Stupid PNP Antics

Cops around the world engage in stupid antics as a way to connect with the public and relieve stress. The Philippine National Police as well as the Department of Justice is no exception. Here are a few of their latest stupid antics.

K-9's are an important part of policing. Recenlty one dog was promoted to corporal. 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/2/7/fur-tastic-promotion-shih-tzu-police-dog-gets-promoted-with-200-cops-in-rizal

"Tiger at your service!”

A Shih Tzu-Poodle mix police dog named "Tiger" stole the spotlight as netizens were amused by its promotion together with more than 200 police personnel during the simultaneous oath-taking in Taytay, Rizal, on Thursday, Feb. 6.

The Rizal Police Provincial Office (Rizal PPO) said the event was part of the nationwide oath-taking, donning, and pinning of ranks for 2nd-level uniformed personnel for the 2024 calendar year, with local ceremonies held at the Parade Ground of the Rizal PPO.

Tiger was promoted to corporal and has been courageously serving alongside the Rizal PPO in their field responses.

“Tiger brought joy and excitement to the newly promoted personnel and their families,” it said.

According to PNP, the event is part of the regular promotion cycle for Calendar Year 2024, recognizing the dedication and exemplary service of personnel who have shown outstanding commitment to law enforcement.

We are not told exactly what this dog did to earn a promotion. From the sound of it he did nothing except exist and make people happy. Why is the PNP taking a shih-tzu on patrol? Is he sniffing for drugs? That does not seem likely or it would have been reported. 

Prank calls to 911 are such a nuisance that DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla is recommending LGUs purchase motorcycles so PNP officers can investigate if a call is legitimate before sending in the calvary.  

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1243645

Provincial governors must acquire motorcycles for local police to ensure immediate response to reports through the country’s 911 emergency hotline, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said.

In a news release on Saturday, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the purchase of new motorcycles would allow the police to quickly verify the legitimacy of reported incidents, considering that 60 percent of total reports to 911 were prank calls.

“I ask you for only one thing: Buy motorcycles. Give that to the police and let them verify if the call is legitimate or not,” he was quoted as saying during the 7th General Assembly of the League of Provinces of the Philippines in Pasig City on Friday.

Remulla said it is a small investment for the governors to ensure that government resources will not be wasted.

During his four terms as Cavite governor, he acquired 800 police cars as logistical support to respond quickly to calls for assistance.

He said the national government would shoulder all expenses for the launching of the nationwide integrated 911 system, adding that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered adjustments to the national budget to support the initiative.

“The only investment of LGUs is I ask you to give policemen access to motorcycles para (for) first response, laging pulis, para madetermine talaga ang nangyayari (it’s always the police, to determine what’s really happening),” Remulla said.

He said towns will be provided with firetrucks and ambulances for quick response during emergencies.

"The 911 is worthless if you only call but there is no response. It’s just like you’re only complaining. So, we have to capacitate LGUs to be able to respond,” Remulla said.

The DILG is eyeing the launch of the integrated 911 emergency response system by June in the Greater Manila area, Cebu and Mindanao.

The 911 replaced the old Philippine emergency hotline117 in 2016.

Calls coursed through 911 include those that require police assistance, fire reports, emergency medical assistance, search and rescue, and even those that concern chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive materials.

One has to wonder why the PNP does not have a supply of motorcycles or cars or trucks on hand. These vehicles are necessary for patrolling the road and enforcing traffic laws. Sadly the roads are full of dangerous drivers because the PNP do not enforce traffic laws. But isn't it sad that so many Filipinos are prank calling 911 the this suggestion has to be made? Are prank callers being charged with a crime?

The whole world knows Filipinos love to dance. That explains why the Irish embassy is teaching Irish dancing to female prisoners. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1244026

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has partnered with the Irish Embassy in the Philippines to facilitate a dance workshop for female persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).

In a news release on Thursday, the DOJ said the workshop was held at the Correctional Institution for Women compound in Mandaluyong City on Wednesday with Irish Ambassador to the Philippines Emma Hickey and Embassy of Ireland in the Philippines Head of Consular Naomi McElroy in attendance.

The activity intends to promote health and wellness through the art of Irish dance and introduce the Irish culture to female inmates, serving as an avenue to strengthen Filipino-Irish international relations.

This is in line with the Marcos administration’s commitment to upgrading human rights in the country and improving the lot of the country’s inmates, including their reintegration into mainstream society.

"This Dance Workshop is a symbol of our collective commitment to rehabilitation and reintegration, and a celebration of second chances," Justice Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez said.

The Irish envoy, meanwhile, expressed elation for being part of the activity.

"I’m delighted to be here with you as I have heard great things about the programs underway at CIW. Thank you for the wonderful welcome you have given my team and I," she said.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla thanked the Irish ambassador for the “noble event” for the “reforming sisters behind bars.”

“Your diplomacy speaks volumes, we look forward to more partnerships with Ireland in the near future," he said.

The dance workshop was supported by the Samahan ng mga Pilipina para sa Reporma at Kaunlaran (SPARK) Philippines Inc., a non-profit organization that champions the development of women and youth as full partners in gender equality.

How exactly does teaching Irish dance to female prisoners improve their lives? Will female ex-cons be forming Irish dancing troupes and touring the nation? And who was teaching the dancing? Did the Irish embassy fly in a group to teach these ladies to do the River Dance? 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is alive and well in the Philippines. 20% of the PNP force is female and the PNP Chief says this reflects an improvement in law enforcement.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1244007

The rising number of female police officers reflects the significant improvement in the country’s law enforcement service formerly dominated by male officials, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said on Thursday.

Marbil said the PNP is now composed of 42,757 female officers serving in various capacities, or 20 percent of more than 200,000 personnel.

“This is a testament to the PNP’s commitment to gender equality and professional excellence. No longer are women just part of the PNP—they are driving its transformation,” Marbil said in a statement.

Based on existing recruitment rules emphasized by the National Police Commission (Napolcom) in its memorandum issued in 2021, the PNP should allocate 10 percent of its annual recruitment quota to women.

There is a pending bill before the House of Representatives to increase the annual recruitment quota to at least 20 percent.

Marbil said 151 female officers hold key command and operational positions.

“These women are not just making history—they are shaping the future of policing. They have shattered ceilings, proven their mettle, and are leading from the frontlines. Leadership is not about gender; it is about competence, vision, and the unwavering commitment to serve,” Marbil said.

One of them is Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, the first female PNP spokesperson who now also holds the record of being the first-ever female Regional Director. She is the concurrent director of the Police Regional Office in Region 3 (Central Luzon).

Brig. Gen. Jezebel D. Medina also holds the top post of the PNP Health Service while Police Brig. Gen Portia Manalad heads the Women and Children Protection Center.

Brig. Gen. Maria Leonora Camarao is now also the Regional Director of the Internal Affairs Service (IAS) in the National Capital Region while Col. Vina Guzman, the current PNP Academy Commandant of Cadets is expected to be promoted to one-star general as she holds a Brigadier General-equivalent position.

Across various leadership levels, Marbil said a total of 103 police colonels and 35 police lieutenant colonels hold strategic positions.

Marbil said two women now serve as chiefs of police in Makati City and Mandaluyong City while five female police officers currently hold the top PNP post in five provinces— Aurora, Guimaras, Antique, Siquijor, and Leyte Sur.

Zamboanga City, a critical urban hub, is under the command of a female City Director — Col. Kimberly Molitas.

Marbil also reaffirmed the PNP’s steadfast commitment to empowering female officers by ensuring equal opportunities for career advancement, leadership training, and professional growth.

He emphasized that the organization will continue to foster a culture where excellence and not gender defines success.

You know, come to think of it, I don't recall ever hearing about a female cop shooting a drug user. That's a good thing right? But note that the PNP Chief says they want "to foster a culture where excellence and not gender defines success" after lauding the hiring and promotion of female cops! 

Valentine's Day has come and gone and with it the stupidest PNP antic of all, handing out flowers, chocolate, and balloons to the public. 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/2/15/rizal-cops-serenade-hand-out-flowers-chocolates-and-balloons-on-valentine-s-day

Police serenaded the public as they handed out flowers, balloons and chocolates in Taytay, Rizal on Valentine’s Day.

The men and women of the Rizal Police Provincial Office (PPO) gave roses, red balloons, and chocolates to passersby in Taytay, Rizal as the Rizal PPO band members sang love songs on February 14 in Taytay. 

Men, women, and kids alike received the Valentine items from the police during the PPO’s annual activity on Valentine’s Day. 

At the PPO camp, Col. Felipe Maraggun, police director, also serenaded female personnel in the morning before heading out to different police stations for his usual daily routine of activities.

The giving out of Valentine gifts to the public has been an annual tradition of the Rizal PPO men and women during this time of the year.

What a waste of money which would be better spent on motorcycles to check on 911 calls. 

Blowing up Illegal Firecrackers

What do you do with illegal firecrackers? Douse them with water and toss them in the trash? Well, in the Philippines you blow them up!

https://mb.com.ph/2025/1/8/police-destroy-seized-firecrackers-in-cagayan-valley

The Police Regional Office-2 destroyed 1,347 illegal firecrackers seized during the Yuletide season in the Cagayan Valley region on Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 7.

Police Brig. Gen. Antonio Marallag Jr., PRO-2 chief, said the destruction aimed to eliminate hazards posed by illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.

“This initiative not only complies with laws and regulations but also protects the community from the dangers associated with firecracker-related injuries and accidents," Marallag said.

"This annual event is a crucial part of our efforts to educate the public about the risks of illegal fireworks and to encourage safer celebration practices,” Marallag added. 

The Bureau of Fire Protection assisted the police in the destruction of the banned firecrackers valued at P38,000.

Setting off illegal firecrackers? Bad. Setting off illegal firecrackers by the PNP? Good. Ridiculous. Why not defuse them and douse them with water? Surely there are safer ways to destroy firecrackers than by blowing them up. 

Don't tell that to the Zamboanga PNP. 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/1/7/zamboanga-city-police-destroy-seized-firecrackers

Several cartons of firecrackers confiscated by the police here during the holiday season were destroyed on Tuesday, Jan. 7. 

A Zamboanga City Police Office statement said the disposal was carried out in coordination with the Explosive Ordnance Disposal-9 and other concerned agencies in Barangay Muti here, more than 50 kilometers away from the central business district.  

“This operation is part of the ongoing efforts to ensure public safety and maintain peace, especially in times of community celebration. The firecrackers, which were previously seized during routine operations last Yuletide season, were safely and efficiently disposed of by the EOD-9 team, in accordance with established safety protocols,” police said. 

Zamboanga City Police Office spokesperson Police Major Albert Alfaro disclosed these firecrackers were seized based on an ordinance banning their sale and use. 

These were destroyed in the area far from the town proper to prevent a repeat of the huge explosion that happened in Barangay Cabatangan last July. 

In the past, seized firecrackers were destroyed in front of City Hall.  

What is safe about setting off illegal fireworks in front of City Hall? NOTHING!! Here is what happened last year.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1228556

A total of 27 persons, including 19 uniformed personnel, were wounded in an explosion of firecrackers that were for disposal in Zamboanga City on Monday afternoon.

In a report on Tuesday, the Zamboanga City Police Office said the victims consisted of eight civilians, six police officers, three Philippine Coast Guard members, five Bureau of Fire Protection personnel, and five members of the Philippine Marine Corps.

Of the 19 uniformed personnel, one is in critical condition while four were "severely wounded," according to the report.

Meanwhile, the other victims sustained minor injuries and were all discharged from the hospital.

Initial investigation showed members of the Regional Explosive Canine Unit (RECU) 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) transported the firecrackers using a marked vehicle with plate number 092805 to the disposal site in Zone 2, Barangay Cabatangan, Zamboanga City.

RECU members were about to dispose of the firecrackers when these prematurely exploded at the site at about 5:35 p.m. on Monday.

The firecrackers were seized in the aftermath of an explosion in a pyrotechnic warehouse in the city's Barangay Tetuan on June 29.

Responding personnel of the Zamboanga City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office provided the victims with first aid and brought to hospitals those hurt badly in the explosion.

HAHA!!! Let's not pretend that isn't funny because it is hilarious! These morons think the proper way to dispose of fireworks is to blow them up and they got what they deserved. 

If you Google "how to dispose of fireworks" this the very first result. 

Three Steps to Safe Fireworks Disposal

1. Soak. Completely submerge fireworks in a bucket of water. Allow to soak overnight.
2. Wrap. Double wrap soaked fireworks in plastic wrap or plastic bags so they do not dry out.
3. Dispose. Place wrapped bags in regular household garbage and take to your local solid waste facility.

Only in the Philippines do authorities destroy illegal fireworks by blowing them up instead of defusing and disposing of them.

PNP Forbids Drinking on the Job

The PNP has now officially banned drinking while on duty. Who knew PNP officers were actually allowed, nay encouraged by the top brass, to drink on the job? 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1997769/consuming-intoxicating-drinks-at-pnps-workplaces-now-prohibited

Consuming any liquor or any intoxicating drinks  within the workplace of the Philippine National Police (PNP) is now prohibited, according to a memorandum issued on October 21 by the agency’s Chief of Directorial Staff.

“All offices/units are directed to strictly enforce the prohibition of drinking any kind of intoxicating liquor within the workplace (i.e offices, premises, or worksites, including training venues, places visited for field work assignment, and related situations),” the memorandum read.

Police officers were previously allowed “happy hour” and “beer busting” as a way to “unwind, foster camaraderie, and strengthen working relationships.”

However, the memorandum also said that the directive was instituted to prevent unfortunate instances such as endangering lives from these activities.

“[A]ll PNP personnel are reminded to always conduct and present themselves responsibly and professionally, in accordance with RA [Republic Act] No. 6713 and the PNP Ethical Doctrine,” the memorandum added.

RA No. 6713 provides the code of conduct and ethical standards for public officials and employees.

Further, the personnel who will violate the order and their Chief of Office/Unit Commander may be held liable.

Who was paying for the alcohol?  The taxpayer? Maybe it was donated by manufacturers. A few years back I posted a few pictures showing Tanduay's sponsorship of the PNP. 

https://philippinefails.blogspot.com/2018/09/pnp-sponsored-by-tanduay-rhum.html

I have seen liquor bottles on site at a PNP office once. But who knew happy hour and beer busting sessions were actually encouraged by leadership for officers to “unwind, foster camaraderie, and strengthen working relationships.” Aren't there better ways to do that without drinking on the job where guns are available? Apparently not.

It is rather shameful this practice has been encouraged for so many years. All that talk about cleaning up the ranks and the generals were letting their subordinates have a wild time in the office on the taxpayer's dime. Perhaps now the PNP will be a bastion of decency, incorruptibility, and sobriety. Doubt it. 

PNP Refuses to Prosecute Davao Cops Who Falsified Crime Statistics

A few months ago 19 Davao City cops were reassigned for unknown reasons. Now that reason has finally come to light. They covered up crime statistics by falsifying police blotters.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1969335/police-director-finds-doctored-police-blotter-in-davao-city

The misreporting of police blotters to sanitize Davao City’s real crime statistics was among the reasons for the reassignment of 19 police station commanders here, Police Brig. General Nicolas Torre III, director of Police Regional Office 11, said on Sunday.

Torre showed to reporters two books of police blotters that the blotter validation officer recovered from the Calinan police station shortly after he assumed office in June.

Both books of blotter, covering 2022 to 2023, appeared identical although some entries contained in the first book did not appear in the other.

Randomly skimming through the entries of one of the books, Torre read an entry on lost items last March 2, when a certain Jessica Galleros Jawa, 29, reported that her dark blue sling bag containing her wallet, debit card, and several IDs, was missing and believed to be stolen in Beep Plaza near Jollibee Calinan.

Instead of marking it as theft, the entry was reported only as a “lost item” and was marked “for recording purposes.”

“[They put there] ‘lost item,’ so that you don’t have to put that in the crime statistics pero kung binasa mo (but if you read it), it says, ‘it’s believed to be stolen inside Beep Plaza’ so, that’s theft. It’s not recorded so, peaceful pa rin ang Davao City. Dinoktor,” Torre said.

(So Davao City is still peaceful. It was misreported.)

Torre said it is important to report the crime correctly so that the police could take necessary actions about it.

“By misreporting it, or reporting it as if the crime did not happen, the police cannot put in place programs to address the problem. You can’t deploy operatives in the area because you can’t see it in the record, ” he added.

Torre noted that several entries in the book, which could have been reported as petty crimes, were only reported as “for the record,” which meant they were not included in the city’s crime statistics.

In another entry, at 12:30 a.m. also on March 2, a complainant reported how a drunk 22-year old resident of Purok 35 Lagazo Calinan district had a heated confrontation with her and had grabbed a knife in the middle of their argument, prompting her to call the police.

Although the police briefly took custody of the youth, the incident was tagged merely as “for [the] record, when it could possibly lead to more serious crimes,” Torre said.

He added that they discovered the sanitized books of blotter during their blotter validation, a standard procedure within the police force, but the police considered misreporting the blotter as a serious offense that could lead to dismissal from service as it constitutes false reporting and perjury.

“There’s a criminal case for it,” Torre said.

However, he said he would no longer pursue any further cases against the police station commanders involved.

Police Brig. General Nicolas Torre III, director of Police Regional Office 11, admits these 19 police commanders committed "a serious offense that could lead to dismissal from service as it constitutes false reporting and perjury" and yet he is no longer pursuing "any further cases against the police station commanders involved."

Why not?  

So much for PNP reform. So much for rooting out the bad apples. This lack of action sends a clear message that cops can get away with not only breaking the law but endangering the public by falsifying crime statistics.  

New DOJ Rules Allow Prosecutors to Investigate Crimes

The criminal justice system in the Philippines is fundamentally broken at every level. However, it seems there might be some hope yet as the DOJ has passed new rules allowing prosecutors to finally do their jobs. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1229731

Reforms undertaken by the Department of Justice (DOJ) in the preliminary investigation process will protect the innocent from unwarranted charges and ensure that the guilty will be made to answer for their crimes, a senior DOJ official said Wednesday.

“The newly-signed Department of Justice – National Prosecution Service (DOJ-NPS) Rules on Criminal Investigation virtually changed the landscape in criminal investigation and prosecution by ensuring there is a higher degree of proof, there is a quantum of proof or evidence needed for the filing of cases," Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez said during the 2024 Post State of the Nation Address (SONA) discussions.

The DOJ-NPS 2024 was signed by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla at the Kalayaan Hall in Macalañang on July 10, with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as witness.

Under the new rules, the standard of proof was raised from probable cause to prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction.

Vasquez said the new rules also call for more immersive participation by prosecutors in the investigation phase to ensure quality indictments and help weed out harassment suits.

"This is to ensure that only quality cases are filed, one that is supported by evidence, real, testimonial, and other corroborative witnesses, in order that the wrongdoers or criminals would really be brought to bear before the bar of justice, but at the same time, and more importantly, it is also assures that the innocents need not needlessly be charged in court nor incarcerated," he said.

"We will also try to formalize the close coordination between law enforcement and the prosecution in order that only trial-ready and evidence-supported cases will be filed."

Vasquez also pointed out that efforts have been initiated for the establishment of a Forensic Institute, which would make investigations science-based, in terms of criminal investigations and prosecutions.

"This is also useful in terms of calamity and disaster control because, with the higher capacity of our doctors and medical practitioners in terms of forensic science, we would be able to determine the real causes of death," he said.

Under these new rules prosecutors will now participate more in the investigation phase. What have prosecutors been doing all this time? Marcos says not only will prosecutors participate more in the investigation phase but they will lead it.

https://pco.gov.ph/news_releases/pbbm-welcomes-signing-of-doj-nps-rules-on-criminal-investigation/

The President said the new rules and procedures will ensure fairness and due process as the government protects its citizens.

“Through this, all prosecutors are now empowered to take the lead in criminal investigations, ensuring that there is proper and sufficient case build-up before filing in court,” he said.

President Marcos said the new rules will institutionalize the executive and inquisitorial nature of preliminary investigations in line with legal precedents and reinforcing the DOJ’s authority in this domain.

The guidelines will also enhance existing prosecutorial functions empowering the DOJ to take a proactive role in the investigation of crimes and ensure efficient case build-ups, he added.

Basically these new rules empower prosecutors to do their jobs. If prosecutors were not leading the investigation of criminal cases then what were they doing? Allowing for the cops to do the investigation. Everyone knows the PNP are corrupt and do not follow proper protocols. I wrote a whole article about it. 

Remulla blamed a culture of “arrests” within the PNP for what happened.

(Before, police would just keep arresting even without a case. If there is no case, they plant evidence. They can no longer do that. We will not allow that. That's why they're having problems.)

The Justice secretary said they are trying to address this culture by implementing new procedures under a new DOJ department circular which mandates prosecutors to take an active role in gathering evidence and building the case.

https://philippinefails.blogspot.com/2023/07/not-following-proper-procedure-is-pnp.html

Let's take a look at this new law. 

https://www.doj.gov.ph/files/2024/DC_2024/DC%2015%20series%20of%202024.pdf

RULE III 

AUTHORITY TO CONDUCT PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATIONS AND INQUEST PROCEEDINGS 

Section 6. Prosecutors and Officers Authorized to Conduct Preliminary Investigation and Inquest Proceedings. All prosecutors, including prosecution attorneys, mentioned under R.A. No. 10071, and other officers as may be allowed by law, are authorized to conduct preliminary investigations and inquest proceedings. 

State prosecutors or prosecutors assigned at the Office of the Secretary of Justice Prosecution Staff shall have national jurisdiction over all crimes or offenses involving national security, all criminal cases for which task forces have been created, and all criminal cases in which the venues were transferred to avoid a miscarriage of justice, or when so directed by the Secretary of Justice as public interest may require. 

The city, provincial, or regional prosecutors and their assistants shall have jurisdiction over crimes or offenses, and violations of ordinances, cognizable by the proper courts in their respective territorial jurisdictions. 

It is simply incredible that only now do prosecutors have jurisdiction over crimes and the ability to lead investigations. How would they know if the case before them is valid without doing any investigation into the matter? 

Perhaps these new rules will bring change.  Only time will tell. 

The PNP Plays Loud Music to Disrupt SONA Protests

It should never be forgotten that in the Philippines free speech is something not encouraged. Sure Article 3 Section 4 of the Constitution says "No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances" but it does not say the police shall not prevent "the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances." Don't you know how wearisome it is for the PNP to attend to rallies?

Won't somebody please think of the poor police?

https://mb.com.ph/2024/7/19/pnp-chief-discourages-anti-gov-t-rally-for-upcoming-sona-terrible-inconvenience

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is dissuading anti-government protesters from holding a rally for the third State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Marcos Jr. at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City on Monday, July 22.

Citing similar situations in previous SONAs, PNP chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil said that the staging of rallies near the Batasang Pambansa Complex will only contribute to bad traffic situation.

“There are individuals applying at the local government units for a permit to conduct rally. I told them ‘Let’s just have a consultation first.’ It’s because anytime you can have a rally but the inconvenience that you will produce on the day of SONA is unacceptable,” Marbil said in a televised pre-SONA report on Friday, July 19.

“Those rallies cause not only a five-minute traffic. It will take an hour or two. Right now, there are many ongoing road projects in EDSA and the roads are getting smaller. If you hold a protest, just imagine the terrible inconvenience it will cause,” he added.

The PNP is expecting at least 5,000 anti-government protesters on the day of SONA, including participants of the “Hakbang ng Maisug” rally supported by former president Rodrigo Duterte and his supporters.

"Just imagine the terrible inconvenience it will cause," to the police. It may seem a little commonsensical because there are already rallies scheduled for the SONA but it's really part of a pattern. The PNP do not like to work and will encourage people to not file cases. When a cop pointed a gun at some noisy children the parents who filed a complaint were asked to drop the case "in the spirit of Christmas." In another instance a case was dropped by the PNP when the man apologized. He would go on to maul people for not giving him money. 

The PNP are not so stupid as to to try to stop all protests. But they can attempt to disrupt them with loud music. 

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/police-justify-playing-loud-music-during-rally-as-a-way-to-celebrate

“IT IS our practice in PRO 7 to celebrate,” said Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Gerard Pelare on why they played loud music when the people’s rally made a stop at the front of their office on Monday, July 22, 2024.

Hours before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered his third State of the Nations Address (Sona) on Monday, July 22, 2024, local progressive groups staged a people’s rally at Fuente Osmeña Circle leading to Colon St. in Cebu City.

On their way, they made a stop in front of the PRO 7 where they raised banners indicating statistical figures of the number of people that were allegedly arrested unjustly by the police force.

While the rally was ongoing, PRO 7 personnel took out a speaker and played loud music.

“The rally has used the Police Regional Office as their venue in their protests and rallies, but the issues that they are coming up with are not in any way related to peace and security,” Pelare said during a press conference Tuesday, July 23.

On matters of playing loud sounds during the rally, Pelare asserted that it is only their way of celebrating the third Sona of Marcos.

“When there are occasions such as Sona, and other national events, it is our practice in PRO 7 to celebrate also. That is one of the ways that we can show our support in the Sona of the President,” he added.

Pelare assured the public that the police force fully supports the protesters in expressing their opinion, saying it is their “constitutionally guaranteed right” to stage a protest.

Now, that quite frankly is a load of crap. No word on what music they were playing to "celebrate" but perhaps it was an annoying anime theme song?

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/219245/loud-music-was-not-meant-to-disrupt-rally-says-sinas

The Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO – 7) denied allegations that it attempted to drown the speeches of militants who staged a rally in front of its headquarters last Monday, February 25, 2019, by playing the theme song of a popular anime show through loudspeakers.

In a press conference today, Tuesday (February 26), Chief Superintendent Debold Sinas, PRO-7 director, said they played the theme song of Voltes V at the same time when seven militant groups in Cebu protested in front of PRO- 7’s gate along Osmeña Boulevard, Cebu City because “it was a holiday”.

"It was not for them. It was a holiday [for us]. Of course, it was played so that we could buy it and the police also like it (working on a holiday). It's even (played) on our PA (public address) system," said Sinas.

The same thing also happened on May 1st of this year, 2024.

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=5790871521036994

HAPPENING NOW: PRO-7 blasts loud music amid Labor Day protest

While protesters were calling for justice against state-sponsored killings, cops played loud music in front of the Police Regional Office - 7, Sergio Osmeña St., Cebu City.

This happened few minutes before the main program commenced.

Publio Briones, a writer for Sunstar, testifies these speakers were installed by former PNP Chief Sinas for the express purpose of drowning out protestors. 

Sinas ordered speakers to be installed in front of the PRO 7 headquarters, which played very loud music to drown out the voices of protesters. I’m not sure if the music was disco. The protesters weren’t amused. I thought it was funny.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/opinion/briones-hail-to-the-chief

But who needs speakers when you a band?

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=3521699841419828

WATCH: The PNP band loudly performs to divert attention from the chanting of protesters in front of the Police Regional Office 7 in Cebu City on Thursday, September 21. Various groups conduct protests to commemorate the 51st anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law.

The song being played is Zombie by The Cranberries which is a protest song against the Irish Republican Army's bombing which killed two children. 

I'm sure there are more incidents of the PNP playing loud music to disrupt protests but the point has been made.

Filipinos are guaranteed there shall be no law restricting their freedom of speech or the right to peaceably assemble. However, they are not guaranteed the PNP won't attempt to disrupt peaceful assemblies with loud music. 

A Tale of Two Murder Cases

The Philippine justice system is quite broken and there is no better way to demonstrate that fact than by comparing cases involving the same crime. The following two cases involve murder. It's the details that differ.

This first case is rather open and shut as it involves a witness, a ballistic examination, and a paraffin test. Presumption of innocence notwithstanding this man is guilty. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1947975/makati-prosecutors-office-finds-basis-to-sue-road-rage-suspect-for-murder

The Makati City Prosecutor’s Office found probable cause to file a murder case against the suspect in a road rage that occurred along the southbound lane of the Edsa Ayala tunnel in Makati City.

The incident resulted in the death of a stay-in driver.

Citing a resolution released by the prosecutor’s office on Monday, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said suspect Gerard Raymond Yu is facing complaints of murder and carrying of firearms without permits.

“The Office of the City Prosecutor of Makati has issued a resolution finding probable cause to charge our arrested suspect Yu with murder charges for violation of Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code and violation of Section 31 of Republic Act 10591,” Fajardo said, speaking in a mix of English and Filipino, in a press briefing on Tuesday.

The PNP official said the paraffin test results on Yu and the ballistic examination of his firearms were among the bases the prosecutor cited.

Last May 29. Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. revealed that Yu tested positive for gunpowder from the confiscated weapons, which also matched the recovered fired cartridge at the scene.

“In the body of the resolution, the prosecutor says that he [Yu] chased [the victim] and made sure that he positioned himself on the right side of the Innova so that the victim would not notice him,” Fajardo said.

“The case was elevated, and the prosecutor agreed to the murder case we filed yesterday. The city prosecutor also filed information for murder before the Regional Trial Court of Makati,” she added.

And rightly the Makati prosecutor's office says they will be filing charges. There is no waiting for the victims family to file a case. There is no nonsense. There is the City legal office taking charge and filing a case.

Compare that to the following case. A 20 year old 11th grader (that is a whole different story!) was gunned down in his house in front of his parents. It was a case of revenge over a charge of rape. No matter the victim appears innocent. The fact is the cops and the parents seem to know who the perpetrator is. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/6/6/police-brutal-slay-of-grade-11-student-triggered-by-alleged-rape-incident

Police said that the brutal killing of a Grade 11 student in Barangay Granada here was triggered by rumors linking him to an alleged rape incident.

Police Capt. Portia Nillosan, head of Police Station 5, said that 20-year-old Nicus Balagosa was allegedly shot by the father of the alleged rape victim in front of his parents in their house on Sunday, June 2.

Balagosa was mistakenly tagged as one of those who allegedly raped the 16-year-old daughter of one of the gunmen, according to Nillosan. 

Nillosan said the alleged rape incident happened a few days ago, when the teenage girl and Balagosa attended a friend’s birth anniversary party with their two other friends aged 17 and 19.

However, it was reported late to the police, she added.

After learning the incident involving his daughter, Nillosan said the girl’s father confronted Balagosa’s two friends who denied any involvement in the incident.

However, Nillosan said that the girl’s father may have heard rumors linking Balagosa to the incident that triggered him to act violently.

Nillosan said that based on medical examination, the girl was positively sexually molested. But she noted that based on their investigation, Balagosa had left the party before the alleged rape happened.  

She said they are probing Balagosa’s two friends in relation to the alleged rape incident.

Nillosan said they already have four persons of interest in the shooting incident and they have also identified the girl’s father as one of the two gunmen. However, she refused to name him to protect the identity of the alleged rape victim.

She said they were not able to clearly see the license plates of the get-away vehicle through a closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera, making it difficult for them to identify the car owner.

She said they are awaiting Balagosa’s family to file murder charges against the perpetrators who are still at large.

Wow. There are suspicions about who pulled the trigger but nothing definite at this point and the PNP is waiting for the FAMILY TO FILE CHARGES????  Are they supposed to conduct an investigation and figure out who killed their son? OF course not. That is the job of the PNP. And they should be the ones who file the case and forward it to the City Prosecutor's Office. 

Now, let's look at a third case. DILG Secretary Abalos has warned barangays that all online sexual child abuse cases must be prosecuted. There is no room for settlement. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/6/5/abalos-warns-barangays-no-settlement-of-online-child-sexual-abuse-cases

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur’’ Abalos Jr. warned barangay officials on Wednesday, June 5, that there should absolutely no settlement of Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or exploitation of Children (OSAEC) cases at their level.

In a press briefing, Abalos urged the public to report online child sexual abuse and exploitation cases to proper law enforcement authorities as he vowed that those involved would be prosecuted.

He reiterated that local officials could be held liable if proven that they are instrumental in the “settlement’’ of these cases.

“To all those watching now, these are children, victims, this is a crime. You cannot say that this is only a camera that is only focused on them like that. Because there is this mindset. Some will say that is only a camera, no, even if it is only a camera, even if it is anything, this is a crime against children,’’ Abalos emphasized.

In the same briefing, National Coordination Council (NCC) against OSAEC Executive Director Margarita Magsaysay stressed that the barangay should endorse these cases to proper law enforcement authorities since settlement of this nature is out of the question.

She cited that the preference to settle these cases at the barangay level has probably something to do with maintaining family harmony, which should not be done since justice is not served to the child/victim with the perpetrators having the luxury of victimizing other children again.

Look at the reasoning here. There is to be no settlement because online child sexual abuse is a crime. No kidding!  But so is murder. So is homicide as a result of reckless driving. So is theft. So are so many other crimes yet the so-called justice system lets these crimes slip through the cracks because either the victims and the perpetrators settle or the victims refuse to prosecute. 

But it should NEVER be the job of the victim to prosecute. This is why so many criminals get away. Prosecution should be up to the City Prosecutor. And that is why the Philippine justice system remains broken.