation between the driver of a Ford pickup truck and the driver of a cargo truck along Jose Abad Santos Avenue at around 1:20 a.m.
The confrontation allegedly escalated when the pickup truck driver drew a gun and shot the 28-year-old cargo truck driver.
“The 28-year-old victim sustained a gunshot wound to his right leg and was immediately taken to a hospital for medical treatment,” the police said.
Police said investigators identified and tracked down the suspect by reviewing closed-circuit television footage in the area.
Authorities also seized the suspect’s licensed firearm, which was allegedly used in the shooting. The weapon will undergo forensic examination as police prepare the appropriate criminal charges against the suspect.
A barangay captain was arrested for allegedly shooting a truck driver in the leg during a road rage incident.
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| https://mb.com.ph/2026/07/17/barmm-councilor-shot-dead-in-north-cotabato |
A councilor of the Kadayangan, Special Geographic Area-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (SGA-BARMM) was gunned down Thursday afternoon in this town.
Police Lt. Col. Rey Salgado, head of the Midsayap Municipal Police, said the attack against Kadayangan Councilor Nasser A. Dalandang occurred at about 3 p.m. on the national highway in Barangay Salunayan.
Investigation said Dalandang was parked in his pickup truck waiting for his wife who was purchasing medicine when he was attacked.
“Two men on a motorcycle shot Dalandang on the pickup truck’s driver’s side. Police and soldiers rushed him to the hospital, but he was declared dead on arrival,” Salgado said.
He said a thorough investigation is underway to determine the motive behind the killing and identify the suspects involved.
Midsayap police has intensified security measures in the area while pursuing the perpetrators. It appealed to anyone with information that could help in the investigation to contact the nearest police station.
Dalandang is a member of the United Justice Party, the political party of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in the BARMM.
Midsayap is not part of BARMM and is not covered by the gun ban related to the parliamentary elections in Sept. 14, but it is located beside Kadayangan where the gun ban is in effect.
A councilor of the Kadayangan, Special Geographic Area-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao was gunned down.
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| https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1279577 |
The Philippine National Police-Internal Affairs Service (IAS) has disarmed a cop who is suspected of being the mastermind in the killing of a jeepney driver.
In a statement, PNP-IAS chief, Inspector General Brigido Dulay, said the police non-commissioned officer (PNCO) assigned to the Regional Internal Affairs Service – National Capital Region (RIAS-NCR) has been disarmed and placed in restrictive custody.
A criminal complaint has also been filed against the officer before the prosecutor’s office of Muntinlupa City.
Dulay said that at no point was the cop afforded any special treatment or accommodation by virtue of his assignment within the IAS.
“The IAS exists to hold police officers accountable. That mandate does not carry an exception for our own people, When one of our own betrays the badge, we do not circle the wagons — we open the gates,” he said.
Dulay assured the public that the actions of errant individuals do not define the institution.
Meanwhile, the wife of the victim formally filed an administrative complaint against the officer before the National Police Commission (Napolcom).
“While the IAS had already commenced its own preliminary investigation into the matter, we recognize that the Napolcom’s independent handling of this case will best serve the interest of justice and dispel any perception of institutional bias. Accordingly, the IAS will cooperate fully with Napolcom and will hand over all relevant evidence and documentation gathered in the course of our own proceedings,” he added.
Dulay also said the IAS will likewise conduct an internal review of their personnel screening and monitoring protocols to ensure that red flags are identified and acted upon at the earliest opportunity.
In a separate statement on Wednesday, Napolcom Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan warned the entire police force to strictly stop all forms of extortion, declaring that any police officer found collecting "kotong" or protection money will face immediate dismissal from the service.
The sweeping directive came as members of transport group Manibela and the family of the slain public utility jeepney driver filed a formal complaint before Napolcom against Police Executive M/Sgt. Edwin Figueroa, who allegedly masterminded the killing after the victim refused to pay illegal collections, or "butaw."
Stressing the gravity of the extortion complaint, Calinisan emphasized that Napolcom will pursue the case without compromise and impose the highest administrative sanctions on any police personnel found liable.
He directed the Commission's Inspection, Monitoring, and Investigation Service (IMIS) to expedite the probe, assuring the complainants of a resolution within 60 days, in line with the agency's policy on the prompt disposition of disciplinary cases.
To ensure accountability across the ranks, Calinisan urged not just transport workers, but all victims of police extortion, to report abusive officers directly to Napolcom, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), or their nearest police station.
The Philippine National Police-Internal Affairs Service has disarmed a cop who is suspected of being the mastermind in the killing of a jeepney driver.
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| https://mb.com.ph/2026/07/19/sk-councilor-nabbed-in-cadiz-city-buy-bust |
Police arrested a 26-year-old Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) councilor and his two companions in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Tinampa-an, Cadiz City, Negros Occidental on Thursday, July 16.
The suspects were identified as SK Councilor Bingbong of Barangay Zone 6, Cadiz City, and Jac, 27, of Barangay Zone 4, Cadiz City, and Ro, 28, of Barangay 1, Manapla, Negros Occidental.
Recovered from them were 4.5 grams of suspected shabu worth P30,600, the P500 marked money, a .38 caliber revolver, and two bullets.
Police Lt. Daleen Grace Loreno, deputy chief of Cadiz City Police Station, said that Bingbong used a different name in his transactions and was arrested after a two-month monitoring.
The suspects used cashless transactions and send a photo of the item to their customer and drop it in a location where it will be picked it up or meet with their trusted clients. Ro is the alleged source of the contraband.
The suspects denied involvement in the illegal drugs trade. Bingbong was elected in 2023 and was tagged as a high-value individual. His companions were classified as street-level individuals.
Police Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño, director of Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) said the successful operation sends a clear message that the law applies to all people.
An SK councilor and his friends have been busted for drugs.
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| https://mb.com.ph/2026/07/20/angono-village-secretary-dies-after-shooting-officials-condemn-attack |
Officials of Barangay San Vicente in Angono, Rizal condemned the shooting of its village secretary, who succumbed to his wounds while undergoing treatment on Sunday, July 19.
The victim was identified as Freddie Cañeva, 46. His brother, Joseph, confirmed that he died at around 3 p.m. on Sunday.
In a statement, the barangay administration denounced the attack, extended its condolences to Cañeva’s family, and called on authorities to conduct a swift and thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“His dedication and service to our community will never be forgotten,” the barangay said.
Cañeva had been hospitalized since Friday, July 17, after he was shot while on his way to work.
Police earlier reported that the attack occurred at around 8 a.m. along Doña Nieves Street, where the barangay secretary was walking to the Barangay San Vicente office.
Two motorcycle-riding gunmen reportedly approached Cañeva before one of them fired several shots. The suspects then fled toward Barangay Kalayaan.
Cañeva was initially taken to Angono General Hospital before being transferred to Amang Rodriguez Medical Center in Marikina City, where he died.
A barangay secretary has died after being shot while on his way to work.
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| https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1279752 |
A village chair in Victorias City, Negros Occidental was arrested for illegal possession of firearm and explosive during a search warrant operation Friday night, the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) said on Saturday.
The suspect was identified as alias “Gar,” 54, of Hacienda Nasipunan, Barangay 12.
PRO-NIR spokesperson Lt. Col. Joem Malong said the suspect failed to obtain both license to own and possess firearm (LTOPF) and permit to carry firearm outside residence (PTCFOR), based on the records of the Philippine National Police Firearms and Explosives Office.
“There has been a complaint against him for illegal possession of firearms and upon verification, the police learned he does not have an LTOPF and a PTCFOR,” Malong told the Philippine News Agency.
Alias “Gar” yielded a caliber .22 revolver loaded with six rounds of ammunition, 63 additional rounds of caliber .22 ammunition, and a hand grenade during the operation led by the Victorias Component City Police Station, where he is detained.
“We will continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations and ensure that individuals who violate our firearms and explosives laws are held accountable,” PRO-NIR Director Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño said in a statement.
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| https://mb.com.ph/2026/07/15/school-principal-arrested-for-murder-of-pregnant-teacher |
Police have arrested a 56-year-old public school principal over the fatal shooting of a seven-month pregnant teacher and her unborn child last May Tayum, Abra.
Police said the suspect was arrested inside his office in a school in Lagangilang, Abra.
Authorities said a witness positively identified the principal as the gunman who fled the crime scene aboard a motorcycle after the attack.
Investigators said the suspect was the back rider of a motorcycle driven by another man when he shot Maria Elaine Besas Valencia, 36, on May 8. The driver remains unidentified and is still being hunted by police.
The killing was allegedly motivated by the suspect’s fear that Valencia was preparing to file criminal charges against him after she learned that her daughter was allegedly in a relationship with the suspect since she was 12-years-old.
Police Capt. Cerel Gaspili, chief of the Tayum Municipal Police Station, said they believe the suspect wanted to silence the victim before she could pursue legal action.
Valencia, a resident of Barangay Pawa, Lagangilang, and a teacher in Taguig City, was onboard a motorcycle driven by her husband on their way to a bus terminal here with relatives on a separate motorcycle when they were ambushed by two motorcycle-riding gunmen in Barangay Bumagcat, Tayum.
The suspects fled and Valencia sustained multiple bullet wounds. She was taken to a hospital in Bangued before being transferred to a medical facility in Bantay, Ilocos Sur, where she and her unborn child were declared dead.
Manhunt operations for the other suspect ang follow-up investigation are ongoing.
A public school principal has been arrest for murdering a teacher and her unborn child.
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| https://mb.com.ph/2026/07/20/ex-cop-nabbed-again-for-stealing-sick-siblings-tricycle-in-qc |
A dismissed Philippine National Police (PNP) officer was arrested for the fourth time after allegedly stealing a tricycle that served as the sole livelihood of two ailing siblings in Barangay San Isidro, Quezon City, on July 17.
The 54-year-old suspect, identified only as alias “Ram,” was arrested by operatives of the Galas Police Station (PS 11) led by Police Lt. Col. Morgan Aguilar at his residence in Barangay San Isidro at around 1 a.m. on July 17.
The case began on the evening of July 15 when victim Roy Guanlao parked his Kawasaki motorcycle with sidecar in front of his residence on Union Civica Street.
Guanlao discovered that the tricycle was missing when he woke up at around 7 a.m. on July 16.
According to Aguilar, Guanlao initially thought that someone had merely borrowed the tricycle and began asking around.
“He initially thought that someone had merely borrowed the tricycle and that it had not been stolen. He began asking around and eventually spoke with the witness,” Aguilar said.
A female witness later told Guanlao that she had seen the suspect driving the tricycle toward Bayani Street in Barangay San Isidro during the early hours of July 16.
Police also reviewed CCTV footage that allegedly showed the suspect driving the stolen vehicle.
Operatives later went to the suspect’s residence but failed to find him there.
When police were informed that the suspect had returned home on July 17, they immediately proceeded to the area and arrested him at around 1 a.m.
The stolen tricycle, however, has yet to be recovered.
Guanlao said the tricycle was their only source of livelihood, as he and his sibling -- both suffering from illnesses -- depended on it.
He said they are now worried about how they will pay for their household expenses and medical needs.
The suspect denied involvement in the theft and claimed that he was merely at home when the incident occurred.
Police said the suspect had already been jailed three times in the past.
Records showed that he had previous cases for violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, in 2019 and 2023, as well as serious physical injuries and alarms and scandals in 2017.
The suspect is detained at the Galas Police Station and will face a complaint for violation of Republic Act No. 10883, or the New Anti-Carnapping Act of 2016, before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.
An ex-cop has been arrested for stealing his sibling's tricycle.
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| https://mb.com.ph/2026/07/20/lipa-city-traffic-enforcer-gunned-down-in-quezon |
A Lipa City traffic enforcer was gunned down on Monday morning, July 20, in this town.
Police identified the victim as Adelaida Janet Baldo Thompson.
Investigation said the victim was driving a motorcycle on her way home when a man on board a black motorcycle and wearing black jacket and helmet appeared and shot her.
The victim died on the spot and the suspect fled towards the Maharlika Highway.
Follow-up investigation and manhunt operations are ongoing.
A traffic enforcer has been assassinated.
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| https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2267646/cebu-cops-in-hot-water-over-alleged-car-scams |
Several individuals from Cebu have accused some police officers of victimizing them in car scams.
The complainants filed an administrative case against the implicated officers before the National Police Commission (Napolcom) at the latter’s office in Quezon City on Tuesday, July 21.
In a press briefing after the filing, one of the complainants, businessman Ronald Elpa, alleged purchasing several vehicles from the group of police officers last August.
“They first bring up the relationship, that they’re friends, acquaintances… They said they had special discounts,” Elpa told reporters.
“There were some vehicles that they delivered, some that they didn’t… Until now, they haven’t given us the documents,” he added.
Also at the briefing, co-complainant Baby Villaspin claimed he and a police colonel agreed to evenly split a P260,000 downpayment to purchase a vehicle from the same group.
However, according to Villaspin, the police colonel’s check “bounced,” which meant the bank could not process it, forcing Villaspin to cover the entire P260,000.
He further claimed that the vehicle was later taken from his residence and has not been returned despite repeated assurances.At the presser, Napolcom Commissioner Rafael Calinisan said the commission will conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations.
“We’ll be looking at whether there is a connection between these allegations, if there is a larger scheme or a syndicate behind this. We really have to dive deep and check,” Calinisan said.
Several individuals from Cebu have accused some police officers of victimizing them in car scams.
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| https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1279952 |
The Supreme Court (SC) turned down the appeal filed by a former police officer and six other individuals accused of kidnapping for ransom in 2004.
The high tribunal said the loss or non-presentation of ransom money in court does not prevent a conviction for kidnapping for ransom, so long as the prosecution is able to prove that ransom was demanded for the victim’s release.
In a 16-page decision made public Tuesday, the SC denied the appeal of Jose Olibato, Jaime Tolevas, Romeo Aruta, Rodrigo Aruta, Alberto Culanag, Edwin Castillo, and PO3 Clayton Patingan.
The SC sentenced them to reclusion perpetua without eligibility for parole and ordered them to pay the female victim PHP300,000 as civil indemnity and moral and exemplary damages.
“The prosecution's evidence -- clear, direct and corroborated by independent witnesses -- convincingly established that the (victim) Genevieve's abduction was committed for ransom,” the SC said.
It also said Patingan’s claim that he and the victim had a romantic relationship "deserves no weight."
the accused "did not produce any evidence to prove his claim of a romantic relationship (with the victim) or to show that the charge of kidnapping was fabricated out of fear of her parents," according to the SC ruling.
The case against another accused, SPO4 Romeo Ayson, was dismissed following his death during the pendency of the case.
Patingan and Ayson flagged the victim’s car and, together with the other accused, forcibly took her and detained her in a house.
They demanded PHP50 million from the victim’s father in exchange for her release. After negotiations, the amount was reduced to PHP500,000.
Under police surveillance, the victim’s family driver delivered the marked ransom money to the accused. The police then rescued her, arrested the suspects and recovered the marked money.
The Regional Trial Court found that the accused worked together to kidnap and detain the victim for ransom. It rejected their defenses of denial and alibi. The Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction.
The SC said the evidence showed that the ransom money was delivered and received during the police operation.
The SC also clarified that although Patingan was a police officer at the time of the crime, he was considered a private individual because he was not performing his official duties when he participated in the kidnapping.
The SC has upheld the conviction of a cop for kidnapping.
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| https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2268271/soldier-arrested-after-firing-gun-in-samar |
Police took into custody a 31-year-old Army soldier after he allegedly fired five shots during a confrontation with construction workers along Diversion Road in Barangay 13, Catbalogan City in Samar, on Tuesday evening.
The suspect, identified only as “Tep,” of Motiong, Samar, was allegedly under the influence of liquor when the incident occurred around 6 p.m., according to the initial investigation of the Catbalogan City Police Station.
Police said the suspect arrived at the area aboard a motorcycle and became belligerent after “Jim,” 26, a construction worker, told him to park his motorcycle properly.
The suspect allegedly drew a firearm and fired three shots toward Jim. In turn, Jim punched the suspect, causing him to fall to the ground and flee.
While fleeing, the suspect allegedly fired two more shots in Jim’s direction. Jim’s sister intervened and cautioned the suspect, prompting him to stop, police said.
The suspect later wandered around the area until bystanders subdued and pacified him before turning him over to responding police officers.
Two other construction workers, identified as “Ray,” 19, and “Rod,” 58, both residents of Barangay 13, were hit by stray bullets allegedly fired by the suspect. They were brought to Samar Provincial Hospital for medical treatment.
The police said Jim was unharmed.The Catbalogan police, together with the Regional Special Operations Unit 8 and the Samar Police Provincial Office– Provincial Intelligence Unit, responded to the incident.
The suspect was taken into police custody for proper disposition while the Scene of the Crime Operations team was requested to process the crime scene.
Authorities have yet to disclose the firearm used in the incident and the specific charges to be filed against the suspect.
An Army soldier was arrested after he allegedly fired five shots during a confrontation with construction workers.
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| https://mb.com.ph/2026/07/22/drivers-license-of-cebu-town-mayor-in-motorcycle-crash-suspended-for-90-days |
A show-cause order has been issued to Dumanjug, Cebu Mayor Efren ‘’Gungun’’ Gica, who figured in a road accident while counterflowing and driving a motorcycle without license plate in Minglanilla, Cebu.
The Land Transportation Office-Central Visayas (LTO-7) suspended Gica’s driver's license for 90 days.
LTO-7 summoned Gica to explain why he should not be charged for violating the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.
"Regardless of one's position or status, every motorist is equally accountable under the law, while every respondent is afforded full due process before any final administrative action is taken," Wendel Dinglasan, director of LTO-7, said in a statement.
Gica will be investigated for possible reckless driving, operating a motor vehicle without displaying the prescribed number plate, and being an improper person to operate a motor vehicle, among other administrative offenses, the LTO-7 said.
The incident, which happened on Sunday morning, July 19, went viral on social media after the crash was caught by dashcam video.
Gica was driving a Ducati motorcycle when he rammed a van that was executing a U-turn at a designated slot. He has apologized for the incident and vowed to cooperate in the investigation. "I make no excuses. I was wrong, and I take full accountability for what happened," Gica said.
A show-cause order has been issued to Dumanjug, Cebu Mayor Efren ‘’Gungun’’ Gica, who figured in a road accident while counterflowing and driving a motorcycle without license plate in Minglanilla, Cebu.
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