It's your weekly compendium of foolishness and corruption in the Philippine government.
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| https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2337043/municipal-employee-shot-dead-in-bukidnon-manhunt-on-for-suspects |
Colleagues and peers are in profound shock following the killing of a 37-year-old municipal government employee who was gunned down while riding home at dawn on Friday.
The incident happened around 2:30 a.m. in Purok 4, Barangay Libertad here.
According to the initial investigation by Quezon Police Station, led by Lt. Col. Erwin Naelga, the victim was allegedly tailed by an unidentified motorcycle while traversing the road.
Upon reaching the area near a sugarcane plantation, the suspects waylaid and flagged him down, forcing him to stop his motorcycle before shooting him once at close range in the neck.
Despite being rushed by rescue personnel to the Quezon Health Center Infirmary, the victim was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
Nearby residents reported hearing two motorcycles approaching, followed by gunshots, before seeing one vehicle flee toward Barangay Salawagan.
Crime scene investigators recovered two live rounds, one slug, and a fired cartridge case from a .45-caliber firearm.
Following the shooting, authorities activated OPLAN SHIELD and a containment ring, launching an immediate hot pursuit.
LGU Quezon coworkers described the victim as grateful, courteous, and dedicated Civil Security Unit (CSU) frontline personnel.
He had just finished his afternoon-to-night shift and was heading home on his black Yamaha XTZ motorcycle.
Bukidnon Provincial Director PCol. Oliver Navales has ordered the Quezon Municipal Police Station to conduct a thorough, expedited investigation to bring the culprits to justice.
A municipal employee has been assassinated while driving home on his motorcycle.
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| https://mb.com.ph/2026/11/06/manila-cop-faces-raps-after-pulling-gun-kicking-e-bike-driver |
A Manila police officer faces charges of grave threats and physical injuries for allegedly drawing his service firearm and kicking an e-bike driver during a predawn confrontation in Tondo, Manila, on Thursday, Nov. 5.
The 30-year-old patrolman, assigned to the Northern Police District's District Mobile Force Battalion (NPD-DMFB), was arrested by personnel of the Manila Police District's (MPD) Raxabago Police Station following the incident.
Based on the initial police investigation, the 35-year-old victim had just arrived at the corner of Juan Luna Street and Villafojas Street in Barangay 147 at around 3:30 a.m. when the police officer allegedly became angry with him.
The victim told investigators that he tried to keep his distance from the officer, but the latter allegedly drew his service firearm, chased him, and kicked him.
The victim subsequently reported the incident to Barangay 147, where the police officer surrendered voluntarily.
Personnel of the Pritil Police Community Precinct responded to the barangay and arrested the officer at around 12:45 p.m. on the same day.
Police recovered the officer's service-issued Pietro Beretta pistol, one magazine, and 13 live rounds of ammunition.
The case was referred to the MPD General Assignment and Investigation Section.
Authorities charged a Manila police officer with grave threats and physical injuries for allegedly pointing his service gun and kicking an e-bike driver in Tondo.
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| https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2337477/maguindanao-del-sur-village-councilman-survives-ambush |
An unidentified gunman tried, but failed, to kill a village councilman in Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur on Friday, Nov. 6, police said.
Capt. Steffi Salanguit, spokesperson of Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), identified the victim as Abdul Manab Guialodin, village councilor of Barangay Liong.
Liong sustained several gunshot wounds from the attempt on his life.
Salanguit said responding police officers learned the village official was driving his multicab vehicle on the way to the town center at 11 a.m. when ambushed by a lone gunman in Barangay Balanaken.
Capt. Oriel Siangco, Datu Piang police chief, said the victim sustained gunshot wounds on his arm and back.
Siangco led police in rushing the victim to the hospital.
Citing witnesses, Siangco said the suspect was seen hiding behind a coconut tree while Guialodin was traversing the village road.
After the shooting, the suspect fled to an unknown direction.
Police found five empty shells from a still undetermined firearm.
Siangco said the victim is now in stable condition.
A village councilor has survived an assassination attempt.
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| https://mb.com.ph/2026/11/08/police-probe-deaths-of-village-dad-companion-in-cagayan |
Police are investigating the deaths of a barangay councilor and a man whose bodies were found in a remote, wooded area in Barangay Capissayan Norte, this town, on Saturday afternoon, Nov. 7.
The Gattaran Municipal Police Station identified the victims as Jim, 52, councilor of Barangay San Miguel, Baggao, Cagayan, and Jack, 30, of Barangay Lasilat, Baggao.
Investigation said Jim’s body was found by farmer grazing his carabao and immediately notified barangay officials.
Authorities searched the area and discovered Jack’s body 35 meters away from Jim’s.
Forensics investigators processed the area and their remains were brought to a hospital for post-mortem examination. Police are awaiting autopsy results that will determine their cause of death.
Follow-up investigation and backtracking operations are ongoing. The victims’ families sought justice for their deaths.
A barangay councilor has been found dead in the woods.
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| https://mb.com.ph/2026/11/09/dpwh-chief-sacks-4-district-engineers-over-corruption-allegations |
Newly-appointed Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez sacked four district engineers in Luzon and Mindanao over allegations of corruption amid the ongoing internal cleansing following the controversy brought by the anomalous flood control projects.
Lopez said three of the district engineers were relieved over corruption allegations; namely, Tarlac 1st District Engineering head Hermon Ines, Cotabato 3rd District Engineering office chief Saidale Mitmug, and Apayao 2ndDistrict Engineering Office officer-in-charge Clifton Valencerina.
In sacking the three officials, Lopez sustained the policy of his predecessor, Vince Dizon, to relieve any DPWH official even on mere allegations of wrongdoings.
A number of district engineers were sacked from their posts before Dizon was re-appointed as secretary of the Department of Transportation.
Lopez, for his part, said that the fourth DPWH official relieved was District Engineer Amron Mitmug, of the 2ndDistrict Engineering Office of Lanao del Norte.
The DPWH chief explained that the relief of Mitmug came after he was found to have submitted certificates of implementability of projects that would have been funded under the 2027 national budget.
The issuance of that certificate means that projects stipulated in the national budget will immediately be implemented as soon as the funds are available.
Lopez said there were 59 projects that were certified by Mitmug as doable but the scrutiny of the documents and the subsequent inspection revealed that those projects cannot be implemented.
The DPWH has been scrutinizing all the projects that were submitted by their local officials in a bid to clean the image of the DPWH which suffered a big hit over a multi-billion corruption allegation.
Lopez said Dizon already wrote the Senate to immediately reject any infrastructure projects with questionable documents.
“There’s no problem in the funding of the projects for as long as there should be a basis,” said Lopez.
“Our reforms programs will continue. And this is not merely accountability, what we need right now is swift accountability,” he added.
DPWH Secretary Giovanni Lopez fired four district engineers in Luzon and Mindanao over corruption allegations tied to anomalous flood control projects.
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| https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2339876/2-manila-cops-dismissed-over-viral-traffic-incident-napolcom |
Two Manila cops involved in a viral traffic incident along Taft Avenue were dismissed from service, the National Police Commission (Napolcom) said Wednesday.
According to commission in a statement, the Napolcom en banc unanimously voted to dismiss Patrolmen Algrene Ar-ar Mirano Alcause and Jerome Caballa Toledo of the Manila Police District (MPD) from service after finding them guilty of Less Grave Irregularity in the Performance of Duty and Conduct Unbecoming of a Police Officer.
Their dismissal stemmed from a traffic incident along Taft Avenue, Manila, on February 5, 2026, in which the two patrolmen, aboard a marked police vehicle, allegedly cut off and blocked a motorist.
A video of the incident—which went viral on social media—also showed that the patrol vehicle ran a red light.
With this, Napolcom en banc ruled that the officers’ admissions, the viral video, and the vehicle’s preventive maintenance report established their administrative liability.
“The Napolcom En Banc reclassified the charge of Less Grave Misconduct motu proprio to Less Grave Irregularity in the Performance of Duty under Rule 21, Section 2(B)(2)(e) of Napolcom Memorandum Circular No. 2016-002, absorbed the charge of Simple Misconduct, and imposed dismissal from the service because the incident exposed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to nationwide ridicule,” the decision read.
Napolcom commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan then explained that the decision forms part of the agency’s collective effort to restore public trust in the police service and end the culture of impunity.
“Through its disciplinary and oversight functions, NAPOLCOM will continue working to ensure that police officers uphold the integrity of their uniform and remain accountable to the people they have sworn to serve,” he said.
NAPOLCOM dismissed two Manila police officers for misconduct and dishonesty after a viral traffic incident in which they blocked a motorist and gave a false explanation for their actions.
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| https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2339988/coa-flags-p62-23m-in-dmw-aid-for-ofws |
The Commission on Audit (COA) has found deficiencies in the Department of Migrant Workers’ (DMW) implementation of its aid program for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), noting that at least P62.23 million worth of disbursements had incomplete supporting documents.
In its 2025 audit report, the COA said a post-audit of the disbursements charged against the Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFWs na Nangangailangan (Aksyon) Fund revealed deficiencies in the submission of supporting documents.
These deficiencies were traced to the DMW central office as well as its regional offices in Metro Manila, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon), Mimaropa (Mindoro Oriental & Occidental, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan), Eastern Visayas and Northern Mindanao.
For the DMW Ilocos Region office, the COA flagged the disbursement of P18.69 million because the documents approving the release of funds lacked the signature of the DMW secretary or his duly authorized representative.
The COA also found deficiencies in the disbursement by the DMW Central Office of P16.22-million worth of assistance for 65 beneficiaries. Of the 65 claimants, 30 did not have a request for approval signed by the concerned fund administrator as well as proof of eligibility, billing invoice and case report.
On the other hand, 25 beneficiaries did not submit the required medical report, the COA noted. The rest either had no proof of unemployment, proof of maltreatment, proof of eligibility or medical reports.
For the DMW Mimaropa Regional Office, the COA flagged a disbursement worth P9.91 million that covered 152 beneficiaries, noting that the “claims were processed and paid despite the absence of one or more required document[s].”
Among the missing documents were an accomplished request for assistance, Philippine passport or travel documents, proof of OFW status, acknowledgement receipts and other documents relevant to the circumstances declared by the OFW.
“The grant of financial assistance despite the submission of incomplete/deficient supporting documents may result in the failure to establish the legitimacy and regularity of the expenditures,” the COA warned.
The state auditor called on the DMW to submit an explanation for the lack of documents and also revisit its guidelines to ensure that claims are supported with complete documents.
In a statement, the DMW said that it would comply with the COA recommendations while stressing that the findings should not automatically be construed as evidence of corruption or irregularities within the agency.
“These are just continuing process improvements, financial controls and safeguards that we continue to implement,” Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said.
He also clarified that only around eight percent of the department’s budget was under question by the COA, and that the DMW has already responded to the state auditor’s observations that were raised in July.
COA flagged ₱62.23 million in DMW financial assistance to overseas Filipino workers because of missing or incomplete supporting documents, raising concerns about the agency’s financial controls and accountability.
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| https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2340018/random-tests-in-negros-occ-show-10-govt-workers-positive-for-drug-use |
Confirmatory tests conducted by the Department of Health (DOH) revealed that 10 Negros Occidental provincial government employees tested positive for illegal drug use.
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz made the announcement on Wednesday, Nov. 11, adding that one employee tested negative while results for three others remain pending.
The testing stems from a routine mandatory random drug testing program, during which the provincial government collected urine samples from 1,962 employees, including staff across its seven district hospitals, in October.
Initial screenings yielded 14 positive results, all of which were submitted to the DOH for confirmation.
Diaz said they are currently reviewing the employment status of the 10 personnel who were confirmed positive for illegal drug use to determine the appropriate administrative actions.
Job order and contract of service personnel who tested positive will face immediate dismissal from service, Diaz said.
Meanwhile, permanent employees will be given an opportunity to undergo drug rehabilitation in accordance with Civil Service Commission guidelines.
10 government employees have tested positive for drugs.
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| https://mb.com.ph/2026/11/12/basilan-trial-court-judge-gunned-down-in-zamboanga-city |
A Regional Trial Court judge of Isabela City, Basilan was killed in an ambush here on Thursday, Nov. 12.
The victim was identified as Branch 2 Judge Joseph Wee Sit, a resident of Justina Subdivision in Barangay Tumaga, this city.
Initial investigation showed that Wee was driving his Sports Utility Vehicle on Tumaga-Putik Road at around 5:50 a.m. when he was shot by unidentified assailants on board a motorcycle.
The victim was taken to a hospital by emergency responders where he was declared dead from multiple bullet wounds.
Police forensics investigators recovered eight empty cartridge cases from a .45 caliber pistol at the crime scene.
Lawmen are conducting follow-up investigation and hot-pursuit operations against the suspects.
The Zamboanga City Police Office condemned the shooting of Sit.
Police said they will form a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) to oversee and coordinate the investigation, consolidate all available leads, and ensure the prompt resolution of the case.
“The ZCPO assures the public that this incident is being treated with utmost urgency and that all necessary lawful measures will be undertaken to bring those responsible to justice,” the ZCPO said.
“The public is encouraged to provide any information that may assist in the investigation through the nearest police station.”
Basilan Gov. Mujiv Hataman and the provincial government also condemned the killing of Wee.
The provincial government, in a statement, described the killing of Wee as a big loss to the Judiciary, the community, and the rule of law.
A judge has been assassinated.
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| https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2340203/ombudsman-suspends-cavite-town-mayor-amid-illegal-gambling-probe |
The Office of the Ombudsman imposed a preventive suspension against Rosario, Cavite Mayor Jose Voltaire Ricafrente over his alleged involvement in gambling activities at a casino in Bacolod City.
According to the Office of Ombudsman on Thursday, the case stemmed from a complaint filed by its Field Investigation Office I after conducting an investigation into Ricafrente’s alleged gambling activities.
“This Office finds sufficient grounds for the issuance of an Order for Preventive Suspension against respondent Municipal Mayor JOSE VOLTAIRE V. RICAFRENTE, Municipality of Rosario, Province of Cavite, considering that there is strong evidence showing his guilt; the charges against him for Grave Misconduct and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service may warrant his removal from the service,” part of the six-page order read.
Citing the investigation conducted, the Office of the Ombudsman said that Ricafrente entered a casino at a hotel on March 14, 2026 where he was accompanied by four other unnamed individuals.
It added that Ricafrente allegedly played at a gaming table with P30,000 worth of casino chips and won P10,000 before leaving the establishment.
The Ombudsman then noted Memorandum Circular No. 06, series of 2016 issued by the Office of the President which prohibits any government officials and employees from engaging with gambling casinos.
It also said that the preventive suspension does not constitute the finding of administrative liability. It added that the mayor’s continued stay in the office could influence the investigation “because of his access to government records and potential influence over witnesses.”
“Ultimately, it should be borne in mind that the issuance of a preventive suspension order does not amount to a prejudgment of the merits of the case. It is merely a preventive measure, a preliminary step in an administrative investigation and therefore not a penalty in itself,” the order further read.
The Ombudsman noted that the preventive suspension without pay is ordered pending the resolution of the administrative charges for Grave Misconduct and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service. It also said that suspension is immediately executory and will be effective until the administrative case is resolved.
The Ombudsman preventively suspended Rosario, Cavite Mayor Jose Voltaire Ricafrente amid an investigation into his alleged involvement in illegal gambling activities, pending further proceedings.
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| https://mb.com.ph/2026/11/12/navy-reservist-nabbed-in-marikina-over-obscenity-cases |
A 41-year-old female Philippine Navy reservist ranked ninth on Marikina City's most-wanted list was arrested over cases involving alleged obscene publications and indecent shows.
The woman was apprehended on Nov. 9 by members of the Marikina City Police Station’s Warrant and Subpoena Unit at the ground floor of the Marikina Justice Hall in Barangay Santa Elena.
Police said the arrest was carried out through a warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 165 in Marikina City.
The warrant covers three cases involving alleged violations of Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by Presidential Decrees 960 and 969, which penalize immoral doctrines, obscene publications and exhibitions, and indecent shows.
The accused was listed as the No. 9 Station-Level Most Wanted Person for November 2026.
The court set her recommended bail at P216,000 for the three cases.
The Philippine National Police said the arrest was part of its efforts to serve court-issued warrants and bring wanted individuals before the proper judicial authorities.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the police would continue to enforce the law regardless of a person’s status or position.
A 41-year-old female Philippine Navy reservist ranked ninth on Marikina City's most-wanted list was arrested over cases involving alleged obscene publications and indecent shows.
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